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Phuket, Thailand Rises as a Residential Haven for Indian Buyers, Led by Laguna Phuket and Banyan Group Residences

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island is fast becoming a top destination for Indian families and investors seeking property abroad. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Phuket combines natural beauty with modern amenities, making it an exceptional place to live, invest, and relax.

Phuket, Thailand Rises as a Residential Haven for Indian Buyers, Led by Laguna Phuket and Banyan Group Residences

Phuket’s appeal has grown significantly with expanded direct flight routes from Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The island has also become a hotspot for Indian weddings, with its luxurious resorts and stunning beachfronts hosting grand celebrations. As a result, many families fall in love with Phuket and explore property ownership to maintain a long-term connection.

Phuket offers a wide range of property options at attractive prices, from stylish entry-level units to luxurious branded residences that offer exceptional value. To meet rising demand, Banyan Group Residences now has a sales team based in India.

The island’s safe neighbourhoods, family-friendly amenities, and excellent healthcare make it ideal for multi-generational living. Residents enjoy world-class golf courses, international shopping malls, and yacht marinas, high-speed internet and international hospitals and schools. The island’s affordability and high quality of life make it an enticing destination for property buyers.

A key driver of Phuket’s real estate development is the Banyan Group, globally renowned for its Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Ranked as Asia’s top operator of branded residences and the fifth globally, the group emphasizes sustainability, comfort, and well-being, which attracts discerning buyers from around the world, including a growing number from India who value the five-star hospitality management and unrivalled after-sales service. The company recently scooped 15 top honours at the International Property Awards – more than any other real estate developer in Asia.

At the heart of Phuket’s real estate appeal is Laguna Phuket, a 1,000-acre integrated resort by the Banyan Group. Located along Bang Tao Beach, Laguna Phuket is an idyllic resort community build around lakes and woodlands and includes seven world-class hotels, an award-winning golf course, and over 3,000 branded condos all interconnected by free shuttle buses and ferries. Its eco-friendly Laguna Lakelands project is adding 5,000 new homes, making it Phuket’s largest residential enclave.

Laguna Phuket is home to a thriving international community, with residents from over 50 nationalities. Its comprehensive infrastructure includes a kindergarten, wellness facilities plus unrivalled outdoor and leisure activities and even a magnificent Beach Club – the island’s largest – creating a self-contained, thriving neighborhood.

“Laguna Phuket has grown into a vibrant residential community. It’s a safe, stable, and world-class environment where families, retirees, and professionals can thrive,” said Stuart Reading, Managing Director of Banyan Group Residences.

Phuket offers Indian buyers the chance to own property in a secure, globally connected, and idyllic tropical setting. With its affordability, world-class amenities, and unmatched lifestyle, Phuket is not just a place to visit – it’s a place to call home.

Firefly Diamonds Marks First Anniversary with Launch of New Collection, Website and National Expansion Plans

Firefly Diamonds, one of India’s fastest-growing lab-grown diamond jewellery brands, is celebrating its first anniversary with a series of announcements. These include the launch of a new collection, the unveiling of its website, exclusive festive offers, and a roadmap for future expansion.

(from L-R) Aayush and Adit Bhansali, Co-founders of Firefly Diamonds

In just one year, Firefly has grown from its debut store in Mumbai to six boutiques across four cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

The launch of fireflydiamonds.com represents a major milestone in the brand’s omnichannel journey. The platform brings Firefly’s premium in-store experience online, enabling customers across India to browse collections, personalize pieces, and shop from the comfort of their homes all while staying true to the brand’s hallmark of craftsmanship, sustainability, and modern luxury.

Our new website is more than just a digital storefront, it’s an extension of the Firefly experience,” said Adit Bhansali, Co-founder, Firefly Diamonds. “By blending high-touch service with cutting-edge technology, we’re making premium diamond jewellery accessible and enjoyable for a new generation of shoppers. From personalized designs to timeless pieces for engagements, weddings, and other cherished milestones, Firefly aims to be more than a jeweler, we aspire to be a trusted companion in life’s most meaningful moments.”

To mark its anniversary and the festive season, Firefly has introduced a bouquet of offers and services designed around customer delight.

  • Firefly Studio – A ring design experience that allows customers to fully personalise their ring. This can be experienced in-store or online with 360-degree visuals and live pricing.

  • Firefly Concierge / Try at Home: Integrated with the new website, this service lets customers shortlist pieces online and experience them at home before purchasing. With expert styling support, it bridges the brand’s digital and in-store touchpoints, creating a true omnichannel experience

  • Firefly Family – The Firefly Family is a loyalty program with unique rewards and experiences, reserved exclusively for its most valued customers

  • Old Gold Exchange: Allows customers to bring in existing gold jewellery and convert it into Firefly store credit, with a generous top-up for added value

Firefly is built on a 60+ year family legacy of jewellery craftsmanship, now carried forward by third-generation jewelers. Announcing the launch of its new collection- All Ways You, the brand continues to honor its heritage techniques while embracing innovative design. The new collection redefines versatility in premium design, showcasing how a single piece of jewellery can be worn and utilized to suit every occasion. For example, a custom-engineered lock integrated into the design, transforms a ring into a pendant offering multiple styling possibilities. Designed for the contemporary woman, All Ways You, transforms how jewellery is worn, turning every piece into a statement of adaptability and style.

Earlier this year, Firefly secured $3 million in funding from WestBridge Capital and others. This investment reinforces Firefly’s mission to democratize diamond ownership and build India’s most trusted lab-grown diamond brand. Looking ahead, the company plans to continue expanding its offline footprint across new cities while strengthening its digital presence in 2026 bringing its unique blend of luxury, sustainability, and innovation to more customers nationwide.

About Firefly Diamonds

Firefly Diamonds is a modern lab-grown diamond jewellery brand built on a 60-year legacy of craftsmanship. With a focus on sustainability, custom design, and everyday luxury, Firefly offers 100% real, certified diamonds powered by renewable energy, both online and across its stores in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Extending its sustainability-first ethos, Firefly plants a tree in the name of every customer, creating a lasting environmental legacy tied to each jewellery purchase.

Springer Nature’s India Research Tour 2025 Visits Institutions in Greater Noida, Aims to Strengthen Research and Innovation in Uttar Pradesh

Springer Nature’s India Research Tour 2025, which was flagged off at the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) earlier this week, has reached Greater Noida, marking an important milestone in its journey across the country.

Springer Nature’s India Research Tour 2025 visits institutions in Greater Noida, aims to strengthen research and innovation in Uttar Pradesh

The India Research Tour 2025 is a national initiative led by Springer Nature in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and ICSSR and is set to cover 29 institutions across 15 cities in 7 states between6 October and 13 November 2025.It will engage with researchers, policymakers, and academia enroute focusing on advancing Open Access and Open Science, strengthening research integrity, encouraging e-book adoption, supporting editorial board member recruitment, and promoting diversity and inclusion in research.

The team met with academicians, researchers and students at the Bennett University, Sharda University, and Jaypee Institute of Information Technology. Following these engagements in Greater Noida, the tour will travel onwards to Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow.

Speaking on the occasion, Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director, Springer Nature India Private Limited, said, “Greater Noida exemplifies how education, research, and industry can come together to shape India’s future. As this region drives both knowledge creation and manufacturing excellence, the research ecosystem here will be critical to helping India achieve its ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Through the India Research Tour, we aim to support institutions in Greater Noida and across the country in advancing open science, promoting research integrity, and empowering researchers to contribute meaningfully to national growth.”

Greater Noida has rapidly emerged as a leading hub of higher education and research in Western Uttar Pradesh, hosting globally connected universities and institutes. The research produced from this region holds the potential to contribute significantly to the overall growth of Uttar Pradesh and to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Located at the heart of the Noida-Greater Noida-Yamuna Expressway industrial belt, this region is also a powerhouse of India’s manufacturing sector. By deepening research collaboration and knowledge sharing, the innovations from these universities can play a vital role in enhancing manufacturing capabilities, boosting industrial output, and fostering technological self-reliance – not just for Uttar Pradesh but for the entire nation.

Volatility as a pathway: How Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund approaches market shifts

If you are an investor, you may have felt the ups and downs of the market firsthand. One day, your portfolio is climbing; the next, it seems to be dipping. It can feel unsettling, but it’s important to remember that volatility is a natural part of the investment journey. For someone looking at small caps, this volatility may also create potential opportunities for long-term growth.

How Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund uses volatility as a pathway

Understanding volatility in small caps

Small cap companies are usually in the early stages of growth and often operate in niche markets. Because of this, their stock prices tend to move more sharply than larger companies.

When you invest in small caps, think of volatility like waves in the ocean. Each wave can feel disruptive, but if you understand the rhythm, you may be able to identify moments where entering the market could be suitable for your long-term goals. Over time, these short-term corrections may offer chances to invest in businesses with strong fundamentals that are positioned for long-term growth.

How Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund approaches volatility

The Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund seeks to navigate these market shifts with a structured approach. The fund does not react to every movement in the market; instead, it seeks opportunities that align with its investment philosophy.

The fund’s investment approach combines three key strategies:

  • Growth: Targeting businesses with potential to expand and scale over time,

  • Value: Identifying companies trading below their intrinsic value, and

  • Quality: Focusing on businesses with strong governance and sustainable operations.

By blending these approaches, the fund aims to maintain a balanced portfolio that may adapt to different market phases.

Turning ideas into your portfolio

The fund follows five guiding pillars to select stocks: quality, growth, undervalued opportunities, leadership, and governance. Each potential investment is assessed against these principles.

From a large universe of small cap stocks, only a carefully selected number make it into the portfolio. This disciplined approach may help ensure that the fund is diversified across sectors while concentrating on businesses with strong potential.

How Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund potentially mitigates risks

Here are some common risks of investing in small caps, and how the fund seeks to mitigate them:

  • Information gaps – Small cap companies often have limited analyst coverage, lower disclosures, and poor transparency. To address this, the Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund relies on in-depth internal research, direct management interactions, and forensic checks.

  • Governance concerns – Risks such as promoter dominance, related-party transactions, and ethical lapses can affect small caps. The fund applies strict governance filters and conducts promoter background checks to mitigate these risks.

  • Capital misallocation – Reckless expansion, unrelated diversification, or low-return projects can erode shareholder value. The fund emphasises capital efficiency and looks for businesses with a strong ROCE/ROE track record.

  • High leverage – Excessive debt makes companies vulnerable during downturns. The fund prefers businesses with a healthy balance sheet and sound interest coverage ratios.

  • Business concentration – Dependence on a single product, client, or geography increases vulnerability. The fund screens for companies with diversified revenue models and sustainable growth drivers.

How SIPs may help navigate ups and downs

If you are concerned about market volatility, a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in the Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund may be a suitable approach. By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, you spread your exposure across different market conditions. This approach uses rupee cost averaging, where you buy more units when prices are lower and fewer when prices are higher, potentially reducing the impact of short-term swings.

Over time, your consistent contributions may help you experience the potential benefits of compounding. An SIP allows you to start small, stay disciplined, and gradually build exposure to small caps without trying to time every market movement.

The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.

Why consider small cap funds for your long-term goals

Small caps may offer access to businesses that are growing alongside India’s evolving economy. Investing through a mutual fund provides you with professional research, active monitoring, and portfolio management, which can help you navigate risks while staying aligned with your long-term goals.

Choosing an SIP in a fund like Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund allows you to approach volatility thoughtfully, turning market shifts into potential opportunities rather than challenges.

Conclusion

Market volatility may feel uncertain, but it also creates moments that could align with your investment goals. By combining a structured investment philosophy with careful research, the Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund seeks to potentially help you navigate these shifts. Through a consistent SIP, you may gradually build exposure to small cap opportunities while staying focused on long-term wealth creation.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Hindware Unveils Revamped Experience Center in Delhi with Bollywood Star Tamannaah Bhatia

Hindware, India’s leading bathware brand, recently unveiled its newly revamped Experience Center in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. The inauguration was attended by Bollywood actor Tamannaah Bhatia, Mr. Sandip Somany, Chairman & Managing Director of Hindware Limited, and Mr. Nirupam Sahay, CEO – Bath & Tiles Business, Hindware.

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/33447_hindware_image_.jpeg

Bollywood actor Tamannaah Bhatia, Mr. Sandip Somany, and Mr. Nirupam Sahay at the inauguration of Hindware Experience Center

The Experience Center offers visitors a fully immersive way to explore Hindware’s complete portfolio of brands and products, including the premium brands Queo and Hindware Italian Collection, including a wide range of consumer appliances, sanitaryware, faucets, tiles, wellness products, and shower enclosures. Expert-led consultations guide visitors through design possibilities, ensuring every decision is both informed and creative.

The Experience Center reflects Hindware’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric retail, transforming how visitors interact with and experience bathroom solutions.

Mr. Sandip Somany, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindware Limited said, “For over 60 years, Hindware has shaped India’s bathware landscape by combining innovative design with uncompromising quality. Our focus has always been on creating solutions that resonate with evolving lifestyles and redefine customer experiences. The revamped Experience Center in Delhi embodies this vision, offering architects, designers, and homeowners an inspiring space to explore possibilities and interact with our products. Building on our heritage, we remain committed to expanding premium offerings, embracing technology, and leading the category with purpose and passion.”

Tamannaah Bhatia, who inaugurated the center said, “Hindware has a remarkable legacy of elegance, innovation, and quality-values I deeply admire. Visiting the new Hindware Experience Center, I was excited to see how the brand makes premium design accessible and practical for everyone, across all age groups. It’s a space that sparks creativity while ensuring every choice feels effortless and reassuring, truly reflecting Hindware’s promise of Sukoon.”

Mr. Nirupam Sahay, President & CEO, Bath & Tiles Business, Hindware Limited added, “The Hindware Experience Center is an extension of our ‘Designed for Sukoon’ philosophy, offering customers a calm and confident journey through every step of their bathroom planning. By creating an environment that inspires and reassures, we aim to make every interaction meaningful and enjoyable. From inspiration to final selection, the experience truly embodies Hindware’s promise of Sukoon. As we expand across India, this format will serve as a blueprint for delivering consistent, high-quality experiences that reflect Sukoon.”

Hindware operates through a robust network of 500+ distributors across 700+ districts, 35,000 retail touchpoints, and 575+ strategically located brand stores across India, delivering accessibility, consistency, and high-quality service to customers nationwide. This extensive retail presence is supported by a dedicated after-sales service network of 1,090+ technicians, offering rapid assistance with a turnaround time of 24 hours in metro regions and 48 hours in upcountry areas.

About Hindware Limited
Hindware Limited, makers of the iconic brand ‘Hindware‘, is a leading building products company in India. The company offers a versatile range of premium bathware products, catering to a diverse set of customers through its strong portfolio of innovative brands, including Queo, Hindware Italian Collection, and Hindware. In addition, Hindware Limited encompasses Hindware Italian Collection Tiles and TRUFLO by Hindware, its plastic pipes and fittings business, providing comprehensive solutions across the building products value chain.

For further information on the Company, please visit www.hindware.com.

BRICS CCI WE Launches Global Women Leadership Programme 2025

BRICS CCI WE, the women’s vertical of The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) unveiled the third edition of its flagship Global Women Leadership Programme – GWLP 2025 with nearly 40 selected participants from across the BRICS+ nations. The transformative initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of women leaders across diverse sectors for women offers aspiring women leaders a launchpad through a hybrid mentorship cum learning module.

Inaugural Session_BRICS CCI WE GWLP 2025

With Nippon Paint India as Lead Partner, the programme module, spread over a period of 4 months and curated by knowledge partners ThinkStartup and sheatwork, is built to unlock leadership and entrepreneurial potential – covering global market strategies, growth-oriented business planning, personal development and leadership for global success. In this year’s edition, the top three Global participants will get an opportunity to get a fully-funded trip to India for the Convocation Ceremony. A rolling trophy will also be awarded to the best project implementing the Nudge Theory in the programme at the BRICS CCI WE Annual Summit & Felicitations 2026 by the Cheistha Kochhar Foundation.

During her address in the inaugural session, Ms. Ruby Sinha, President, BRICS CCI WE and Founder, sheatwork, said, “GWLP participants have the opportunity to elevate their leadership skills, foster global connections and gain insights from seasoned professionals and global leaders and we are excited to taking this programme into its third edition. The previous two editions so far have been a success, especially with the winner of GWLP 2024, Ms. Mahadi Mosia from South Africa, going on to be chosen as one of 18 global winners from over 1,000 women entrepreneurs globally in the BRICS Women’s Startup Contest. We are all geared up for this new edition as we create opportunities for women to thrive across borders as leaders.”

Speaking on the inaugural meet, Mr. Sameep Shastri, Vice Chairman, BRICS CCI, “It is unfortunate that we still need to address a large gap when it comes to equality for women and we still lack a lot of opportunities for them – whether its in the domain of mentorship or financial support. We at BRICS CCI are working tirelessly to get global support and make this programme bigger and better every year.

As Lead Partner, Mr. Sharad Malhotra, Director, Nippon Paint India, added “At Nippon Paint we are a strong believer that diverse perspectives are the catalyst of true innovation. Women are still finding it hard to prove themselves due to systemic workplace issues, including gender bias stereotypes, which are deep-seated assumptions that are being made, and a lack of access to high visibility projects and fewer opportunities for mentorship and proper guidance. So, I think this is an opportunity for all of us to really work towards championing the growth and advancement of women within all the organizations that we represent and also in the society as a whole.”

Mr. Sanjeeva Shivesh, Programme Coordinator, GWLP and Co-founder, ThinkStartup said, “In the past three editions of GWLP, weve observed two distinct participant profiles: entrepreneurial women seeking to build ventures, and those focused on corporate leadership and management careers. This year, the program design reflects that insight.

The GWLP 2025 will culminate in two milestone events- the Ideas Pitch Fest, where participants showcase their ventures before industry leaders and investors, and the Convocation Ceremony. The top three participants will also earn a fully-funded trip to India, for the Convocation on the sidelines of the BRICS CCI WE Annual Women’s Summit in March 2026. A trophy will also be awarded to the best project implementing the Nudge Theory in the programme at the BRICS CCI WE Annual Summit & Felicitations 2026 by the Cheistha Kochhar Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Founder, Cheistha Kochhar Foundation said, “My late daughter, Cheistha believed in seeking and sealing opportunities. She worked on the Nudge Theory, suggesting that subtle interventions can effectively steer aspirations. This thought will be the basis for some of the projects which will be launched through this platform. Through this united effort, I hope to see more women find direction, and change to find more strength.”

Some of the eminent programme mentors include HRH Ms. Lebogang Zulu, National Chairperson – BRICS Womens Business Alliance South Africa; Dr. Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; Ms. Hoda Galal Yassa, President, Arab Women Investors Union Chairperson; Ms. Geovana Quadros, Gender Leader, Startup20 Task Force ESG, G20 Brazil 2024; Mr. Ajay Sethi, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly ASA India; Ms. Elena Shifrina, CEO & Founder, BioFoodLab, Russia; Ms. Leena Abu-Mukh Zoabi; Expert- International Cooperation, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology; Mr. Sushil Sharma, Founder & CEO, Marwari Catalysts; Ms. Andrea Stone, Executive Coach | Global Leadership, Stone Leadership; Dr. Lourdes Sosa, Associate Professor- Department of Management, The London School of Economics and Political Science; Ms. Yana Reprintseva, Founder & CEO, RESHAPE; Mr. Bibin Babu, Partner & Chief Growth Officer, Fire, Co-Founder, Paycio; Ms. Shivani Kapoor, Founder, ThinkStartup; Mr. Ankit Jhamb, Chief Learning Officer, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP and Ms. Vasudha Madhavan, Founder and CEO, Ostara Advisors. GWLP alumni mentors include Ms. Mahadi Mosia, Founder, Ntate Jane Foundation; Ms. Daria Klesova, Head of HR, TrueLab Game Studio; Ms. Leticia Gomes Oliveira and Ms. Dana Blackman from the India Brazil Chamber of Commerce.

Wibmo Unveils Trident AI, An AI-Powered Solution for Unprecedented Digital Payments Security

Wibmo, a PayU company, today unveiled Trident AI, anAI-powered fraud detection platform at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025. The launch of the new Trident AI platform demonstrates Wibmo’s commitment to building innovative, adaptive, scalable, and data-driven fraud prevention tools that help financial institutions and customers stay one step ahead of sophisticated frauds threats.

RBI’s latest annual report shows bank frauds jumped nearly threefold to ₹36,014 crore in FY25. Developed to combat evolving and complex frauds in modern payment ecosystems, Trident AI combines machine learning algorithms, behavioral analytics, and real-time decision-making capabilities to deliver unprecedented protection for financial institutions and customers. The solution adopts a three-tier approach encompassing real-time fraud detection, intelligent investigation, and automated response mechanism.

  • Merchant Fraud Prevention: Trident AI eliminates illegitimate merchant onboarding through automated website verification and MCC analysis, reducing manual processing time while ensuring compliance. The platforms continuous monitoring capabilities detect real-time risk changes, while its proprietary Merchant Trust Score leverages 70+ parameters to deliver precise reliability assessments for informed decision-making.

  • Transaction Fraud Detection: Trident AI delivers sub-100-millisecond transaction evaluation with dynamic risk scoring, enabling real-time blocking of high-risk activities while maintaining seamless processing for legitimate transactions. Advanced fraud ring detection capabilities reduce merchant chargebacks and protect customers, especially in cross-border payment scenarios.

  • Customer Fraud Intelligence: Platform’s sophisticated Mule Account Identification and Anomaly Detection modules combat systematic fraud attacks through comprehensive ecosystem analysis. The system detects suspicious user behavior patterns, fraudulent merchant activities, and unusual BIN/bank traffic, effectively mitigating BIN attacks, bot attacks, and identifying coordinated fraud schemes across the payment network.

“With Trident AI platform, we are not just preventing fraud, we are building an adaptive intelligence layer for the payments ecosystem,” said Shailesh Paul, CEO, Wibmo. “Our vision is to empower banks and financial institutions with tools that don’t just react to threats, but anticipate and counter them, enabling digital commerce to thrive with confidence and trust.”

“With the launch of AI-embedded Trident, Wibmo is taking a significant step towards fortifying India’s digital commerce ecosystem, making it safer and more resilient every day”, said Manas Mishra, Chief Product Officer, PayU and Wibmo. “Trident AI has already started demonstrating exceptional results in real-world deployments. A collaboration with PayU achieved 40% enhanced fraud detection precision compared to existing systems. Moreover, during a 10-day evaluation period, the platform successfully identified 2,250 high-risk fraud transactions from over 1.23 million processed transactions.”

Trusted by over 100 banks and fintechs worldwide and evaluating close to 4 billion transactions annually, Wibmo’s flagship Trident FRM solution has set gold standard for next-generation fraud risk management. With the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) layer, the platform has transformed into a robust platform against fraud threats.

About PayU

PayU, Indias leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital financial services needs of customers (merchants, banks, and consumers). PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including Indias leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. Its a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.

Wibmo, a PayU company, is a global full-stack PayTech company and an industry leader in payment security and digital payments in emerging markets. Wibmo provides market leading authentication and risk TSP services to leading banks in India and 30+ countries.

Assam Govt Appoints Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of Art of Living Social Projects Founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, to the State-Level Committee

In a significant recognition of its expertise in water conservation and water pollution mitigation, The Art of Living Social Projects has been entrusted by the Government of Assam with advisory responsibilities for the sustainable management and rejuvenation of urban water bodies in the state. Shri Prasana Prabhu has been appointed as an Expert Member of the State-Level Committee formed under the Assam Urban Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Act, 2024.

Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of Art of Living Social Projects

The committee, chaired by the Minister-in-Charge of Housing & Urban Affairs and comprising senior officials and representatives from key local bodies such as the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, will oversee the regulation, protection, cleaning, beautification, conservation, reclamation, regeneration, restoration, and construction of water bodies. Through this platform, Art of Living Social Projects will provide its expertise in pollution mitigation and ecological revival, strengthening Assam’s efforts in sustainable urban water management.

Welcoming his appointment to the state-level Committee, Shri Prasana Prabhu said, “This appointment reinforces our commitment to restoring water bodies and enhancing water security across India.”

Driving Water Conservation Across India

The Art of Living Social Projects is leading major water conservation initiatives across India, enhancing water security and restoring ecosystems in states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. Rivers rejuvenated include Naganadhi, Palar, Kumudvathi, Vedavathi, and Kosi across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Community engagement is key, with locals trained in water conservation and afforestation drives that enhance groundwater recharge, support biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, and provide a multitude of ecosystem services. To date, over 174 billion litres of water have been conserved through the restoration of 72 rivers, rivulets, streams, and tributaries, supported by over 1,05,000 recharge structures, benefiting more than 3.45 crore people across 20,000 villages.

Nature-Based Solutions for Water Pollution

Art of Living Social Projects is also advancing water pollution mitigation through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Its flagship JalShudhi initiative is a decentralized, eco-friendly wastewater treatment system that leverages phytoremediation, bioculture and physical interventions.

JalShudhi Bioculture is a fermented plant-based extract that removes odour in a very short span of time. It effectively reduces the key parameters like BOD, COD, and TSS by over 90%. Phytoremediation using wetlands is an approach that treats polluted water including heavy metals and micropollutants.

The wetlands with plants like Vetiver, Canna, Colocasia and Cyperus among others support biodiversity along with improving the dissolved Oxygen content of water. First piloted at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru, JalShudhi has rejuvenated more than 152 water bodies across India.

JalShudhi: A decentralized, eco-friendly wastewater treatment using phytoremediation, bioculture, and physical methods

About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST)

Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Social Projects (through AOL-SSIAST and AOL-SSRDP) is transforming rural India and beyond. To date:

  • Water Conservation: Over 1,05,000 recharge structures built and over 174 billion litres of water conserved, benefiting 3.45 crore people across 20,000 villages.

  • Water Pollution Mitigation: 152 water bodies restored through JalShudhi including 102 temple ponds in Chennai, 11 drains in Agra, 24 drains in Pune, and the Barapulla drain in Delhi-NCR.

  • Agriculture & Environment: 3 million farmers trained in natural farming across 24 states; 100 million trees planted in 36 countries.

  • Skill Development & Livelihoods: Over 4.75 lakh youth trained at 147+ centres; 45+ ITIs upgraded; 25 FPOs formed.

  • Education & Health: 473+ Smart Schools benefit 95.5K+ children; 50+ AOL Medetel Health diagnostic units operate nationwide.

  • Rehabilitation & Community Development: 10K+ inmates skilled in 49+ prisons; 665 border villages developed.

  • Waste Management & Sustainability: Zero-waste energy converts waste to electricity; Jagapawani reduces pollution.

Through these initiatives, Art of Living Social Projects nurtures people, planet, and future generations.

Support the Mission

Contribute to the Art of Living Social Projects and help expand these initiatives ssrdp.artofliving.org/donate-ssrdp.

Join Us in Making a Difference
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School Youth Ideathon 2025 Launched at CBSE to Inspire Young Entrepreneurs for ‘Nayi Soch Naya Bharat’

  • Students from Classes 4-12 invited to submit entrepreneurial ideas; Grand Finale at IIT Delhi in December 2025

  • New features include CBSE Studio Pitch, EQ Test, and mentorship by IIT alumni for top teams

  • Teachers to gain entrepreneurial coaching through embedded Faculty Development Programs

India’s biggest entrepreneurship festival for school students – the School Youth Ideathon (SYI) – has entered its fifth year, marking a major milestone in nurturing young innovators nationwide. The 2025 edition was launched today at CBSE Headquarters, jointly organised by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the ThinkStartup Foundation.

Recognised as the largest K-12 entrepreneurship festival in India, the Ideathon is open to students from Classes 4 to 12 across India and Indian schools abroad. Powered by Tanla Platforms as Title Sponsor, this year’s theme – “Nayi Soch Naya Bharat” – invites students to develop ideas that reflect a bold, self-reliant, and innovative India.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill Education), CBSE, said, “The essence of Youth Ideathon is to encourage entrepreneurial action rooted in real life, which is quite different from typical science projects. In this 5th edition, we have introduced a novel Studio Pitch after the Grand Finale, bringing the entrepreneurial journey of school students closer to real-world and inspiring them to transform their ideas into scalable ventures.”

Idea submissions are open at www.YouthIdeathon.in until 20th November 2025, culminating in a Grand Finale at IIT Delhi on 19th-20th December 2025, where the top 125 teams will showcase their innovations.

New features this year include the CBSE Studio Pitch, where select student teams will pitch live to angel investors in a televised format, and the Entrepreneurial Quotient (EQ) Test. “The EQ Test is being introduced at the school level to assess the current state of entrepreneurial dynamism among students,” explained Col. Anil Pokhriyal, CEO, MEPSC. “The insights gathered will help policymakers identify gaps and implement strategies to strengthen entrepreneurial education, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven society.”

Additionally, the Top 500 Teams will receive structured mentoring from IIT alumni, coordinated through PanIIT Alumni India. “Youth Ideathon is about nation-building through innovation,” said Shivani Singh Kapoor, Founder of ThinkStartup Foundation. “We want every child to feel inspired to innovate for India’s future.”

Supporting the initiative, Uday Reddy, Founder & CEO of Tanla Platforms, noted, “Innovation is the key to solving challenges at scale. This platform enables young minds to think creatively and make real-world impact.”

“Faculty Development Programs are an integral part of School Youth Ideathon. They equip teachers to become entrepreneurial mentors, creating school ecosystems where innovation and creativity thrive every day,” said Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director of SYI 2025.

Youth Ideathon is also being supported by SheAtWork, a one-stop knowledge hub for women entrepreneurs.

Over the years, Youth Ideathon has sparked remarkable projects such as Pranvaayu by students of Lilawati School, New Delhi, Safe Spark by Bhartiya Vidyashram Bhawan, Jaipur, SportyCoach by DLDAV School, Pitampura, and Niri by Vidyashilp Academy, Bengaluru – proof that India’s classrooms are brimming with ideas that can change the world.

Registrations for both students and teachers are open at www.YouthIdeathon.in, including upcoming FDPs to strengthen entrepreneurial pedagogy in schools.

Crompton Secures First Major Solar Rooftop Order of INR 52 Crs, Signalling Strategic Entry into a Large INR 20,000 Crore+ Market

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. (Crompton), one of Indias leading consumer electrical companies, today announced a landmark milestone by securing its first major solar rooftop order in the market of Telangana of INR 52 Crs. This strategic move emphasizes Crompton’s commitment to driving growth in sustainable energy solutions with a strong right to win through its trusted brand and strong distribution network with capability to scale. Crompton is well-positioned to leverage the large and growing solar rooftops market of INR 20,000-INR 25,000 Crs, expected to grow at a fast clip of 20%+.

This significant win marks Crompton’s strong commercial debut in the large solar rooftop category and positions the company as a credible player in India’s solar energy market.

Crompton’s entry into solar rooftops aligns with its broader strategy to significantly expand its Total Addressable Market (TAM) from INR 75,000-1 Lakh Crore to INR 2 Lakh Crore. The combined solar pumps and solar rooftops segment represents a large opportunity size of INR 40,000-INR 50,000 Crs. Crompton is uniquely positioned to capture this growth through its trusted & reliable brand and extensive distribution network. The company is already witnessing strong momentum, with large orders and a robust pipeline in solar pumps.

Commenting on the same Mr. Promeet Ghosh, Managing Director & CEO, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. mentioned, “The renewable energy sector, particularly solar rooftops, presents a transformative opportunity for India’s energy landscape. Crompton’s entry into this segment reflects our commitment to sustainability. Our vision is not only to deliver high-performance, innovative products, but to also become a major contributor to India’s green energy transition, driving both fast growth for Crompton and a sustainable future for the nation.”

He further added, “Securing our first major solar rooftop order is a significant milestone for the category. This validates our capabilities and sets the stage for rapid growth in a sector that is witnessing tremendous demand. Leveraging our brand strength and distribution reach, we are well-positioned to create meaningful impact and deliver value to our consumers and the broader ecosystem. The potential for this INR 20,000-INR 25,000 Crs category is immense, and we are committed to driving innovation and excellence as we expand our footprint.

This successful entry into the solar rooftop segment is not just an addition to Cromptons portfolio, it represents a pivotal shift towards becoming a comprehensive partner in energy efficiency and sustainability. By actively harnessing Indias solar energy potential, Crompton is reinforcing its commitment to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) mandates and cementing its role as a forward-thinking consumer electrical leader ready to capitalize on the next wave of India’s energy demands.

About Crompton
With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc.; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs, but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after sales service to its customers.

The companys consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the companys storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of Indias Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.