Nippon Paint India, part of the NIPSEA Group and the No. 1 paint and coatings companies in the Asia Pacific region, has announced a strategic partnership with Humble Bee, a purpose-driven social enterprise working to transform India’s beekeeping ecosystem through innovation and sustainable practices.

Nippon Paint India Partners with Humble Bee

The collaboration brings together high-performance, eco-conscious coatings expertise and precision-engineered hive manufacturing to strengthen India’s apiculture infrastructure from the ground up. The initiative focuses on enhancing the durability, safety, and longevity of wooden beehives, thereby supporting healthier bee colonies and improved rural incomes.

Mr. Mark Titus, President-Decorative Coatings Business, Nippon Paint India, said, “The beehive represents productivity, interdependence, and resilience. By extending our expertise in durable and environmentally responsible coatings to this ecosystem, we are contributing beyond product performance, supporting livelihoods, strengthening biodiversity, and enabling long-term rural sustainability.”

As a GreenPro-certified brand, Nippon Paint India adheres to stringent environmental benchmarks, ensuring its coatings are free from harmful VOCs and safe for surrounding ecosystems. The low-VOC formulations provide structural protection while maintaining a bee-safe environment within the hive.

Humble Bee’s beehives, manufactured at its Varanasi facility, India’s first precision-engineered beehive manufacturing unit, are crafted using sustainably sourced Southern Yellow Pine. These hives are coated with Nippon Paint’s low-VOC, weather-resistant formulations designed to withstand India’s diverse climatic conditions.

Ms. Monika Shukla, CEO and Co-founder of Humble Bee added, “Every color on these hives tells a story, of a woman reclaiming her agency, of crops that flourish, and of biodiversity that revives.”

Across tribal and rural regions, particularly among first-generation women farmers, these painted hives are being introduced to improve productivity, resilience, and livelihood stability. India continues to face a significant gap in pollination capacity, even as global honey markets increasingly demand traceable and ethically produced products. This partnership seeks to address both challenges by strengthening the foundation of sustainable apiculture at the hive level.

Field trials will be conducted over the coming months to assess bee compatibility, coating durability, and performance under varying environmental conditions, after which the initiative is expected to scale across key regions in India. As part of the collaboration, Nippon Paint and Humble Bee have also co-developed a distinctive ‘Blobby’ hive design, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and community impact.

Sony India announced the launch of a new colour variant, Sand Pink, for its wireless noise cancelling headphones, WH-1000XM6. The award-winning WH-1000XM6 series continues to set benchmarks in premium audio and personal listening experiences. Building on this legacy, the introduction of the Sand Pink variant blends premium sound with industry-leading noise cancelling in a seamless, sophisticated design offering an unparalleled audio experience for music lovers, fashionistas, travellers, and professionals alike. The new Sand Pink finish adds a fresh and contemporary aesthetic to the iconic WH-1000XM6 lineup, elevating both style and performance.

WH-1000XM6 New Sand Pink Colour Variant

The WH-1000X6 headphones allow you to hear your music as it was meant to be. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering engineers at three of the industry top recording studios, Sterling Sound, Battery Studios and Coast Mastering the WH-1000XM6 refines every note for studio-level accuracy, delivering a superior music experience. 

The WH-1000XM6 are engineered to perfection with the specially designed driver unit delivering clarity that feels almost tangible, and every detail comes through with precision. 

The next evolution in noise cancellation​

Powered by advanced processor and an adaptive microphone system, noise cancelling is optimised in real time on the WH-1000XM6, so your world stays undisturbed, and your sound stays pure. With processor speeds seven times faster than its predecessor, the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 fine-tunes 12 microphones, which is 1.5 times more than its precursor the WH-1000XM5, in real time, delivering a dramatic leap in noise cancelling and sound quality. The precise detection of the twelve optimally places microphones allow the noise cancellation to adapt more precisely to fit you and your environment. Whether you are looking to block out noise on a busy commute or stay focused in the office, your sound experience will be seamless and powerful. 

Additionally, the WH-1000XM6 features Sony’s most advanced noise cancelling yet, powered by a next-generation chip and intelligent algorithms that block distractions before they reach you. Co-created with world-renowned mastering engineers, the headphones deliver studio-level sound precision, while 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema brings immersive, theatre-like audio to life. Designed for everyday use, the WH-1000XM6 also ensures ultra-clear call quality, so you are always heard on every call, in any environment. 

With this launch, Sony is broadening its appeal among younger audiences and consumers seeking a blend of high-performance technology and expressive design. The new Sand Pink colour, in essence, offers a playful yet sophisticated alternative to more classic shades. 
 

Pricing and Availability

The WH-1000XM6 Sand Pink is available now. It will be available on Select Sony Center, Croma and Reliance outlets, www.ShopatSC.com portal and Amazon.

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Sony India Private Limited (Sony India), a private limited company with its ultimate holding company as Sony Group Corporation, Japan, has established itself as a premium brand in various product categories including television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio, and professional solutions. The company places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and maintains high standards in sales and services. Sony also prioritizes environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle of its products and business activities to contribute to a healthier and enriched life for all of humanity and future generations.

The Kauvery Cancer Institute, a unit of Kauvery Hospital, successfully organized the Kauvery Cancer Conclave, a one-day academic program focused on advancing knowledge and collaboration in the management of gynaecological cancers.
 

Oncologists from Kauvery Cancer Institute and Faculties at the Kauvery Cancer Conclave 2026
 

The conclave featured scientific sessions dedicated to Endometrial, Ovarian, Cervical and Vulvar Cancers, where experts discussed evolving treatment approaches, multidisciplinary care, and the latest advancements in oncology. The sessions were designed to promote knowledge exchange and enhance clinical understanding among healthcare professionals.
 

The event saw active participation from over 250 attendees, including doctors and medical students, who engaged enthusiastically in the discussions and academic sessions throughout the day.
 

A key highlight of the conclave was a series of panel discussions involving distinguished faculty members from across Chennai, enabling a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences in managing complex cancer cases. To make the program more interactive, an academic quiz was also conducted for participants.
 

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “This conclave marks the first edition of the Kauvery Cancer Conclave at this scale, bringing together experts and young medical professionals to discuss key aspects of gynaecological cancers such as endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancers. Academic collaboration and continuous learning are essential to advancing cancer care and improving patient outcomes. We envision this conclave becoming an annual platform where each year we will focus on different areas of oncology, encouraging knowledge sharing and meaningful discussions among specialists.”
 

The conclave was organized by a dedicated team of specialists from Kauvery Hospital, including Dr. A. N. Vaidhyswaran, Dr. Sujay Susikar, Dr. Suresh Kumar, Dr. Aswin A. N., Dr. Preethi Ashok, Dr. Kishore Kumar Reddy, and Dr. Priya Philip, who curated a comprehensive academic program for the participants.
 

The Kauvery Cancer Conclave reflects the commitment of the Kauvery Cancer Institute to fostering clinical excellence, academic engagement, and collaborative learning in the field of oncology.

Bisleri International today announced a landmark six-year strategic partnership with Procam International, becoming the Official Hydration Partner for four of the world’s most prestigious distance running events – the Tata Mumbai Marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bengaluru, and Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata.

Bisleri International Announces Six-Year Strategic Partnership with Procam International for India’s Marquee Marathons

Through this long-term association, Bisleri strengthens its position as the hydration partner of choice for India’s largest and most influential running platforms, supporting hundreds of thousands of participants across elite, amateur, and community categories.

As part of the partnership, Bisleri will power the race-day experience with multiple hydration stations placed strategically across the course, ensuring seamless access to safe and reliable hydration for runners. The brand will have a strong on-ground presence through inflatable arches and integrated route branding. Limited-edition Bisleri bottles featuring elite runners will also be introduced to commemorate the events and celebrate sporting excellence. The brand will further amplify the association through engaging digital content campaigns, bringing race stories, athlete journeys, and behind-the-scenes moments to audiences nationwide.

In line with its sustainability commitment, Bisleri will extend its Bisleri Greener Promise initiative across these events. This includes the installation of recycled plastic benches and dedicated waste collection bins at marathon venues, promoting responsible plastic usage and recycling awareness among participants and spectators alike.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “At Bisleri, we believe hydration is fundamental to performance — whether in sport or in everyday life. Our long-term partnership with Procam International is a natural extension of our commitment to enable excellence at scale. These marquee marathons represent the very best of human endurance, community participation, and national pride. We are proud to power these moments over the next six years. Equally important is our responsibility towards sustainability. Through our Greener Promise initiatives at these events, we aim to demonstrate that large-scale sporting platforms can also be environmentally responsible.”

Speaking on the brand’s marketing and consumer engagement strategy, Mr. Tushar Malhotra, Director – Sales and Marketing, Bisleri International, said, “Bisleri has been championing hydration across India and Middle East’s with a sports marketing portfolio covering more than 120+ associations. Our strategic six-year association with Procam International provides a powerful platform to connect with a highly engaged consumer base in India’s largest participative sport spectacle.”

With this association, Bisleri International not only reinforces its leadership in the hydration category but also aligns with India’s growing culture of fitness, community participation, and sustainable event execution.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Anil Singh, Managing Director, Procam International, said, ”The Tata Mumbai Marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, TCS World 10K Bengaluru, and Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata are more than races — they are movements that inspire healthier cities and stronger communities. Our association with Bisleri reflects a shared vision to accelerate the growth of running in India and strengthen its ecosystem. Hydration is fundamental to performance, and this partnership enables us to set new benchmarks in race-day excellence and environmental responsibility. Together, over the next six years, we will enhance the runner experience at scale while shaping a more sustainable and future-ready distance running ecosystem for India.”

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd
With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

About Procam International
Since its inception in 1988, Procam International has been the driving force behind the growth and development of sports management in India. Founded by the dynamic Singh brothers Anil and Vivek, Procam is India’s premier sports management company and is involved in live events, sports consultancy, and live television production. With astute planning and exemplary execution, Procam has a track record of conceptualising and promoting over 100 international events, across the disciplines of Powerboat Racing, Cricket, Football, Tennis, Distance Running, Squash, WWE, Horse Racing, Volleyball, among others. These events have elicited participation of the highest calibre of athletes and huge public interest and attendance.

Pioneers of the distance running movement in India, Procam International’s Big 4 – Tata Mumbai Marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Tata Consultancy Services World 10K and Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata— are global leaders in their respective distances. They have ushered in a running revolution that has helped redefine the health, fitness, and ‘giving’ paradigm of our country. For more information, please visit www.procam.in.

Futurense, India’s fastest-growing AI skilling company, today announced the launch of FDE Academy, the World’s first structured pathway designed to train engineers for Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE), widely recognised as the hottest role in AI globally.

Raghav Gupta, CEO and Founder, Futurense Technologies

Built by experienced Forward Deployed Engineers and senior AI leaders, FDE Academy marks the first time practitioners who actively deploy AI systems in production environments have come together to define how the role is developed. The Academy establishes a clear, structured pathway for Forward Deployed Engineering, a role that has until now been learned largely through hands-on deployment experience within global AI teams.

Forward Deployed Engineers play a critical role in taking artificial intelligence systems from experimentation to real-world deployment. As organisations across industries move AI into production environments, demand for engineers who can deploy, operate, and own AI systems has grown rapidly. As observed in the industry, hiring for Forward Deployed Engineers has increased by more than 800 percent in the past year, reflecting strong global demand for deployment-ready AI talent.

India produces over 1.5 million engineers annually, yet only a small proportion transition into advanced AI roles that involve real-world deployment and system ownership. At the same time, companies across the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia are actively hiring engineers capable of deploying AI in production, often for global and remote roles. FDE Academy is designed to bridge this gap by preparing Indian engineers for these international opportunities.

Speaking on the launch, Raghav Gupta, Founder and CEO, Futurense, said, “Forward Deployed Engineering has emerged as the hottest role in AI globally, yet there was no structured pathway anywhere in the world to prepare engineers for it. FDE Academy is built by practitioners to address this gap and to connect Indian engineering talent with global and remote AI opportunities.”

The FDE Academy delivers a 32-week, practitioner-led program that trains engineers to build, deploy, and manage AI systems in real enterprise conditions. The curriculum focuses on hands-on labs, production-grade tools, and real-world case studies, mirroring how Forward Deployed Engineers operate globally. Learners also gain access to a dedicated community of FDEs and AI practitioners for peer learning and industry exposure. This network further opens pathways to global and remote AI opportunities, supporting long-term career growth.

Backed by Futurense’s ecosystem of 25,000+ trained learners and 60+ enterprise partnerships, FDE Academy prepares engineers for roles including Forward Deployed Engineer, Applied AI Engineer, AI Solutions Engineer, and AI Systems Lead. These roles are increasingly in demand across sectors such as technology, BFSI, healthcare, automotive, and global SaaS.

FDE Academy represents a new category in AI skilling, providing a structured, practitioner-led pathway for one of the most in-demand roles in the global AI workforce.

For more information, visit fde.academy

About Futurense
Futurense is India’s fastest-growing AI skilling company focused on building deployment-ready talent for the global AI economy. The company works with industry leaders and enterprises to deliver practitioner-led, industry-relevant learning experiences for high-impact AI roles.

ITALMOPA, the Italian Association of Milling Industries, returns to India with its European campaign “Pure Flour from Europe”, highlighting the quality, safety and performance of premium EU and Italian soft wheat flour. 
 

A group picture showing event organizers, culinary professionals, influencers, and guests
 

The association hosted an exclusive presentation on 9 March 2026 at Le Méridien New Delhi, followed by participation at AAHAR 2026 from 10-14 March at Pragati Maidan. The initiative comes at a time of strong growth in India’s imports of European soft wheat flour, reflecting rising demand from professional chefs, artisan bakers and increasingly discerning home cooks seeking premium, fully traceable ingredients.
 

India: A High-Potential Growth Market

India continues to demonstrate robust demand for imported soft wheat flour:
 

• Imports reached €1.7 million in 2024, the third highest level ever recorded.

• In the first ten months of 2025 alone, imports totalled €2.5 million, already surpassing previous annual figures.

• Forecasts indicate imports may exceed €3 million by the end of 2025, marking a historic high.
   

Italy remains the leading European Union exporter of soft wheat flour to India, with exports projected to reach approximately €378,000 in 2025.
 

“India represents a strategic and fast-growing market for high-quality European flour,” said Vincenzo Martinelli, President of ITALMOPA. “Although India is one of the world’s largest producers of soft wheat flour, we are witnessing increasing demand for premium imported products, particularly within the hospitality sector. The current growth trajectory confirms the significant long-term potential of this market.”
 

Promoting Excellence through “Pure Flour from Europe”

The “Pure Flour from Europe” campaign aims to raise awareness of the superior characteristics of European soft wheat flour – especially Italian flour recognised worldwide for:
 

• Consistent baking performance

• Excellent elasticity and dough stability

• High food safety standards

• Full traceability

• Sustainable production practices.
   

Italian soft wheat flour is particularly valued for uses such as Neapolitan pizza, focaccia, artisan breads, pastries and fresh pasta, where flour performance is essential to achieving authentic texture and structure.
 

Devna Khanna, Director of i2i, and Chef Manjit Gill, President of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) engage with delegates, discussing collaboration, culinary trends, and industry initiatives
 

Rigorous Safety, Traceability and Sustainability Standards

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Rome, ITALMOPA represents more than 80 industrial milling companies across Italy and is the largest flour milling association in the European Union. European milling operations are subject to some of the world’s most stringent food safety regulations. Quality controls begin with the careful selection of wheat and continue throughout the milling and distribution process via fully computerised traceability systems.
 

Thousands of analytical tests and cross-checks are conducted annually by independent accredited laboratories to ensure compliance with EU standards. In addition to quality assurance, the European milling industry remains committed to sustainability, investing continuously in energy efficiency, emissions reduction and responsible by-product utilisation.
 

Live Demonstrations and Tastings at AAHAR 2026

Visitors to AAHAR 2026 can discover “Pure Flour from Europe” at Booth 13B, Hall 1G, where representatives from leading Italian milling companies, including Molini Agugiaro & Figna and Mulino Caputo, will meet industry professionals and buyers. Live culinary demonstrations will be led by Italian master chefs Giuseppe Ottolano and Riccardo Scaioli, who will prepare authentic Neapolitan pizza and Pizza in pala using premium Italian flour, enabling visitors to experience its performance first-hand.
 

Strengthening EU–India Trade Relations

The campaign also reflects the strengthening of trade relations between the European Union and India. Following the closure of negotiations on a landmark free trade agreement between the European Union and India, further agri-food exchanges will be facilitated, opening new opportunities for high-quality European products within the Indian market.
 

With India’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector and growing appetite for international cuisines, Italian soft wheat flour is well positioned to support chefs and bakers seeking authenticity, consistency and premium quality.
 

About ITALMOPA

Founded in 1958 and based in Rome, ITALMOPA (Italian Association of Milling Industries) represents over 80 industrial milling companies and promotes the excellence, innovation and sustainability of Italian flour production worldwide. The association plays a key role in advancing quality standards and supporting international market development for Italian milling products.
 

For further information, visit www.pureflourfromeurope.com and follow the campaign on Instagram – Facebook – YouTube.

Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 is redefining Maharashtra’s water future. Anchored by a formal MoU between The Art of Living Social Projects and the Government of Maharashtra, the initiative is driving large-scale desilting, groundwater recharge and community-led execution across drought-prone regions.
 

Gharni River: Desilted. Revived. Alive
 

With groundwater declining and monsoons often turning rogue, the response is bold, structured, ambitious, and practical – building resilience, restoring water bodies, and securing long-term water stability for the state.
 

A Nation Running on Empty

India’s water crisis is no longer a distant warning – it’s an everyday challenge. Nearly 80% of the country’s agricultural and domestic water needs rely on groundwater, while only about 20% come from rainfall and surface sources like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. For more than two decades, extraction has outpaced natural recharge, causing water tables to fall. Disruptions in the hydrological cycle and increasingly erratic rainfall have intensified stress.
 

The imbalance is stark: an estimated 239 trillion litres of groundwater is extracted each year, yet only around 6% of rainfall is effectively stored, while nearly 78% flows into rivers and eventually the sea. Aquifers remain under severe strain, highlighting the urgent need for structured conservation, storage, and recharge systems.
 

Between Drought and Flood

For years, large parts of Maharashtra have swung between extremes – drought and flood. Failed or uneven monsoons bring acute scarcity, while heavy rainfall rushes away unchecked, causing damage instead of relief. Streams and rivers that once held water longer are now shallow and silted, reducing storage and weakening groundwater recharge. Increasing reliance on borewells and deeper wells further lowers water tables.
 

Communities face frequent droughts, declining agricultural productivity, crop losses, flood damage, and dependence on tanker water. This cycle – scarcity, over-extraction, runoff, and loss – reveals that the problem is not rainfall alone, but how water is managed. Structured, long-term conservation became not just necessary, but urgent.
 

Jalyukt Shivar 2.0: Turning Rain into Security

The initiative is driven by a single, practical goal: make Maharashtra drought-resilient through systematic water management. Its core objectives:

• Capture and store rainwater efficiently

• Strengthen groundwater recharge

• Stabilise and improve agricultural productivity
   

By rebuilding natural water-holding systems, Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 converts short-lived monsoons into year-round security – benefiting farmers, villages, and future generations.
 

Reviving Maharashtra’s Waterways

Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 revitalises rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes by desilting, deepening, and widening channels. Pond and lake silt is reused on marginal farms, improving soil fertility.
 

Maharashtra faces a challenging reality: 80–90% of rainfall falls within just a few months, and most of it runs off without recharging groundwater. Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 changes this, raising infiltration from 6% to 25–35% through scientific, phased interventions:
 

• Phase I (2013 – 2019): Focused on drought-prone regions, desilting, stream deepening, and water storage

• Phase II (2024 – 2026): Expands coverage, consolidates long-term water security
   

Scale & Impact

• 2,90,64,668 cubic metres of silt removed from rivers, including Gharni, Tavarja, Jana, Mudgul, and more

• 16,716 million litres of water conserved since 2013

• 12,38,175 total beneficiaries
  ​

Farm-Level Benefits:

• Higher yields: Consistent water and soil moisture support better cultivation and crop rotation.

• Stronger incomes: Multiple crop cycles and diversified farming reduce risk and stabilise earnings.

• Flood resilience: Wider, desilted streams prevent waterlogging, erosion, and crop loss.

• Lower drought risk: Recharged aquifers provide water even during dry spells.
   

National Recognition

In November 2025, The Art of Living Social Projects was honoured by the Ministry of Jal Shakti with two national awards – Best Civil Society at the 6th National Water Awards 2024 (for the second consecutive year) and Best NGO award under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB 1.0).
 

These accolades recognise the scale, innovation, and measurable impact of Jalyukt Shivar 2.0 – a model for science-driven, community-led, long-term water resilience across India. As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said, “Our survival depends on water; it is the basis of our life force. We need to protect and nurture the sources of water.” This insight underlines the very ethos of Jalyukt Shivar 2.0: protecting water is protecting life.

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is deeply committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through large-scale water conservation initiatives, the organisation works to alleviate water scarcity, restore ecosystems and enhance the quality of life for communities across the country.
 

To learn more about the initiative or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India.
 

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