In a significant step towards strengthening the startup ecosystem of MBM University (formerly MBM Engineering College), Marwari Catalysts Group, in collaboration with the MBM Alumni Association, has launched the MBM Co-founders Club – a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to supporting startups founded by MBM alumni. More than just a platform, the Club is envisioned as a movement by MBM alumni, for MBM alumni, bringing together successful entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to help founders build scalable businesses.
 

MBM Co-founders Club by Marwari Catalysts Group Selects First Three Startups, Next Batch to Open Soon
 

The first cohort of the programme has already generated an overwhelming response, with nearly 60 startup applications received from MBM alumni representing diverse sectors and geographies.
 

To evaluate the applications, a screening committee was constituted under the leadership of Vipul Kocher, President of the MBM Alumni Association, comprising Virendra Gupta, Abhishek Kumbhat, Jhilmil Kochar and Sushil Sharma (Founder- Marwari Catalysts). After a rigorous evaluation process, three high-potential startups have been selected for the inaugural cohort. The names of the selected startups will be announced shortly.
 

The selected startups will receive strategic support in the form of funding opportunities, one-on-one mentorship from successful founders and industry experts, business scaling guidance, investor connect, market access and global exposure through the extensive ecosystem of Marwari Catalysts Group.
 

In addition, Marwari Catalysts will provide startup acceleration credits worth nearly USD 200,000, including AWS credits, cloud infrastructure, AI and developer tools, software subscriptions and other technology resources that will help founders build and scale their businesses more efficiently.
 

The programme will also facilitate participation in international startup delegations, investor interactions and global business networks, enabling founders from Jodhpur to explore opportunities beyond India.
 

Following the announcement of the first cohort, applications for the second batch of the MBM Co-founders Club will be invited. The organisers expect an even stronger response from MBM alumni entrepreneurs across India and overseas, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for alumni-led entrepreneurship.
 

The initiative is expected to foster a vibrant startup culture within MBM University, benefiting not only alumni founders but also current students, researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs. It is also expected to strengthen the innovation ecosystem of Jodhpur and Western Rajasthan by encouraging more technology-led ventures and job creators.
 

Speaking on the initiative, Sushil Sharma, Founder, Marwari Catalysts Group and a member of the screening committee, said, “MBM has produced exceptional engineers, innovators and business leaders over several decades. Through the MBM Co-founders Club, our objective is to create a structured platform where alumni founders receive access to capital, mentorship, industry networks and global opportunities. This initiative is about building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem that will continue to create successful startups for years to come.”
 

Vipul Kocher, President of the MBM Alumni Association, said, “Our alumni network is one of MBM’s greatest strengths. The Co-founders Club brings together successful alumni from across industries and geographies to support fellow entrepreneurs. We believe this initiative will inspire more MBM graduates to pursue entrepreneurship and contribute towards innovation-led economic growth.”
 

One of the defining strengths of the initiative is the remarkable support extended by the MBM alumni community. Alumni from across India as well as the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Dubai have come forward to mentor founders, facilitate investments and open global business networks for the selected startups.
 

Over the decades, MBM has produced several distinguished leaders who have made their mark in government, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure and entrepreneurship. Notable alumni include Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister; Dr. Prem Shanker Goel, eminent space scientist and Padma Shri awardee; Sunil Chordia, Chairman & Managing Director of Rajratan Global Wire Ltd.; Pratik Patel, Chairman & Managing Director of Jash Engineering Ltd.; and several accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders across India and overseas. Their continued engagement with the institution reflects the enduring strength of the MBM alumni network.
 

With the launch of the MBM Co-founders Club, Marwari Catalysts Group and the MBM Alumni Association aim to create one of India’s strongest alumni-led startup platforms, helping transform innovative ideas from MBM alumni into globally competitive enterprises while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Jodhpur, Western Rajasthan and beyond.

L’Oréal Paris, the world’s leading beauty brand, has partnered with Sony LIV’s Shark Tank India to launch an exclusive application window for women entrepreneurs. This pioneering collaboration gives aspiring women founders early access to one of India’s most influential and recognised startup platforms, along with opportunities for mentorship, investment and national visibility.
 

L’Oréal Paris partners with Shark Tank India to give women entrepreneurs exclusive early access to apply & get mentorship for the upcoming season
 

As part of this initiative, women entrepreneurs will receive early access to apply for the upcoming season of Shark Tank India, ahead of the show’s general call for entries. The initiative is designed to drive greater participation from women-led businesses by providing an opportunity to present their ideas on a platform that has inspired millions of aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.
 

Rooted in the brand’s iconic philosophy, this initiative reinforces the enduring belief that every woman can confidently say, “I’m Worth It.” It reflects a shared commitment by L’Oréal Paris and Sony LIV to foster entrepreneurship by making opportunities more accessible to women with the ambition to build and scale successful businesses.
 

To announce the initiative, L’Oréal Paris and Shark Tank India unveiled a compelling campaign film, now streaming on Sony LIV. The film captures moments in which women hold themselves back from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams because of self-doubt, societal conditioning, and the fear of being judged. Challenging these barriers, the film culminates in an invitation for women across India to seize the opportunity to showcase their ideas.
 

The collaboration is a strategic expression of L’Oréal Paris’ belief that women deserve equitable access to opportunities, capital, and platforms that can accelerate their ambitions. Through this partnership, L’Oréal Paris is helping create meaningful pathways for women founders to transform their ideas into thriving businesses and empowering them to define their own worth.
 

The initiative also reinforces Shark Tank India’s mission of nurturing entrepreneurship by encouraging more women founders to enter the mainstream startup ecosystem and connect with experienced investors and mentors who can help transform promising ideas into scalable businesses.
 

Applications through the exclusive women entrepreneurs’ window will remain open from 2^nd July 2026 to 11^th July 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Shark Tank India process, with the opportunity to pitch to the show’s panel of investors.
 

WPP Media served as the strategic media partner for this intiative, designing innovative, platform-first integrations that seamlessly embedded L’Oréal Paris’ commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through the Shark Tank India journey.

Link to register: Shark Tank India Registrations Started – Register Now on SonyLIV

Link to the video: www.instagram.com/reel/DaSoHXtqr6D/?igsh=bmdqN3p5MTY4eGwz

About L’Oréal Paris

L’Oréal Paris, the world’s #1 beauty brand, has more than 40 years of pioneering scientific research heritage, and offers a stringent selection of the most advanced beauty care with proven efficacy and safety to its consumers.
 

Beyond cosmetics, L’Oréal Paris creates a world of Parisian beauty to inspire every woman everywhere. In dialogue from the streets to its runways, myriad interpretations of Parisian beauty and femininity are reinvented every day.
 

“Because you’re worth it.” With this world-recognized slogan, and from the beginning, L’Oréal Paris has encouraged women to live their best lives according to their own rules and desires. The brand has a rich legacy of empowering women and working with them to build a more inclusive world of tomorrow. This commitment is expressed through a host of local and international cause initiatives, another such initiative being the Stand Up – Against Street Harassment program.

Imagine being stuck in a Mumbai traffic jam, trying to capture the golden hour skyline through a car window while streaming music, replying to a work message, and keeping your phone powered through it all. That is the kind of everyday smartphone stress test many people face, and it is exactly what the motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus is built to handle.
 

Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ in stunning new finishes, blending premium design, powerful performance, and flagship-level photography in one sleek smartphone
 

Launched in India on June 4, 2026, at Rs. 48,999, the Edge 70 Pro Plus enters a fiercely contested segment, phones between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 55,000. It is a range where buyers are smart, demanding, and spoilt for choice.

Check out the motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus or other latest phones at one of the Bajaj Finance partner stores across 4,000+ cities. They can visit their nearest store to experience the phones in person. They can shop on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finance for a more convenient upgrade.

So, what does motorola bring to the table to stand out?

Slim, light, and built to last

First impressions matter, and the Edge 70 Pro Plus makes a quiet but confident one. At just 7.19 mm thin and 190 grams, it is the slimmest phone available under Rs. 50,000. For anyone who has felt a brick like slab weighing down their jacket pocket through a long day of commuting or meetings, that is not a small thing.

Durability wise, motorola has not cut corners either. The phone carries an IP68 and IP69 rating, meaning it can handle not just rain or a spilled glass of water, but also high pressure water jets. Whether someone is on a trek or just clumsy in the kitchen, they are covered. It also comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection on the display.

A display that demands attention

The 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 5,200 nits is genuinely impressive. Scrolling through Instagram Reels, watching cricket highlights, or video calling family, everything looks punchy and smooth.
 

HDR10+ support means streaming content on Netflix or Prime Video looks as it was meant to. With a 92% screen to body ratio, there is very little frame getting in the way of the content.

Triple 50MP camera setup that actually delivers

The camera setup is where things get really interesting. The Edge 70 Pro Plus runs a triple 50MP system, a primary Sony LYT 710 sensor, an ultra wide macro lens, and a periscope telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom and up to 50x digital zoom. The front camera is also 50MP with autofocus, rare at this price.

For travel photographers or social media enthusiasts, the combination of a versatile zoom range and solid low light capability makes this a legitimately capable device.

Punching hard performance

Under the hood sits the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme chipset, backed by 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage.

Whether someone is editing holiday reels on the way home, playing BGMI after work, juggling work emails with video calls, or switching between social media and streaming apps, the Edge 70 Pro Plus keeps everything running smoothly without slowing them down.

Large battery with ultra fast charging

The smartphone packs a 6,500 mAh silicon carbon battery designed to comfortably power a full day of heavy usage. When it is time to recharge, the included 90 W TurboPower charging quickly gets it back to full battery in under 47 minutes.

It also supports 15 W wireless charging, adding extra convenience for users who prefer cable free charging at home or at work.

Is the motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus worth the price?

Price is often the deciding factor. After all, a great smartphone is only as good as the value it delivers.

The motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus is priced at Rs. 48,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant.

That means a flagship processor, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, a versatile triple camera system with a periscope telephoto lens, wireless charging, IP69 water resistance, and one of the slimmest designs in its segment.

At this price, the competition is fierce. But the Edge 70 Pro Plus is not trying to be the cheapest option. It is trying to deliver more where it matters most: performance, cameras, battery life, and premium design.

If buyers plan to keep the phone for three or four years, those upgrades become more valuable over time. Instead of paying for features they may never use, they are investing in a device that is built to stay fast, reliable, and capable long after the excitement of buying a new phone fades.

Upgrade to the motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finance

Here is the thing. Most people do not upgrade their phone every year. They buy one that can handle everything for the next three or four years. The motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus checks those boxes with flagship performance, a bright AMOLED display, capable cameras, and a slim design that feels as premium as it looks. With Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finance, upgrading is easier because customers do not have to pay the full amount upfront.

Steps to shop on Easy EMIs

1. Visit a nearby Bajaj Finance partner store.

2. Explore the motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus and other premium smartphones.

3. Check available offers and eligible Easy EMI options.

4. Choose a repayment tenure between 3 and 60 months based on the budget.

5. Complete the purchase and take home a new smartphone with convenient monthly payments.

If anyone wants a phone that looks premium, captures great photos, delivers flagship performance, and lasts through the day, the motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus is a smart choice. Get it on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finance.

• Around 125 players from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan participated in the tournament.

• A total prize money of Rs. 2 lakh was distributed among the winners, runners-up, and semi-finalists across all categories.

The VIth Leg of the Kauvery Hospital-Tamil Nadu Senior Tennis Club (TNSTC) Veterans Tennis Tournament 2026 was held at the Madurai Union Club from June 26 to 28, featuring Singles and Doubles events across seven age categories (40+, 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, and 75+).

Tennis Tournament

Around 125 players from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan participated in the tournament, reflecting its growing popularity among veteran tennis players across the country. A total prize money of Rs. 2 lakh was distributed among the winners, runners-up, and semi-finalists across all categories. Trophies and Prize money were distributed by Mr. Jayaraman, Chairman, and Mr. N. Narayanasamy, Secretary, TNSTC.
 

The tournament featured several accomplished veteran players who have represented India at the World Veterans Tennis Championships. They included Sanjay Kumar (Kerala) in the 60+ category, Suresh Murthati (Telangana) and Tulasiram (Karnataka) in the 70+ category, and Venkatachalam Swaminathan (Tamil Nadu) in the 75+ category. Sanjay Kumar and Venkatachalam Swaminathan have both captained the Indian team at the World Veterans Tennis Championships. One of the highlights of the tournament was the participation of two octogenarian players, Mr. R. Nagarajan and Mr. Shivamony Moorthy. 
 

In the singles events, Srikanth (40+), Ramesh S (50+), Srinivas Reddy (55+), Senthil Kumar (60+), V. Shankar (65+), Tulasiram (70+), and Venkatachalam Swaminathan (75+) emerged as champions in their respective categories. In the doubles events, Sathish Babu and M. Ramu (40+), Ramesh S and Sathish Babu (50+), Dinesh Thampi and Srinivas Reddy (55+), Sivakumar and Senthil Kumar (60+), Alapati Suresh and V. Shankar (65+), Tulasiram and Suresh Murthati (70+), and Venkatachalam Swaminathan and Veeramani K (75+) were the winners in their respective categories.
 

TNSTC, one of the most active veteran tennis organisations in South India, has a membership of around 550 veteran players. The club conducts four non-ranking tournaments annually at Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, and Chennai, providing veteran tennis enthusiasts with regular opportunities for competitive play and camaraderie.
 

Kauvery Hospital played a key role in ensuring the health and safety of all participants. A dedicated medical team, supported by a fully equipped ambulance, remained on standby throughout the tournament to provide immediate medical assistance and first-aid support.
 

The next leg of the Tamil Nadu Senior Tennis Club Veterans Tennis Tournament will be hosted in Tiruchirappalli during September 2026.

Reinforcing its commitment to enhancing consumer access to thoughtfully designed kitchen and home solutions, Borosil, India’s leading consumer products brand, today unveiled its dedicated ‘Everyday Kitchen by Borosil‘ Store-in-Store at Go Fresh, Andheri Lokhandwala, Mumbai. The new retail format was inaugurated by renowned celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi in the presence of the Borosil leadership team.

First Store-In-Store by Borosil

The launch of ‘Everyday Kitchen by Borosil’ marks the beginning of a strategic retail partnership between Borosil and Go Fresh, aimed at delivering a more engaging and accessible shopping experience for consumers. The dedicated Store-in-Store format showcases one of Borosil’s most comprehensive ranges of kitchen and home solutions under one roof, enabling consumers to explore, compare, and experience products in a thoughtfully designed retail environment. Through this collaboration, Borosil seeks to enhance product discovery, strengthen consumer access to its offerings, and further expand its omnichannel presence while addressing the evolving needs of modern households.

Borosil expands its omnichannel retail footprint with its first dedicated Store-in-Store format

Located within the Go Fresh store, the dedicated Borosil zone serves as a one-stop destination for modern households, offering a wide range of cookware, appliances, storage solutions, drinkware, lunchboxes, dinnerware, and other kitchen essentials. The launch was marked by an engaging session with Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, who shared insights from his culinary journey and highlighted the importance of quality kitchenware in everyday cooking, while interactive guest engagements added to the celebrations around Borosil’s latest retail milestone.

Speaking at the launch, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi said, “The kitchen is at the heart of every home, where food, traditions, and memories come together. Borosil has consistently stood for quality, innovation, and trust, making it a brand that resonates with millions of Indian households. I am delighted to be associated with the launch of ‘Everyday Kitchen by Borosil’, which offers consumers an opportunity to explore a comprehensive range of thoughtfully designed kitchen solutions under one roof.”

Commenting on the launch, Barnali Shankar, VP – Marketing, Borosil, said, “The launch of ‘Everyday Kitchen by Borosil’ marks an important milestone in our retail journey and reflects our commitment to making our extensive product portfolio more accessible to consumers through innovative retail formats. Our partnership with Go Fresh allows us to create an immersive shopping experience where consumers can discover solutions for every kitchen and home need. We are excited about this collaboration and look forward to expanding this concept across more locations in the future.”

With this launch, Borosil is reimagining how consumers discover and shop for kitchen and home essentials by creating a dedicated destination within a trusted retail environment.

About Borosil Ltd.
Borosil stands as India’s only manufacturer of borosilicate glass and one of the country’s most trusted homegrown brands. With a legacy of over six decades, Borosil has been an integral part of Indian households, known for quality, durability, and reliability. Its borosilicate glassware and kitchen products, designed to withstand extreme temperatures, have made Borosil synonymous with everyday excellence and lasting performance.

With a strong presence across trade, e-commerce, and B2B segments, and a growing Direct-to-Customer (D2C) model, Borosil directly connects with consumers across India. Its extensive range—spanning kitchenware, tableware, cookware, and appliances—is crafted to bring ease, style, and trust into everyday living.

Borosil’s compact kitchen appliances, ISI-certified pressure cookers, insulated lunch boxes and bottles, and BPA-free glass containers combine safety, functionality, and design. The brand’s Borosilicate Colors range and OG 2X Tuff Glassware further reaffirm its commitment to strength, safety, and timeless appeal.

Among its key brands, Larah by Borosil redefines dining with stylish, chip-resistant opalware, manufactured in Jaipur and available across 24,000 retail stores and leading e-commerce platforms.

Rooted in a rich legacy and trusted heritage, Borosil remains a symbol of quality and reliability, empowering Indian families with products that make everyday life simpler, safer, and more beautiful.

HiLITE Group marked the commencement of its latest project, YOO Hub Trivandrum, at Technopark Phase III with a grand groundbreaking ceremony. As part of the Group’s expanding portfolio of developments across the state, this Rs. 300-crore project is set to completely redefine Kerala’s technology infrastructure, generating approximately 5,000 direct employment opportunities and significantly boosting the state’s digital economy. P. K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT & AI performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project along with other dignitaries. 

Groundbreaking ceremony of HiLITE Group’s ‘YOO Hub Trivandrum’ in Technopark Phase III

“The ground breaking ceremony of HiLITE Group’s ‘YOO HUB Trivandrum’ marks another significant milestone in Kerala’s journey as a leading destination for technology and innovation. India’s first branded IT workspace, developed in collaboration with ‘YOO’ at Technopark, reflects the confidence of global brands in our state. This project will create over 5,000 quality jobs and further strengthen Kerala’s IT and AI ecosystem. I congratulate HiLITE Group on this landmark initiative and wish them every success,” said P. K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT & AI.

“YOO Hub Trivandrum represents our commitment to creating world-class infrastructure that empowers businesses, attracts global investment, and generates meaningful employment. Through our partnership with YOO and IWG, we are proud to introduce India’s first branded IT Park, reinforcing Kerala’s emergence as a leading destination for technology, innovation and enterprise. This is not just a building—it is an investment in the future of our state,” said P. Sulaiman, Chairman, HiLITE Group.

“The ground breaking ceremony of HiLITE Group’s ‘YOO HUB Trivandrum’ marks a momentous step forward for Kerala’s IT ecosystem. This addition of 5.37 lakh square feet of premium Grade-A IT space comes at a highly opportune time when market demand is at an all-time high,” said Sandip Kumar IAS, CEO, Technopark.

“IT is the most promising and crucial sector in Kerala. We have incredible talent and the right human resources, but what we truly lack is premium infrastructure or multinational companies to establish their presence here, Grade-A spaces that meet the standards they demand must be available. At HiLITE, our core mission is to bridge this gap and provide exactly what global businesses look for,” said Ajil Muhammed, CEO of HiLITE Group.

“We’re delighted to partner with HiLITE on YOO Hub Trivandrum, bringing YOO’s design philosophy to Kerala’s IT ecosystem, with IWG operating the business club at its heart. India’s technology corridors deserve workplaces designed to the same standard as the world’s best and we’re proud to see ground broken today on a development that puts people, design and the way they work at the centre of it,” – John Hitchcox, Chairman, YOO.

“It’s been a privilege to bring YOO together with HiLITE and IWG on YOO Hub Trivandrum — a project that sets a new benchmark for branded workplaces in India,”- Badal Saboo, YOO Associate.

Developed in exclusive collaboration with YOO and IWG, YOO Hub Trivandrum marks a significant milestone in the evolution of premium workspaces. It is India’s first YOO-branded IT Park and the first IT project globally under the YOO brand, bringing the company’s internationally acclaimed luxury design philosophy into the technology infrastructure sector for the first time. The collaboration also brings IWG’s global expertise in flexible and hybrid workspaces, creating a future-ready business destination designed to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises.

Spread across approximately 5.37 lakh sq. ft. over 1.88 acres, the development will feature a configuration of a Basement, Ground Floor, two dedicated parking floors, and 15 premium office floors. This world-class commercial ecosystem is meticulously engineered to attract multinational corporations, Global Capability Centres, established technology companies, research institutions, and emerging digital enterprises.

In addition to its economic and design milestones, the project sets a new standard for sustainable development in the region. YOO Hub Trivandrum has already received the prestigious LEED v4.1 BD+C (Building Design and Construction): Core and Shell pre-certification Platinum level. This represents the highest level of technical appreciation and environmental evaluation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The event was attended by P. K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT & AI, P. M. A. Sameer, MLA, Thirurangadi, Seeram Sambasiva Rao IAS, Special Secretary, Electronics & Information Technology Department, Sandip Kumar IAS, CEO, Technopark, Santosh Babu IAS, Managing Director, KSITIL, Santhosh Koshy, Managing Director, KINFRA, Col. Sanjeev Nair (Retd.), Former CEO, Technopark, P. Sulaiman, Chairman, HiLITE Group, Ajil Muhammed, CEO, HiLITE Group, Shafeeq P, CEO, HiLITE Properties.

For many families across Cuttack and neighbouring villages, a critical medical scan once meant long journeys, anxious waiting and precious time lost. With the inauguration of Project SWASTHYA KIRAN at the Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital (SSCASRH), Cuttack, that is set to change.

Advanced diagnostics, timely care, healthier communities

The project marks the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Revolution™ Aspire Select CT Scanner, significantly expanding the hospital’s capacity to diagnose critical conditions across specialties including neurology, cardiology, oncology, trauma care and emergency medicine. The transformative upgrade is expected to benefit thousands of patients every year, particularly those facing life-threatening conditions such as stroke, trauma and cancer – where every minute counts.

Access to advanced diagnostic imaging continues to be a challenge for many communities in Odisha. Patients often travel long distances or endure extended waiting periods for CT scans, delaying diagnosis and treatment. In emergencies, such delays can have serious consequences, making timely access to advanced imaging an essential component of quality healthcare. By strengthening diagnostic infrastructure at SSCASRH, Project SWASTHYA KIRAN addresses this critical gap, ensuring that advanced diagnostic services are available closer to the communities that need them most.

Project SWASTHYA KIRAN is the outcome of a partnership between Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. (HURL) and The Art of Living Social Projects, formalised through an MoU signed at the Art of Living International Center, Bengaluru, in the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Guided by Gurudev’s vision of compassionate service and holistic well-being, the partnership brings together advanced technology and selfless service to make quality diagnostic healthcare more accessible to underserved communities.

The initiative will:

• Improve timely access to diagnostics by reducing travel and waiting time, ensuring patients receive critical imaging faster – especially during emergencies such as stroke and trauma.

• Make advanced diagnostics more affordable by providing high-quality CT scanning services closer to home, easing the financial burden on rural and underserved communities.

• Strengthen emergency care by enabling quicker, more accurate diagnosis, supporting earlier medical intervention and improving patient outcomes.

Beyond emergency medicine, the enhanced diagnostic capability will strengthen the hospital’s ability to deliver more effective care across a range of clinical specialties. Faster, more precise imaging will help clinicians make informed treatment decisions, improve continuity of care, and reinforce SSCASRH’s role as an important healthcare institution serving Cuttack and surrounding communities.

Project SWASTHYA KIRAN is more than the commissioning of advanced medical technology – it is an investment in healthier communities. By bringing timely diagnosis, quality healthcare and renewed hope closer to home, the initiative reflects the shared vision of HURL and The Art of Living Social Projects to ensure that quality healthcare reaches those who need it most.

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, founded by humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to transforming lives through community-centred initiatives. Working across healthcare, conservation of water resources, education, women empowerment, and environmental restoration, it partners with governments, NGOs, corporations, and local communities to bring meaningful change. Through its compassionate, service-driven approach, The Art of Living continues to strengthen well-being and nurture a culture of peace and responsibility worldwide.

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• In addition to families in India, support under the humanitarian rehabilitation package also reached the family of the deceased worker in Sri Lanka

• Daughter of deceased worker from Mau, Uttar Pradesh, was offered support to pursue nursing and future job opportunity in the UAE

The Rs. 2.6 crore humanitarian relief package announced by UAE-Based Indian entrepreneur Dr Shamsheer Vayalil for families affected by Dubai’s Emirates Road tragedy has reached the homes of deceased workers in India’s Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil’s representatives hand over support to the parents of late Thirupathi Gollapally in Telangana

The relief initiative follows a road accident that occurred in Dubai in June, when a minibus carrying workers collided with a stationary truck, leaving seven dead and nine injured. The victims were later identified as migrant workers, and the accident prompted grief and support efforts across the UAE and India.

Family of late Abdul Rasheed at their home in Kopaganj, Uttar Pradesh

Representatives from Dr. Shamsheer’s office visited the families of the six Indian workers who died in the accident. They traveled across rural Telangana and Uttar Pradesh to meet the bereaved families, convey their condolences and support, and hand over the financial assistance. A representative also visited the family of the Sri Lankan worker who lost his life in the accident.

Under the humanitarian recovery program, the family of each deceased worker is receiving Rs. 26 lakh. Further education support for children from the affected families is being assessed and will be coordinated directly with the families.

Support Reaches Rural homes in Telangana

The three workers from Telangana were Saleem Sayyed Hussain, 51, from Namilikonda in Jagitial district, Abdul Rafiq Abdul Raheem, 37, from Kaddam in Nirmal district, and Thirupathi Gollapally Chandraiah, 23, from Thakkallapalle in Jagitial district.

Saleem is survived by his wife, Sayyad Goreebee, and three children. Family members said he had gone to the UAE around two-and-a-half months ago to build a better home and support his children’s education. One of his children has health-related challenges, while marriage discussions had begun for his elder daughter.

Thirupathi’s parents spoke about the hopes they had placed in their son, who had gone to the UAE for the first time around seven months ago. He would call home and speak about adjusting to work and life abroad, including the challenges of outdoor work.

Abdul Rafiq is survived by his wife, Raziya Begum, and their young daughter, Rida Fathima. His family and villagers remember him as a warm and helpful person. His father, Abdul Rahan, who had lost two other children in a road accident in Telangana in 2015, said the latest tragedy has left the family struggling to rebuild life once again.

Families in UP Recall Unfinished Dreams

In Uttar Pradesh, the visits covered the families of Abdul Rasheed Zakir Husain, 38, from Kopaganj in Mau district, Markandey Chauhan Bhajjan Chauhan, 39, from Khurahat in Mau district, and Mohammad Saqib Liyaqat Ali, 31, from Sahaspur in Bijnor district.

In Khurahat, Mau, Markandey’s family recalled his long years of work in the Gulf and his dreams for his children. He is survived by his wife, Sarswati Devi, and three children, including 17-year-old Ankita Chauhan, who recently completed Grade 12.

During the visit, Dr. Shamsheer, Founder and Chairman of VPS Health, connected with the family over a video call. When Ankita shared that she wished to pursue BSc Nursing, Dr. Shamsheer said, “We will support you to complete your education. Study well and complete the course. We will be happy to bring you here after that. Markandey ji will be remembered every day through you.”

At Kopaganj, Abdul Rasheed’s family said he had left home exactly two months before the news of the accident reached them. He is survived by his wife, Farida Khatoon, and three young daughters.

“He had told us this would be his last journey abroad to find a job, and that once he returned, he would not go again,” said Mohammed Aamir, his wife’s brother.

The family said Abdul Rasheed wanted to educate his children and improve the small house in which they currently live.

In Sahaspur, Bijnor, Mohammad Saqib’s family said he had gone to Dubai for the first time around eight months ago after working as an aluminium fabricator. He hoped to support his mother and sisters and stayed on despite challenges, hoping the UAE would help him build stability for the family.

The support also reached Sri Lanka, where a representative from Dr. Shamsheer’s office traveled from Colombo to Mullaitivu district to meet the family of Samuvel Rengasami, 34, the sole breadwinner of his family. He is survived by his wife, Rajarathnaraja Jeevarani, and a young daughter.

Nine Injured Workers Also Receive Financial Assistance

Financial support has also been extended to the nine injured survivors in coordination with the workers’ employer, with the amount distributed based on the severity of their injuries and recovery needs. Among the injured survivors, eight are Indian nationals, including three from Uttar Pradesh, two from Rajasthan, and one each from Kerala, Telangana, and Bihar. One injured worker is a Nepali national. Four of them received the amount in the UAE, while three others who are currently in India have had the support transferred to their accounts. Two critically injured workers, who are still undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dubai, have also received the support in their accounts.

Drone technology has the potential to bring about a major transformation in the lives of rural India, farmers and the country’s youth, said Shri Tarun Chugh, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), while addressing National Drone Summit 2026 as the Chief Guest.

Tarun Chugh

Addressing the gathering, Shri Tarun Chugh said that India today stands as a strong global power and that drones are no longer just a modern technology. They have become an effective tool for making agriculture more scientific, strengthening the rural economy and creating new opportunities for the country’s youth. He emphasised that the true purpose of development will be fulfilled only when the benefits of modern technology reach every village.

He said the use of drones in agriculture has the potential to transform farming through crop monitoring, precision spraying of fertilisers and pesticides and reducing operational costs. According to him, these advancements will improve agricultural productivity, enable better utilisation of resources and make farming more modern and profitable.

Highlighting the role of India’s youth, Shri Tarun Chugh said they are the country’s greatest strength. He noted that skill development and specialised training in drone technology can create new opportunities for employment and self-employment for millions of young people. Technology, he said, becomes truly meaningful only when it empowers youth to become self-reliant and brings positive change to their lives.

He further said that cooperation has been a strong foundation of India’s development journey and that the time has come to integrate it with advanced technology. He said such efforts can help take modern technology to villages, empower farmers and create new economic opportunities at the grassroots.

Speaking about the wider applications of drones, Shri Tarun Chugh said that their importance extends beyond agriculture into disaster management, healthcare, infrastructure, security, logistics and public services. He stressed that India should strengthen its global position by promoting innovation and skill development across these sectors.

Concluding his address, Shri Tarun Chugh said that the partnership between technology and cooperation will play a vital role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Referring to the summit’s theme, “From Policy to Prosperity,” he said it is not merely the theme of the conference but a practical roadmap for New India’s development, where ensuring that the benefits of modern technology reach the last person in society remains the highest priority.

He congratulated Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society Limited and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for successfully organising the summit and expressed confidence that such initiatives would give a new direction to India’s drone ecosystem, empower the country’s youth and accelerate the development of rural India.

National Drone Summit 2026 was organised as an initiative by Dr. Deep Sihag Sisai, Founder and Chairman of Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society Limited, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) at The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Held under the theme “From Policy to Prosperity,” the summit brought together representatives from government, industry, cooperative institutions, the agriculture sector, startups and rural India.

The summit concluded with the launch of three landmark national initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s cooperative drone ecosystem: Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society Limited, India’s first sector-focused multi-state cooperative for the drone industry; the National Mission 1 Panchayat 1 Drone Udyami, aimed at developing drone entrepreneurs across two lakh agriculture-based Panchayats over the next five years; and 75 Advanced Skill Centres, established to equip India’s youth with industry-ready skills in drone technology and other emerging technologies.

Author Arti Chavan officially launched her debut historical novel, Shadow of the Serpent Fort, at Title Waves, Bandra West, on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Acclaimed actor and classical dancer Shanthi Priya, serving as Chief Guest, officially unveiled the book Shadow of the Serpent Fort and her presence lent a distinguished touch to an evening celebrating storytelling, history, and India’s rich cultural heritage.
 

Acclaimed actor and classical dancer Shanthi Priya officially unveiled the book Shadow of the Serpent Fort by Arti Chavan, with Sandip Soparrkar, internationally renowned dancer, and choreographer
 

The event included the ceremonial unveiling of the book by Chief Guest Shanthi Priya, remarks by the distinguished guests, a reading from the novel, an interactive conversation with the author, and a book-signing session attended by readers, members of the literary community, and invited media.

Speaking at the launch, Shanthi Priya said, “Stories have the remarkable ability to transport us across time and connect us with our shared heritage. I am delighted to unveil Shadow of the Serpent Fort, which brings a fascinating chapter of Indian history to life through imagination and adventure. I congratulate Arti on this wonderful achievement and wish the book every success.”

Joining the celebrations as Guest of Honour was internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, actor, cultural ambassador, and Chairman of the India Fine Arts Council, Sandip Soparrkar. A holder of a PhD in World Mythology, Soparrkar reflected on the enduring relationship between literature, performance, and cultural preservation. Speaking on the occasion, Sandip Soparrkar added, “Whether expressed through dance, cinema, or literature, storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to preserve culture and inspire future generations. I am delighted to be part of the launch of a novel that celebrates India’s rich heritage while making history engaging and accessible for modern readers.”

The evening also featured noted history professor, Dr. Sonali Pednekar, who highlighted the contribution of historical fiction in fostering curiosity about India’s lesser-known historical periods.

At the heart of the event was Shadow of the Serpent Fort, the culmination of six years of research and writing by Arti Chavan, a former Meta and Microsoft strategy leader, who grew up in India and now lives in the United States. Set in 324 BCE, during the fascinating Indo-Greek period following Alexander’s departure from India, the novel combines political intrigue, adventure, loyalty, mystery, and supernatural suspense to bring a forgotten chapter of Indian history vividly to life.

Author Arti Chavan said, “This book has been a six-year labor of love. Inspired by my children’s fascination with Greek mythology, I wanted to tell an equally entertaining story rooted in India’s own extraordinary past. By setting the novel in the little-known Indo-Greek period after Alexander’s departure, I hope readers will not only enjoy the adventure but also be inspired to explore the remarkable history behind it.”

About the Book

Shadow of the Serpent Fort is the first novel in the Forgotten Kingdoms of India series. Set against the backdrop of a transforming Indian subcontinent in 324 BCE, it follows a young warrior caught in a struggle for power as rival kingdoms, Greek influences, and hidden loyalties collide. Combining history, adventure, and suspense, the novel shines a light on an era that has long remained in the shadows of history.

About the Author

Arti Chavan was born and raised in India. She began writing Shadow of the Serpent Fort during the pandemic; after watching her children fall in love with Greek mythology and realizing she wanted them to know the Indian stories she’d grown up with, told the way modern adventure novels are told. The book took six years to finish, written between work and family life.

Before turning to writing, she spent nearly two decades as a strategy leader at Microsoft and Meta. The work taught her something she carried into the novel: that the hardest decisions, in a boardroom or a king’s court, usually come down to what a person is willing to lose for what they believe in. She lives in California with her husband and two children. This is her debut novel.
 

For more updates:

Visit the website: ancientindiastories.com

Follow www.instagram.com/artiwritesstories/ for more updates from the author
 

Copies of the book can be ordered on Amazon by clicking on the link below

shorturl.at/37aTV
 

Media Contact

Vipul Bondal, Veriitte Consulting M: +91 9920384555; E: vb@veriitte.in