Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has been contributing to growing engagement with New South Wales (NSW) through its expanding network of academic and research partnerships. MAHE currently maintains active collaborations with five universities in New South Wales: the University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, Macquarie University, the University of Technology Sydney and Western Sydney University. These collaborations span academic and research activities, as well as student and faculty mobility.
 

Representatives of the NSW Government and MAHE at the NSW Government’s India Mission reception in Mumbai
 

The New South Wales (NSW) Government’s India Mission, held from 31 August to 3 September 2026, strengthened the state’s engagement with India across the economy, education, research, innovation, and culture, and created new opportunities for sustained partnerships among governments, institutions, industry, and communities.
 

Led by The Honourable Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW, and The Honourable Daniel Mookhey MLC, NSW Treasurer, the mission convened senior government officials, policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and other stakeholders from New South Wales and India to explore opportunities for stronger bilateral cooperation.
 

As part of the mission, the NSW Government hosted a special reception at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, convening the Premier and Treasurer of NSW with government leaders, senior officials and policymakers from India, along with members of the official NSW delegation. The reception provided an important platform for dialogue and identifying opportunities for greater cooperation across priority sectors.
 

A significant institutional outcome of the mission was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MAHE and the University of Sydney (USYD) on 2 September 2026 to strengthen cooperation in education, research, innovation and international mobility. The MAHE and USYD delegations subsequently attended the Mumbai reception, where the partnership was formally announced in the presence of the NSW Premier and Treasurer.
 

The partnership aligns with the broader objectives of the NSW Government’s India Mission by translating government-level engagement into tangible institutional collaboration. It also demonstrates universities’ role in building sustained connections between New South Wales and India through academic exchange, collaborative research, innovation and mobility.
 

Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The NSW Government’s India Mission provides an important platform for strengthening the longstanding ties between New South Wales and India. Education, research and innovation can play a defining role in building deeper, more sustainable relationships between our two regions. MAHE’s growing partnerships with universities in NSW reflect our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students, faculty and researchers to collaborate and exchange knowledge. We look forward to contributing to a stronger India-NSW partnership through sustained academic, research and innovation-led engagement.”
 

The NSW Government’s India Mission also focused on strengthening economic and industry engagement and on identifying opportunities for investment, trade, innovation, and knowledge exchange. It underscores the importance of higher education and research partnerships in supporting the long-term objectives of the NSW-India relationship.
 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3^rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

Vingroup has been ranked 340th in TIME’s World’s Best Companies 2026, placing the Group among the world’s Top 400 companies. Compared with 2025, Vingroup has risen nearly 500 places and remains the only Vietnamese company to be recognized on the prestigious ranking.
 

The World’s Best Companies 2026 ranking is jointly conducted by TIME, a globally recognized magazine, and Statista, a leading global data and market research company.
 

Vingroup remains the only Vietnamese company to be named among TIME’s World’s Best Companies for two consecutive years
 

Companies are evaluated across three comprehensive dimensions: revenue growth, employee satisfaction, and sustainability transparency, supported by in-depth analysis of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors.
 

As the first and only Vietnamese company to be included in the ranking for two consecutive years, Vingroup achieved positive results across all three dimensions, receiving an overall score of 81 and ranking 340th among the Top 1,000 companies worldwide, up 477 places from its 817th ranking last year.
 

In terms of Revenue Growth, Vingroup received an “Outstanding” rating. In the first half of 2026, the Group recorded consolidated net revenue of VND 222.9 trillion, up 72% year on year from the same period in 2025, driven by strong growth in industrial manufacturing and real estate businesses. Consolidated profit after tax reached VND 20.904 trillion, 4.6 times higher than the same period last year and equivalent to 60% of the full-year target.
 

In terms of Employee Satisfaction, Vingroup ranked 398th globally, up 496 places from 2025. The Group has developed a dynamic working environment that encourages dedication, innovation and employee engagement, while placing a strong focus on individual development.
 

Over more than three decades of development, Vingroup has continuously expanded into new areas, established new growth drivers and progressively expanded its ecosystem into international markets. Today, companies across the Vingroup ecosystem operate in 12 countries, creating employment for approximately 400,000 people worldwide.
 

In terms of Sustainability Transparency, Vingroup continues to make important contributions through green transition initiatives, infrastructure development and the development of sustainable urban and living ecosystems. Alongside economic growth, the Group focuses on creating long-term value for society.
 

VinFast, the all-electric vehicle brand within the Vingroup ecosystem, has become the leading automotive brand by sales volume in Vietnam, while setting a target of delivering 300,000 cars and 1 million electric motorcycles globally in 2026. Meanwhile, Vinhomes has pioneered the development of the ESG++ urban model, adding Regeneration and Resilience to the three core ESG pillars of E – Environment, S – Social and G – Governance, thereby raising the standard for sustainable development across large-scale urban developments spanning thousands of hectares.
 

In particular, in 2025, Vingroup officially expanded into two new strategic areas: Infrastructure and Green Energy. Through VinSpeed, with the Ben Thanh – Can Gio (Ho Chi Minh City) and Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway projects now under construction, as well as energy projects developed by VinEnergo across multiple localities, Vingroup is progressively contributing to stronger regional connectivity, the expansion of economic space and the acceleration of the green transition.
 

Previously, Vingroup became the first and only Vietnamese company to qualify for and be included in the World’s Best Companies 2025 ranking. Brands across the Vingroup ecosystem have also received recognition from numerous international organizations. VinFast was previously recognized by TIME in two prestigious rankings: the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2024 and Asia-Pacific’s Best Companies of 2025. In the latter ranking, VinFast was recognized among the companies shaping the region’s position on the global economic map.
 

TIME is a leading global magazine headquartered in New York, the United States, with a history spanning 101 years. With a global presence and in-depth, independent analysis of political, economic, cultural and scientific developments, TIME has established a strong voice and influence capable of shaping public discourse. Its rankings are widely recognized for their value and credibility worldwide.

Interdisciplinary knowledge, research and innovation will be critical for engineers to address the complex challenges emerging across sectors, said Professor Arindam Ghosh, Head of the Quantum Material and Devices Group and Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. He was speaking at a seminar on “Circuits, Control, Communication and Computing”, organized by Ramaiah Institute of Technology (RIT) in collaboration with Bradley University.

Prof. Arindam Ghosh is felicitated by M. R. Sampangi Ramaiah, Honorary Director, RIT, M. R. Kodandaram, Director, RIT, and others

The seminar brought together academicians, industry experts and students to discuss the growing convergence of technology and the importance of multidisciplinary learning in preparing engineering students for the future. The discussions focused on how circuits, control, communication and computing, while traditionally viewed as distinct areas of engineering, are increasingly interconnected and playing a significant role in shaping emerging technologies.

Addressing the students, Prof. Arindam Ghosh emphasized that engineers of the future need to look beyond their individual areas of specialization and develop an understanding of multiple disciplines. He said that the rapid pace of technological advancement has created a need for professionals who can understand the connections between different fields and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

“It is extremely important for future engineers to possess interdisciplinary knowledge rather than specializing in just one field. Our students should not view technology merely as a means of securing employment, but should use it as a powerful tool to find solutions to the problems faced by society,” he said.

He pointed out that technology has the potential to address a wide range of challenges, including those related to rural development, healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection and transportation. He encouraged students to develop a problem-solving mindset and use their technical education to create solutions that can have a meaningful impact on society.

“Circuits, Control, Communication and Computing are not merely four separate technical fields. They are four important pillars that are interconnected and are shaping the technology of the future. Let us learn technology, foster research, promote innovation and use knowledge for the betterment of society,” Prof. Ghosh said.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Gnanapriya Chidambaranathan, Associate Vice-President, Infosys and Chair, IEEE Bangalore Section COM, highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary research and encouraged students to pursue research with a clear focus on addressing societal challenges.

“There is a need to encourage multidisciplinary research. Research should be conducted with the objective of finding solutions to the problems faced by society. On behalf of IEEE, we organize seminars, interviews and soft-skills training programmes for the benefit of students. These initiatives are highly beneficial to students,” she said.

The seminar also highlighted the changing nature of career opportunities for engineers. With developments in areas such as renewable energy, semiconductors and other emerging technologies, the demand for engineers with diverse technical capabilities and an understanding of sustainability is expected to grow.

M. R. Kodandaram, Director, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, said that the evolving technology landscape would create significant opportunities for engineering graduates, while also requiring them to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills.

“There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. We expect significant changes in several sectors, including renewable energy and semiconductors. As a result, employment opportunities are also expected to increase. There will be a growing need for sustainable engineers in the future, and students need to prepare themselves accordingly,” he said.

The seminar provided students with an opportunity to interact with experts and gain insights into emerging technological trends, research opportunities and the skills required to remain relevant in a rapidly changing professional environment. The emphasis on interdisciplinary learning also reinforced the importance of combining technical expertise with research, innovation, communication and problem-solving capabilities.

The programme was attended by M. R. Kodandaram, Director, RIT; M. R. Sampangi Ramaiah, Honorary Director, RIT; Prof. Arindam Ghosh, Indian Institute of Science; Smt. Gnanapriya Chidambaranathan, Associate Vice-President, Infosys and Chair, IEEE Bangalore Section COM; Dr. Karisiddappa, Education Advisor; Dr. B. Satish Babu, Principal, RIT, along with faculty members, experts and students.

The seminar reaffirmed the importance of creating an engineering education ecosystem that encourages students to think across disciplines, pursue meaningful research and apply technology towards building sustainable and innovative solutions for society.

Ramaiah Memorial Hospital today organized an Organ Donation Awareness Drive in Bengaluru, bringing together healthcare professionals, organ donors and their families, transplant recipients, patients, and members of the public in support of a shared cause, strengthening the culture of organ donation in India – “The Gift of Life”.

Dr. Madan S. Gaekwad, COO; Dr. M.R. Jayaram, Chairman, GEF(M); Shri U.T. Khader, Hon’ble Minister; and Dr. Nagendra Swamy S.C, CE, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, with the donors

The event was graced by Shri U.T. Khader, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, India.

The programme was organised in response to a widening gap between the need for organs and their availability in India. The country’s deceased organ donation rate remains below 1 donor per million population, compared to over 48 per million in Spain. While India recorded a landmark 20,138 transplants in 2025, nearly 82% relied on living donors, and more than 89,000 patients remain on transplant waiting lists as of March 2026, a number that far outpaces the availability of organs.

Through this initiative, the hospital sought to encourage more individuals and families to come forward and pledge organ donation, in order to help bridge this critical gap and give patients on the waitlist a genuine chance at life. If we can increase organ donations through brain-dead patients, the situation will definitely improve.

Living organ transplantation continues to be a well-established and life-saving treatment option in India, particularly for kidney and liver failure, where a healthy individual, often a close family member, voluntarily donates an organ or part of an organ to a patient in need. Advances in surgical technique, immunosuppression, and post-transplant care have made living donor transplants highly safe and successful, with excellent outcomes. However, experts note that living donation alone cannot bridge India’s growing organ shortage, underscoring the need for more citizens to pledge deceased organ donation, alongside greater awareness, timely identification of potential donors, and robust hospital-level coordination.

Shri U.T. Khader, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, said, “Organ donation is a gift that transcends boundaries of relation and community. The Government of Karnataka remains committed to strengthening deceased donation infrastructure across the state, and initiatives like this by Ramaiah Memorial Hospital play a vital role in encouraging more citizens to come forward and pledge their organs.”

Dr. M. R. Jayaram, Chairman, Gokula Education Foundation (Medical) & Chancellor – Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), said, “Organ donation is among the most profound expressions of human compassion. Today’s gathering reflects our collective responsibility to build public awareness and trust around deceased donation. Every family that comes forward brings us closer to closing India’s organ gap and giving more patients a genuine chance at life.”

Dr. Nagendra Swamy S. C., Chief Executive – Ramaiah Memorial Hospital & Healthcare Services, GEF (Medical), added, “Organ transplantation — whether through living or deceased donation — has evolved into one of the most reliable treatment options for end-stage organ failure. With over 89,000 patients awaiting transplants in India, the need far exceeds availability. Through today’s drive, we hope to have inspired more citizens to come forward, pledge their organs, and help us close this critical gap.”

The event reinforced the hospital’s long-standing commitment to ethical transplant practices and donor awareness in Karnataka. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital’s transplant programme spans multiple organ systems, supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to advancing safe, high-quality transplant care in the region.

About Ramaiah Memorial Hospital

Ramaiah Memorial Hospital (RMH), established in 2004, is a 500 bed, JCI-, NABH- and NABL-certified multi-disciplinary super specialty quaternary care hospital in Bengaluru, India. RMH received the Joint Commission International (JCI) Gold Seal of Approval in June 2025. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of a healthcare organization’s commitment to meeting international standards of patient care and safety, demonstrating excellence in clinical quality, patient safety, and outcomes. In June 2025, RMH was also certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) as a Comprehensive Chest Pain Center and by the American Stroke Association (ASA) as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. The recent FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy) accreditation of our Bone Marrow Unit and stem cell laboratory reflects our adherence to rigorous, peer-reviewed standards, ensuring the highest quality of patient care across the entire stem cell process—from collection and processing to administration and long-term follow-up.

With more than 22 years of service, the hospital has touched the lives of over 5 million patients and performed more than two lakh surgeries. Its transplant milestones are close to 600 renal transplants, over 50 heart transplants, more than 210 bone marrow transplants, and liver transplant services initiated in 2025.

Ramaiah Memorial Hospital is affiliated with Mount Sinai International, New York from June 2024, marking a transformative collaboration focused on elevating healthcare through excellence in clinical care, quality, research, innovation, and technology.

Our Centers of Excellence, such as the Ramaiah Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Ramaiah Institute of Oncosciences, Ramaiah Institute of Nephro-Uro Sciences, Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences, and the Ramaiah Institute of Gastro-Enteric Sciences are delivering comprehensive healthcare services under respective specialties along with other super-specialties.

RMH has received recognition from Newsweek as one of the World’s best hospitals in 2025. The ranking is based on hospital recommendations from peers, hospital quality metrics, patient experience, and PROMs implementation survey.

PayU, India’s leading diversified fintech platform, announced the launch of its Agent HQ, an AI agent store for Indian SMB merchants, where they can choose and deploy an agent for each job in commerce – from making their business discoverable to AI shopping agents and driving growth, to simplifying payment-related everyday operations and powering their own conversational AI experiences.

PayU Agent HQ enables SMB merchants to get discovered by AI shopping agents, grow sales, simplify payment-related operations & build own custom AI assistants

As AI reshapes how consumers discover and buy, businesses, especially SMB businesses, need to find ways to be relevant in this new commerce era. Industry reports suggest that about 50% of search traffic is shifting to AI agents and AI-referred shoppers converting up to three times better.⁽¹⁾ To enable these merchants with a level playing field, PayU designed its Agent HQ. This is built on more than a decade of commerce intelligence generated across a platform that powers 4.5 lakh+ merchants, 700+ million shoppers’ journey, and has processed Rs. 7,800 billion in transaction volume.

“As a merchant aggregator, PayU has been supporting merchants not just to collect payments but to grow their businesses through its value-added solutions. PayU Agent HQ builds on that foundation and expands on our value-added offerings for SMB merchants. By putting a personalized team of AI agents to work across the business – from improving discoverability and driving growth to managing chargebacks, reconciliations, refunds, settlements, etc. – we want to put control back in merchants’ hands, enabling them to focus on their growth. Agent HQ is one of our biggest bets in that direction,” said Manas Mishra, Chief Product Officer, PayU & Wibmo.

PayU Agent HQ brings together a suite of AI agents for merchants to achieve the following two outcomes, depending upon their requirements: building an AI-ready growth engine or running the business efficiently or both.

• Building an AI-ready growth engine: PayU merchants can make their products, services, and business discoverable and transactable on AI platforms like Claude and ChatGPT as well as channels such as WhatsApp through Agent HQ. Merchants also have an option to custom create their conversational AI assistants that work across their websites, apps and customer journeys, providing real-time assistance to shoppers and responding to post-purchase queries.

• Running the business efficiently: Our Agent HQ offers a suite of AI agents that merchants can choose from to automate their complex operational tasks like transactions follow-ups, chargeback reconciliations, refund escalations and settlements, etc. Furthermore, drawing on merchant transaction data, including payment success and failure patterns, chargeback histories, settlement cycles and shopper behaviour, these agents can also act as growth enabler and suggest targeted campaigns across sales, marketing, and other functions. This helps merchants manage fraud and disputes more proactively, reduce operational effort, and protect revenue.

The No-Code, Zero-Integration Flow:

Unlike standalone tools that require merchants to connect data sources, configure workflows or build integrations, PayU’s Agent HQ is a no-code AI agent storefront, already built into PayU merchant dashboard. Merchants can hire an AI agent in a few clicks; select how frequently it runs and monitor its activity through dashboard and receive outputs delivered through email and WhatsApp. No agent acts beyond the boundaries and limits defined by merchants.

Agent HQ represents PayU’s approach to building practical, outcome-oriented AI experiences for merchants across the full commerce journey- not just payments alone. Policybazaar, Daily Objects, Pinq Polka, and many more PayU merchants are already on Agent HQ, leveraging the power of AI agents to drive their commerce story.

About PayU

PayU, India’s 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 India’s 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. It’s 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.

(1) AI-referred shoppers convert better and spend more (2026) – Shopify

• 1-year extended warranty worth INR 4,999 on Modern series via offline channels

• Flexible EMI options up to 24 months via Bajaj Finserv & Pine Labs

• Special pricing across Gaming and Thin & Light laptops on Flipkart

MSI, a global leader in gaming, content creation, and business & productivity laptops, today announced its September Promotion 2026 campaign, offering customers enhanced value through extended warranty coverage, flexible financing, and special pricing across its laptop portfolio. Running from September 4th to September 24th, 2026, the campaign spans offline retail partners, including Croma and Vijay Sales, as well as Flipkart online.

MSI September Offers 2026

Commenting on the campaign, Mr. James Sung, NB Sales Director, MSI said, “Our September Promotion 2026 reflects MSI’s continued focus on making premium computing more accessible to our customers. With a free warranty extension on our Modern series, extended EMI options, and attractive pricing across our gaming and thin-and-light lineups, we aim to deliver greater value and a seamless ownership experience across our retail and online network.”

For more information on the offers: www.msi.gm/S9402F90

Offline Channel Offers
1. 1-Year Free Warranty Extension (worth INR 4,999)
Customers purchasing MSI Modern series laptops through offline channels, including Croma and Vijay Sales, will be eligible for a 1-year free warranty extension.

Flexible EMI plans are being offered to make purchases more accessible. Bajaj Finserv is providing EMI options for up to 18 months, while Pine Labs is offering extended EMI plans of up to 24 months — both valid through September 24, 2026.

Offline Special Offers

*Only Modern series is eligible for the extended warranty offer.

Online Channel Offers (Flipkart Only)
For online purchases, MSI’s September Promotion is available exclusively on Flipkart, spanning both the Gaming and Thin & Light (TNL) lineups with dedicated pricing.

Flipkart Gaming

Flipkart Thin & Light (TNL)

About MSI
MSI is a world leader in gaming, content creation and AIoT solutions. Bolstered by its cutting-edge R&D capabilities and customer-driven innovation, MSI has a wide-ranging global presence spanning over 120 countries. Its comprehensive lineup of laptops, graphics cards, monitors, motherboards, desktops, peripherals, servers, IPCs, robotic appliances, and vehicle infotainment and telematics systems are globally acclaimed. Committed to advancing user experiences through the finest product quality, intuitive user interface and design aesthetics, MSI is a leading brand that shapes the future of technology. For more product information, please go to www.msi.com.

MSI Gaming: in.msi.com
MSI Facebook: www.facebook.com/MSIGamingIndia/ www.facebook.com/MSIIndia
MSI Instagram: www.instagram.com/msigaming_india/ www.instagram.com/msi_india/?hl=en

*All rights of the technical, pictures, text and other content published in this press release are reserved. Contents are subject to changes without prior notice.

MRG Group has expanded the clubhouse at its premium residential development, MRG Crown, from the originally planned 22,000 sq. ft. to 30,000 sq. ft., marking an enhancement of 8,000 sq. ft. to the project’s lifestyle and community infrastructure. The expanded clubhouse has been named Club Jewel.
 

MRG Group Expands MRG Crown Clubhouse to 30,000 Sq. Ft., Launches Club Jewel
 

The expansion reflects MRG Group’s focus on strengthening the lifestyle proposition of its residential developments and responding to the evolving expectations of homebuyers, who are increasingly seeking integrated communities with wellness, recreation, leisure and social amenities.
 

Club Jewel has been envisioned as the social and lifestyle hub of MRG Crown, bringing together spaces focused on wellness, premium experiences, leisure and recreation. The expanded footprint provides additional scope for curated amenities and common spaces designed to cater to residents across age groups and encourage greater interaction within the community.
 

Conceptualised with a contemporary design approach by renowned architect Anil Badan, Club Jewel combines modern architectural elements with functional spaces. The clubhouse is designed to provide residents with opportunities to pursue wellness and recreation, spend leisure time with family and friends, and engage with the wider community.
 

Speaking about the expansion, Rajjath Goel, Managing Director, MRG Group, said, “At MRG, we believe the value of a residential development extends well beyond the four walls of a home. Today’s homebuyers are increasingly looking for integrated communities that offer wellness, recreation, leisure and meaningful social experiences. The expansion of Club Jewel from 22,000 sq. ft. to 30,000 sq. ft. reflects our commitment to responding to these evolving expectations and continually enhancing the overall living experience. This additional space allows us to create a more comprehensive lifestyle offering at MRG Crown, while reinforcing our focus on delivering long-term value to our customers.”
 

The expanded Club Jewel is expected to add a new dimension to the overall living experience at MRG Crown, with a greater emphasis on community engagement and lifestyle-led amenities.
 

The development of larger and more experience-oriented clubhouses also reflects the broader shift in residential real estate, where common amenities and community infrastructure are becoming an increasingly important part of the homebuying proposition. Developers are placing greater emphasis on creating spaces that support wellness, recreation, social interaction and leisure alongside residential living.
 

With its expanded 30,000 sq. ft. footprint, Club Jewel is positioned to serve as an integral part of the MRG Crown community, offering residents a dedicated environment for recreation, relaxation, wellness and social engagement.

Borecha, the functional beverages arm of Latambarcem Brewers, has expanded its Bun-Taa! range with the launch of Bun-Taa! Orange Pop, a modern take on one of India’s most nostalgic soft drink flavours. Inspired by the orange sodas that defined generations of Indian childhoods, the new beverage combines a familiar flavour with a contemporary functional formulation featuring zero sugar, probiotics and botanicals traditionally associated with digestive wellness.

Buntaa Orange Pop Press Note

For a generation that grew up enjoying bright orange sodas at family gatherings, roadside stalls and neighbourhood stores, the flavour evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. Bun-Taa! Orange Pop recreates that experience for today’s consumers who are increasingly looking for beverages that balance taste with mindful choices.

Commenting on the launch, Ishan Varshnei, Co-Founder and CEO, Latambarcem Brewers, said, “Orange soda is a flavour many of us grew up with, and we wanted to bring back that familiar experience in a way that reflects how consumers eat and drink today. Bun-Taa! Orange Pop is our take on a nostalgic favourite, reimagined for people looking for better-for-you choices without compromising on taste.”

Gautam Swaroop, Chief Business Officer – Instamart said, “Our recent trends have shown us that while consumers still love familiar Indian flavours, they’re also becoming more curious about trying them in new formats, especially when there’s a wellness or functional element to them. Bun-Taa! Orange Pop brings that idea to a flavour many of us grew up with, pairing the nostalgia of orange soda with a contemporary, functional twist. We’re happy to give consumers a chance to rediscover a familiar favourite in a whole new way.”

Each 250ml can contains Bacillus coagulans (17654) with over 2 billion CFU of live probiotics, along with Borecha’s proprietary Gut Culture blend comprising Indian Gooseberry (Amla), Licorice Root, Bibhitaki and Haritaki, ingredients traditionally known to support digestion and gut health. The beverage contains zero sugar, achieved through a blend of stevia (INS 960) and sucralose (INS 955), and is made without artificial flavours or preservatives. It is vegan, gluten-free and priced at INR 49 per can.

Orange Pop joins the existing Bun-Taa! portfolio of Masala Cola, Basil Shikanji and Basil Soda Shikanji, further strengthening the brand’s range of functional beverages inspired by India’s vintage soda culture. Through the portfolio, Borecha aims to create refreshing alternatives that celebrate familiar Indian flavours while aligning with evolving consumer preferences.

Bun-Taa! Orange Pop is now available on quick commerce platforms including Instamart across Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, supported by a digital-first campaign celebrating the return of one of India’s most-loved soft drink flavours in a modern format.

About Bun-Taa!
Bun-Taa! is Borecha’s better-for-you vintage beverage range, created to reinvent India’s favourite refreshment experiences with thoughtful ingredients and modern formulations. Through flavours inspired by familiar Indian tastes, Bun-Taa! brings together enjoyment, innovation and mindful consumption. All variants are zero sugar, vegan and gluten-free.

About Borecha
Established in 2019, Borecha is a functional beverage brand specialising in low-sugar probiotic kombucha, sparkling iced teas and better-for-you vintage sodas. A brand by Goa-based Latambarcem Brewers, Borecha is available across 6,000+ offline locations including Akasa Air, Air India Express, Taj, Grand Hyatt and ITC, as well as leading quick-commerce and e-commerce platforms. www.borecha.com.

The festive season in India is often marked by a shift in mood – from a period of remembrance and reflection to one of celebration, devotion and new beginnings. In 2026, this transition will once again be seen as Pitru Paksha gives way to Sharad Navratri, bringing two spiritually significant periods close together.

From Pitru Paksha to Navratri 2026: What Astrology Says

According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha 2026 will begin on September 26 and conclude with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, while Sharad Navratri will begin on October 11 and continue through October 19, followed by Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 20.

For many Vedic astrology followers, the transition between these periods is more than a change in the festival calendar. It represents a movement from remembrance and ancestral observances towards devotion, Shakti and renewal.

Pitru Paksha: A Period for Remembrance and Reflection

Pitru Paksha is traditionally associated with remembering and paying respects to departed ancestors. Families perform rituals such as Shraddha and Tarpan during this period as a way of expressing gratitude and honouring their lineage.

From an astrological perspective, this period is often viewed as a time for introspection. Astrologers may encourage people to slow down, reflect on family traditions and focus on completing ancestral rituals with sincerity rather than treating the period simply as another part of the festive calendar.

The 2026 Pitru Paksha period will culminate on October 10 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which is considered an important day for ancestral observances.

“Pitru Paksha is traditionally seen as a period of remembrance and gratitude. It gives people an opportunity to pause, reconnect with their roots and approach spiritual practices with greater mindfulness,” explains expert astrologers at Neo Astro.

The Transition from Pitru Paksha to Navratri

The end of Pitru Paksha is followed closely by the beginning of Sharad Navratri. In 2026, Navratri begins on October 11, immediately following Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

This close transition has particular significance within Hindu spiritual traditions. While Pitru Paksha is associated with ancestors and remembrance, Navratri is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is traditionally observed through prayer, fasting, meditation and other forms of devotion.

Astrologers often describe this as a natural shift in spiritual focus – from looking towards one’s lineage and past to seeking strength, clarity and renewal for the period ahead.

For devotees, Navratri can therefore become a time to establish new intentions, strengthen spiritual discipline and reflect on personal goals.

What Makes Sharad Navratri Astrologically Significant?

Sharad Navratri is regarded as one of the most important Navratri celebrations of the year. Each of its nine days is traditionally dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, with devotees following different forms of worship and observance.

From an astrological viewpoint, the festival is often associated with qualities such as inner strength, discipline, courage and transformation. The nine-day period also provides an opportunity for people to adopt a more consistent spiritual routine.

Neo Astro astrologers suggest that people who observe Navratri can use the period for practices that encourage reflection and discipline, whether through meditation, mantra chanting, prayer, or simply setting aside dedicated time for spiritual activities.

Why the Period Can Be a Time for Spiritual Reset

The transition from Pitru Paksha to Navratri also reflects a broader rhythm found in Indian spiritual traditions: first looking inward, then moving forward.

Pitru Paksha encourages remembrance of one’s roots and ancestors, while Navratri shifts the focus towards Shakti, devotion and renewal. For many people, the period can serve as a natural opportunity to reassess personal priorities before entering the festive season.

Astrologers also point out that spiritual practices need not be complicated. Maintaining a regular prayer routine, chanting a suitable mantra, observing a fast according to one’s personal and family traditions, or simply spending a few quiet minutes in reflection can become part of a meaningful routine.

Personalized Astrology Can Add Another Layer

While festival traditions provide a common spiritual framework, Vedic astrology also places importance on an individual’s birth chart. Two people may observe the same festival but have very different planetary placements, Dashas and astrological circumstances.

This is where personalized astrological guidance can offer a different perspective. Rather than relying only on generalized zodiac predictions, an astrologer can study an individual’s Kundli and provide guidance based on their specific planetary positions and life circumstances.

Neo Astro astrology app offers free consultations with experienced astrologers and follows this personalized approach. The platform combines Vedic astrology with modern digital access, allowing users to seek guidance based on their birth details, Kundli and individual concerns.

A Season of Reflection, Devotion and New Beginnings

The period from Pitru Paksha to Navratri is an important transition in the Hindu calendar. In 2026, the two observances will follow one another closely, with Pitru Paksha ending on October 10 and Sharad Navratri beginning on October 11.

For astrologers and devotees alike, this period offers an opportunity to pause, reflect on one’s roots and then move towards a new phase with renewed intention.

As families prepare for Navratri celebrations after the period of Pitru Paksha, the focus gradually shifts from remembrance to devotion and from reflection to renewal. For those who follow Vedic astrology, it can also be an appropriate time to understand one’s individual birth chart and seek guidance that is relevant to their personal spiritual journey.

Neo Astro aims to make such astrological guidance more accessible by connecting users with experienced astrologers and personalized Vedic astrology services, helping them approach important periods of the year with greater awareness and clarity.