Threads and Craft, the homegrown label founded by Lakshmi K, is set to present Ananta Kriti, its grandest showcase till date, from August 26-28 at Aga Khan Hall, New Delhi. Conceived as a celebration of handcrafted textiles, thoughtful design and India’s enduring weaving traditions, the three-day event brings together clothing, accessories and handcrafted products under one roof.
 

Beyond being just another holiday shopping destination, Ananta Kriti has built a platform that tries to bring together artisans and buyers through narratives about craft, fabric and design. This first edition has been organised keeping in mind Raksha Bandhan, allowing attendees to explore the fashion and festive items created by Indian labels and designers.

Ananta Kriti’s range will feature ethnic and contemporary womenswear, children’s wear, handloom sarees, Indo-Western designs, unstitched and semi-stitched wear made from fabrics like cotton, cotton-silk, ikat, kalamkari and hand block prints.

True to the philosophy of the label, much of the fabric used has been directly sourced from weaving clusters of India, in alignment with Lakshmi’s passion for natural and regional textiles and crafts.

“Ananta Kriti was envisioned as a platform where one would find the story of the products that have been created with love and care. For me, every textile has a story, every creation tells you about its maker. The intention was to take the idea of Ananta Kriti to various cities and create a platform that would bring together artisans and connoisseurs of their creations,” says Lakshmi K, Founder, Threads and Craft.

Ananta Kriti’s Delhi-based event is the first of an ongoing series that will visit various Indian cities in the future to provide the artisans and the hand-crafted business a platform to exhibit their work.
 

The show will be open to visitors from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm and will showcase a specially curated selection of clothing, jewellery, accessories, and other handcrafted items from participating labels.
 

Event Details

• Event: Ananta Kriti by Threads and Craft

• Dates: 26-28 August

• Venue: Aga Khan Hall, New Delhi

• Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

• Entry: Free
  ​

For more information, please contact – 9217391347

The company behind McVitie’s, GODIVA and Ulker has pledged to double the volume of products it sells with lower levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat, and higher levels of nutrients such as fibre and protein, by 2030.

pladis sets 2030 target to double sales of products with a better nutritional balance

Snacking giant, pladis, said it would achieve the target by improving existing recipes without compromising taste, launching new products and expanding successful ranges into more markets.

The move comes as consumers increasingly seek snacks that fit their lifestyle and wellbeing goals without sacrificing taste and enjoyment. pladis believes the move will provide greater choice across its portfolio in response to those changing expectations.

Dr Jennifer Moss, Chief R&D Officer at pladis, said, “People don’t buy biscuits and chocolate because they’re looking for a lecture on nutrition – they buy them because they enjoy them. Great taste will always come first.

What is changing is that consumers increasingly want more choice. They want products that fit their lifestyles and wellbeing goals, but they still expect the same great taste.

We believe the brands that succeed in the future will be the ones that can deliver both. That’s why we’re committed to giving consumers more options while continuing to provide the enjoyment that has always been at the heart of our brands.”

To support the target, pladis has developed a new global nutrition framework that will guide how products are developed, reformulated and marketed across its portfolio.

Built by the company’s scientists, the framework draws on internationally recognised nutrition systems, including France’s Nutri-Score, Australia’s Health Star Rating and the UK’s Nutrient Profile Model (HFSS).

The framework is applied across all pladis products and takes a balanced view of nutrition. It assesses both nutrients consumers are encouraged to have more of, such as fibre and protein, and nutrients many are looking to reduce, including salt, sugar and saturated fat.

Today, products identified by the framework as offering a better nutritional balance account for around 10 per cent of pladis’ sales volume. The company has set an ambition to double that volume by 2030.

This move comes on the back of long-standing work by pladis to evolve its portfolio. The company has already removed 676 tonnes of sugar from recipes in the UK – the equivalent of around 169 million teaspoons. In the Netherlands, it has revamped its Sultana fruit biscuits by reducing sugar and salt and increasing fibre. Reformulation efforts over the past decade have also seen Ulker remove 549 tonnes of fat from its products alongside reducing sugar and salt.

This pledge forms part of Happy People, Happy Planet, pladis’ newly launched global sustainability strategy.

pladis employs around 16,000 people and sells products in more than 110 countries.

For any press queries, please contact the pladis press office on 44 151 230 4899 / press.office@pladisglobal.com

Notes to editors:

• All targets based on a 2023 data baseline.

• Teaspoons of sugar calculation based on 4g in each teaspoon.

A healthy credit profile plays an important role in an individual’s financial journey. It reflects how responsibly credit has been managed over time and may influence eligibility for various credit products, subject to the lender’s criteria. Regularly reviewing a credit profile helps individuals understand their financial standing, identify potential issues and take timely corrective action.

5 Credit Profile Checks That Can Improve Financial Health

One of the easiest ways to assess overall credit health is by checking the Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report, which brings together key details such as an individual’s credit score, repayment history, credit utilisation, credit age and other credit-related information. Reviewing these insights regularly can help users monitor their credit health and work towards building a stronger credit profile.

Why maintaining a healthy credit profile matters

A credit profile provides an overview of an individual’s borrowing and repayment behaviour. Lenders may consider this information, along with other eligibility criteria, when evaluating applications for loans, credit cards and other credit products.

A typical credit profile includes information such as:

• Credit score

• Repayment history

• Existing loans

• Credit card usage

• Credit enquiries

• Credit age

Monitoring these factors regularly helps individuals understand their credit health, identify areas that need attention and adopt better financial habits over time.

1. Monitor your credit score regularly

Knowing the current credit score is an important first step towards maintaining a healthy credit profile.

In India, credit scores generally range from 300 to 900, with higher scores typically reflecting stronger credit health. While lenders have their own eligibility criteria, maintaining a healthy credit score may improve eligibility for credit, along with factors such as income, repayment capacity and internal lending policies.

Individuals aiming for a good credit score in India should focus on responsible borrowing habits rather than quick fixes. Regularly checking the credit report allows users to monitor their credit score without affecting it and understand the factors that contribute to their overall credit health.

2. Stay consistent with repayments

Repayment history is one of the key factors that contributes to a healthy credit profile.

Missing EMIs or delaying credit card payments may negatively affect the credit score. Even after overdue amounts are cleared, repayment behaviour continues to remain part of an individual’s credit history.

Simple habits that support timely repayments include:

• Setting up auto-debit instructions

• Paying EMIs before the due date

• Clearing at least the total amount due on credit cards

• Avoiding repeated late payments

Consistently making payments on time demonstrates responsible credit management and contributes to stronger credit health over time.

3. Keep credit utilisation under control

Credit utilisation refers to the percentage of the available credit limit that is currently being used.

Consistently high credit utilisation may indicate greater reliance on available credit and could influence a lender’s assessment. Reducing outstanding balances and maintaining moderate credit utilisation can strengthen the overall credit profile.

4. Be selective when applying for new credit

Applying for several loans or credit cards within a short period can result in multiple hard enquiries.

While a single enquiry is generally not a concern, frequent credit applications over a short period may indicate a higher need for credit and could influence a lender’s assessment.

To maintain a healthy credit profile, individuals should:

• Apply for credit only when required

• Avoid submitting multiple applications simultaneously

• Compare available credit options before applying

Being selective about new credit applications helps maintain a healthier credit profile over time.

5. Review your credit report for inaccuracies

A credit report may occasionally contain inaccuracies that should be reviewed and corrected promptly.

Reviewing the credit report regularly helps individuals identify discrepancies and initiate corrections wherever necessary.

How to check your credit score online

Checking a credit score online is quick and convenient with Bajaj Finance. Individuals can access their credit information by following these simple steps.

Step 1: Visit the Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report page
Go to the official Bajaj Finance website and open the Bajaj Finance Credit Pulse Report page. Select the option to check the credit score.

Step 2: Verify the registered mobile number
Enter the registered mobile number and complete OTP verification.

Step 3: Enter the required details
Provide details such as name, PAN, date of birth, email address, mobile number and PIN code.

Step 4: Access the credit score
Once the verification is complete, the available credit score is displayed on the screen.

Step 5: Review the detailed credit report
Review the report to understand repayment history, active credit accounts, recent enquiries and other credit-related information. The report can also be downloaded for future reference.

Tips to maintain a healthy credit profile

Good financial habits that support long-term credit health include:

• Pay every EMI and credit card bill on time.

• Keep credit utilisation under control.

• Apply for new credit only when necessary.

• Maintain older credit accounts, wherever possible.

• Monitor the credit report periodically.

• Resolve report discrepancies promptly.

Building a stronger credit profile

Building and maintaining a healthy credit profile is an ongoing process rather than a one-time exercise. Regularly reviewing credit information, making timely repayments and using credit responsibly can help individuals stay financially prepared for future borrowing needs.

The credit report offers valuable insights into credit score, repayment history, credit utilisation, credit age and other important aspects of credit health. By monitoring these factors consistently, individuals can work towards achieving a good credit score and make more informed financial decisions.

*Terms and conditions apply.

About Bajaj Finance Limited

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

Most people believe they use water only a handful of times each day. The reality is that water is woven into almost every moment of our lives, from the first glass in the morning and preparing meals to cleaning homes and winding down at night. While we notice water, we rarely pause to recognize the silent enablers that deliver it seamlessly to us. This Rath Yatra, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. has turned this insight into a culturally resonant activation across Puri and the Bhubaneswar–Puri corridor.
 

At Rath Yatra, Crompton’s activation turned everyday trust in water into a powerful on-ground experience

For generations, Rath Yatra has symbolised an enduring journey of faith and trust. Crompton Pumps drew a deliberate parallel between the trust devotees place in this tradition and the everyday trust consumers place in water-delivery technology. The campaign was designed not only to be visible during the festival but to convert an abstract brand claim into immediate, sensory proof that Crompton’s performance was reliable day after day. Positioning the brand against a festival built on continuity created a culturally credible context for this message and elevated its emotional resonance.
 

To bring the idea to life, Crompton has deployed multiple experiential touchpoints that delivered both utility and a tangible demonstration of performance. Two sprinkler arch gates created a cooling, mist-like welcome powered by Crompton pumps, a direct sensory demonstration of the product’s reliability. Branded handwash hygiene pods provided instant, hygienic relief for arriving devotees, marrying practical utility with brand messaging at moments of need. A fleet of 12 buses running the Bhubaneswar–Puri route extended the campaign’s reach, putting the Crompton message into the view of travelers throughout their journey.
 

On-ground engagement was crafted to provoke reflection and capture authentic consumer responses. Anchors asked devotees a simple, resonant question: “Ek din mein, aap paani kitni baar use karte hai?”, encouraging people to tally the many water moments that punctuate a day.
 

The effort was amplified through regional media integrations with leading channels such as OTV and Kanak News, as well as an AI film on Crompton’s social platforms under the thought, “Rath Yatra ki tarah bharosa ka safar bhi har din.” The integrated approach combining sensory proof, functional utility and culturally aligned storytelling was deliberately designed to deliver both emotional salience and functional credibility.
 

More than a festival activation, this campaign celebrated the unseen role Crompton Pumps have played in consumers’ lives for generations. It reframed trusted performance as a promise that mattered every day, not only during life’s big moments but in the ordinary, repeated acts that make up daily life. Commenting on the initiative, Tanmay Prusty, CMO, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., said, “Rath Yatra is a tradition of quiet, unshakable faith passed down through generations. Built on that same trust, Crompton Pumps delivers steady, dependable flow to every home, every day, making reliability part of everyday life. It’s a promise everyone can count on, not only during life’s big moments but in the ordinary routines that bind us. Just as the chariot keeps moving, so must your water. Crompton Pumps. Trusted Performance. Har Din.”
 

Link to the video: Crompton Pumps | Rath Yatra
 

About Crompton
With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers. Beyond its consumer portfolio, Crompton also has a robust B2B presence in the Lighting segment, delivering advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, Crompton became the first lighting company to receive the GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Strengthening its foothold in the renewable energy space, the company has forayed into solar rooftops—representing a significant step forward in its contribution to India’s evolving clean energy landscape. With solar solutions spanning lighting, pumps, and rooftops, Crompton continues to lead as a responsible and future-ready brand in sustainable energy.

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

There comes a moment when an industry no longer needs another product it needs a new perspective.

Today marks that moment with the arrival of Hyeglo Beauty, a premium beauty brand built on one defining promise: Better Makeup, Built for Skin. Created for today’s ingredient-conscious consumer, Hyeglo is reimagining makeup through skincare-first formulations that care for the skin as beautifully as they enhance it.

Kanupriya Ahluwalia, Founder of Hyeglobeauty

At its core is a simple philosophy: Better makeup, Built for Skin.

Not beauty that follows trends. Beauty that follows intention.

Founded by Kanupriya Ahluwalia, whose decade-long journey across India’s beauty industry has shaped some of the country’s most celebrated beauty brands, Hyeglo is the culmination of years spent understanding the modern consumer one who no longer separates skincare from makeup, efficacy from elegance, or  premium from purpose. With an MBA in  premium Brand Management and a career dedicated to building beauty brands from the ground up, Ahluwalia envisioned a beauty house that reflects the intelligence of today’s woman.

“Beauty has evolved. Women understand ingredients, they understand formulations, and they expect more from the products they choose. Hyeglo was created for this generation, one that values intention as much as aesthetics. We don’t believe makeup should simply sit on the skin; we believe it should work in harmony with it. That philosophy became Beauty with Brains,” Kanupriya Ahluwalia, Founder & CEO, Hyeglo Beauty.

The world of Hyeglo is built around a deliberate duality.

Its signature pink reflects confidence, individuality and the quiet joy of self-expression. Silver represents precision, innovation and the scientific discipline behind every formulation. Together, they express the essence of the brand, a meeting point between emotion and intelligence, glamour and efficacy,  premium and credibility. Every detail, from product architecture to packaging, has been considered through this lens.

Nothing at Hyeglo exists without purpose.

Every formulation begins with research. Every ingredient is selected with intention. Every launch is introduced only when it contributes something meaningful to the evolving beauty conversation. Rather than following the cadence of trend-driven beauty, Hyeglo embraces restraint, creating products designed to become permanent fixtures in a woman’s routine rather than fleeting moments in her collection. Innovation is not treated as novelty, but as responsibility.

The brand arrives as beauty enters a new era, one defined by informed consumers, ingredient transparency and the convergence of skincare and makeup. Hyeglo responds to this shift with formulations that are clinically informed, sensorially refined and uncompromising in performance, offering a vision of  premiumness that is both intelligent and deeply considered.

That philosophy has already found early recognition. Within weeks of launch, Hyeglo’s Skin Tint received the Most Innovative Product of the Year award, while strong organic repeat purchases reflected a growing appetite for a more thoughtful approach to beauty.

Looking ahead, Hyeglo Beauty envisions becoming an Indian  premium house with global resonance, one that quietly reshapes expectations of modern makeup through craftsmanship, science and uncompromising quality. The ambition is not simply to build products, but to create a lasting beauty institution defined by purpose, precision and enduring design.

About Hyeglo Beauty
Hyeglo Beauty is India’s first intelligent  premium beauty house. Founded by Kanupriya Ahluwalia, the brand is built on the philosophy of Better makeup, Built for Skin and Beauty with Brains creating skincare-informed makeup through clinically driven formulations, thoughtful innovation and elevated design. Every product is intentionally crafted to unite performance, sensorial  premium and modern simplicity, establishing a new language for beauty that is intelligent, purposeful and enduring.

Mobile entertainment in India has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last few years. While streaming platforms and social media continue to attract millions of users, another category is quietly changing the way Indians spend their leisure time, social gaming.

How Social Gaming Is Redefining Mobile Entertainment in India

Unlike traditional mobile games that focused primarily on individual gameplay, social gaming combines entertainment with real-time interaction. Whether it’s competing against friends, challenging family members, or joining multiplayer matches with players across the country, gaming has become a shared experience rather than a solitary one.

This shift is redefining what mobile entertainment means for Indian users.

The Rise of Social Gaming
India is one of the world’s largest mobile gaming markets, with over 8.45 billion game downloads recorded during FY 2024-25, according to the Sensor Tower. As smartphone adoption continues to grow and internet access becomes more widespread, users are increasingly looking for experiences that go beyond passive entertainment.

For many, simply watching videos or scrolling through social media is no longer enough. Today’s users want to participate, compete, communicate, and connect. Social gaming delivers exactly that by bringing together elements of entertainment, interaction, and friendly competition.

Unlike conventional games where players compete against AI or play alone, social gaming encourages real-time multiplayer experiences that make every session more engaging and dynamic.

From Solo Play to Shared Experiences
One of the biggest reasons behind the popularity of social gaming is its ability to recreate the feeling of playing together, regardless of physical distance.

Games like Ludo, Carrom, and Snakes & Ladders have long been a part of Indian households. Today, these familiar board games have found a new life on smartphones, allowing friends and families to continue enjoying them even when they are in different cities.

Features such as play with friends, multiplayer matching, and instant rematches have transformed gaming into a social activity rather than just another mobile app.

Instead of simply playing to pass the time, users are creating shared moments, celebrating victories, and staying connected through gameplay.

Why Indian Players Are Choosing Social Gaming
Several factors are contributing to the growing popularity of social gaming in India.

• Players today prefer experiences that are:

• Free to play

• Quick and easy to start

• Accessible from anywhere

• Multiplayer by design

• Built around friendly competition

• Interactive and community-driven

These preferences align with changing lifestyles where users often look for short entertainment breaks during the day instead of spending hours on a single activity.

Social gaming offers the flexibility to play a quick match during a commute, challenge friends over the weekend, or simply unwind after work without requiring a long time commitment.

How Platforms Are Responding
As player expectations continue to evolve, gaming platforms are introducing features that place social interaction at the center of the experience.

Platforms are moving beyond simply offering games and are instead building communities where players can compete, interact, and return regularly because of the people they play with – not just the game itself.

One example is Zupee, which has expanded its focus on free-to-play, skill-based gaming experiences that encourage social interaction through multiplayer gameplay and play with friends features. By allowing users to connect with friends, participate in real-time matches, and enjoy quick gaming sessions, the platform reflects the broader direction in which India’s mobile gaming ecosystem is evolving.

The platform has also built one of the country’s largest gaming communities, with over 100 million users, and is currently ranked among the Top Free Board Games on the Google Play Store, highlighting the growing demand for social gaming experiences.

More Than Just Playing Games
The appeal of social gaming extends beyond entertainment.

For many users, it has become a way to stay connected with friends and family, particularly when physical gatherings are not possible. Friendly competition, shared achievements, and regular interactions create a sense of community that traditional single-player games often cannot provide.

This evolution mirrors broader changes in digital entertainment, where users increasingly prefer interactive experiences over passive consumption.

As a result, social gaming is becoming an important part of India’s digital lifestyle, sitting alongside streaming platforms, messaging apps, and social networks.

Looking Ahead
India’s gaming industry is expected to continue growing as smartphones become more powerful and internet connectivity reaches even more users across the country. At the same time, player expectations are also evolving.

The future of mobile gaming is unlikely to be defined solely by better graphics or larger game libraries. Instead, success will increasingly depend on creating experiences that bring people together.

As platforms continue to invest in multiplayer gameplay, community-driven features, and free-to-play experiences, social gaming is well positioned to become one of the defining forms of digital entertainment in India.

For apps like Zupee, this represents more than a product evolution, it reflects a broader shift in how millions of Indians choose to play, connect, and spend their time online.

The BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) celebrated its 14th Foundation Day in New Delhi, marking fourteen years of advancing international trade, investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, policy dialogue, and people-to-people cooperation across BRICS and BRICS+ nations.

BRICS CCI celebrated its14th Foundation Day

The celebration was graced by Shri Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, Former Cabinet Minister and National Executive Member, BJP India, as the Chief Guest, and Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, former Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture, as the Guest of Honour.

The event was attended by H.E. Xu Feihong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China; H.E. Dr. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa; H.E. Nebiyu Tedla Negash, Ambassador of Ethiopia; H.E. Mikhail Kasko, Ambassador of Belarus; along with diplomats from BRICS and BRICS+ nations, senior bureaucrats, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, academia, and strategic partners.

A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Foundation of a Multipolar World, authored by Dr. BBL Madhukar, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, BRICS CCI, and Dr. Sreekutty Mohandas, presenting a vision for an inclusive and balanced multipolar world.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. BBL Madhukar, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, BRICS CCI, said: “Fourteen years ago, BRICS CCI was founded on the belief that cooperation is the foundation of global prosperity. As the world embraces a multipolar future, we remain committed to building bridges of trust, collaboration, and shared growth.”

Mr. Sameep Shastri, Chairman, BRICS CCI, stated: “BRICS CCI has grown into a trusted platform connecting governments, businesses, and institutions across borders. We will continue creating opportunities that strengthen trade, innovation, and strategic partnerships across the BRICS ecosystem.”

Ms. Shabana Nasim, Vice Chairperson, BRICS CCI, said: “Inclusive growth is possible only when women, entrepreneurs, youth, and businesses work together across borders. BRICS CCI remains committed to creating platforms that empower diverse voices and foster meaningful global partnerships.”

Mr. Atul Banshal, Vice Chairperson, BRICS CCI, remarked: “In an increasingly interconnected world, collaboration is the key to sustainable economic growth. BRICS CCI will continue facilitating trusted partnerships that create new opportunities for businesses across BRICS and BRICS+ nations.”

Mr. Prann Sharma, Director General, BRICS CCI, added: “Our focus is on transforming dialogue into action through impactful programmes, strategic partnerships, and practical initiatives that deliver value for businesses and institutions across the BRICS community.”

The Chamber also presented its Annual Awards and Recognition Honours to distinguished members, diplomatic missions, institutional partners, business leaders, and organisations for their contributions to global trade, innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation. Cultural performances by artists from China, Russia, Indonesia, and India celebrated the diversity and people-to-people ties within BRICS.

Over the past fourteen years, BRICS CCI has emerged as one of India’s leading international business institutions, fostering collaboration between governments and industry while promoting trade, investment, innovation, sustainability, youth engagement, and women’s leadership. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to advancing stronger partnerships, inclusive growth, and a more equitable multipolar world.

About BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Established in 2012, the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) is a leading not-for-profit business chamber dedicated to promoting trade, investment, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development among BRICS and BRICS+ nations. Through its global network of governments, diplomatic missions, businesses, academia, and civil society, BRICS CCI continues to strengthen international economic cooperation and build lasting partnerships for shared prosperity.

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water company, partners with Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) as its Official Hydration Partner. As part of the second year of the association, Bisleri will support the league’s hydration requirements while strengthening its brand presence across one of India’s premier table tennis platforms.

Bisleri International Partners with Ultimate Table Tennis as Official Hydration Partner for the Second Year

Through this association, the brand aims to enhance fan engagement and visibility with an integrated presence across on-ground and media platforms. The partnership will feature prominent branding across LED boards & perimeter boards, showcasing brand film, television commercials, exclusive campaign shoots, visi coolers, iceboxes, and a robust digital campaign with amplification of videos across digital platforms, ensuring extensive engagement with audiences throughout the tournament.

Commenting on the association, Tushar Malhotra, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International, said,“We’re proud to partner with Ultimate Table Tennis as its Official Hydration Partner. The league has played a key role in growing table tennis in India, and we’re excited to support its journey. By helping athletes stay hydrated and connecting with fans, this partnership reflects our commitment to Indian sport and the role hydration plays in performance.”

Commenting on the partnership, Vita Dani, Chairperson Ultimate Table Tennis said, “We are pleased to welcome Bisleri International as the Official Hydration Partner of Ultimate Table Tennis. As a brand synonymous with trust and quality, Bisleri’s association aligns with our commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience for players and fans alike. We look forward to working together over the next three years to elevate the league through impactful fan engagement and integrated brand experiences.“

The partnership begins with Season 7 of Ultimate Table Tennis, taking place from July 9 to July 26, 2026, at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa. The long-term association reflects Bisleri’s continued commitment to supporting Indian sport, promoting athlete wellness, and strengthening its presence across one of the country’s premier table tennis leagues.

Link: www.instagram.com/reel/DbS5LF6zovc/?igsh=MWNkOWV6cTh0Mm9hMA==

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.

• English-Language Cast Stars Jonathan Bailey, Ella Purnell, Louis Partridge, Aimee Lou Wood, David Jonsson, Lesley Manville and Maggie Gyllenhaal

• Omar Sy, Riccardo Scamarcio, Matthias Schweighöfer and More to Lead International Adaptations

• The Mind-Bending Psychological Thriller Premieres October 1, 2026

Audible, a leading provider of spoken-word entertainment, today announced its forthcoming adaptation of Dracula – an Audible Original that reimagines Bram Stoker’s chilling psychological thriller as an immersive, full-cast audio experience. Releasing across the globe, Dracula will be adapted for English, Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian, LATAM Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, with each version featuring all-star local casts.

Jonathan Bailey records his role as Dracula for Audible’s all-star adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic, premiering October 1

The English-language production stars Jonathan Bailey (Wicked) as Dracula, Ella Purnell (Fallout) as Mina, Aimee Lou Wood (The White Lotus) as Lucy, Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes) as Jonathan, David Jonsson (Industry) as Dr Seward, Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) as Mrs Westenra, Johnny Flynn (Ripley) as Renfield, Francis Lovehall (A Thousand Blows) as Arthur and Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight) as Professor Van Helsing.

Leading the international language casts as Dracula and Mina respectively are Omar Sy and Deva Cassel (French); Riccardo Scamarcio and Benedetta Porcaroli (Italian); Matthias Schweighöfer and Jeanne Goursaud (German); Asier Etxeandía and Claudia Salas (Castilian Spanish); and José María de Tavira and Esmeralda Pimentel (LATAM Spanish). Each production features a full ensemble cast.

When her fiancé vanishes in Transylvania, Mina Murray pieces together fragments of letters, diary entries and chilling testimony to hunt the predator stalking those she loves, only to discover he’s already hunting her. When Mina’s closest friend Lucy succumbs to his thrall, the enigmatic Professor Van Helsing is summoned to wage war on this unfathomable threat. But it is Mina, with her intellect, her resolve, her gift for drawing unseen lines between clues, who may hold the key to stopping this ancient predator—if he hasn’t already found his way inside her mind.

Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Audible Content, International, said, “This is what Audible does best,crafting immersive audio experiences that transport listeners into the heart of the story. When Dracula whispers in your ear, when you hear his footsteps in the dark but see no reflection, that’s when you understand why we’re the home for this story. Our production elevates the psychological thriller at Dracula’s core, with the battle between Mina and Dracula as the heart of it all.”

She continued, “We’ve assembled world-class casts across seven languages, from Jonathan Bailey and Ella Purnell to Omar Sy, Riccardo Scamarcio and Matthias Schweighöfer, exceptional international talent delivering a truly global Dracula. With director Mary Lambert at the helm and a haunting score by Ilan Eshkeri, we’re bringing this ambitious production to life just in time for Halloween.”

Award-winning director Mary Lambert, known for the cult horror classic Pet Sematary, makes her audiobook directing debut with this production. Adapted by up-and-coming writer Robyn Ahern, recipient of the Bisha K. Ali Screenwriters Fellowship, for her first lead credit and underpinned by an original score by Ilan Eshkeri (Audible’s 1984, House of Guinness) alongside a fully immersive soundscape, Audible’s Dracula invites you to welcome literature’s most shadowy figure into your home. Feel the terror of being hunted. And experience the thrill of the hunt.

Audible’s Dracula launches only on Audible on:

• October 1, 2026: English, French, Italian, Castilian Spanish, LATAM Spanish

• February 9, 2027: German

• 2027 (date and cast to be announced): Brazilian Portuguese

Dracula joins a host of critically acclaimed Audible Original adaptations including Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and George Orwell’s 1984.

Available now to pre-order on Audible at www.audible.co.uk Audible membership may be required.

About Audible

Audible, an Amazon company, is a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day.  Audible.co.uk content includes more than 900,000 audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. Audible serves millions of members in over 180 countries with content in more than 50 languages; members download nearly 4 billion hours of content annually and listen across a wide range of supported devices.

• Titled “Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission”, the comic book inspires children to be environmentally responsible

• 20,000 English and Urdu copies of the comic book were distributed across Jammu & Kashmir
   

Bisleri International, in collaboration with the National Book Trust (NBT), Ministry of Education, Government of India officially launched the comic book “Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission“ at the Chinar Book Festival 2026 held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The launch is part of Bottles for Change, Bisleri International’s flagship initiative for plastic-waste recycling and responsible waste management. Available in 48 languages, including all 22 scheduled Indian languages, the comic book aims to inspire environmental responsibility among children. As part of the launch, 20,000 English and Urdu copies of the book were distributed in schools across the state.
 

Bisleri and NBT Launch Multilingual Children’s Comic Book on Plastic Waste Management at the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar
 

The event was graced by Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convenor, Chinar Book Festival 2026; Shri Waseem Raja, JKAS, Joint Director, Tourism Department, J&K; Shri Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA – Gulmarg, J&K; Shri Mr. Anshul Garg, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Smt. Shobha Kapoor, Senior Lead – Partnerships & Communications along with Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International.
 

On the occasion, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Bisleri, we believe that creating a more sustainable future begins with inspiring the next generation. Through our collaboration with the National Book Trust under our ‘Bisleri Greener Promise’ initiative, we are using the power of storytelling to make environmental responsibility engaging, relatable, and accessible for children across India. We hope ‘Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission’ inspires young readers to embrace simple, everyday actions that can make a meaningful difference for the planet.”
 

Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said, “Comic books are a powerful tool to engage young readers. Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission uses popular, relatable characters to encourage children to adopt simple, sustainable habits and understand how everyday actions make a difference. Our continued association with Bisleri International educates and inspires young minds with an aim to nurture a generation of informed and responsible citizens.”
 

Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri with Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, Chinar Book Festival 2026
 

To encourage children to embrace reading, physical activity and environmental responsibility, a 5K Reading Marathon, “Together We Read, Together We Lead” was held on 25 July 2026 along Dal Lake. The Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha flagged off the marathon. Organized as part of the week-long Chinar Book Festival, the marathon brought together thousands of school children from across Jammu & Kashmir. The event attempted to set a record in the India Book of Records (IBR) and Asia Book of Records (ABR) in the category “Maximum Children Participating in a Marathon to Promote Reading and Environment.”
 

The festival also featured a Bottles for Change sustainability stall showcasing products made from recycled plastic. Through interactive exhibits, visitors, including young students learnt how used plastic is collected, recycled and transformed into useful everyday products contributing to a circular economy.
 

Together, the comic book launch, Reading Marathon and the stall combined active participation and practical learning to encourage children and communities to adopt more environmentally responsible habits. The event marked a significant step for Bisleri’s Bottles for Change initiative as it continues to drive awareness around responsible plastic waste management and sustainable living.
 

In partnership with the National Book Trust, the initiative demonstrated how storytelling and education can inspire positive action and empower children to become changemakers for a greener future.

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.