Catch Salt & Spices, one of the popular brands under Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, has unveiled a new television commercial for Catch Ginger Garlic Paste, introducing the category’s first Squeezy bottle in India. Conceptualised by VML India, the campaign is built around the line ‘Squeezy Hai, Easy Hai’ and puts everyday kitchen convenience at the heart of the communication.

Ginger Garlic Squeezy Bottle

The Catch Ginger Garlic squeezy bottle TVC brings the spotlight on a cooking essential that consumers have loved and widely embraced. With the squeezy bottle, Catch is upgrading this much-loved product for greater everyday convenience. The TVC will run across television, digital and social media platforms pan India.

The film opens on a working woman racing against the clock in her kitchen as she prepares to cook before a morning meeting. She takes out a bowl of homemade ginger garlic paste from the refrigerator, only for it to slip from her hands and spill across the floor. Then she is found staring at the raw ginger and garlic on the counter, visibly exasperated at the thought of peeling, chopping and grinding a fresh batch once again. Just then, the Catch Ginger Garlic Paste squeezy bottle appears. And she is relieved that’s she does not have to go through the grind of making it again and can attend the meeting as per schedule. The narrative reflects a reality for many urban households, where ginger garlic paste is a daily essential but making it at home is time-consuming and storing it is cumbersome. It also mirrors a wider shift in the category, as more consumers move from homemade paste to packaged ginger garlic paste.

Arnab Ghatak Choudhury, Sr. General Manager, Marketing, Catch Salt & Spices, DS Group, said, “Packaged ginger garlic paste is one of the fastest-growing kitchen categories and today’s consumers want convenience without compromising on taste. Catch has always been synonymous with authentic flavour and our Ginger Garlic Paste features a thick, grainy texture, just like traditional homemade paste, making it the ideal kitchen substitute. The Catch Ginger Garlic squeezy bottle, a first in India in this category, makes one of the most-used ingredients in Indian cooking effortless and the ‘Squeezy Hai, Easy Hai’ TVC captures that simply.”

Babita Baruah, CEO, VML India, said, “At VML, we believe powerful creative work starts with sharp consumer insights. Catch Ginger Garlic Paste’s squeezy format is a brilliant example of simple packaging innovation solving a genuine everyday kitchen friction. Our ‘Squeezy Hai, Easy Hai’ campaign brings this functional ease to life through an engaging, relatable story rooted in everyday cooking routines, showing how convenience and authentic flavour can go hand in hand. When innovation genuinely lightens the daily routine, the brand narrative should feel just as seamless.” 

The squeezy bottle of Catch Ginger Garlic Paste is available pan-India across General Trade, Modern Trade outlets and all leading quick-commerce platforms, supported by point-of-purchase visibility at retail.

TVC Link: youtu.be/BLCfpJiPM44

About DS Group

The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a one of the leading FMCG conglomerates and a Multi-Business Corporation with a strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. It has an extensive and diverse portfolio with presence in Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Mouth Freshener, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail businesses, and other investments. Catch, Pulse, Pass Pass, Silver Pearls, Ksheer, Rajnigandha, Ovino, L’Opera, Le Marche, Birthright, LuvIt, Chingles, Golmol, Namah are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today.

As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC.

For more information, please visit www.dsgroup.com.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) celebrated the second and concluding day of its grand two-day 13th Convocation Ceremony today. Chief Guest Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Hon’ble Minister of State for Education, Government of India, addressed the graduating class through a special video message, while Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Advisor and former Pro Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), graced the ceremony on the dais as the Guest of Honour. Following the ceremonial procession of the Academic Council and the Manipal Kulgeet, Chairperson Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh formally declared the second day’s ceremony open.

A graduate receives the degree from Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Chairperson Manipal University Jaipur during the 13th Convocation

Delivering the welcome address, Pro President Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana paid tribute to the visionary leadership of founder of Manipal Education and Manipal Group (MEMG) Padma Shri Dr. T. M. A. Pai. Welcoming the Chief Guest’s message and introducing Guest of Honour, Dr. Rana noted that the convergence of education, skill development, and entrepreneurship directly shapes youth opportunities and nation-building.

Presenting the university’s overview and achievements since 2011, President Dr. N. N. Sharma congratulated the graduating cohort, reminding them that a degree is a lifelong asset with no expiry date. Dr. Sharma called upon the graduates to applaud and honour the unconditional sacrifices of their parents, teachers, and mentors.

In his special video address, Chief Guest Shri Jayant Chaudhary congratulated MUJ on securing the 58th rank in the NIRF University category and a 5-Star QS rating. Emphasizing that learning does not end with a degree, he urged the Class of 2026 to make reskilling and upskilling a lifelong habit to stay resilient in an evolving world of work and contribute to a Developed India (Viksit Bharat). Expressing special appreciation for MUJ’s outstanding sports achievers, Shri Chaudhary highlighted how a strong sporting culture fosters discipline, teamwork, health, and new avenues for entrepreneurship and livelihoods.

Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Dr. Narayana Sabhahit highlighted Manipal’s stature as a global brand. Outlining a blueprint for thriving in the era of Artificial Intelligence, he advised graduates to collaborate with AI as a powerful tool while cultivating uniquely human strengths—empathy, ethical judgment, leadership, and environmental stewardship. “AI can generate data, but it cannot generate destiny; true greatness is measured not by the intelligence of your tools, but by the integrity of your soul,” he remarked.

Across the two-day ceremony, MUJ conferred a total of 4,184 degrees (3,681 UG, 400 PG, and 103 Ph.D.) and 62 Gold Medals (45 UG, 16 PG, and 1 Ph.D.) across four faculties—Faculty of Science, Technology and Architecture -FoSTA (2,889), Faculty of Management Commerce and Arts – FoMCA (837), Faculty of Law – FoL (236), and Faculty of Health Sciences – FoHS (222). Controller of Examinations Dr. Dasari Nagaraju presented the graduation figures and administered the oath after Chairperson Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh conferred the degrees, and the ceremony concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks by Registrar Dr. Amit Soni and the National Anthem.

Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, has launched a suite of specialised Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) services to support patients with complex clinical needs as part of a comprehensive critical care approach that considers the heart, lungs and other organs collectively.
 

The ECMO Launch with Our Team

The hospital’s Kauvery Centre for ECMO & Advanced Life Support offers a range of specialised services, including VV-ECMO for severe respiratory failure, VA-ECMO for cardiac failure, V-AV ECMO (Hybrid ECMO) for combined heart and lung failure, awake ECMO, and ECMO-supported road and air transfers.

VV-ECMO primarily supports the lungs by oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide, while VA-ECMO provides both respiratory and circulatory support when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. V-AV ECMO (Hybrid ECMO) combines the benefits of both approaches to provide support for patients with combined heart and lung failure. In appropriately selected patients, awake ECMO enables them to remain conscious while receiving the life support they need.

ECMO-supported air and road transfers enable critically ill patients at hospitals without ECMO facilities to access this advanced life-support intervention. Kauvery Hospital’s specialised team travels to the referring hospital to assess the patient and initiate ECMO support when clinically indicated. The patient is then transferred to Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, under continuous ECMO support, where advanced facilities and a multidisciplinary team of specialists provide further treatment.

As the clinical challenges often extend beyond initiating ECMO, patients may require simultaneous support for other failing organs, careful fluid management, specialised dialysis and coordinated care across multiple disciplines. To address these complex needs, the Kauvery Centre for ECMO & Advanced Life Support has a dedicated multidisciplinary team of experienced specialists, supported by continuous monitoring and treatment decisions tailored to each patient’s evolving condition.

The centre brings together ECMO specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiothoracic anaesthetists, perfusionists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, critical care specialists, nephrologists, haematologists, infectious disease specialists, ECMO-trained nurses, physiotherapists and other relevant clinical teams to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care.

The programme is led by Dr. K. Madhan Kumar, Director – ECMO & VAD, Senior Consultant – Cardiothoracic & Transplant Surgeon at Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, who currently serves as President of the ECMO Society of India.

In his comments, Dr. Madhan Kumar said, “When severe heart or lung failure does not respond to conventional treatment, ECMO provides temporary life support, allowing doctors to treat the underlying condition and assess the potential for recovery. Managing such patients often involves addressing complications affecting other organs, requiring careful monitoring and timely clinical decisions. We are pleased to have established the Kauvery Centre for ECMO & Advanced Life Support, bringing together advanced facilities, specialised expertise and a multidisciplinary team to manage complex critical-care cases and provide comprehensive, coordinated care tailored to each patient’s needs.”

Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “Advanced critical care depends on the strength of the team behind it. The ability to manage complex conditions comes from bringing together the right specialists, technology and clinical judgement, particularly when a patient’s needs change rapidly. At Kauvery Hospital, our focus is on building these capabilities as part of a coordinated approach to care, so that patients with serious and complex conditions can be assessed and treated by teams equipped to address their needs.”

Through the Kauvery Centre for ECMO & Advanced Life Support, Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani continues to focus on specialised heart and lung support, multi-organ care and complex critical-care management. The emphasis remains on combining technology with clinical expertise and coordinated teamwork when conventional treatment may no longer be enough.

This Diwali, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is making ownership more accessible with attractive festive finance offers and the ‘Test Ride and Win Your Dream Bike’ campaign. Customers can now not only take advantage of attractive festive finance offers but also participate in the ‘Test Ride and Win Your Dream Bike’ campaign, giving them an opportunity to get even closer to the motorcycle they have always wished to call their own. Customers can choose from financing options that include EMIs starting at just Rs. 1,888 per lakh, interest rates starting at 4.75% and down payments from Rs. 4,999.

Test Ride a Jawa, Yezdi or BSA and Stand a Chance to Win a Motorcycle

These options offer greater flexibility in planning a purchase, making it easier for enthusiasts to take home the motorcycle they have long aspired to own. Owning a Jawa, Yezdi or BSA is about choosing a motorcycle with a distinct character and making its story part of one’s own. Whether it is the timeless style of Jawa, the bold and adventurous spirit of Yezdi or the legendary British craftsmanship of BSA, each brand offers riders a distinctive way to express who they are and how they choose to ride. Combined with the ‘Test Ride and Win Your Dream Bike’ campaign, this festive season gives aspiring riders yet another reason to visit their nearest dealership and experience these motorcycles firsthand.

Anupam Thareja, Co-founder, Classic Legends, said, “For many people, owning a motorcycle begins as an aspiration, often sparked by one they see on the road, discover online or experience through a friend. This Diwali, we want to make it easier for them to act on that aspiration. Our festive initiatives are designed to make that aspiration easier to act on and bring more riders closer to motorcycles they have long admired. Each of these brands has a distinctive character and a strong emotional connection with riders. We are making the first step towards ownership easier, while preserving everything that makes these motorcycles desirable.”

This Diwali, the journey from dreaming of a Jawa, Yezdi or BSA to making it your own is easier than ever. Visit your nearest authorised Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles dealership, take a test ride, explore the festive finance options and stand a chance to win your dream motorcycle.

About Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. & BSA Motorcycles

Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. was founded with a vision to reintroduce iconic motorcycle brands in India & international markets. The company currently boasts an elaborate portfolio constituting Jawa, Yezdi & BSA marquee brands. It aims to bring consumers a quintessential motorcycling lifestyle experience by co-creating exciting product and service offerings within its motorcycling ecosystem and bringing back renewed fervour into the performance-classic motorcycle market.

JAWA – YEZDI www.jawayezdimotorcycles.com

BSA – www.bsamotorcycles.in

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) celebrates its two-day 13th Convocation Ceremony today in the presence of Chief Guest Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). Following the ceremonial procession of the academic council and Manipal Kulgeet, Chairperson Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh declared the ceremony open and extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, proud parents, and graduating students.

Chief Guest Dr. H S Ballal awarding the degree in the 13th Convocation of Manipal University Jaipur

On 1^st November, the second day of the convocation ceremony Honorable Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Hon’ble Minister of State for Education, Government of India, Shri Jayant Chaudhary will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Delivering the welcome address, Pro President Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana congratulated the graduating batch. Addressing the graduands, he remarked, “As you step forward from MUJ into the next phase of your personal and professional journeys, I encourage you to carry with you the values, knowledge, and spirit of service that have been instilled during your time here.”

Presenting a comprehensive overview of the university’s remarkable trajectory since its establishment in 2011, Dr. N. N. Sharma, President of MUJ, paid tribute to the visionary legacy of founder Padma Shri Dr. T. M. A. Pai and urged the Class of 2026 to express gratitude to their parents, teachers, and mentors who stood by them unconditionally. He highlighted the institution’s national and global footprint in research, academic rigor, and sustainability.

Chief Guest Dr. H. S. Ballal delivered an inspiring convocation address. Invoking Swami Vivekananda’s timeless clarion call—”Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached” Dr. Ballal welcomed the graduates into the comity of educated scholars and lauded MUJ’s leadership for propelling a young institution to national and global prominence across both academics, research and sports. Recalling the extraordinary legacy of founder Dr. T. M. A. Pai, who believed that eradicating illiteracy automatically conquers poverty and ill health. Expressing immense pride on behalf of the parent university in MUJ’s rapid rise, international collaborations, and world-class infrastructure including an advanced laboratory inaugurated on campus earlier in the morning, Dr. Ballal urged the graduates to cultivate a global outlook as they step into an interconnected world.

Following his address, Dr. N. N. Sharma presented a memento to Dr. Ballal as a token of the university’s appreciation. During the ceremony, Dr. Dasari Nagaraju, Controller of Examinations (CoE), shared the key academic facts and figures for the graduating class and administered the professional oath to the graduates after Chairperson Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh formally conferred the degrees.

Across the two-day ceremony, MUJ is conferring a total of 4,184 degrees alongside 62 Gold Medals (45 UG, 16 PG, 1 Ph.D.). On Day 1, over 1,570 graduates, 21 Gold Medalists, and 18 Ph.D. scholars were felicitated. Key special medalists for 2026 include Aadrian Routh and Anushka Kothiyal (Chairperson’s Gold Medal for Overall Excellence), Priyanka Sharma (President’s Gold Medal for Excellence in Research), Tathya Govil (President’s Gold Medal for Excellence in Extra-Curricular Activities), Sujit Subhash Sonune (Dr. K. Kasturirangan Gold Medal for Entrepreneurship and Leadership Qualities), and Muskan Mittal (Smt. Chandravati Gold Medal for Excellence in Design Education and Research).

The first day’s proceedings concluded on a gracious note with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, MUJ, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, Academic Council, Board of Management, faculty members, proud parents, and organizing committees. The ceremony drew to a close with the National Anthem as the Academic Procession recessed from the venue.

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has joined Licious, India’s leading meat and seafood brand, as its new face. The announcement was made at the launch event of Sizzl, Licious’ heat-and-eat snacks and meals portfolio. Varun’s appointment brings a recognizable personality to help the brand communicate its offering with greater warmth and impact.
 

Varun Dhawan with Licious Co-founders
 

Varun’s widespread appeal, high energy, and approachable public persona align with Licious’ personality and its emphasis on making great food an enjoyable part of daily life. His ability to connect with audiences makes him a strong fit for a brand seeking to build both familiarity and consideration. His presence is expected to help Licious broaden its reach, strengthen brand recall, and build a more visible presence in everyday consumer conversations. For Licious, this alignment between Varun’s personality and the brand’s identity is central to building an association that remains relevant over time.

Commenting on the association, Varun Dhawan, Actor and Face of the Brand Licious said, “What excites me about Licious is the scale of its ambition and the conviction behind it. Building a food brand means asking people to trust you with something they choose for themselves and their families. That is a big responsibility. I believe in Licious’ vision of growing that trust while holding itself to high standards, and I am excited to help take that ambition to a wider audience.”
 

Abhay Hanjura and Vivek Gupta, Co-founders, Licious, added, “There are some people you meet and instantly feel a connection with, and Varun was exactly that for us. From our very first interaction, there was a warmth, an energy, and a sense of familiarity that made us feel like we had known him for years. What makes this association special is that it goes beyond his incredible popularity and the love people have for him. It’s about who he is as a person, his authenticity, his infectious energy, and the joy he brings to everything he does. At Licious, we have always believed that great food is about bringing people together and creating moments of happiness, and Varun embodies that spirit beautifully. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him into the Licious family, and we genuinely look forward to creating something very special together.”
 

Dhawan’s association as the brand ambassador comes as Licious continues to expand its footprint and deepen its relevance among Indian households. The partnership brings a fresh burst of energy to the brand, helping it connect with newer audiences. It builds on Licious’ work to make buying and enjoying meat and seafood an easier, more dependable everyday experience.
 

About Licious

Licious is India’s first D2C unicorn, built with a vision to bring trust, honesty and joy to the meat and seafood category. Backed by India’s only fully integrated 0-4°C cold chain, backward integration through bio-secure poultry farms, and rigorous controls across freshwater fish and seafood, Licious has set new benchmarks for safety, freshness, and quality. The brand continues to elevate everyday meals and build a thriving ecosystem for farmers, meat technicians, supply partners and delivery heroes. Trusted by 5 million consumers, Licious offers a portfolio of 450+ SKUs spanning fresh meat and seafood, and heat-and-eat categories. With five state-of-the-art processing centres, Licious now serves India’s top metros through a strong digital presence, supported by 60+ retail stores and fast-growing quick commerce partnerships, including Flash – brand’s own 30-minute delivery promise across major urban clusters.

Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, the teaching hospital of Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal and a unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has been conferred the award for Excellence in Community Engagement at the 18th Healthcare Excellence Awards 2026 instituted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Kasturba Hospital, Manipal wins FICCI Healthcare Excellence Award 2026

The award recognises the hospital’s Manipal Matri-Amrit Milk Bank, a non-profit initiative and the first Human Breast Milk Bank of the Udupi-Manipal region. The award was presented by Dr Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), at a ceremony held at FICCI, New Delhi on 27 October 2026. It was received on behalf of the hospital by Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, Chief Operating Officer – Teaching Hospitals, MAHE, and Dr Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.

In a remarkable achievement, all three initiatives nominated by Kasturba Hospital were placed among the top three finalists in their respective categories, from a total of 157 nominations received by FICCI:

1. Excellence in Community Engagement – Manipal Matri-Amrit Milk Bank, a non-profit initiative and the first Human Breast Milk Bank of Udupi-Manipal (Winner)

2. Excellence in Patient Safety – Hospital-Wide CLABSI Prevention Programme: reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections through evidence-based multi-bundle interventions across ICUs, HDUs and wards (Finalist – Top 3)

3. Excellence in Training and Skill Development Initiative of the Year – “Everyone is a Hero, Every Second Counts”: building a life-saving workforce through universal CPR and emergency response training (Finalist – Top 3)

Being placed in the top three in every category entered, from among 157 nominations, reflects the hospital’s strength across community outreach, patient safety and workforce training.

The Manipal Matri-Amrit Milk Bank collects, screens, pasteurises and stores breast milk voluntarily donated by lactating mothers. This milk is provided to premature, low-birth-weight and sick newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit whose mothers are unable to breastfeed, giving the most vulnerable infants access to the protective benefits of human milk.

During the year under review, the milk bank supported 660 newborns with over 538 litres of donor milk from 493 voluntary donor mothers, up from 430 newborns and 300 litres the previous year. There were zero adverse events attributable to donor milk. Through regular counselling and awareness programmes, it has also helped build trust around breast milk donation among families in the region.

Congratulating the team, Dr H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “This recognition from FICCI is a proud moment for Kasturba Hospital and the entire MAHE family. The Manipal Matri-Amrit Milk Bank reflects our belief that healthcare must reach beyond the hospital walls and touch the lives of the community we serve. Every drop of donated milk is a gift of life, and I thank the mothers who have donated and the doctors, nurses and staff who have made this initiative a success.“

Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “Kasturba Hospital has always combined clinical excellence with a deep commitment to society. The milk bank is a fine example of how a teaching hospital can build community trust, create awareness and improve outcomes for the most vulnerable newborns. Being among the top three in all three categories, from 157 nominations, including patient safety and CPR training, shows the depth of work happening across the hospital. This award will inspire our teams to take such community-centred initiatives forward across all our teaching hospitals.”

With this recognition, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal reaffirms its commitment to compassionate, community-centred care that reaches every life it touches, from the smallest newborn to the wider community.

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. 

Vinhomes Green Paradise, a development in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, has officially entered the global voting phase of the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign launched by New7Wonders. The event provides an opportunity for Vinhomes to reaffirm its pioneering aspiration to shape new standards of living that transcend time, while amplifying its vision for green, smart, and sustainable urban development to the international community.

Vinhomes Green Paradise, a development in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, has officially entered the global voting phase of the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign launched by New7Wonders

The “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign seeks to identify the next generation of urban wonders around the world. By recognizing pioneering cities and developments that champion sustainable development, technological advancement, innovation and human-centric design, the campaign aims to redefine the vision for 21st-century cities and shape the urban icons of the future.

Launched on October 31, 2025, the campaign invited participant cities and developments to submit proposals and applications to join the initiative through October 31, 2026. Among over 260 Participants from around the world, Vinhomes Green Paradise is the first Official Participant in the campaign.

The campaign has now officially entered the public voting phase to determine the list of future urban wonders.

From November 2026 to April 2027, voting will determine the longlist of 77 Participants. From this longlist, New7Wonders will select and reveal the 28 Official Finalist Participants, following its defined criteria.

From May to October 2027, campaigning will continue across the 28 Official Finalist Participants through three qualifier stages, with millions of votes determining the outcome.

On October 31, 2027, the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” will be chosen and officially confirmed, validated and declared by New7Wonders.

As the first Official Participant, Vinhomes Green Paradise helps elevate Vietnam’s position on the global urban landscape, showcasing its ESG++ urban development vision through exceptional standards in ecological planning, technology, and quality of life. The support and engagement of communities both in Vietnam and around the world will be instrumental in positioning Vietnam as a leading showcase for the future of global urban living.

Ms. Nguyen Thu Hang, CEO of Vinhomes, said, “We believe the cities of the future will be defined by the value they create for people and the planet. New7Wonders’ ‘7 Wonders of Future Cities’ initiative offers a meaningful opportunity for humanity to celebrate visionary approaches to urban development. At Vinhomes, we remain committed to creating urban wonders that stand the test of time. Vinhomes Green Paradise embodies this aspiration through its ESG++ standards, harmonizing residents’ quality of life, technology, environmental stewardship, and long-term economic value. This global voting campaign provides an opportunity for Vinhomes to share Vietnam’s vision and aspirations with the international community, inspiring the world to envision a new generation of cities that offer a truly exceptional quality of life. We look forward to receiving the support and participation of communities in Vietnam and internationally to help promote a shared vision for the cities of the future, while bringing Vietnam’s aspiration to shape a sustainable future to the world stage.”

According to New7Wonders, the voting process is designed to be simple and convenient. Participants need only provide their full name, country and email address, with a phone number being optional. Detailed information on voting rules and the different voting phases will be updated on the official New7Wonders website.

Mr. Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders and Chairman of the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign, said during the official “switch-on” ceremony, “Today we have switched on more than a voting platform – we have switched on a global conversation about the future of our cities and for the next year, people everywhere have the opportunity to discover, engage with and champion the places they believe should become global symbols of urban progress.”

The “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign builds on New7Wonders’ international legacy as the organization widely recognized for its 2011 “New 7 Wonders of Nature” campaign. With its global reach, the initiative is expected to attract widespread international interest and participation.

Assessed against the campaign’s criteria, Vinhomes Green Paradise demonstrates strong foundations across three core pillars: Environmental & Nature, Smart City and Human-Centric development.

Under the Environmental & Nature criterion, Vinhomes Green Paradise benefits from a rare coastal location in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, adjacent to the sea and the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. Spanning a total area of 2,870 hectares, the development is planned with a remarkably low construction density of approximately 17%, with more than 930 hectares dedicated to green spaces and water bodies across the project.

Under the Smart City criterion, the project is designed to integrate the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into urban governance, operations and environmental monitoring. By embedding technology into urban infrastructure, the development aims to optimize resources, enhance operational efficiency, strengthen management capabilities and foster a modern, safe and civilized living environment.

Under the Human-Centric development criterion, the project’s integrated amenities and services are planned and developed around a people-first philosophy. Residents will enjoy a premium quality of life supported by a comprehensive ecosystem of internationally benchmarked services spanning healthcare, education, senior living, culture, sports, entertainment and dining.

Vinhomes Green Paradise’s official entry into the global voting phase of “7 Wonders of Future Cities” marks a significant milestone in Vinhomes’ journey toward international recognition. It also creates an opportunity to introduce Vietnam’s vision and aspirations for urban development to the global community.

People in Vietnam and around the world are invited to cast their votes for Vinhomes Green Paradise at www.7wondersfc.com.

Finnable, a fast-growing NBFC building India’s most-trusted digital-first lending platform, announced the appointment of Shrimohan Yadav as an Independent Director on its Board, effective February 2026.

Finnable appoints Shrimohan Yadav as an Independent Director on its Board, effective February 2026

Mr. Yadav brings 36 years of banking experience, including 29 years at the Reserve Bank of India across supervision, regulation, and financial inclusion, preceded by 7 years as a commercial banker in credit and financing at a large public sector bank. As Chief General Manager of the Department of Regulation for five years, he headed divisions on bank and NBFC ownership, licensing, and governance matters including board composition.

He was a lead contributor to RBI’s Internal Working Group on Ownership Guidelines for Private Sector Banks and its Discussion Paper on Governance in Banks (both 2020), and served on the Financial Stability Board’s Compensation Monitoring Contact Group in Basel.

He currently serves as Independent Director on the boards of slice Small Finance Bank and Capri Global Housing Finance, among others and as Senior Advisor to Stride One Capital and IndusLaw. He also mentors fintech firms on regulatory matters through the RBI Innovation Hub.

Why it matters

Mr. Yadav’s appointment adds first-hand regulatory perspective on licensing, governance, and NBFC oversight to Finnable’s Board, directly relevant as the Company scales under RBI’s evolving supervisory framework.

“As Finnable scales, having the right voices at the board table matters more than ever. Shrimohan brings decades of first-hand regulatory experience from inside the RBI, and his perspective will sharpen our governance as we grow responsibly. We’re glad to have him on this journey with us,” Nitin Gupta, CEO, Finnable.

“Finnable has anchored itself to a simple idea: the growth of our borrowers is inseparable from our own. At the heart of its vision is a segment of India’s economy too often overlooked by formal credit systems, working professionals who form the backbone of our economy. I look forward to contributing to that vision and to Finnable’s governance and strategic direction as it continues to grow,” Shrimohan Yadav, Independent Director, Finnable.

About Finnable Group

Finnable Group is on a mission to make credit simple, fast, and fair for people who’ve long been overlooked and underserved by traditional lenders. Founded by Nitin Gupta and Amit Kumar Arora, the Company has grown into a ₹4,000 crore AUM lending business as of June ‘26, built on the belief that access to credit shouldn’t depend on who you know or where you bank.

The Group offers a range of lending products, including personal loans, loan against property (LAP), as well as consumer finance, catering to diverse customer needs. Finnable combines technology-led processes, data-driven underwriting and a customer-centric approach to simplify the borrowing journey, while maintaining a strong focus on responsible lending, risk management and compliance. As it continues to scale, the Company remains focused on building a sustainable lending franchise with strong technology, governance and customer-centricity at its core.