The Sennheiser brand in India today announces the launch of MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones and the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5, the most capable and user-focused evolution of the acclaimed audio lineup yet. The newest MOMENTUM series preserves the category-defining sound and battery performance of the platinum-selling line while introducing meaningful enhancements to elevate everyday listening for the modern audio enthusiast.

Introducing MOMENTUM 5 Series in India: Your Sound Revelation Starts Here

MOMENTUM 5 Wireless: The True Sound Revelation

The Sennheiser brand’s newest portable powerhouse is an escape into high-fidelity sound, enriched with spatial audio and a suite of sophisticated capabilities. Sennheiser’s category-defining over-ear headphone is powered by HD 600-inspired 42mm drivers, delivering pure audiophile detail with Dolby Atmos spatial tracking and Lossless codec support.

“With MOMENTUM 5 Wireless, we focused on refining the entire experience without straying from the formula that made its predecessor such a success.” Said Mr. Saahil Kumar, Country Head, Sennheiser (Consumer), India. “These enhancements enrich the overall functionality while still capturing the magic you feel every time you press play.” 

Key Highlights – MOMENTUM 5 Wireless:

• HD 600-inspired 42mm drivers with Dolby Atmos spatial tracking and Lossless codec support

• 8-microphone hybrid ANC system, up to 3x stronger midrange noise suppression over MOMENTUM 4

• Ongoing firmware updates to DSP and wireless engines for continually improving performance

• Unmatched 57-hour battery life with fast charging

• User-replaceable batteries and ear pads, eliminating product obsolescence

• Carrying case redesigned to be 20% flatter, with 16% less overall packaging

• Available in Black and Denim, with White, Bronze and Lavender coming soon

MOMENTUM True Wireless 5: Flagship Performance, Compact Form

MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 brings uncompromised audiophile sound into a compact earbud profile, with TrueResponse transducers delivering 24-bit/96kHz high-res audio and Dolby Atmos 3D sound. A Hybrid Adaptive ANC system dynamically counters both ambient noise and wind, while Natural Transparency keeps listeners connected to their surroundings when needed.

Speaking about the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5, he further said, “We set out to bring the larger-than-life sound and connected technology of the MOMENTUM series into a remarkably compact format. From its exquisite audio reproduction to the advanced hardware powering, it all, MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 represents our most advanced integration of audio technology in an earbud.”

Key Highlights — MOMENTUM True Wireless 5:

• All-new design – Improved comfort, stability, and portability

• User-replaceable batteries – Easily refresh your run-time even years from now

• Optimized for Dolby Atmos® – Head-tracking unlocks immersive entertainment

• Improved voice calls & ANC – Voice accelerometer, expanded mic array, and AI speech enhancement

• Bluetooth® 6.0 – Prioritizes fast and stable connections

• Smart Control Plus – a new 8-band EQ highlights an assortment of customizable features in the free app

• Available in Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim and Lavender

Signature Performance

MOMENTUM 5 Wireless carries forward the acclaimed 42mm transducer from its predecessor, meticulously manufactured at Sennheiser’s state-of-the-art facility in Tullamore, Ireland, and inspired by the famed HD 600-series headphones for full-bodied sound with dynamic bass. It further advances its sonic capabilities with Hi-Res Audio certification and Snapdragon Sound™ technology with support for aptX™ Lossless. The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 brings the same sound-first DNA to an in-ear form factor with Sennheiser’s signature 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducer, also developed and manufactured in Tullamore, Ireland, alongside Bluetooth 6.0 with aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless support for high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz.

Total Immersion

The newest MOMENTUM models pair rich sound with advanced noise cancellation and immersive spatial audio. MOMENTUM 5 Wireless features supercharged ANC that is up to three times more effective at reducing distracting voice chatter, with four microphones per side improving noise reduction and call quality. MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 features adaptive hybrid ANC, automatic anti-wind mode and a four-microphone array, while its eight-sensor system with AI-powered speech extraction enhances voice clarity in noisy environments. Both models are optimized for Dolby Atmos® with interactive head-tracking for an immersive, theater-like listening experience.

Refreshingly Responsible

MOMENTUM 5 Wireless delivers up to 57 hours of battery life with ANC engaged and introduces a user-replaceable 700 mAh battery, allowing owners to refresh the power cell in minutes using only a small Phillips-head screwdriver, helping extend the headphones’ usable life without impacting acoustic performance. MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 extends the same longevity-focused approach with user-replaceable batteries in both the earbuds and charging case, offering up to 12 hours of playback per charge and up to 40 hours with the case. Both models also support quick charging, while MOMENTUM 5 Wireless features a 20% flatter carrying case and plastic-free packaging.

Ergonomic Evolution

MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 features a redesigned, aerodynamic and fin-free housing developed using data from thousands of unique ear models, with 73% of testers rating it more comfortable than the previous generation. The earbuds are also IP54-rated for dust, sweat and splash resistance, while the micro-perforated acoustic mic plate helps reduce wind interference. Its redesigned charging case offers a narrower, pocket-friendly profile, while MOMENTUM 5 Wireless includes both USB-C and 3.5mm audio cables for added everyday versatility.

“Balancing our signature high-fidelity acoustics, advanced performance, and long-term usability is at the heart of the new MOMENTUM experience. With MOMENTUM 5 Wireless, our user-swappable battery, adaptable hardware, and compact, plastic-free packaging demonstrate that high-performance sound and environmental responsibility can, and must, exist in the same product. With MOMENTUM True Wireless 5, we are bringing flagship performance to a compact form factor while introducing a replaceable battery designed to extend the life of the product. Across both products, we are proving that cutting-edge audio does not have to come at the expense of longevity, giving listeners products they can enjoy for years to come,” concluded Mr. Saahil Kumar, Country Head, Sennheiser (Consumer), India.

Pricing, Offers and Availability

MOMENTUM 5 Wireless will be available in India at a launch price of INR 39,990, while MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 will be available at INR 29,990.

Pre-orders for both products begin on September 24, 2026, across Sennheiser’s official website and all leading online platforms, offline chain stores and outlets.

Customers can pre-order from September 24 to unlock exclusive pre-order benefits, including a complimentary Sennheiser BTD 600 Bluetooth® USB dongle, worth INR 5,990, along with additional pre-order benefits across participating platforms.

Both products will be available for sale from October 1, 2026, across online and offline retail outlets.

About the Sennheiser Brand – 80 Years of Building the Future of Audio 

We live and breathe audio. We are driven by the passion to create audio solutions that make a difference. This passion has taken us from the world’s greatest stages to the quietest listening rooms – and made Sennheiser the name behind audio that doesn’t just sound good: It feels true. In 2025, the Sennheiser brand celebrated its 80th anniversary. Since 1945, we have stood for building the future of audio and bringing remarkable sound experiences to our customers. While professional audio solutions such as microphones, meeting solutions, streaming technologies and monitoring systems are part of the business of Sennheiser electronic SE & Co. KG, the business with consumer devices such as headphones, soundbars and speech-enhanced hearables is operated by Sonova Holding AG under the license of Sennheiser. 

sennheiser.com 

sennheiser-hearing.com 

About Sonova Consumer Hearing

Sonova Consumer Hearing offers premium headphones and hearables – primarily in the true wireless segment – as well as audiophile headphones, hearing solutions and soundbars under the Sennheiser brand. The business is part of the Sonova Group, a global leader in innovative hearing care solutions with headquarters in Switzerland and more than 17,000 employees worldwide.

The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Manipal University Jaipur, is organising a four-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) in collaboration with IIMBx, the digital learning foundation of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore). Based on the theme “3D’s: Design, Develop, Deliver, the programme aims to familiarise faculty members with the complete process of designing and developing online and digital courses. The programme provides hands-on training in course design, digital learning content development, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), studio-based educational video production, learning activity design, assessment development, and preparing courses for delivery through online platforms. The four-day programme covers the complete journey from course design and content development to AI-enabled activities, studio recording, assessment and course presentation. 

Dignitaries present in the Inaugural session of the FDP at Manipal University Jaipur

The programme was formally inaugurated in the presence of Pro-President Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana; Director CDOE, Dr. Mallikarjun Gaddapa; Dean Faculty of Management, Commerce and Arts (FoMCA) Dr. Brijesh; and senior representatives and experts from IIMBx, including Shainesh G., Chairperson, IIMBx; Sitaraman Shankar; Dr. S. Naga Siddharth; and Vijaya Tripathi, along with the IIMBx and SWAYAM expert and technical teams. The programme is being supported by experts including Shweta Shree, Raksha B., Manikandan K., Erwin Fernandes, Diljith Kannan, Nidhi A.C., Vishal C. Reddy, Sushma Nayak, Varun P., Bhumika Arora, Kalaiarasan R., Megha Srinivasan, Rajamohamadu Jeeyavudeen, Aarya S. Kumar, Malhar Patel and Anjali Alex, who are contributing to various sessions related to course design, content development, technology, video production, instructional design and SWAYAM course development. 

The four-day programme is structured around three key stages Design, Develop and Deliver. On the first day, faculty members are being trained to understand the needs of online learners, develop learner profiles, and align learning outcomes, course content and assessment. Participants are also being provided with hands-on experience in developing a module outline for their respective subjects and creating video scripts based on their course design. The second day focuses on the Develop stage, with particular emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and digital content production. Participants are being introduced to the fundamentals of Generative AI, its applications, strengths, limitations and associated risks. The programme also includes training in active learning activities and studio-based educational video production. Faculty members are getting an opportunity to record their learning videos and receive immediate expert feedback on delivery, pacing and the effective use of teaching aids. The third day focuses on the Deliver stage and will address the changing landscape of online education, the use of AI as a teaching and course-design assistant, and assessment development. Participants will be trained in developing different forms of assessments and aligning them with learning outcomes, as well as using AI for developing question banks with appropriate faculty validation. The programme will also include a showcase and peer review of participant-developed educational videos, followed by an orientation on course development, approval and launch through the SWAYAM platform. On the final day, participants will present their course blueprints in groups before an expert panel comprising members from IIMBx and Manipal University Jaipur. Each group will present its learner profile, course or module outline, sample script or video, learning activity, assessment and course launch plan. The presentations will be followed by expert and peer feedback and interaction with the panel. The programme will conclude with closing remarks and certificate distribution by Sitaraman Shankar, CEO, IIMBX. 

Dr. Mallikarjun Gaddapa, Director, CDOE, said, “Higher education is rapidly becoming more digital and learner centric. In this environment, subject expertise alone is not sufficient for faculty members; they also need capabilities in online course design, digital learning content development, AI-enabled teaching and outcome-based assessment. The FDP being organised in collaboration with IIMBx is providing faculty members with comprehensive hands-on exposure, from developing the initial course outline to digital content production, studio recording, assessment and online delivery. Our objective is to develop high-quality courses that respond effectively to the needs of contemporary learners.”

Shainesh G., Chairperson, IIMBx said, the objective of this programme is not merely to train faculty members, but to provide them with practical experience of the complete online course development process. From identifying learners and developing the course framework to scriptwriting, AI-enabled content development, studio recording, learning activities, assessment and preparing the course for online delivery, participants are getting an opportunity to work through every stage of the process. The collaboration between IIMBx and Manipal University Jaipur provides a strong platform for faculty members to experiment, receive expert feedback and develop modern, technology-enabled, learner-centric and outcome-oriented courses. The programme is designed as a hands-on and outcome-oriented faculty development initiative, enabling participants to move beyond theoretical understanding and work on tangible course-development outputs. The initiative is aimed at further strengthening the quality of digital and online education at Manipal University Jaipur and equipping faculty members with the capabilities required for contemporary teaching and learning. The collaboration brings together the digital learning expertise of IIMBx and the academic ecosystem of Manipal University Jaipur, providing faculty members with an effective platform to develop innovative, technology-enabled, learner-centric and outcome-based courses.

Shaping Keralam’s IT revolution, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan performed the groundbreaking ceremony of HiLITE Cyber Tower, HiLITE Group‘s IT hub, at Cyberpark in Calicut. The development marks the beginning of a major IT project set to reshape Malabar’s technology landscape. Spread across 2.5 acres with a built-up area of 9 lakh sq. ft., the Grade A commercial building is part of HiLITE Group’s plan to develop 12 million square feet of office space over the next few years.
 

V. D. Satheesan, Chief Minister, Keralam performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the HiLITE Cyber Tower in Cyberpark along with P. K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries and other dignitaries
 

“The Government’s vision is re-imagining Keralam by prioritizing advanced technologies and innovation. HiLITE Group and P. Sulaiman are presenting an inspiring step forward in that direction,” said Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. “With new development projects spanning 50 million square feet expected to be completed by 2030, including this IT complex built by HiLITE will create around 2 lakh job opportunities within Keralam. The government aims to position Calicut as a major ‘IT Destination’ standing equally important with Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi,” Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan stated. “Grade-A IT initiatives like the HiLITE Cyber Tower can showcase Keralam’s highly cost-effective and skilled talent pool to the world. The government will extend its full support to such projects that emphasize innovation and development,” added the Chief Minister. “The government’s approach will be to support and embrace investors and entrepreneurs who step forward for the state’s development.” 

“There is no doubt that Calicut will emerge as Keralam’s next major IT destination, following the footsteps of Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram and Infopark in Kochi,” said P. K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT & AI. “Having witnessed HiLITE Group’s growth and execution capabilities since its inception, I am confident they will successfully complete this project as well. It is precisely when such mega-projects materialize that other premier developers and project promoters queue up to invest in Calicut. Employment opportunities tailored to the new generation can only be created through the growth of industries and enterprises.” The Minister assured full support to all the effort to transform Calicut—a city with centuries of trading legacy—into a globally recognized IT and industrial hub.

Representing a landmark investment of Rs. 600 crore, HiLITE Cyber Tower is envisioned as a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure hub designed to cater to multinational corporations (MNCs), high-growth start-ups and advanced Research & Development (R&D) centres. Beyond driving real estate and technological development in Malabar, especially Calicut, the project is expected to generate over 10,000 direct IT employment opportunities, significantly accelerating the region’s socio-economic growth. The project is scheduled for completion within two years and will be pre-leased ahead of its completion.

“People choose cities and countries because they offer something that draws them there. Our ambition is to build a Keralam that offers its people the opportunities to build their lives and careers, while also becoming a place that attracts talent and businesses from across the world. We want to contribute to a Keralam that is not only known for what it has, but for what it can offer,” said P. Sulaiman, Chairman of HiLITE Group.

“Technology is changing the way we work, build businesses and create opportunities. Keralam has the talent and ambition to compete globally, and we need an ecosystem that gives businesses the space to grow alongside it. HiLITE Cyber Tower is part of that effort. Through our IT developments, we want to create environments that enable businesses to innovate, expand and build what comes next in Keralam,” said Ajil Muhammed, CEO of HiLITE Group.

The Grade A building is designed to meet stringent green standards, with a strong focus on smart, sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure. It will offer flexible, future-ready workspaces designed to foster global collaboration, innovation and digital transformation.

This development builds on HiLITE Group’s growing IT footprint across Keralam. Construction of HiLITE Cyber Hub is already underway in Calicut, while YOO Hub Trivandrum, India’s first branded IT Park at Technopark Phase III has been launched with a grand groundbreaking ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by political and civic leaders, including P. K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT & AI; A. P. Anil Kumar, Minister for Revenue; M. K. Raghavan, Member of Parliament (MP); Fyzal Babu, MLA; M. A. Razak Master, MLA; K. Praveen Kumar, MLA & DCC President, Kozhikode; K. Jayanth, MLA; P.M.A. Sameer, MLA; Seeram Sambasiva Rao IAS, Special Secretary, Department of Electronics & Information Technology; Susanth Kurunthil, CEO of Infopark, Keralam and Cyberpark Kozhikode; P. Sulaiman, Chairman of HiLITE Group; Ajil Muhammed, CEO of HiLITE Group; Tony Joseph, Principal & Partner, Stapati Architects other representatives and employees of the Group.

What happens when Punjabi rap pioneer BOHEMIA swaps the studio for the gaming table? You get Game First—a new video series from global entertainment platform Parimatch, where games set the scene for candid conversations, creative challenges and plenty of unexpected answers.
 

Parimatch Kicks Off the Game First Series with Punjabi Rap Icon BOHEMIA
 

Each round brings out a different side of BOHEMIA. One moment, he’s talking about fame and his career; the next, he’s improvising a hook or dreaming up an album concept on the spot. When you think you know where the conversation is going, it takes another turn—revealing the artist as witty, spontaneous and refreshingly down-to-earth away from the stage.
 

BOHEMIA doesn’t hold back when the questions start flying. Between the games, he reveals that his most middle-aged habit is “watching news, man,” admits that his latest Google search was “BOHEMIAN cool pictures” and gives a one-word answer when asked if he has ever forgotten his own lyrics on stage: “Never.”
 

Some questions take BOHEMIA back to what music has meant to him. He talks about the freedom to be himself, the feeling of hearing a crowd sing his lyrics back to him and the moments that made the journey worthwhile. For all the changes that success has brought, one thing remains non-negotiable: “The love for making music, expressing myself, and connecting with people.”

Watch Game First with BOHEMIA and use promo code games26 for an exclusive offer. Keep it fun, play responsibly, and follow Parimatch on social media for more episodes you won’t want to miss.

We entertain. You win.

Chitkara University has achieved significant recognition in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, securing the 3rd position in India for Research Quality. The University has also been placed 17th in India Overall and in the 701–800 global band, marking another significant milestone in its growing research and academic profile.

Chitkara University Ranks 3rd in India for Research Quality | #17 Overall | Top 701-800 Globally

The recognition places research quality at the centre of Chitkara University’s latest achievement. The THE World University Rankings assess research-intensive universities across five broad pillars; Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook and Industry. The Research Quality pillar evaluates the influence and reach of a university’s research through indicators including citation impact, research strength, research excellence and research influence.

Chitkara University’s strong performance reflects its continued efforts to build an ecosystem where research is encouraged across disciplines, supported through institutional infrastructure and connected to real-world challenges. The University has been strengthening its research capabilities through interdisciplinary work, collaborations, innovation-led initiatives and opportunities for faculty and students to engage with emerging areas of knowledge.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-Founder, Chitkara University, said, “The actual measure of research is not only where it is published, but where it takes us. This recognition by Times Higher Education clearly shows the persistence of our researchers, the curiosity of our students, the work of our faculty and the ecosystem we have built to allow ideas to be explored, challenged and transformed into meaningful knowledge. For us, the significance of being ranked 3rd in India for Research Quality lies in what it represents – a culture that encourages people to ask better questions and pursue knowledge with purpose. We want research at Chitkara University to move beyond publications and laboratories, and become a pathway to innovation, collaboration and meaningful impact on society.”

The 17th position in India Overall and placement in the 701–800 global band further add to Chitkara University’s growing presence in global higher education. The 2027 edition of THE World University Rankings features 2,297 universities from 118 countries and territories, making it one of the most comprehensive editions of the rankings to date.

The achievement also builds on Chitkara University’s consistent performance in research-focused global rankings. In the THE World University Rankings 2026 as well, the University was placed among the Top 800 and was recognised among India’s leading institutions for Research Quality.

For Chitkara University, the latest recognition is not simply a measure of rankings performance, but an acknowledgement of the growing depth and quality of its research ecosystem. With a continued focus on knowledge creation, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and societal relevance, the University remains committed to strengthening its contribution to India’s evolving higher education and research landscape.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality and emerging technology fields. For Class 11 and 12 students planning higher education, the University provides industry-aligned programs designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities.

Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.

For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in.

JDS Banaras, known as the best Banarasi saree shop in Varanasi, has been trusted since 1913 for its honest and skilled approach to Banarasi weaving. Today, the Shah family’s fourth generation continues to carry that same trust forward. Started in 1913 as JDS Banaras., JDS Banaras has grown to become Varanasi’s most trusted names for making, supplying, and selling Handloom and Pure Banarasi sarees — while still holding on to the same values it began with over a hundred years ago.
 

JDS Banaras Continues the Tradition of Banarasi Weaving
 

A Family Story, Passed Down Four Times

Even before JDS Banaras was founded in 1913, the Shah family already had a deep love for the textile traditions of Banaras. That love, passed down through the family, led to the start of JDS Banaras. — a business built with one simple goal: to keep the true beauty and skill of Banarasi weaving alive.
 

Even after more than a hundred years, that same goal hasn’t changed. The way people shop has changed a lot — from visiting stores in person to shopping online today — but JDS Banaras has stayed true to four simple values: respecting the craft, caring about quality, understanding what customers want, and never lowering its standards, all backed by its own workshop where the sarees are actually made.
 

“Being the best Banarasi saree shop in Varanasi was never about being the biggest — it was about being the most trustworthy,” said Rajesh Shah, a fourth-generation member of the Shah family. “Every generation before us worked closely with Varanasi’s weavers, and that same relationship is still at the heart of everything we do today.”
 

Today, the family works together to carry this legacy forward. Rajesh Shah continues to focus on honesty and openness with customers, working closely with weavers to help people understand what really makes a saree special. Viresh Shah looks after the business side, working on ways to grow and serve more customers while keeping the same quality.
 

Supporting Thousands of Weavers

A single Banarasi saree is never made by just one person. It takes many hands — for preparing the thread, weaving, designing, and finishing. JDS Banaras works directly with over 3,000 skilled weavers, helping keep this traditional art alive.
 

This close bond with real weavers is what sets JDS Banaras apart, especially at a time when many fake sarees are being sold under the Banarasi name. JDS Banaras offers some of the most special and difficult weaving styles in Indian textile history — including Jangala (flowing floral patterns), Shikargah (detailed storytelling scenes), Meenakari (colourful thread work), traditional Brocade, Rangkat, and the slow, careful Kadwa and Cutwork weaving methods — each one needing hours of skilled handwork that no machine can copy.
 

One Trusted Name for Making, Supplying, and Selling

Unlike many shops that simply buy sarees from someone else to resell, JDS Banaras does everything itself — making, supplying, and selling genuine Banarasi sarees, all under one roof. This means the brand can keep a close eye on quality and authenticity at every single step, from choosing the thread to handing the finished saree to the customer.
 

As a leading Banarasi saree manufacturer, JDS Banaras has its own advanced production unit that helps keep every saree consistent and high in quality, from traditional designs to modern collections — without ever losing what makes a Banarasi saree truly special. As a Banarasi saree wholesaler, it supplies shops, boutiques, resellers, and designers across India and other countries, making sure real Banarasi sarees reach people everywhere. And as a retail store, its main showroom at Rathyatra Crossing, Varanasi, continues to offer friendly, personal help to customers and brides — including its own bridal and Banarasi lehenga collection.
 

JDS Banaras offers many types of fabric, including Katan silk, Tissue silk, Organza, Georgette (Khaddi), Tussar silk, Satin silk, Mashru, Cotton silk, and Mooga silk — giving every customer, whether shopping for a wedding, a festival, or everyday wear, a genuine Banarasi option to match their occasion and budget.
 

Real Proof of Authenticity, Not Just a Promise

As Banarasi sarees have become more popular across India and the world, so have fake and machine-made copies sold under the same name — making it harder for everyday buyers to know what’s real. JDS Banaras deals with this directly: selected sarees carry Silk Mark certification, an official government check that confirms the silk is genuine, giving customers real proof they can trust.
 

“A Banarasi saree is often passed down from one generation to the next — it’s seen as a symbol of love and purity,” the brand shares. “That’s exactly why we believe trust alone isn’t enough. Customers should be able to check it for themselves.”
 

Looking Ahead

As JDS Banaras steps into its second century, it continues to bring together family knowledge passed down over generations, modern-day production skills and a steady commitment to the weavers who make Banarasi sarees possible. For customers in India and abroad looking for the best banarasi saree shop in Varanasi, JDS Banaras remains what it has always been since 1913 — a name built not on size, but on trust.
 

Taking the Banarasi Legacy Beyond Varanasi

Since 2017, sacredweaves.com, the online sister brand of JDS Banaras, has carried the same legacy of authentic Banarasi craftsmanship to customers online. Built around the same values of purity, quality and trust, Sacred Weaves helps people in India and around the world find genuine Banarasi sarees, even when they cannot visit Varanasi in person.
 

About JDS Banaras

JDS Banaras is a Silk Mark-certified Banarasi saree maker, supplier, and seller based in Varanasi, India, started in 1913. Now led by the fourth generation of the Shah family, JDS Banaras works directly with over 3,000 weavers to create genuine handmade Banarasi silk sarees and bridal lehengas, serving customers, shops, and businesses across India and around the world.
 

Contact

JDS Banaras

D-58/1, Rathyatra Kamachha Road, Rathyatra Crossing, Jahumandi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010

Phone: +91 7269 055 695

Website: www.jdsvaranasi.in

Email: jdsbanaras@gmail.com

Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited, a trusted insurer committed to helping customers lead healthier, more secure and fulfilling lives, has announced a strategic partnership with Wizz Financial Group through its premier travel and lifestyle service provider, Wizz Holidays Pvt. Ltd., powered by Wizzmoni Financial Services Ltd. The partnership aims to expand access to life insurance and critical illness protection for customers across Wizz Financial’s ecosystem.

Asit Rath, CEO & MD, Aviva Life Insurance, Krishnan R, Director & CEO, Wizzmoni Financial Services Ltd, Amir Nagammy, Founder & CEO, Wizz Financial

Under the partnership, Aviva Life Insurance proposes to make available a range of insurance solutions, including Aviva Signature 3D Term Plan, Aviva 3D Term Plan – Platinum, Aviva Smart Vital, and Group Credit Life products. By combining Aviva’s life insurance expertise with Wizz Financial’s distribution network, the partnership aims to make relevant insurance solutions more accessible to customers.

The partnership will initially focus on customers accessing gold-backed credit through Wizz Financial’s ecosystem, providing customers with access to suitable insurance solutions during their borrowing journey, subject to their choice and consent. Over time, the offering will also extend to customers accessing other financial and travel-related products, including forex, enabling customers to explore appropriate insurance solutions at different stages of their financial journeys.

Commenting on the partnership, Asit Rath, CEO & MD, Aviva Life Insurance, said, “For insurance to become more relevant, it needs to be present in the moments when people are actively making decisions about their financial future. A customer taking a loan is not simply accessing credit; they are taking on a responsibility that can have implications for their family as well. This partnership allows us to bring protection closer to that moment of decision. As an industry, the opportunity is to move insurance from being a standalone purchase to a more natural part of everyday financial planning. By working with Wizz Financial, we aim to make protection easier to access, understand, and consider as part of customers’ existing financial journeys.”

Amir Nagammy, Founder & CEO of Wizz Financial, said, “At Wizz Holidays, our focus is on making every customer journey more seamless and worry-free. Our collaboration with Aviva Life Insurance is a natural extension of that commitment, helping customers in India access trusted life insurance solutions more easily. By combining Wizzmoni’s reach with Aviva’s insurance expertise, we aim to support families in protecting what matters most at every stage of life.”

The partnership further strengthens Aviva Life Insurance’s focus on expanding access to insurance solutions in line with evolving customer needs. Alongside financial protection, Aviva continues to encourage individuals and families to build greater financial preparedness and adopt positive and preventive approaches to overall well-being. Furthering this commitment, Aviva Life Insurance recently launched its Term Insurance Plan with Return of Premiums, designed for customers seeking life protection along with the return of total premiums paid upon survival till maturity.

About Aviva Life Insurance

Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited is a wholly owned (100%) subsidiary of UK-based Aviva International Holdings Ltd. (AIH), an insurance group backed by a rich heritage that dates back to 1696.

Committed to moving the needle from protection to prevention, Aviva Life Insurance helps customers build healthier habits while securing their financial future. Through its range of Term Insurance, Savings, ULIP, and Retirement Solutions, complemented by wellness-led offerings and customer-centric initiatives, Aviva Life Insurance helps customers protect what matters most and plan confidently for the future.

Website: www.avivaindia.com.

About Wizz Financial

Wizz Financial is a neo-banking platform focused on cross-border money movement and lending across strategic economic corridors spanning India, the GCC, Southeast Asia and the United States. Combining digital infrastructure with physical service networks, the Group delivers financial services across multiple markets through a hybrid operating model.

Gurjinder Singh Gavy, Chairman of the NRI & Overseas Congress Cell, Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee, has congratulated former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Pargat Singh on his appointment as President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. He also extended his congratulations and best wishes to Sachin Pilot, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Punjab.

L to R: Pargat Singh, President, PPCC; Sachin Pilot, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Punjab & former Deputy CM of Rajasthan; Gurjinder Singh Gavy, Chairman, NRI & Overseas 

The Congress announced Pargat Singh’s appointment on 2 October 2026, with immediate effect. Sachin Pilot took charge as the party’s General Secretary in-charge of Punjab in September 2026.

Regarded as one of the finest defenders Indian hockey has produced, Pargat Singh captained India at the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympics and was India’s flag-bearer at the Atlanta Games. A recipient of the Arjuna Award, he has represented Jalandhar Cantonment in the Punjab Legislative Assembly since 2012, and served as Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for School and Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, and NRI Affairs in 2021–22.

Sachin Pilot, MLA from Tonk, is a former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and a former President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee. He has served as a Union Minister, including as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Corporate Affairs, and represented Dausa and Ajmer in the Lok Sabha.

“Heartiest congratulations to Pargat Singh ji on this new responsibility, and my best wishes to Sachin Pilot ji as Punjab in-charge,” said Gavy. “As India’s hockey captain, Pargat Singh ji led from the front and kept the team together, and he has brought the same discipline and commitment to public life. Sachin Pilot ji has long been an inspiration for young Congress workers in Rajasthan, and his energy and organisational experience will be a great strength for Punjab. I am confident that together they will bring workers, young people and Punjabi families in India and abroad closer to the party. I wish them both every success.”

Gavy also serves as National President of the Indian Overseas Youth Congress – Australia, President of Student Union India–Australia, and Global Ambassador of NRI Affairs, Ramgarhia Sabha.

The Millennium Group of Schools has announced the winners of the Millennium AI Creators Championship 2026, a national initiative that brought together school students from across India to explore the creative possibilities of Artificial Intelligence while developing responsible, ethical and future-ready approaches to technology.

Winners of Millennium AI Creators Championship 2026 organised by Millennium Group of Schools

Held around the theme ‘Sustainable Cities. Intelligent Futures.’, the championship encouraged students to imagine how AI and human creativity can come together to address real-world challenges and contribute to cleaner, greener, kinder and more inclusive cities. The initiative was open to students from Grades 5 to 12 across India and was organised with Times Now, the leading English news channel from The Times Network, as the Official Broadcast Partner.

The championship featured three age-specific creative challenges:

• Grades 5–7: Storytelling Challenge
  • Winner: 
  1. Vishuddhi Jain
  2. Angad Mehta
  3. Aarav Mahajan
• Grades 8–9: Song Creation Challenge
  • Winner: 
  1. Ibrahim Siddiqui
  2. Hadiya Noor
  3. Rehan
• Grades 10–12: Short Film Challenge
  • Winner: 
  1. Karanjot Singh
  2. Krishna Chaudhary
  3. Abhiraj Sanjay Mokashi

The championship brought together students from across India, with entries evaluated on originality, creativity, storytelling, relevance to the theme, responsible use of AI and overall impact. 

Commenting on the conclusion of the championship, Neha Vaz, Head of Events & Strategic Alliances, The Millennium Group of Schools, said, “The response to the Millennium AI Creators Championship has demonstrated the curiosity and creative potential that young learners bring to conversations around Artificial Intelligence. What stood out was the way students used AI not simply to create, but to explore ideas, tell stories and engage with real-world challenges. Through this championship, we wanted to reinforce that responsible AI use begins with human imagination, critical thinking and intent. The winning entries reflect that spirit and serve as an encouraging reminder of what is possible when technology becomes a tool for young minds to express and build their ideas.”

As part of the championship, registered participants also received access to expert-led sessions covering prompt engineering, AI ethics and digital citizenship, helping students understand the responsible use of AI while strengthening critical thinking, creativity and innovation.

The Top 15 National Winners will receive an exclusive, fully sponsored AI Fellowship powered by TechnoKids in association with Knowledge Hub, providing advanced learning and coding opportunities to further develop their AI capabilities and future-ready skills. Winners will also receive robotics kits from E-BOT Plus, a solution designed around Computer Science, Coding, AI and Robotics, with a focus on practical and intuitive learning.

Speaking on the educational significance of the championship, Dr. Priyanka Jain, Head of Academics, The Millennium Group of Schools, said, “The Millennium AI Creators Championship has given students an opportunity to engage with Artificial Intelligence through creativity, inquiry and real-world problem-solving. The quality and diversity of the submissions demonstrate that when learners are given the right guidance, AI can become a powerful medium for expressing ideas and exploring solutions. Our focus has been to help students understand that responsible use of technology is as important as technical capability, and we hope this experience encourages them to continue questioning, creating and learning with purpose.”

The championship forms part of The Millennium Group of Schools’ broader focus on preparing students for a technology-led future while keeping creativity, critical thinking, ethical awareness and human imagination at the centre of learning. By bringing AI into a structured, creative and age-appropriate learning environment, the initiative sought to encourage students to build with AI rather than simply depend on it.

About The Millennium Group of Schools

The Millennium Group of Schools is a prominent chain of K-12 schools across India that follows the CBSE curriculum. Known for its holistic, child-centric approach, the institution follows the award-winning, research-backed Millennium Learning System™ (MLS™), developed through 10+ years of action research, to create personalised, experiential learning experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, conceptual understanding and real-world application, while integrating global learning theories with the Indian education and value system.

In a significant step towards building future-ready classrooms, Oxford University Press (OUP), a leading education publisher with a longstanding commitment to advancing learning, today announced a strategic collaboration with Canva, the world’s leading all-in-one visual communication platform. The collaboration brings together OUP’s pedagogical expertise and trusted educational content with Canva’s intuitive creative tools to embed design thinking and digital creativity into classroom learning through OUP’s revised Keyboard computer science series.

Oxford University Press partners with Canva to empower future-ready learners

As rapid advances in automation and visual communication reshape how current and future generations learn, work and create, schools are moving beyond traditional instruction to build skills that prepare students for the future. Reflecting this shift, the collaboration brings together OUP’s decades of pedagogical expertise with Canva’s intuitive, industry-leading visual communication platform. Through the textbook series, students gain hands-on opportunities to develop digital creativity, communication and design skills, aligned with the aspirations of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

Under the partnership, all OUP partner schools adopting the Keyboard series will receive complimentary access to Canva Education, providing teachers and students with hands-on access to professional-grade design tools in the classroom. A key highlight is the integration of Canva-based projects across Keyboard and OUP’s other computer science series, Reboot!, for Grades 3 to 8, with Reboot! available through the Oxford Educate platform.

Sukanta Das, Managing Director, Oxford University Press India, said, “At Oxford University Press, we are committed to developing educational resources that prepare learners to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. By embedding Canva into the curriculum, OUP and Canva are empowering students to think like creators from an early age, using technology to imagine, design and bring their ideas to life. Together, we aim to equip learners not only with technical knowledge, but also with the critical digital, communication and problem-solving skills essential for the future and envisioned by NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework.”

“At Canva, our mission is to empower the world to design, and education is at the very heart of that goal. We are thrilled to collaborate with Oxford University Press to bring together their rich legacy of trusted educational content and Canva Education’s intuitive visual communication tools. Together, we are making it easier than ever for educators and students to create highly engaging, interactive learning experiences.” – Megan Townes, APAC Lead, Canva Education.

Featuring age-appropriate templates, including presentations, logos, flyers, websites and social media content, these projects encourage students to apply their learning in meaningful, real-world contexts while building creativity, digital literacy and visual communication skills. The collaboration broadens the impact beyond a single series, extending creative digital learning across OUP India’s wider learning ecosystem.

Designed for young learners from Grades 1 to 8, the Keyboard series combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on application, covering everything from foundational digital productivity to advanced areas like Python coding, AI, machine learning, IoT, big data, and AR/VR, making computer science engaging and interactive. Aligned with NEP 2020’s emphasis on experiential, competency-based, and interdisciplinary learning, the series helps students build confidence in using technology while developing essential digital skills for the 21st century.

In addition to student resources, Canva will conduct a series of teacher-training sessions and webinars for OUP user schools, equipping educators to effectively lead design-based, visually driven learning into classroom instruction.

With technology continuing to reshape education and the workplace, the OUP-Canva partnership represents a significant step toward empowering learners with the digital fluency, creativity, and computational thinking skills required to thrive in the future.

About Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press (OUP) is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. OUP is one of the world’s largest university presses with a wide global presence. It currently publishes thousands of new publications a year, has offices in around fifty countries, and employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide. It has become familiar to millions through a diverse publishing program that includes scholarly works in all academic disciplines, bibles, music, school and college textbooks, children’s books, materials for teaching English as a foreign language, business books, dictionaries and reference books, and academic journals.

About Canva

Launched in 2013, Canva is the world’s leading all-in-one visual communication platform, empowering individuals, educators, and organizations to design, collaborate, and communicate visually through an easy-to-use online platform. Canva Education is designed specifically for schools and educators, providing tools that foster creativity, collaboration, and digital skills development in the classroom.