VELS Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies welcomed new students through a series of Freshers’ Day 2026 celebrations held across its campuses in Pallavaram, Periyapalayam, Thalambur and Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai. The celebrations marked the beginning of a new academic journey for students joining programmes across diverse disciplines, including healthcare, engineering, technology, management, maritime studies, aviation and computing sciences.

Students at Freshers’ Day 2026 Across Four Campuses in Chennai

The VELS Freshers’ Day 2026 celebrations brought together students, parents, faculty members, senior administrators and distinguished guests. The programmes featured formal inaugural ceremonies, inspiring addresses, cultural performances and student engagement activities, introducing freshers to campus life, academic opportunities, student activities and career-focused learning at VELS.

The VELS mascot Velu, was one of the highlights of the Freshers’ Day celebrations, creating excitement and enthusiasm among the students. Representing wisdom, strength, learning and perseverance, Velu added a vibrant and memorable element to the celebrations, with students enthusiastically interacting and capturing moments with the mascot.

Freshers’ Day 2026 at VELS Pallavaram Campus

The Pallavaram Campus, the flagship campus of the VELS Group of Institutions, hosted Freshers’ Day programmes on August 3 and 5, welcoming students from diverse academic disciplines.

The programmes introduced students to the University’s academic ecosystem, research and innovation opportunities, student clubs, sports facilities, placement initiatives and co-curricular activities.

Dr. Irai Anbu, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the August 3 Freshers’ Day programme as Chief Guest, while Mr. Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd.), Former Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, was the Chief Guest for the August 5 programme.

Both dignitaries shared valuable insights with the students on discipline, lifelong learning, leadership, goal-setting, personal development and the importance of making responsible choices during their formative years.

Freshers’ Day 2026 at VELS Periyapalayam Campus

The VELS Periyapalayam Campus hosted its Freshers’ Day programme on August 10 for students pursuing programmes in Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Pharmacy.

Dr. V. Ganesan, Academic Director, Vijaya Medical & Educational Trust, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and addressed the freshers on the importance of academic excellence, professional ethics, discipline and holistic development in building meaningful careers in the healthcare sector.

The programme highlighted the importance of professional knowledge, compassion, responsibility and continuous learning for students preparing to enter the healthcare profession.

Freshers’ Inauguration 2026 at VELS Thalambur Campus

At the VELS Thalambur Campus, VISTAS conducted the Freshers’ Inauguration on August 7 for students pursuing Nautical Science and Marine Engineering.

Shri K. Saravanan, Registrar, Indian Maritime University, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and addressed the students, encouraging them to embrace discipline, integrity, innovation and excellence as they prepare for careers in the global maritime industry.

The programme highlighted the campus’s emphasis on academic learning, professional development, leadership, sports and extracurricular engagement, while introducing students to the opportunities and responsibilities associated with careers in the maritime sector.

Freshers’ Day 2026 at VELS Thiruvanmiyur Campus

At the VELS Thiruvanmiyur Campus, Freshers’ Day programmes held on August 12 and 14 reflected the University’s focus on technology-driven education, industry exposure and AI-integrated learning.

Students were introduced to the campus’s academic ecosystem, innovation initiatives, emerging technology opportunities and career-focused learning pathways.

The School of Aviation hosted Capt. Albert Tiong Kung Yung, Captain and Aviation Lead Instructor, Asia Aeronautical Training Academy, Malaysia, and Mr. Teng Keng Peh, Director, Alpha Aviation Group, Indonesia, as Chief Guests for the respective programmes.

The School of Computing Sciences welcomed Ms. Padma Jayaraman, Senior Associate Director, Movate, while the School of Management and Commerce hosted Ts. Dr. Suvarmani Subban, Chief Academic Officer / Administrator (DG), Malaysia, as Chief Guest.

The participation of experienced professionals from the aviation, technology and management sectors provided students with valuable industry perspectives and insights as they embarked on their higher education journey.

Guidance for the New Generation of VELS Students

Addressing the freshers, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder Chancellor, VELS Group of Institutions, emphasised the importance of discipline and maintaining a balanced college life. He encouraged students to learn with dedication, participate in sports and cultural activities, explore innovation and entrepreneurship, and make full use of the opportunities provided by VELS.

Addressing the parents, he assured them that “their children are in safe hands”, reaffirming VELS’s commitment to nurturing students academically, professionally and personally and preparing them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President, VELS Group of Institutions, highlighted VISTAS’s academic standing as one of Chennai’s prominent deemed-to-be universities, with NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category-I status.

She encouraged students to make the most of their college experience by actively participating in academics, research, innovation, sports, cultural activities, clubs, internships and leadership initiatives.

She emphasised four essential investments for a successful life: Knowledge, Health, Relationships and Character and encouraged students to build meaningful friendships and make full use of the opportunities available on campus.

Freshers’ Day 2026 Marks a New Beginning at VELS

The VELS Freshers’ Day 2026 celebrations also enabled students to familiarise themselves with their respective campuses, interact with faculty members and senior students, and discover the wide range of academic, extracurricular and career-development opportunities available to them.

With a continued focus on academic excellence, industry integration, research, innovation, international exposure and employability, VELS Group of Institutions remains committed to creating an environment where students can discover their strengths, pursue their aspirations and prepare for a rapidly evolving professional world.

The Freshers’ Day celebrations concluded on an energetic note, with students embracing their new identity as members of the VELS community and looking forward to the academic journey ahead.

About VELS University

VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) continues to be recognised as one of the prominent deemed-to-be universities in Chennai, distinguished by its prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category-I status. Home to over 20,000 students and supported by a dedicated faculty strength of 1,220 members, VISTAS offers more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Management, Law, Mass Communication, Maritime Studies, Aviation, Physiotherapy and Computing Sciences, among others.

With its commitment to academic excellence, innovation and holistic development, VISTAS remains a premier destination for quality higher education in India.

For more information, visit: www.vistas.ac.in

Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers with a trusted tradition of 163 years, has expanded its presence in Kerala with the opening of its latest showroom in Pala, Kottayam. The group has been leading by the 812 Km. Run Unique World Record & Guinness Record Holder Boche (Dr. Boby Chemmanur).

The latest showroom of Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers in Pala, Kottayam, is being inaugurated by popular Malayalam film actress Swasika

Popular Malayalam film actress Swasika inaugurated the new showroom.

Nisha Jose (social worker) conducted the first sale. Maya Rahul (Acting Chairperson), V.C. Joseph (General Secretary, KVVES, Pala), Liby Abraham (Gold Association, Pala), Mathew Tharappel (Director, Pala Urban Bank), and popular actor V.K. Sreeraman (PRO, Boby Chemmanur International Group) extended their greetings on the occasion.

Sam Sibin, Managing Director, Boby Chemmanur International Group; Sanjay George, CEO; and Swaraj, CFO, were also present at the inaugural ceremony.

As part of the inauguration, the Boche Fans Charitable Trust distributed financial assistance to selected underprivileged patients from Pala.

A range of special offers has been introduced to mark the opening of the new showroom. Five customers will win diamond rings through a lucky draw. One customer will have a chance to take home a Kia Seltos as the bumper prize.

Customers purchasing HUID-hallmarked 916 gold jewellery will receive a discount of Rs. 1,000 per each sovereign. Customers can also avail themselves of up to 50% off on making charges for diamond jewellery. In addition, a gold coin will be gifted with every diamond jewellery purchase worth Rs. 3 lakh.

The showroom features an extensive collection of the latest lightweight jewellery, offering a wide variety of contemporary designs. An advance booking scheme is also available, offering customers protection against fluctuations in gold prices.

Customers can sell their old gold jewellery, purchased from any jewellery store, at the showroom at competitive market prices. Assured gifts are also available with every purchase.

The new Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers showroom is conveniently located at the Pala KSRTC Bus Station.
 

boCHE (Dr. Boby Chemmanur)

Dr. Boby Chemmanur, popularly known as boCHE, is the Chairman and Managing Director of Boby Chemmanur International Group. boCHE has achieved the 812-km Run Unique World Record and a Guinness World Record for world peace. He is well known as a businessman, sportsman, social worker, motivator and entertainer. He is the patron of the Federation of Indian Blood Donors Organization. boCHE has fan clubs with millions of members in many countries.boCHE was the soul mate of the football legend, Diego Maradona.boCHE conducted the ‘YaachakaYatra’ to raise 34 crore rupees as blood money to cancel the death sentence of innocent Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode, who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.He collected the money by travelling through the districts of Kerala and begging the public for donations.

With a 163-year legacy, Boby Chemmanur International Group has a presence across India, the USA and the UAE. 

BobyChemmanur International Group consists of:

• Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers

• boCHE Gold Loan (Chemmanur Credits and Investments Limited  (NBFC)) 

• Boby Oxygen resorts

• boCHE Tours & Travels

• Phygicart.com, the E-Commerce platform 

• boCHE the butcher, the integrated meat store 

• boCHE Appliances

• boCHE Shakesbierre

• boCHE Club

• boCHE Island, the floating resort

• boCHE Pub

• boCHE Tea

• boCHE Brahmi Tea

• Caravan Tourism  

• boCHE 1000 acre 

• boCHE lens

• Ciinfos

• boCHE  First Kiss- Baby Wear

• boCHE Food Express

• boCHE Garment factory 

• boCHE Hills

• boCHE homes

• boCHE insurance 

boCHE Gold & Diamonds is the new venture of the BobyChemmanur International Group. First time in India, boCHE introduced Mobile Jewellery called Parakkum Jewellery, Rolls Royce taxi and Helicopter taxi. 
 

Boby Chemmanur International Group employs over 41000 individuals across its various business verticals. Along with its marketing team, and more than 500000 affiliates and sales officers, the group spreads across various business fields.His smart work, vision and dedication made the brand well known internationally to more than 250 million people. 
 

boCHE, is followed by millions of people through different social media platforms. He has received over 200 awards and recognitions for his outstanding performance in various fields. The crowning glory in his sports life came when he completed running 812 kilometres on the road to spread the message “Give blood save life” with a Unique World Record.  He has donated an amount to the needy during the marathon.
 

Among the several awards he has been given, the Mother Teresa Award is the one that he considers the most prestigious. Guinness World Record for world peace, Glory of India Award (London), Best Humanitarian Award, Kerala State Business Excellence Award. The Glory of India Award, Global Keraleeyan Award, Mahatma Puraskar and Indo British Business Excellence Award are a few of the many awards he has received from around the world.
 

boCHE spends a major portion of his profit and time to do charity and social service. boCHE Fans Charitable Trust started Life Vision Charity Homes to take care of destitute people from the streets and provide them food, medicine and shelter during their lifetime. He is doing charity without accepting any amount as a donation from anyone.boCHE Fans Charitable Trust with innumerable philanthropists from all over the world coordinates the charity activities of boCHE. boCHE always wishes to live free and young by spreading his motto “Conquer the world with love“.

• Two agreements sealed on campus to open global career pathways for students and drive joint green hydrogen research

• Guided by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, for the state’s growth and global engagement

• “If it were 30 years ago, I would have taken admission at Galgotias University,” His Excellency Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture
   

Galgotias University today hosted a 200-strong high-level delegation from Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, led by His Excellency the Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, along with senior members of the Prefectural Government and the business community. The visit marked a significant step forward in strengthening academic, research and workforce collaboration between India and Japan.
 

Galgotias University welcomes a 200-strong Japanese delegation led by H.E. Governor Kotaro Nagasaki; MoU & LoI signed on workforce mobility and green hydrogen
 

The delegation was warmly received at the University’s AI Block, where the guests were welcomed with a traditional ceremony and the presentation of ceremonial stoles.
 

The proceedings on the dais were graced by a distinguished gathering of guests of honour, including His Excellency Mr. Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture; Hon’ble Mr. Junichi Ishidera, Vice-Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture; Hon’ble Mr. Neerendra Upadhyaya, Advisor to the Government of Yamanashi Prefecture; Hon’ble Shri Jaiveer Singh, Cabinet Minister for Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Hon’ble Shri Dhirender Singh, Member of the Legislative Assembly (Jewar); and Hon’ble Shri Rakesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Chief Executive Officer of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). They were joined on the dais by Hon’ble Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, and Hon’ble Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor, Galgotias University.
 

Landmark Agreements for Talent and Clean Energy

Together, the Memorandum of Understanding with the Yamanashi Prefectural Government and the Letter of Intent with the University of Yamanashi anchor a long-term collaboration spanning talent mobility and clean-energy research. A presentation by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) further outlined opportunities for deeper industry and talent partnerships between the two regions.
 

Focused Group Engagements Across Campus

Following the formal proceedings, a key highlight of the visit was a series of focused group engagements held in parallel across the campus. A dedicated group of delegates took part in an in-depth discussion on green hydrogen with Galgotias University faculty, exploring avenues for joint research, technology development and the exchange of students and researchers in clean energy and low-carbon mobility, a shared priority for both India and Yamanashi Prefecture.
 

Another group visited the University’s Digital Nursing Skills and Simulation Centre for a session on nursing and the health sciences, reflecting the growing scope for collaboration in healthcare education and workforce development. Separately, members of the delegation took part in warm student-to-student interactions with Galgotias University students, exchanging perspectives on campus life, culture and career aspirations.
 

The delegation also toured the University’s Centres of Excellence and advanced laboratories, including the iOS Development Centre, the L&T Centre of Excellence and facilities in artificial intelligence, drone technology and semiconductors, witnessing first-hand the University’s industry-integrated approach to teaching and research.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “Today marks the beginning of a lasting partnership between Galgotias University and Yamanashi Prefecture. Through these agreements we are creating real pathways for our students to build global careers, and for our researchers to work shoulder to shoulder with Japan on the clean-energy challenges of our time. We are honoured to welcome such a distinguished delegation to our campus.”
 

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor, Galgotias University, said, “The friendship between India and Japan is built on shared values of knowledge, discipline and mutual respect. This partnership draws inspiration from the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for ever-stronger India-Japan ties, and from the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, in driving the growth and transformation of the state. It gives me immense pride to see Galgotias University become a bridge between our nations, and I am confident this association will open new opportunities for generations of young people.”
 

The Hon’ble MLA (Jewar), Shri Dhirender Singh, addressed the gathering and welcomed the growing India-Japan engagement in the region, noting the role of institutions such as Galgotias University in connecting local talent with global opportunities.
 

Both sides expressed their commitment to translating the day’s agreements into concrete programmes of student exchange, faculty collaboration, skilling and joint research in the months ahead.

VinFast India, the Indian subsidiary of global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, to provide tailored inventory financing solutions for its authorised dealer network. The partnership marks another important step in VinFast’s strategy to build a comprehensive ecosystem in India, empowering dealers with greater financial flexibility, enhancing operational efficiency, and enabling them to grow alongside the Company as it continues expanding its nationwide distribution network.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh (left), CEO, VinFast Asia, and Ms. Kumkum Jain, Additional SVP, Federal Bank Limited, at the signing ceremony

Under the partnership, Federal Bank will offer customized inventory financing solutions that enable VinFast dealers to optimize working capital, maintain healthy vehicle inventory, and respond efficiently to growing customer demand. The financing solutions are designed to strengthen dealers’ operational capabilities while supporting VinFast’s continued network expansion across India.

By combining Federal Bank’s financial strength and nationwide reach with VinFast’s rapidly expanding dealer network, the collaboration aims to build a stronger, more resilient retail foundation to support the Company’s long-term growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle markets.

The MOU was signed by Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast Asia, and Ms. Kumkum Jain, Additional SVP, Federal Bank Limited.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, “A strong dealer network is fundamental to delivering consistent and seamless customer experience. Our partnership with Federal Bank is an important step towards equipping our dealer partners with the financial flexibility needed to support business growth and operational efficiency. As we continue to expand our footprint across India, we remain focused on building a robust retail ecosystem that enables our partners to grow alongside us while delivering the highest standards of service to customers.”

Ms. Kumkum Jain, Additional SVP, The Federal Bank Limited, said, “Federal Bank is pleased to partner with VinFast to provide tailored inventory financing solutions for its dealer network. This collaboration combines VinFast’s commitment to sustainable mobility with Federal Bank’s expertise in dealer financing, supporting the growth of India’s EV ecosystem.”

The partnership reinforces VinFast’s broader strategy of building a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem in India through strategic collaborations spanning financing, charging infrastructure, after-sales service, and retail. Having recently opened its 60th 3S dealership in the country, the Company remains on track to establish 75 dealerships nationwide by the end of the year, with streamlined inventory financing further strengthening dealer readiness, optimizing inventory management, and enabling partners to better serve growing customer demand for electric vehicles.

VinFast continues to expand its presence across India through investments spanning manufacturing, retail, and customer support infrastructure. Alongside its plant in Tamil Nadu, the Company is building a nationwide dealership and after-sales network while collaborating with strategic partners to make electric mobility more accessible and convenient for Indian consumers.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.in. 

About Federal Bank
Federal Bank (NSE: FEDERALBNK) is one of India’s leading private sector banks, with a legacy spanning nine decades and a clear focus on long-term value creation. As of 30th June 2026, the Bank’s total business stood at ₹5.97 lakh crore. 

With a strong nationwide presence of over 1,600 banking outlets complemented by robust digital capabilities, Federal Bank serves millions of customers through an integrated physical and digital network. The Bank maintains an international presence through its Representative Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which serve as key touchpoints for Non-Resident Indian customers in the UAE. It also operates an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, becoming part of India’s evolving global financial ecosystem.

Anchored in its core values of trust, prudence, and customer-centricity, Federal Bank continues to evolve through disciplined execution and a clear, contemporary approach to banking.

Learn more at: www.federal.bank.in.

Nexdigm a leading Indian-origin firm with a global presence and a provider of professional services, consulting, and outsourcing solutions, today announced a strategic alliance with infer360, an AI-native transfer pricing platform built by seasoned transfer pricing experts and former Big Four leaders. Combining deep domain expertise with decades of advisory experience, this alliance will deliver an integrated, technology-led transfer pricing solution for multinational enterprises across the globe.

Nexdigm Accelerates Delivery of AI-Enabled Transfer Pricing Solutions, by Investing in infer360

As India strengthens its position as a global business and services hub, Nexdigm’s journey reflects the growing emergence of Indian-origin professional services firms on the world stage. Built in India and expanded globally, Nexdigm has continued to invest in talent, innovation, and technology-led capabilities. The alliance with infer360 is another step in that journey, combining deep advisory expertise with AI-native innovation that digitizes the entire transfer pricing lifecycle—from planning and operational transfer pricing to documentation, compliance, monitoring, and audit readiness. Together, the organizations offer an end-to-end solution that combines technology, advisory expertise, and managed services into a single integrated operating model.

Addressing this market shift, the Nexdigm–infer360 alliance introduces a disruptive, AI-enabled and technology-led operating model that combines advisory expertise, intelligent TP automation, and managed compliance services to streamline documentation, enable continuous monitoring, strengthen governance, and deliver greater transparency, agility, and regulatory confidence.

The solution is built for globally operating businesses, the platform supports organizations with cross-border value chains, distributed operating models and growing regulatory obligations. By combining AI-driven intelligence with deep transfer pricing expertise, it helps enterprises make informed decisions, strengthen tax governance and proactively manage risk in an increasingly transparent tax environment.

The collaboration reflects both organizations’ shared vision of making transfer pricing a business enabler rather than a year-end compliance exercise. By empowering tax and finance leaders with greater operational visibility, faster decision-making, improved governance, reduced manual effort, measurable cost efficiencies, and enhanced audit readiness, the alliance helps organizations drive better business outcomes while confidently managing transfer pricing throughout the year.

“This alliance reflects Nexdigm’s broader vision of evolving from technology-enabled to technology-led solutions, where AI, domain expertise, and managed services work together to create measurable business outcomes. As an Indian-origin professional and business consulting firm successfully operating on a global stage, this partnership reinforces our commitment to bringing world-class innovation to clients. Together with infer360, we are delivering a smarter, faster, and more strategic approach to transfer pricing,” said Mayank Lakhani Co-CEO, Nexdigm.

“infer360 was built to address the realities of modern transfer pricing.  Organizations need intelligent systems that continuously monitor risks, automate documentation, and preserve institutional knowledge – not another compliance tool.  Nexdigm’s reputation, regional strength, and deep transfer pricing expertise make them the ideal partner to bring this vision to businesses across India and the UAE,” said Sunil Agarwal, CEO and Co-Founder, infer360.

“Our exciting alliance pairs infer360’s global domain depth and leading technology platform with Nexdigm’s network and regional expertise to bring world-class transfer pricing technology solutions to multinational clients across India and the UAE. It brings to life our shared vision of what clients want and need – an agile, reliable, intelligent technology platform to ease the burden and manage the significant risk of transfer pricing planning, operations, compliance and defence,” said Shane McEvoy, COO and Co-Founder, infer360.

“Clients today are looking for more than documentation, they need operational visibility, consistency across jurisdictions, and confidence that their transfer pricing policies are being executed correctly throughout the year. By combining Nexdigm’s transfer pricing capabilities with infer360’s AI-native platform, we are creating a disruptive solution to help businesses create long-term business value,” said Maulik Doshi, Managing Director – Tax & Global Transfer Pricing, Nexdigm.

About Nexdigm

Nexdigm is a leading Indian origin global organization providing professional services including Tax, business consulting and outsourcing services, With decades of experience, Nexdigm partners with organizations to solve complex business challenges through integrated, technology-enabled solutions. Its transfer pricing practice supports multinational enterprises across planning, policy design, documentation, benchmarking, controversy management, APA, operational transfer pricing, and managed services.

About infer360

infer360 is an AI-native transfer pricing intelligence platform designed by ex-Big 4 transfer pricing partners to modernize the entire transfer pricing lifecycle. The platform combines automation, continuous monitoring, operational transfer pricing, intelligent documentation, benchmarking, and audit-ready workflows to help organizations transition from periodic compliance to continuous transfer pricing management. Built on an AI-native architecture with human-in-the-loop validation, infer360 enables enterprises to improve governance, operational efficiency, and transfer pricing defensibility.

Crocs, a global leader in innovative casual footwear, has unveiled the next chapter of its ‘Let Them Talk’ campaign, marking the continued evolution of its partnership with actor and brand ambassador, Siddhant Chaturvedi as the face of the Echo franchise in India. Featuring the new Echo II silhouette, the latest film celebrates a generation that embraces creativity, explores new possibilities, and isn’t afraid to experiment.

Crocs India launches the latest chapter of its ‘Let Them Talk’ campaign

Set within an immersive world where music, movement and visual art collide, the film brings together Siddhant Chaturvedi alongside rapper and singer-songwriter Tsumyoki, dancer and choreographer Srilakshmi, and graffiti artist Left Hander. As their creative worlds intersect, the campaign celebrates the freedom to explore new ideas, challenge conventions and create without seeking approval. Reinforcing the campaign’s core message, the film reminds audiences that if people are going to talk, let them.

At the heart of the campaign is the new Echo II silhouette that pushes the boundaries of comfort and design with its boldest expression yet, unlocking striking colourways and a progressive aesthetic. Designed for those who move at the intersection of style, comfort and street culture, it translates the campaign’s spirit into a confident expression of individuality.

Watch the campaign film here: www.instagram.com/reel/Dbm6uqtMtZ3/

Commenting on the campaign, Carly Gomez, Chief Marketing Officer, Crocs, said, “At Crocs, we believe self-expression is one of the most powerful ways people connect with our brand. The latest chapter of ‘Let Them Talk’, featuring the new Echo II, celebrates a generation that isn’t afraid to experiment, explore new creative pursuits and embrace individuality on its own terms. As we continue expanding our portfolio in India, we’re excited to introduce consumers to newer silhouettes like Echo II—bringing bold design, comfort and self-expression together in a way that feels deeply relevant to today’s culture.”

Siddhant Chaturvedi added, “I had a lot of fun shooting this campaign because it brought together different forms of creativity and self-expression. As someone who loves exploring new creative pursuits, the message behind ‘Let Them Talk’ really resonated with me. To me, the campaign is a reminder to stay curious, keep experimenting, and enjoy the journey without worrying about what others think. Needless to say, I’m also a big fan of the Echo II—it’s bold, comfortable and full of character.”

Speaking about the creative vision behind the campaign, Varsha Patra, CEO/Co-founder Homegrown, said, “The idea behind ‘Let Them Talk’ was to create a world where experimentation feels instinctive and exciting. We wanted Siddhant’s journey to unfold through different creative disciplines, showing that growth comes from being willing to explore without worrying about how you’ll be perceived. Bringing together artists with distinct voices allowed us to celebrate creativity in its many forms while staying true to Echo’s bold, expressive spirit.”

The latest chapter of ‘Let Them Talk’ is now live across digital, social and retail touchpoints as part of an integrated rollout. The new Echo II silhouette is available on crocs.in, Myntra and at Crocs retail stores nationwide.

About Crocs, Inc.

Crocs, Inc. (Nasdaq: CROX), headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for all, combining comfort and style with a value that consumers know and love. The Company’s brands include Crocs and HEYDUDE, and its products are sold in more than 85 countries through wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. For more information on Crocs, Inc. visit investors.crocs.com. To learn more about our brands, visit www.crocs.com or www.heydude.com. Individuals can also visit investors.crocs.com/news-and-events/ and follow both Crocs and HEYDUDE on their social platforms.

The festive season may still be a little while away, but the anticipation has already begun. The plans are being made, the get-togethers are finding their way onto calendars, and cravings for all those festive favorites are slowly making a comeback. But really, who decided the delicious part needs to wait?

Consider this your permission to start the celebrations a little early. With their rich flavour, satisfying crunch, and incredible versatility, California walnuts can turn everyday treats into something worth celebrating. From indulgent bites, everyday crowd pleasers and comforting favorites to desserts made for sharing, these California walnut-inspired recipes bring a little festive goodness to the table before the festivities even begin.

Because when something this delicious is coming, why wait?

California Walnut Halwa – By Chef Nehal Karkera

California Walnut Halwa

Ingredients
200g California walnuts
¼ cup ghee (clarified butter) 
1 tablespoon milk powder
½ cup khoya* (grated)
1½ cup milk
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon cardamom powder
*Concentrated milk solids

Preparation
1. Powder the walnuts in a grinder until semi coarse ground.
2. Heat the ghee in a pan over low heat. Add the powdered walnuts and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture turns golden and releases a fragrant, nutty aroma.
3. Add milk powder and khoya and stir. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well incorporated.
4. Pour in the milk and continue to cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the milk to reduce to half, which will thicken the halwa.
5. Once the milk has reduced, add the sugar. Cook for another few minutes, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens to a halwa-like consistency, and the ghee starts to separate.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle cardamom powder for flavor. Garnish with chopped walnuts and edible gold leaves before serving.

California Walnuts Chowpatty Bhel Puri – Chef Varun Inamdar

California Walnuts Chowpatty Bhel Puri

Ingredients
4 cups puffed rice
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
2 green chilies, finely chopped
4 tablespoons mint chutney
4 tablespoons sweet tamarind chutney
1 tablespoon chaat masala powder
1/4 cup chana dal
1/4 cup roasted chana
Salt to taste
1/2 cup California walnuts, chopped roughly
1/4 cup sev
12-15 papdi puris

Preparation
1. Firstly, pre-prepare every ingredient as mentioned above in respective bowls as per quantities and sizes and set the table.
2. All you need to do is toss all ingredients together in a large bowl.
3. Garnish generously with a sprinkling of sev, chopped California walnuts and serve a papdi puri alongside.
4. Serve immediately.

California Walnut Keema Stuffed Pav – Shumaila Chauhan 

California Walnut Keema Stuffed Pav

Ingredients 
4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
400g minced mutton or chicken keema
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 onions, finely chopped
4 green chilies, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ginger paste
4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garam masala
Handful of fresh coriander, chopped
1/2 cup California walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon ghee
Salt to taste

For the pav buns:
8 pav buns
2 eggs
1-2 teaspoons milk
A pinch of salt and pepper

Preparation
1. In a pan, heat ghee. Cook the meat with coriander powder, turmeric powder, salt, and 2-3 teaspoons of water until water evaporates and keema is cooked. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil, and sauté the onions till translucent. Add the green chilies, garlic, and ginger paste and fry till fragrant.
3. Add the minced meat, garam masala, coriander, and walnuts. Adjust seasoning. Stir till the masala is dry. Remove from flame.
4. Using a knife, make a round or square cut on the bottom side of the pavs. Keep the cut piece.
5. Remove some crumbs from the inner section without breaking the bun. Repeat with the remaining buns.
6. Stuff each bun with 1 – 1 ½ tablespoons of keema masala (depending on the size of the pav, adjust the filling).
7. Place an egg half on top of the filling. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of the keema masala. Cover with the reserved cut-out. Press gently.
8. Repeat for the other buns. Make sure the buns are properly filled but take care that you do not break the buns while filling.
(Note: In case a part of the bun breaks, use the crumbs that were removed to patch up the open part. Once you coat it with egg and cook, the crumb will also cook and the breaks will be fixed.)
9. Beat the eggs with 2 teaspoons of milk and a tiny pinch of salt and pepper.
10. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee/butter over medium heat. Dip the bun in the beaten egg covering all sides with the egg batter. Place the bun’s bottom side first in the pan. This will help seal the bottom part.
11. Cook for 1 – 2 minutes per side. Serve warm.

Anarock today announced the launch of ARC, an integrated marketing agency with an objective to reimagine the marketing stack and focus on Outcomes over Output. ARC leverages cutting edge AI technology to score, prioritise, nurture, and reactivate business leads so that every interaction converts into tangible business outcomes.

With ARC, Anarock extends its integrated marketing expertise in building sharp, high-impact creative and marketing programs for industries like real estate, BFSI, auto, retail, consumer durables, FMCG and beyond.

Nikhil Kumar

Nikhil Kumar has been appointed as Head – Anarock ARC. Kumar brings close to two decades of experience across advertising, media, and marketing, having held senior roles at MullenLowe Lintas Group, Publicis Groupe, and Dentsu Creative. Nikhil has led large client portfolios and built high-performing teams across creative, media, and business strategy functions.

“ARC’s proposition rests on three integrated pillars – creative development that builds distinctive brand and campaign narratives, performance media that converts attention into measurable demand, and experiential activations that deepen consumer engagement at the point of decision,” says Nikhil Kumar, Head – Anarock ARC. “Underpinning all three is the Firm’s proprietary AI Predictive Engine, which turns every lead and enquiry into actionable intelligence, prioritising and nurturing prospects based on their propensity to convert and reactivating dormant leads into immediate business.”

He adds that the same intelligence layer that has driven outcomes in real estate marketing at Anarock has been re-engineered to work across sectors, giving ARC’s clients a data-backed system for converting demand into revenue, not just impressions into activity.

The agency has been established under the advisory of Akshay Gurnani, Ex-Co-founder & former CEO of India’s first creative, media, and digital agency Schbang.

Aashreen Puri

“ARC is not built as another standalone creative, performance or experiential agency – those are tools, not the destination,” says Aashreen Puri, Regional Director – Anarock Group. “ARC stands for Activation, Response and Conversion. It is a unique assemblage of cutting-edge creative marketing tools and knowhow that creates real access between businesses and their consumers and converts that access into measurable growth regardless of category. Anarock has always believed in investing in opportunities that have the potential to reimagine categories, not simply participate in them.”

Santhosh Kumar, Vice Chairman – Anarock Group, says, “Marketing has evolved dramatically, but agency accountability hasn’t kept pace. Too many businesses still measure success through activity rather than outcomes. ARC changes that equation – it connects strategy, creative, media, experience, and technology to drive measurable business outcomes. This will ensure that marketing spend converts into a measurable growth engine rather than a cost line. Bringing in Nikhil Kumar to lead ARC is a deliberate step toward that goal.”

ARC hits the ground running with a 55-member team of creative, media and technology specialists headquartered in Mumbai, with presence across Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai, and several major mandates already in hand and underway.

About Anarock
Anarock is a leading independent real estate services company operating across India and the Middle East. Established in 2017, Anarock draws upon a legacy of over three decades of real estate expertise and advises clients across all property sectors including residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, land, industrial and logistics, data centres and flexible workspaces.

With a team of over 2,600 professionals, Anarock delivers integrated real estate solutions spanning investment banking, bespoke research, strategic advisory and valuations, project management and engineering services and digitised community management. Backed by a proprietary AI-led ecosystem, advanced CRM infrastructure and strong relationships with developers, occupiers, investors and government stakeholders, the firm combines market intelligence, technology, and disciplined execution to create long-term value across the real estate lifecycle.

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

Tetra Pak, a world-leading food processing and packaging solutions company, successfully convened a leadership workshop on ‘Strengthening Food Security for a Growing India’ in collaboration with the International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE) and Primus Partners in Delhi, India. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, research institutions, multilateral organizations, and development partners to deliberate on strengthening India’s food systems through greater collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions. Leading organizations including NIFTEM, ICAR, TERI, UNIDO, Nestlé, PepsiCo, BASF, IFPRI, and Good Food Institute (GFI), among others, attended the workshop.

Industry leaders and policymakers engaged in strategic discussions on strengthening food security in India at the workshop convened by Tetra Pak in collaboration with ICCE and Primus Partners

The event commenced with a keynote address by Shri Siraj Hussain, Former Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Asking the audience a pertinent question – “How can we bring innovation and technology to build a more resilient, efficient and much more sustainable supply chain in India?”– he highlighted that India’s food security challenge extends beyond increasing production to minimizing food losses through improved preservation, processing and supply-chain systems. He stressed the importance of leveraging innovation and technology to strengthen the resilience, efficiency and sustainability of India’s food systems.

Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, then took the stage and spoke about how the growth in food production is a testament to the resilience of India’s agricultural system. Going forward, the focus must be on reducing post-harvest losses from the current 15–20% to around 5% by 2047, while improving nutrient-use efficiency, mechanization and water-use efficiency. “At present, overall post-harvest losses are around 15–20%, and we want to reduce them to around 5% by 2047,” he added.

Strengthening the ‘critical middle’

A central theme emerging from the discussions was the need to strengthen the ‘critical middle’ of the food value chain- the infrastructure and systems connecting agricultural production with consumption, including aggregation, processing, packaging, storage, logistics and distribution.

The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening integrated food systems through better coordination across stakeholders, improving farmer access to technology and markets, adopting digital solutions for supply chain efficiency, promoting circular economy approaches to food systems, and scaling evidence-based interventions that simultaneously address food security, climate resilience, and food loss and waste reduction.

Other key priorities emerging from the roundtable included:

• Strengthening food security and resilience across India’s food systems.

• Reducing food loss and waste through improved post-harvest management, processing, packaging, and logistics.

• Investing in processing and packaging infrastructure and innovative technologies to extend shelf life, improve food availability, and reduce losses across the food value chain.

• Leveraging food processing, sustainable packaging, and digital technologies to improve supply chain efficiency and minimize losses.

Building a stronger evidence base for action

From a policy perspective, participants highlighted the need for agencies to collect more granular, ground-level data on food loss and waste to enable better identification of hotspots, inform targeted interventions, and track progress. The discussions also emphasized that, without specific and measurable targets for reducing Food loss and Waste (FLW)efforts to address the issue are likely to remain only partially successful. It was therefore underscored that the need to consider the inclusion of FLW reduction targets in India’s NDCs, alongside greater recognition of innovative technologies in food processing and packaging that can help India achieve these targets.

Tetra Pak and NIFTEM research on the climate impact of food loss and waste (Link: Food loss and waste | Tetra Pak India)

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the NIFTEM – Tetra Pak report on ‘GHG Emissions from Food Loss and Waste,’ which presents research on the environmental implications of food loss and waste in India and reinforces the importance of reducing FLW as a pathway to improving food security while advancing climate action

The session concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration across sectors, strengthen evidence-based policymaking and data collection, promote investment and innovation across the critical middle of the food value chain, and identify actionable next steps to improve food security, reduce food loss and waste, and build a more sustainable food ecosystem for India.

About Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak is a world-leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working with our customers and suppliers, we provide access to safe, nutritious food for hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries every day. With over 24,000 employees worldwide, we commit to making food safe and available everywhere, and we promise to protect what’s good: food, people and the planet.

More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com.

Razorpay, India’s Omnichannel Payments Platform for Businesses, today announced the launch of the Multi-Currency EEFC Account, enabling exporters and international businesses to receive payment settlements directly into their Exchange Earners’ Foreign Currency (EEFC) accounts in the original transaction currency.

Razorpay Launches Multi Currency Account

With this launch, merchants can receive settlements in USD, EUR, GBP, AED, and SGD directly into their EEFC accounts through Razorpay’s banking partner ecosystem, eliminating the need for immediate conversion into Indian Rupees (INR).

For many Indian exporters and globally operating businesses, managing foreign currency earnings efficiently remains an operational challenge. While international payments are typically settled in INR, businesses with ongoing foreign currency expenses often need to convert those funds back into foreign currencies to meet overseas obligations, resulting in multiple conversion cycles and avoidable foreign exchange costs. At the same time, as Indian businesses expand globally, the need for better control over foreign currency cash flows has become increasingly important. Businesses today require greater flexibility in deciding when and how to convert their earnings, especially when they have ongoing foreign currency obligations.

Through Razorpay’s Multi-Currency EEFC Account, the company aims to address these challenges by enabling businesses to retain earnings in the original currency and convert only when required. The solution extends Razorpay’s export payments stack beyond collections, helping businesses manage international earnings more efficiently. Key benefits of Multi-Currency EEFC Settlements include:

• Direct foreign currency settlements: Businesses can receive payment settlements directly into their EEFC accounts without mandatory INR conversion

• Reduced FX leakage: By eliminating multiple conversion cycles, businesses can avoid unnecessary foreign exchange costs

• Improved cash flow management: Merchants gain greater control over when to convert foreign currency based on their operational needs

• Seamless integration with existing workflows: The solution is built within Razorpay’s existing dashboard, settlement engine, and reconciliation processes

• No additional setup required: Businesses can access EEFC settlements without separate onboarding or changes to their current payment setup

Commenting on the launch, Rahul Kothari, COO, Razorpay, said, “Indian businesses are selling to the world like never before – reaching a record USD 860 billion in FY26, and they need financial infrastructure that grows with them. Because Indian exporters deserve the same flexibility to manage their global earnings as they have in growing their businesses. With our Multi-Currency EEFC Account, we’re making it easier for businesses to retain foreign earnings, reduce conversion costs, and operate with greater confidence in global markets. This is another step towards building financial infrastructure that helps Indian businesses compete and grow on the global stage.”

The launch reinforces Razorpay’s commitment to supporting the entire export money lifecycle, from collecting international payments to retaining foreign currency earnings and enabling cross-border payouts.

About Razorpay
Razorpay, an omnichannel payments platform for businesses, strives to help Indian businesses with innovative solutions built with technology to address the payment and banking journey for businesses. Established in 2014 by alumni of IIT Roorkee, Shashank Kumar and Harshil Mathur, the company strives to provide technology payment solutions to many businesses. A few angel investors have also invested in Razorpay’s mission to simplify payments and business banking.