After 8 city rounds, 1000 participants, and an intense competition, Monkey Shoulder crowned Tanish Arora from Cobbler & Crew, Pune, as India’s ‘Ultimate Bartender Champion’ 2025. The thrilling finale for the Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC) concluded recently in New Delhi bringing 20 exceptional finalists from top bars across India, all vying for the prestigious title.

(left to right): Shashwat Varma, Tanish Arora (UBC 2025 Winner), Aakarsh Arya

The UBC India finale was an electrifying celebration of flair, passion, and bartending mastery. Based on the Bartender Rumble format, participants were tested on essential bartending skills, including knowledge test, pouring, nosing, table service and crafting the perfect serve- all designed to evaluate real-world agility and bar expertise. After five intense rounds, the finalists pushed their limits with precision, creativity, and stage presence, before the top five stepped behind the bar one last time to battle for the coveted title.

With the India finale now concluded, Tanish will represent India in Tokyo this October to compete in the first Regional Finale being held alongside the DMC World DJ Championship, Japan, raising the bar for Indian bartending talent on an international platform.

Hosted by Pankaj Balachandran, one of the most respected voices in India’s bar community and a friend of the brand, the finale captured the spirit of camaraderie and competition that has defined UBC since its inception.

Commenting on the finale, Kapila Sethi, Head of Marketing, William Grant & Sons India, said, “Consumers in India are seeking richer, more premium experiences when they step into bars, and this shift is redefining how they engage with the world of spirits. At the heart of this change are bartenders – not just service professionals but creators shaping the future of the category. To empower them in this evolving landscape, we’re enabling bartenders with a platform to showcase and elevate their skills. The Ultimate Bartender Championship is our way of recognising and nurturing this talent. This year, with the highest-ever registrations across eight cities, we’ve seen the depth of passion and skill in India’s bartending community. By taking our national winner to the regional finale in Tokyo this October, Monkey Shoulder is proud to give Indian talent a global platform.”

Adding to this, Pankaj Balachandran, Host, UBC 2025, said, “This year’s UBC has been nothing short of extraordinary. The passion, skill, and creativity on display reaffirm why this community is so special. I’m thrilled to see Tanish take the crown and even more excited to watch him represent India at the regional finale in Tokyo, Japan, from 10th-12th October.”

• Book authored by renowned oncologist Dr. P. Vijay Anand Reddy, featuring 108 real-life cancer survivor stories, launched at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals

• Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy applauds the initiative as a celebration of courage, awareness, and the power of hope in the fight against cancer

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals today hosted the launch of the book “Maine Cancer Ko Jeet Liya (I Am a Cancer Survivor)“, authored by Dr. Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy, a distin guished oncologist known for his pioneering work in cancer treatment and patient awareness, and Director, Apollo Cancer Center, Hyderabad.

Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy releases the book “Maine Cancer Ko Jeet Liya” authored by Dr. P. Vijay Anand Reddy

The book presents 108 inspiring stories of cancer survivors, each reflecting extraordinary courage, perseverance, and the triumph of hope over despair. Originally written in English, the book has been translated into Hindi by Dr. R. Suman Latha and Dr. T. C. Vasanta, and into Telugu by Dr. Durgempudi Chandrasekhar Reddy and Dr. Govindaraju Chakradhar, enabling these stories to reach a wider audience across India.

Speaking at the launch, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, the Guest of Honour, said, “This book stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Each story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of early detection and awareness. Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy’s effort in compiling these journeys will inspire countless patients and families to believe that cancer can be defeated.”

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Cancer care is not just about treatment, it is about restoring faith, strength, and dignity to every patient. This book is a powerful reminder of the resilience that defines survivors and the compassionate care that Apollo has always stood for. It reflects our commitment to creating a world where every cancer story ends with hope.”

Mr Shivakumar Pattabhiraman, Managing Director, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “At Apollo, we believe that healing extends beyond medicine, it lies in hope, awareness, and the human connection between patients, doctors, and caregivers. ‘I Am a Cancer Survivor’ beautifully captures this philosophy by giving voice to those who have conquered cancer and continue to inspire others on their journeys.”

The event was also graced by Sri Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, Member of Lok Sabha, who lauded the initiative for bringing together survivor stories that reflect the power of faith, medical excellence, and community support in overcoming cancer.

Sharing his thoughts, Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology and Director, Apollo Cancer Center, Hyderabad, said, “Through this book, I wanted to capture the unwavering determination of cancer survivors who chose courage over fear. Their experiences remind us that cancer is not the end-it’s a battle that can be won with timely care, faith, and positivity. I am sure this book would immensely help the newly diagnosed cancer patients to fight the battle with hope and courage.”

The event saw participation from senior doctors, cancer survivors, hospital leadership, and members of the media, all applauding the initiative for humanizing the cancer care journey and spreading a message of strength and optimism.

Published by Penguin Random House India, “I Am a Cancer Survivor” highlights the importance of awareness, compassion, and medical excellence in transforming the fight against cancer.

About Apollo
Apollo revolutionized healthcare when Dr. Prathap Reddy opened the first hospital in Chennai in 1983. Today, Apollo is the world’s largest integrated healthcare platform with over 10,400 beds across 79 hospitals, 6,800+ pharmacies, 2,900+ clinics, 500+ telemedicine centres. It is one of the world’s leading cardiac centers, having performed over 3,00,000 angioplasties and 5,00,000 surgeries. Apollo continues to invest in research and innovation to bring the most cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and treatment protocols to ensure patients have access to the best care in the world. Apollo’s 1,20,000 family members are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and leaving the world better than we found it.

Cities are no longer defined by traditional downtowns or single-use business hubs. The future belongs to districts that seamlessly integrate workspaces, housing, healthcare, education, and lifestyle. In Hyderabad, the Financial District (FD) has become that model, a “city within a city”, where the arrival of global corporations has catalyzed not just jobs, but entire communities built around them.

Ajitesh Korupolu – Founder & CEO Financial District – “City within a City”

Jobs that Build Homes and Communities

Every job created in the Financial District fuels demand for housing, retail, and urban services. In just the past year, the area recorded a 25.7% surge in 3BHK rentals, pushing yields into the 4-6% range, compared to Hyderabad’s citywide average of 2-3%, noted by Financial Express. This sustained growth demonstrates that demand here is end-user driven and deeply tied to the professional migration into Hyderabad’s IT corridor.

Global leaders anchor this demand. Google’s 3.3 million sq ft campus (to house nearly 26,000 professionals), alongside Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, TCS, and Qualcomm, are expanding at unprecedented scale. According to Colliers India,in H1 2025, Hyderabad captured ~21% of India’s tech-sector leasing, with the majority concentrated in and around FD. This clustering ensures that residential absorption remains strong, immune to seasonal dips.

Financial District: The New Core

While HITEC City marked the beginning of Hyderabad’s technology journey, it is the Financial District that has emerged as the city’s true growth corridor. With colossal global campuses, world-class infrastructure, and future-ready zoning, the hub has already cemented its position as Hyderabad’s economic command centre. Its appeal extends beyond work, as robust social infrastructure, from international schools and healthcare to retail and hospitality that complements the corporate landscape. Crucially, the district’s design enables a genuine walk-to-work lifestyle, where professionals can live, work, and access daily conveniences within the same ecosystem, completing the “city within a city” narrative.

Sustaining Growth with Infrastructure

Rapid expansion naturally brings challenges, but the Financial District has stayed ahead with planned upgrades that reinforce its long-term potential. Hyderabad commuters currently lose ~85 hours annually to traffic, far lower than metros like Delhi or Bengaluru, and new interventions including Metro Phase II linking KPHB to FD, multi-level flyovers, and widened arterial roads will further ease mobility. On the utilities front, the city today receives around 580 MGD of water, with upcoming Godavari phases set to raise capacity to 835 MGD by 2027 and over 1,100 MGD by 2047, ensuring future readiness. Together, these projects strengthen FD’s position as a self-sufficient urban core, where infrastructure evolves hand-in-hand with growth.

ASBL Loft – Living the City Within a City

At the heart of this transformation, ASBL Loft reflects the very ethos of the Financial District. Homes that are designed for balance, community, and modern living. With thoughtfully planned spaces that bring together fitness, childcare, co-working, and leisure under one roof, Loft offers residents a lifestyle that mirrors the self-contained ecosystem of FD itself. Unlike commercial assets where leasing is complex and ownership fragmented, residential investments like Loft offer direct control and assured demand in Hyderabad’s most resilient market. What makes it even more compelling is ASBL Loft’s ongoing rental offer in which buyers receive ₹85,000 per month until possession, effectively offsetting their housing costs while securing a future-ready 3BHK in the city’s most thriving hub. ASBL remains committed to shaping developments that not only meet demand but also define how people live, work, and thrive in this “city within a city.”

After 17 years of prolonged delays and uncertainty, the long-stalled Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project in Worli, known as Shivam, is finally nearing completion. With the swift and decisive intervention of Aspect Realty, the project is set to provide over 600 families a fresh start in fully furnished, ready-to-move-in homes, setting a new, unprecedented standard for SRA development.

Shivam is an SRA project in Worli that is developed by Aspect Realty to rehabilitate over 600 slum-dweller families and provide them with well-furnished homes

For nearly two decades, slum dwellers in Worli faced immense hardship and uncertainty as their promised homes never materialized. The project stalled, leaving families in unsafe, overcrowded conditions without proper housing or compensation. The delay took a heavy toll, with some original beneficiaries passing away before seeing any progress.

Aspect Realty took over the stalled project last year, clearing all the previous developers pending dues and quickly restarting construction with fresh funding. To show their unwavering commitment, the company also cleared all the pending rental dues in a single payout, providing immediate, much-needed financial relief to the displaced residents.

Now, the new SRA flats are almost ready for occupation. Aspect Realty is making history as the first builder to equip SRA flats with a full complement of furniture and white goods, transforming the project from a simple structure into a genuine, ready-to-move-in home.

Each of the 300 sq. ft. units comprising a living/dining area, a kitchen, one bedroom, and a separate bath and toilet will be delivered with a full set of essentials. This includes a three-seater sofa, TV unit and centre table, a queen-size bed, a dressing table, a wardrobe, and complete overhead and base kitchen cabinets. Furthermore, every unit will be supplied with key appliances: a Pure Drop UV water purifier, a Surya two-burner gas stove, a Haier 165L refrigerator, a Racold 1L geyser, and a Turbotek 32″ smart TV.

Kedar Chapekar, CEO – Aspect Realty, said, “Taking over a 17-year-old stalled project presented enormous challenges, but our team’s dedication allowed us to fast-track construction without compromising on quality. We are immensely proud to be near completion of over 600 SRA flats, providing the next generation of these families with ownership and security. This project is a clear demonstration that ethical real estate development and impactful social rehabilitation can and must go hand-in-hand.”

With Shivam, Aspect Realty continues to strengthen its track record in social redevelopment, having already rehabilitated over 2,500 families across Mumbai. This project, situated in the heart of Worli, stands out for its scale, speed, and for what it represents: a renewed promise of dignity, stability, and the power of corporate accountability in rebuilding lives.

About Aspect Realty
Aspect Realty is a forward-thinking real estate developer focused on delivering high-quality residential and commercial spaces with a strong emphasis on transparency, innovation, and long-term value.

About Aspect Global Ventures
Aspect embodies a perfect blend of time-honoured values and forward-thinking innovation, with ventures spanning across diverse sectors. We are a global conglomerate with a footprint that extends to the USA, UK, Singapore, Japan, Australia and Dubai, establishing a dynamic presence in pivotal markets around the world. We are a diversified group of companies operating across various sectors, meeting the evolving demands of our nation. From bullion to realty, infrastructure to hospitality, logistics to sports-we are everywhere. We touch every corner of the world, championing a wide range of projects. We aspire to bring opportunities like never before in areas of employment, technology, infrastructure and sustainability with a commitment towards excellence to transcend lives for a better tomorrow.

Our Vision: To be a global powerhouse where tradition and innovation unite, building a sustainable, impactful and visionary future for all stakeholders.
Our Mission: To embrace our roots while propelling forward, delivering value through ethical, sustainable and pioneering solutions, and ensuring Aspect remains a symbol of trust, quality and progress for generations to come.

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asias premier express air and integrated logistics company, today announced the launch of its Digital Account Opening (DAO) Journey. This new digital platform offers an instant self-onboarding solution, empowering businesses of all sizes to open accounts and start shipping with Blue Dart in just 10 minutes.

L-R: Dipanjan Banerjee, CCO, Blue Dart; Balfour Manuel, MD, Blue Dart; Manoj Madhavan, CIO, Blue Dart; Pablo Ciano, CEO, DHL eCommerce; and Ryan Hunter, CCO, DHL eCommerce

The DAO platform will power businesses and fuel their growth by enabling them to open accounts anytime, anywhere, through a seamless five-stage digital journey: profile creation, plan selection, KYC verification, Aadhaar-enabled agreement signing, and prepaid card recharge. Once complete, customers can immediately begin shipping using their Digital Prepaid Card (DPC), while every interaction is intelligently tracked and supported in real time by Blue Dart’s system.

To make the onboarding process more engaging, customers gain early access to Blue Dart’s customer dashboard, offering control of the company’s tools and services to enrich a customer’s shipping experience. Post onboarding, they can choose from three pre-defined shipping plans or opt for a customized plan tailored to their business needs.

Commenting on the launch, Dipanjan Banerjee, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart Express, said, “The launch of our Digital Account Opening Journey marks a pivotal step in simplifying logistics for businesses of every scale. By reducing onboarding time from days to minutes, we are empowering MSMEs, e-commerce sellers, and growing enterprises to ship faster and more seamlessly. This innovation reflects our commitment to digital transformation, customer-centricity, and future-ready logistics solutions.”

The DAO Journey is now live at www.bluedart.com. Businesses can easily access the platform via the ‘Open Your Account’ section on the website and start shipping instantly. Successful sign-ups also receive a digital welcome kit, underscoring Blue Dart’s commitment to transparency and trust from the very first step. With this launch, Blue Dart continues to strengthen its position as the Provider of Choice, leading with technology-driven innovations that simplify shipping and deliver excellence at every step.

Signature Global (India) Ltd., one of India’s leading real estate developers, has successfully strengthened its strategic commitment to engaging Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers in the United States by hosting a high-impact Investor Engagement Programme in Jersey City, New Jersey. The event, held at the Courtyard by Marriott, Jersey City, is the latest in a successful series of U.S outreach initiatives. This programme underscores Signature Globals ongoing focus on direct engagement with the Overseas Indian community.

Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, Director, Signature Global (India) Ltd.

With NRI interest in Indian real estate rising rapidly, these programmes focused on understanding their latest preferences, effectively addressing the challenges they face when buying property in India, and developing better ways to meet their specific requirements.

Led by Signature Global’s Director, Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, the programme gave attendees a chance to interact directly with the company’s leadership and learn about its current and upcoming projects. Building on the success of its global investor initiatives, Signature Global plans to set up a dedicated NRI support team to assist NRI homebuyers and better understand their needs and preferences.

Reflecting on the successful Investor Programme, Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, Director, Signature Global (India) Ltd., said, “The opportunity to connect directly with our NRI customers in Jersey City was a profound and invaluable experience. At Signature Global, our focus is always on creating homes that reflect our customers global aspirations. These discussions clearly highlighted that the priorities of our overseas clientele are location, reliability, and innovation. My commitment is to swiftly incorporate these fresh insights into our upcoming projects, making sure they reflect the high standards our customers truly want. Looking ahead, we are dedicated to strengthening our relationship with our international market by intensifying our outreach and ensuring our projects meet their changing needs and expectations.”

During the engagement session, overseas clients received a detailed presentation on some of Signature Global’s most sought-after projects, including the recently launched Cloverdale SPR, which has already generated strong interest among NRI homebuyers. Other flagship projects, such as Deluxe DXP and Titanium SPR, were also showcased, highlighting the company’s diverse offerings and commitment to high-quality standards.

Direct interactions gave participants a detailed view of Signature Global’s portfolio and allowed the company to gain valuable insights into the expectations of NRI buyers. The conversations further provided a clearer grasp of what international investors prioritize when purchasing in India, covering their choices for residence dimensions, floor plans, and essential facilities.

Through initiatives like this, Signature Global continues to strengthen its bond with NRI investors, showcasing its commitment to transparency, a customer-centric approach, and unwavering excellence. By actively engaging with global buyers and integrating their suggestions, we seek to deliver properties that not only satisfy but surpass expectations, cementing our position as a reliable and innovative real estate developer in India.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island is fast becoming a top destination for Indian families and investors seeking property abroad. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Phuket combines natural beauty with modern amenities, making it an exceptional place to live, invest, and relax.

Phuket, Thailand Rises as a Residential Haven for Indian Buyers, Led by Laguna Phuket and Banyan Group Residences

Phuket’s appeal has grown significantly with expanded direct flight routes from Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The island has also become a hotspot for Indian weddings, with its luxurious resorts and stunning beachfronts hosting grand celebrations. As a result, many families fall in love with Phuket and explore property ownership to maintain a long-term connection.

Phuket offers a wide range of property options at attractive prices, from stylish entry-level units to luxurious branded residences that offer exceptional value. To meet rising demand, Banyan Group Residences now has a sales team based in India.

The island’s safe neighbourhoods, family-friendly amenities, and excellent healthcare make it ideal for multi-generational living. Residents enjoy world-class golf courses, international shopping malls, and yacht marinas, high-speed internet and international hospitals and schools. The island’s affordability and high quality of life make it an enticing destination for property buyers.

A key driver of Phuket’s real estate development is the Banyan Group, globally renowned for its Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Ranked as Asia’s top operator of branded residences and the fifth globally, the group emphasizes sustainability, comfort, and well-being, which attracts discerning buyers from around the world, including a growing number from India who value the five-star hospitality management and unrivalled after-sales service. The company recently scooped 15 top honours at the International Property Awards – more than any other real estate developer in Asia.

At the heart of Phuket’s real estate appeal is Laguna Phuket, a 1,000-acre integrated resort by the Banyan Group. Located along Bang Tao Beach, Laguna Phuket is an idyllic resort community build around lakes and woodlands and includes seven world-class hotels, an award-winning golf course, and over 3,000 branded condos all interconnected by free shuttle buses and ferries. Its eco-friendly Laguna Lakelands project is adding 5,000 new homes, making it Phuket’s largest residential enclave.

Laguna Phuket is home to a thriving international community, with residents from over 50 nationalities. Its comprehensive infrastructure includes a kindergarten, wellness facilities plus unrivalled outdoor and leisure activities and even a magnificent Beach Club – the island’s largest – creating a self-contained, thriving neighborhood.

“Laguna Phuket has grown into a vibrant residential community. It’s a safe, stable, and world-class environment where families, retirees, and professionals can thrive,” said Stuart Reading, Managing Director of Banyan Group Residences.

Phuket offers Indian buyers the chance to own property in a secure, globally connected, and idyllic tropical setting. With its affordability, world-class amenities, and unmatched lifestyle, Phuket is not just a place to visit – it’s a place to call home.

Firefly Diamonds, one of India’s fastest-growing lab-grown diamond jewellery brands, is celebrating its first anniversary with a series of announcements. These include the launch of a new collection, the unveiling of its website, exclusive festive offers, and a roadmap for future expansion.

(from L-R) Aayush and Adit Bhansali, Co-founders of Firefly Diamonds

In just one year, Firefly has grown from its debut store in Mumbai to six boutiques across four cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

The launch of fireflydiamonds.com represents a major milestone in the brand’s omnichannel journey. The platform brings Firefly’s premium in-store experience online, enabling customers across India to browse collections, personalize pieces, and shop from the comfort of their homes all while staying true to the brand’s hallmark of craftsmanship, sustainability, and modern luxury.

“Our new website is more than just a digital storefront, it’s an extension of the Firefly experience,” said Adit Bhansali, Co-founder, Firefly Diamonds. “By blending high-touch service with cutting-edge technology, we’re making premium diamond jewellery accessible and enjoyable for a new generation of shoppers. From personalized designs to timeless pieces for engagements, weddings, and other cherished milestones, Firefly aims to be more than a jeweler, we aspire to be a trusted companion in life’s most meaningful moments.”

To mark its anniversary and the festive season, Firefly has introduced a bouquet of offers and services designed around customer delight.

• Firefly Studio – A ring design experience that allows customers to fully personalise their ring. This can be experienced in-store or online with 360-degree visuals and live pricing.

• Firefly Concierge / Try at Home: Integrated with the new website, this service lets customers shortlist pieces online and experience them at home before purchasing. With expert styling support, it bridges the brand’s digital and in-store touchpoints, creating a true omnichannel experience

• Firefly Family – The Firefly Family is a loyalty program with unique rewards and experiences, reserved exclusively for its most valued customers

• Old Gold Exchange: Allows customers to bring in existing gold jewellery and convert it into Firefly store credit, with a generous top-up for added value

Firefly is built on a 60+ year family legacy of jewellery craftsmanship, now carried forward by third-generation jewelers. Announcing the launch of its new collection- All Ways You, the brand continues to honor its heritage techniques while embracing innovative design. The new collection redefines versatility in premium design, showcasing how a single piece of jewellery can be worn and utilized to suit every occasion. For example, a custom-engineered lock integrated into the design, transforms a ring into a pendant offering multiple styling possibilities. Designed for the contemporary woman, All Ways You, transforms how jewellery is worn, turning every piece into a statement of adaptability and style.

Earlier this year, Firefly secured $3 million in funding from WestBridge Capital and others. This investment reinforces Firefly’s mission to democratize diamond ownership and build India’s most trusted lab-grown diamond brand. Looking ahead, the company plans to continue expanding its offline footprint across new cities while strengthening its digital presence in 2026 bringing its unique blend of luxury, sustainability, and innovation to more customers nationwide.

About Firefly Diamonds

Firefly Diamonds is a modern lab-grown diamond jewellery brand built on a 60-year legacy of craftsmanship. With a focus on sustainability, custom design, and everyday luxury, Firefly offers 100% real, certified diamonds powered by renewable energy, both online and across its stores in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Extending its sustainability-first ethos, Firefly plants a tree in the name of every customer, creating a lasting environmental legacy tied to each jewellery purchase.