Cancer continues to be one of the leading health concerns among women worldwide. While breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, cancers of the cervix, ovary, uterus, and thyroid also contribute significantly to the disease burden. The encouraging news is that advancements in medical science, early diagnosis, and modern treatment options are helping women achieve better outcomes and improved quality of life.
 

Dr. Naveen Padmanabhan, Consultant & Head of Surgical Oncology at Equitas Hospital, Chennai, Expert in GI, breast, and thoracic oncology
 

The Importance of Awareness and Early Detection

One of the most effective ways to combat cancer is through awareness and timely medical intervention. Many cancers develop gradually and may not show obvious symptoms in their early stages. Regular health check-ups, understanding family medical history, and paying attention to unusual changes in the body can play a crucial role in early diagnosis.
 

Common warning signs that women should not ignore include:

• Unexplained lumps or swelling

• Persistent abdominal bloating

• Abnormal bleeding or discharge

• Sudden weight loss

• Chronic fatigue

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• Persistent pain that does not resolve
   

Seeking medical attention at the earliest sign of concern can significantly improve treatment success rates.
 

How Cancer Treatment Has Evolved

Cancer treatment has witnessed remarkable advancements over the past decade. Today, treatment plans are personalized based on the type of cancer, stage of disease, and overall health of the patient. Multidisciplinary teams comprising surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists work together to deliver comprehensive care.
 

Among the most significant developments has been the evolution of surgical techniques that focus on effective cancer removal while preserving healthy tissue and improving recovery outcomes.
 

Advanced Surgical Options for Women’s Cancers

Modern cancer surgery has moved beyond traditional open procedures in many cases. Advanced techniques now offer greater precision, reduced pain, and faster recovery.
 

Minimally Invasive Surgery Many gynecological and abdominal cancers can now be treated using minimally invasive techniques. These procedures require smaller incisions, resulting in less blood loss, reduced postoperative discomfort, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to daily activities.
 

Laparoscopic Surgery Laparoscopic procedures utilize specialized instruments and high-definition cameras to remove tumors with exceptional precision. This approach has become increasingly common in the treatment of certain uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers.
 

Robotic-Assisted Surgery Robotic technology has further enhanced surgical precision by providing surgeons with improved visualization and greater control during complex procedures. This enables more accurate tumor removal while preserving surrounding healthy structures whenever possible.
 

Organ-Preserving Surgeries Advances in surgical planning and imaging allow doctors to remove cancerous tissue while preserving organ function whenever clinically appropriate. Such approaches can significantly improve long-term quality of life for patients.
 

Dr. Naveen Padmanabhan, Consultant & Head – Surgical Oncology at Sringeri Sharada Equitas Hospital says that, “Cancer is no longer viewed solely as a life-threatening diagnosis. With increasing awareness, timely diagnosis, advanced surgical techniques, targeted therapies, and comprehensive cancer care, many women are successfully overcoming cancer and leading healthy, fulfilling lives.”
 

He also emphasized that awareness, regular medical consultations, and prompt attention to symptoms remain the strongest tools in the fight against cancer. By prioritizing their health and seeking timely medical advice, women can greatly improve their chances of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
 

Remember: Early action can make all the difference. Awareness today can save lives tomorrow.

Chemco Group, an international manufacturing and plastic packaging group, has received authorisation from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to manufacture food-grade recycled PET (rPET) resin for food contact applications under the Food Safety & Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.

Chemco’s rPET recycling facility in Gujarat featuring the Starlinger recoSTAR PET art SSP line

The authorisation places Chemco among a select group of companies in India approved to manufacture food-grade rPET resin suitable for direct food-contact packaging applications, marking an important milestone in the country’s transition towards a more circular and compliant packaging ecosystem.

Chemco’s rPET recycling facility in Gujarat featuring the Starlinger recoSTAR PET art SSP line

The approval follows Chemco’s recent commissioning of its large-scale bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in Sanand, Gujarat, representing an investment of approximately Rs. 125 crore. The integrated facility has been developed to recycle more than 1 billion post-consumer PET bottles annually, converting them into high-quality food-grade recycled PET resin suitable for use in food and beverage packaging applications.

Chemco’s food-grade rPET facility is supported by a state-of-the-art Starlinger bottle-to-bottle recycling system, incorporating globally recognised recycling technology designed for food-contact applications. The facility has been developed to meet India’s food-contact regulatory requirements under the Food Safety & Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, along with applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements governing recycled PET materials. Its compliance framework is supported by robust quality, traceability, and food safety systems, including FSSC 22000 certification, alongside recycling process frameworks recognised by US FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for food-contact recycled PET applications.

FSSAI authorisation for food-contact applications represents a significant regulatory milestone for India’s recycled plastics sector, given the stringent standards governing recycled materials intended for direct contact with food and beverages. Under the Food Safety & Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, manufacturers are required to demonstrate robust traceability, process control, testing, and compliance measures to ensure material safety and suitability for food-contact use.

Commenting on the development, Vaibhav Saraogi, Director of Chemco Group, said, “Receiving FSSAI authorisation for food-grade rPET is an important milestone not only for Chemco, but also for the broader development of circular packaging infrastructure in India. As demand for compliant recycled content continues to increase, particularly in food and beverage packaging, it becomes essential to build credible domestic manufacturing capabilities supported by regulatory discipline, traceability, and consistent quality standards. Our investment in bottle-to-bottle recycling was made with a long-term view of supporting both sustainability and supply-chain reliability for brand owners. This approval reinforces our ability to offer food-grade recycled material that meets stringent safety and compliance expectations while supporting India’s transition towards circular packaging.”

The approval comes at a particularly important time for India’s packaging industry as mandatory recycled-content obligations under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules continue to tighten. For Category I rigid plastic packaging, including PET bottles and containers, minimum recycled-content requirements have been prescribed at 40% for FY 2026–27, 50% for FY 2027–28, and 60% from FY 2028–29 onwards. These obligations are expected to significantly increase demand for domestically available, compliant food-grade recycled materials, particularly for beverage, food, and FMCG packaging applications. Industry participants are increasingly seeking reliable local sources of food-grade rPET capable of supporting both regulatory compliance and long-term sustainability commitments.

The Sanand facility has been developed as a fully integrated bottle-to-bottle platform, strengthening Chemco’s ability to support brands with compliant recycled packaging solutions through an end-to-end manufacturing approach. By combining food-grade rPET resin production with downstream packaging capabilities within the Group, Chemco offers enhanced traceability, supply-chain reliability, and quality consistency. This integrated model positions the Group among very few packaging manufacturers in the world capable of supporting large-scale recycled-content packaging requirements for leading consumer brands.

Beyond environmental impact, the project contributes to skilled employment generation, strengthens Gujarat’s position as a manufacturing and sustainability hub, and supports India’s broader objectives of resource efficiency, waste reduction, and circular manufacturing.

With FSSAI authorisation now in place, Chemco further strengthens its position as a long-term partner for companies seeking credible, compliant, and scalable food-grade recycled packaging solutions in India.

About Chemco Group
Chemco is an international manufacturing group with over four decades of operating history across plastics and polymer-based products. The Group operates a diversified network spanning 23+ locations across India, the Middle East, and the United States, serving leading domestic and global brands across multiple industries. Chemco processes over 125,000 tonnes of plastic polymers annually and has established capabilities across rigid and flexible packaging, technical textiles, medical devices, baby care products, and sustainable materials. The Group serves a wide range of sectors through advanced manufacturing capabilities across moulding, extrusion, recycling, and engineered polymer applications. Sustainability and circularity remain central to Chemco’s long-term growth strategy, with recent investments focused on food-grade bottle-to-bottle rPET recycling and rPET FIBC and industrial packaging solutions. Chemco remains focused on responsible manufacturing, regulatory compliance, operational scale, and long-term value creation.

Melento, the world’s first AI-powered collaborative intelligence platform, today announced that it has become one of the leading companies to introduce StockHolding DigiDoc in the Indian market, marking a major step forward in the digitization of enterprise stamping and document execution workflows.

DigiDoc, backed by Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (StockHolding) and integrated natively within the Melento.ai platform, is a modern digital stamping solution that enables enterprises to generate legally compliant stamp papers in real time through a seamless, API-driven workflow.

The launch addresses one of the most operationally fragmented areas in enterprise documentation — stamp paper procurement and execution — by eliminating traditional dependencies on physical procurement, manual coordination, and multiple vendor integrations.

With a single integration through Melento, enterprises can now access digital stamping capabilities across multiple States / Union Territories while remaining compliant with State / Union Territories-specific regulations.

A key differentiator of StockHolding DigiDoc is its Digital Mode, which delivers a completely paperless stamping experience across multiple States / Union Territories in India. From stamp generation to document delivery, the entire process is executed electronically without physical intervention.

The platform also supports a Hybrid/Physical Mode for organizations operating in workflows that require partial physical execution.

What Enterprises Gain with StockHolding DigiDoc + Melento

• Real-time generation of legally compliant stamped documents

• Automatic calculation of stamp duty based on state-specific laws

• API-driven workflows eliminating manual processing and vendor dependency

• Unified multi-state digital stamping access through a single integration

• Prepaid wallet-based payment processing for operational efficiency

• Support for fully paperless and hybrid execution workflows

Speaking about the launch, Krupesh Bhat, CEO of Melento, said, “Melento becoming one of the leading companies to introduce StockHolding DigiDoc in the Indian market is a significant milestone in the modernization of enterprise documentation infrastructure. Enterprises today are looking for intelligent, scalable, and compliant workflows that reduce operational friction while accelerating execution. By integrating StockHolding DigiDoc within Melento, we are enabling organizations to move from fragmented, manual stamping processes to real-time digital execution at enterprise scale.”

Mr Atul Saxena, MD & CEO, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (StockHolding), added, “StockHolding Digidoc represents the next evolution of compliant digital stamping infrastructure, along with providing an end-to-end document execution in India. The collaboration between StockHolding and Melento combines trusted digital stamping capabilities with modern enterprise workflow automation, helping organizations simplify execution, improve compliance readiness, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives.”

The introduction of StockHolding DigiDoc further strengthens Melento’s vision of building an AI-powered enterprise workflow infrastructure that combines contract intelligence, governance automation, compliance, and digital execution within a unified platform.

The solution is expected to benefit enterprises across BFSI, insurance, fintech, procurement, legal, and other regulated sectors where document execution, compliance, and operational speed are critical.

As organizations increasingly move toward AI-led and digital-first operating models, StockHolding DigiDoc on Melento provides a scalable foundation for modernizing one of the most compliance-sensitive enterprise processes in India.

About Melento
Melento (formerly SignDesk) is the world’s first AI-powered collaborative intelligence platform that helps enterprises streamline contracting workflows, improve governance, reduce operational complexity, and unlock strategic insights through automation and AI. They serve 3000+ brands globally, processing over 75mn+ transactions annually.

For more information, please log on to https://melento.ai/

About StockHolding Corporation of India Limited
Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (StockHolding) is a leading financial services institution providing trusted technology-led infrastructure and digital services across domains, including e-stamping and digital documentation solutions in India.

For more information, please log on to https://www.stockholding.com/

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s resilience and global competitiveness, the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) India Affiliate has established its third Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) at Chitkara University, Punjab. This development marks a key milestone for North India, positioning the region as an emerging hub for enterprise risk education, research, and thought leadership.

First in North: Chitkara University launches first ever Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Risk Management in collaboration with IRM

The Centre was formally inaugurated by Mr. Rajeev Tanna, CFIRM & Chairman of IRM India Regional Group with Mr. Sandip Datta, Ex-Chief Risk Officer, ITC Limited gracing the occasion, alongside Dr. Ashok K Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University, Dr. Sandhir Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University and Mr. Hersh Shah, CEO, IRM India Affiliate, and other distinguished leaders from academia, industry, and governance. The inauguration ceremony reflected a shared commitment to building future-ready institutions that integrate global frameworks with India’s evolving risk landscape.

Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti, Governance Board Member, IRM India Affiliate, also joined the inauguration virtually, sharing his perspectives on the growing importance of governance, resilience, and enterprise risk management in today’s dynamic environment.

Punjab, long recognised for its entrepreneurial energy, leadership ethos, and global outlook, provides a compelling backdrop for such an initiative. The establishment of this Centre aligns with the state’s legacy of enterprise and its growing role in shaping modern education and innovation ecosystems. By bringing global standards of enterprise risk management into the academic environment, the initiative seeks to equip students and professionals with the ability to navigate complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change.

The Global Centre for ERM at Chitkara University is envisioned as more than a physical facility. It represents a dynamic ecosystem designed to foster risk intelligence as a core leadership capability. Through access to IRM’s globally recognised ERM qualifications, academic resources, and industry-led insights, the Centre will enable learners to develop a structured understanding of risk across domains such as finance, technology, operations, governance, and sustainability.

As global economies continue to face interconnected challenges ranging from geopolitical shifts and cyber threats to climate risks and financial volatility, the importance of enterprise risk management has become more pronounced than ever. The Centre aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by creating opportunities for research, dialogue, and collaboration between academia and industry, thereby nurturing a new generation of professionals who can anticipate, assess, and respond to complex risks.

The initiative also reinforces IRM India Affiliate’s broader vision of building a risk-intelligent and resilient India. With a presence across 140+ countries, IRM brings a legacy of over four decades in advancing enterprise risk management globally. Its collaboration with Chitkara University reflects a strategic effort to embed these global standards within India’s higher education ecosystem, ensuring that students are equipped with internationally relevant skills and perspectives.

Dr. Ashok K Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University, stated, “Risk management has become increasingly important as organisations navigate a complex and uncertain global environment. At Chitkara University, we believe that risk awareness and strategic decision-making are critical competencies for future business leaders and this Centre of Excellence will play an important role in nurturing those capabilities.”

Mr. Hersh Shah, CEO, IRM India Affiliate, added, “Risk intelligence is now a leadership imperative. The launch of the Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management at Chitkara University is a significant step towards embedding globally benchmarked ERM education in India. Through this Centre, we aim to equip students and professionals with the skills and mindset to navigate uncertainty, make informed decisions, and contribute to building a more resilient and future-ready economy.”

Mr. Rajeev Tanna, CFIRM and Chairman of IRM India Regional Group, remarked,
“As organisations navigate an increasingly complex risk landscape, Risk Intelligence and Risk Resilience have become essential for leadership and sustainable growth. This Centre at Chitkara University will strengthen risk education, industry collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, while equipping students and professionals with globally relevant ERM practices and decision-making tools.”

Strategically located in Punjab, the Centre is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening regional capacity for risk education and professional development. It will contribute to industry-academia engagement, encourage risk-aware entrepreneurship, and support policy-oriented thinking in areas of governance and resilience. The initiative is also aligned with India’s broader aspirations of becoming a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy.

As India navigates an increasingly complex and uncertain world, the launch of the Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management at Chitkara University underscores the growing recognition of risk intelligence as a critical skill for the future. Anchored in Punjab’s spirit of ambition and progress, this initiative is set to create a lasting impact by developing leaders who can drive sustainable growth, informed decision-making, and long-term resilience.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India’s leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.

The University’s academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally.

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

Layan LIFE by Anantara, the brand’s flagship wellness retreat nestled within the luxurious Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, has unveiled a new collection of women-focused retreats designed to support, celebrate and empower women across all chapters of life — from tech-overloaded teens and women navigating the hormonal fluctuations of midlife, to those entering their wiser years wanting to stay strong, mobile and well.

Anantara Layan Life – Wellness Centre

Each programme combines advanced diagnostics, nutrition, movement and therapeutic treatments with Thailand’s time-honoured healing traditions, creating a personalised experience rooted in evidence, empathy and balance.

The launch comes at a time when multi-generational and purpose-driven travel continue to rise. More women are choosing to travel together — mothers and daughters, sisters, lifelong friends — seeking experiences that offer learning, bonding and meaningful rest. Layan LIFE’s retreats honour this shift beautifully: guests stay together, spend time together and enjoy shared workshops, yet each woman follows her own fully personalised wellness path tailored to her age, needs and goals.

“At Layan LIFE, we recognise that a woman’s wellbeing is never static,” says Jennifer Sanvictores, General Manager at Layan LIFE. “Our bodies, hormones and emotional landscapes evolve with time. These retreats honour every stage with understanding, scientific accuracy and genuine care — supporting women in ways that feel relevant, uplifting and deeply personal.”

Anantara Layan Life – Consultation

Longevity for LIFE

At the core of Layan LIFE’s women-focused offerings is Longevity for LIFE, a preventive and regenerative wellness retreat designed to extend health span and support healthy biological ageing. The programme integrates advanced longevity diagnostics, Thai Traditional Medicine, functional nutrition, therapeutic movement, IV therapy and personalised wellbeing coaching. Through a carefully curated and medically guided approach, Longevity for LIFE supports hormonal balance, restores vitality, enhances resilience and promotes long-term sustainable health — helping guests feel better, age better and live well for longer.

Under this retreat framework, Layan LIFE introduces two distinct women’s specialty retreats.

3-Night Medically Guided Women’s Longevity Retreat

Perimenopause, Menopause & Post-Menopause Support

This medically guided longevity retreat is designed to support women through midlife and beyond, addressing the physiological transitions of perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause with clarity, care and evidence-based support. Focusing on hormonal stability, preservation of bone and muscle health, metabolic and cardiovascular resilience, and cognitive and emotional wellbeing, the programme combines medical insight, lifestyle medicine, targeted longevity therapies and restorative practices.

Programme focus includes:

• Hormonal balance and symptom support

• Bone density, muscle strength and mobility

• Metabolic and cardiovascular health

• Cognitive clarity, emotional wellbeing and vitality

3-Night Holistic Women’s Wellness Retreat

Launched in celebration of March as Women’s Wellness Month, this specialty retreat offers a holistic journey grounded in Thai Traditional Medicine. Designed to support hormonal balance, reproductive health, vitality and emotional wellbeing, the experience provides a deeply nurturing reset where ancient Thai healing wisdom meets mindful movement, therapeutic touch and restorative rituals.

Each element respects a woman’s natural rhythms, recognising that true wellbeing emerges when the body is listened to, supported and gently restored. The retreat invites guests to slow down, reconnect inward and trust the body’s innate intelligence — allowing balance, energy and clarity to unfold naturally.

Who the retreat is designed for:

• Women experiencing hormonal imbalance, fatigue, chronic stress or sleep disruption

• Women navigating perimenopause, menopause or post-partum recovery

• Busy professionals seeking deep rest, renewal and reconnection

• Women wishing to reconnect with their natural rhythm, intuition and vitality

All-inclusive retreats start from USD 1,000 per person, per night on double occupancy.

For further information or reservations, please contact Layan LIFE via WhatsApp (+66) 65 513 8651, telephone (+66) 076 317 210, email layanlife@anantara.com, or visit the Layan LIFE website www.layanlifephuket.com

About Layan Life

Layan LIFE is Minor’s flagship wellness and longevity sanctuary in Phuket, located within the luxury Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. It offers personalized, evidence-based wellbeing and longevity experiences that integrate advanced diagnostics, medical science, Thai Traditional Medicine, holistic healing, precision nutrition, functional fitness, and mindful movement in a lush, nature-immersed beachfront setting by the Andaman Sea.

Designed around the “Whole of LIFE” philosophy, Layan LIFE supports guests of all ages, stages, and life goals from teens and young adults to midlife and active seniors with programmes that range from health optimization and performance enhancement to longevity. Guests are guided by a caring, multidisciplinary team of medical, wellness, and movement specialists through flexible half-day or multi-day immersive retreats.  Each journey is personalized through careful assessment and post-retreat support, resulting in meaningful, measurable outcomes that promote long-term health span and enhance quality of life.

About Anantara Hotels & Resorts

A luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, Anantara has connected guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations since 2001. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination to create unforgettable memories for every guest. From city to sea, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its collection of over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

Anantara is part of global hospitality group Minor Hotels and a member of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.

Visit anantara.com for more information, and connect with Anantara on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, has officially announced an exclusive partnership with Ben’s Cookies, the beloved British curator of artisanal, freshly baked treats and dessert QSR. Established in 1983 at Oxford’s Covered Market, Ben’s Cookies has earned a global following for its signature “chunky and gooey” texture. This partnership brings Ben’s Cookies’ traditional, quality-focused approach to the Indian market, introducing a “bakery-first” retail format that prioritizes in-store freshness and simple, honest ingredients. 

DS Group Inks Exclusive Partnership with Iconic British Brand ‘Ben’s Cookies’ for India Entry

Reflecting on the brand’s uncompromising commitment to quality, Ben’s Cookies will launch with a diverse selection of favourite flavours, ranging from the classic Milk Chocolate Chunk and White Chocolate & Macadamia to Ginger & Dark and a dedicated eggless variant. Positioned for those who appreciate a freshly baked treat, the brand will also offer simple gifting solutions, ideal for sharing during festive and corporate occasions. With individual cookies starting at Rs. 325 and gifting options reaching upwards of Rs. 1500, the partnership aims to share a premium standard of quality and freshness with cookie lovers across the country.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sanskriti Gupta, Ben’s Cookies India, emphasized the synergy between the two entities, “The arrival of Ben’s Cookies in India marks a significant milestone in DS Group’s strategic expansion within the premium food retail sector. We are delighted to introduce a piece of British heritage to the Indian market, combining a forty-year legacy of artisanal baking with DS Group’s rooted understanding of Indian palate and the ever-evolving consumer preferences. We have a robust retail expansion strategy which represents a significant pillar of DS Group’s growth objectives for Ben’s Cookies in India, with a target to establish eight to ten physical stores across India in the current financial year.”
 

To ensure a fresh cookie is always within reach, Ben’s Cookies will also be available on major ecommerce and food delivery platforms. 
 

Luke Menezes, Ben’s Cookies said, “To ensure our traditional, quality standards are mirrored in India, every Ben’s Cookies boutique will feature a live-oven baking fresh batches throughout the day. Beyond our world-famous cookies, we look forward to sharing an array of delicious treats, including rich cookie shakes, coffees, and cookie ice cream sandwiches. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to work with DS Group and look forward to becoming a cherished part of the Indian dessert landscape.”
 

The partnership arrives as more consumers in India are looking for authentic, handcrafted treats. The domestic cookie market, valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2024, is on an aggressive growth trajectory and is projected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2033. This surge is fuelled by rising urban affluence and a profound shift toward “premiumisation,” where consumers increasingly seek authentic, handcrafted indulgence. Ben’s Cookies is positioned to bridge this gap, offering handcrafted, freshly baked cookies and simple gifting solutions for those who value authenticity and freshness. 

About Ben’s Cookies
Ben’s Cookies, founded by cookery writer Helge Rubinstein in 1983, quickly opened its first shop in Oxford’s Covered Market in 1984 and has since become a globally loved British brand celebrated for its signature chunky, gooey, freshly baked cookies. Named after Helge’s son, Ben, the brand remains committed to the same traditional principles it started with: using chocolate chunks (not chips), fresh butter, and quality ingredients. Every cookie is baked fresh in-store throughout the day, offering a warm and delicious indulgence. From its humble beginnings as a single market stall, Ben’s Cookies has grown to be enjoyed by people around the world, and it is now bringing these traditionally cherished recipes to India for the first time.
 

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

As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC. DS Group has aligned its financial performance with global ESG priorities with the launch of a pioneering Double Materiality Assessment across all businesses. Further demonstrating its environmental leadership, the DS Group has a water positivity index at 1.8 across its business units in 30 locations of India. For details, log onto www.dsgroup.com.

The Ramaiah Group has partnered with the University at Albany, State University of New York, a leading public research university, to establish the Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management (RISM) – India’s first distinct greenfield deemed‑to‑be university in Bangalore. Conceived as a next‑generation STEM and management university, RISM will offer a globally benchmarked, industry‑embedded engineering curriculum that prioritizes resilience and translational research. A distinctive mix of internationally reputed faculty, on‑campus industry mentors, and a three‑year capstone experience beginning in the second year will prepare graduates to meet and exceed the technology and enterprise needs of India’s next decade.

Dr. M. R. Jayaram, Chancellor, RISM, and other RISM members addressed a press meet organized on Monday, 1st June 2026 at the Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management, Bengaluru

Building on more than six decades of excellence in education, research, and healthcare, the Ramaiah Group will extend its legacy through RISM, reimagining higher education with a global-first, industry-aligned model. RISM will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across engineering, business, and science, with initial courses including B.Tech in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Aerospace Engineering, and Electrical Sciences, alongside BBA (Technology Management) and MBA programmes. Its academic model is anchored in co-created curricula developed with industry and academic partners, and integrates interdisciplinary learning, industry-sponsored Centres of Excellence, internships, live projects, and multi-year capstone assignments to equip students with practical, real-world capabilities.

“Build. The Future.” is embedded across RISM’s curriculum and culture. Programs follow an integrated business- and management-led design that keeps learning applied and outcome-driven from day one. Every course includes real industry exposure, and students work with “Mentor Professors” — senior industry leaders appointed as formal faculty members — a first‑of‑its‑kind model. Translational research underpins the academic framework, informing curriculum design and driving measurable societal impact. Together, these elements create an ecosystem where industry context, academic rigor, and research converge to build the future.

Details about the Schools and Programmes at RISM

The School of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence will equip students to operate at the forefront of technological change, building strong foundations in programming, algorithms, and data, with applied exposure to machine learning, automation, and human-robot interaction. The School of Aerospace Engineering will offer a rigorous pathway across aeronautical and astronautical domains, covering flight systems, spacecraft design, satellite technologies, and space exploration. The School of Business will focus on developing analytical, managerial, and strategic capabilities for modern enterprises, with industry-sponsored learning centres on campus enabling early, hands-on engagement with real-world business challenges. What differentiates RISM is how these disciplines are brought together within a globally connected, industry-embedded learning ecosystem, anchored in its knowledge partnership with University at Albany. Through year-abroad opportunities, immersive learning formats, and corporate-sponsored Centres of Excellence, students move beyond siloed education to continuously apply cross-disciplinary thinking in the real-world contexts.

The university’s main residential campus is being developed in Bengaluru’s Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) near Devanahalli, placing it in proximity to key industrial and innovation hubs such as the Aerospace Park, Special Economic Zone, Global Financial District and the upcoming Foxconn facility. This location is expected to foster strong industry-academia collaboration, particularly across STEM disciplines. RISM will commence academic operations from a transit campus in Yelahanka in August 2026, with the main campus expected to be fully operational by September 2028.

All programmes at RISM will follow a fully residential model designed to enable holistic student development beyond the classroom, including structured sports, cultural engagement, wellness initiatives, leadership development and entrepreneurship support, creating a well-rounded and immersive learning environment.

Dr. M. R. Jayaram, Chairman and Trustee of Gokula Education Foundation (Medical), today announced the inauguration of the Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management (RISM). Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Jayaram said India requires higher-education institutions that prepare students for global knowledge environments rather than rely solely on traditional teaching models.

RISM will be uniquely focused on STEM and management disciplines, offering rigorous foundational science programs designed to develop transferable technology skills. The institute will emphasize industry-embedded capstone projects that follow the principle “doing is learning,” and will promote translational research that encourages students to apply knowledge for societal benefit.

“Our vision is to make RISM a truly distinct learning institution that delivers a globally benchmarked curriculum and resources,” Dr. Jayaram said. “We aim to enable students to acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are transferable across technology, science, and management domains and meet the needs of modern enterprises.”

Present at the press conference were the Dean of the Governing Board and education expert, Dr. N. D. Gangadhar; former Dean of Aerospace Engineering at Indian Institute of Science and Chairman of RISM, Dr. B. N. Raghunandan; Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer, Gurucharan Gollakeri; and Registrar of RISM, J. D. Desai.

“The Ramaiah​ Institute of Science and Management (RISM), established in collaboration with the University at Albany and the Ramaiah​ Group, will emerge as a unique deemed university in the country, equipped with all modern facilities. It is envisioned as a next-generation university for STEM and Management education.” – Gurucharan Gollakeri, Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer.

A subsidiary of Germany-based profine GmbH — profine India Window Technology Pvt. Ltd. — manufacturer of the iconic Koemmerling uPVC and aluminium window and door systems — today announced a significant leadership transition, effective 1st June 2026.

Mr Farid Khan, CMD (left) and Mr Kamal Bajaj, CEO, profine India

Mr. Farid Khan, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of profine India since its inception, will assume the elevated role of Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD). In this capacity, Mr. Khan will focus on long-term strategic direction, group-wide governance, and profine’s international expansion across South Asia, the Middle East, and non-EU global markets — roles he already leads as MD of profine Middle East and Head of the group’s global non-EU Aluminium Business.

Succeeding him as Chief Executive Officer is Mr. Kamal Bajaj, who has been serving as Chief Procurement Officer and Business Head – Aluminium at profine India. Mr. Bajaj brings deep operational expertise, a thorough command of the Indian market, and a values-driven leadership approach that the organisation is confident will carry profine India into its next phase of growth.

“Over two decades, I have had the privilege of building profine India from the ground up – establishing world-class manufacturing infrastructure, taking the Koemmerling brand to industry leadership, and driving our strategic expansion into aluminium. As I step into the Chairman cum Managing Director’s role, I do so with full confidence in Kamal’s ability to lead this organisation with vision and integrity. Our best chapter is still ahead,” said Farid Khan, Chairman cum Managing Director, profine India.

“I am deeply honoured to take on the responsibility of leading profine India as CEO. The foundation that Mr Farid Khan built is exceptional – in terms of people, product and market presence. My focus will be to accelerate growth, deepen our partner relationships and ensure that profine India continues to set the standard for quality and innovation in the fenestration and façade industry,” said Kamal Bajaj, Chief Executive Officer, profine India.

About profine India Window Technology Pvt. Ltd.
profine India is a 100% subsidiary of profine group, offering premium uPVC  and aluminium windows, doors, aluminium façade systems and polymer composite sheet solutions to the market. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, profine India has established itself as a trusted partner for architects, fabricators, and builders across the country.

About Farid Khan
Farid Khan is a global business executive with over two decades of expertise in international market expansion, manufacturing scale-up, and strategic leadership within the building materials and fenestration industry. As CMD of profine India, MD of profine Middle East, and Head of the non-EU Aluminium Business for profine Group, he leads one of the industry’s most extensive multi-regional mandates.

About Kamal Bajaj
Kamal Bajaj has been a key member of the profine India leadership team, most recently serving as Chief Procurement Officer and Business Head – Aluminium. He brings deep institutional knowledge of profine’s Indian operations, strong cross-functional capabilities, and a people-first leadership philosophy to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Manipal Tata Medical College (MTMC), Jamshedpur, a constituent unit of the prestigious Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, today celebrated its First Graduation Ceremony at the MTMC Campus in Baridih, Jamshedpur as part of the 33rd Convocation of MAHE, marking a watershed moment in the journey of the college.

 

Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, awarded the Dr TMA Pai Gold Medal at the First Graduation Ceremony of MTMC, Jamshedpur

 

The ceremony marked a monumental milestone for the institution as the pioneer batch of 133 MBBS students graduated from the 2020–2021 academic session.

 

At the ceremony, Dr Sharath K Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, formally conferred the medical degrees on the graduates, who are now poised to contribute significantly to the healthcare ecosystem of the region.

 

The ceremony was graced among others by the Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Gangwar as the Chief Guest, Shri K. Vijay Kumar, Senior Security Advisor, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, as Guest of honor, Shri Sundara Ramam, Vice President – Corporate Services, Tata Steel, Shri Somnath Das, Group President- Special Projects and Officer on Special Duty to MAHE, and Brig. (Dr) H S Bandhu, Dean of MTMC. Family members and friends of the graduating students attended the ceremony. It was also graced by other senior leadership from MAHE and Tata Steel Limited, senior MTMC administrators, distinguished academicians, faculty members, and invited dignitaries.

 

Delivering the convocation address, Jharkhand Governor Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar described the convocation as a celebration not only of academic achievement but also of the graduates’ future contribution to society. Reflecting on the vision of the institution’s founders, he noted that education and healthcare are powerful instruments for social transformation and emphasized the importance of creating a strong foundation for a healthier and more equitable society.

 

The Governor reminded the graduates that medicine is not merely a profession but a mission of service to humanity. He observed that while advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and modern healthcare technologies are transforming medical practice, the essence of healthcare remains rooted in empathy, trust, and human connection.

 

Joining this august moment virtually Shri Irfan Ansari, Hon’ble Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Government of Jharkhand, said, “Our job is not limited to providing medical care to our patients. It also extends to advocating for them, earning their trust and to be a safe, serious and humanitarian support system for them in their hour of need. It is your responsibility to reassure your patients that they have a chance at a fulfilling and healthy life once they exit your care.”

Addressing the graduating students, Shri Vijay Kumar urged the young medical professionals to pursue their vocation with passion, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to learning. Emphasizing that healthcare is a collective endeavor, he highlighted the vital role of teamwork among doctors, nurses, paramedics, and support staff in delivering quality patient care.

In his address, Dr Sharath K Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “MTMC has emerged as a strong academic institution with a growing reputation for excellence in medical education, research, and innovation. We are confident that our first graduating batch is well prepared with the competence, confidence, and values needed to excel in the evolving field of medicine.”

He added, “Our continuing focus is on preparing doctors who can make a meaningful contribution to healthcare in India and beyond. We will also remain committed to advancing research and academic development at MTMC as part of our long-term vision.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Somnath Das said, “The Realisation of the government’s policy vision for a private–private consortium in medical education has been successfully translated into reality at MTMC. The graduation of the first batch stands as a testament to the strength of this pioneering partnership and its long-term value for society.”

Shri D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, said, “Tata Steel has always believed in contributing meaningfully to society, and MTMC reflects that commitment in a deeply impactful way. This institution represents an enduring investment in education, healthcare, and community development for the region.” Brig. (Dr) Bandhu, Dean of MTMC, welcomed the gathering and Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE, proposed a vote of thanks.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.