Milton, a pioneer in homeware solutions, proudly served as the Associate Sponsor of the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) 2025, held from January 25th to February 2nd. With an immersive lineup of events, installations, and interactive sessions, Milton infused sustainability into the heart of Mumbai’s premier cultural festival.

Gate Arch: A gate arch with horses crafted from Milton Steel bottles

As a brand committed to responsible living, Milton’s collaboration with Kala Ghoda Arts Festival was driven by a shared vision of sustainability. By seamlessly integrating art, travel, and culture, Milton encouraged festivalgoers to embrace eco-conscious choices while celebrating creativity.

Bottle Painting: Happy Festivalgoers from the bottle painting workshop

Gate Arch: An Ode to Sustainability
The entrance to the fest was an artistic rendition of two brilliant silver horses, made entirely of Milton steel caps and bottles, a marvelous showstopper that paid tribute to the spirit of sustainability while showcasing the beauty of upcycled art, at one of the nation’s biggest celebrations of art and culture.

Mirror of Change: A Call for Sustainable Action
Inside the festival, Milton unveiled ‘Mirror of Change‘, an awe-inspiring installation. The life-sized horse sculpture, crafted from plastic waste, stood in stark contrast to its counterpart, a mirror reflection-a 3D steel horse made from Milton’s reusable bottles-symbolizing a shift towards sustainability. A strategically placed mirror invited visitors to reflect on the impact of plastic waste and the role of sustainable alternatives.

Bottle Painting Workshop: Travel Sustainably with Milton x The Yellow Brush Studio
Blending art and sustainability, Milton teamed up with The Yellow Brush Studio for a Bottle Painting Workshop, inspiring mindful travel habits. Participants personalized their Milton steel bottles with vibrant, hand-painted designs, choosing travel-themed motifs-backpacking, beach, mountains, or camping-based on their travel style. The message was clear: ditch single-use plastics and embrace artistic, reusable travel companions. Across two workshops, nearly 120 participants of all ages-school kids with parents, college students, working professionals, couples, and art and travel enthusiasts-came together to create, connect, and celebrate sustainable travel.

A Feast for the Senses: Fables & Flavours with Milton Procook
Food and culture intertwined at Fables & Flavours, an engaging session, with cookware partner Milton Procook, saw Dr. Tabinda Jalal Burney, author of Fabulous Feasts, Fables and Family, joined by historian and Master Chef Osama Jalali to take audiences on a nostalgic journey through Awadhi cuisine. Live recreations of traditional dishes brought the rich flavors of history to life, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation for culinary heritage.

ProCook Contest: Celebrating Culinary Passion with a Fun Twist
Milton’s ProCook Contest added an element of excitement to the festival. Attendees participated by clicking a picture in the cutout standee, impersonating a chef tossing vegetables in the air effortlessly. The top three tagged entries won exclusive discounted merchandise and VIP passes to a special comedy show. This initiative showcased how Milton seamlessly became a part of the festival’s joyous spirit.

Manisha Vaghani, the Head of CSR at Hamilton Group said of the association, “At Milton, we believe that art and sustainability are powerful catalysts for change. Art has the ability to evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and spark meaningful conversations-making it a vital tool in driving awareness and action for a better world. Our partnership with the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival reflects our commitment to fostering environmental consciousness through creative expression. By engaging the community in initiatives that highlight the importance of sustainable living, we aim to inspire a collective movement towards a greener future-where art not only beautifies spaces but also becomes a voice for the planet.”

Brinda Miller, Hon. Festival Director, KGAF & Hon. Chair, KGA added, “We have been collaborating with Milton since two editions of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Together we have forged a great synergy between arts, culture and sustainability, and Milton has been a great partner on ground. In this 25th edition, the Milton products have been attracting the festival audiences through their well-designed, eco-conscious range of household products and we were thrilled to have them on board to reinforce the message of climate consciousness amongst the youth.”

From creative workshops to heritage walks, Milton bottles were by the festivalgoers’ sides, keeping them refreshed while reinforcing the importance of sustainable hydration. Their innovative pop-up store inside the festival, sold special collection bottles, with customised artistic prints and hand painted designs, giving consumers a chance to own a stylish, bespoke bottle as a partner in their everyday adventures.

By integrating innovative experiences with an eco-conscious message, Milton made an indelible impact at KGAF 2025, proving that sustainability and art can go hand in hand. The company is currently also in the middle of an expansive Green Drive, with trees planted for every sale worth a certain amount happening through their D2C website. The initiative has resulted in 13,000 trees already planted, truly embodying Milton’s larger commitment to sustainability.

About Milton Homewares
Founded in 1972, Milton has been a trusted name in Indian households for over five decades. With a robust network of retailers and strategically located manufacturing units nationwide, Milton is committed to delivering innovative and efficient houseware products that simplify daily living and enhance your everyday moments. Their diverse product range, including cookware, appliances, glassware, serveware, reflects their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. The brand aims to be in each household, across categories. As a part of the Hamilton Group, Milton continues to evolve along with the ever changing consumer and their lifestyle, bringing positive change to households across India and in over 60 countries worldwide.

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Silver Shield in Category-III – Life Insurance at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting 2023-24.

HDFC Life Wins ICAI Award for Best Financial Reporting for 2023-24

This prestigious award was presented to HDFC Life by Honourable Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, at the ICAI Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.

Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) since 1958, these awards recognise companies that demonstrate outstanding financial reporting standards. The esteemed jury selects winners after a thorough review of the accounting practices adopted in financial statements, disclosure policies, and presentation of financial statements. The top two winners are chosen on their adherence to Indian Accounting Standards, statutory guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

What makes this recognition even more special is that HDFC Life is the only life insurance company to feature among the awardees this year.

HDFC Life has been on a continuous journey to financially secure Indian citizens by offering a wide range of life insurance solutions. Since its inception, the company has provided financial protection to millions of customers and their families, serving as a safety net in times of need while enabling them to achieve their long-term financial goals. The company’s commitment to its policyholders is reflected in its 99.5% claim settlement ratio for FY24.

Speaking on the award, Niraj Shah – Executive Director & CFO, HDFC Life, said, “This is a proud moment for all of us at HDFC Life. This award reinforces our values of transparency and good governance. At HDFC Life, we are committed not only to financial security of our customers but also to sustainable and responsible business practices. We continue to strengthen our governance framework while driving long-term value for our stakeholders and contributing towards a more resilient future.”

HuntVastuHomes.com, the pioneering real estate platform for Vastu compliant properties, announces the launch of its new feature, Check Vastu of Your House, enabling users worldwide to evaluate the Vastu compliance of their property. With this innovative feature, users can upload their floor plan with any one direction marked and receive a comprehensive Vastu rating, including pros and cons, in a timely and efficient manner.

HuntVastuHomes.com Launches World’s First Real Estate Portal on Vastu, Led by Vastu Expert Dr. Smita Narang

This groundbreaking feature makes HuntVastuHomes.com a truly global platform, allowing users to check the Vastu rating of any property, whether or not it is listed on the website. Whether buying, renting, or owning a property anywhere in the world, users can make informed decisions without relying on subjective opinions from Vastu consultants.

A System-Driven Approach Backed by Expertise

The Vastu ratings are system-generated, utilizing an advanced algorithm designed by renowned Vastu expert “Dr. Smita Narang“, combined with human validation for accuracy. This approach offers users a reliable and scientific analysis of their property’s Vastu compliance.

Statements from the Co-founders

Raj Kumar Narang, Co-founder & CEO of HuntVastuHomes.com, said, “With the launch of Check Vastu of Your House, we are making Vastu insights accessible to everyone, everywhere. Users can now evaluate their propertys Vastu compatibility without confusion, empowering them to make confident decisions.”

Dr. Smita Narang, Co-founder and Vastu Expert, added, “Our proprietary system, built on years of Vastu consultancy experience, delivers Vastu ratings with precision. The higher the rating, the better the Vastu. This feature offers clarity and confidence, making Vastu assessment simple, transparent, and globally accessible.”

A Global Offering with Local Relevance

The new feature breaks geographical barriers, making Vastu assessment available to users worldwide. Whether a user is in India, the United States, Dubai, or elsewhere, they can now check the Vastu of their current or prospective home without the need for expert visits.

About HuntVastuHomes.com

HuntVastuHomes.com is a unique real estate portal combining technology with the ancient science of Vastu Shastra. The platform offers Vastu compliance ratings for properties based on an algorithm developed by Dr. Smita Narang. Users can explore properties, view Vastu ratings, and now, check the Vastu of their own properties simply by uploading a floor plan.

For more information, please visit the website huntvastuhomes.com.

In a pioneering collaboration, RKG Agmark Ghee and the South India Chef’s Association (SICA) joined hands to launch ‘Steppingstone‘ – a transformative initiative designed to bridge culinary education and industry requirements, by empowering the next generation of culinary professionals with essential skills, industry insights, and professional development opportunities.

RKG Ghee in association with SICA launches ‘Steppingstone’, for the final year students of culinary colleges in TN

1500 final year students from 50 plus colleges from Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy participated in the one-day event and gained in-depth knowledge on varied topics including, building a successful culinary business, exploring the future, growth opportunities in the culinary industry, mastering personal and professional finances and mastering the art of communication to name a few. The Chennai chapter hosted the career program at the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, where 210+ students from 17 colleges attended from across surrounding districts. Coimbatore chapter conducted the event at Hindustan College of Arts and Science, with 265+ students from 17 colleges across surrounding districts. In Trichy the event was held at SRM Institute of Hotel Management, engaging 715+ students from 30 colleges across surrounding districts. Hosted at Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy College of Science, the Madurai chapter had 290+ participants from 24 colleges from the surrounding districts.

Speaking about the first-of-its-kind partnership event between an FMCG brand and a culinary association, G. Aravind – Managing Partner RKG said, “Steppingstone’ will be an enriching learning experience for many next-gen culinary professionals, also a gateway to effective networking with the culinary experts and veterans in the industry. This platform will provide students the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience through a combination of interactive workshops and engaging speaker sessions that will help them make informed decisions related to their careers.”

“I take this opportunity to sincerely thank and appreciate SICA for coming on board to launch this redefining career guidance initiative and also for bringing in eminent speakers, hospitality thought leaders and culinary industry experts to inspire the young future talents,” he added.

In his inaugural address, the President of South India Chef’s Association (SICA) Padmashri Dr. Damodharan Kothandaraman, (Dr. Chef Damu) appreciated and applauded all the student participants for taking the first step towards registering for ‘Steppingstone’ to enhance their career prospects in the culinary industry. He also expressed his extreme delight regarding SICAs remarkable contribution towards turning RKGs dream of launching a career guidance program for aspiring master chefs and other culinary professionals, into a reality.

Awards & Recognitions
The event recognised the best institutes, hotels and restaurants in the industry for their excellence in service under three categories. The Best Hotel Management Institute, The Best Hotel and The Best Restaurant.

Madurai
Best Hotel Management Institute: Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathy College of Science

Best Hotel: Grand Madurai by GRT Hotels
Best Restaurant: Cine Suvai

Coimbatore
Best Hotel Management Institute: Hindustan College of Arts & Science

Best Hotel: The Residency Hotels
Best Restaurant: Haribhavanam Hotels

Trichy
Best Hotel Management Institute: SRM Institute of Hotel Management

Best Hotel: Sangam Hotels Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirapalli

Chennai
Best Hotel Management Institute: Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Tharamani

Egis, a global leader in architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility services, has announced the launch of its Cost Management services across the Middle East and South Asia – an expansion that responds directly to the evolving complexities of today’s built environment. With unprecedented levels of investment in infrastructure, real estate, and sustainable urban developments, the demand for strategic cost consultancy has never been greater. Shifting regulatory landscapes, and the increasing prioritisation of sustainability necessitate expert financial stewardship to optimise project viability from inception to completion and operation.

This strategic introduction ensures that Egis is uniquely positioned to deliver unparalleled value to clients by integrating commercial insight with its well-established multidisciplinary expertise. Clients benefit from a seamless, end-to-end consultancy offering, where cost consultancy forms a cornerstone in realizing ambitious masterplans, giga-projects, and critical national infrastructure.

To lead this initiative, Egis has appointed Simon Trafford as Regional Director for Cost Consultancy. With over 35 years of experience in cost consultancy services, Simon has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial frameworks of some of the worlds most ambitious and transformative developments. His distinguished portfolio and deep understanding of regional dynamics, financial governance and cost optimization will be instrumental in ensuring returns on investment, while upholding the highest standards of sustainability and efficiency.

Simon Trafford

Commenting on his appointment, Simon Trafford said,“I am delighted to be joining this dynamic and rapidly expanding business. This is an exciting time to be part of Egis and contribute to their transformational journey. The acceleration of development across the market means placing greater emphasis on cost predictability, value engineering and commercial efficiency. Through our integrated delivery model, and building on the legacy and expertise from the recent Thomas & Adamson acquisition, Egis is now uniquely positioned to tackle these challenges, delivering sustainable, future-ready cities and developments. Furthermore, by adding Cost Consultancy to our portfolio of services we will enhance our clients’ experience by providing a knowledge-based commercial proposition to the success of all our projects.“

Simon’s appointment follows Egis’ acquisition of Thomas & Adamson, a UK-based cost management firm with a legacy of excellence dating back to 1935. This move significantly strengthened Egis’ advisory capabilities, enabling a robust cost management function that aligns seamlessly with client needs in the Middle East and South Asia. By embedding cost consultancy within its multidisciplinary approach, Egis offers a distinct advantage-bringing together technical excellence, economic prudence, and sustainable foresight to deliver projects that are future-proofed against emerging industry challenges.

About Egis

Egis is an international player active in architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility services. We create and operate intelligent infrastructures and buildings that respond to the climate emergency and contribute to more balanced, sustainable and resilient territorial development. Operating in 100 countries, Egis puts the expertise of its 19,500 employees at the service of its clients and develops cutting-edge innovations accessible to all projects. Through its wide range of activities, Egis is a key player in the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world.

With 3,500 employees across 8 countries in the Middle East, Egis has delivered over 700 complex development projects, stimulating economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Ranked among the top five firms in the Middle East by Engineering News Record (ENR), Egis is committed to sustainable development. The Group’s operations in the Middle East are built on strategic acquisitions and a deep understanding of local market conditions. Egis’ long history of providing comprehensive engineering, consulting, and project management services makes it a trusted partner for regional governments, investors, and developers.

LinkedIn: Egis | Instagram: @egisgroup | X: @egis | Facebook: @egisgrou

The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC), in partnership with CITI, hosted the 8th FMC Award for Responsible BMOs (Textiles and Apparels) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

8th FMC awards for responsible BMOs

“The FMC Award for Responsible BMOs recognizes the critical role of Business Membership Organizations in driving sustainable and inclusive growth. By promoting best practices in environmental stewardship, social impact, and governance, these awards encourage BMOs to be catalysts for transformation in the MSME sector. We are proud to honor organizations that exemplify leadership in responsible business, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future,”Amit Pande, Chief Operating Officer, FMC

This year, more than 130 BMOs, representing 40,000 MSMEs, applied for the prestigious awards, which aim to widely circulate Responsible Business Promotion Case Studies to textile and apparel MSMEs and related stakeholders.

The Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles, Mr. Pabitra Margherita honoured the event as Chief Guest.

Haryana Environmental Management Society (HEMS), a registered society established in 2004 won award in the category of “Promoting Green Environment” at National/State/Regional level. Representing 4,550 industrial units across Haryana, HEMS has played a pivotal role in promoting environmental awareness, sustainable waste management, and eco-conscious industrial practices. Its initiatives include membership drives, environmental education programs, health check-ups, blood donation camps, and school competitions on sustainability. Recognizing the growing challenges of industrial hazardous waste management, HEMS established a Common Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) in Village Pali, District Faridabad, offering centralized solutions for safe and eco-friendly hazardous waste disposal. This initiative has minimized waste, enhanced regulatory compliance, improved resource efficiency, and strengthened health and safety measures for thousands of industries in Haryana.

Indian Textile Accessories and Machinery Manufacturers Association (ITAMMA) won the award for “Promoting Social Issues” in National/State/Regional level category. ITAMMA was established in 1943 in Maharashtra and represents 405 enterprises. The B.K. Mehta Technology Networking Mission – 2030 aims to revolutionize textile engineering by fostering innovation and student-driven solutions. Launched in Mumbai, with sessions in Coimbatore and Ahmedabad, it promotes industry-academia collaboration, commercialization of projects, funding opportunities, and employment generation, driving Indias leadership in textile technology.

District/Cluster Level Award for “Promoting Green Environment” was given to Jayadev Banana Farmers and Artisans Association” for “Banana Fibre and Bio-Fertiliser – Reduce Usage of Synthetic Yarn and Chemical Fertilizer”

District/Cluster Level Award for “Promoting Social Issues” was given to Nitya Sangha Mahila SHG Cooperative Society for “Bank Loan to SHG – Leading to Women Empowerment”

Upcoming Textile Recycling Initiative with Switch Asia EU

The Foundation for MSME Clusters, with support of Switch Asia – European Union, is paving the way for a more sustainable, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible future for Indias MSME sector. The initiative is launched with focus on advancing sustainability in Indias textile recycling clusters.

India processes 2 million tons of textile waste annually, with Panipat, Bhojpur, and Amroha handling 60% of this waste and exporting 33% of recycled products to Europe, USA, and the UK. The project aims to transform Panipat into a global hub for sustainable textiles, ensuring transparency in waste management through a Digital Product Passport to track textile waste flows and prevent greenwashing. Additionally, it will focus on technology upgrades for sustainable production, skill enhancement, and green financing solutions, benefiting 14,800 MSMEs and 250,000 workers.

FMC is also implementing another project in Panipat with support from HSBC on decarbonisation and to promote green business models on traceability and resource efficiency for increased profitability in textile recycling MSMEs with support from Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

About FMC

Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) is a leading non-governmental, not-for-profit public charitable trust, established in India in 2005. FMC has made remarkable strides in fostering sustainable livelihoods and environmental progress through our innovative cluster development approach. Our work spans more than 300 MSME clusters, supporting over 100,000 artisanal and industrial units, ranging from household operations to medium-sized production entities. As an empanelled Nodal Agency with the Ministries of MSME and Rural Development, FMC extends support to prominent schemes like SFURTI, and is also providing technical, research and evaluation support to various organizations including SIDBI & KVIC. FMC has implemented multiple projects on environment and livelihoods with support of agencies like NABARD, UNIDO, UNDP, EU, ADB, and major corporates such as CISCO, Mahindra Finance, HCL, Yes Bank and Hindalco. Since its inception, FMC has enhanced more than 275,000 livelihoods, impacted more than 100,000 women by generating income of more than 75 Crore INR and facilitated reduction of 60,000 ton of carbon.

For more information, please visit fmc.org.in.

FOMO7, an online gaming platform in India, has recently introduced cryptocurrency as a payment method for online gaming enthusiasts and users.

The inclusion of cryptocurrency deposits has provided a major alternative deposit method for users who dont have to rely on the mainstream centralized payment system. FOMO7 now supports USDT deposits, providing users an additional transaction option for a seamless gaming experience. The crypto deposit feature offers a streamlined transaction process with blockchain technologys added privacy and security.

FOMO7 introduces cryptocurrency deposits, offering users a secure payment option. Explore this feature for a seamless online gaming experience

Cryptocurrency has advantages that set it apart from other payment methods. It can also be easily stored in a wallet, making it easier to make overseas transactions.

“The introduction of cryptocurrency in our platform serves as a strategic move to cater the growing needs of our customers. By adopting and growing with the digitally advanced world, we are constantly trying to include technological innovation in the gaming industry. The preference for decentralized finance solutions such as crypto has rapidly increased amongst the youth. Hence, the users now can easily deposit funds according to their choices, offering them more control over the transactions”, stated Kris Fernandes, Chief Marketing Officer, FOMO7.

In recent years, cryptocurrency has gained popularity among Gen-Z and young players due to its secure and decentralized nature. It offers a seamless, borderless gaming experience while existing payment methods remain available.

FOMO7’s newest cryptocurrency feature is now available to all users, aiming to provide a seamless online gaming experience.

The platform continues its commitment to top-tier services, ensuring the highest security standards and always adapting to new technological advancements.

This partnership represents Longines’ legacy of collaborating with individuals who exemplify true elegance in both their professional excellence and personal conduct. As an Ambassador of Elegance, Cavill will join Longines in celebrating the timeless sophistication that has characterized the brand since its founding in 1832.

Longines Ambassador of Elegance – Henry Cavill

Matthias Breschan, Longines’ CEO, warmly welcomed this new partnership: “In Henry, we recognize a real affinity with our brand’s values. His sophistication, genuine warmth and multifaceted personality reflect what elegance means today. Whether commanding the screen in epic productions or sharing his passions for aviation and equestrianism, he maintains an authenticity and grace that makes him a clear embodiment of the Longines spirit.”

“What draws me to Longines is their understated elegance,” says Cavill. “True quality doesn’t need to announce itself. It’s evident in every detail and in every action. This is a philosophy, backed by generations of precision craftsmanship and artistry, that resonates deeply with my own values.”

Henry Cavill has established himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. From his globally-beloved portrayal of Superman in the DC universe, to Mission: Impossible – Fallout, to Guy Ritchies The Man from UNCLE and more, Cavill has demonstrated remarkable range as a performer. He continues to evolve as an artist by pursuing projects that speak to his genuine interests, including executive producing and starring in an adaptation of the Warhammer 40,000 universe for Amazon Prime Video. He will star next in the live-action Voltron film for Amazon MGM Studios.

Beyond the screen, Cavill is known for defying expectations. An accomplished actor who is also passionate about gaming, he brings the same dedication and finesse to every pursuit. This extends to his production company, Promethean Productions, which focuses on developing original storytelling that carries both meaning and impact.

As Longines embarks on this new chapter, Cavill plans to take time out from his many upcoming projects to visit the brands historic headquarters in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, where he will have the pleasure of seeing firsthand the dedication to craftsmanship that has defined the Swiss watchmaker for nearly two centuries.

About Longines

Established in Saint-Imier, Switzerland in 1832, Longines’ expertise is steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With its lengthy experience as an official timekeeper of world sports championships and partner of international sports federations, the Swiss watch brand has forged solid, enduring links with the world of sports over the years. Famous for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the world’s leading manufacturer of timepieces. The brand Longines, with its winged hourglass emblem, is represented in over 150 countries.