The BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) celebrated its 14th Foundation Day in New Delhi, marking fourteen years of advancing international trade, investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, policy dialogue, and people-to-people cooperation across BRICS and BRICS+ nations.

BRICS CCI celebrated its14th Foundation Day

The celebration was graced by Shri Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, Former Cabinet Minister and National Executive Member, BJP India, as the Chief Guest, and Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, former Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture, as the Guest of Honour.

The event was attended by H.E. Xu Feihong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China; H.E. Dr. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa; H.E. Nebiyu Tedla Negash, Ambassador of Ethiopia; H.E. Mikhail Kasko, Ambassador of Belarus; along with diplomats from BRICS and BRICS+ nations, senior bureaucrats, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, academia, and strategic partners.

A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Foundation of a Multipolar World, authored by Dr. BBL Madhukar, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, BRICS CCI, and Dr. Sreekutty Mohandas, presenting a vision for an inclusive and balanced multipolar world.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. BBL Madhukar, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, BRICS CCI, said: “Fourteen years ago, BRICS CCI was founded on the belief that cooperation is the foundation of global prosperity. As the world embraces a multipolar future, we remain committed to building bridges of trust, collaboration, and shared growth.”

Mr. Sameep Shastri, Chairman, BRICS CCI, stated: “BRICS CCI has grown into a trusted platform connecting governments, businesses, and institutions across borders. We will continue creating opportunities that strengthen trade, innovation, and strategic partnerships across the BRICS ecosystem.”

Ms. Shabana Nasim, Vice Chairperson, BRICS CCI, said: “Inclusive growth is possible only when women, entrepreneurs, youth, and businesses work together across borders. BRICS CCI remains committed to creating platforms that empower diverse voices and foster meaningful global partnerships.”

Mr. Atul Banshal, Vice Chairperson, BRICS CCI, remarked: “In an increasingly interconnected world, collaboration is the key to sustainable economic growth. BRICS CCI will continue facilitating trusted partnerships that create new opportunities for businesses across BRICS and BRICS+ nations.”

Mr. Prann Sharma, Director General, BRICS CCI, added: “Our focus is on transforming dialogue into action through impactful programmes, strategic partnerships, and practical initiatives that deliver value for businesses and institutions across the BRICS community.”

The Chamber also presented its Annual Awards and Recognition Honours to distinguished members, diplomatic missions, institutional partners, business leaders, and organisations for their contributions to global trade, innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation. Cultural performances by artists from China, Russia, Indonesia, and India celebrated the diversity and people-to-people ties within BRICS.

Over the past fourteen years, BRICS CCI has emerged as one of India’s leading international business institutions, fostering collaboration between governments and industry while promoting trade, investment, innovation, sustainability, youth engagement, and women’s leadership. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to advancing stronger partnerships, inclusive growth, and a more equitable multipolar world.

About BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Established in 2012, the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) is a leading not-for-profit business chamber dedicated to promoting trade, investment, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development among BRICS and BRICS+ nations. Through its global network of governments, diplomatic missions, businesses, academia, and civil society, BRICS CCI continues to strengthen international economic cooperation and build lasting partnerships for shared prosperity.

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water company, partners with Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) as its Official Hydration Partner. As part of the second year of the association, Bisleri will support the league’s hydration requirements while strengthening its brand presence across one of India’s premier table tennis platforms.

Bisleri International Partners with Ultimate Table Tennis as Official Hydration Partner for the Second Year

Through this association, the brand aims to enhance fan engagement and visibility with an integrated presence across on-ground and media platforms. The partnership will feature prominent branding across LED boards & perimeter boards, showcasing brand film, television commercials, exclusive campaign shoots, visi coolers, iceboxes, and a robust digital campaign with amplification of videos across digital platforms, ensuring extensive engagement with audiences throughout the tournament.

Commenting on the association, Tushar Malhotra, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International, said,“We’re proud to partner with Ultimate Table Tennis as its Official Hydration Partner. The league has played a key role in growing table tennis in India, and we’re excited to support its journey. By helping athletes stay hydrated and connecting with fans, this partnership reflects our commitment to Indian sport and the role hydration plays in performance.”

Commenting on the partnership, Vita Dani, Chairperson Ultimate Table Tennis said, “We are pleased to welcome Bisleri International as the Official Hydration Partner of Ultimate Table Tennis. As a brand synonymous with trust and quality, Bisleri’s association aligns with our commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience for players and fans alike. We look forward to working together over the next three years to elevate the league through impactful fan engagement and integrated brand experiences.“

The partnership begins with Season 7 of Ultimate Table Tennis, taking place from July 9 to July 26, 2026, at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa. The long-term association reflects Bisleri’s continued commitment to supporting Indian sport, promoting athlete wellness, and strengthening its presence across one of the country’s premier table tennis leagues.

Link: www.instagram.com/reel/DbS5LF6zovc/?igsh=MWNkOWV6cTh0Mm9hMA==

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

• English-Language Cast Stars Jonathan Bailey, Ella Purnell, Louis Partridge, Aimee Lou Wood, David Jonsson, Lesley Manville and Maggie Gyllenhaal

• Omar Sy, Riccardo Scamarcio, Matthias Schweighöfer and More to Lead International Adaptations

• The Mind-Bending Psychological Thriller Premieres October 1, 2026

Audible, a leading provider of spoken-word entertainment, today announced its forthcoming adaptation of Dracula – an Audible Original that reimagines Bram Stoker’s chilling psychological thriller as an immersive, full-cast audio experience. Releasing across the globe, Dracula will be adapted for English, Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian, LATAM Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, with each version featuring all-star local casts.

Jonathan Bailey records his role as Dracula for Audible’s all-star adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic, premiering October 1

The English-language production stars Jonathan Bailey (Wicked) as Dracula, Ella Purnell (Fallout) as Mina, Aimee Lou Wood (The White Lotus) as Lucy, Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes) as Jonathan, David Jonsson (Industry) as Dr Seward, Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) as Mrs Westenra, Johnny Flynn (Ripley) as Renfield, Francis Lovehall (A Thousand Blows) as Arthur and Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight) as Professor Van Helsing.

Leading the international language casts as Dracula and Mina respectively are Omar Sy and Deva Cassel (French); Riccardo Scamarcio and Benedetta Porcaroli (Italian); Matthias Schweighöfer and Jeanne Goursaud (German); Asier Etxeandía and Claudia Salas (Castilian Spanish); and José María de Tavira and Esmeralda Pimentel (LATAM Spanish). Each production features a full ensemble cast.

When her fiancé vanishes in Transylvania, Mina Murray pieces together fragments of letters, diary entries and chilling testimony to hunt the predator stalking those she loves, only to discover he’s already hunting her. When Mina’s closest friend Lucy succumbs to his thrall, the enigmatic Professor Van Helsing is summoned to wage war on this unfathomable threat. But it is Mina, with her intellect, her resolve, her gift for drawing unseen lines between clues, who may hold the key to stopping this ancient predator—if he hasn’t already found his way inside her mind.

Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Audible Content, International, said, “This is what Audible does best,crafting immersive audio experiences that transport listeners into the heart of the story. When Dracula whispers in your ear, when you hear his footsteps in the dark but see no reflection, that’s when you understand why we’re the home for this story. Our production elevates the psychological thriller at Dracula’s core, with the battle between Mina and Dracula as the heart of it all.”

She continued, “We’ve assembled world-class casts across seven languages, from Jonathan Bailey and Ella Purnell to Omar Sy, Riccardo Scamarcio and Matthias Schweighöfer, exceptional international talent delivering a truly global Dracula. With director Mary Lambert at the helm and a haunting score by Ilan Eshkeri, we’re bringing this ambitious production to life just in time for Halloween.”

Award-winning director Mary Lambert, known for the cult horror classic Pet Sematary, makes her audiobook directing debut with this production. Adapted by up-and-coming writer Robyn Ahern, recipient of the Bisha K. Ali Screenwriters Fellowship, for her first lead credit and underpinned by an original score by Ilan Eshkeri (Audible’s 1984, House of Guinness) alongside a fully immersive soundscape, Audible’s Dracula invites you to welcome literature’s most shadowy figure into your home. Feel the terror of being hunted. And experience the thrill of the hunt.

Audible’s Dracula launches only on Audible on:

• October 1, 2026: English, French, Italian, Castilian Spanish, LATAM Spanish

• February 9, 2027: German

• 2027 (date and cast to be announced): Brazilian Portuguese

Dracula joins a host of critically acclaimed Audible Original adaptations including Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and George Orwell’s 1984.

Available now to pre-order on Audible at www.audible.co.uk Audible membership may be required.

About Audible

Audible, an Amazon company, is a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day.  Audible.co.uk content includes more than 900,000 audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. Audible serves millions of members in over 180 countries with content in more than 50 languages; members download nearly 4 billion hours of content annually and listen across a wide range of supported devices.

• Titled “Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission”, the comic book inspires children to be environmentally responsible

• 20,000 English and Urdu copies of the comic book were distributed across Jammu & Kashmir
   

Bisleri International, in collaboration with the National Book Trust (NBT), Ministry of Education, Government of India officially launched the comic book “Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission“ at the Chinar Book Festival 2026 held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The launch is part of Bottles for Change, Bisleri International’s flagship initiative for plastic-waste recycling and responsible waste management. Available in 48 languages, including all 22 scheduled Indian languages, the comic book aims to inspire environmental responsibility among children. As part of the launch, 20,000 English and Urdu copies of the book were distributed in schools across the state.
 

Bisleri and NBT Launch Multilingual Children’s Comic Book on Plastic Waste Management at the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar
 

The event was graced by Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convenor, Chinar Book Festival 2026; Shri Waseem Raja, JKAS, Joint Director, Tourism Department, J&K; Shri Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA – Gulmarg, J&K; Shri Mr. Anshul Garg, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Smt. Shobha Kapoor, Senior Lead – Partnerships & Communications along with Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International.
 

On the occasion, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Bisleri, we believe that creating a more sustainable future begins with inspiring the next generation. Through our collaboration with the National Book Trust under our ‘Bisleri Greener Promise’ initiative, we are using the power of storytelling to make environmental responsibility engaging, relatable, and accessible for children across India. We hope ‘Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission’ inspires young readers to embrace simple, everyday actions that can make a meaningful difference for the planet.”
 

Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said, “Comic books are a powerful tool to engage young readers. Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission uses popular, relatable characters to encourage children to adopt simple, sustainable habits and understand how everyday actions make a difference. Our continued association with Bisleri International educates and inspires young minds with an aim to nurture a generation of informed and responsible citizens.”
 

Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri with Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, Chinar Book Festival 2026
 

To encourage children to embrace reading, physical activity and environmental responsibility, a 5K Reading Marathon, “Together We Read, Together We Lead” was held on 25 July 2026 along Dal Lake. The Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha flagged off the marathon. Organized as part of the week-long Chinar Book Festival, the marathon brought together thousands of school children from across Jammu & Kashmir. The event attempted to set a record in the India Book of Records (IBR) and Asia Book of Records (ABR) in the category “Maximum Children Participating in a Marathon to Promote Reading and Environment.”
 

The festival also featured a Bottles for Change sustainability stall showcasing products made from recycled plastic. Through interactive exhibits, visitors, including young students learnt how used plastic is collected, recycled and transformed into useful everyday products contributing to a circular economy.
 

Together, the comic book launch, Reading Marathon and the stall combined active participation and practical learning to encourage children and communities to adopt more environmentally responsible habits. The event marked a significant step for Bisleri’s Bottles for Change initiative as it continues to drive awareness around responsible plastic waste management and sustainable living.
 

In partnership with the National Book Trust, the initiative demonstrated how storytelling and education can inspire positive action and empower children to become changemakers for a greener future.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.
 

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.
 

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurance companies, announced that its Assets Under Management (AUM) recently crossed the Rs. Four Lakh Crore milestone. The milestone is a strong reflection of the Company’s focus on enabling policyholders meet their financial goals, by strictly adhering to a prudent and disciplined approach to fund management.

Over the last 25 years, HDFC Life has systematically built trust amongst its customers by offering them innovative and simple products designed to fulfill their long-term financial goals. The Company continues to enhance its customers’ experience by offering several tech-enabled services, relevant and specific touch points, and consistent delivery on several key business metrics – all enabling the Company build and sustain trust amongst its policyholders.

Prasun Gajri, Chief Investment Officer & Chief Strategy Officer, HDFC Life

Commenting on the key milestone of the Company, Prasun Gajri, Chief Investment Officer & Chief Strategy Officer, HDFC Life, said, “At HDFC Life, our philosophy of protecting India with pride guides every aspect of our business. It’s at the core of our product design, our service architecture, and, most importantly, the way we manage our policyholders’ investments. Crossing Rs. Four Lakh Crore in AUM and being able to double the AUM within four years is a reflection of this philosophy. Our focus remains on disciplined investment practices and strategic asset allocation, which has enabled us to deliver sustainable, risk-adjusted returns while safeguarding policyholder interests.”

AUM is an important indicator of an insurer’s scale, financial strength and investment management capabilities and customer loyalty over the long-term. HDFC Life’s steady AUM growth has been underpinned by its diversified portfolio of products covering a wide range of life insurance solutions that focus on protection, savings and investment, designed to address the evolving financial needs of individuals across every stage of life.

The Company’s current debt-equity ratio is 72:28. A high proportion of its debt investments are in Government bonds and AAA-rated securities, underscoring its focus on capital preservation and risk-adjusted returns.

Alongside the AUM growth, HDFC Life has maintained a high claim-settlement ratio (99.7% in FY’26*), which reflects the Company’s continued focus on customer centricity and sustained excellence. 

*Claim Settlement Ratio for individual death claims in FY’26.

IBM and Galgotias University have entered into a strategic collaboration to strengthen industry integrated learning, technology training, and future focused academic programmes across cutting-edge technology domains including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Business Analytics and other Emerging Technologies.

A strategic IBM – Galgotias University collaboration brings industry expertise, advanced technologies and experiential learning directly to students

The collaboration is designed to bridge academic learning with fast evolving industry requirements through specialised programmes, curriculum support, access to IBM technologies, faculty development initiatives, certification opportunities, and experiential learning infrastructure.

Under the collaboration, students at Galgotias University will gain access to industry aligned programmes supported by IBM’s technology ecosystem and learning platforms. The engagement will also support the development of joint and co branded technology labs, workshops, seminars, industry led sessions, and specialised learning pathways designed around contemporary technology domains.

As part of the initiative, the University will offer programmes including B.Tech with Specialization in Quantum Computing, BCA in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, BBA in Business Analytics, and MBA in Business Analytics in association with IBM.

The collaboration will also provide students and faculty members opportunities to engage with IBM Developer Skills Network, industry oriented courseware, certification pathways, and guided learning modules supported by subject matter experts and industry practitioners.

The proposed engagement further aims to strengthen practical and applied learning through curriculum innovation, faculty orientation programmes, lab based learning environments, and exposure to enterprise grade technologies and software platforms.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “This collaboration with IBM adds to the growing ecosystem of industry centric Centres of Excellence, technology partnerships, and innovation platforms being built at Galgotias University. Very recently, we inaugurated India’s first Advanced Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence by L&T EduTech, announced our venture ecosystem partnership with 247VC, and now this strategic collaboration with IBM. Together, these initiatives reflect the direction in which higher education is evolving, where universities are becoming active innovation ecosystems closely integrated with industry, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.”

He added, “Our objective is to ensure that students are industry ready, innovation oriented, and globally exposed from the very beginning of their academic journey. Collaborations like these create stronger pathways between classrooms, research, startups, technology platforms, and real world problem solving.”

The collaboration further strengthens Galgotias University’s larger ecosystem of advanced technology infrastructure, industry partnerships, startup incubation, and multidisciplinary innovation. The University continues to expand its Centres of Excellence and experiential learning ecosystem through collaborations with leading organizations like Apple, Infosys, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

About Galgotias University
Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.

In the QS World University Rankings 2027 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 16th among private universities and 46th among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,500 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, IBM, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

Roca, the global leader in bathroom solutions, announces the Indian launch of an expanded Ohtake Collection, now enriched with new basin designs by architect and designer Rodrigo Ohtake. Building on the original collection conceived by the late, legendary Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake, the expanded range brings a renewed vision of organic form, artistic sensibility, and material excellence to the contemporary bathroom.

Ohtake Collection Roca

A Legacy Rooted in Nature

The Ohtake Collection was born from the organic shapes that define the Brazilian landscape. For Ruy Ohtake, nature was not merely a reference — it was a vocabulary. Curving surfaces, round shapes, and undulating edges became the defining language of a designer whose ambition was always to awaken the senses and create a connection that transcended utilitarian function.

In developing the original collection, Ruy found an unexpected source of inspiration in the egg – admiring its exceptional structural rigidity achieved through the most delicate of forms. Drawing a parallel between the lightness of an eggshell and Roca’s proprietary Fineceramic® material, he harnessed cutting-edge technology to achieve the ultra-thin borders that give the collection its sculptural character.

The resulting pieces — with their sensual, undulating edges and outlines — evoke a walk along the shoreline rather than a conventional basin. As Ruy himself said: “A good piece of Architecture, of design, must have an element of unpredictability, of emotion.”

That first collection went on to receive the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2019, recognised for the way it fuses technology, functionality, and aesthetics in a symbiotic way.

Rodrigo Ohtake: Continuing the Family Dialogue

Since the passing of Ruy Ohtake in November 2021, his son Rodrigo Ohtake has led the OHTAKE office, a multidisciplinary studio spanning architecture, design, urbanism, and material innovation. For Rodrigo, the Brazilian landscape — its colours, forms, and atmosphere — remains a constant presence in his creative process. “Living with Art and Nature makes life gentler, softer,” he observes.

Growing up amid his father’s prolific architectural practice and the celebrated abstract works of his grandmother, pioneering Asian-Brazilian artist Tomie Ohtake, art and design are second nature for Rodrigo. His contribution to the Ohtake Collection for Roca reflects this layered inheritance — contemporary in sensibility, yet deeply rooted in a family tradition of transformative design.

New Basins: The Calla Lily and the Art of the Hand

For his debut contribution to the Ohtake Collection, Rodrigo sought to create designs that invite engagement. Taking Ruy’s celebrated curves as a starting point, he opened and softened the forms, extending the basin’s silhouette as if a cupped hand reaching to collect water.

The poetic inspiration for the two new over-countertop basins is the calla lily flower — its delicate, unfurling form translated into refined ceramic geometry. Rodrigo developed the designs through a hands-on process, sculpting miniature dough maquettes to find the ideal proportions, a creative method not unlike the artistic practice of his grandmother Tomie.

The new basins are available in three finishes: White, Matt Black, and a new Terracotta — an earthy, warm tone that evokes the ochre soils and sun-baked clay of the Brazilian interior. Rodrigo’s new designs were recognised for their originality with the “Best in Show” award at the 2023 Expo Revestir, the annual design event in São Paulo.

Fineceramic®: The Material of Sculptural Possibility

All Ohtake basins are crafted from Roca’s proprietary Fineceramic® — an advanced ceramic material that enables the ultra-thin walls and precisely tapered edges central to the collection’s sculptural identity. Fineceramic® delivers exceptional durability, scratch resistance, and a refined surface quality that ensures each piece retains its elegance through years of daily use.

Product Overview

The expanded Ohtake Collection is available in India and includes:

Over-countertop Fineceramic® Basin, 625 × 385 mm (RS327A1P..0) – Available in White, Stone, Matt Black, and Terracotta.

Over-countertop Fineceramic® Basin, 550 × 385 mm (RS327A13..0) – A refined mid-size option. Available in White, Beige, and Matt Black.

Over-countertop Fineceramic® Basin, Ø380 mm (RS327A15..0) – Available in White, beige, and Matt Black.

All basins are available in the following finishes: 00 White | 07 Stone | 65 Beige | 08 Matt Black | TC Terracotta (selected models).

About Roca

Founded in Barcelona in 1917, Roca is a family-owned company dedicated to the design, manufacturing, and distribution of complete bathroom solutions for architecture, construction, and interior design. Combining over a century of tradition and craftsmanship with a passion for innovation, Roca is today present in 170 countries, operating 79 factories across five continents with more than 20,000 employees worldwide.

Sustainability sits at the core of every Roca decision. The company has achieved a 54% decrease in water consumption, a 53% reduction in Scope 1+2 CO₂ emissions, and 78% of waste valorised — all between 2018 and 2024 — in pursuit of its net-zero ambition by 2045. Roca’s commitment extends beyond product performance to ensuring access to water and sanitation for communities that need it most.

In India, Roca continues to set the standard for premium bathroom experiences, bringing world-class design and engineering to homes, hotels, and commercial spaces across the country.

For more information, visit www.roca.in.

Laundry needs change with family size, the number of weekly loads, and the types of clothes that need regular care. Panasonic washing machines address these different requirements with fully automatic top-load and front-load options designed for convenient everyday washing. The 2026 range spans 6.5 kg to 10 kg capacities and includes features such as MirAIe connectivity, built-in heaters, StainMaster+, Gentle Kizukai Wash, and dedicated wash programmes. With prices from Rs. 23,500 to Rs. 50,500, households can choose a model that fits their laundry routine, preferred wash type, and budget.

Panasonic Washing Machines in 2026: Five Models with AI Connectivity, Built-In Heaters, and Smart Fabric Care

After narrowing down the right capacity and features, Panasonic washing machines can be compared on Bajaj Mall before purchase at a nearby Bajaj Finance partner store. The Easy EMI Loan offers financing of up to Rs. 5 lakh with repayment tenures from 3 to 60 months, while the Insta EMI Card provides a credit limit of up to Rs. 3 lakh. Select models may also be available with zero down payment offers. Both financing options require the buyer to be physically present at a partner store to apply.

Top 5 Panasonic washing machines with latest features in 2026

From AI-powered connectivity to built-in heaters and gentle fabric care, these five Panasonic washing machines cover a range of household sizes and laundry needs.

Panasonic NA-F65LF3CRB

Price: Rs. 23,500 | Capacity: 6.5 kg | Type: Fully Automatic Top Load
Why it works: A practical entry into Panasonic’s fully automatic range, this model suits couples and small households. Its 5 Star rating supports lower electricity consumption, while Active Foam Wash improves detergent penetration for effective stain removal. Drynamic Spin removes more water after washing to reduce drying time, and 12 wash programmes cover everyday fabrics and delicates.

Panasonic NA-F70CH4CRB

Price: Rs. 24,500 | Capacity: 7 kg | Type: Fully Automatic Top Load
Why it works: This model adds a built-in heater for hot water washing, StainMaster+ for stain treatment, and MirAIe connectivity for smartphone control. Fifteen wash programmes provide flexibility across fabrics, while the 5 Star rating and 7 kg capacity make it suitable for small families.

Pro tip: MirAIe allows users to schedule washes remotely and receive maintenance alerts, making it worth setting up from the start.

Panasonic NA-F80CH4CRB

Price: Rs. 27,400 | Capacity: 8 kg | Type: Fully Automatic Top Load
Why it works: This 8 kg model combines a built-in heater, StainMaster+, MirAIe, and Drynamic Spin. The larger drum accommodates towels, bedsheets, and regular family loads, while the 5 Star rating supports efficient daily use. It is a practical choice for families of three to four seeking smart connectivity and hot water washing.

Panasonic NA-F100VF1CB

Price: Rs. 41,400 | Capacity: 10 kg | Type: Fully Automatic Top Load
Why it works: Designed for larger households, this model combines a 10 kg drum with Gentle Kizukai Wash for fabric care. Drynamic Spin reduces residual water to shorten drying time, while 15 wash programmes handle varied laundry requirements. A 5 Star rating adds energy efficiency for households running frequent, heavy loads.

Panasonic NA-149MR2L01

Price: Rs. 50,500 | Capacity: 9 kg | Type: Fully Automatic Front Load
Why it works: This front loader combines efficient washing with Panasonic’s Gentle Kizukai Wash Lite for fabric care. Quick 15 handles lightly soiled clothes in 15 minutes, while Baby Care provides a dedicated programme for infant clothing. MirAIe enables remote monitoring and scheduling, and the 5 Star rating supports efficient regular use.

How to buy a Panasonic washing machine from a Bajaj Finance partner store?

Splitting the cost of a new washing machine into monthly instalments makes the upgrade significantly more manageable. Shoppers can follow these steps to complete the purchase:

1. Browse on Bajaj Mall: Compare Panasonic washing machine models by capacity, type, key features, and price before visiting a store

2. Check pre-approved eligibility: Verify the pre-approved loan limit on the Bajaj Finance website using a registered mobile number and OTP verification

3. Find a partner store: Shortlisted models can be evaluated at 1.5 lakh+ Bajaj Finance partner stores across 4,000+ cities, including Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales

4. Check the model in person: In-store staff can assist with comparing wash programmes, drum capacity, and smart features across models

5. Choose an EMI plan: Financing of up to Rs. 5 lakh is available through the Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan or Insta EMI Card, with zero down payment on select models and tenures from 3 to 60 months

6. Complete the purchase: Once approved, the transaction is processed immediately and the washing machine can be taken home the same day

Bajaj Finance Limited

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

To know more, visit www.bajajfinserv.in.

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, announced the successful completion of its latest project under Signify Jagmag Pathshala CSR initiative, transforming learning environments by upgrading lighting and essential electrical infrastructure across 56 Government Residential Tribal Welfare Schools in Andhra Pradesh’s Parvathipuram Manyam district, benefiting over 18,200 tribal children. The initiative was implemented in partnership with Jana Kalyana Samakhya (JKS) and in close coordination with the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA).

Signify’s Jagmag Pathshala benefits over 18,200 tribal children across Andhra Pradesh

The project enhanced learning environments across the district’s tribal welfare schools through the installation of energy-efficient ceiling fans, tube lights, and outdoor lighting systems. These upgrades have created brighter, more comfortable, and safer spaces for learning, improving classroom visibility, student well-being, and overall school functionality.

Better-lit, well-ventilated classrooms have contributed to improved attendance, higher student engagement, and greater participation in both academic and sports activities. Enhanced outdoor lighting has further strengthened campus safety, ensuring students and staff benefit from a more secure, inclusive, and enabling environment throughout the day.

Speaking on the initiative, Nikhil Gupta, Head of Strategy & Marketing, Signify, Greater India said, “Every child deserves a classroom that is safe, comfortable, and conducive to learning. Through this CSR initiative, we have been able to address an essential but critical need in tribal welfare schools across Parvathipuram Manyam. Bringing reliable lighting and ventilation to these schools reflects our continued commitment to using innovation for brighter lives and a better world, especially for communities that need it the most.“

The initiative reinforces Signify’s commitment to harnessing the power of light to create brighter, safer, and more inclusive communities. As part of the company’s growing portfolio of CSR initiatives across India, it reflects Signify’s continued focus on advancing education, enhancing community well-being, and enabling meaningful social impact through innovative and sustainable lighting solutions.
 

About Signify  
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. We proudly bring to market the world’s best lighting brands, from Signify, Philips, Philips Hue, Signify Interact, Philips Dynalite, Color Kinetics and many more. Our advanced products, connected systems and services unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. In 2025, we had sales of EUR 5.8 billion, approximately 27,000 employees, and a presence in over 70 markets. We are in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and hold the EcoVadis Platinum rating.  News and updates from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.