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Cycle Pure Agarbathi Celebrates 77 Years of Fragrance Excellence with Innovative Festive Launches

Celebrating 77 years of fragrance excellence, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s No.1 agarbathi manufacturer and one of the world’s largest incense brands, today unveiled its latest festive range of Bamboo-less Solid Dhoop and Medini Judwaa Premium Cup Sambrani. Manufacturing over 12 billion incense sticks annually and reaching consumers in more than 75 countries, the company continues to blend tradition with innovation, offering products that reflect evolving consumer preferences while staying rooted in India’s rich spiritual heritage.

 

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Unveils New Festive Fragrance Range Ahead of the 2026 Festive Season

 

Founded in 1948 by visionary entrepreneur Shri N. Ranga Rao, Cycle Pure Agarbathi has grown from a traditional incense manufacturer into a globally trusted brand. Over the decades, the company has strengthened its leadership through consistent product innovation, responsible manufacturing, modern technology, and an unwavering focus on quality, while remaining deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality.

 

As a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, Cycle Pure is proud to be the world’s first carbon-neutral agarbathi manufacturer, a milestone it has consistently maintained through investments in renewable energy, afforestation initiatives and responsible manufacturing practices. Reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company has also achieved Plastic Neutral status by offsetting the equivalent amount of plastic it uses through certified plastic waste recovery and recycling initiatives.

 

Bamboo-less Solid Dhoop – 3 variants Dasara, Yagna and Woods each fragrance has been thoughtfully crafted to evoke a distinct sensory experience.

 

Inspired by the grandeur of the world-renowned Mysuru Dasara celebrations, Dasara combines the warmth of sandalwood with a rich masala blend to recreate an atmosphere of celebration, elegance and timeless tradition.

 

Yagna, one of Cycle’s oldest and most revered formulations, traces its origins to the late 1940s. Inspired by the sacred Vedic ritual of offering natural ingredients to the holy fire while chanting mantras, it creates a divine fragrance that enriches prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection.

 

Drawing inspiration from the serenity of nature, Woods captures the feeling of an early morning walk through a lush forest. Blending sandalwood, amber, Ailanthus Malabarica and natural oils, it offers a deep, woody fragrance that promotes calm, balance and rejuvenation.

 

In Indian tradition, Medini is revered as the Earth Goddess, symbolizing stability, abundance, and harmony. Inspired by this nurturing essence, Medini Judwa Cup Sambrani is crafted to create a deeply calming and sacred atmosphere for your prayers and rituals. The special pack contains two soothing fragrances – Rose and Jasmine, each chosen for its ability to enhance the spiritual ambience of your home.

 

Speaking at the media interaction, Mr. Amarnath Datta, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, said, “For over 77 years, our journey has been guided by one simple philosophy to honour tradition while continuously evolving with changing consumer needs. Our success has been built on trust, consistent quality and innovation. While our roots remain firmly embedded in Indian culture and spirituality, we have embraced modern technology, research-led product development and sustainable manufacturing practices to remain relevant across generations. Today, consumers can access our products through traditional retail, modern trade, e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, ensuring we remain available wherever they choose to shop.“

 

He further added, “Innovation also means taking responsibility towards the environment. As the world’s first carbon-neutral agarbathi manufacturer, and now a Plastic Neutral company, sustainability is embedded into the way we design, manufacture and deliver our products. Equally important is our commitment to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women, reinforcing our belief that business growth must go hand in hand with social progress.“

 

The company noted that consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards premium pooja products, authentic fragrances and environmentally conscious choices. These changing preferences have inspired the development of the new festive range, which combines traditional fragrance experiences with modern innovation.

 

Mr. Dwaipayan Das, Associate Vice-President, Marketing, said, “The festive season is a time of deep emotional and spiritual connection for Indian families. Consumers today are seeking products that combine authenticity, quality and sustainability. Our latest launches reflect these evolving expectations while preserving the rituals and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Bihar continues to be an important market for us, and we are witnessing growing demand for premium fragrance offerings during the festive season.”

 

The company also highlighted that its recent acquisition of Satvik aligns with its long-term vision of strengthening its presence in the pooja and spiritual products category. By bringing together complementary strengths, the company aims to offer consumers a broader portfolio of trusted products while continuing to invest in innovation, sustainability and consumer-centric growth.

 

As India prepares for the festive season, Cycle Pure Agarbathi remains focused on expanding its product portfolio, strengthening its market presence across channels, and delivering meaningful fragrance experiences that bring together heritage, innovation and responsible growth.

 

About NR Group

Founded in 1948 by visionary entrepreneur Shri N. Ranga Rao in Mysuru, NR Group is the maker of Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s No.1 agarbathi brand and one of the world’s largest incense manufacturers. Over the past 77 years, the Group has diversified into home fragrances through IRIS, functional air care products under Lia, floral extracts through NESSO, and aerospace engineering through Rangsons. Guided by its philosophy of innovation with responsibility, NR Group continues to blend heritage, sustainability and community development while serving consumers across India and more than 75 countries.

Gold Loan Calculator Guide: Understanding RBI's New Gold Loan LTV Rules

Consider a small business owner requiring immediate working capital to fulfill a massive festive order, or a household facing an abrupt medical expense. In India, physical gold has historically served as a primary liquidity bridge during such critical moments. However, for decades, borrowers were constrained by a rigid regulatory ceiling that limited exactly how much cash their assets could unlock.

 

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Understand RBI’s New Gold Loan LTV Rules


From April 1, 2026, revised RBI norms introduced a tier-based Loan-to-Value (LTV) structure for lending against gold collateral. Earlier, lenders largely operated under a uniform 75% ceiling across loan categories. The updated framework now links the permissible LTV ratio to the sanctioned loan amount, allowing smaller-ticket borrowers to access comparatively higher funding while retaining broader regulatory safeguards within the lending system. For everyday financial decision-makers, understanding these new tiers is the very first step toward optimizing asset leverage. 


Decoding the 2026 Tiered LTV Framework
The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio determines the maximum percentage of an asset’s market value that a lender can issue as a principal amount. The 2026 regulatory overhaul recognized that small-ticket borrowers require maximum liquidity without the burden of heavy documentation. 


Here is how the new regulatory structure classifies a standard gold loan:

 

Loan Amount Bracket

Maximum Allowable LTV

Strategic Use Case

Up to INR 2.5 Lakh

85%

Immediate micro-liquidity, agricultural needs, emergency medical bills

INR 2.5 Lakh to INR5 Lakh

80%

Small business inventory funding, moderate personal expenses

Above INR 5 Lakh

75%

Large-ticket business capital expansions, debt consolidation


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under the previous regime, a borrower pledging an asset base could access a maximum of 75% of its value across the board. Today, a retail borrower needing exactly INR 200,000 can secure it with significantly less collateral, thanks to the new 85% slab. Furthermore, the revised framework eased credit appraisal requirements for eligible loans below INR 2.5 lakh, reducing documentation requirements for many borrowers. 


The Math Behind the Disbursement
To accurately project cash disbursements, one must look beyond simple gross weight. The true metric relies on the net weight of the metal—explicitly excluding stones, enamel, wax, and heavy fastening threads—benchmarked against a standard 22-carat purity level.


When prospective borrowers utilize a reliable gold loan calculator, the algorithm factors in this precise net weight alongside the gold rate today to output a legally compliant, eligible limit. It is crucial to note that lenders do not use live, intraday spot prices. Instead, the gold rate today utilized for underwriting is calculated based on the lower of the previous day’s closing price or a 30-day average. This standardized valuation methodology prevents sudden, short-term market volatility from falsely inflating, or unfairly deflating, a borrower’s credit limit.


Why Institutional Reliability Matters
Getting approval for that top-tier 85% LTV might sound excellent in theory, but high percentages only benefit the borrower if the underlying asset valuation is honest and transparent. Navigating these updated regulatory waters requires an entity with a robust, highly compliant infrastructure.


Approaching a legacy financial institution like Muthoot Finance ensures that these strict RBI appraisal mandates are executed seamlessly. Furthermore, institutions like Muthoot Finance act as a highly reliable partner for borrowers because they possess the internal capacity and digital infrastructure to process the new under-INR 2.5 lakh, zero-income-proof applications rapidly. This efficiency turns the promise of emergency liquidity into an immediate reality, free from arbitrary delays. 


Crucial Safeguards for the Smart Borrower
Secured credit requires a strategic mindset. The revised regulations increase access to secured funding, while also introducing stricter operational requirements and monitoring standards for lenders. As a result, understanding a few important borrowing conditions before completing the loan process becomes equally important: 

 

  • Mind the Buffer: An 85% LTV leaves a substantially narrower margin for error for the lender. If a borrower opts for a lump-sum bullet repayment structure and fails to track the accrued gold loan interest rate, the total outstanding balance can quickly breach the asset’s total value, risking a swift margin call or auction notice. 

  • Evaluate Repayment Structures: The 2026 framework strictly caps consumption loans featuring bullet repayments at a 12-month tenure. If you anticipate requiring more than a year to clear the principal, opt for structured EMI-based payments. EMI plans are not bound by the same rigid 12-month restriction, making it easier to manage the ongoing gold loan interest rate without facing a sudden cash crunch. 

  • The 7-Day Return: Empower yourself with the knowledge of collateral return timelines. The RBI now strictly mandates that lenders must return pledged items within exactly 7 working days of final account closure. Any institutional delay triggers a INR 5,000 daily penalty payable directly to the borrower. The revised framework also outlines timelines for collateral return after loan closure, along with compensation provisions in cases of undue delays. 

  • Demand the Key Fact Statement (KFS): Never sign an agreement without reviewing the KFS. This standardized document strips away marketing jargon and explicitly lists the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), processing fees, and exact valuation charges.

 

Take Confident Action
The April 2026 regulatory updates have effectively democratized secured lending, granting smaller borrowers unprecedented access to capital on fairer terms. By standardizing valuations and increasing the LTV for small-ticket requirements, the central bank has made asset-backed financing safer, faster, and far more lucrative for the everyday individual.


Short-term funding gaps can often be managed more efficiently through properly structured secured lending. Evaluate your immediate financial requirements, utilize a trusted gold loan calculator to run your specific numbers in private, and consult with a regulated lender to lock in your funds while macroeconomic conditions remain favorable. Plan your next financial move confidently and ensure your assets are actively working to support your future.

India's First Listed IVF Company, Gaudium IVF, Unveils AI Powered Signature Labs, Kicking Off Planned 19 Centre Expansion

Gaudium IVF and Women Health Limited, India’s first publicly listed IVF chain, today kicked off its first milestone in the Company’s planned 19-centre expansion, as outlined in the growth roadmap shared with investors during its IPO. The launch reinforces the Company’s commitment to making high quality, technology driven fertility care more accessible to aspiring parents through a standardised clinical and laboratory model that combines AI powered innovation with the highest standards of clinical excellence, patient safety and ethical care.

 

India’s first listed IVF chain, Gaudium IVF, unveils its AI-powered Signature Lab, kicking off its planned 19-centre expansion

 

Strategically located in South Delhi, the new centre offers comprehensive fertility care under one roof, combining experienced fertility specialists, advanced reproductive medicine and Gaudium IVF’s standardised clinical protocols. At the heart of the new centre is the Gaudium Signature Lab, the Company’s proprietary laboratory framework that integrates advanced embryology, AI-powered technologies and internationally benchmarked quality standards to create an optimal environment for embryo development. As Gaudium IVF expands its network, the Signature Lab model will be replicated across every new centre, ensuring patients experience the same high standards of precision, safety and clinical excellence, irrespective of location.

 

The centre also brings together Gaudium IVF’s AI-powered embryology ecosystem, including SiD (Sperm Identification Device) for advanced sperm assessment and ERICA (Embryo Ranking Intelligent Classification Assistant) for embryo evaluation. By complementing the expertise of embryologists with data-driven insights, these technologies enhance precision, consistency and confidence throughout the IVF journey.

 

Built on a 17-year legacy of innovation and patient-centric care, Gaudium IVF has established itself as one of India’s trusted fertility care providers. Its commitment to laboratory excellence has been recognised internationally with the European Quality Award from ESQR, Spain, reinforcing the high standards that underpin the Company’s clinical outcomes, including in complex infertility and recurrent IVF failure cases.

 

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Manika Khanna, Chairperson and Managing Director, Gaudium IVF, said, “Fertility care is one of the most specialised fields of medicine, where science, clinical expertise and ethical practices come together to help couples realise their dream of parenthood. At Gaudium IVF, we believe every patient deserves care that is not only clinically advanced but also transparent, compassionate and centred around their individual needs.

 

The launch of our South Extension centre reflects our commitment to making world-class fertility care more accessible without compromising on the standards that have guided us for the past 17 years. As we expand our network, our focus remains on building centres that combine scientific excellence, AI-powered innovation and globally benchmarked laboratory standards with a patient-first approach. The Gaudium Signature Lab reflects this philosophy by bringing together qualified embryologists, technologically advanced laboratory, ethical practices and evidence-based care to support informed clinical decisions and provide patients with the highest standards of fertility care. These principles will continue to guide every step of our growth journey.”

 

The launch comes at a time when demand for specialised fertility care continues to grow across India, driven by delayed parenthood, changing lifestyles and increasing awareness of assisted reproductive technologies. Through its planned network expansion, Gaudium IVF aims to replicate its Signature Lab model across new centres, combining advanced reproductive medicine, AI-powered embryology and standardised clinical protocols to deliver consistent, high-quality fertility care at scale and reinforce its leadership in India’s rapidly evolving fertility care sector.

 

About Gaudium IVF and Women Health Limited

Founded in 2009, Gaudium IVF and Women Health Limited is a leading fertility care provider with a PAN India presence and a growing global reach. Recently becoming India’s first publicly listed IVF chain, the organisation has consistently pushed the boundaries of reproductive healthcare innovation in the country. With the introduction of AI-led embryology, Gaudium IVF continues to redefine the future of fertility treatment, reinforcing its position as an industry pioneer. Under the leadership of Manika Khanna, the organisation is known for its patient-centric approach, advanced clinical excellence, and continuous focus on innovation in reproductive medicine.

Nikhil Kamath Tells Brian Armstrong That Crypto Became the Thing It Was Built to Escape on the Latest Episode of People by WTF

Nikhil Kamath opens the latest episode by disqualifying himself, and it turns out to be the most useful thing he does. He has never bought any crypto, not once, and says he expects to leave the conversation exactly as he entered it. Then he asks Brian Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, to stop being a founder for two hours and become a college professor. Armstrong obliges. What Kamath does with the lesson becomes the story.

 

Brian Armstrong in podcast chat with Nikhil Kamath

 

His central provocation arrives without warning and Armstrong never quite resolves it. Bitcoin began as a protest, Kamath argues: against governments printing without consent, against intermediaries, against permission itself. Look at it now. Stablecoins backed by US Treasuries. KYC at every turn. Regulatory clarity negotiated in Washington. Five years ago crypto meant something democratic and open. Today, he says, the first image that comes to mind is Donald Trump. Somewhere along the way the movement became the establishment. He says to Armstrong: it is strange to watch an engineer become a lobbyist. Armstrong doesn’t accept the premise, crypto is inherently apolitical, he argues, and his hope is a framework that outlasts whoever holds office. Kamath lets the disagreement stand.

 

Armstrong’s provocation runs the other way, and it is the one India will hear. Asked what a 25-year-old could build under the country’s crypto tax regime, he offers no product idea and no workaround. He calls it one of the most punitive regimes anywhere Coinbase operates: the barrier is policy, not technology, and no entrepreneur solves a tax rate with a better product. His advice is political, Indian crypto users need to make themselves visible, because governments rarely respond to constituencies they cannot see.

 

Between those positions sits the argument that matters. Armstrong wants India to issue a digital rupee in stablecoin form with legislation behind it: dollar stablecoins succeed precisely where local digital fiat leaves a vacuum, and a country that built UPI might as well finish the job. Kamath’s answer is about sovereignty, made as a sceptic rather than a nationalist. A government running a tight fiscal system has little incentive to open an off-ramp into a dollar-backed instrument it neither issues nor controls. Look at what happened when the United States cut Russia out of SWIFT, he says, and ask why India would hand anyone that lever. They agree on remittances, roughly USD 150 billion a year by his reckoning, the largest flow in the world, still slow and still expensive. They agree on almost nothing else.

 

Kamath is sharpest when he stops arguing ideology and starts auditing arithmetic. If USDC is backed by short-term Treasuries yielding four percent, and Treasuries yield once, where does the second yield come from? If most of it flows back to customers, where is Coinbase’s spread? Is ten percent of four percent enough for the risk? Armstrong answers directly, ninety percent to the user, ten retained, balance-sheet risk with the issuer rather than the exchange. The questions matter more than the answers. It is a brokerage founder asking a crypto CEO to show his workings, and it earns him the provocations on either side of it.

 

On AI, it becomes clear Kamath has been making one argument all along. Armstrong worries AI concentrates wealth inside a few companies. Kamath worries it concentrates value inside another country, the harder problem, because it stops being about inequality and becomes about whether India is in the value chain at all. He remembers Microsoft and Linux: two things almost the same, and the years of being charged nothing that made it impossible to leave once the charging began. The last thing India needs, he says, is a generation of builders paying twenty dollars a month to an American company for the model their business runs on, held hostage the day the open-source alternative catches up. Armstrong broadly agrees, the open models run six months behind at a fraction of the inference cost, most workloads will end up there, and the valuations he is watching make him nervous.

 

What stays after the episode is how both men learned to deal with power. Armstrong assumed, as a young engineer, that following the law meant never having to think about government. It didn’t. He went to Washington anyway and could not tell for years whether it worked, until Coinbase sued its own regulator, against nearly everyone’s advice, and won. His rule: don’t do it unless the issue is existential and you are certain you are right. This was both, because capitulating would probably have ended the crypto industry in the United States. He talks about the USD 150,000 cheque from Paul Graham that gave him permission to quit his job. Kamath answers with Foundry, twenty-odd founders, half a million dollars each, a house to build in and a diagnosis of why India makes fewer of these people than it should. Not talent. A country that has not yet learned to find someone who tried and failed more impressive than someone who never tried.

 

Kamath leaves unconvinced that crypto has become what it set out to be, and the episode is stronger for not pretending otherwise. By the end, however, the conversation is no longer only about crypto. It is about digital money, AI infrastructure and financial sovereignty, all circling the same question: who owns the rails the future runs on? Kamath never answers it directly. Instead, he returns to an instinct that runs through the entire conversation: be wary of certainty. His closing analogy is about Bitcoin holders and Indian real estate developers alike, both convinced the asset can only go up, and convinced enough to argue every contrary view into submission. “Land can only go up,” they’ll tell you. “It’s finite in number.”

 

The episode is available now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

 

About People by WTF

People by WTF is a global podcast platform hosted by Nikhil Kamath, featuring in-depth conversations with leaders across business, policy, technology, culture and academia. The show explores long-term institutional, technological and economic questions shaping global society through candid, high-signal dialogue. Past guests include Elon Musk, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bill Gates, Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty, Martin Escobari and Ranbir Kapoor.

Galgotias University Students Bring Pride to India with Outstanding Achievements at Global Diplomacy Conference in Malaysia

Continuing their impressive streak of bringing laurels to India on global platforms, students of Galgotias University have earned international recognition at the Global Youth Diplomacy Model United Nations (GYDMUN), held in Malaysia.

 

   Galgotias University brings pride to India as Sahil Rana and Amaan Lone earn top honours at the GYDMUN in Malaysia

 

The prestigious international conference brought together delegates from more than 25 nationalities, creating a dynamic platform for young leaders to deliberate on pressing global issues. Participants engaged in discussions centred on diplomacy, international cooperation, the United Nations Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Sahil Rana, a BA (Hons.) Political Science student from the School of Liberal Education, Class of 2027, won the Best Delegate Award. Amaan Lone, a B.Tech. Data Science student from the School of Computer Science, Class of 2028, received the Most Outstanding Delegate Award.

 

Competing alongside delegates from diverse cultural, national and academic backgrounds, Sahil and Amaan demonstrated exceptional research abilities, confident presentation, persuasive public speaking, diplomatic negotiation and critical thinking under pressure.

 

Throughout the conference, they articulated their assigned countries’ positions with clarity, responded thoughtfully to challenging questions and presented compelling, evidence-based arguments grounded in the principles of the United Nations. Their ability to engage constructively with participants from different cultures reflected the true spirit of Model United Nations and the importance of collaborative approaches to global challenges.

 

Sharing his experience, Sahil Rana said, “Winning the Best Delegate Award among participants from more than 25 nationalities is an incredibly proud moment for me. The experience taught me that success in diplomacy depends on thorough preparation and understanding perspectives different from one’s own. I am grateful to Galgotias University for encouraging me to learn beyond the classroom and giving me the confidence to represent India on an international platform.”

 

Reflecting on his achievement, Amaan Lone said, “Participating in GYDMUN was a transformative experience that challenged me to think critically, communicate with clarity and respond calmly under pressure. Receiving the Most Outstanding Delegate Award has strengthened my belief that students from every academic discipline can contribute meaningfully to conversations on global issues. I am thankful to the University and my mentors for their constant guidance and support.”

 

Dr Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer of Galgotias University, said, “Sahil and Amaan have made the University and the country proud through their exceptional performance on an international platform. Whether in diplomacy, technology or entrepreneurship, our students are proving that young Indians possess the knowledge, creativity and leadership needed to contribute meaningfully to the world. We remain committed to providing them with mentorship, resources and global opportunities that enable them to transform their potential into real-world impact.”

 

The honours earned in Malaysia add to a growing series of international achievements by Galgotias University students. At EDVentures 2026, hosted by The Education University of Hong Kong, student teams from the University represented India against 19 teams from 10 countries. Project TACTO secured the top spot for its inclusive, sensory-based coding education solution for visually impaired learners, while Tekurious Pvt. Ltd. was selected among the global finalists for its immersive virtual reality-based learning platform. Read about Galgotias University at EDVentures 2026.

 

The University also achieved remarkable success in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge 2026, with 18 students from its iOS Development Centre selected among only 350 winners worldwide. Their applications addressed challenges across accessibility, education, healthcare, artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Two students earned the distinction for the second consecutive year, demonstrating the consistency of the University’s innovation ecosystem. Read about the Apple Swift Student Challenge achievement.

 

Further strengthening its commitment to international academic exposure, Galgotias University selected and fully sponsored 16 students for a two-week Graduate Summer Programme at Girton College, University of Cambridge, under the memorandum of understanding between the two institutions. The immersive programme introduces students to frugal artificial intelligence, innovation and entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, global leadership communication, business modelling and executive storytelling. Culminating in a capstone venture pitch, the programme enables participants to learn from an internationally respected academic ecosystem, engage with multidisciplinary perspectives and develop solutions to contemporary global challenges. Read about the Cambridge Graduate Summer Programme.

 

Together, these accomplishments reflect Galgotias University’s expanding presence across international platforms in diplomacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and academic excellence. They also underscore the University’s commitment to learning beyond the classroom and to nurturing socially responsible, globally aware and future-ready leaders.

 

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.

SKA Group Launches SKA Atlantis in Siddharth Vihar, Expands Its Luxury Residential Portfolio

SKA Group, one of NCR’s leading luxury real estate developers, has announced the launch of SKA Atlantis, a luxury residential project in Siddharth Vihar, Ghaziabad. Spread over four acres, SKA Atlantis comprises three towers offering 3- and 4-BHK residences. The launch further strengthens the SKA Group’s presence in the NCR residential market, where it has built a reputation for delivering projects ahead of their respective RERA possession timelines.

 

SKA Group Launches SKA Atlantis in Siddharth Vihar, Expands Its Luxury Residential Portfolio

 

The launch comes at a time when the township is seeing stronger residential interest, supported by improving regional connectivity and a steady expansion of social infrastructure.

 

SKA Atlantis seeks to create a residential environment where open spaces remain central to everyday life. Zero vehicular movement is ensured, allowing landscaped greens, pedestrian areas and children’s play spaces at the surface level. The project offers around 119,000 sq. ft. dedicated to greenery and amenities.

 

These include an indoor all-weather swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, yoga studio, squash court, coworking space, guest rooms and activity zones for different age groups, including dedicated spaces for toddlers, teenagers and senior citizens. Dedicated spaces for children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens have been integrated into the overall master plan.

 

“Homebuyers today are placing greater importance on the quality of the overall living environment rather than the size of an apartment alone. SKA Atlantis has been designed around that growing expectation by combining generous open spaces with facilities that encourage community living across all age groups. A hallmark of this project is zero vehicular movement at the surface level. Located in Siddharth Vihar, the region has rapidly gained in prominence in the last few years, supported by improving infrastructure and seamless connectivity. As with all our projects, we remain committed to our T3 principles of Transparency, Timely Delivery and Technology and offering everything we have committed to our customers,” said Sanjay Sharma, Managing Director, SKA Group.

 

SKA has already completed the acquisition of the project land from the UP Awas Vikas Parishad. The development is expected to be completed over the next five years, with possession targeted for 2031. The project comprises three towers, Atlas with 37 floors, and Eden-Aqua and Coral-Bliss with 34 floors each. It offers residences in configurations of 1,549 sq. ft. (3 BHK + 3 T), 1,792 sq. ft. (3 BHK + 3T), 2,080 sq. ft. (3 BHK + 3T), 2,295 sq. ft (4 BHK + 3T). and 2,989 sq. ft. (4 BHK + S + 5T), with prices starting from Rs. 10,499 per sq. ft.

 

Siddharth Vihar has steadily gained attention as infrastructure around the corridor has expanded. SKA Atlantis sits close to Metro, RRTS, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and NH-24, providing easy access to Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida. The upcoming Noida International Airport is further expected to strengthen the region’s connectivity via FNG, while the surrounding social infrastructure, schools, hospitals and retail destinations have continued to grow alongside residential developments.

 

SKA Group’s portfolio of completed residential projects include SKA Arcadia, SKA Orion, SKA Divya Tower, SKA Skardi Greens, SKA Metro Ville, SKA Green Arch the possession of all was delivered ahead of their respective RERA committed dates. Its ongoing portfolio includes SKA Imperia, SKA Estate and SKA Divine. Over the years, SKA Group has built its brand around timely execution, transparent customer engagement and consistent delivery standards, principles the company collectively refers to as its T3 philosophy of Transparency, Timely Delivery and Technology.

C. B. Jisso Emerges as a Key Contender in NCUI Board of Directors Election

As the National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI) election approaches, cooperative sector observers believe C.B. Jisso, Chairman of Malankara Credit Society Ltd., has emerged as one of the strongest contenders from South India. His leadership and the remarkable growth of Malankara Credit Society have earned him recognition as a visionary who has helped redefine the modern cooperative movement.

 

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C. B. Jisso Emerges as a Prominent Voice in NCUI


Under C.B. Jisso’s leadership, Malankara Credit Society has grown into one of South India’s leading Multi-state Cooperative Credit Societies, serving over 1.70 lakh members with a business turnover exceeding INR 1,300 Crore across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The society has consistently achieved profitable growth while ensuring regular dividends to its members.


Malankara has also pioneered several industry-first initiatives. It became the first Credit Society in Kerala to obtain membership in the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), placing it on the global Cooperative map. The Society introduced Kerala’s first 24×7 Cooperative branch, setting new benchmarks in member service. It was also the first Cooperative Credit Society in India to introduce a Brand ambassador, bringing a fresh and professional approach to Cooperative branding and public engagement. Another landmark initiative was the launch of Diamond Loans, a first-of-its-kind offering in the Indian Cooperative Credit Society sector, reflecting the institution’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric financial solutions.


Industry experts believe that these initiatives have inspired several Cooperative institutions across South India to embrace modernization while preserving the core values of cooperation, transparency, and member welfare. Malankara is increasingly viewed as a benchmark for professionally managed Cooperative institutions.


Observers also point to C.B. Jisso’s vision for the cooperative sector, which emphasizes stronger national representation for Cooperatives, digital transformation, improved asset quality through responsible lending, leadership development, collaboration among Cooperative institutions, and policy advocacy to create a more enabling environment for sustainable growth.


With the NCUI election scheduled for tomorrow, many within the Cooperative fraternity believe C.B. Jisso’s proven leadership, innovative outlook, and institution-building achievements place him in a strong position. While the final decision rests with the electorate, there is growing confidence that his contribution to strengthening the cooperative movement in South India has earned him widespread goodwill and support.


Regardless of the election outcome, C.B. Jisso’s leadership and Malankara Credit Society’s pioneering initiatives continue to inspire Cooperative institutions across the country, reinforcing the role of innovation, professionalism, and member-centric governance in shaping the future of India’s Cooperative movement.

Great Value, Premium Comfort and Lower Running Costs: The Formula Behind the VF MPV 7's Appeal

Combining lower ownership costs, practical everyday comfort and comprehensive ownership benefits, the VinFast VF MPV 7 offers Indian buyers a compelling new proposition in the premium seven-seat MPV segment.

 

Stretching across a generous 2,840 mm wheelbase, the VF MPV 7 offers the kind of cabin room families tend to appreciate most on longer journeys

 

Seven seats sound great on paper, but they often come with trade-offs. The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the bills tend to become, with long-distance family trips demanding more from the household budget than they should. That’s simply been part of owning a large family vehicle for years.

 

Positioned as a premium electric MPV that’s still practical for everyday ownership, the all-electric VinFast VF MPV 7 is trying to change that. Instead of asking buyers to choose between practicality and ownership costs, it focuses on something much simpler: getting the basics right. Plenty of space. Everyday comfort. And lower running costs that continue to make a difference long after the day of purchase.

 

Lower Running Costs That Add Up Over Time

Assuming monthly driving of around 1,500 km, running a typical diesel-powered MPV in India today could easily cost owners anywhere from tens of thousands to over INR 100,000 annually in fuel expenses alone, contributing to a considerable sum for households that spend weekends on the highway or frequently travel between cities.

 

But since the VF MPV 7 is electric, even with regular home charging, electricity expenses remain only a fraction of what most diesel MPV owners typically spend on fuel. Combined with VinFast’s free charging support at V-Green charging stations until March 2029, many owners could spend next to nothing on day-to-day energy costs for years to come.

 

Nor do the savings stop there. VinFast’s complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 km helps reduce servicing expenses during the initial years of ownership, while a 7 year/160,000 km vehicle warranty and a 10 year/200,000 km battery warranty provide additional peace of mind over the longer term. Owners also benefit from complimentary roadside assistance during the standard vehicle warranty period.

 

Making the proposition even more attractive, customers switching from ICE vehicles can currently receive support worth INR 196,000 under VinFast’s EV transition program. Together, these ownership benefits help make the transition to electric mobility easier from day one.

 

Designed Around Everyday Journeys

Of course, nobody buys a seven-seater just to save money. It’s there for school drop-offs on weekdays, family holidays during the summer and the occasional airport run when everyone’s luggage suddenly becomes your problem.

 

Fortunately, practicality is one of the VF MPV 7’s biggest strengths.

Stretching across a generous 2,840 mm wheelbase, it offers the kind of cabin room families tend to appreciate most on longer journeys. First-drive impressions from Indian reviewers have highlighted not just the generous second row, but also a genuinely usable third row that remains comfortable even for adults.

 

Need more room for passengers? Done. Carrying luggage for a weekend getaway instead? That’s easy too.

 

The second-row seats slide, recline and tumble forward for easier ingress and egress, while the third row folds in a 50:50 configuration when cargo inevitably starts competing for space. Fold the rear seats down completely and luggage capacity expands to 1,240 liters, enough to comfortably accommodate multiple suitcases for a family getaway or all the bulky extras that inevitably come with family life. Children’s strollers, anyone?

 

Then there are the little things: dedicated third-row air conditioning controls, PM 2.5 air filtration, multiple charging ports and connected features such as remote AC control through a smartphone app. Combined with the inherently quiet nature of an electric powertrain, they also contribute to a more relaxing experience for both drivers and passengers.

 

Premium Value Beyond the Purchase Price

There’s enough performance here to back up the practicality too.

 

The VF MPV 7 isn’t trying to be the sportiest MPV in the segment, nor does it need to be. Producing 204 PS and 280 Nm of torque, it delivers effortless acceleration that’s well-suited to both city traffic and highway cruising.

 

A MIDC-certified driving range of 517 km means fewer charging stops on longer drives, while DC fast charging capability allows the battery to charge from 10% to 70% in just 30 minutes when needed. Home charging convenience and a portable charger included as standard further add flexibility for owners travelling away from home.

 

Indian automotive reviewers have also described the vehicle as easy and confidence-inspiring to drive despite its size. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, while multiple drive modes and regenerative braking settings allow drivers to tailor the experience to suit both city commutes and highway journeys.

 

There’s certainly no shortage of seven-seat vehicles in India today. Finding one that combines generous space, lower running costs and long-term ownership benefits, however, is a much shorter list. And the VF MPV 7 simply happens to tick all three boxes.

 

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. 

 

VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia.

 

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

BPTP Commences Allotments for SkyNest Towers Following Overwhelming Response, Setting a New Benchmark for Luxury Living in Faridabad

BPTP Limited today announced the commencement of the allotment process for SkyNest Towers, its landmark ultra-luxury residential development in Sector 80, Greater Faridabad. Following an overwhelming response from homebuyers, the project has emerged as one of the city’s most successful luxury residential launches, reinforcing the growing demand for world-class living experiences in Faridabad.

 

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Skynest By BPTP


The commencement of allotments marks an important milestone in the project’s journey and reflects the strong confidence reposed by discerning buyers in BPTP’s vision of redefining premium living in the city. SkyNest Towers has not only elevated buyer expectations but has also established a new benchmark for luxury residential developments in Faridabad.


Envisioned as one of Faridabad’s tallest residential landmarks, SkyNest Towers comprises twin residential towers rising approximately 150 metres, offering spacious 3 BHK and 4 BHK residences ranging from ~3,185 sq. ft. to ~3,856 sq. ft. Conceived as a vertical garden estate, the development integrates biophilic design, Sky Nests, multi-generational spaces, and wellness-centric amenities to create an elevated living experience.


Designed with only 4 residences per floor to maximise privacy and exclusivity, each tower is served by nine high-speed lifts, while every residence features expansive wraparound balconies. Residents will also enjoy access to over ~82,000 sq. ft. of thoughtfully curated amenities and landscaped spaces, including multiple pools, wellness and fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor sports, fine dining experiences, business lounges, and a host of lifestyle offerings designed to promote holistic living. The project is registered with HRERA under registration number HRERA-PKL-FBD-881-2026.


Strategically located in Sector 80, Greater Faridabad, SkyNest Towers enjoys seamless connectivity to the Faridabad Bypass Road (DND–Faridabad–KMP Expressway), NH-44, the upcoming Faridabad–Noida–Ghaziabad (FNG) Expressway, and key social infrastructure including reputed educational institutions and healthcare facilities.


Speaking on the commencement of allotments, Manik Malik, CEO & President, BPTP Limited, said, “The response to SkyNest Towers has been truly exceptional and reflects the growing aspiration for internationally benchmarked luxury living in Faridabad. The commencement of allotments is an exciting milestone for both our customers and our team as we move ahead in bringing this vision to life. At BPTP, our focus has always been on creating developments that combine thoughtful design, superior quality, sustainability, and long-term value, and SkyNest Towers is a strong reflection of that commitment. We remain focused on delivering an experience that exceeds customer expectations at every stage of the journey.”


SkyNest Towers has been designed in collaboration with a distinguished team of international and national consultants, including WOW Consultants, Singapore (architecture, landscape and interiors), Matrix (vertical transportation), Optimal (structural engineering), Nulty+ (lighting design), Currie & Brown (quantity surveying), and GreenGineer (green building advisory), reflecting BPTP‘s commitment to delivering globally benchmarked residential developments.


The allotment process is being conducted in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and the terms set out in the application form, allotment letter and agreement for sale.


About BPTP
BPTP is one of NCR’s leading real estate developers with over two decades of experience in creating landmark residential and commercial developments. With a portfolio of more than 50 projects and over 25,000 homes delivered, the company has consistently transformed the urban landscape through thoughtfully planned communities, premium design, sustainable development, and customer-centric innovation. Recognised among the Top 3 Developers in the ET Now Real Estate North Survey 2026, BPTP continues to redefine modern living by creating destinations that combine quality, innovation, trust, and long-term value.

Schlumberger Foundation Honors Nine Women Scientists and Engineers with the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize

The Schlumberger Foundation (SchlumbergerFoundation.com) is proud to announce the nine recipients of the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize, a merit-based award that recognizes Fellows who are translating their scientific and engineering expertise into initiatives with demonstrated potential for wider impact.


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For more than two decades, the Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future program has supported women scientists and engineers from emerging and developing economies in pursuing advanced STEM research and developing their leadership.

 

Today, their achievements demonstrate that the program’s influence extends far beyond individual academic journeys. Across countries, disciplines and generations, Faculty for the Future Fellows are turning advanced scientific and engineering expertise into breakthrough solutions that open new pathways, strengthen communities and generate wider change across people and systems.

 

The Faculty for the Future Impact Prize recognizes proven initiatives and accelerates their next stage of development. Through funding, visibility and connection to the wider fellowship, the scientific and business community it helps recipients extend their reach and deepen their impact.

 

The 2026 Impact Prize recognizes outstanding initiatives in three areas:

 

  • Educational Outreach

  • Technology Innovation

  • Social Impact


“Faculty for the Future began by investing in the education and potential of exceptional women scientists and engineers. What we now see is how that investment continues to multiply as Fellows open pathways for others, build institutions and apply their expertise to urgent challenges in their communities. The Impact Prize allows us to recognize this leadership, connect it across the fellowship and help it travel further,” said Capella Festa, President of the Schlumberger Foundation.

 

2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize Recipients

The Schlumberger Foundation is delighted to announce the nine recipients of the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize:

 

  • Dr. Darshana Joshi

  • VigyanShaala: STEM Access for Women and Rural Communities in India

  • Dr. Angela Tabiri

  • The Mathsqueen National STEAM Circuit

  • Dr. Novalia Pishesha

  • Future Southeast Asian Scientist (FSAS)

  • Dr. Chao Mbogo

  • Mentorship Infrastructure for Holistic Technologists

  • Dr. Hifza Rasheed

  • Empowering Women and Communities with Climate-Resilient Water

  • Dr. Edu Inam

  • Scaling a Research Equipment Database for Equitable Access in Nigeria

  • Professor Bridget Bannerman

  • Empowering African Women to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

  • Dr. Tonthoza Uganja

  • Profitable Agroforestry for Smallholder Farmers in Malawi

  • Dr. Zita Nodjikouambaye

  • Community-Based Screening for Cervical and Breast Cancer in Chad


Selected from 156 applications from 61 countries, the nine winning initiatives reveal the breadth of what Faculty for the Future Fellows are building through science and engineering. They create pathways into STEM, strengthen access to research and healthcare, and develop practical responses to challenges in water, agriculture and climate resilience.

 

The Impact Prize marks a new chapter for Faculty for the Future. Building on more than two decades of support for advanced STEM education, it strengthens a global fellowship in which the scientific and engineering leadership of Fellows is recognized, connected and amplified.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Schlumberger Foundation.

 

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Faculty for the Future Impact Prize Global Press Kit apo-opa.co/457IRvc.

 

About the Schlumberger Foundation
The Schlumberger Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization founded by SLB in 1954. Its mission is to support education and promote excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

 

Established in 2004, Faculty for the Future supports women scientists and engineers from emerging and developing economies in pursuing PhD and postdoctoral STEM research at leading institutions worldwide. In 2026, the program reached the milestone of funding 1,000 Fellows globally.

 

For more information about the Schlumberger Foundation and Faculty for the Future program, visit SchlumbergerFoundation.com