21, Aug 2025
Birla Opus Paints new digital film on Ganesh Chaturthi captures the joy of welcoming Bappa home
Mumbai, 21st August 2025: Birla Opus Paints, housed under Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, marks this Ganesh Chaturthi with the launch of its new digital film. Rooted in the brand’s Duniya Ko Rang Do philosophy, the film celebrates the joy, devotion and togetherness that echoes with the arrival of Bappa in every household, while showcasing how paints can transform both homes and hearts during this special occasion.
Ganesh Chaturthi in India is not just a festival, it is an emotion that unites families, neighbours, and communities in devotion and joy. This heartfelt digital film narrates the story of a young boy’s unwavering desire of welcoming Lord Ganesha into his home for the very first time. At first, the parents didn’t realize the yearning of kid for his own Bappa, but convinced with his determination the family decides to welcome Bappa, leaving aside hesitations of work, extra work, guests or painting.
The narrative beautifully shows the role of painting or beautifying our spaces as a precursor to festive celebrations. It beautifully conveys a heartwarming message of inviting divinity to our homes through the innocence of a kid, this Ganesh Chaturthi. It closes with a warm festive wish from Birla Opus Paints, “Rangon Ko Khushiyan Phailane Do, Duniya Ko Rang Do”, celebrating the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Conceptualised by Leo India, the campaign celebrates the power of colours in enriching traditions and making every Ganesh Chaturthi truly memorable. Available across platforms, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, inspiring families everywhere to prepare their homes and hearts for Bappa’s arrival.
Commenting on the film launch, Inderpreet Singh, Head – Marketing, Birla Opus Paints said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of celebration, bringing homes and neighbourhoods alive. With this heartwarming film, we wanted to tell this story through the eyes of a child welcoming Bappa home for the very first time. Paints play a unique role on such occasions, transforming spaces and adding colour to the memories that will be cherished for years.”
Sachin Kamble, Chief Creative Officer, Leo, South Asia, said: “Birla Opus has always celebrated the transformational power of colours in our lives. With this film, we capture that sentiment through the innocent eyes of a child and his heartfelt wish to welcome Bappa home. The film shows how Birla Opus goes beyond just beautifying walls, they help transform homes into spaces of celebration and love.”
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- By Neel Achary
21, Aug 2025
Internationally Acclaimed Author Dr. Birbal Jha to Empower Students with Employability Skills at Sri Arvind Mahila College on August 23
21st August 2025, Patna, Bihar : In a major stride toward empowering youth with 21st-century career competencies, Dr. Birbal Jha, noted author of international repute and social entrepreneur, will address students of Sri Arvind Mahila College, Patliputra University, in a high-impact seminar on Employability Skills scheduled for August 23, 2025.
The program is part of Dr. Jha’s broader outreach initiative, aimed at nurturing student confidence, communication, and workplace readiness. It resonates strongly with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, which envisions India as a developed nation by the centenary of Independence.
Speaking about the upcoming seminar, Dr. Jha said, “India’s future rests in the hands of its youth. Equipping them with the right skills and mindset is not just an academic exercise but a national responsibility. Through this initiative, I wish to see students become not only employable but also leaders of change.”
The session, being held at the invitation of Prof. Shadhana Thakur, Principal of Sri Arvind Mahila College, is aimed at sharpening students’ career readiness and equipping them with the confidence to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Dr. Birbal Jha, Managing Director of British Lingua and pioneer of ‘English for Social Empowerment’ in India, is acclaimed for his work in employability, personality development and soft skills training. With decades of experience and global recognition, he has guided thousands of youths toward professional success. Students of Arvind Mahila College will now get the opportunity to learn directly from his expertise.
The session will focus on practical aspects of employability, including interview preparedness, effective resume writing, professional communication, cultivating a growth mindset, and exploring career opportunities. By equipping students with these crucial skills, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academics and the demands of the job market, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 to prepare a confident, capable and future-ready workforce.
The event, free for all enrolled students, is expected to draw a full house. It reflects the college’s commitment to holistic education that extends beyond the classroom. Students have been urged to attend and actively participate in what promises to be a life-shaping session. Renowned self-help author Dr. Birbal Jha will be accompanied by a team of experts, including specialists in career guidance for the aviation sector.
21, Aug 2025
Dr. Birbal Jha to Deliver Keynote at Ganga Devi Mahila Mahavidyalaya on Jobs and Vision for Viksit Bharat
Patna, August 21, 2025 : In a noteworthy academic initiative aimed at preparing India’s youth for a future-ready nation, Dr. Birbal Jha — acclaimed author, renowned English language expert, and founder of British Lingua — has been invited to deliver the keynote address at a seminar hosted by Ganga Devi Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Kankarbagh.
The seminar, titled “Job Avenues & Employability Skills: Aligning with the National Vision of Viksit Bharat @2047,” will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the college premises.
Often referred to as the ‘Father of English Language Training in India,’ Dr. Jha has played a transformative role in enhancing communication skills among youth across the country. Through British Lingua, he has led a mission to bridge linguistic gaps and empower individuals with the tools for professional success — earning recognition not just as a language trainer, but also as a social entrepreneur and educator.
Dr. Jha’s keynote is expected to offer a powerful blend of academic insight and actionable advice, focusing on how students can effectively align their skills and ambitions with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. As the country navigates the challenges of a changing employment landscape, his perspective on skill-based education and communication excellence will be particularly relevant.
The event will be chaired by Prof. Vijay Lakshmi, Principal of the college, and will bring together students, faculty members, and invited guests from both academic and professional spheres.
Dr. Jha’s participation underscores the increasing emphasis on career-oriented learning and national development — themes that have remained central to his life’s work for decades.
“Empowering our youth with the right skills and mindset is not just about finding jobs — it’s about building the India we envision for 2047. Communication, confidence, and clarity are key.”. said Dr. Birbal Jha
20, Aug 2025
IIT Roorkee Researchers Create HyEco, A New Tool to Predict How Floods Spread Disease in Cities
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Aug 20, 2025: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee have developed HyEco, a first-of-its-kind integrated flood-water quality modelling platform that not only predicts how urban flood waters will spread across a city but also shows how potential disease-causing microbes can travel in floodwaters and where people are most at risk of getting affected.
This novel framework was tested on the 2023 Delhi floods, one of the worst in recent times. The results were alarming; over 60% of flooded areas were in the high to very high danger zones, and harmful bacteria (E. coli) in the water were found to be hundreds of thousands of times above safe limits. Children, in particular, faced infection risks more than double the internationally accepted safety levels when playing in floodwaters.
Floodwaters in many Indian cities mix with untreated sewage and industrial waste, creating a toxic mix that can lead to outbreaks of diarrhoea, cholera, and other dangerous water-borne diseases. HyEco can help authorities see these threats in advance, identify “health danger hotspots,” and take quick action to protect people, for example, by improving sewage treatment, cleaning drains before monsoons, warning residents through SMS alerts, and using advanced water cleaning methods.
The research supports key Government of India missions, such as the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Swachh Bharat Mission, National Disaster Management Plan, and the National Health Mission. It also helps meet several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
“Floods don’t just damage buildings; they can trigger silent health crises. HyEco gives us the power to see where the danger will be highest, so action can be taken before it’s too late,” said Prof. Mohit P. Mohanty, Department of Water Resources Development and Management, IIT Roorkee.
“This research is a perfect example of science serving society. By helping cities prepare for both the visible and hidden dangers of floods, HyEco can play a vital role in building safer, healthier, and climate-resilient communities in India and around the world,” said Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee.
HyEco is designed to be used not just in India but in flood-prone cities worldwide, from Mumbai to Manila, Jakarta to New Orleans, offering an innovative, science-based solution to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases after floods.
20, Aug 2025
JSW MG Motor India Expands Footprint in Kerala with New Dealership in Muvattupuzha
Muvattupuzha, August 20, 2025: JSW MG Motor India, committed to enhancing accessibility to advanced automotive technologies and futuristic products, proudly inaugurated its new 3S showroom in Muvattupuzha, Kerala today. Strategically located at NH 49, Sangamo Junction, Kadathy, this state-of-the-art facility offers Sales, Service, and Spare parts, catering to car buyers in and around of Muvattupuzha. Customers can enjoy an immersive experience through a digital configurator for personalized vehicle selection and benefit from an in-house EV charging station, reinforcing MG’s commitment to sustainable mobility and customer convenience.
Commenting on the occasion, Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said; “We are thrilled to expand our footprint in Kerala, a key market that continues to show robust growth, particularly from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. To meet the rising demand from these regions, our newly launched showroom in Muvattupuzha is set to play a pivotal role in bringing MG’s cutting-edge, technology-driven vehicles closer to our customers. This strategic expansion not only enhances accessibility but also underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering a seamless sales and aftersales experience, with a customer-first approach at its core.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Nirav Modi, Dealer Principal, MG Muvattupuzha, said; “We are proud to collaborate with JSW MG Motor India to bring the brand closer to car buyers in Muvattupuzha. With MG’s future-ready product portfolio, a strong focus on customer-centricity, and our proven expertise in sales and aftersales services, we are confident in delivering a premium ownership experience to customers across the region. This partnership marks a significant step in making innovative mobility solutions more accessible and reinforces our shared commitment to excellence.”
JSW MG Motor India now spans over 90% of India’s geographical footprint, with a robust network of over 543 sales and aftersales touchpoints across 270 cities. This expansive reach is a testament to the brand’s commitment to making advanced mobility solutions more accessible to customers nationwide.
To ensure seamless support, service centres are strategically located within a 15-kilometre radius, enabling customer assistance within just 30 minutes across most regions of India. This infrastructure reinforces JSW MG Motor India’s customer-first philosophy and its dedication to delivering a superior ownership experience.
20, Aug 2025
Honda Establishes New Subsidiary in India for Retail Financing Services
India, 2025 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) today announced the recent establishment of a new company in India, Honda Finance India Private Ltd., (“Honda Finance India”) that will offer customers retail sales financing services including loans and lease sales options for Honda products in India.
In India, where further growth of the motorcycle and automobile markets is expected, the number of customers using loans to purchase motorcycles and cars is also expected to increase. Until now, retail sales financing services in the Indian market have mainly been provided by local financial institutions. However, in light of market trends, Honda will further strengthen its business in India by offering its own sales financing services through a local subsidiary in India.
Honda Finance India Private Ltd. will apply for a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) license to conduct financial services business in India. After obtaining the license, the company will begin offering retail sales financing services to help customers finance their purchase of motorcycles, automobiles and services provided by Honda.
Financial services business has been one of the main business areas of Honda, and the company has established local subsidiaries specializing in retail sales financing services in Japan and various countries in key regions such as North America, and Europe. With the establishment of the new company, India became the ninth country where Honda has a local subsidiary to offer financial services.
Honda will work to establish long-term relationships with customers by offering flexible financial services tailored to the specific needs of customers in each region. Moreover, in anticipation of the global expansion of software-defined vehicle (SDV) sales in the future, Honda is looking into opportunities to offer new financial services designed to increase customer satisfaction and the value of the customer experience using various data from Honda SDVs. With such new services, Honda will further strengthen its financial services business not only in India but across the globe.
20, Aug 2025
Higher Education Institutes in India lack in Gender Diversity
By – Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partner
The higher education scenario in India today is at a Crossroads. While employment generation, competency mapping, and entrepreneurship development are critical, equally pressing is the need to have more women in leadership positions. A survey conducted by EduShine Search Partners found that out of 1352 HEIs in India including IITs, IIMs, public, private, and deemed universities, only 152 are headed by women. This translates into an abysmally low ratio of 11.24%, clearly underlining the lack of gender diversity in the leadership positions in HEIs.
The low participation of females in HEIs indicates the structural flaw and deep bias that continues to run into our society. In a similar survey in 2021, EduShine found the ratio of female participation in the leadership position at 9.56%. The current survey shows an increase of around 2% although at 11.24%, even today much is left to be desired. Especially when one starts making comparisons. In the US, UK, and Australia, 25% of the women head the HEIs with Brazil standing out at an exceptional ratio of 47.3%. Just so you know, around 25% of the world’s top 200 universities are headed by women.
Deliberating on the reason behind this low participation ratio, Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partners says, “There is a pressing need to undertaker structural reforms and project their success stories so that next-gen get inspired to achieve excellence in the field of education,”
One bright spot in the results of the survey is the performance of the Government Institutions. Central Universities with 14.04% women leaders outperformed deemed universities (13.76%) and state public universities (13.2%). The performance of private Universities is just about average (9.18%) while Institutes of National Importance (INI) are stacked at the bottom with 8.53%.
The worrisome statistic from the survey is the complete absence of women’s leadership in the technical domain – not even a single IIT is headed by a women leader. The scenario is not very different in the case of premier management institutes with only 2 out of 21 IIMs headed by the women. Similarly, only 1 has women at the helm of the affairs when it comes to AIIMS which are total 15 in the country.
“The low enrollment of women in technical education explains the complete absence of women leadership in technical institutes,” Kalpesh reasons, “this explains that out of 120 IITs, IIITs, NITs, and IISER, only 2 (1 NIT and 1 IIIT) are headed by women.”
A multi-pronged approach is required to increase the women leaders ratio in HEIs in India. This entails combining policy measures with socioeconomic reforms to push for enriching the diversity at top leadership positions. Summarily, the time has come to join the forces and put in decisive efforts so that gender diversity in HEIs in India reaches a respectable figure.
20, Aug 2025
The Art of Not Shouting: Dressing with Intention
The Art of Not Shouting: Dressing with Intention
How Pleyne Redefines Presence in the Age of Excess
In a market driven by volume and visibility, Pleyne makes space for something rarer: the power of presence without performance.
Jaipur – Before you are seen, you are felt. Pleyne begins there—in the pause before the room turns, in the quiet confidence that does not seek validation. In a world that thrives on spectacle, Pleyne offers stillness. It does not compete. It does not declare. It endures.
This is not fashion for the moment—it is dressing for the man you already are, and who you are still becoming.
Clarity, Cut to Form
At Pleyne, restraint is not the absence of design—it is the result of discipline. Every line is considered. Every detail, refined. Logos are deliberately absent. Noise has no seat at the table. The garments do not ask to be seen; they wait to be noticed.
“We’re not interested in noise,” says Chirag Sogani, the founder of Pleyne. “We are interested in the pause. The way fabric follows you. The way the right sleeve placement can say more than any label. That is where the value is—in the quiet details.”
A collar that rests clean against the neck. A shoulder seam that falls with precision, not pressure. These subtleties anchor the presence of every garment.
Tailored with Intention
Each Pleyne piece is produced in limited numbers. Fabrics are selected not for trends, but for time—for how they feel after twenty wears, how they breathe in heat, how they soften to the rhythm of the body.
Silhouettes are inspired by clarity in Tokyo, structure in Milan, and flow in India. The result: clothing that moves with ease, without ever losing shape or substance.
A Space to Breathe
Pleyne offers an invitation to slow down. To reconnect with your own pace. Here, there are no chaotic collections or racks of redundancy. There is light, space, and quiet. Garments are placed, not packed. Time is given, not taken.
“This is for people who know themselves,” says Sogani. “Our clients are not trying to impress anyone. They have done the work. Now they want their wardrobe to reflect that.”
Built to Stay
Pleyne does not follow fashion calendars. It does not offer ‘newness’ for the sake of it. Instead, it presents carefully timed releases—pieces designed to remain relevant not just for seasons, but for years. They are made to live with you, not replace themselves.
“We aren’t in the business of replacement,” Sogani says. “We are here to offer clothing that becomes part of your rhythm. Something you reach for without hesitation. And feel more like yourself when you do.”
The Statement Is the Stillness
Pleyne is for those who understand that presence does not require volume. That attention earned in silence carries the most weight. These are not clothes built to impress others. They are made to reflect something more enduring: self-assurance.
They do not wear you. They reveal you.
20, Aug 2025
Paytm Founder to Appear on The Great Indian Kapil Show After Making Company Fully Indian and Profitable
Mumbai, 20th August 2025: Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma will feature on The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, with the episode airing on 23rd August. The trailer for the episode dropped today as part of the latest telecast, confirming Sharma’s first-ever Netflix appearance.
The appearance comes shortly after Paytm transitioned to full Indian ownership and returned to profitability, a development that industry watchers describe as a defining moment for the fintech major.
This milestone follows Paytm Payments Services Ltd. (PPSL) receiving in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Payment Aggregator, a key regulatory nod for the company’s long-term growth.
Market observers note that Paytm remains India’s largest merchant payments platform for enterprises and MSMEs, with leadership in QR code payments, soundbox devices, and card machines, supported by a vast merchant network. Analysts widely credit Sharma with pioneering mobile payments in India, enabling millions of small businesses, street vendors, and large enterprises to accept digital transactions seamlessly.
Earlier this year, Sharma voluntarily surrendered shares worth approximately ₹492 crore to SEBI as part of a settlement, a move that underscored his commitment to resolving regulatory matters and ensuring compliance-first operations.
Sources tracking Paytm say the company’s recent turnaround reflects Sharma’s resilience and sharpened focus on compliance while driving innovation in payment solutions.
Industry analysts summed it up: “This is a symbolic moment — the founder who taught India how to make mobile payments is now celebrating the company’s revival and future growth on a platform that reaches millions of Indians.”
The Netflix episode is expected to highlight Sharma’s entrepreneurial journey and Paytm’s pivotal role in shaping India’s digital payments landscape. Observers say the timing underscores the brand’s renewed growth cycle, projecting confidence and reinforcing Paytm’s deep connection with its core audience.
20, Aug 2025
Building a Self-Reliant India Through Lithium Technology: Transforming Residential and Commercial Power Backup
By Chirag Chawla, Founder & CEO, Electrent Energy
India’s journey toward energy self-reliance is gaining momentum, with lithium-based technologies playing a pivotal role. Frequent power outages, voltage fluctuations, and growing electricity demand have highlighted the need for reliable backup systems across both homes and commercial spaces. As a result, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly being adopted for their efficiency, durability, and compatibility with clean energy sources.
While traditionally associated with electric vehicles, lithium batteries are now making inroads into residential and commercial power storage—offering an alternative to conventional lead-acid systems. This transition supports broader national goals of sustainability, energy independence, and local innovation.
The Shift from Traditional to Modern Backup Systems
Lead-acid batteries have long been the standard for inverter-based power backup in Indian households and businesses. However, they come with several limitations—shorter lifespan, larger size and weight, slower charging times, and regular maintenance requirements.
In contrast, lithium-ion batteries offer:
• Longer life cycles
• Higher energy density, resulting in smaller and lighter systems
• Faster charging capabilities
• Better thermal stability and overall safety
• Greater efficiency, with charge-discharge rates more than 95%
For homes, these advantages mean less space is needed for backup systems, and appliances can run longer during outages. In commercial environments, this translates to reduced downtime, lower maintenance, and improved operational reliability.
Market Trends and Growing Demand
India’s demand for lithium-ion batteries is growing at a rapid pace. According to market research, the domestic lithium-ion battery market was valued at $5.78 billion in 2025, and it is projected to exceed $16 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 22%.
While the electric vehicle (EV) sector is a major consumer, the stationary energy storage segment which includes inverter backup systems for homes and businesses is also expanding. Increasing awareness, unreliable grid conditions, and the popularity of solar power are driving this growth in non-automotive applications.
Another forecast suggests that by 2030, India’s total lithium-ion battery demand could reach 115 GWh, with around 14% CAGR projected for stationary use cases. This includes power backup in residences, offices, shops, hospitals, and small-scale industries.
Policy Support and Domestic Manufacturing
India’s government has introduced several initiatives to boost domestic battery production and reduce dependence on imports. Among them, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme stands out as a key driver, incentivizing large-scale manufacturing of advanced chemistry cells, including lithium-ion batteries.
In addition to incentives, the government has also rationalized import duties on battery components and supported the development of battery parks and R&D facilities. These steps are expected to reduce production costs, increase availability, and improve supply chain resilience over time.
Cost and Accessibility
One of the biggest concerns about lithium-ion technology has been its cost. However, prices have dropped significantly in recent years due to technological improvements, economies of scale, and increased competition.
Today, lithium battery backup systems cost nearly the same as lead-acid batteries, and in some cases, even less while still offering a far lower total cost of ownership This is due to:
• Reduced maintenance
• Longer product life
• Higher efficiency
• Lower replacement frequency
As domestic manufacturing scales up and competition increases, lithium-based solutions are becoming more accessible to both urban and rural users. Households benefit from consistent lighting and appliance use, while businesses gain more dependable operational continuity.
Environmental Benefits and Recycling Efforts
In addition to reliability and efficiency, lithium technology supports India’s environmental goals. These batteries:
• Do not contain toxic metals like lead or cadmium
• Are more energy-efficient, reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Have smaller environmental footprints due to longer lifespan and compact design
Furthermore, battery recycling is an emerging area of focus. Recycling not only helps recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel but also reduces the environmental impact of battery disposal.
Industry experts estimate that India’s lithium-ion battery recycling market could quadruple by 2030, supported by government policies and industry partnerships. These developments could reduce raw material imports and enhance India’s resource independence.
Integration with Renewable Energy
Lithium batteries are highly compatible with solar energy systems. Across India, more homes and commercial units are installing rooftop solar panels paired with lithium storage. This integration allows users to store solar power during the day and use it during power cuts or at night.
Such systems not only reduce electricity bills but also lessen dependence on the central grid, contributing to national renewable energy targets. Moreover, in regions with frequent outages or no grid access, solar-plus-storage setups offer an efficient alternative to diesel generators.
Challenges Ahead
Despite promising growth, the lithium battery sector in India still faces several challenges:
• Limited domestic reserves of lithium mean raw materials must be imported.
• High upfront costs may deter low-income users.
• Recycling infrastructure, while growing, is still in its early stages.
Addressing these issues will require continued investment, policy clarity, and innovation. Public-private collaborations, research into alternative battery chemistries, and improvements in collection and recycling logistics will be crucial in overcoming these hurdles.
Lithium battery technology is steadily transforming how power is stored and used in India. From homes to businesses, these systems are helping address longstanding issues related to power reliability, cost, and sustainability.
As India strives to become more energy independent, lithium-based backup systems—supported by strong policy frameworks, growing local manufacturing, and expanding recycling networks—are expected to play a vital role.
By enabling reliable, cleaner, and smarter energy solutions, lithium technology is not just reshaping the power backup landscape—it is also contributing meaningfully to India’s broader goals of self-reliance and environmental responsibility.
