21, Oct 2026
Mary’s Meals USA Announces Leadership Appointments to Advance Mission and Expand Impact Across the Globe
“With 79 million children around the world going hungry each day, Mary’s Meals is committed to reaching children waiting for a meal in their place of education. I’m incredibly grateful for the leadership, expertise and support Mark and Andy will bring to me and our team. Their guidance will be invaluable as we work together to expand our impact in the United States and help ensure more children receive the daily meal they need to learn and thrive.”
“I first discovered Mary’s Meals in Scotland and was deeply impressed by the extraordinary impact of its work, its cost-effective model and, above all, the loving commitment of the organization to its mission. I knew I wanted to get involved and help Mary’s Meals USA become a much greater contributor to this cause, bringing more people together to ensure children receive a meal in the place where they learn,” said Menking.
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- By Neel Achary
21, Oct 2026
A festive collection of artisanal mithai, gourmet treats and thoughtfully designed gifting options for family, friends and corporate associates
This Diwali, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC brings the spirit of the Festival of Lights to life with a thoughtfully curated collection of festive gifting options, bringing together artisanal mithai, gourmet treats and elegant presentation. Designed for sharing joy with loved ones, friends, colleagues and business associates, the collection combines traditional Indian flavours with a contemporary gifting experience.
Part of Accor’s All for You gifting programme, the collection celebrates the idea of thoughtful gifting, bringing together carefully curated festive edibles and non-edibles inspired by regional flavours and premium ingredients. The Diwali collection features a selection of artisanal sweets and gourmet accompaniments, making each box a celebration of flavour, craftsmanship and the festive spirit.
A Festive Assortment of Artisanal Mithai
The collection features a choice of 18-piece and 24-piece Premium Mithai Boxes, presented with a greeting card and glossary booklet. The assortment brings together six distinctive festive creations: Sattu Gond Burfi, Gulab Pearl, Kaju Élan, Hazelnut Royale, The Golden Jewel and Mewa Khajoor.
For those looking to curate individual mithai selections, the sweets are also available separately, allowing customers to create their own assortment from the festive collection.
The Sattu Gond Burfi combines roasted gram flour, sugar, ghee, cardamom, almond and pistachio, while Gulab Pearl brings together pistachio, rose petals, almond and honey. Kaju Élan offers a richer cashew-based indulgence with saffron, Pishori pistachio and cocoa, while Hazelnut Royale combines hazelnut praline, cashew nut and gold dust.
For those looking for a more opulent festive offering, The Golden Jewel brings together Himalayan honey, almond, Pishori pistachio, Kashmiri walnuts and saffron. Mewa Khajoor, meanwhile, combines cashew nut, figs and dates with gold leaf and khus khus, offering a contemporary take on traditional festive flavours.
Beyond Mithai
Complementing the artisanal sweets is a selection of spiced nut jars with customised labels, offering an alternative for those looking to add a gourmet savoury element to their festive gifting. Options include Sea Buckthorn Trail Mix, Chocolate Hazelnut Ladoo and Nimbu Pudina Cashew, allowing gifts to be further personalised for individual and corporate requirements.
The collection is designed with gifting presentation in mind, with the Premium category featuring a curated box accompanied by a greeting card and glossary booklet, complemented by festive detailing and a premium gifting bag.
Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, said, “Diwali is a celebration of togetherness, generosity and the joy of sharing. This year, we wanted our festive collection to capture that spirit through a thoughtfully curated assortment of artisanal mithai and gourmet treats. From familiar Indian flavours to more contemporary combinations, every element has been selected to make gifting feel personal, considered and truly festive.”
Whether it is a gesture of appreciation for a business associate, a festive gift for a loved one or something special to share at home, the Diwali Gifting Collection at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC offers a refined way to celebrate the season and spread the joy of Diwali.
For orders and enquiries, guests can connect with Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC.
21, Oct 2026
IHCL Opens Vivanta Indore, Amaltas
Mumbai, October 21, 2026: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the opening of Vivanta Indore, Amaltas in Madhya Pradesh.
Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Chief Operating Officer – Full Service Business, IHCL, said, “Indore has emerged as one of Central India’s leading commercial and educational hubs, with growing demand across travel segments. The opening of Vivanta Indore, Amaltas strengthens IHCL’s presence in this high-growth market and offers a contemporary hospitality experience for the travellers.”
Located along the MR-10 corridor, the 202-key Vivanta Indore, Amaltas is designed around openness and natural light. Guests can enjoy contemporary dining experiences at Mynt, the all-day dining restaurant, and Swirl, the bakery and deli and unwind at the spa, swimming pool or explore the fitness centre. The hotel houses spacious venues, including a ballroom, multiple meeting rooms and the expansive Horizon Lawns, catering to conferences, social gatherings and celebrations.
Mr. Dinesh Maan, General Manager, Vivanta Indore, Amaltas, said, “Vivanta Indore, Amaltas, a blend of style, comfort and convenience will offer experiences that reflect the city’s energy and character. We look forward to welcoming our guests.”
Indore, one of India’s fastest-growing cities, is renowned for its rich heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culinary culture, also serves as a leading educational and economic centre of the region.
21, Oct 2026
Bondada Group Enters the EV Market: Hosts a Curtain-Raiser Event to Launch Website and Preview T1
Hyderabad, October 21, 2026: Bondada Engineering Limited, through its subsidiary Atpole Technologies Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with Thuraga Motors, hosted a curtain–raiser event to launch its dedicated website and preview its upcoming T1 electric two-wheeler on the occasion of Dussehra. The initiative marks the Group’s entry into electric mobility, serving individual customers alongside businesses, fleet operators and institutional buyers with B2B mobility requirements.
Speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral R. Sreenivas, VSM (Retd), Group Chief Executive Officer, Bondada Group, said, “Bharat’s progress is powered by farmers, workers, small businesses and delivery partners whose livelihoods depend on practical mobility. At Bondada, we believe innovation must improve everyday lives. Along with Thuraga Motors, we aim to make electric mobility more accessible through indigenous solutions designed and manufactured for Bharat, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.”Mr. Jagadish Kumar Meesala, Director, Atpole Technologies Pvt. Ltd., said, “Our focus is on dependable, practical mobility for farmers, workers and delivery partners. Through Atpole Technologies, we aim to bring an indigenously developed and manufactured electric two-wheeler to market, shaped by real-world needs and supporting sustainable mobility in Bharat.”Mr. Abhiram Thuraga, Founder and CTO, Thuraga Motors, said, “Bharat needs mobility solutions suited to its roads, working pa erns and everyday transport demands. T1 reflects our focus on homegrown engineering and accessible, practical electric mobility. Developing and manufacturing for Bharat is our contribution on to a more self-reliant nation and Viksit Bharat.”
21, Oct 2026
Makani Creatives Conceptualises Limelight’s Shilpa Shetty-Led Campaign to Challenge Conventional Diamond Narratives
Mumbai, 21 October 2026: Makani Creatives, an independent creative agency, has conceptualised a new campaign for Limelight, the lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, featuring actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra and introducing the character ‘Miss Clarity’. The campaign takes a fresh approach to jewellery communication, using humour and cultural insights to challenge long-held assumptions around diamonds and the expectations associated with buying, wearing and gifting them.
At the heart of the campaign is a consumer insight: misconceptions around lab-grown diamonds can create hesitation among potential buyers. Rather than addressing these concerns through conventional product-led communication, the campaign introduces Miss Clarity, played by Diljot Kaur Chhabra, as a diamond expert who cuts through the noise and encourages audiences to reconsider what matters when making a purchase.
Through a series of films and social assets, Miss Clarity challenges familiar ideas around the cost of a proposal, the size of a diamond and the expectations surrounding wedding gifts. Shilpa Shetty Kundra brings a recognisable cultural perspective to these conversations, while Miss Clarity’s wit and directness give them an unconventional edge. The creative approach aims to make a category often associated with tradition and formality more open to everyday conversations.
The campaign extends across digital, outdoor and other media touchpoints. Its outdoor rollout includes more than 80 hoardings in Mumbai and over 500 hoardings across 45 other Indian cities, alongside digital films, lookbooks, social media assets and on-ground activations in select markets.
For Makani Creatives, the mandate was to build a distinctive brand association with diamonds while moving beyond the category’s familiar communication conventions. The work includes three digital video commercials, three lookbooks, Miss Clarity social assets, behind-the-scenes content and digital bytes.
Link: https://youtu.be/uj1kypXU8t4?si=wujRc505gVkCPqbV
“Jewellery is a category with deeply established codes, and we felt there was an opportunity to approach it from a more contemporary, conversational point of view. Instead of simply explaining lab-grown diamonds, we wanted to create a character who could challenge the assumptions surrounding them in a way people would enjoy engaging with. Miss Clarity gave us a way to bring humour and perspective into the category, while keeping the larger brand-building objective at the centre,” said Pavan Punjabi, CEO, Makani Creatives.
For Limelight, the campaign is part of a broader effort to strengthen the brand’s association with diamond jewellery and build greater consideration for lab-grown diamonds. The focus is not limited to communicating product attributes, but also on addressing the perceptions and social expectations that influence how consumers think about diamonds.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for choices that reflect their own priorities rather than simply following established conventions. With this campaign, we wanted to open up a more relatable conversation around diamonds and the assumptions people often carry when buying or gifting them. Miss Clarity helps us approach these conversations with a sense of humour, while Shilpa brings a familiar and engaging presence to the narrative,” said Pooja Sheth Madhavan, Founder and Managing Director, Limelight.
By placing a character-led narrative at the centre of its communication, the campaign reflects a broader shift in how established categories can engage consumers: not only by showcasing products, but by questioning the cultural assumptions that shape purchasing decisions.
21, Oct 2026
Riteish Deshmukh takes a leap into Telugu cinema with Ram Pothineni’s RAPO23
Riteish Deshmukh has never been an actor who likes to stay in one lane. From comedy and drama to playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on screen, the actor has consistently taken on parts that push him into unfamiliar territory. And now he is taking another big leap: making his Telugu film debut with Ram Pothineni’s RAPO23.
The makers have released a video introducing Riteish’s arrival in the film, offering plenty of intrigue. Dark corridors, masked figures and an unsettling atmosphere set the tone for his entry into the psychological action thriller. Riteish is reportedly playing the antagonist, though the team has kept the character’s identity and motivations under wraps. For an actor who has built a career on moving between genres, the Telugu debut is a significant new step. In this year itself after Raja Shivaji, RAPO23 takes him into a different ecosystem, opposite a Telugu star who is himself making the transition to directing.
Written and directed by Ram Pothineni, RAPO23 casts the actor as Veera, described by the makers as a lone wolf. Samyuktha plays the female lead in the psychological action thriller, which is being mounted with a dark, neo-noir visual palette. Riteish’s reported casting as the antagonist adds another dimension to the film, setting up a clash between two actors entering unfamiliar territory in different ways.
Directed by Ram Pothineni in his directorial debut, #RAPO23 is produced by Krishna Pothineni under the Rapo Cinematics banner. The psychological action thriller stars Ram Pothineni, Riteish Deshmukh and Samyuktha, with cinematography by National Award-winning cinematographer Thirunavukarasu (Thirru), music by Sam CS, production design by AS Prakash and action choreography by Peter Hein, Vikram Mor and Kevin.
https://youtu.be/cZt16OH-de0?
21, Oct 2026
Gold Holds Above INR 1.47 Lakh, Silver Nears INR 2.10 Lakh as Dussehra Trading Pause Puts Bullion in Focus
Mumbai, Oct 21: Gold prices remained above ₹1.47 lakh per 10 grams in India on Dussehra, while silver traded close to ₹2.10 lakh per kilogram, as investors assessed global economic signals and the outlook for US interest rates. Trading on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) remained suspended during the morning session due to the festive holiday, with the evening session scheduled to begin at 5 pm.
Representational Image
In the previous trading session on Monday, gold futures for December delivery declined by ₹618, or 0.42 per cent, to settle at ₹1,47,300 per 10 grams. Silver futures for December delivery closed largely unchanged at ₹2,09,825 per kilogram.
According to bullion.co, 24-karat gold in Mumbai was priced at ₹1,47,340 per 10 grams, while 22-karat gold stood at ₹1,35,062 per 10 grams.
Gold and Silver Deliver Strong Annual Returns
Despite recent volatility, precious metals have recorded substantial gains over the past year. Gold prices in India have risen by more than 25 per cent since Dussehra last year, while silver has outperformed the yellow metal, delivering returns of approximately 45 per cent over the same period.
The gains have kept both metals in focus among investors, although short-term movements continue to reflect changing global economic conditions and expectations about monetary policy.
US Interest Rate Outlook Weighs on Gold
International gold prices faced pressure amid elevated crude oil prices, which have fuelled concerns about inflation and strengthened expectations that the US Federal Reserve could maintain a restrictive monetary policy or consider further rate increases.
Spot gold edged up 0.1 per cent to $4,144.15 per ounce, while spot silver advanced 0.6 per cent to $57.44 per ounce.
Higher US Treasury yields have also weighed on gold, which does not offer interest income. As bond yields rise, interest-bearing assets can become more attractive relative to precious metals, potentially limiting demand for gold.
A recovery in US technology stocks has further reduced some demand for government bonds as safe-haven investments, contributing to higher Treasury yields and adding pressure on bullion.
Investors Track Inflation and Federal Reserve Signals
Market participants are closely watching US inflation trends and signals from Federal Reserve policymakers for clues about the future direction of interest rates.
Expectations of higher borrowing costs can strengthen the US dollar and raise the opportunity cost of holding gold, creating headwinds for the precious metal. Conversely, expectations of monetary easing or increased demand for safe-haven assets can support prices.
Gold has largely remained above $4,100 per ounce during October, recovering some stability after falling more than 6 per cent in September. However, the metal continues to face pressure from a stronger dollar and elevated bond yields.
Geopolitical Developments Add to Market Uncertainty
Geopolitical tensions have also contributed to uncertainty in international markets. Gold has remained sensitive to shifting investor sentiment, with its performance influenced by the competing effects of safe-haven demand, inflation concerns and expectations surrounding US monetary policy.
Despite its recent consolidation, international gold prices remain around 20 per cent below their levels before the US-Iran conflict began in late February, according to the figures cited in the market report.
With domestic futures trading set to resume in the evening session, investors are expected to monitor international bullion prices, currency movements and interest-rate expectations for further direction.
For buyers planning festive purchases, the latest prices underline the importance of checking prevailing local rates, as retail jewellery prices may vary depending on purity, making charges, taxes and the jeweller.
21, Oct 2026
Middle East Conflict Disrupts Gulf Flights; Air India, IndiGo Extend Saudi Arabia Suspensions
New Delhi, Oct 21: Air travel between India and the Gulf region continues to face disruptions amid escalating security concerns linked to the Middle East conflict, prompting airlines to cancel services and revise flight schedules despite the resumption of operations at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport late last week.
Representational Image
The latest wave of cancellations has affected passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf destinations, while travellers connecting to Europe and other Western countries are also facing uncertainty as airlines adjust routes to avoid potentially dangerous airspace.
The disruptions follow Houthi missile and drone attacks that have heightened concerns over the safety of civilian aviation in the region.
European Aviation Agency Extends Airspace Warning
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its advisory cautioning airlines against operating over parts of the Gulf region, including waters around the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. The advisory remains in effect until at least November 16.
According to the agency, the presence and potential use of missiles, drones, combat aircraft and air-defence systems pose significant risks to civilian aircraft operating at various altitudes.
The warning applies to European Union airlines as well as non-EU carriers authorised to operate flights to, from or within the bloc.
In response to the heightened risks, several international airlines have suspended services to affected destinations or modified flight paths to avoid Iranian, Iraqi, Israeli and parts of the Gulf airspace.
Air India, IndiGo Suspend Saudi Arabia Services
Indian carriers have announced temporary suspensions on several routes connecting India with Saudi Arabia.
Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until October 24. The airlines are monitoring developments before deciding when normal operations can resume.
IndiGo has also cancelled flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 24.
Akasa Air, meanwhile, has suspended its Riyadh services until October 24 and flights to Jeddah until October 21.
The suspensions may affect both departing and returning passengers, including those travelling for business, tourism, employment and family visits.
Passengers Advised to Check Flight Status
Airlines have advised passengers with affected bookings to check the latest official updates before travelling to the airport. Travellers should also review available refund and rebooking options, as arrangements may vary depending on the carrier and ticket conditions.
Passengers connecting through Gulf airports to destinations in Europe and elsewhere are being urged to verify their entire itinerary, as changes to one sector could affect onward connections.
With the security situation remaining uncertain, airlines are continuing to assess operational risks and determine when suspended services can safely resume.
Uncertainty Continues for International Travel
The continuing disruption highlights the vulnerability of international aviation to geopolitical tensions, particularly in regions that serve as major transit corridors between Asia, Europe and other parts of the world.
Although operations have resumed at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, that development has not resulted in an immediate return to normal flight schedules across the region.
For Indian travellers, the duration of the disruption will depend on security assessments, airspace restrictions and decisions taken by individual airlines. Passengers planning journeys to the Gulf or travelling through regional hubs are advised to remain alert to schedule changes and rely on official airline notifications for the latest information.
21, Oct 2026
From Four Friends to a Cultural Movement: Kahani Junction Reimagines the Ramayana for a New Generation
Brampton-based cultural organisation brings Broadway-style theatrical production to Canadian audiences, with upcoming performances in Brampton and Ottawa
Ontario, Canada, Oct 21: What began as a conversation among four friends over evening snacks in the winter of 2023 has evolved into Kahani Junction, a Brampton-based non-profit cultural organisation using theatre to bring India’s timeless epic, the Ramayana, to contemporary audiences.
At the heart of this journey is Ram Ki Leela, a large-scale theatrical retelling of the Ramayana that combines traditional storytelling with contemporary stagecraft, elaborate costumes, music, dramatic lighting and immersive visual effects. The production aims to bring the scale and technical sophistication of Broadway-style theatre to the epic while preserving its emotional, spiritual and cultural essence.
Unlike traditional touring productions brought from India, Kahani Junction is a Canadian initiative built by local community members. Its performers include accountants, scientists, parents, senior citizens and children who come together to rehearse and stage the production alongside their professional lives. Spanning three generations, the ensemble transforms the stage into a cinematic experience, bringing the timeless story to life for audiences of different ages.
From a Conversation to a Cultural Movement
The idea behind Kahani Junction emerged from a simple question: How can traditional stories and cultural values remain relevant to younger generations in an increasingly technology-driven and AI-enabled world?
For its founders, the answer was to make culture something people could experience and participate in rather than simply observe. Through live theatre, the organisation seeks to create meaningful connections between generations while introducing younger audiences to the stories and values that have shaped Indian heritage.
The scale of this community engagement is reflected in the organisation’s reported audience figures. Kahani Junction highlights an extraordinary milestone of 80,000 people coming together for a single event, while its productions have collectively reached more than 150,000 live audience members. Its owned digital channels and organic community sharing have also generated more than two million digital reaches, with the organisation attributing its growth to word-of-mouth rather than paid advertising.
The initiative has also attracted institutional interest. An ISKCON centre commissioned a performance after witnessing the production firsthand, while the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford has also attended a performance.
Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/
Two Founders, Two Contrasting Roles
At the centre of Ram Ki Leela are its two co-founders, Gaurav Pratap (GP), Business and Strategy Director, who portrays as Ram, and Deep Shukla, Creative Director, who takes on the role of Ravan.
Their contrasting characters bring the epic’s central conflict to life, combining the creative vision and organisational leadership behind the production with their on-stage performances.
“Every night, I lose to my business partner,” jokes Deep Shukla, referring to their dynamic as Ram and Ravan on stage.
Bringing Broadway-Style Production to the Ramayana
A defining feature of Ram Ki Leela is its emphasis on production quality. The performance combines the narrative depth of the Ramayana with the technical elements of contemporary commercial theatre, using carefully designed costumes, props, lighting, music and stage effects to create an immersive experience.
The production’s attention to detail extends to its materials and execution:
Authentic artefacts: Props weighing between 4 and 8 kg have been brought directly from Ayodhya.
Handcrafted costumes: Costumes valued at approximately $ 3,000–4,000 each contribute to the production’s visual scale.
Large-scale execution: A dedicated team of more than 150 artists and crew members works behind the scenes to bring the performances to life.
The organisation’s journey began with community performances at Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton before expanding to audiences across the Greater Toronto Area, including Oshawa and Mississauga. Its growing presence at established theatrical venues represents a further step in bringing Indian cultural storytelling to mainstream stages in Canada.
Passing Cultural Heritage to the Next Generation
In May 2026, the organisation presented a children’s Sundarkand Leela at Triveni Mandir in Brampton. The performance brought young participants onto the stage, allowing them to experience traditional storytelling while developing a deeper connection with their cultural heritage.
Upcoming Performances in Brampton and Ottawa
The organisation reached another significant milestone on October 3, 2026, when it staged two performances of Ram Ki Leela at Brampton’s Rose Theatre. Kahani Junction is preparing to bring Ram Ki Leela to two major events in October.
On October 20, 2026, the production will be presented as part of the Dussehra celebrations at Hindu Sabha in Brampton.
On October 24, 2026, Kahani Junction will take the production to Ottawa, marking its expansion beyond the Greater Toronto Area and bringing its Canadian-produced theatrical interpretation of the Ramayana to Canada’s capital.
These performances form part of the organisation’s broader ambition to develop Ram Ki Leela into a touring cultural experience across Canada and the United States.
21, Oct 2026
Govinda Sets Jharpada Durga Puja Pandal Abuzz With Signature Dance Moves in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: Bollywood actor Govinda brought his trademark energy, charisma and dance moves to the Durga Puja celebrations at Jharpada in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, delighting fans and adding a touch of Bollywood glamour to the festive atmosphere.
The ‘Hero No. 1’ star visited the puja pandal to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga before making his appearance on stage. His lively performance, including a dance with an Ollywood actress, drew attention from the audience and became a highlight of the celebrations.
Known for his distinctive dancing style, impeccable comic timing and popular screen presence, Govinda entertained the gathering with his characteristic flair, blending the festive spirit of Durga Puja with the excitement of a celebrity appearance.
Govinda Expresses Love for Odisha
Beyond the celebrations, the actor spoke warmly about Odisha’s cultural heritage and the affection he has received from people in the state over the years.
Describing Odisha as a sacred land, Govinda expressed happiness at being part of the festivities and thanked the Jharpada Durga Puja Committee for inviting him on the auspicious occasion.
“I bow to the sacred land of Odisha. I am thankful to the Jharpada Durga Puja Committee for inviting me on this auspicious day. I pray that Maa Durga blesses us all,” the actor said.
He added that the people of Odisha had always showered him with love and that he considered his visits to the state an opportunity to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
Concluding his message with “Jai Jagannath,” Govinda acknowledged Odisha’s spiritual significance and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception.
Bollywood Glamour Meets Festive Tradition
Govinda’s visit brought together the cultural vibrancy of Durga Puja and the appeal of Bollywood entertainment. His appearance at the Jharpada pandal offered fans an opportunity to see the popular actor beyond the silver screen, while his dance performance added to the festive excitement.
Durga Puja celebrations across Bhubaneswar draw large gatherings of devotees and visitors, with elaborately decorated pandals, cultural programmes and special events forming an integral part of the festivities.
At Jharpada, Govinda’s presence added a celebrity dimension to the celebrations, leaving the audience with a memorable blend of devotion, entertainment and festive cheer.
