Author: Neel Achary

76 percent Young Talent: Hindustan Zinc’s Next-Generation Engineers Are Reimagining India’s Zinc Story

Udaipur, 16 September 2026: As India celebrates Engineers’ Day, Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the world’s top ten silver producers, is spotlighting the growing role of young engineering talent in shaping the future of one of the country’s most critical industries. With 57.8% of Hindustan Zinc’s executive workforce comprising employees from engineering backgrounds, 76% of its young professionals coming from core engineering disciplines, and nearly 10% of the company’s leaders under the age of 35, a new generation of engineers is bringing together technical expertise, digital capabilities and innovation to transform mining and metals operations.

Across Hindustan Zinc’s technology-led operations, young engineers are increasingly working at the intersection of core engineering and emerging technologies. From remote blasting and tele-remote equipment handling to real-time monitoring systems, operational intelligence platforms, automated processes and digital control rooms, engineers are contributing to safer, smarter and more efficient ways of working across the company’s mines and smelters.

At Hindustan Zinc, this transformation is supported by a strong engineering talent base. Of the company’s total executive workforce of 2,685 employees, 1,551 are from engineering backgrounds, with women executives representing 20.5% across diverse disciplines including mining, metallurgy, mechanical, electrical and environmental engineering. The company also continues to strengthen its young talent pipeline, with 335 campus hires in FY26, bringing fresh technical perspectives into an industry undergoing rapid technological and operational change.

Mr. Amarendu Prakash, CEO & Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc, said “The engineer of today is entering an industry that is fundamentally changing. At Hindustan Zinc, we are seeing a new generation of engineers bring this mindset to the workplace and challenge conventional ways of solving complex problems. Our responsibility is to create an environment where their curiosity, technical capability and ambition can translate into innovations that strengthen the future of mining and metals.”

With over 62% of its workforce under the age of 35 and a 26.3% gender diversity ratio, Hindustan Zinc is building a workplace where young talent is empowered with meaningful responsibilities, rich job content and the freedom to innovate. With rapid digitalisation and automation transforming industrial operations, the company is fostering a startup culture within a large-scale manufacturing environment, enabling employees to bring fresh ideas, agility and ownership to the shopfloor, mines and business functions alike.

Beyond its executive engineering talent, Hindustan Zinc’s engineering ecosystem is strengthened by more than 423 non-executives who are directly and indirectly involved in critical engineering processes across its mines and smelters. Working closely with heavy machinery, complex equipment and high-intensity industrial operations, they form an essential part of the company’s operational backbone. 

The employee-first approach is also reflected in the company’s commitment to creating career-enhancing and equal opportunities for its people at every stage of life. From enabling women employees to take up roles across shifts and critical operations, to offering flexible work hours, spouse hiring, year-long sabbaticals for childcare, and leave policies that prioritise mental and physical well-being, Hindustan Zinc continues to strengthen a workplace where employees can grow both personally and professionally. The company also encourages talent mobility, giving employees the opportunity to explore roles across business functions based on their interests, aptitude and aspirations.

Union Bank of India Unveils ‘Union SUDARSHAN’ and 14 New Initiatives for Smarter Banking

Mumbai, September 16, 2026: Union Bank of India on 10.09.2026, inaugurated ‘Union SUDARSHAN’, the Bank’s first fully automated, centralised banking intelligence hub, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. The event, held at Union Bank of India, M.S. Marg, Mumbai, was graced by Shri Sanjay Lohiya (IAS), Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India, in the presence of Shri Asheesh Pandey, Managing Director & CEO, Union Bank of India, along with Shri Nitesh Ranjan and Shri Ramasubramanian S, Executive Directors, and Shri Prakash Baliarsingh, Dr. Priti Jay Rao and Shri Prakash Chandra Kandpal, Non-Executive Directors on the Board of the Bank. Senior executives from other Banks, LIC and Indian Banks’ Association were also present on the occasion.

At the event, Union Bank of India also launched 14 new strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing customer convenience, improving operational efficiency, and enabling seamless banking services. Designed after extensive research and consultation with field functionaries, the initiatives are intended to help the Bank’s systems navigate and respond with far greater clarity, empowering employees to serve customers with confidence, speed and ownership.

The event also witnessed the inauguration of the ‘Union Bank Museum’, showcasing the Bank’s evolution and milestones, celebrating its legacy, culture and contribution to India’s banking and financial landscape, while paying tribute to the founders of Union Bank of India, erstwhile Corporation Bank and erstwhile Andhra Bank.

In his address, the Chief Guest, Shri Sanjay Lohiya, IAS, Secretary, DFS, MOF, GOI highlighted the growing importance of cyber security in today’s digital banking landscape and emphasised the effective use of technology to promote ease of doing business, strengthen cyber resilience, enhance customer-centric service delivery and support sustainable business growth. He encouraged the Bank to continue introducing initiatives that make it more robust, resilient and future-ready. He also highlighted the importance of engaging India’s youth in the banking and financial ecosystem and harnessing their contribution towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Asheesh Pandey, Managing Director & CEO, Union Bank of India, said, “Union SUDARSHAN reflects our vision of building a smarter, more agile and future-ready institution. By harnessing the power of data, artificial intelligence and intelligent automation, we are building efficiency across systems, strengthening governance, enabling proactive risk management and enhancing customer service.”

Union SUDARSHAN represents a paradigm shift from conventional monitoring systems to an intelligence-led governance framework. Powered by advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the platform identifies anomalies across channels through intelligent behavioural baselines, combining automation with human governance. This enables early risk detection, stronger oversight and evidence-based decision-making, marking a strategic shift from reactive monitoring to proactive governance. The platform also features an exception-based alert management framework with automated escalation across hierarchies.

On the occasion, Shri Nitesh Ranjan, Executive Director, Union Bank of India, said “The 14 new initiatives launched today are aimed squarely at ease of doing business  for our customers and for our own staff. Each of them has been designed to simplify processes, cut down turnaround times and remove friction from everyday banking. Together, these initiatives mark a decisive step towards a more efficient, customer-centric Union Bank of India.”

Together, Union SUDARSHAN and the Bank’s strategic initiatives reflect Union Bank of India’s continuing commitment to becoming a Bank for the Future  one that combines technology, efficiency and institutional legacy to deliver stronger governance, sharper agility and a superior banking experience for every stakeholder.

ACCE(I) Hyderabad Launches RIDES 2026 Conference on Engineers Day

Photo: ADEPU KASHIRAM_Bheem Rao Jaligama_Awardees_D. Putarayya,  V. Vinod Bhargava, Prof. P. Sreenivas Sarma and Dr. Mallika Alapati and others

Engineers are not merely builders of structures but are nation builders: Bheem Rao Jaligama, Chairman, ACCE(I)

Hyderabad, 15 September 2026. The Association of Consulting Civil Engineers India (ACCE-I), Hyderabad Centre, the premier national body of consulting civil engineers celebrated Engineers Day 2026 today at the IAS Officers Institute, Greenlands, Begumpet, Hyderabad, commemorating the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, one of India’s greatest engineers and visionary nation builders.

ACCEI is a national professional body of Consulting Civil Engineers and professionals associated with civil engineering. It is a 41-year-old body with over 10,000 members across 54 centres and Hyderabad is one of them. It serves as a professional platform for knowledge, technical advancement, ethical practice and collaboration among civil engineering professionals. It represents the interests of consulting engineers before government, corporations and other agencies on policy matters. The organisation’s philosophy is built around professional excellence, ethics, knowledge sharing, social responsibility and sustainable development. ACCE(I) describes civil engineers as “Nation Builders”, with a responsibility to create a sustainable society, conserve natural resources and build a better environment for future generations. 

Adepu Kashiram, Secretary General, ACCE (I) was the Chief Guest and Rajkumar Kacharla, Former Vice President (South), ACCE (I) the Guest of Honour. 

Adepu Kashiram, Secretary General, ACCE(I), said: “The engineering profession is evolving rapidly, and engineers must continuously update their knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of a changing world. ACCE(I) is committed to providing a strong professional platform for knowledge-sharing, innovation and collaboration,

Delivering the welcome address, Bheem Rao Jaligama, Chairman, ACCE(I), recalled the enduring contributions of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, describing him as not merely an eminent engineer but a visionary nation-builder. He highlighted Visvesvaraya’s significant contributions to Hyderabad, including the city’s drainage system and the Musi River projects, and paid rich tributes to his legacy. “He continues to be an inspiration to engineers across generations. We are not merely builders of structures; we are nation-builders,” he said. He added that ACCE(I) has been playing a key role in promoting professional excellence, knowledge-sharing and the advancement of the engineering profession.

C. Ramesh, Vice Chairman, ACCE(I), said: “Engineering is not just about designing and constructing physical infrastructure; it is about creating solutions that improve lives and strengthen society. As engineers, we have a responsibility to continuously upgrade our knowledge, embrace emerging technologies and uphold the highest standards of professional integrity.

The day was celebrated in the presence of the office bearers of ACCE (I), Hyderabad Centre– Bheem Rao Jaligama, Chairman; C. Ramesh, Vice Chairman; D. S. Jaya Prakash, Secretary; Rudra Amarnath Babu, Treasurer and S. Mahender Reddy, Immediate Past Chairman & GC Member

A major highlight of the occasion will be  the presentation of Eminent Engineer Awards to distinguished professionals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and infrastructure sector: D. Putarayya,  V. Vinod Bhargava, Prof. P. Sreenivas Sarma and Dr. Mallika Alapati

The National Eminent Engineer Award will be conferred on V. V. Krishna Reddy for his exemplary contributions and distinguished service to the engineering fraternity.

During the celebrations, the Association unveiled the brochure and registration for the upcoming Conference RIDES 2026, scheduled to be held in November 2026. It will cover 12 impactful sessions by national and international speakers on the theme of Resilient Innovation, Design, Engineering, Sustainable Practices, Contemporary Developments, Knowledge sharing, Professional Networking, innovations, and emerging challenges across civil engineering. Brochure and registration for the upcoming RIDES 2026 conference, scheduled for

The celebrations were organised with support from Sarwottam TMT and Adani Cement for their valuable contribution in making the celebration a grand success.–

VSERV Marks 10 Years with Indigenous AI Innovation for Service Management

New Delhi, September 15, 2026:

Marking the completion of a decade-long journey in India’s rapidly evolving digital and IT services sector, VSERV Infosystems celebrated its 10th Foundation Day on Monday in New Delhi. On the occasion, the company launched its AI-powered indigenous IT Service Management (ITSM) platform, ‘Bharat Service Desk’. More than 500 guests from the government, public sector, banking, industry and technology sectors attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Navneet Sehgal, Former Chairman, Prasar Bharati, appreciated VSERV’s achievements and technological innovations over the past ten years. Congratulating the company on its growth journey, he said that technology solutions developed by Indian companies can play a significant role in strengthening the country’s digital capabilities.

Shri Sunil Kumar Sharma, Cabinet Minister for Information Technology, Government of Uttar Pradesh, described ‘Bharat Service Desk’ as an important initiative towards strengthening indigenous technological capabilities, digital self-reliance and promoting IT solutions developed in India. He also appreciated the efforts being undertaken by VSERV under the leadership of CEO Shri Sajid Ahmed and COO Shri Raman Shukla.

Shri Avanish Kumar Awasthi, Senior Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and senior IAS officer, referring to VSERV’s journey that began in Noida, said that its growth from a local-level initiative to a company with a national and international presence reflects its strong technological capabilities and sustained efforts. He described the launch of ‘Bharat Service Desk’ as a significant milestone in VSERV’s growth journey.

VSERV’s Presence Across 23 States and Four Countries

Over the past decade, VSERV has expanded its presence in the areas of IT services, digital transformation and enterprise technology solutions. The company currently provides its technology services and IT solutions across 23 states in India and four other countries.

During this journey, the company has developed strategic partnerships with organisations across various industries and institutions, focusing on making digital technology more accessible, effective and outcome-oriented.

The function  was graced by several prominent personalities from the corporate, banking and technology sectors. These included CP Gurnani Ji, Smt. Shalini Singh Ji (President, NCF), Shri Hemant Verma Ji (CVO, Punjab & Sind Bank), and Shri Prabas Bose Ji (CGM, SBI Delhi).

Senior officials and technology professionals associated with Kyndryl, Oracle, LG, EPFO and GST were also present at the event.

Representatives of Sify, one of VSERV’s key technology partners, also participated in the समारोह and highlighted the role of partnership and collaboration in VSERV’s decade-long journey.

AI and Indigenous Technology at the Core of the Next Decade

‘Bharat Service Desk’ is being positioned as a key component of VSERV’s technology strategy for the next decade. The AI-enabled ITSM platform has been developed with the objective of helping organisations make their IT service management, complaint and request resolution, service monitoring and support processes smarter, faster, more transparent and efficient.

According to the company, the platform aims to provide a modern, indigenous and AI-enabled IT Service Management solution designed around Indian requirements and operational practices.

VSERV’s 10th Foundation Day celebration was not merely an occasion to commemorate the company’s achievements over the past decade; it also marked an opportunity to define the direction for the next decade through indigenous technology, AI and digital self-reliance.

After a decade of achievements, VSERV now enters its next decade on a strong foundation of trust, innovation and partnership—with the vision of further strengthening Indian technological capabilities and giving indigenous solutions a stronger identity and greater recognition at both the national and global levels.

Neev Literature Festival 2026 – Sept 26 & 27, Bangalore

Edge by Titan Marks Engineer’s Day with the Launch of Squircle Titanium

This Engineers’ Day, Titan Edge introduces the Squircle Titanium, bringing its distinctive Squircle design to Grade 5 titanium for the first time.

Bengaluru, Sept 15: For Edge by Titan, engineering has never simply been about making a watch thinner. It is about challenging how much can be achieved within less space- bringing material science, movement engineering and design together with an exact attention to detail. This Engineers’ Day, Edge by Titan takes that philosophy forward with the launch of the Squircle Titanium, bringing together its iconic Squircle design and Grade 5 titanium in a limited-edition timepiece that celebrates precision engineering and watchmaking ingenuity.

The launch builds on Edge’s philosophy of ‘Engineered with heART’, turning the spotlight on the engineers behind the brand and the precision, perseverance and creative problem-solving that go into every Edge timepiece. For Edge, it is a fitting expression of the engineering mindset: solving for constraints, exploring new possibilities and turning artful ideas into enduring design.

Celebrating the Engineers Behind Edge

Rather than treating engineering as an invisible process behind the final product, the campaign brings the people who create Edge to the fore. Alongside campaign imagery featuring Jim Sarbh, Edge by Titan spotlighted its own engineers through a series of posts exclusively on LinkedIn that reveal the human intelligence behind the precision.

Through their stories, ‘Engineered with heART’ explores engineering not merely as technical expertise, but as a combination of curiosity, determination, ingenuity and passion- qualities that have shaped Edge since its inception. The Squircle Titanium becomes the latest physical expression of that philosophy: a watch created for those who appreciate not only how an object looks, but how it was made possible. The campaign specifically speaks to affluent watch enthusiasts, engineering professionals, Edge collectors and new Edge buyers.

Engineering the Squircle in Titanium

The defining form of the watch is Edge’s distinctive Squircle- a geometry that sits between a square and a circle. For its newest expression, Edge reimagines this form in Grade 5 titanium, chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The material is approximately 40% lighter than stainless steel, while also offering corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic properties. The choice of titanium is more than a material upgrade. It allows Edge to retain the lightness and restraint fundamental to its design language while introducing a material associated with advanced engineering. The case and bracelet are both executed in Grade 5 titanium, creating a timepiece that feels remarkably light despite its strength.

At just 4.85 mm in case thickness, the Squircle Titanium stays true to the ultra-slim architecture that has defined Edge. Beneath the dial sits the Edge Calibre T9081, Titan’s in-house movement engineered to a thickness of just 1.15 mm. The miniature movement uses stepper quartz technology and has been engineered component by component to deliver precision and reliability within an exceptionally constrained space.

Where Precision Becomes Design

The technical rigour is balanced by an equally considered approach to form. The collection is offered in matte and gloss finishes, each giving the titanium a distinct character. The matte variant features a two-tone matte dial, while the gloss edition pairs its polished titanium case and bezel with a two-tone mirror-finish dial. Both feature sapphire glass, classic baton hands and minimal stick indices at 12 and 6- allowing the Squircle geometry and material to remain the focus. 

Commenting on the new launch, Kalpana Rangamani, CSMO, Titan Premium & Luxury Watches said, “Edge has always been driven by a simple question: how far can engineering be pushed without losing the beauty of the object? With Squircle Titanium, we have brought together one of our most distinctive forms with a material that demands precision at every stage. Launching it on Engineers’ Day is particularly meaningful because it allows us to celebrate not only the finished watch, but the people, thinking and ingenuity behind it. That is ultimately what ‘Engineered with heART’ represents for us.”

Available in select Titan stores and www.titan.co.in , The Titan Edge Squircle Titanium is priced at ₹86,995 and is offered as a limited edition in matte and gloss Grade 5 titanium finishes.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc_mJmtT3Ob/?hl=en
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Palaxi Cinemas Wins “Best Cinema Theatre” Award for Second Consecutive Year; Targets 250 Screens by 2030

Kochi, September 15, 2026: Palaxi Cinemas, the premium multiplex brand of HiLITE Group, has received national-level recognition for the second consecutive year. Palaxi Cinemas won the “Best Cinema Theatre – Tier 2 City” award for the second time at the IMAX Big Cine Awards 2026, one of the leading awards in the cinema exhibition industry. Through HiLITE Group’s ‘Mission 250’, which aims to build 250 screens by 2030, Palaxi Cinemas will expand its premium cinema theatre experience to Kerala’s growing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Beyond simply increasing the number of screens, Mission 250 aims to bring premium theatres to life with modern projection and sound technology, world-class ambience, seating, and food & beverage services.

Muhamed Fawaz, CEO of HiLITE Malls & Retail, said that winning the Big Cine Award for a second consecutive year is a proud achievement for Palaxi, and that Mission 250 aims to bring a superior cinema experience to Kerala’s smaller towns and cities.

While Palaxi Cinemas Kozhikode received the award in 2025, this year the honour went to Palaxi Cinemas Thrissur. The award is given based on advanced technology, an international-standard cinema theatre experience, excellent hospitality, and customer service. The award was announced at the 9th Big Cine Expo 2026, held at Chennai Trade Centre. Leading figures from the multiplex, theatre, mall, and distribution sectors participated in the Big Cine Expo, one of Asia’s largest cinema industry gatherings.

Vinay Chhabra Highlights The Need For Smarter And More Sustainable AI Infrastructure

BY:- Vinay Chhabra, Co–Founder & Managing Director at AceCloud

“’The next phase of engineering will be about doing more with what we have, delivering greater performance while using resources more intelligently. This is especially important as AI drives demand for compute at an unprecedented pace. At AceCloud, we are strengthening India’s AI infrastructure with a focus on right-sized compute, efficiency and data sovereignty. For me, smart engineering means making deliberate choices about the infrastructure we build and how we use it, so that digital innovation can scale in a way that is efficient, resilient and sustainable.”

ORIGEM Launches First-In-India 110 percentage Lifetime Exchange Value, Disrupts the Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Market

Mumbai, Sep15: ORIGEM, a lab-grown diamond jewellery brand backed by Goldiam International Ltd., has introduced its 110% Lifetime Exchange Value proposition, marking a significant step towards redefining how consumers perceive the long-term value of diamond jewellery.

As consumers become more experimental with personal style and increasingly seek value beyond the point of purchase, ORIGEM is rethinking what ownership can look like.

The brand has introduced a first-of-its-kind 110% Lifetime Exchange Value proposition, offering customers 110% exchange value on the diamond value of their ORIGEM jewellery for life, along with 100% exchange value on gold at the prevailing gold rate.

The programme is designed to give consumers the option to revisit their jewellery choices more routinely – whether that means moving to a different design, celebrating a new milestone or simply choosing something that feels more relevant to them today. In doing so, ORIGEM is looking to make the purchase journey less about committing to one piece and more about creating room for choices along the way, while being rewarded for it.

Anmol Bhansali, Managing Director, Goldiam International Limited, said,

“The jewellery category has traditionally been built around the idea of permanence, but the consumer is changing. Today, personal style is far more fluid, and people want their purchases to work with the way they live and evolve. With ORIGEM’s 110% Lifetime Exchange Value, we are bringing that thinking into jewellery – giving consumers an added sense of confidence & financial security that their choice today will continue to hold value tomorrow. It is a step towards making the category more relevant to how consumers actually think and shop today. This is increasingly relevant in the lab grown diamond space, where we hope to encourage our customers to experiment frequently across a much larger variety of shapes than is otherwise affordable with natural diamonds.”

Abhinav Kumar, President, ORIGEM, said,

“We believe the first purchase should be the beginning of the jewellery journey, not the end of it. Consumers should have the freedom to discover different designs and make new choices without feeling restricted by an earlier purchase. Our lifetime exchange programme is built to enable exactly that, to not just allow, but also to reward upgrading one’s jewellery while making the overall experience of owning Origem diamond jewellery more contemporary and consumer-friendly.”

The proposition also marks ORIGEM’s effort to build a differentiated consumer experience within the growing lab-grown diamond jewellery category. By placing greater emphasis on what happens after the purchase, the brand is expanding the conversation around jewellery from just acquisition to ownership.

With this initiative, ORIGEM aims to establish a new benchmark for how consumers perceive the long-term value of diamond jewellery — one that combines the emotional significance of the purchase with the freedom to fulfil new desires along the way. 

The offer is live across ORIGEM Stores pan-India.