11, Sep 2025
HCBS Developments Appoints KBE as Construction Partner for Twin Horizon in Gurugram
Gurugram, 11th September 2025: Gurugram’s leading realty player, HCBS Developments, announces its strategic partnership with Krishna Buildestates Private Limited (KBE) for the construction of its ultra-luxury residential project, Twin Horizon in Sector 102, Gurugram. This strategic alliance leverages HCBS’s commitment to timely delivering the project with the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Spanning 5.2902 acres, Twin Horizon will feature two high-rise towers comprising 268 premium residences, alongside seven boutique commercial spaces. Designed by Architect Morphogenesis, the project embodies a blend of contemporary architecture, world-class amenities, and sustainable features, with construction planned for completion in four years.
With over 30 years of expertise, HCBS Developments is a leading name in real estate, delivering premium residential, commercial, and group housing projects across Gurugram. Known for timely delivery and quality construction, they create thoughtfully designed spaces that blend comfort, convenience, and innovation.
Saurab Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments, said, “Our vision for Twin Horizon is about crafting a signature urban landmark that redefines luxury, design, and sustainability in Gurugram. By partnering with KBE, a construction firm with deep roots, technological prowess, and a reputation for precision, we are confident that Twin Horizon will set new industry benchmarks.”
Bharat Bahl, Director, Krishna Buildestates Private Limited (KBE), said, “KBE is truly honored to be entrusted with bringing Twin Horizon’s visionary concept to life. For decades, our unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices, and client-centric execution has defined who we are, and this project perfectly aligns with those values. By leveraging cutting-edge construction technologies, multi-disciplinary engineering expertise, and a relentless focus on building trust at every stage, we aim to craft Twin Horizon not just as a structural marvel, but as an elevated living experience. Each tower will embody our ethos of innovation, precision, and resident well-being, standing as a lasting testament to superior craftsmanship and forward-thinking design. Over the years, KBE has evolved into a trusted name in the industry, consistently delivering exemplary residential, commercial, and institutional landmarks that redefine modern living.”
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- By Neel Achary
11, Sep 2025
MAHE Bengaluru to host “alèy Literature Festival 2025” celebrating literary diversity and community building
Bengaluru, September 11, 2025: The Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (DLHS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru Campus, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is set to host the highly anticipated “alèy Literature Festival 2025” themed “Waves of Solidarity” on September 18-19, 2025, at MAHE Bengaluru campus. This flagship literary initiative aims to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling in fostering community, celebrating diversity, and amplifying significant voices.
The festival brings together distinguished authors, translators, publishers, and literary enthusiasts to create a comprehensive platform for cross-cultural dialogue and creative expression. This year’s theme, “Waves of Solidarity,” emphasizes literature’s unique ability to bridge communities and strengthen understanding among people of diverse backgrounds.
The festival will be inaugurated with a keynote address by Banu Mushtaq, the 2025 International Booker Prize winner, setting the tone for two days of enriching literary discourse. The program features masterclasses by acclaimed literary figures, including S. Joseph on the subjectivity of poetry writing and V. Geetha on reading Babasaheb for contemporary times.
A series of engaging panel discussions will explore critical areas of contemporary literature. The session “Women Publish Women: Waves of Feminist Publishing” featuring Arpita Das and V. Geetha will examine the evolving landscape of feminist literary publishing. “Big Little Stories: Navigating Complexity in Children’s Literature” with Menaka Raman and Sharanya Manivannan will delve into the nuanced world of children’s storytelling.
The festival addresses the vital role of literary translation in today’s globalized world through “Bridging the World with Words: Literary Translation Today” featuring Srinath Perur and Rahul Soni. Additionally, “Spaces of Solidarity: Reading in the City” will bring together community reading advocates Athul T (Cubbon Reads), Rajassekar (Sollazhi), and Lalitha Murugesan (Lalitha’s Book Nook) to discuss the emerging trend of reading in public spaces and its role in urban community building.
A major highlight of the festival will be a book talk with renowned author Perumal Murugan discussing his work Students Etched in Memory with Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta, IAS, providing intimate insights into the lives of his rural students and the need for literature to shed light on marginalized lives.
The festival features compelling performances including the play “We Push the Sky” by Qabila Collective and an interactive Theatre of the Oppressed session “Listen-Connect-Amplify!” conducted by Radha Ramaswamy, demonstrating the power of the spoken word and performing arts to effect social change.
Educational components include a fiction writing workshop “Hatch a Plot!” led by author Neelima Vinod, specifically designed for school children to nurture young creative talents. The festival also hosts a vibrant array of competitions for students across school, college, and university levels, including Quiz, Stand-up Comedy, Cosplay, Slam Poetry, and Book Cover Designing, held both online and offline.
alèy Literature Festival 2025 reinforces MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to fostering literary culture and cross-cultural understanding beyond traditional academic boundaries. By bringing together established authors, emerging voices, publishers, translators, and literary enthusiasts, the festival creates an unprecedented opportunity for meaningful dialogue about literature’s role in building solidarity and celebrating diversity in contemporary society.
The festival’s comprehensive approach encompasses various literary forms and expressions, from poetry and fiction to translation and performance, making it a celebration of literature’s boundless potential to connect communities and address the challenges of our times.
11, Sep 2025
Sidhvi Pandit Becomes India’s Youngest International Taekwondo Black Belt
11th september 2025,india;In a historic milestone for Indian martial arts, Sidhvi Pandit from Jaipur has become the youngest Indian to achieve an internationally certified Taekwondo Black Belt (DAN/POOM) from Korea, the birthplace of the discipline. The certification not only places her among the youngest achievers globally but also marks a moment of pride for India’s martial arts community.
At such a young age, Sidhvi has already proven her talent on both national and state platforms winning a Silver medal at the National Taekwondo Championships and a Gold medal at the State Championships, both under the official federation associated with the Indian Olympic Association.
This international DAN/POOM recognition further strengthens her profile as one of India’s brightest young sporting talents, combining skill, discipline, and global credibility.
Speaking on the achievement, Coach Nitin Joliya said: “This is just the beginning for Sidhvi. The black belt is a symbol of hard work, resilience, and focus. Achieving it at such a young age and being internationally certified is truly commendable. She is an inspiration for children across India and sets a new benchmark for aspiring martial artists.”
With this milestone, Sidhvi now joins the elite ranks of internationally recognized martial artists and aspires to represent India on global platforms, further strengthening the country’s presence in martial arts worldwide.
11, Sep 2025
FTCCI hosts awareness program on new kVAh Billing Regulation
Hyderabad, September 11, 2025 : An Awareness Program on the recently introduced kVAh Billing Regulation for Telangana Businesses was held at FTCCI on Wednesday.
Sri Sikinder Reddy Thandra, Co-Founder & CEO, Coral Innovations Pvt. Ltd., was the key speaker at the program. Speaking on the occasion, he said:
“The shift to kVAh billing is not just about paying electricity bills differently—it is about how efficiently enterprises use power. Businesses that do not actively manage their Power Factor risk hidden costs and a steep rise in energy expenses. With smart monitoring and corrective measures, companies can not only avoid penalties but also turn energy efficiency into a competitive advantage.”
Optimising the electricity bill must be everyone’s priority, he added.
Telangana DISCOMs have recently introduced kVAh-based billing for all commercial and industrial consumers. This new regime makes Power Factor management a critical area for every enterprise. A low or leading PF not only increases costs but also places an unnecessary financial burden on industries.
R. Ravi Kumar, President of FTCCI, said: “FTCCI, as the voice of trade and industry, felt it is important to create awareness among our members and the larger business community on this transition. Today’s program has been specially designed to provide insights into billing implications, share practical solutions, and showcase case studies that will help businesses reduce hidden penalties and improve efficiency in power usage.”
Giving his introductory remarks, P. Vijay Gopal Reddy, Co-Chair – Energy Committee, FTCCI, said: “The shift from kWh to kVAh billing is not just a technical adjustment; it is a paradigm change in energy cost management. For businesses, especially SMEs and industries with high power usage, understanding this change is crucial. If ignored, it can silently increase power bills by 10–20% without any increase in consumption. But with proper awareness and corrective action, it can also become an opportunity to optimise costs and improve operational efficiency. Our objective of this program is to equip you with the right knowledge, practical tools, and real-time examples so that your businesses can adapt smoothly to this regulation.”
KK Maheshwari, Senior Vice President of FTCCI, was among the 100-plus attendees who graced the occasion.
11, Sep 2025
MMTC-PAMP appoints Samit Guha as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
New Delhi, 11th September 2025: MMTC- PAMP, India’s leading precious metal player and the only LBMA accredited Good Delivery Gold & Silver refiner has announced the appointment of Mr Samit Guha as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Mr Guha has been associated with MMTC-PAMP for five years as the Chief Finance and Technology Officer (CFTO), later appointed as Interim CEO.
With nearly three decades of leadership across various industries, Samit Guha brings a rare experience of strategic vision, financial acumen and technology-driven transformation to his role as MD & CEO of MMTC-PAMP. He has successfully navigated complex leadership roles across telecom, real estate, hospitality, retail, and consumer goods Industry. This has enabled him to consistently drive growth, turnarounds and large-scale transformations.
From spearheading digital commerce rollouts and supply chain innovations to leading IPOs, M&A, and strategic partnerships, Samit has built a reputation as a business leader who can balance immediate operational priorities with long-term value creation. His ability to inspire teams, manage diverse stakeholders, and harness technology as a growth enabler, positions him as a well-rounded leader poised to guide MMTC-PAMP into its next phase of innovation and expansion.
Speaking on the appointment, Mr Marwan Shakarchi, Chief Executive Officer, MKS PAMP GROUP said, “Samit comes with a tremendous experience in finance and technology where he has driven large transformational projects, leading business deals and strong understanding of new technology stack. With this appointment, his client-centric approach, growth mindset and strong technology focus will ensure MMTC-PAMP will scale new heights while retaining our core values of transparency and customer satisfaction.”
Thanking the entire MKS PAMP Group and MMTC-PAMP team member for the support, Mr Samit Guha, Managing Director & CEO, MMTC-PAMP said, “This appointment is a testament to the trust placed in me by all our stakeholders. As we shape the new journey of MMTC-PAMP, my focus will remain on leveraging technology to reimagine customer experience, expanding our India presence and building long-term value for all. With my team, my vision is to strengthen our leadership in the precious metals industry and keep setting new benchmarks.”
Mr Samit Guha is a Chartered Accountant (Accounting and Finance) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, 1994 batch and Cost & Works Accountant from the Institute of Cost and Work Accountants of India 1991 batch.
11, Sep 2025
Sabujasanatanpali Farmer Producer Company Ltd. Holds AGM in Sambalpur
Sabujasanatanpali Farmer Producer Company Ltd. hosts Annual General Meeting in Sambalpur, showcasing innovation, inclusion, and impact
Sambalpur, September 11, 2025 — The Sabujasanatanpali Farmer Producer Company Limited (SSFPCL), established in 2021 in Jujomora block of Sambalpur, formed under the Central Sector Scheme for formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs with NABARD as the implementing agency and Palladium as the CBBO, and supported by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ empowerment, Odisha.
The FPC held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, marking a milestone in its journey of empowering smallholder farmers through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. With over 300 participants in attendance, including farmers, government officials, development partners, and representatives from agri input agencies, the event served as a platform to celebrate achievements, share future, and strengthen the ecosystem of farmer-led agribusiness.
SSFPCL has emerged as a transformative force in Odisha’s rural economy, with a strong base of 1,450 farmers, 55% of whom are women. The FPO has adopted climate-resilient agriculture, ag-tech solutions, and export-oriented growth models to boost farmer incomes. Collaborations with CSIR-NBRI have enabled nature-based farming, sustainable soil management, and crop diversification.
SSFPCL is also a pioneer in floriculture, launching Odisha’s first polyhouse for climate-resilient flower cultivation, and has empowered women farmers to lead digital transformation in agriculture. Innovations like solar-powered cold storage, mobile farm management apps, and traceability platforms have increased farmer incomes by 30–40% and reduced post-harvest losses.
Key Highlights of the AGM:
Performance Review: Significant growth in farmer income, market linkages, and tech adoption.
Certificate distribution: 15 farmers were honoured for outstanding contributions to the FPO.
Special Felicitation: Itish Pradhan was felicitated for pioneering cultivation of exotic Eustoma flower in the district fetching a price-realization of INR 1500 per bunch.
“I am passionate about farming flowers, but I was not very sure if such an exotic flower could survive here. But I got adequate guidance by being associated with the FPO, which included information on the importance of controlled temperature,” said Itish.
Certificates Awarded: Over 200 farmers received certificates for their active participation and achievements.
Interactive Events: Quiz competitions, company showcases, and farmer felicitation ceremonies added vibrancy to the day.
Guest of Honour Address: A keynote speech emphasized the importance of FPOs in building resilient rural economies, highlighting themes of technology, sustainability, and floriculture.
Voices from the Ground
The AGM was enriched by powerful reflections from key officials and project leaders.
“FPOs like SSFPCL are not just aggregators—they are engines of transformation. Their work in floriculture, tech adoption, and women-led innovation is setting benchmarks for rural entrepreneurship,” said the DDM NABARD, Shri Dhirendra Kumar Dash, emphasizing the role of farmer collectives in building resilient agri-value chains.
“This gathering is a testament to how watershed development, convergence with horticulture, and farmer collectivization can drive inclusive growth. SSFPCL’s model is a blueprint for sustainable rural development,” added the Project Director of Watershed Mission, Shri Rabindra Kr. Panda highlighting the synergy between community planning and institutional support.
Engaging Events and Future Outlook
The AGM featured a vibrant series of events including quiz competitions, company showcases, and farmer felicitation ceremonies. Deputy Director of Horticulture, Shri Sanjib Kumar Baidhar delivered a keynote address on the importance of FPOs, their role in technology-driven agriculture, sustainability, and floriculture. The speech underscored the need for continued investment in farmer capacity building, digital tools, and climate-smart practices.
The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including Sanjib Kumar Baidhar (DDH, Horticulture), Dhirendra Kumar Dash (DDM, NABARD), Sanjay Mahapatra (OLM DPM), Rabindra Kumar Panda (Watershed PD), Anjan Kumar Panda (Manager, Palladium India), Piyush Ranjan Behera (Assistant Fisheries Officer), and Shrimanta Hota (Deputy CEO, ORMAS). Representatives from leading agri-input agencies such as PPL, IFFCO, Safex, and Mahindra Summit also marked their presence, lending further weight to the deliberations. Their collective participation and insights enriched the discussions, making the event a meaningful step forward in strengthening collaborative efforts for FPO development across the district and state.
Looking ahead, SSFPCL aims to deepen its partnerships, expand its export footprint, and continue empowering farmers—especially women — to spearhead community transformation through agriculture.
11, Sep 2025
BenQ Launches InstaShow VS25 and WDC15 at InfoComm India 2025
September 11, 2025: BenQ, a global innovator in professional display and collaboration technology, today unveiled two advanced wireless collaboration solutions at InfoComm India 2025: the InstaShow VS25 wireless conferencing system and the InstaShow WDC15 wireless presentation system. The launch in India marks the first global rollout of these solutions, signifying the country’s critical role in BenQ’s worldwide expansion plans. These products address critical pain points in India’s rapidly evolving corporate sector, offering immediate, plug-and-play solutions for hybrid meetings and multi-presenter scenarios.
The InstaShow VS25 is a comprehensive wireless conferencing system designed for modern BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and BYOM (Bring Your Own Meeting) environments. Supporting up to 64 buttons total with 4 simultaneous presenters, the VS25 enables seamless integration with all major video conferencing platforms including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet. With Wi-Fi 6 technology and native support for AirPlay, ChromeCast, and Miracast, the VS25 allows teams to share content from any device – laptops, tablets, or smartphones – while maintaining crystal-clear 4K@60Hz resolution. Its touchback control feature enables presenters to annotate and control content directly from interactive displays, making it ideal for collaborative brainstorming sessions and hybrid meetings.
The InstaShow WDC15, optimised for larger presentation and training scenarios, supports up to 16 simultaneous presenters – a game-changer for boardrooms, training facilities, and collaborative workshops. Both models feature BenQ’s patented hardware-based wireless technology that requires zero software installation, no network configuration, and no IT support. Users simply plug in the button and tap to present, with enterprise-grade AES 256-bit encryption and CVSS 4.0 certification ensuring complete data security.
“Indian enterprises lose valuable time to technical difficulties in meetings, with studies showing up to 15 minutes wasted per meeting on connectivity issues,” said Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India. “The InstaShow VS25 and WDC15 eliminate these friction points entirely. The VS25 particularly addresses the hybrid meeting challenge; allowing in-room participants to share content wirelessly while maintaining seamless integration with remote attendees through any video conferencing platform. Both solutions work straight out of the box – no apps, no drivers, no IT configuration required. Moreover, we’re thrilled to be introducing these game-changing products to the world through India first, which speaks to our deep faith in the Indian market’s readiness for next-generation workplace solutions and its influence in shaping global collaboration trends.”
Both products directly support India’s digital transformation and hybrid work evolution. As Indian enterprises embrace flexible collaboration models post-pandemic, InstaShow enables truly democratic meetings where any participant can share content instantly, regardless of their device or technical expertise. The stable 40-metre transmission range and support for multiple operating systems ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure while future-proofing meeting rooms for evolving collaboration needs.
11, Sep 2025
Sandisk® Launches WD Blue® SN5100 NVMe™ SSD in India
NEW DELHI, INDIA– September 11, 2025 Engineered to accelerate AI-enabled workflows, handle demanding productivity tasks, and streamline 4K and 8K video editing, the WD Blue® SN5100 NVMe™ SSD delivers up to 30% higher performance over the previous generation3.
Powered by SANDISK® BiCS8 QLC 3D CBA NAND and enhanced with SANDISK nCache™ 4.0 technology, the WD Blue® SN5100 NVMe™ SSD achieves read speeds of up to 7,100 MB/s1 (1TB–2TB models). With storage capacities ranging from 500GB up to 4TB2, this SSD ensures faster large-file transfers, improved responsiveness for heavy applications, and reliable performance for today’s data-intensive workloads.
Key Features of the WD Blue SN5100 NVMe SSD include:
Highlights:
- PCIe® Gen 4.0 performance with read speeds up to 7,100MB/s (1TB–2TB models), delivering up to 30% faster speeds vs. prior generation3
- Copy large files or project folders in blistering speeds thanks to the SANDISK® nCache™ 4.0 technology.
- SANDISK BiCS8 QLC 3D CBA NAND technology for higher density and capacity
- Capacities available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB2 on M.2 2280 single-sided assembly
- 5-year limited warranty 4
- Free Acronis® True Image™ for Sandisk software download for seamless data migration
- SANDISK Dashboard application5 for health monitoring and firmware updates
11, Sep 2025
Team Kapal Gears Up for September 19 Release
Kolkata, 11th September, 2025: The cast and crew of the upcoming Bengali drama Kapal came together for an exclusive one-on-one media interaction at Priya Cinema, ahead of the film’s theatrical release on 19th September 2025.
The event was attended by lead actors Kanchana Moitra, Raja Sarkar, and Sukanya Dutta, along with producer Aaryan Ghosh. Also present were the film’s music directors Pandit Pinaki Bose and Bob SN, who spoke about the film’s emotionally resonant score and its role in deepening the storytelling. Produced under the banner of SGF (Suvendu Ghosh Films), Kapal is written and directed by Suvendu Ghosh. The screenplay and dialogues were written by Rashi Iqbal, Sayantan Roy, and Suvendu Ghosh.
Set against the backdrop of a quiet Bengali town, Kapal explores how faith, fear, and power intertwine in the lives of ordinary people. The story revolves around the arrival of a mysterious spiritual figure whose influence gradually unsettles the community. As personal beliefs clash with harsh realities, long-hidden secrets begin to surface. The film delves deep into the human psyche, asking: when does belief become blind, and how far will people go to protect what they think is sacred?
Producer Aaryan Ghosh shared “Kapal is not just a film – it’s a mirror to society. It reflects how easily fear and faith can be manipulated, and how quickly lives can unravel in the name of belief. I’m incredibly proud of our team for bringing this layered story to life with such honesty and depth.”
Actress Kanchana Moitra said “This role pushed me to explore emotions I hadn’t touched in my previous work. My character’s journey is raw, intense, and deeply human. Kapal is the kind of cinema that doesn’t just entertain – it provokes. I believe audiences will be moved and challenged by it.”
With the media interaction generating buzz, Kapal is poised to offer a powerful cinematic experience – blending realism, drama, and emotional storytelling. Audiences can catch the film in cinemas across West Bengal from 19th September 2025.
11, Sep 2025
Adhira and Appa Coffee Announces Pan India Growth Plan with 50 Outlets by the end of Financial Year
September 11 2025: Adhira & Appa Coffee (A&A), a homegrown brand redefining India’s filter coffee culture, based out of Kochi, Kerala, today announced the opening of its upcoming stores in Hyderabad and Nashik cities. This expansion comes on the back of the brand’s successful launch in Kochi, where its first store has already become a local favourite.
With a vision to open 50+ outlets across India by the end of the financial year, A&A Coffee aims to create an immersive café experience rooted in tradition yet shaped for modern lifestyles. To accelerate this growth, the brand is also inviting investors and franchise partners to join its journey and help expand its presence more aggressively across the country. Each store will be launched under one of three distinct formats: viz. Signature Stores, Flagship Stores, and Express Stores, catering to different consumer needs while maintaining the brand’s focus on quality, culture & providing an authentic experience for the consumer. Each store will be launched under one of several distinct formats — Mini Kiosks (₹15 lakh investment), Express Kiosks (₹30 lakh investment), Signature Stores (₹90 lakh investment), Flagship Stores (₹60 lakh investment), and Master Franchise models (₹1–3 crore investment) — catering to different investor capacities and consumer needs while maintaining the brand’s focus on quality and culture.
Adhira & Appa Coffee is not just about coffee; it offers a holistic cultural experience that celebrates taste, tradition, and innovation. Each store will feature a region-specific menu designed to reflect local palates while staying true to the brand’s promise of creativity. Guests can enjoy signature fusion dishes like Podi Fries with a bold South Indian spice kick, Medu Vada Waffle served with chutneys, or the indulgent Bombay Masala Croissant layered with spiced potato masala. The café also reimagines comfort foods with creations like the Tandoori Cubano Sandwich and Filter Coffee Tiramisu. Alongside its inventive bites, A&A serves authentic filter coffee sourced from India’s finest estates and offers a retail corner showcasing locally crafted sovereigns keeping alive the artistry of India’s farmers and artisans.
Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Karan Mendon, Co-founder & COO of Adhira & Appa Coffee, said: “Our mission is to celebrate India’s coffee traditions while creating modern spaces where people can come together over authentic food, locally sourced coffee, and meaningful conversations. The enthusiastic response to our Kochi outlet has reinforced our belief that A&A’s unique mix of heritage, innovation, and local artistry has the power to connect with communities across India.”
Commenting on the brand’s journey, Mr. Hari Kiran, Co-founder & COO of EBG Group, said: “Adhira & Appa Coffee reflects our commitment to building businesses that combine cultural heritage with modern consumer needs. As part of the EBG Group, A&A is more than just a café chain; it is a platform for sustainable growth, an experience with community connection, and a vision to expand nationwide. We are confident that A&A’s unique blend of authentic coffee, fusion food, and local artistry will allow us to scale to 50+ outlets this year and strengthen our position as a group that champions India’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
The brand’s growth strategy underlines its ambition to establish Adhira & Appa Coffee as a nationwide movement, where every store is not just a café but a platform to promote mental wellbeing, togetherness, and the joy of authentic experiences.
