10, Oct 2025
V-Guard Launches ‘Edam’ Counselling Hub in Kochi for Women’s Mental Health

Kochi, October 10, 2025: As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, V-Guard Industries Ltd. has launched Edam, a free counselling centre for women in Kochi, in collaboration with Welfare Services Ernakulam (Sahrudaya). The centre was inaugurated on World Mental Health Day, underscoring the need for accessible mental health care tailored for women. The inaugural ceremony was held in Kochi, with Hibi Eden, MP, formally inaugurating the initiative, and Dr. Reenaa Mithun Chittilappilly presiding over the event.

V-Guard - Edam Inauguration

National and international health studies have consistently shown that women are disproportionately affected by stress, depression, and anxiety. Recognising this urgent need, Edam aims to provide a safe and supportive space where women can seek professional counselling, emotional support, and guidance — completely free of charge.

“Along with development in society, the mental health of its people is equally important. However, many are still unwilling to open up about the mental difficulties they experience. Even today, there remains a stigma around us. In this context, the initiative ‘Edam’ launched by V-Guard Industries Limited in collaboration with Sahrudaya is indeed a significant step forward,” said Hibi Eden, MP, while speaking at the inauguration.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Reenaa Mithun Chittilappilly said, “Through Edam, we want to break the silence around mental health and ensure that women have access to the care and support they deserve. This initiative is an extension of V-Guard’s commitment to fostering healthier and more resilient communities. Women often carry invisible burdens while balancing roles at home, at work, and in society. With Edam, we want to give them a safe space to pause, reflect, and heal. This centre is not just about counselling — it’s about empowering women with resilience and hope.”

The initiative ‘Edam’ will operate from the Ponnurunni Welfare Services (Sahrudaya) campus.

For free counselling services, you may contact 9847610707. Services are available Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At the heart of Edam is its free, confidential one-on-one counselling service, designed especially for women in need. Highly trained counsellors will provide personalised mental health support in a private and empathetic environment.

Other planned activities during its first phase include:

  • Awareness Sessions & Community Outreach: Regular workshops in schools, colleges, and community centres to improve mental health literacy and encourage open conversations around women’s mental well-being.
  • Mental Health Screenings & Camps: Community-level assessments to identify early signs of distress and connect women with timely professional support.

By March 2026, Edam aims to directly reach 750+ women in Kochi through awareness and counselling services, with over 350 women expected to benefit from individual counselling sessions.

With this initiative, V-Guard Industries Ltd. reiterates its dedication to building mentally healthy communities and breaking barriers to care ensuring that every woman, regardless of background, has access to confidential, compassionate, and professional mental health support.

Sreekumar A., Vice President, V-Guard Industries Ltd; Saneesh K., Chief Officer – CSR, V-Guard Industries Ltd.; Fr. Joseph Koluthuvallil, Executive Director, Sahrudaya; Fr. Sibin Thomas, Assistant Executive Director; John Joshy K. J., District Social Justice Officer, Ernakulam and Drusya A., Assistant Professor, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakkara were also present at the inaugural event.

10, Oct 2025
Parisian Fashion Expands in Delhi NCR ELLE Opens 3rd Exclusive Store at Pacific Mall

New Delhi, September 2025: ELLE, the globally celebrated fashion and lifestyle brand, has brought another slice of Paris to Delhi with the launch of its newest store at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden. This opening marks ELLE’s 3rd Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) in Delhi NCR, underscoring its growing presence in one of India’s most fashion-forward regions.

PR - Cover Image Iconic

The new store is designed to reflect ELLE’s signature aesthetic—chic, timeless, and effortlessly Parisian. Shoppers can expect a curated selection of apparel, accessories, and seasonal collections that bring together modern silhouettes, elegant detailing, and versatile pieces crafted for today’s lifestyle.

Speaking on the launch, Apoorv, COO of Iconic Fashion, said:“We are delighted to open our latest ELLE store at Pacific Mall, a destination that reflects Delhi’s dynamic fashion culture. This store is not only about shopping—it’s about experiencing ELLE’s Parisian elegance up close. We invite our customers to explore the collection and make it their own.”

With this launch, ELLE continues to strengthen its commitment to offering trend-forward, globally inspired fashion in style-conscious destinations.

10, Oct 2025
24th LalitArpan Festival Showcases Stories of Strength, Spirit & Survival in Delhi

The Annual “LalitArpan Festival” (24th edition) Showcased Stories of Strength, Spirit, and Survival in Delhi

India, 10th october 2025: The Annual LalitArpan Festival (24th edition), held on October 8 and 9, 2025, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, left audiences deeply moved and inspired by its powerful theme  “Antah-Shakti: Courage and Hope.” This year, it presented a fascinating fusion of solo and group dance dramas that illuminated real-life stories of strength and inner transformation through the language of Kathak.

(1) L-R (Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Smt. Sangita Saxena, Lt. Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena & Shovana Narayan

The opening evening, October 8, featured “Agnipankh” by Shovana Narayan and Shruti Gupta Chandra, portraying the inspiring lives of real-life stories of three brave, young, and courageous persons- an autistic pianist, a transgender and an acid victim survivor – all of whom are working in the hospitality industry.  The performance was followed by “Kathak” by Nrityashree Alaknanda, a cancer survivor whose expressive movements graced the stage in a solo performance, reflecting the power of the human spirit.

On October 9, “Parkaya” by Akshobhya Bhardwaj from Mumbai presented a deeply personal and artistic Kathak journey that transcends physical limitations and embraces inner transformation through Kathak, while “Rashmirathi” presented by Asavari, Ensemble and choreographed by Guru Shovana Narayan, brought to life the story of Karna, the bold young warrior of the Mahabharata who, despite being abandoned at birth and raised by a charioteer which made him an outcast, became a powerful warrior and remained steadfastly committed to his perceived duty, even in the face of moral dilemma.

The eminent guests who graced the event included Lt. Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena & Smt. Sangita Saxena, Dr KG Suresh, Ms Preeti Aggarwal, Gayatri Prakash,Jyotsna Suri, Odissi Dancer Sharon Lowen, Sunit Tandon, Artist Naresh Kapuria, Ranjana Narayan, Actress Joyoshree Arora, Bharata Natyam Dancer Prathibha Prahlad, and K. Shiva Prasad.

The LalitArpan Festival, the brainchild of Kathak maestro Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, and the late Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan, one of the most eminent tabla players, was envisaged in 2002. It sowed the seeds to provide a platform to young artists as well as to foster confidence and make room in the realm of performing arts by making them participate along with reputed senior artists, which we have strived to do to the best of their ability. Alongside, we envisioned presenting the rasikas, various dimensions of the rich tapestry of classical performing arts through solo and group presentations, dance dramas and ensembles, and so on, to the aficionados. Organized by the dance institution Asavari and its volunteers, this festival has, till date, presented over 100 torchbearers of Indian classical performing arts. 

10, Oct 2025
Paras Health Ranks 4th Nationwide at Times Network India Health Summit 2025

Gurugram, October 10, 2025: At the Times Network India Health Summit 2025, Paras Health has been ranked 4th nationwide in the Multi-Speciality Group of Hospitals category; a prestigious recognition that celebrates the group’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class medical care and putting patients first across all its hospitals in India. This milestone underscores Paras Health’s rapid and strategic growth, solidifying its standing as one of the most trusted healthcare providers in the country.

Recognized for its strategic expansion, patient-first approach, and focus on clinical excellence, Paras Health sets a benchmark in delivering world-class healthcare across North India. Established in 2006, the group has grown strategically, building a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem based on three core pillars—advanced medical technology, highly skilled clinical talent, and compassionate patient care. Its network spans Gurugram, Panchkula, Patna, Ranchi, Udaipur, Darbhanga, Kanpur, and Srinagar, bridging the urban–rural healthcare divide and bringing tertiary care to underserved regions.

Dr. Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director of Paras Health, commented on the achievement, “This recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all. It is an honour that belongs to every doctor, nurse, and staff member whose dedication drives our mission. At Paras Health, excellence is not just about infrastructure; it is about clinical expertise, compassionate care, and the trust of our patients. Being ranked among the top four hospital groups motivates us to further strengthen our vision of bridging healthcare gaps across India.”

Smt. Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Her presence underscored the importance of advancing healthcare initiatives nationwide and highlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies in enhancing healthcare delivery across the country.

Mr. Vineet Aggarwal, Group COO, Paras Health, emphasized the operational rigor behind the group’s success and said, “Achieving this milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of our entire organization. Our strategy prioritizes clinical governance, operational efficiency, and continuous enhancement of the patient experience. This ranking reinforces our belief that a patient-first approach, combined with operational excellence, is the foundation for sustainable growth and trust.”

Paras Health views this recognition as a milestone, not a destination. The group remains committed to expanding its footprint, strengthening super-specialty departments, and investing in cutting-edge technologies and research, with a clear focus on delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare to all regions of India.

10, Oct 2025
Nobel Prize Dialogue Bengaluru: The Future We Want

India, 10th october 2025:Nobel Prize laureates and leading thinkers will gather to explore how knowledge, creativity, and investment in young people can shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable future—rooted in India’s rich intellectual tradition. Featuring Nobel Prize laureates David MacMillan (chemistry, 2021) and James Robinson (economic sciences, 2024), alongside renowned experts Tolullah Oni, Gagandeep Kang, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and Kush Parmar. The event will spotlight transformative talks on the origins of prosperity, the future of urban ecosystems, cutting-edge scientific discoveries, and innovations in global health, culminating in insightful panel discussions on megatrends shaping the next decade. The program will be enriched by captivating cultural performances by Dr. L. Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurthy.

3 November 2025 | 10:30 AM–1:00 PM
JN Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

10, Oct 2025
Philips OneBlade Intimate: Designed for Gen Z, redefining grooming ‘down there’

Mumbai, October 10, 2025: India’s Gen Z are rewriting the rules of self-care, especially when it  comes to intimate grooming. A Philips survey of more than 6,000 young Indians found that 90% do  intimate hair removal* — yet the majority still struggle with nicks, cuts and irritation or discomfort  from products not made for sensitive areas. To meet that shift, Philips India today launched its  global intimate grooming bestseller, Philips OneBlade Intimate, a skin-safe, unisex  device designed for sensitive areas. 

Smit Shukla, Head of Philips Personal Health India Subcontinent at the Philips OneBlade Intimate launch event

Backed by Philips’ bold Gen Z-first new campaign, #DontBeatAroundTheBush, and the  tagline “Down There, Done Right,” the launch aims to make intimate grooming as approachable as  skincare or shaving. 

Made for modern self-care 

Today’s younger generations are rewriting the rules of self-care, and they’re doing it with  unapologetic clarity, and embracing authenticity, comfort, and choice,” said Smit Shukla, Head of  Philips Personal Health India Subcontinent. “Their openness inspired us to lead a more honest  conversation around care rituals with one of our biggest grooming launches of the year. Philips OneBlade Intimate is our response to that shift, an extension of the trust and design excellence of  OneBlade, now tailored for intimate grooming. It gives people the confidence and freedom to choose  how they want to care for themselves, supported by the safety, comfort, and performance that they  expect from Philips.”  

Designed for precision, protection, and peace of mind 

Early product testing revealed that nearly 90percent who tried the product would move to Philips OneBlade Intimate as their primary intimate grooming tool; the innovation includes a wide range of thoughtful features for the modern grooming routine:  

  • Unique OneBlade Technology: Fast-moving cutter (100x per second) powers through any  length of hair, without the need for additional tools or devices 
  • Unique SkinProtect blade, with triple protection system: Rounded edges, bridge and  rounded tips are designed to prevent nicks, cuts and irritation, offering extra safety to protect  armpit and pubic skin 
  • Shave and Trim with extra skin protection with just one device: Attachable 3mm body  comb makes it fast and easy to trim intimate hair in any direction 
  • Durable stainless-steel blades last up to 4 months
  • Fully waterproof (IPX7), you can shave wet or dry, with or without foam, even in the shower;  it is easy to clean, just rinse it under the tap 
  • Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (USB-A) delivers 30 minutes of cordless shaving after an 8- hour charge

Confidential – Not for Public Consumption or Distribution 

Real talk, without the awkwardness 

To launch OneBlade Intimate, Philips sparked curiosity with its #DontBeatAroundTheBush campaign with its message of “Down There, Done Right”: a bold outdoor and digital activation that  turned heads across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Giant bush-shaped installations, QR-coded  teasers, and influencer buzz led to the reveal of the product. Using humor and honesty, the  campaign made intimate grooming a public conversation about comfort, confidence, and choice. 

Philips introduced the product to national media and creators on Oct. 9 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.  The brands’ boldest launch yet transformed the seaside terrace and pickleball courts into an  immersive playground with bushy mazes, live demos, and DJ sets that kept the energy high until late.

10, Oct 2025
Emotions, Egos, and a Mega Fall: Arbaz’s Game Turns the Tower Upside Down

MUMBAI, India, October 10, 2025: As the finale inches closer, the Tower of Rise and Fall is boiling with tension, shifting loyalties, and explosive confrontations. In today’s episode, the Mega Fall twist was introduced, a power-packed round where Ultimate Ruler Arbaz had to choose between two Rulers at a time, deciding who would rise and who would fall to the basement.

Aaditya X Bali (1)

The first face-off was between Arjun and Bali, setting the tone for a fiery episode. Before the decision, workers were allowed to share their opinions and that’s when the situation quickly spiraled into chaos.

Aditya and Bali locked horns yet again, reviving their long-standing feud. Aditya remarked, “Bali mere liye ek emotional manchild hai jo apne emotions ko handle nahi kar sakta hai.” An agitated Bali fired back, “Itni ego kis baat ki hai? Har banda jhoote ki nok par hai, kisi se baat karne ki tameez nahi hai khudko aur dusron ko badtameez bolega.” Aditya hit back, “Kaun badtameez hai sabne dekh liya hai, ladkiyon ke saath badtameezi, Nayandeep ke saath badtameezi, bahumat mein badtameezi.” Bali retorted, “Apna mukhota hat gaya hai na, asliyat bahar aa rahi hai.” To which Aditya replied sharply, “Band kar aur bata kaha badtameezi kari hai!”

Amid the heated exchange, Akriti stepped in with her sharp observation about yesterday’s task. “Mujhe lagta hai jo runner tha uska role bahut bada tha. Bali se bohot badi galti hui. Aap ek insaan ko baar baar weak bolte ho aur phir usko hi task ke liye choose karte ho, mujhe yahan bohot bada doglapan dikhta hai.” Bali responded curtly, “Doglapan nahi, usko insaniyat kehte hai.”

Akriti didn’t hold back either, “In dono ka target rehta hai apne se weak logon ko poke karte rehna. Ye dono sabse bade insecure ladke hain. At least Nayandeep jaisa hai, vaisa behave karta hai. Ye dono mard hoke bhi harkate karte hain.” Aarush snapped, “Matlab tum weak ho?”  Aarush smirked, “Iss se comeback nahi hoga, bhokne se comeback nahi hota.” And Bali concluded with a jab, “Flop picture ki flop heroine. Tu sabse badi janani hai is mamle mein.”

After the chaos, it was time for Arbaz’s big decision. Between Arjun and Bali, he chose to save Arjun, acknowledging his stronger gameplay, sending Arjun safely into finale week, while Bali fell to the basement.

The next pairing brought another emotional moment, Dhanashree and Manisha. Arbaaz once again had to make a tough call, ultimately choosing Dhanashree to continue her journey and earn her Ticket to Finale, while Manisha suffered a shocking fall.

With the Mega Fall twist shaking up the dynamics, the Tower now stands divided. Every decision is rewriting the game, and as the finale looms, one thing is clear, there’s no room left for mistakes.

In the game of Rise and Fall this week, the house is split between Workers and Rulers, with Aarush Bhola, Bali, Manisha Rani, Aditya Narayan, Kiku Sharda, Akriti Negi and Nayandeep Rakshiit hustling as Workers, while Arjun Bijlani, Dhanashree Verma and Arbaz Patel, hold the throne as Rulers. Watch daily new episodes of Rise and Fall for free, on Amazon MX Player at 12 PM and on Sony Entertainment Television at 10:30 PM.

10, Oct 2025
Forum South BLR Fest 2025 Unveils World’s Largest 40ft Gramophone

Bengaluru, October 10th, 2025: The city’s most anticipated festive celebration, Forum South BLR Fest, returns for its 3rd edition with the exciting theme “Back to the Future.” The highlight of this year’s celebration is the unveiling of the world’s largest 40ft walk-through gramophone.

Forum South BLR Fest,

From its towering horn to intricate design motifs, the installation reimagines the gramophone as an immersive retro-futuristic wonderland—where nostalgia blends seamlessly with imagination.

Built over 15 days by a team of 20 skilled artisans, the installation required 3,500 man-hours of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The gramophone celebrates the cultural revolutions of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, evoking memories of mixtapes, family gatherings, and timeless conversations that music inspired across generations.

“Forum South Bengaluru has always been at the forefront of curating immersive experiences. With the world’s largest 40 ft gramophone, we are celebrating both the nostalgia of the past and the imagination of the future, making this year’s fest truly unforgettable.” Muhammad Ali, CEO, Forum Malls, Prestige Group.

Featured Experiences & Events:

Immersive Gramophone Journey: Step inside the 40 ft structure and relive an era of nostalgia, a bridge between the past and the present generation.

Interactive Retro-Futuristic Décor: Neon lights, UFO-inspired elements, and larger-than-life installations spark wonder and imagination.

  • Usha Uthup Live Concert (October 19, 2025): Experience the legendary singer live in concert, bringing timeless music to the fest. BookMyShow
  • Festive Shopping & Brand Experiences: Explore curated shopping and brand showcases while soaking in the festive ambiance.

Forum South BLR Fest 2025 promises a one-of-a-kind celebration, blending nostalgia with innovation. With its mix of music, art, shopping, and live performances, the fest builds on its legacy of creativity— from last year’s Navrathan installation to this year’s record-breaking gramophone.

Ticketing & Event Details:

  • Date: 8th October 2025 onwards
  • Address: Forum South Bengaluru, Kanakapura Road, Banashankari, JP Nagar
  • Price: Tickets to witness the decor of the immersive Gramophone experience start at ₹199/-
10, Oct 2025
Cosmo First Secures ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification

New Delhi, 10 October 2025: Cosmo First Limited, a leading manufacturer in specialty films for packaging, labelling, lamination, synthetic paper, masterbatches and industrial applications, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. This certification demonstrates Cosmo First strong commitment towards information security, effective risk management, and ongoing improvement in line with global standards across its corporate office and manufacturing plants in India. 

ISO-cosmo-

The scope of certification covers the manufacturing of PP/PET/PET-G films, rigid packaging, speciality chemicals, window films, and paint protection films. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 provides a structured framework for identifying potential threats, implementing safeguards, and continuously enhancing information security. The standard emphasises proactive risk management and the use of threat intelligence, ensuring that organisations remain resilient against evolving risks and can manage them effectively.

Mr Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO of Cosmo First, highlighted the importance of information security in the digital era: “In today’s digital landscape, information security is paramount to our business operations and customer trust. This certification reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of information security and future-ready enterprise, committed to protecting our IPs and providing security and trust to our customers. It also gives us the confidence to seek new markets as we continue to expand our global footprint as well.”

Earlier this year, Cosmo Specialty Chemicals, the 100% subsidiary of Cosmo First and Cosmo Sunshield, a business of Cosmo First involved in Window Films also achieved the ISO 9001:2015 certification for their Quality Management Systems. This recognised the company’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the design, development, manufacturing, and delivery of Adhesives, Coatings, Masterbatch, Window Film products at its MIDC Area facility in Waluj, Aurangabad.

These certifications and recognitions demonstrate Cosmo First’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding sensitive information assets and upholding quality operational and management practices across its diversified business operations.  The company continues to set new benchmarks in the industry through its pursuit of excellence.

10, Oct 2025
SUD Life launches SUD Life NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Fund

India,10th October 2025: SUD Life Insurance has announced the launch of the SUD Life NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Fund, a new fund offering that tracks the NIFTY Alpha 50 Index, a smart beta benchmark designed to identify India’s most consistent outperforming stocks. The New Fund Offer (NFO) is open from October 6 to October 24, 2025.

The index comprises the top 50 stocks from India’s largest and most liquid companies, selected based on their alpha, which measures each stock’s ability to outperform the broader market after adjusting for risk. Each stock’s weight in the index is determined by its alpha score, creating a performance-oriented portfolio rooted in quantitative analysis.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Prashant Sharma, Chief Investment Officer at SUD Life, said “This fund is about giving investors access to a more thoughtful way of investing in equities. Instead of simply tracking market size, it focuses on the performance of the companies that have shown an ability to deliver better returns over time. The idea is simple, to stay systematic, to stay invested, and to let data drive decisions. With the added benefit of 0% GST on ULIP charges, policyholders can now enjoy both efficiency and potential upside” 

The index is rebalanced quarterly, ensuring agility in response to evolving market dynamics. The fund targets consistent Alpha with a sector agnostic approach helping balance risk and capture opportunities across the economic spectrum.

With its mid-cap bias and focus on high-alpha constituents, the fund is suited for policyholders seeking to participate in India’s growth story through a smarter, data-led approach to equity investing.

The fund will be available with SUD Life’s unit-linked insurance products like SUD Life Wealth Builder Plan, SUD Life e-Wealth Royale, and SUD Life Star TULIP Plan.

Additionally, with the recent GST exemption on ULIP charges (0% GST), policyholders can now get greater cost efficiency and improved net returns along with a life insurance cover, making this an opportune time to grow wealth through market-linked life insurance solutions.

This launch reflects SUD Life’s continued focus on offering policyholders smarter, research-backed ways to grow their wealth while staying protected through life cover with market-linked life insurance plans.