Category Archives: News

Industry stalwarts from hard-to-abate sector gather to deliberate on action plan to sustainability at the PHDCCI’s Global Summit on Sustainability 2025

Hard-to-Abate Sectors, be it Cement, Steel or Oil & Gas, are crucial for an economy’s growth while also contributing significantly to emissions.  As India advances on its transformative journey to becoming a US$7 trillion economy by 2030, the drive towards green manufacturing and low-carbon growth has become a national priority.

The second edition of PHDCCI’s Global Summit on Sustainability held on 22^nd August 2025 at Hotel Le Meridien, brought together industry stalwarts, policy makers, green technology innovators, investors and think tanks to deliberate on an action plan for decarbonisation and net-zero sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Sh. Narayanasa K. Bhandage, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), spoke about India’s growth as the world’s fourth-largest economy and its vision of energy self-reliance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized that self-reliance in energy is central to India’s sustainable growth.

Mr. Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA), highlighted vast opportunities for MSMEs in India’s solar journey and even markets abroad. With schemes like PM-KUSUM, where solar power is being extended to farmers, with 700 MW installations being done and another 10,000 MW to be done. According to an estimate, there are nearly 300 million people who will be migrating to smaller towns in the near future, atleast half of urban buildings need to be constructed, cement and steel demand will be doubling to meet this urban challenge, there is an immense opportunity in this sector. Solar rooftop installations, solar pumps are some of the other great opportunity sectors for MSMEs in India as well as in African countries.

Mr. Sanjeev Bhatia, Executive Director, Indraprastha Gas Limited, shared IGL’s commitment to achieve net-zero by 2040, ahead of India’s 2070 target. He highlighted city gas distribution, CBG plants, LNG adoption, and hydrogen blending as key enablers of cleaner urban growth.

Mr. Karthikeyen K, Vice President, Invest India, spoke about India’s growth journey and the urgency of responsible development. He stressed that green manufacturing and decisive decarbonisation are now imperatives, highlighting government initiatives like the India Investment Grid and Project Monitoring Portal, and innovations in carbon capture and green hydrogen as signs of hope for sustainable growth.

Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, Former DG, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Advisor to the PHDCCI Sustainability Committee, underlined the critical challenges in hard-to-abate sectors viz., he noted their high greenhouse gas emissions, dependence on fossil fuels, costly emerging technologies, and complex supply chains. Drawing from industry experience, he emphasized the urgent need for technological innovation, fossil fuel transition, and supply chain decarbonisation.

Mr. Vikram Jain, Co-Chair, Sustainability Committee, PHDCCI, highlighted India’s progress on sustainability and called for greater responsibility to reduce emissions in oil, gas, steel, and cement through cleaner fuels, recycling, hydrogen processes, carbon capture, and innovation. To drive green industrialization and support India’s global climate commitments, it is critical to forge innovative, scalable and inclusive decarbonisation strategies within these sectors.

Mr. Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, emphasized that sustainability is not just an environmental agenda but a moral imperative of the industry and the society as whole. Moreover, it is a great  economic opportunity for both the large as well MSME sector. With leading companies investing in green energy, these are the companies looked up by the stock market also. He urged industries to reimagine possibilities and invest in green hydrogen, solar, and other future-ready solutions.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, highlighted the immense opportunities in India’s sustainability journey for the MSME sector.  These smaller players are not only integral to the supply chain but also hold the potential to become powerful enablers of sustainable transformation provided they are equipped with the right tools, technologies and handholding support. He also reminded that beyond industry initiatives, every individual carries responsibility for building a greener future.

It was a very well attended and deliberated Summit with the stakeholders engaging in deep-dive discussions, best-practice sharing, and the co-creation of policy and action frameworks for decarbonizing India’s hardest-to-abate sectors. The discussions were centred around empowering ancillary MSMEs with access to cleaner technologies and financing models, building cross-sectoral collaborations for green supply chains, encouraging innovation in carbon capture, alternative fuels and circular practices and exploring market-based mechanism.

The Art of Not Shouting: Dressing with Intention

The Art of Not Shouting: Dressing with Intention

How Pleyne Redefines Presence in the Age of Excess

In a market driven by volume and visibility, Pleyne makes space for something rarer: the power of presence without performance.

Jaipur – Before you are seen, you are felt. Pleyne begins there—in the pause before the room turns, in the quiet confidence that does not seek validation. In a world that thrives on spectacle, Pleyne offers stillness. It does not compete. It does not declare. It endures.

This is not fashion for the moment—it is dressing for the man you already are, and who you are still becoming.

Clarity, Cut to Form

At Pleyne, restraint is not the absence of design—it is the result of discipline. Every line is considered. Every detail, refined. Logos are deliberately absent. Noise has no seat at the table. The garments do not ask to be seen; they wait to be noticed.

“We’re not interested in noise,” says Chirag Sogani, the founder of Pleyne. “We are interested in the pause. The way fabric follows you. The way the right sleeve placement can say more than any label. That is where the value is—in the quiet details.”

A collar that rests clean against the neck. A shoulder seam that falls with precision, not pressure. These subtleties anchor the presence of every garment.

Tailored with Intention

Each Pleyne piece is produced in limited numbers. Fabrics are selected not for trends, but for time—for how they feel after twenty wears, how they breathe in heat, how they soften to the rhythm of the body.

Silhouettes are inspired by clarity in Tokyo, structure in Milan, and flow in India. The result: clothing that moves with ease, without ever losing shape or substance.

A Space to Breathe

Pleyne offers an invitation to slow down. To reconnect with your own pace. Here, there are no chaotic collections or racks of redundancy. There is light, space, and quiet. Garments are placed, not packed. Time is given, not taken.

“This is for people who know themselves,” says Sogani. “Our clients are not trying to impress anyone. They have done the work. Now they want their wardrobe to reflect that.”

Built to Stay

Pleyne does not follow fashion calendars. It does not offer ‘newness’ for the sake of it. Instead, it presents carefully timed releases—pieces designed to remain relevant not just for seasons, but for years. They are made to live with you, not replace themselves.

“We aren’t in the business of replacement,” Sogani says. “We are here to offer clothing that becomes part of your rhythm. Something you reach for without hesitation. And feel more like yourself when you do.”

The Statement Is the Stillness

Pleyne is for those who understand that presence does not require volume. That attention earned in silence carries the most weight. These are not clothes built to impress others. They are made to reflect something more enduring: self-assurance.

They do not wear you. They reveal you.

Paytm Founder to Appear on The Great Indian Kapil Show After Making Company Fully Indian and Profitable

Mumbai, 20^th August 2025: Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma will feature on The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, with the episode airing on 23rd August. The trailer for the episode dropped today as part of the latest telecast, confirming Sharma’s first-ever Netflix appearance.

The appearance comes shortly after Paytm transitioned to full Indian ownership and returned to profitability, a development that industry watchers describe as a defining moment for the fintech major.

This milestone follows Paytm Payments Services Ltd. (PPSL) receiving in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Payment Aggregator, a key regulatory nod for the company’s long-term growth.

Market observers note that Paytm remains India’s largest merchant payments platform for enterprises and MSMEs, with leadership in QR code payments, soundbox devices, and card machines, supported by a vast merchant network. Analysts widely credit Sharma with pioneering mobile payments in India, enabling millions of small businesses, street vendors, and large enterprises to accept digital transactions seamlessly.

Earlier this year, Sharma voluntarily surrendered shares worth approximately ₹492 crore to SEBI as part of a settlement, a move that underscored his commitment to resolving regulatory matters and ensuring compliance-first operations.

Sources tracking Paytm say the company’s recent turnaround reflects Sharma’s resilience and sharpened focus on compliance while driving innovation in payment solutions.

Industry analysts summed it up: “This is a symbolic moment — the founder who taught India how to make mobile payments is now celebrating the company’s revival and future growth on a platform that reaches millions of Indians.”

The Netflix episode is expected to highlight Sharma’s entrepreneurial journey and Paytm’s pivotal role in shaping India’s digital payments landscape. Observers say the timing underscores the brand’s renewed growth cycle, projecting confidence and reinforcing Paytm’s deep connection with its core audience.

Telangana Emerges as Global Life Sciences Hub with INR 54,000 Cr Investment

Telangana Emerging as Global Life Sciences Powerhouse with an investment of over ₹ 54,000 Crore since 2024

Hyderabad, India August 20th 2025: Telangana has reaffirmed its global leadership in life sciences, with investments surpassing ₹54,000 Crore in the past year alone, and the city is now ranked among the top 7 life sciences clusters globally (only Indian city). Backed by robust policy support, industry-friendly infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, the state has attracted over ₹54,000 Crore in cumulative investments across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cell and gene therapy, medical devices, vaccines, and digital health since formation of the new Government. These investments will result in potential employment generation of more than 2 lakh jobs by leading global and Indian enterprises in areas such as sterile injectables, biosimilars, biologics, AI/ML and advanced healthcare services. Driven by a vision to position itself as the life sciences capital of Asia the state has been a catalyst of growth by providing the best intellectual and infrastructure support to corporates looking for strategic investment in India.

These progress of the life sciences sector was formally reviewed at the Board Meeting of Telangana Life Sciences held today under the chairmanship of Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Industries & Commerce, Electronics & Communications, and Legislative Affairs. Special Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjay Kumar IAS, VC&MD TGIIC Mr. Shashanka IAS, CEO of Telangana Lifesciences Mr. Shakthi M. Nagappan, Chairman of DRL Mr. Satish Reddy, Chairman of Laurus Labs Mr. Satya Chava, among others attended the meeting.

According to Mr. D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce and Legislative Affairs in the state of Telangana. “Telangana has emerged as a global epicentre for innovation-led life sciences and is now home to over 2000 Life Sciences Companies. The progress made in the last year reflects our strategic commitment to creating a future-ready, knowledge-driven ecosystem. Hyderabad’s emergence as one of the Top 7 global life sciences clusters is a direct outcome of Telangana’s progressive policies, robust infrastructure, and talent-rich ecosystem. This is a result of our focussed efforts and I take this opportunity to congratulate our team on the significant growth”.

During the review, the Hon’ble Minister also directed that the proposed Life Sciences University be developed in a world-class manner as the Telangana School of Life Sciences, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. This initiative is envisioned to become a premier institution fostering cutting-edge research, innovation, and talent development, thereby strengthening Telangana’s position as a global leader in life sciences.

Telangana life sciences ecosystem is valued at over $ 80 billion and it is the only region in the world to host more than 250 USFDA approved sites. The city has over 20+ Life Sciences and MedTech Incubators fostering R&D and innovation in next generation technologies. Hyderabad offers world class talent for Research, Manufacturing and Innovation supported by best-in-class industry infrastructure. It has been the Government’s endeavour to facilitate strategic investments in the state by laying down favourable government policies and incentives for both National and International corporations. Telangana also offers the right bandwidth of talent with over 40 National Research and Academic Institutions providing the required resources to fuel the sectors growth.

Mr. Shakthi Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Lifesciences said” Hyderabad has now become home to 8 of the top 10 big pharma companies, and we are well on the way to making it 10 out 10 under the leadership of Hon’ble CM and Hon’ble Minister (I&C). As part of the board meeting, Hon’ble Minister reviewed the plans for upgradation of Genome Valley and medtech park, etc. The Board assessed the sharp rise in investments, the growth of Hyderabad’s global standing, and the state’s progress toward becoming a $250 billion life sciences economy by 2030. Board also reviewed the draft of the upcoming Telangana Life Sciences Policy, which aims to catalyze sectoral expansion through incentives, talent development, infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives.

Re Sustainability Launches Twin Green Initiatives to Advance Circular Economy and Responsible Living

Hyderabad, 19th August 2025: Re Sustainability Limited (ReSL), Asia’s leading provider of circular economy solutions, today announced the launch of two impactful sustainability initiatives this festive season. These include the 18th edition of its award-winning Green Ganesha campaign (#ReBIGGreenGanesha), in collaboration with 92.7 BIG FM, and the introduction of its smart, app-based waste collection platform, Aakri – Powered by Re Sustainability. The twin initiatives were launched at My Home Bhooja, in the presence of residents who actively participated in the celebrations. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen the circular economy and inspire eco-conscious responsibility among citizens.

Reimagining Festive Celebrations with Green Ganesha

The stakes for sustainable celebrations are high, as evidenced by last year’s Ganesh festivities in Hyderabad, which generated more than 6,000 tonnes of post-immersion waste from Hussain Sagar Lake alone. Traditional idols made from Plaster of Paris (POP) and coated with toxic paints fail to dissolve fully, releasing heavy metals, depleting oxygen levels, and harming aquatic ecosystems.

To counter this environmental impact, ReSL and 92.7 BIG FM are spearheading the “Green Ganesha 2025” campaign. Last year, over 10,000 eco-friendly seed Ganesha idols made of natural clay were distributed across India. This year, the campaign is scaling up with the distribution of 15,000 seed Ganesha idols. Embedded with seeds and organic fertilizer, these idols can be immersed at home in flowerpots, symbolizing new life while directly safeguarding water bodies.

The campaign once again receives strong backing from acclaimed Indian actor Tanikella Bharani & Madhu Shalini, a passionate advocate for the cause, who joined the launch event to rally citizens toward responsible celebration.

Community engagement is central to the campaign, with a city-wide used paper collection drive recycling paper into large eco-friendly Ganesha sculptures, alongside interactive on-ground and on-air initiatives led by BIG FM RJs from Aug 19^th to Sept 02^nd.

Aakri – Powered by Re Sustainability: One Platform to Handle Everything You Throw Away!

Alongside Green Ganesha, ReSL introduced Aakri – Powered by Re Sustainability, a smart, app-based waste collection platform designed to simplify everyday waste disposal.

Backed by Re Sustainability’s three decades of expertise in integrated waste management, recycling, and circular economy solutions, Aakri enables doorstep pickup of sanitary waste, used diapers, recyclables, and domestic hazardous waste through a seamless digital experience. Currently active in the southern region of the country, Aakri serves individual homes, gated communities, apartment complexes, and institutions. With a rapidly growing customer base of over 1 lakh users, the platform is transforming how Indian households manage regulated waste, recyclables and is now poised to scale its impact nationwide.

All waste collected through Aakri is processed via Re Sustainability’s robust network of material recovery facilities, advanced recycling units, and state-of-the-art incineration plants. This includes the specialized treatment of sanitary and domestic hazardous waste, handled with the highest levels of safety, hygiene, and environmental compliance.

Aakri – Powered by Re Sustainability isn’t just about disposal. It empowers citizens to take part in India’s journey toward cleaner cities, healthier communities, and a zero-waste future. By combining technology, operational excellence, and trusted environmental infrastructure, Aakri brings sustainability right to every doorstep.

“Our vision is to empower every citizen to become a custodian of the environment,” says Mr. Masood Mallick, Managing Director & CEO of Re Sustainability. He further elaborates, “Through Green Ganesha, we offer a tradition-friendly yet eco-conscious alternative that safeguards our water bodies. With Aakri powered by Re Sustainability, we are making responsible waste management simple, safe, and accessible for every household. Sustainability is a shared duty, and together, small actions can create extraordinary impact.”

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sunil Kumaran, Chief Executive Officer of 92.7 BIG FM, said “BIG FM has always believed in the power of entertainment to drive social impact. With #ReBIGGreenGanesha, we are not only celebrating one of India’s most beloved festivals but also inspiring communities to embrace sustainability in meaningful ways. By bringing together music, culture, and environmental responsibility, we hope to create a movement where every celebration leaves behind not waste, but life. Our collaboration with Re Sustainability is a testament to our shared commitment towards a greener, cleaner future.”

Resident Endorsement

Speaking at the event, a resident of My Home Bhooja shared:

“It is heartening to see initiatives like Green Ganesha that preserve tradition while protecting our environment. The eco-friendly seed idols give us a way to celebrate responsibly and leave behind something positive. At the same time, the launch of Aakri powered by Re Sustainability feels like the missing piece. One platform to handle everything we throw away, it makes waste management so much simpler, and now it’s not only easy to discard waste but also rewarding, as we can even earn from recyclables. It’s truly a step toward making sustainability part of everyday life.”

The Dos and Don’ts of Choosing the Right Pet Boarding Centre

By – Rinky Gupta & Pratik Sheth, Founders – Barker and Meowsky

If you’ve ever packed your bags for a trip and felt those guilty puppy eyes (or the slow blink of your cat), you know the emotional tug of leaving your pet behind. The choice of where they’ll stay while you’re away can make all the difference for them and for you.

At Barker and Meowsky, we’ve cared for pets who trot in like they own the place and others who arrive a little nervous, unsure of what’s ahead. Over time, we’ve realised that the right boarding centre is not just about four walls and a food bowl it’s about creating a second home.

Start with a visit. A walk through the facility will tell you more than any Instagram post ever could. Notice how clean it is, how the staff interact with the animals, and whether the space feels welcoming.

Ask about the little things. Feeding schedules, playtime routines, and even nap arrangements can impact your pet’s comfort.

Match the environment to your pet’s personality. An active Labrador might thrive in a playful, social space, while an introverted cat may prefer a quiet corner with minimal disturbance.

And yes never compromise on health and safety. Updated vaccinations and trained staff should be non-negotiable

“Pet boarding is not just about a place to sleep it’s about creating a safe, engaging, and loving environment that mirrors the comfort of home,” says Pratik Sheth, Co-Founder of Barker and Meowsky. “Your pet should return to you happy, healthy, and maybe even with a few new friends.”

Because when it comes to our furry family members, peace of mind for you starts with the right choice for them.

India’s Most Anticipated Literary Awards, the Crossword Book Awards

Mumbai, August 18th, 2025: Crossword Bookstores, the country’s most cherished literary destination, has announced the jury for the Crossword Book Awards 2025. Continuing its legacy as India’s most respected celebration of literature, this year’s edition brings together a stellar 15-member jury panel of acclaimed writers, editors, journalists, business leaders, and cultural commentators, setting the stage for an exciting literary season.

Talking about the jury and the Awards, Aakash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Bookstores, said: “For over 25 years, the Crossword Book Awards have been a benchmark for literary recognition in India. This year’s jury embodies the passion, integrity, and deep literary insight that define the Awards. We look forward to celebrating the voices that shape our stories and, in turn, our world.”

Jury Panel – Crossword Book Awards 2025

FICTION

Navtej Sarna – Navtej Singh Sarna is an acclaimed Indian author and retired diplomat, having served as India’s Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and Ambassador to Israel during his 36-year career in the Indian Foreign Service. He is the author of three novels, which include The Exile and Crimson Spring, as well as several works of translation, short stories, and literary criticism. His writings span history, culture, and politics, with contributions to leading publications in India and abroad.

Sunil Sethi—Sunil Sethi is a renowned journalist, columnist, and television presenter who has been a regular columnist with Business Standard since 2000. He hosted the weekly literary show Just Books on NDTV from 2005 to 2013 and authored ‘Indian Interiors’ and other acclaimed works. He has also scripted documentaries for the BBC and Channel 4.

Vaishna Roy – Vaishna Roy is an accomplished journalist and editor with over 30 years of experience leading editorial teams and crafting compelling narratives. She currently serves as the editor of Frontline magazine. Vaishna is a prominent columnist, contributing to the fortnightly columns “Woman, Uninterrupted” and “Speech Melba” in The Hindu’s Weekend section.

NON-FICTION

Satish Padmanabhan – Managing Editor at Outlook, Padmanabhan brings 25 years of experience in journalism and literary criticism. He has also taught journalism at the Times School of Journalism and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. He has also worked with Sunday, BusinessWorld, Economic Times, NDTV, and CNBC and is deeply engaged in book journalism and literary programming.

Mandira Nayar – Mandira Nayar is an accomplished journalist and former Deputy Bureau Chief at The Week, with over two decades of experience covering culture, history, foreign policy, and books. A Charles Wallace Fellow (2015), she is also the Co-founder of Agla Varka, a cultural platform which aims to spark meaningful conversations on Punjab and has reported for The Hindu and The Telegraph.

Milan Vaishnav – Milan Vaishnav is a Senior Fellow and Director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. An expert on the political economy of India, he is also the award-winning author of When Crime Pays and host of the “Grand Tamasha” podcast.

TRANSLATIONS

Poonam Saxena –Poonam Saxena is a journalist, writer and translator. She has had a distinguished career with The Hindustan Times, where she launched and edited the HT Sunday magazine, Brunch. She translates from Hindi to English, and her translations include Dharmvir Bharati’s ‘Gunahon ka Devta’ (Chander & Sudha, Penguin Viking), Rahi Masoom Raza’s ‘Scene: 75’ (HarperCollins), and ‘The Greatest Hindi Stories Ever Told’ (Aleph). She was also the co-author of filmmaker Karan Johar’s memoir ‘An Unsuitable Boy’(Penguin).

S. Prasannarajan – Prasannarajan, Editor of Open magazine, is a seasoned journalist with senior editorial roles at The Times of India, Indian Express, and India Today. A prolific essayist and cultural critic, he writes widely read columns and shapes public discourse through his incisive political, literary, and international analyses.

Fathima E.V. – Fathima E.V. is an acclaimed writer and translator from Kerala, and the co-recipient of the 2021 JCB Prize for Literature for ‘Delhi: A Soliloquy’ by M. Mukundan. Her debut translation, ‘A Preface to Man’ by Subash Chandran, won both the Crossword Prize for English Translation and the V. Abdulla Translation Award in 2017. She has also translated ‘Baby Doll: Stories of Gracy’ and poetry for ‘Indian Ink’, and was shortlisted for the inaugural “PEN Presents” UK translation grant in 2022.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Anita Nair –Anita Nair, acclaimed Indian author, is celebrated for adult and children’s literature. Her books include ‘Ladies Coupé’, the ‘Inspector Gowda’ series, and ‘The Puffin Book of Magical Indian Myths’. A Sahitya Akademi and Crossword Award winner, her work appears in 30+ languages. She mentors writers through Anita’s Attic.

Deepak Dalal –Deepak Dalal is a renowned children’s author known for adventure stories that explore India’s wildlife and landscapes. His Vikram–Aditya series spans Ladakh, the Andamans, and the Western Ghats, while Feather Tales engages younger readers.

Deepa Agarwal –Deepa Agarwal writes for both children and adults and has over 60 books published. A frequent contributor to magazines and journals in India and abroad, she has edited and compiled several anthologies. Among various other awards, she has received the N.C.E.R.T. National Award for Children’s Literature for ‘Ashok’s New Friends’, while her historical fiction ‘Caravan to Tibet’ was on the prestigious IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) Honour List 2008.

BUSINESS and MANAGEMENT

Mitali Mukherjee – Mitali Mukherjee is the Director of the Reuters Institute and the Director of the Journalist Programmes at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford. She is a political economy journalist with more than two decades of experience in TV, print and digital journalism.

Sonu Bhasin – Sonu Bhasin is an award-winning business author, family business historian, and one of India’s senior women leaders with over three decades of experience across financial and non-financial sectors. Sonu has written six bestselling business books, including ‘Lala Shri Ram: The Man Who Saw Tomorrow’, winner of the 2024 Gaja Capital Business Book Prize. She is also a columnist for The Economic Times and has been recognised among the Global 100 Most Influential for family enterprises.

Sruthijith KK – Sruthijith KK is an Executive Editor at The Economic Times, who has worked in leading roles across business media platforms. He joined ET in late 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including Editor-in-Chief at Mint. He is known for his deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and his ability to navigate the challenges of digitalisation.

First presented in 1998, the Crossword Book Awards have championed the finest Indian authors, celebrating their work and inspiring countless new voices. At the heart of this celebration lies the jury panel. From acclaimed writers and seasoned editors to leading journalists and thought leaders, this diverse jury panel reflects the depth and breadth of India’s literary landscape, ensuring that the awards remain a true representation of the country’s creative brilliance. Across five categories, Fiction, Non-fiction, Translations, Children’s Books, and Business and Management, each panel of three jurors will longlist ten books from publisher submissions across India, before narrowing them down to a shortlist of five, from which the final winner will be chosen.

Alongside the Jury Awards, the Crossword Book Awards also feature the Popular Choice Awards, where readers across the country vote to decide the winning book across different categories. With its blend of expert judgment and public participation, the Crossword Book Awards is poised to celebrate India’s contemporary literary scene, building excitement and anticipation in the lead-up to this year’s grand celebration.

Vegas Mall Dazzles with a Double Celebration: Independence Day and Shri Krishna Janmashtami

New Delhi, 18th August 2025: Vegas Mall, Dwarka, witnessed a spectacular confluence of patriotism and devotion as it celebrated both Independence Day and Shri Krishna Janmashtami on the same day, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.

The day began with a grand Flag Hoisting Ceremony at 9:00 AM, where shoppers and community members came together to honour the Tiranga with pride and patriotism. Rose petals showered down in celebration, symbolising the love and unity of the nation.

In the evening, the mall transformed into a vibrant cultural hub for the Shri Krishna Janmashtami Mahotsav in association with ISKCON Dwarka. The festivities commenced at 4:30 PM onwards, featuring a captivating Krishna Leela, soulful Bhajan Sandhya, and the joyful Phoolon Ki Holi. A special live performance by the Sadho Band added to the festive charm, leaving the audience mesmerised.

The dual celebration drew an overwhelming crowd, with 3500+ footfall recorded for the day, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm and the mall’s growing reputation as a cultural and lifestyle destination.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, said, “At Vegas Mall, we believe in creating experiences that go beyond shopping. This year’s Independence Day coinciding with Janmashtami gave us the unique opportunity to blend patriotic pride with spiritual celebration. We are delighted to have hosted such an overwhelming number of guests who came together to honour the nation and rejoice in the festive spirit of Lord Krishna’s birth.”

One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025 Kicks Off at Sathya Sai Grama

One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025 Kicks Off at Sathya Sai Grama – 100 Days, 100 Nations, One Mission of Global Harmony

Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli – A spectacular global gathering began today as the One World One Family Mission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture World Oe, Government of India, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), launched the Onne Family World Cultural Festival 2025 at Sathya Sai Grama, Karnataka.

The Festival will run for 100 days, uniting 100 nations in a celebration of culture, spirituality, service, and shared humanity. From sacred traditions to modern expressions, from interfaith dialogue to artistic performances, the Festival seeks to reaffirm a simple truth: despite borders and divisions, the world can still stand together as one family.

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Honourable Minister of Culture, Government of India, extended a warm welcome to all participating nations and announced a special cultural exhibition supported by IGNCA to showcase the richness of Indian heritage.

Mr Mahendra D, Regional Director of IGNCA Southern Regional Centre, Bengaluru, expressed strong support for the Festival’s vision of harmony and unity.

Padma Bhushan Shri Subramanian Ramadorai, Chairperson of Mission Karmayogi Bharat and Former Chairman of Kalakshetra Foundation, emphasised the Festival’s message of “caring and sharing, generosity, goodwill, understanding, and cooperation”.

Dr T. B. Jayachandra, Honourable MLA from Sira and the State’s Special Representative in Delhi, praised the initiative as both a celebration of global culture and a continuation of a legacy rooted in love and service.

Delivering the keynote, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Founder of the One World One Family Mission, described culture as “connection, concern, collaboration, coexistence, and cocreation”, and invited the world to join this once-in-a-century experience of oneness, love, and peace.

The celebrations concluded with a powerful cultural performance, “Vande Mataram”, by students and staff of the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, setting the tone for the days ahead.

The World Cultural Festival 2025 promises to be a landmark in global cultural and spiritual exchange, shining a light on the values that unite humanity beyond geography, faith, and tradition.

BCI Chief Manan Kumar Mishra Urges Law Graduates to Prioritize Service, Outlines Legal Career Stages

14th August 2025: Urging aspiring lawyers to serve society and help build a better nation, Member of Parliament and Bar Council of India Chairman, Hon’ble Shri Manan Kumar Mishra, called upon them to prioritise pro bono service over monetary gains.

The senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India, speaking as Chief Guest at the Convocation Ceremony of SVKM’s NMIMS Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, said that those entering the litigation field without any godfather are ‘first-generation warriors’ who must pass through multiple stages of hard work and perseverance before they start earning in lakhs for just a few minutes of arguing in court.

“Those who enter litigation with no godfather will have to go through four stages. Most get disheartened in the first stage and look for alternative careers. But a determined few move to the second stage, here they get a senior’s office, some work, a few clients, but still no money. The third stage is when your dedication is recognised and some money starts to come in. The fourth and final stage is the most rewarding, when you have your own juniors doing research, preparing briefs, drafts, and citations. You walk into court, argue for just a few minutes, and get paid in lakhs,” Mishra said.

He emphasised that degrees alone are not enough to practise law, and that the real filter is the All India Bar Examination, which must be cleared to be eligible for practice. “You, as students of Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, NMIMS, are fortunate to have good colleges, libraries, teachers, and facilities. But over 70% of law institutions lack proper infrastructure and quality faculty. There are unfair practices during exams, PhDs and degrees are being sold. Hence, the Bar Council of India introduced the All India Bar Examination. A lawyer may get a degree but cannot practise in court without clearing it,” he added.

The convocation saw degrees conferred upon students from the BA LL.B. (Hons.), BBA LL.B. (Hons.), and Master of Laws (LL.M.) programmes, with awards presented to high performers, all-round achievers, faculty, and staff.

Dean Dr. Durgambini Patel presented the annual report and congratulated the graduating batch. “Today signifies a momentous occasion when we continue to set new benchmarks. We celebrate our students for crossing a huge milestone and our teachers for passing on the legacy of shaping excellent legal minds. The 2025 batch exemplifies resilience, excellence, and ambition,” she said.

She also highlighted student placements with leading organisations such as Bharucha & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, IC Universal Legal, Khaitan & Co., Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd., JSA, and Rastriya Banijya Bank. “Remember, students, you are not just graduates, you are the torchbearers of justice, innovation, and leadership,” she added.

The ceremony concluded with the Graduate Oath and a Sustainability Oath, highlighting the school’s commitment to ethical and socially conscious law practice.