After we celebrate, they clean up. Their message: respect the Tiranga

Municipal sanitation workers hold placards urging citizens not to discard the Tiranga on roads, in gutters or in garbage bins after Independence Day celebrations.

Hyderabad, Aug 14: The people who clean up our streets after public celebrations are making a simple but powerful appeal: Please do not throw the National Flag on the ground.

Municipal sanitation workers hold placards urging citizens not to discard the Tiranga on roads, in gutters or in garbage bins after Independence Day celebrations. Instead, citizens are encouraged to collect, preserve and dispose of the National Flag respectfully, in accordance with the Flag Code of India.

The powerful visual is part of an awareness initiative conceived by PR CommUNITY on the respectful handling and disposal of the National Flag.

Every year, the Tiranga is hoisted and celebrated with great pride and patriotism. Yet, after the celebrations, discarded flags are often found on roadsides and in garbage. And it is often the very sanitation workers who sweep our streets who have to pick them up.

PR CommUNITY’s initiative has gained added significance with the visit of Priya Ranjan Sarkar, popularly known as the “Flag Man of Bengal,” who has spent more than 15 years collecting discarded National Flags and creating awareness about treating the Tiranga with dignity and respect.

The message is simple: We celebrate the Tiranga with pride. Our responsibility towards it should not end when the celebration ends.

BRICS CCI Youth Leadership Dialogue 3.0 Concludes in New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 14: The BRICS CCI Youth Leadership Dialogue 3.0 concluded on August 12 at Novotel New Delhi City Centre, bringing together students and young leaders with distinguished diplomats, embassy representatives, Ministers of State, senior bureaucrats, policymakers, business leaders and other eminent personalities.

The closing ceremony marked the culmination of the multi-day youth leadership programme organised by the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry, which focused on creating meaningful interactions between young people and leaders from diplomacy, governance, public policy, business and international affairs.

The programme provided students and young delegates with an opportunity to engage directly with senior representatives, understand diverse perspectives on global affairs and explore the role of youth in strengthening international cooperation.

A Platform Connecting Students with Decision-Makers

A key objective of the Dialogue was to move beyond conventional youth conferences by facilitating direct interaction between students and professionals working at senior levels of diplomacy, government, administration and business.

The closing ceremony brought this vision together, with students participating alongside diplomats, embassy representatives, Ministers of State, bureaucrats and distinguished guests. The organisers believe that young people should not only be prepared to become future leaders but should also be given opportunities to participate in important conversations today.

Sameep Shastri and the Youth Leadership Vision

Mr Sameep Shastri, Chairman of BRICS CCI, has been associated with the organisation’s youth leadership and international engagement initiatives. He is also known for his family legacy as the grandson of former Prime Minister of India, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. The programme reflects the broader vision of strengthening youth participation in international cooperation and creating platforms where young Indians and international delegates can build meaningful relationships.

Nishant Sama’s Role in Youth Engagement

Nishant Sama, Vice President, Young Leaders Vertical, BRICS CCI, has been associated with the youth leadership initiative and engagement with participating students, speakers and distinguished guests.

Speaking ahead of the closing ceremony, Nishant Sama said:

 “The most important part of this programme is the interaction between young people and experienced leaders. When a student gets an opportunity to sit with a diplomat, a policymaker, a bureaucrat or a business leader and ask questions directly, it can change the way that young person looks at the world. Our objective is to create those connections and inspire the next generation of leaders.”

He also added:

“The closing ceremony is not an end, but the beginning of relationships and ideas that we hope will continue beyond this programme and contribute to stronger international cooperation.”

Diplomacy, Governance and Youth Leadership

The Dialogue brought together participants around themes including leadership, diplomacy, governance, entrepreneurship, international relations, innovation and sustainable development.

The presence of embassy representatives and international participants added a strong global dimension to the programme, while the participation of students kept youth aspirations at the centre of the discussions.

The closing ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise the participation of young delegates and reflect on the conversations and connections developed during the programme.

RIMAN Highlights Product and Ingredient Innovation at RIMAN North America Convention 2026

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RIMAN, a direct selling company specializing in K-beauty skincare and wellness, successfully concluded its North America Convention 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, from August 7–9, 2026. The three-day event brought together thousands of distributors and sales leaders from across North America to celebrate business achievements, discover product innovations, and strengthen leadership capabilities.

A key highlight of the convention was the introduction of new products across RIMAN’s flagship brands—ICD Skincare, ICD Makeup, and botalab. Attendees received exclusive access to limited edition packages featuring newly launched Lip Liners, the new Radiansome™ 100 Microfluidizer Concentrate, and the enhanced Radiansome™ 100 Experience Kit. These products will be available beginning September 1, 2026.

The convention also marked the introduction of Araliadiol, a proprietary cosmetic ingredient derived from Giant BYoungPool™, RIMAN’s proprietary Centella asiatica cultivar protected under a 20-year Plant Variety Protection certificate. Officially recognized by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), Araliadiol reflects RIMAN’s continued investment in ingredient innovation and scientific research.

The introduction of new products and Araliadiol generated strong interest throughout the convention. Attendees actively participated in product demonstrations, educational sessions, and networking opportunities, highlighting enthusiasm for RIMAN’s latest innovations and future growth.

The convention also featured General Sessions, Master Classes, and leadership programs that provided business insights, recognized outstanding achievements, and strengthened collaboration across the North American market.

“The strong engagement we saw throughout the convention reflects our distributors’ confidence in RIMAN’s innovation,” said Youngsu Hwang, Global Chief Sales Officer of RIMAN. “By sharing not only today’s innovations but also our long-term product vision, we aim to inspire confidence in the future of the business and create sustainable growth opportunities for our distributors.”

The North America Convention reinforced RIMAN’s commitment to advancing product and ingredient innovation while empowering its distributor community and supporting sustainable global growth.

About RIMAN

Founded in 2018 in South Korea, RIMAN is a global beauty and wellness direct-selling company redefining K-Beauty through heritage ingredients from Jeju Island and cutting-edge innovation. At its Jeju Smart Farm, RIMAN manages every step, from raw material cultivation to product development, including its signature ingredient, Giant BYoungPool™—an advanced Centella Asiatica cultivar granted 20-year Plant Variety Protection by the Korea Forest Service in July 2022 and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in September 2025.

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Rani Mukerji awarded Honorary Doctorate by La Trobe University

MELBOURNE, Australia and NEW DELHI, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Acclaimed Indian actor and humanitarian Rani Mukerji has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) by La Trobe University, Australia in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, humanitarian work and social advocacy.

The honorary doctorate was conferred on 14 August during the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

One of the most respected and influential figures in Indian cinema, Rani has enjoyed a career spanning nearly three decades, earning widespread critical acclaim and major honours including a National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards.

Rani’s performances in films including Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway have helped bring issues including gender-based violence, access to justice, disability inclusion and women’s rights into mainstream public conversation, demonstrating the power of cinema to drive awareness, empathy and positive social change.

Alongside her achievements in film, Rani has maintained a longstanding commitment to humanitarian initiatives supporting women, children and disadvantaged communities across India.

Since 2007, she has supported paediatric and neonatal healthcare initiatives at Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai, including the establishment and ongoing support of specialised intensive care services for critically ill children and newborns. Her philanthropic work has also supported initiatives focused on education, food security and community development. Rani has additionally supported charitable and advocacy initiatives associated with organisations including Child Rights and You (CRY), the Indian Stroke Association and the Cancer Patients Aid Association.

Rani said she was deeply honoured to receive the recognition.

“Receiving this Honorary Doctorate in Australia from La Trobe University is one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of my career and life. I am deeply humbled by this recognition and accept it with immense gratitude. As an actor, you never begin your journey thinking about honours — you simply hope that the stories you choose and the characters you bring to life will connect with people. To have that journey acknowledged in this extraordinary way is something I will cherish forever. I have always believed that cinema is one of the most powerful forces for change because stories have the ability to shape hearts, minds and society. Looking back at my career, I feel incredibly grateful that I have had the opportunity to portray women who are strong yet vulnerable, flawed yet inspiring, determined and unapologetically themselves. These were never just characters to me — they represented countless real women whose voices deserved to be seen, heard and celebrated. If my work has, in any way, helped people view women with greater empathy, respect and equality, then I feel I have truly fulfilled my purpose as an artist. This honour is also a reminder that art transcends borders. The emotions we share through cinema are universal and I feel privileged that the stories I have been a part of have travelled across cultures and touched audiences around the world.

As an Indian, this moment fills me with immense pride. I come from a country with a rich cinematic heritage and a storytelling tradition that has inspired generations. To be honoured with an honorary doctorate on a global stage is not just a recognition of my individual journey, but also a celebration of Indian cinema and the extraordinary talent it continues to offer the world.”

La Trobe University Chancellor The Hon John Brumby AO said Rani’s contribution reflected the values the University sought to recognise through its highest honours.

“Rani Mukerji is an artist of extraordinary influence whose work has consistently combined creative excellence with meaningful social impact.

Through some of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed and socially resonant performances, she has helped elevate important conversations about equality, justice, inclusion and the dignity of women and children, demonstrating the unique power of storytelling to shape culture and inspire change.

Through her artistic achievements and humanitarian contribution, she embodies the values La Trobe seeks to recognise through its honorary degrees: leadership, integrity, social responsibility and service to the public good.”

IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said the honour was a proud moment for the festival and the Indian Australian community.

“Rani Mukerji has remained one of the most respected voices in Indian cinema because of the integrity, intelligence and humanity she brings to her work. For nearly three decades, she has captivated audiences through performances that are both powerful and deeply relatable, while continuing to champion stories that encourage empathy, resilience and social awareness. Her influence extends far beyond the screen, particularly through her longstanding commitment to women, children and community wellbeing.”

La Trobe University has maintained a longstanding association with Indian cinema through its partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, previously hosting distinguished Indian film figures including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Vidya Balan and Rajkumar Hirani.

The honour reflects the growing cultural and educational ties between Australia and India and recognises the role of cinema in fostering understanding, connection and dialogue across cultures.

About La Trobe University

La Trobe University is a top 1% globally ranked, research-intensive Australian university with more than 30 years of engagement with India across education, research and innovation. In India, La Trobe partners with leading institutions including SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Mahindra University, OP Jindal Global University and Lady Shri Ram College, and collaborates on initiatives such as the Bio Innovation Corridor with Bangalore Bio innovation Centre. Its engagement is supported by a network of more than 12,000 India-born alumni and initiatives including the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship for women researchers from India. The University’s AI-first strategy is led by the La Trobe AI Institute launched on July 22, 2026, which provides a single front door to its AI capability across research, education and industry collaboration, embedding AI responsibly and at scale.

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DCW Embarks on its Next Phase of Growth with ₹250 Crore Strategic Investment Programme

First phase to expand Synthetic Iron Oxide Pigment capacity by 50%, introducing new value-added products and strengthening operating efficiencies at Sahupuram

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DCW Limited announced a strategic investment programme of approximately ₹250 crore, marking the first phase of its next growth cycle.

The programme will focus on expanding Synthetic Iron Oxide Pigment (SIOP) capacity, introducing new value-added pigment products and strengthening captive power infrastructure at its Sahupuram manufacturing complex.

DCW plans to increase SIOP capacity by 50%, from approximately 30,000 tonnes per annum to 45,000 tonnes per annum, through a phased expansion. The investment follows record SIOP sales volumes in FY26, with the business operating at effectively full capacity, and is expected to support further growth across domestic and international markets.

Expanding into a Large & Growing Addressable Market

The expansion is supported by a sizeable global market and diversified end-use demand. Recent industry estimates place the global iron oxide pigments market at approximately US$2.5–2.7 billion in 2025 projected to reach approximately US$3.9 billion by 2033, representing a 4.6% CAGR. Asia-Pacific is the largest regional market, accounting for approximately 41.5% of global revenue as of 2025.

Iron oxide pigments are widely used across construction materials, paints and coatings, plastics and other industrial applications, providing a broad underlying demand base. These are also established end-markets for DCW’s SIOP portfolio, which serves applications including construction, paints, paper, laminates, packaging, furniture, plastics and rubber.

The programme builds on DCW’s multi-year shift towards higher-value chemicals. Over FY21–FY25, the Specialty Chemicals segment registered a 26% CAGR, while FY25 Specialty Chemicals EBITDA was 1.9x FY21 levels. Over the last five years, Specialty Chemicals have become the major contributor to the Company’s profitability, providing a more resilient earnings base against swings in Basic Chemicals. DCW enters this investment cycle with a stronger balance sheet which turns Net Cash Positive at the exit of FY27, before any additional leverage for the proposed capex.

Alongside increasing capacity, DCW plans to introduce newer, value-added pigment grades, broadening its product portfolio and improving its ability to address higher-value applications and additional customer requirements. Management had previously indicated that product development in SIOP would increasingly focus on value-added grades alongside volume growth.

The Company will also invest in captive power infrastructure at Sahupuram to improve energy efficiency and strengthen the cost competitiveness of both its Basic and Specialty Chemicals businesses. This builds on DCW’s existing renewable energy investments, the benefits of which have already begun to reflect in power costs.

Management Commentary

Mr. Saatvik Jain, President, DCW Limited, said:

“Over the last few years, we have strengthened our balance sheet, scaled Specialty Chemicals and improved operating efficiency. Specialty Chemicals are now a major contributor to profitability, providing a stronger base for our next phase of growth.

The ₹250 crore investment programme is focused on areas where we see clear opportunities to scale. With SIOP operating at high utilisation, an established customer base and growing end-market demand, the expansion will increase capacity while moving us further into value-added pigment products.

Alongside this, investments in energy efficiency will strengthen manufacturing competitiveness. Our balance sheet provides the flexibility to fund growth while maintaining financial discipline, with a continued focus on sustainable returns and long-term value creation.”

About DCW

DCW Limited stands as a stalwart in the Indian chemical industry, upholding a rich legacy since its foundation in 1939. The Company operates two major manufacturing facilities located in Dhrangadhra, Gujarat, and Sahupuram, Tamil Nadu. DCW’s portfolio is strategically segmented into Basic Chemicals (including Soda Ash, Caustic Soda, and PVC) and Specialty Chemicals (including Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) and Synthetic Iron Oxide Pigment (SIOP)). The Company serves a diverse clientele globally, with a major presence in the USA, Europe, Japan, and the Netherlands. DCW is focused on leveraging its integrated operations, R&D capabilities in Sahupuram, and strategic investments to drive sustainable growth and strengthen its position in the domestic and international markets.

Safe Harbour Statement

Statements in this press release describing the Company’s objectives, projections, estimates, expectations, and predictions may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied due to various factors, including variations in prices of raw materials and finished goods realization, changes in government regulation, tax regimes, economic developments, supply chain disruptions, and other incidental factors.

 For more information, please visit www.dcwltd.com 

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President Droupadi Murmu Graces Opening of Amrit Udyan Summer Annuals Edition 2026

New Delhi, Aug. 14: President Droupadi Murmu graced the opening of the Amrit Udyan Summer Annuals Edition 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the beginning of another public showcase of the iconic garden’s seasonal floral beauty.

President Droupadi Murmu graced the opening of Amrit Udyan Summer Annuals Edition 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Summer Annuals of Amrit Udyan will be open for the public from August 16 to September 15, 2026 between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
For more details and bookings, please… pic.twitter.com/H1V4KBWsYe

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 14, 2026

The special summer edition will offer visitors an opportunity to experience a vibrant collection of seasonal flowers and landscaped displays at the Rashtrapati Bhavan gardens.

Open to Public From August 16

The Amrit Udyan Summer Annuals Edition 2026 will remain open to the public from August 16 to September 15, 2026.

Visitors can access the garden between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM during the designated period and enjoy the seasonal floral displays and landscaped surroundings.

The opening event highlights the continued efforts to make the historic gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan accessible to citizens and visitors while showcasing India’s rich horticultural heritage.

Bookings and Visitor Information

Those wishing to visit Amrit Udyan can obtain detailed information and make bookings through the official Rashtrapati Bhavan visitor portal:

Rashtrapati Bhavan Visitor Portal

The Summer Annuals Edition provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the changing seasonal character of Amrit Udyan, one of the most prominent garden attractions associated with Rashtrapati Bhavan.