19, Oct 2026
Puri Srimandir to Celebrate Vijaya Dashami with Lord Jagannath’s Grand Rajadhiraja Besha

Puri, Oct 19: The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is set to celebrate Vijaya Dashami, popularly known as Dussehra, on Wednesday with a series of traditional rituals, culminating in the magnificent Rajadhiraja Besha, also known as Suna Besha, of the deities.

Puri Srimandir to Celebrate Vijaya Dashami with Lord Jagannath’s Grand Rajadhiraja Besha

 Representational Image 

The auspicious occasion holds special religious significance at the 12th-century shrine, where age-old customs associated with Dussehra will be observed with devotion and grandeur. The ceremonial observances are expected to draw devotees eager to witness the sacred rituals and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the Holy Trinity.

As part of the celebrations, the deities seated on the Ratna Singhasana will proceed to Mahakhala at Ballav Math. Goddess Durga and Lord Madhab will also be taken on a chariot as part of the temple’s traditional Dussehra rituals.

Following the ceremonies, Lord Madanmohan, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna will be adorned in their distinctive Veerabesha, or warrior attire. They will proceed to Dussehra Pada before returning to the Srimandir, completing another significant sequence of the festival’s observances.

The highlight of the occasion will be the Rajadhiraja Besha, popularly known as Suna Besha, in which the deities are adorned with elaborate golden ornaments. The ceremonial attire symbolises their divine majesty and royal splendour, making it one of the most anticipated features of the festival.

Kartik rituals to begin at Srimandir

Meanwhile, the sacred month of Kartik will commence at the temple on Thursday, October 22, coinciding with the Ekadashi tithi. The deities will be adorned in Radha Damodar Besha, and special Balabhoga will be offered as part of the observances.

Kartik is considered one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar, particularly for worship, fasting and other religious practices. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Damodara during this period, while devotion to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha assumes special significance.

The traditional Kartik observances at Srimandir attract devotees from Odisha and beyond, who visit Puri to participate in the month-long spiritual practices and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

With Vijaya Dashami followed by the commencement of Kartik, the coming days will mark an important period of religious observance at the revered Puri shrine, reflecting the temple’s enduring spiritual traditions and cultural heritage.

19, Oct 2026
FPSB Honors Steve Helmich, CFP and Cary List with 2026 Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession

Leaders from Australia and Canada recognized for their impact on the global financial planning profession

DENVER, COLO (U.S.) – 19 October 2026 – Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB), the standards-setting body for the global financial planning profession, is pleased to announce Steve Helmich, CFP and Cary List as recipients of the FPSB 2026 Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, advocacy and volunteer service have made a lasting impact on the advancement of financial planning and CFP certification worldwide.

Helmich was recognized for guiding FPSB through a transformative period and strengthening its strategic and governance foundations, while List was honored for advancing professional standards and collaboration across FPSB’s global network.

“Steve and Cary have each left a lasting mark on our profession,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP. “Steve’s leadership helped shape the direction and foundations we still build on today, while Cary set a high bar for the profession and enriched our global network. This award is a fitting tribute to the legacies they have both built.”

FPSB 2026 Noel Maye Award Recipients

  • Steve Helmich, CFP (Australia): Helmich receives the FPSB 2026 Noel Maye Award for his principled leadership and long-standing commitment to the global financial planning profession. As FPSB Board Chairperson from 2013 to 2016, he guided the organization through a pivotal period. His leadership helped strengthen financial planning as a distinct global profession and supported governance reforms that continue to shape FPSB’s global network today. A tireless ambassador for CFP certification, Steve helped build a stronger, more connected financial planning profession around the world.
  • Cary List (Canada): List receives the FPSB 2026 Noel Maye Award for his enduring contribution to FPSB and the global financial planning profession, spanning more than a decade from 2007. Through leadership roles including Chairperson of the FPSB Council and involvement in several committees, he helped strengthen governance, align professional standards and advance the consistency and recognition of CFP certification worldwide. His leadership of FP Canada (formerly the Financial Planning Standards Council) as President and CEO also brought valuable Canadian expertise to FPSB’s international work and helped elevate financial planning globally.
18, Oct 2026
Rohit Sharma Joins Freyr Energy as its First Brand Ambassador; Launches ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ Campaign

• India’s World Cup-winning captain fronts a nationwide campaign urging families to choose a rooftop solar partner they can count on for the next 30 years

• Freyr’s “Rishta Pakka” ad film features brand ambassador Rohit Sharma

National, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Freyr Energy, India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, announced Rohit Sharma, India’s World Cup-winning captain, as its first-ever brand ambassador. The association launches with ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’, a nationwide campaign built on a simple idea: rooftop solar is a 30-year decision, and it deserves a company that delivers year after year. The campaign also features an ad film, “Rishta Pakka,” with Rohit Sharma as the protagonist, talking about solar, subsidies, and its benefits through a humour-led narrative.

Rohit Sharma Joins Freyr Energy as First Brand Ambassador

The partnership brings together two records of consistency and benchmark-setting. Rohit Sharma has spent nearly two decades delivering at the highest level of international cricket, setting standards others now measure themselves against. Freyr Energy has done the same on India’s rooftops for more than a decade, designing, financing, installing and servicing 24,000+ solar systems across 40+ cities, and introducing industry firsts such as its Freyr Energy App, self-cleaning solar systems and solar experience centres. The launch comes at a turning point for the category, with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana bringing millions of Indian families to rooftop solar for the first time. Eligible households can access government subsidy support of up to ₹78,000, while financing options at low and competitive interest rates can further reduce the upfront financial burden of making the switch. A solar system is meant to perform for decades, long after installation day, so the real risk for a family is not whether to go solar, but whom to trust with it. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to answer that question.

Saurabh Marda, Co-founder & Managing Director, Freyr Energy, said, “Our aim has always been to raise the bar for what Indian homeowners can expect from rooftop solar, not just on installation day but across the 30-year life of their system. Rohit has spent his career doing exactly that in cricket, which made him the natural choice as our first brand ambassador.”

Radhika Choudary, Co-founder & Director, Freyr Energy, said, “When a family puts solar on its roof, they are trusting a company for the next 30 years. That company has to show up every time and stand behind the family’s decision long after the system is switched on. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ says that in five words, and no one says it better than Rohit.”

Speaking about the association, Rohit Sharma, exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, said, “Protecting the environment has been close to my heart for years. Rooftop solar gives families a chance to do their bit for the planet, and it’s important to have a partner you can trust for the journey. That’s what drew me to Freyr Energy. I’m happy to be part of their campaign, encouraging more families to embrace solar and choose a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Rajan Mahalingam, Marketing Head, Freyr Energy, said, “‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to make Freyr the first name families think of when they consider rooftop solar. Rohit’s reputation for consistency and trust mirrors what we promise every customer, and that gives the campaign an authenticity audiences will connect with. We look forward to taking this message to millions of homes across India.”

The ad film “Rishta Pakka” is live across Freyr Energy’s YouTube channel on: https://youtu.be/SW_0c1FSaQU   

About Freyr Energy

Founded in 2014 by Saurabh Marda and Radhika Choudary, Freyr Energy is India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with 24,000+ installations for homes and businesses across 40+ cities. The company brings system design, installation, financing assistance and technology-enabled customer support under one roof to make the switch to rooftop solar simple and dependable.

 

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18, Oct 2026
Canton Fair Buyers Alliance Launched as the 140th Edition Opens

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 15, the Canton Fair Buyers Alliance was officially launched at the Canton Fair Complex, marking a significant milestone as the fair celebrates the 70th anniversary of its founding.

More than 140 overseas buyers attended the launch ceremony, highlighting the fair’s enduring role as a bridge connecting global commerce with China’s export sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Luís Vilariça, CEO of Joinco, Import & Export, Ltd., discussed his company’s long-standing relationship with the Canton Fair. Drawing on years of participation, he reflected on the growth opportunities created through cooperation with Chinese suppliers and highlighted the fair’s role in supporting international business development and global trade exchanges.

The ceremony also featured a joint declaration by alliance members. Representatives from five member companies read the statement in their respective native languages, underscoring the international character of the new organization. Additional members sent video congratulatory messages, joining the celebration and witnessing the official launch of the alliance.

The Canton Fair Buyers Alliance represents one of the fair’s key service innovations. Designed primarily for Fortune Global 500 companies, buyers from the world’s top 250 retailers and leading sourcing enterprises across a diverse range of markets, the alliance aims to offer members a platform for information sharing and resource coordination. The first cohort of alliance members includes 58 companies from 32 countries and regions across 5 continents. Through the alliance, members will gain access to a range of priority benefits spanning four major areas: services, events, resources and information.

 For more convenient attendance, please click here for pre-registration:

https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

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18, Oct 2026
Crisis • Resilience • Evolution — Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future: The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026 Grandly Commences

MACAO, Oct. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026 (“GTEF”) grandly commenced today at the MGM Theater at MGM COTAI. Returning to Macao, its founding host city, under the theme “Crisis Resilience Evolution — Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future”, the event serves as a premier platform connecting China with the global cultural and tourism sectors. The Forum gathers government and business leaders, experts, scholars, and representatives from international organizations around the world to address the evolving global environment and key challenges facing the sector. Participants will explore strategies to overcome growth plateaus, enhance industry resilience, and chart a forward-looking path toward high-quality development and sustainable transformation for global cultural tourism.

The Forum is organised by the Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region, in collaboration with UN Tourism. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) serves as collaboration organisation, while the Macao Government Tourism Office and the China Chamber of Tourism serve as co-organisers, with the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre acting as coordinator.

The event also receives strong support from key official and international entities, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the European Travel Commission (ETC), the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), the China Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC), the China Tourism Association (CTA), the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, and the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Macao (ACEM). Together, these organizations unite global collaborative strength to champion the sustainable development of global cultural tourism.

In his welcome remarks, HO Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Forum Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum, stated: “This year marks a major milestone in the evolution of the Forum. Last December, the 11th Forum ventured beyond Macao for the first time, hosting a highly successful event in Harbin, Heilongjiang, and achieving a historic breakthrough as the Forum expanded nationwide. Building on this momentum, this year’s Forum centers on the timely theme ‘Crisis, Resilience, Elevation: Reshaping a Sustainable Global Future through Tourism Economy’. As an international platform deeply rooted in Macao, the Forum actively aligns with the Special Administrative Region’s overarching development, continually injecting new dynamic momentum into Macao’s economic diversification.”

SAM Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, delivered welcome remarks, stating: “Since its inception in 2012, the Global Tourism Economy Forum has become an important platform for high-level dialogue and multilateral cooperation in global tourism. Macao will actively leverage its unique strengths of ‘backing by the Motherland and connecting to the world’, while advancing the ‘Northward, Southward, Westward and Eastward’ strategies. Furthermore, the SAR will spare no effort in promoting the development of the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, alongside the exchange and cooperation base with Chinese culture as the mainstream and co-existence of diverse cultures. We look forward to working with all partners through this year’s Forum to extend the momentum of the tourism economy into wider domains, while fostering a collaborative landscape for mutual benefit and driving sustainable innovation across the global industry.”

Shaikha AL NUWAIS, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, delivered opening remarks, stating: “So far this year, 690 million people have travelled internationally – 3 million more than during the same period last year. With the geopolitical situation and with everything happening in the Middle East, this number is very promising, and this tells us that the tourism sector has tremendous potential. But success is not only about how many people travel. It’s about what their journeys create for destinations and for communities. As tourism evolves and travellers’ expectations rise, we must equip our workforce with the skills, professionalism, and service mindset to deliver the quality today’s travellers’ demand. Macao has an important story to tell. Macao is moving from volume to value, connecting culture, gastronomy, health and innovation, as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”

LONG Yongtu, Former Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation of China, and Former Secretary-General of Boao Forum for Asia, delivered a keynote speech centered on “China’s Model of Inclusive Growth”, stating: “The deep integration of tourism with other sectors expands the foundation of tourism development while strengthening industry resilience. Inclusive tourism directly benefits communities, earning the sector broad and societal support. At the same time, advancing environmentally friendly tourism enhances the destination’s appeal and elevates a nation’s global reputation. Through collective strength, tourism can become an open, inclusive, and sustainable force that meaningfully contributes to global economic growth, social stability, and human well-being.”

Gloria GUEVARA, President & Chief Executive Officer of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, delivered opening remarks, stating: “We do a lot of research, showing that China is driving global tourism growth. One key policy is the visa exempt, which make it easier for more travelers to come. Getting to China is easier through improved connectivity, with flights and transportation connecting China to the world. Although we have a lot of situations around the world, and people are worried, I believe that through public and private collaboration and working together, we can unlock future growth and build a better future.”

LUO Laijun, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, delivered congratulatory remarks, stating: “Recent years have seen global tourism weather severe headwinds from public health emergencies and extreme weather to economic volatility and shifting consumer trends, all of which have accelerated the industry’s structural transformation. By focusing on emerging consumer trends and driving breakthroughs in cultural integration, green transition, and smart travel, the industry can turn crises into catalysts for evolution.”

Representing the Partner Country, Miguel SANZ CASTEDO, Representative of Minister for Industry and Tourism of Spain, Director General of Turespaña, and President of the European Travel Commission, delivered partner country remarks, stating: “Spain and China are among the world’s leading tourism powers. We face common challenges: how to create greater value through tourism? How to harness technology while preserving the human dimension of travel? And how to ensure that tourism contributes to prosperity and wellbeing? These challenges require dialogue and cooperation, which is why this Global Tourism Economy Forum is so valuable. Spain stands ready to work with our partners, in Macao, in the rest of China and beyond, to build a tourism sector that is more sustainable, more innovative, more connected and more human.”

Representing the Featured Chinese Province, Bateer, Executive Vice Governor of the Hainan Provincial People’s Government, delivered featured province remarks, stating: “As the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, Macao stands as a glowing showcase of centuries-old Sino-Western cultural fusion, offering rich lessons from which Hainan can learn. As China’s largest special economic zone and sole free trade port, Hainan shares the South China Sea with Macao, bound by geographic proximity, cultural affinity, and deep bonds of kinship that create vast potential for cultural tourism collaboration. As the Forum opens, global partners are warmly invited to Hainan for leisure and investment, embrace the new opportunities in the Hainan Free Trade Port, and jointly shape a more open, inclusive, and dynamic global tourism economy.”

Re-emerging from its founding city of Macao, the 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum not only builds a practical bridge for global tourism collaboration, but also initiates a vital path toward overcoming industry uncertainty and reshaping a sustainable future. At a pivotal moment marked by the rebuilding of sector resilience and the pursuit of high-quality growth, the Forum will continue to bring global stakeholders together to enhance industry governance. By fostering collaboration through openness and driving breakthroughs through innovation, the event aims to chart a new blueprint for global tourism defined by strength, adaptability, and long-term value.

About Global Tourism Economy Forum 

Founded in 2012, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is a premier international platform dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of the global tourism economy. Serving as an essential bridge for exchange and cooperation between China and the international community, the Forum convenes leaders from governments, enterprises, academia, and international organizations worldwide to address opportunities and challenges in global tourism, establishing itself as one of the most influential annual events in the global tourism economy sector.

Having successfully hosted eleven editions, the Forum has attracted over 15,500 delegates from 88 countries and regions and invited more than 780 world-renowned speakers. It has established a high-level dialogue and practical cooperation network that spans the globe and connects government, industry, academia, and research.

For more details about the Forum, please visit https://gte-forum.com/en/ and follow official social media channels for the latest updates. 

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17, Oct 2026
GAC Showcases Multiple Models at Canton Fair: Systemic Global Expansion as a Response to High‑Level Opening‑Up

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On 15 October, the 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) kicked off in Guangzhou. Dubbed “China’s No.1 Exhibition” with a 70‑year history, it serves as a vital window for global merchants to understand China, and one of GAC’s stages to connect with the world. For international buyers, GAC serves not only as a sourcing platform but as a trusted channel for experiencing Chinese automotive innovation and building long-term local partnerships. Having made its debut in 2012, GAC has participated in the fair 30 times to date. Together with the Canton Fair, it has witnessed the transformation of Made‑in‑China products into Chinese global brands.

This transformation is reflected in GAC’s global expansion journey through a string of continuously refreshed sales figures. Overseas sales stood at 90,000 units in 2024, hit 130,000 units in 2025, and exceeded 197,000 units in January‑September 2026, representing a year‑on‑year surge of 138.9%. GAC is sprinting full steam ahead toward its annual target of 300,000 overseas units. GAC has accomplished a shift from “product export” to “system‑level global expansion”.

At the GAC booth, XT80, AION i60 and AISTALAND GX7 showcased intelligent driving, three-electric systems and premium cabins. The energy-ecology zone featured DC ultra-fast charging piles, 7 kW smart home chargers, multi-in-one electric drive units and PV-Storage-Charging-Swapping Technology, addressing range anxiety. Opening day drew buyers from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and Africa. At the Music & Cuisine Festival, GAC built three immersive spaces blending smart mobility, Cantonese cuisine, camping and sports. The XT80, AION N60, GAC S7 and AISTALAND GT7 served as lifestyle carriers, letting guests enjoy morning tea, global cuisines and intangible cultural heritage.

GAC will advance its ONE GAC 2.0 strategy, deepening localized operations and expanding its systematic global layout. As a tribute to the Canton Fair’s 70th anniversary and a new business card for China’s auto industry, GAC will help drive Chinese intelligent manufacturing onto the global stage.

For further information about GAC, please visit https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social media.

GAC Showcases Multiple Models at Canton Fair: Systemic Global Expansion as a Response to High‑Level Opening‑Up

 

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17, Oct 2026
AGFUND wins international award for excellence in inclusive banking and social impact

 Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal credits the founders of AGFUND’s microfinance banks for laying the foundations of its development impact

BANGKOK, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) won the “Excellence in Inclusive Banking and Social Impact” award at the 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Awards, organized by the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) in cooperation with the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG).

AGFUND CEO Hammam bin Nasser bin Juraid receives the “Excellence in Inclusive Banking and Social Impact” award at the 2026 WSBI–ESBG Sustainable Development Goals Awards in Bangkok, Thailand, on 16 October 2026

AGFUND CEO Hammam bin Nasser bin Juraid accepted the award in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, President of AGFUND, said the recognition acknowledges AGFUND’s experience using financial services to empower underserved communities, strengthen livelihoods and promote economic independence.

He credited the founders of AGFUND’s microfinance banks, particularly the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, for establishing institutions centered on empowering people.

He added that the award reflects over two decades of commitment, the dedication of financial inclusion banks and partners, and clients who transformed financing into businesses and family income. He emphasized expanding opportunities and measuring success through lasting improvements in people’s lives.

Prince Abdulaziz stressed that the recognition reflects the value of institutions reaching excluded populations and encourages broader access and economic opportunities for families.

AGFUND’s financial inclusion banking network has served more than 1.3 million clients and disbursed over US$1.37 billion in financing since inception. Women represent 59 per cent of borrowers, demonstrating its contribution to economic empowerment.

Presented by WSBI, established in 1924, together with ESBG, the award recognizes an approach linking financial services, social impact and sustainable development.

Following its first bank in Jordan in 2004, AGFUND expanded across nine countries: Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Mauritania and Sierra Leone, focusing on communities underserved by conventional financial institutions.

The network has issued more than 1.5 million loans, opened over 927,000 savings accounts, established 112 branches and employed more than 1,500 people. Its services finance micro and small enterprises and income-generating activities, improving livelihoods and economic independence.

AGFUND plans to strengthen development partnerships, advance digital solutions and innovative financial products, and integrate financing with training, capacity development, market access and risk protection.

It is also exploring geographic expansion, particularly in Africa, through institutional partnerships that adapt successful approaches to local needs and extend sustainable financial inclusion to more communities.

Website – https://agfund.org/

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17, Oct 2026
Rohit Sharma Joins Freyr Energy as its First Brand Ambassador; Launches ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ Campaign

• India’s World Cup-winning captain fronts a nationwide campaign urging families to choose a rooftop solar partner they can count on for the next 30 years

• Freyr’s “Rishta Pakka” ad film features brand ambassador Rohit Sharma

National, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Freyr Energy, India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, announced Rohit Sharma, India’s World Cup-winning captain, as its first-ever brand ambassador. The association launches with ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’, a nationwide campaign built on a simple idea: rooftop solar is a 30-year decision, and it deserves a company that delivers year after year. The campaign also features an ad film, “Rishta Pakka,” with Rohit Sharma as the protagonist, talking about solar, subsidies, and its benefits through a humour-led narrative.

Rohit Sharma Joins Freyr Energy as First Brand Ambassador

The partnership brings together two records of consistency and benchmark-setting. Rohit Sharma has spent nearly two decades delivering at the highest level of international cricket, setting standards others now measure themselves against. Freyr Energy has done the same on India’s rooftops for more than a decade, designing, financing, installing and servicing 24,000+ solar systems across 40+ cities, and introducing industry firsts such as its Freyr Energy App, self-cleaning solar systems and solar experience centres. The launch comes at a turning point for the category, with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana bringing millions of Indian families to rooftop solar for the first time. Eligible households can access government subsidy support of up to ₹78,000, while financing options at low and competitive interest rates can further reduce the upfront financial burden of making the switch. A solar system is meant to perform for decades, long after installation day, so the real risk for a family is not whether to go solar, but whom to trust with it. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to answer that question.

Saurabh Marda, Co-founder & Managing Director, Freyr Energy, said, “Our aim has always been to raise the bar for what Indian homeowners can expect from rooftop solar, not just on installation day but across the 30-year life of their system. Rohit has spent his career doing exactly that in cricket, which made him the natural choice as our first brand ambassador.”

Radhika Choudary, Co-founder & Director, Freyr Energy, said, “When a family puts solar on its roof, they are trusting a company for the next 30 years. That company has to show up every time and stand behind the family’s decision long after the system is switched on. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ says that in five words, and no one says it better than Rohit.”

Speaking about the association, Rohit Sharma, exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, said, “Protecting the environment has been close to my heart for years. Rooftop solar gives families a chance to do their bit for the planet, and it’s important to have a partner you can trust for the journey. That’s what drew me to Freyr Energy. I’m happy to be part of their campaign, encouraging more families to embrace solar and choose a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Rajan Mahalingam, Marketing Head, Freyr Energy, said, “‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to make Freyr the first name families think of when they consider rooftop solar. Rohit’s reputation for consistency and trust mirrors what we promise every customer, and that gives the campaign an authenticity audiences will connect with. We look forward to taking this message to millions of homes across India.”

The ad film “Rishta Pakka” is live across Freyr Energy’s YouTube channel on: https://youtu.be/SW_0c1FSaQU   

About Freyr Energy

Founded in 2014 by Saurabh Marda and Radhika Choudary, Freyr Energy is India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with 24,000+ installations for homes and businesses across 40+ cities. The company brings system design, installation, financing assistance and technology-enabled customer support under one roof to make the switch to rooftop solar simple and dependable.

 

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17, Oct 2026
A Christmas Regency Collection by Barbara Metzger now available from Histria Books

A Christmas Regency Collection by Barbara Metzger now available from Histria Books

 

Oct 17: Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of A Christmas Regency Collection by Barbara Metzger that brings together three Regency romances, Father Christmas, An Enchanted Christmas, and Greetings of the Season. This collection is published by Histria Romance, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding books in the romance genre.

Christmas has a way of upsetting even the best-laid plans, and that is part of the fun in Barbara Metzger’s Regency romances. Across Father Christmas, An Enchanted Christmas, and Greetings of the Season, mistletoe, holiday enchantment, and unexpected turns of fate make room for love and laughter. Snowy manor houses and glittering balls set the scene, while Metzger’s wit keeps the festivities lively.

At a time when holiday reading can feel crowded with familiar promises, these three books offer something more companionable: a chance to spend the season with a writer who knows that affection is often funniest when people are trying hard to behave. Together, they make a welcome gift for longtime Metzger readers and an inviting introduction for newcomers.

Barbara Metzger is the award-winning author of more than three dozen Regency romances and a dozen novellas. Her acclaimed novels, set primarily in Regency-era England, have earned numerous honors, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the Madcap Award for humor in romance writing, and two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards. A former editor, proofreader, greeting-card verse writer, and artist, Metzger also paints, gardens, volunteers at her local library, and enjoys beachcombing on Long Island.

Father Christmas, 200 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-854-0; Greetings of the Season, 274 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-853-3; An Enchanted Christmas, 274 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-855-7 by Barbara Metzger are available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. These titles are also available as ebooks. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. 

17, Oct 2026
ASME Names Leah Putman as President, Engineering for Change

ASME Names Leah Putman as President, Engineering for Change

 NEW YORK | Oct 17–The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has announced the appointment of Leah Putman as president of its Engineering for Change (E4C) LLC. She continues in her role as director of engineering for sustainable development at ASME, reporting to Iana Aranda, managing director of sustainability at ASME, and outgoing E4C president.

Across these roles, Putman leads strategy and growth for programs connecting engineering, innovation, and societal impact. Putman brings more than 15 years of experience spanning engineering, manufacturing, product development, sustainability, and social impact. She has spent her career helping organizations navigate uncertainty, make evidence-based decisions, and move promising ideas toward implementation.

“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Leah and witnessing firsthand her ability to bring people, ideas, and expertise together in service of meaningful change. She approaches engineering not only as a technical discipline, but as a powerful tool for improving lives and strengthening communities,” says Aranda. “Leah is an innovative and thoughtful leader who recognizes the importance of ensuring that solutions are informed by a diversity of experiences and perspectives. As E4C president, she will help build a more connected, inclusive, and impact-oriented engineering community, while advancing ASME’s commitment to engineering for sustainable development.”

Since joining ASME in 2022, Putman has held leadership roles with both ASME and E4C. Previously, she worked as an independent strategy, engineering, and project management consultant and held technical and leadership positions with Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE) in Rwanda and W. L. Gore & Associates in the United States. Putman holds a master’s degree in science from Technische Universiteit Delft in the Netherlands and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware.