RBL Bank Strengthens Retail Banking Leadership with Two Senior Appointments

Mumbai, May 7, 2025: RBL Bank has announced two key leadership appointments as part of its continued commitment to building a robust and diversified retail portfolio. The appointments of Kumar Ashish as President – Head Retail Assets and Collections and Himanshu Mishra as National Head – Branch Banking are aimed at accelerating the Bank’s strategic growth agenda in the retail banking space.

Kumar Ashish joins the Bank as President – Head Retail Assets and Collections. With over three decades of experience across the banking and financial services industry, Ashish brings a strong track record of building and scaling secured retail lending businesses. He has led diverse portfolios including mortgage loans, vehicle finance, personal loans, business loans, rural and agri finance, SME and trade finance, digital lending, and microfinance. A seasoned leader with a sharp focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-centricity, Ashish has consistently delivered results by launching new products, deploying technology-led processes, and energizing high-performance teams. At RBL Bank, he will lead the scaling of the Retail Assets portfolio into a key pillar of sustainable growth. He will also be leading the Retail Secured Collections, which is a strong arm of the Bank with a well-entrenched team.

Himanshu Mishra joins the Bank as National Head – Branch Banking, reporting to President – Head Branch Banking & Retail Liabilities. With over 27 years of experience, Himanshu brings a sharp entrepreneurial mindset and a strong track record of driving business growth, turnaround efforts, and building customer-centric, performance-led teams. Known for his strategic leadership, financial acumen, and execution excellence, Himanshu has consistently demonstrated the ability to scale businesses while enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery. In his new role, he will spearhead the transformation of branch banking into a sustainable growth engine for the Bank.

Commenting on the appointments, R. Subramaniakumar, MD & CEO, RBL Bank, said: “We are excited to welcome Ashish and Himanshu to RBL Bank’s leadership team. Their collective expertise across secured lending, branch operations, and customer-centric innovation will play a vital role in strengthening our retail banking franchise. These appointments reinforce our strategic intent of building a high-quality and sustainable retail business. Attracting industry-leading talent is a key enabler of our transformation journey, and I am confident that their leadership will help us build strong execution depth as we prepare to step into the next phase of growth.”

Healthcare facilities on alert amidst civil defence mock drills

New Delhi: Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, healthcare institutions across the country — especially private hospitals — have been placed on high alert in view of the civil defence mock drills being conducted nationwide. Hospitals have ramped up their preparedness and activated emergency response systems to deal with any potential emergencies. These mock drill preparations come in the wake of escalating tensions with Pakistan and the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

“Healthcare institutions are integral to the success of these drills, with medical experts ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle emergency situations in collaboration with authorities,” Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director, Aakash Healthcare, said, emphasising the importance of disaster readiness.

“We take our role in disaster preparedness seriously. In light of the recent rise in security concerns, especially in case of any retaliatory measures by a neighbouring country, we have activated our ‘Code Brown’ disaster protocol. This dedicated code is meant to address mass casualty incidents or major emergencies. Our entire team has undergone mock drills, ensuring that all protocols, ranging from emergency medical responses to patient management, are thoroughly practised,” said Dr Chaudhry.

In line with the mock drills, the hospital has implemented specific procedures to ensure a seamless response during a crisis. Dr Chaudhry elaborated, “During a blackout situation, we have a meticulous system in place where all windows are covered by curtains, perimeter lights are turned off, and all signboards are blacked out. However, one critical factor that will not be interrupted is our emergency services. Even in such situations, our emergency care will continue to function without disruption.”

Mr. Anupam Pandey, Director Asian Hospital Faridabad said, we have been proactively engaged in emergency preparedness. “As a responsible healthcare organisation, we ensure that our team is constantly trained to deal with various emergency scenarios, including blackouts and other contingencies. Our hospital regularly conducts mock drills to assess our readiness and response times. We view these drills not only as a safety measure but as part of an ongoing training process to enhance the efficiency of our front-line workers,” he said.

Dr Sunita Kapoor, Director, City X-Ray & Scan Clinic, also echoed the sentiment of preparedness. “We have shared all the relevant safety protocols and emergency procedures with our team through comprehensive training. We understand the gravity of the current situation and are ready to respond swiftly, should the need arise.” Dr Kapoor further highlighted that several senior faculty members, who had firsthand experience of a similar situation during the 1971 conflict, had provided invaluable insights. “We have incorporated both online and offline training, including audio-visual aids, to ensure everyone is prepared for any eventuality,” she said.

“The mock drills are an exercise in preparedness. There is no need to panic because of the drills,” said Dr Praveen Gupta Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital.

The nationwide drills not only serve to enhance the nation’s security infrastructure but also underline the crucial role of healthcare facilities in maintaining public health and safety during emergencies.

Cyber Awareness Workshop Empowers Students At TIGPS, Ariadaha

Kolkata, 7th May, 2025: Today, the students of Grades X to XII at Techno India Group Public School (TIGPS), Ariadaha, participated in a highly enlightening and informative Cyber Awareness Workshop, conducted by Belghoria Police Station under the guidance of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate.

The session was led by a distinguished panel from the police force, including Inspector, Mr Subhrajit Majumder (IC Belghoria), Sub Inspector, Mr Sukanta Das, Sub Inspector, Mr Prokash Dhara, Sub Inspector, Mr Arnab Mistry and Sub Inspector, Ms Monisha Biswas.

Inspector Subhrajit Majumder, the Chief Guest for the workshop, captivated the audience with his insights, drawing from over 26 years of experience in law enforcement. His engaging narrative and real-life case studies helped students understand the urgent need for cyber vigilance in today’s digital landscape.

The workshop covered a wide array of essential topics, including:

· Online safety and responsible internet usage

· Cyberbullying and the dangers of inappropriate content sharing

· Various forms of cybercrime such as phishing, identity theft, sextortion and impersonation

· Gaming-related fraud and identifying red flags

· Facts vs. myths, dos and don’ts, and actionable safety tips

· Available preventive measures and official helpline resources

“Cyber safety is a paramount concern in today’s fast pacing world. Young minds should be rightly guided with adequate knowledge so that they can safeguard themselves from the dangers waiting in the digital world”, said Mr Subhrajit Majumder, IC, Belghoria Police Station.

“Remaining secure in the cyber world is a shared responsibility. Teenagers have two worlds – the physical world and the digital world. If the systems of the digital world are secured then the physical world will be automatically secured”, said Ms Debdutta Bera Adhya, Principal, TIGPS, Ariadaha.

The session encouraged active student participation and left a lasting impression about the importance of safeguarding one’s digital footprint. It served as a timely reminder of the responsibilities young individuals hold in navigating the online world safely and ethically.

Introducing O3+ Power Foil D-Tan Mask – Your Shortcut to Radiant, Even-Toned Skin

O3+ Professional announces the launch of its latest innovation – the Power Foil D-Tan Face Sheet Mask — your shortcut to a luminous, youthful glow! Powered by the brightening magic of Licorice, the gentle exfoliation of Glycolic Acid, and the healing touch of Niacinamide, this innovative sheet mask redefines skincare. It not only lightens pigmentation and acne marks but also hydrates, firms and revitalizes tired skin.

A true antioxidant powerhouse, it shields against environmental stress while unveiling a smoother, radiant complexion. Experience holistic healing in every application and reveal your brightest skin yet with this next-generation D-Tan ritual.

Key Benefits of O3+ Power Foil D-Tan Face Sheet Mask:

1. Instant Tan Removal & Glow Boost
Infused with Licorice and Glycolic Acid, this mask effectively reduces pigmentation and dark spots, unveiling a visibly brighter and more even-toned complexion in just 10–12 minutes.

2. Deep Hydration & Skin Firming
Enriched with Niacinamide, the mask delivers intense moisture, enhancing skin elasticity and leaving it plump, smooth, and resilient.

3. Antioxidant Protection Against Environmental Stressors
The potent combination of antioxidants in the mask helps shield the skin from environmental aggressors, combating free radicals and promoting a youthful, radiant appearance.

Granules India Earns Gold Rating in First-Ever Corporate-Level EcoVadis Assessment Ranks in the 5% Globally Across All Industries

Mumbai, India – May 7, 2025: Granules India Limited, a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company committed to sustainable and responsible healthcare, has been awarded a Gold rating by EcoVadis in its inaugural corporate-level assessment. This places the company in the 97th percentile, among the top 5% of all companies assessed globally across all industries.

 EcoVadis is one of the world’s trusted providers of business sustainability ratings, assessing companies on environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. This recognition affirms Granules’ robust sustainability practices and transparency in its business operations.

 The company’s first-ever corporate-level submission to EcoVadis builds on years of operational and environmental excellence across its manufacturing footprint. The rating reflects the company’s purpose-driven transformation journey — Healing lives responsibly through pioneering green science — and aligns with its broader sustainability goals, including science-based climate targets, greener chemistry platforms, and safer workplace practices.

  “This Gold rating is more than a recognition — it’s a reminder that we are choosing to grow differently by placing sustainability at the heart of our progress,” said Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director of Granules India. “It is a moment of pride, but also one of responsibility to continue raising the bar as we build a more resilient and responsible future.”

 Priyanka Chigurupati, Executive Director, added: “We deeply value the trust and partnership of our customers and suppliers. This milestone is a shared win — a testament to what’s possible when we act together with ‘One Planet, One Purpose’.”

Jaipur Rugs and Gurjeet Singh Celebrate Creative Visionaries in Powerful Dreamers Launch

India – [7th May, 2025] – Jaipur Rugs, India’s leading voice in ethical luxury and handmade craftsmanship, proudly announces the launch of Dreamers—a bold, genre-defying art collection created in collaboration with acclaimed textile artist Gurjeet Singh. Dreamers is more than a collection of rugs and wall art—it is a movement stitched together by emotion, memory, identity, and the lived experiences of India’s rural artisans.

 Rooted in villages across Rajasthan and echoing within the walls of Jaipur Jail, Dreamers turns traditional hand-knotting into an act of storytelling. Each piece in the collection emerges from intimate conversations, hushed moments shared over looms, and the emotional landscapes of those too often left unseen. Together, Jaipur Rugs and Gurjeet Singh have created a body of work that weaves together personal truths with bold visual language—daring viewers to feel, not just admire.

 What Lies Beneath: Craft as Confession
The artworks in Dreamers span themes of gender, caste, queerness, and generational trauma. Through surreal, abstract, and emotionally raw visuals, the collection offers a deeply layered view into the worlds of those who live between tradition and transformation.
• “Bahu Mukhiya” reveals the fractured roles rural women must play—praising, surviving, and suppressing their own truths under societal expectations.
• “The Portraits of Boogli and Her Mother” tenderly reflect the quiet strength of women denied the freedom to dream, and the generational friction between duty and defiance.
• “I Like to Wear Both” boldly celebrates gender fluidity and self-expression through surreal imagery, challenging the norms that bind identity.
• “Black Sun”, created after the Indian High Court’s rejection of same-sex marriage, becomes a haunting symbol of dimmed identity and deferred hope.
• Works such as “I Want to Go Home” and “The Heaviness Within” were born in Jaipur Jail, shaped by the emotional echoes of confinement, and offer a raw portrait of pain, resilience, and longing for liberation.

 These are not decorative objects—they are visual essays. Each piece is meticulously crafted using ancient hand-knotting techniques, with knot counts reaching over 600,000 knots, and production timelines spanning up to 145 days. Every artwork carries the signature of its artisan—centering creators like Pushpa, Pinki, Boogli, Rais, Nishrat, and Gajanand as central storytellers, not silent technicians.

 Reimagining the Role of Artisan: From Hands to Voices
Where most collaborations position artisans as nameless contributors, Dreamers insists on visibility. Artisans are honored as co-creators, each piece infused with their individual experiences, thoughts, and truths. In this collection, weaving becomes an act of authorship—where trauma, silence, and joy are given space to exist without translation.

 “This is what the future of handmade craft must look like,” says Rutvi Chaudhary, Director of Jaipur Rugs. “It’s no longer just about the object—it’s about dignity, ownership, and the storytelling power of those whose voices have long gone unheard.”

 The Dreamers collection also includes sculptural portrait heads, created from fire-damaged rugs that were once destined for disposal. Transformed into monumental forms using remnant materials, folk motifs, beads, and buttons, these heads tell stories of survival, environmental responsibility, and emotional reinvention—demonstrating that beauty, like people, often rises from the ashes.

 A New Language of Luxury: Emotional, Ethical, Human
With Dreamers, Jaipur Rugs continues to redefine what luxury means—not perfection, but purpose. Not distance, but depth. These artworks challenge viewers to confront not only the aesthetic, but the emotional labor, the humanity, and the suppressed voices that shape each piece.