Archives September 2025

India, September 25, 2025: In the lead-up to World Heart Day, Cocoon Hospital has launched #SilentShift, a nationwide health awareness campaign spotlighting the often-overlooked connection between menopause and women’s heart health. The initiative specifically targets women aged 40 and above, aiming to bridge critical awareness gaps around cardiovascular risk during and after menopause.

Breaking the Silence Around Women’s Heart Health

“Menopause is not just a reproductive transition; it’s a cardiovascular transition,” said Dr. Dilshad Khan, Unit Head, Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur.
“Many women are unaware of how this life stage silently increases their risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. With #SilentShift, our mission is to break the silence, empower women with knowledge, and encourage proactive steps to protect long-term health.”

Empowering Women Through Dialogue and Education

The campaign aims to engage women across India through storytelling, education, and community dialogue. It invites women to reflect on their health journeys, share personal experiences, and adopt preventive practices that support heart health.

“#SilentShift builds on Cocoon Hospital’s legacy of advancing preventive healthcare and community awareness,” said Shikha Girgla, GM – Brand Strategy Communication, RJ Corp Healthcare.

“Our goal is to move these critical health conversations beyond hospitals and into homes, workplaces, and communities. By encouraging women to voice their experiences, we hope to create a ripple effect of awareness that extends across families and generations.”

Combining Science with Practical Solutions

The campaign combines clinical insights with easy-to-implement guidance—focusing on timely screenings, lifestyle modifications, and preventive strategies over reactive treatments. From raising awareness to inspiring action, #SilentShift puts women at the center of the conversation on preventive cardiac care.

With cardiovascular disease ranking among the leading causes of death in women, the campaign comes at a crucial time to ensure menopause-related health risks are no longer ignored.

National/Chennai, September 25, 2025: BSH Home Appliances Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of global home appliances leader BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, has announced its much-anticipated entry into the air fryer market with the launch of the Bosch CrispMaxx Air Fryer range — just in time for the festive season.

Available in Serie 2 (4L) and Serie 6 (7.2L) variants, the CrispMaxx is BSH’s strategic foray into the booming healthy cooking segment in India. It brings together German engineering excellence and a deep understanding of Indian culinary traditions to deliver crispy, flavourful snacks with up to 95% less oil.

Crafted for India’s Kitchens

Designed with Indian homes in mind, the CrispMaxx range caters to the country’s enduring love for crunchy, indulgent treats — from Mumbai’s pakoras and Rajasthan’s kachoris, to Tamil Nadu’s murukku and North India’s samosas. The CrispMaxx delivers the same beloved textures and rich flavours with far less guilt.

What sets Bosch CrispMaxx apart is its insight-driven design, based on in-depth research into Indian cooking habits. While deep-fried food carries strong emotional and cultural value, health-conscious consumers often find themselves forced to choose between taste and wellness. Bosch addresses this tension by redefining “crispiness” with its optimized hot air circulation system, which ensures food is cooked evenly and retains crunch — without needing excessive oil.

Backed by third-party sensory testing from a NABL-certified lab, the Bosch CrispMaxx impressed:

• 80% of participants rated the food as delicious

• 79% loved the crunch achieved with minimal oil

Key Features of Bosch CrispMaxx:

• Six preset programs: Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Grill, Bacon

• Intuitive touchscreen controls for a seamless cooking experience

• Shake Reminder (Serie 6): Prompts users to turn food mid-cycle for even cooking

• Smart 3-step Cooking System:

  • Preheat: Ensures even starting temperature

  • Cook: Maintains consistent heat throughout

  • Keep Warm: Keeps food at optimal temperature post-cooking

• Multi-portion cooking: Prepares up to three portions simultaneously — perfect for families or batch cooking

• Serie 6 Upgrades:

  • Double-layered glass viewing window with internal lighting to monitor cooking without opening the fryer

  • Dishwasher-safe components for effortless clean-up

The CrispMaxx also features a non-stick food safety coating (LFGB certified) — a German standard equivalent to the FDA — ensuring health and safety compliance.

Leadership Commentary

“Indian kitchens are evolving into spaces where tradition, innovation, and conscious living intersect,” said Saif Khan, Managing Director & CEO, BSH Home Appliances.
“While the love for crispy street-style snacks remains timeless, today’s consumers seek smarter, healthier ways to enjoy their favourites. With the Bosch CrispMaxx, we’re not just launching an air fryer—we’re introducing a lifestyle shift that empowers mindful indulgence without compromise.”

With Bosch CrispMaxx, BSH aims to reshape modern Indian cooking by delivering guilt-free indulgence, backed by trusted German quality, local relevance, and advanced technology. The air fryer market in India is expanding rapidly, and with CrispMaxx, BSH is positioned to lead the next wave of healthy, joyful home cooking.

NEW DELHI, 25 September 2025: Times Black ICICI Bank credit card, in partnership with Sabhyata Foundation, announces “An Evening at Red Fort,” an exclusive cultural experience designed specifically for Times Black ICICI Bank Credit . This landmark event reimagines India’s most iconic monument as a dstinguished venue where heritage blends seamlessly with luxury, giving guests a unique chance to experience the Red Fort in a way that goes beyond its conventional tourist setting.

Scheduled for September 27, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, this carefully curated evening represents the convergence of India’s rich cultural legacy with contemporary premium experiences.

The evening’s centerpiece is a mesmerizing Sufi performance by acclaimed artist Deveshi Sahgal, whose soulful artistry will resonate within the historic walls that have witnessed centuries of Indian history. Guests will embark on a multi-sensory journey featuring a spectacular light and sound showcase that brings the fort’s 400-year legacy to vivid life.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr Nakul Anand, Chairman, Advisory Board of Sabhyata Foundation added, “Our partnership in this initiative reflects our deep commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s architectural heritage. Through such collaborative events, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for our monuments by public at large while ensuring their preservation for future generations. The Red Fort stands as a testament to India’s glorious past, and events like these helps bridge the gap between historical significance and contemporary cultural engagement.”

 “We share Sabhyata’s vision of preserving India’s architectural heritage, and through this unique experience for our cardholders, we aim to inspire them to rediscover these iconic sites, experiencing them in fresh, reimagined ways.”  Harshita Singh, Business Head, Times Black ICICI Bank Credit card.

Adding to this, Executive Chef, Indian Accent, Shantanu Mehrotra said, “It’s always an incredible opportunity to bring our food to iconic settings like the Red Fort, and this event was no exception. Many of our signature dishes, like the Daulat Ki Chaat, are deeply rooted in Old Delhi traditions, and our curated high tea menu reflects that heritage, with highlights like the Bhuna Aloo Samosa with White Pea Mash. Our heart remains with tradition, and we wanted every element of this menu to reflect that balance.”

We are delighted to have FNP Luxe as our floral partner for an evening set within the majestic Lal Qila. FNP Luxe offers an unparalleled luxurious gifting experience that is ideal to elevate celebrations. Specialising in bespoke floral arrangements, handcrafted cakes, and thoughtfully curated hampers, FNP Luxe brings together timeless craftsmanship and modern elegance. Their creations will beautifully complement the grandeur of the monument, enhancing the experience with a perfect blend of heritage, music, and luxury.

All proceeds contribute to monument preservation efforts through the Sabhyata Foundation, allowing guests to participate in safeguarding India’s cultural heritage for future generations.

Access to this specially curated experience is available only through the Times Black app, underscoring its premium positioning. The event will follow strict on-time entry guidelines, ensuring a seamless and well-orchestrated experience for all attendees.

The collaboration highlights the unique positioning of the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card as more than a financial instrument—it serves as a gateway to extraordinary cultural experiences. Designed for discerning individuals who expect the exceptional, Times Black provides world-class concierge support and exclusive access to curated global experiences.

Event Highlights at a Glance

• Guided Tour of the historic Red Fort monument

• Intimate Sufi performance by renowned artist Deveshi Sahgal

• Spectacular light and sound showcase bringing history to life

• Bespoke high tea menu curated by Indian Accent

• Optional guided museum tour with expert historical insights

• Heritage preservation contribution through Sabhyata Foundation

 India,25th sept 2025: A new model for nurturing India’s young engineering talent is emerging, centred on real-world projects and direct industry experience. At the heart of this movement is BonV Aero, a company focused on deep-tech drone solutions, which has positioned itself as both an employer and innovation partner for the nation’s youth.

This approach is evident in how the company operates. BonV Aero’s journey begins in colleges and innovation hubs, including its own incubation at AIC at CV Raman Global University in Odisha. The company recruits young engineers from institutions like IIT Mandi and local engineering colleges, offering them hands-on opportunities in research, design, and operational deployment.

“Our goal is not just to build drones, but to nurture the people who will lead the next generation of aerospace innovation in India.”Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-Founder & CEO, BonV Aero

The work of these young engineers is already making a direct impact:

• One group designed a para-dropping mechanism for drones to release supplies with precision mid-air, now deployed in live missions.

• Another team used drones with Ground Penetrating Radar during the Sikkim landslide, aiding the Indian Army in locating underground features.

Innovation Milestone:
One of BonV Aero’s UAVs set a world record by hovering with a 30 kg payload at 19,024 ft AMSL at Umling La Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world.
This gave young engineers hands-on exposure to:

• Systems integration

• High-altitude performance

• Extreme-condition problem-solving

BonV Aero fosters an environment where young engineers take ownership of their work. Its emphasis on indigenous technology and mission-driven culture enables them to work on real-world impact projects.

“The energy of these young minds is what drives us. We provide the mentors and the facility, but they are the ones creating solutions.”Gaurav Achha, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, BonV Aero

The Big Picture:
This academia-industry model is setting a new precedent for how India can build a self-sufficient drone industry.
By giving young engineers real ownership and mission-driven roles, BonV Aero is:

• Building a pipeline of global drone innovators

• Developing leaders who will shape the future of drone and AI technologies

• Shifting India’s youth from tech users to tech creators

Phillips Education and Arthan Host The G.R.O.W.T.H. Dialogue in Mumbai, Bringing Leaders Together to Shape India’s Workforce Future

Mumbai, 25th September 2025: Phillips Education and Arthan convened The G.R.O.W.T.H. Dialogue,Gathering Resources and Opportunities for Workforce Transformation & Humanity—at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The event featured a keynote address by Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Honourable Minister for Skill Development & Employment, Uttarakhand, and brought together over 40 leaders from government, industry, academia, and the CSR sector.

The dialogue focused on India’s urgent need to equip its workforce with future-ready skills to meet ambitious targets in aerospace, defence, semiconductors, renewables, and AI. According to the World Economic Forum, 44% of current skills will be obsolete by 2030, underscoring the scale of the skilling challenge.

Satyam Vyas, Founder & CEO of Arthan and Climate Asia, emphasized that skilling is key not only to employability but also to inclusive, sustainable growth. “Investing in people is our strongest lever for the future,” he said.

Highlighting the economic impact, a McKinsey analysis cited at the event estimates that effective skilling could add $500 billion to India’s GDP by 2030. The discussions underscored the demand for specialised skills, citing examples such as the need for 15 lakh defence cybersecurity professionals by 2026.

Rakshit Kejriwal, President of Phillips Education, called for a National Skilling Coalition to bring together government, industry, academia, and CSR in preparing India’s workforce for this new industrial era. “If infrastructure builds nations, skills build civilizations,” he remarked.

The event featured two panel discussions:

• Skilling in Aerospace & Defence Industry: Experts stressed the need for academia-industry-government-CSR collaboration to build a pipeline of talent supporting India’s defence manufacturing and aerospace ambitions.

• Skilling in Emerging Technologies: Panelists highlighted the importance of preparing youth for renewable energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing, advocating scalable and industry-aligned training models.

Anchal Kakkar, Co-founder of Arthan, observed, “Workforce transformation cannot happen in silos. Collaboration across sectors is critical to ensuring inclusive and impactful skilling models.”

The evening concluded with networking, fostering continued dialogue among stakeholders. Phillips Education and Arthan reaffirmed their commitment to advancing skilling as a national priority to support India’s growth and global aspirations.

India, September 25th, 2025: In a country where children under 5 spend over 2 hours daily on screens, twice the WHO’s recommended limit, a Mumbai-based initiative is daring to dream bigger: one million children who choose books over digital devices.

Can a nation of a billion nurture a million young readers to pick up books and read like second nature? That’s the vision behind India’s tech-enabled, app-based book rental service, neOwn and its newly launched Million Readers Movement. The movement has already drawn backing from voices across entertainment, business and literature.

At the heart of the campaign is a simple idea: every adult has the power to influence a child’s reading habit. A parent reading aloud before bedtime, a teacher introducing a story outside the syllabus, an author sharing a childhood favourite, or even a friend gifting a book instead of sweets, each small act adds up. The movement hopes these acts will ignite a cultural shift where reading becomes as natural in Indian households as cricket or cinema.

The Movement was launched by Shri Buddhichand Maroo, founder of Shemaroo Entertainment and the iconic Shemaroo Book Library, who became the first pledgee. In 1962, at just 22 years old, he founded the Shemaroo Book Library with a simple vision: make quality books accessible to every family. For over six decades, the library has created and supported a reading culture that shaped distinguished professionals and leaders across India.

Since then, influential voices from diverse fields have joined the cause. Industry leaders like Arjun Vaidya (founder of Dr. Vaidya’s (accquired) and co- founder V3 Ventures), award-winning children’s author Mallika Ravikumar, corporate governance and ESG pioneer Shri Shailesh Haribhakti and Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada have taken the pledge. Their support reflects a shared belief that reading is the foundation for developing critical thinking and innovation in the next generation.

“India’s children are drowning in digital content, but starving for stories,” says Kranti Gada, founder of neOwn. “Children deserve to discover reading as adventure, imagination and discovery, not just another task competing with their favorite apps.”

She adds, “ Every child deserves the transformative power of reading. This is perhaps the greatest gift we can give our children, the chance to fall in love with reading. Together, we can raise a generation of imaginative, confident, and resilient leaders for India’s tomorrow.“

Unlike digital content that demands passive consumption, the Million Readers Movement champions sustained engagement with books, novels, stories, and curiosity-driven non-fiction that help children think critically, focus deeply, and engage meaningfully with complex ideas. In an era where AI can generate instant answers, the uniquely human ability to wrestle with ideas, sit with uncertainty, and develop nuanced understanding becomes even more crucial. The goal is not just to reduce screen time, but to raise a generation of thoughtful and creative leaders who can navigate complexity and build tomorrow’s India.

The initiative focuses on children aged 0–14, but its real audience is every adult who can help make books part of children’s everyday lives. Early supporters are committing to weekly actions, from sharing stories of their own favourite books to encouraging kids to swap screens for pages.

The philosophy is clear: reading should spark curiosity, not feel like an obligation. If India can embed books in the same cultural space as movies, music and sport, then the next generation will carry forward not just knowledge, but imagination and empathy.

The neOwn app makes reading accessible and affordable by delivering thousands of curated children’s books to households nationwide, removing common barriers like cost and clutter. By combining doorstep delivery with a constantly growing catalogue, neOwn is helping revive the joy of reading for a screen-dominated generation.

“The NBE’s Recovery Plan Directive is a significant step towards strengthening Ethiopia’s financial ecosystem,” said Suresha Ramachandra Iyer, President & Head – Enterprise Risk and Analytics, JMR Infotech. “At JMR Infotech, we are committed to empowering Ethiopian banks with the right tools, expertise, and frameworks to not only achieve compliance but also build long-term resilience.”

Bengaluru, India, September 25, 2025 – Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today unveiled its vision for “AI Home: Future Living, Now” at its flagship store in Jio World Plaza, BKC, Mumbai. Samsung AI Home is a next-generation connected living ecosystem that unites appliances, devices, and services to deliver unmatched convenience, energy efficiency, and personalised experiences — all with security and privacy at the core.

At the heart of this launch is Samsung’s Future Living vision: unlocking a world where intelligence is not confined to a single device, but shared seamlessly across every screen, appliance, and service. AI Home embodies this vision through three foundational strengths — Samsung’s leadership in AI, the unmatched breadth of its device portfolio, and a trusted, secure ecosystem.

 Imagine a home that knows you. The lights switch on as you arrive, the air conditioner adjusts to your perfect sleep temperature, the washing machine recommends the right cycle, and the TV queues up your favourite show — all automatically. Samsung AI Home makes this everyday reality possible, not just for a select few, but for everyone.

Aiming towards ambient intelligence, the system learns continuously from user behaviour and environmental cues to automate comfort, care, energy savings, and security. From an AC that adapts as you rest, to a fridge that suggests meals based on your dietary goals, to SmartThings-enabled devices syncing effortlessly in the background — every interaction is enriched with contextual, human-centred intelligence.

Future Living, Now in India

“At Samsung, we are not just imagining the future of AI; with the integration of Galaxy AI, Vision AI and Bespoke AI through our SmartThings ecosystem, we’re building it into people’s daily lives. With the launch of Samsung AI Home here, we are bringing Future Living into Indian homes — making everyday living more convenient, efficient, healthy, and safe. India is at the heart of this journey. Our three R&D centres in India are shaping exciting AI innovations here and taking them to the world. This launch reflects our deep commitment to shaping future lifestyles of millions of Indian families with meaningful and safer technologies,” said JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.

Samsung AI Home is built on experiences that are proactive and cohesive across categories. Galaxy AI, on your devices and wearables fuels on-the-go productivity and wellness, Vision AI brings natural language interaction and smart recommendations to your TV, and Bespoke AI appliances take the guesswork out of household chores. With a unified UI across devices, it all works together to create a home that not only works for you but works with you. And at the heart of it all is Samsung SmartThings App that connects Samsung products in addition to thousands of partner devices. 

It’s a home that recognizes who you are, what you need, and what matters most. It’s Future Living, Now.

AI Home Experiences: Ease, Care, Save, Secure

Samsung AI Smart Home is built around four experiences that together redefine how families live. At its core is Ease — the power to simplify life by automating daily routines so seamlessly that it feels like having a personal concierge. Lights, temperature, and even household chores adjust themselves in anticipation, freeing up time and energy for what matters most.

Equally important is Care, which places wellbeing at the heart of the home. Through connected devices and services, AI Home supports healthier lifestyles — from personalised sleep settings and wellness checks to nutrition planning and even care for loved ones and pets.

The system also delivers tangible, measurable benefits through Save. With SmartThings Energy, homes become more efficient, reducing energy usage and cutting costs — washing machine energy consumption alone can drop by up to 70%[1,2]. These intelligent savings not only lighten household expenses but also contribute to a greener planet.

Finally, Secure ensures that innovation never comes at the cost of safety. Samsung Knox Vault protects sensitive data at the hardware level, while Knox Matrix extends blockchain-based protection across the connected ecosystem, giving families confidence that their digital lives are as safe as their physical ones[3].

Together, these four experiences make Samsung AI Home not just a collection of smart devices, but a true living environment — one that is intuitive, caring, efficient, and secure.

Fix 5% GST on Readymade Garments & Made-ups Irrespective of Cost: Prakash Ammanabolu, Telangana State Federation of Textile Associations

Hyderabad, September 25, 2025: The 56th GST Council has recently revised the GST structure for readymade garments, placing items priced up to ₹2,500 under the 5% GST slab, while levying 18% GST on garments priced above ₹2,500. This abrupt jump in tax rate creates a sharp discontinuity, which:

Imposes a significant price shock on consumers. The risks include a reduction in sales volumes within a highly labour-intensive industry. It may adversely impact domestic demand, exports, and the ongoing recovery of the textile sector.

In light of these concerns, Mr Prakash Ammanabolu, President of the Telangana State Federation of Textile Associations, has urged the GST Council to standardise GST at 5% across all price points for readymade garments and made-up textiles.

Why This Matters

The textile and apparel sector contributes approximately 2.3% to India’s GDP, represents around 13% of India’s industrial and rural workforce, and directly employs over 45 million people, including a large number of women and rural workers.

India’s readymade garments market, valued at USD 103.5 billion in 2024, continues to grow, reflecting its significance in the domestic economy.

Impact of the Tax Hike

The move from 5% to 18% GST above the ₹2,500 threshold imposes an additional 13% tax burden on consumers, disproportionately affecting the mid-priced and upper-mid segments.

This could deter purchases in this price range, reduce production volumes, and directly impact employment and incomes, especially in informal and small manufacturing units. Even minor volume declines in such a high-employment sector can lead to outsized socio-economic consequences, including layoffs and reduced household incomes.

Proposal

The Federation strongly recommends that the GST Council: Amend the current GST structure so that all readymade garments and made-ups, irrespective of price, attract a uniform 5% GST.

Justification

Removes the steep tax cliff between affordable and mid-range garments. Aligns taxation with the broader policy goal of taxing luxury while supporting mass-market and essential goods and services.

Preserves domestic demand and employment in a sector that supports tens of millions of livelihoods. Adjusts the tax framework to current inflationary conditions and real price dynamics.

With the textile sector playing a pivotal role in the country’s GDP and supporting over 45 million direct jobs, the Federation respectfully urges the GST Council to reconsider its recent decision and provide relief through a uniform 5% GST on all readymade garments and made-up textile products, regardless of price.

Child Care Aware of Missouri’s Deputy CEO selected to guide discussion on the long-term benefits of early learning investments.

(St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 25, 2025) Beth Ann Lang, Deputy CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), has been selected to serve as moderator for “The Economics of Early Learning” at the 2025 Missouri Legislators Retreat conducted by The Hunt Institute. Lang’s session will focus on the economic impact of investing in early learning, including the potential effects on future societal costs and the long-term benefits for individuals and the state.

The retreat will be held October 14-15 in Columbia, Missouri and is hosted by co-chairs Senator Brian Williams, Representative Brad Christ, and Representative Kathy Steinhoff. The two-day event includes members of the Missouri General Assembly from both sides of the aisle, offering them the opportunity to explore carefully researched education policy issues outside of the constraints of the legislative process.

Established in 2001, The Hunt Institute honors the legacy of James B. Hunt, Jr., former governor of North Carolina and a lifelong champion of education. The nonprofit institute brings together people and resources to inspire and inform elected officials and policymakers about key issues in education, resulting in visionary leaders who are prepared to take strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success.

“Beth Ann’s selection as moderator for such an important conversation is a reflection of her expertise and commitment to advancing early learning infrastructure in Missouri,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of CCAMO. “We are incredibly proud of her leadership and her ability to represent our state in discussions that will shape the future of education, as well as opportunities, for children, families, child care providers, and employers across Missouri.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.