Archives 2025

Devam partners with Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-powered micro devotional content series on historic temples

This collaboration brings unknown temple stories to Indians through AI, starting with Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur

Devam partners with Madhusudhan

New Delhi, Dec 2: Devam has partnered with leading FMCG brand Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-generated temple micro-series, marking a pioneering moment in brand-led spiritual content creation. The partnership debuts with a Hindi-language series on Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur.

This launch comes as India’s spiritual tech sector experiences unprecedented growth. The devotional products market is projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2035, while micro-content consumption has surged 300% year-over-year.

“This partnership represents a new era where AI meets ancient wisdom to preserve India’s spiritual heritage. Young Indians are curious and seeking authentic storytelling. Through devam, we want to bring these temple stories to every Indian. This can have a huge impact.” said Nihal Rustgi, Cofounder, Devam.

The series uses advanced AI to create 60-second episodes featuring photorealistic temple visuals, authentic hindi narration, and interactive elements that let viewers virtually participate in temple rituals.

“Madhusudan has been part of Indian households’ spiritual rituals for generations. This partnership allows us to evolve that connection for the digital age. We’re not just advertising – we’re investing in cultural preservation through technology,” said Amit Aggarwal, Director, Madhusudan.

The 10-episode series will premiere on the devam platform, with daily episodes on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Following the Hindi launch, the partnership will expand to Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali in Q1 2026, with more significant temples in the pipeline.

This marks the first time a major FMCG brand has invested in AI-generated devotional micro-content, setting new standards for brand partnerships in spiritual tech and demonstrating AI’s potential in cultural preservation.

JMR Infotech Showcases AI-Powered Banking Platform at CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025

Bogotá / Dubai / Bangalore – Dec 2: JMR Infotech, a global leader in digital transformation and banking technology solutions, and a service member of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), participated in the CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025, held in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, from October 28 to November 1, 2025. The event brought together banking and financial industry leaders from across the region to discuss emerging trends, innovation, and the future of financial services in the Caribbean.

JMR Infotech

JMR Infotech was represented by CEO Jayafar Moidu, who engaged with senior representatives from banks and financial institutions across the Caribbean. Discussions focused on how AI-driven Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS) models can help institutions accelerate modernisation, improve compliance, and enhance customer experience.

At the conference, JMR Infotech highlighted its Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS), a complete, API-first, cloud-enabled, and AI-powered technology stack built on Oracle banking product processor to deliver next-generation, immersive, and intelligent banking experiences. The platform integrates automation, predictive analytics, and composable architecture to help banks achieve operational agility, risk resilience, and scalability.

Jayafar Moidu, CEO, JMR Infotech, emphasised that the Caribbean’s banking ecosystem is at a pivotal stage, where innovation and inclusion will define the next decade of growth. He noted that the region’s collaborative spirit and willingness to adopt digital-first strategies position it well for transformation driven by AI and cloud technologies.

“Across the Caribbean, banks are ready to embrace technology that empowers efficiency, compliance, and customer-centricity. Our AI-powered BPaaS model offers a secure and scalable pathway to modernisation, enabling financial institutions to move from manual processes to intelligent, self-optimising operations,” said Jayafar.

JMR Infotech’s presence at the conference reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s financial sector with flexible, future-ready technology solutions. With a regional delivery center in Bogotá and support and delivery centers in St. Kitts and Jamaica, the company continues to strengthen its footprint across the Caribbean and Latin America, combining local presence with global delivery excellence.

Coforge strengthens its AI capabilities with new AI-driven accelerators on the Coforge Quasar AI platform

Greater Noida, Dec 01:— Coforge Limited (NSE: COFORGE), a global digital services and solutions provider, today announced the expansion of the Coforge Quasar AI platform with a new suite of AI-driven accelerators designed to boost enterprise productivity, drive responsible innovation, and scale AI adoption across industries.

ViC-gupta

Over the last two years, since its launch Coforge Quasar AI platform has witnessed 300+ paid AI deployments, delivered 200+ industry-specific solutions, and established 20+ strategic partnerships, enabling rapid business outcomes for enterprises worldwide. Building on this success that already provides thousands of users secure, governed access to AI models and deployable agents, Coforge has launched new accelerators to deepening workflow integration, strengthening responsible AI governance, and unlocking greater scale and adaptability.

The new accelerators available on the Coforge Quasar AI platform include;

  • AgentSphere: An advanced marketplace that lets organizations discover, deploy, and orchestrate AI agents for diverse business needs. Designed for rapid workflow automation, and integrates intelligent agents into core processes, boosting efficiency, adaptability, and scalability across functions and industries.
  • Trust AI: Governance protocols, privacy frameworks, and compliance controls to ensure ethical, transparent, and scalable AI adoption.
  • LLM Router: An intelligent orchestration engine that dynamically selects the most effective large language model for each task, ensuring efficiency, cost optimization, and compliance.
  • Model Garden: A centralized environment giving developers and client teams access to a diverse portfolio of generative AI models, supporting experimentation, prototyping, and faster integration.
  • RAG as a Service: Managed Retrieval-Augmented Generation that grounds AI responses in proprietary enterprise knowledge bases, ensuring context-rich, accurate, and citation-driven outputs.

The accelerators complement Quasar GenAI Central and Quasar Marketplace that are enterprise-grade, secure GenAI playground and all-in-one destination for AI capabilities respectively.

Coforge’s unified approach to enterprise AI ensures seamless integration, scalability, and governance helping clients to production at speed. With the new accelerators, enterprises accelerate research, automate operations, and create smarter workflows, while upholding the highest standards of responsible AI adoption and paving the way for the next wave of enterprise AI innovation. Vic Gupta, Chief Technology Officer, Coforge, added, “At Coforge, we are at the forefront of collaborating with our strategic partners, developer ecosystems, and domain specialists to turn cutting-edge AI trends into business reality. We see the accelerated move from decision support to AI-powered decision execution, and our approach integrates new-age architectures and federated AI models deeply into client business flows. By relentlessly focusing on responsible AI, persistent learning, and strong governance, we empower enterprises to harness next-generation AI for measurable outcomes, industry-scale adoption, and transparent innovation.”

Coforge Quasar AI is driving measurable impact across industries. In banking, clients report a 9% reduction in defaulter lists and an 80% drop in manual compliance workloads. Travel clients are benefiting from AI-driven self-service, with ticket volumes falling by 60%, while insurance clients have cut submission intake times by 66%. Beyond these sector-specific results, engineering teams have increased developer productivity by 30% and boosted test generation fivefold, and IT operations have shortened resolution times by 60%, achieving up to 20% savings in support costs. Vikrant Karnik, Executive Vice President and Head of AI initiatives, Coforge, said, “The rapid uptake of Quasar over the last year is testament to its alignment with what matters most to our clients: business outcomes. Organizations are no longer content with AI as a side experiment and the Coforge Quasar AI platform is helping them embed AI within real workflows and see high ROI, often within months. Our clients choose Coforge because we deliver platforms that break through the barriers of scaling beyond proof-of-concept, driving genuine operational impact and industry transformation, not just technology upgrades.”

Pedaling with Purpose: Madhuri Gold Joins Hands with Miss Universe AP Chandana Jayaram for 600 KM Ride

Srikalahasti, Dec 01 2025: Madhuri Gold, one of India’s most admired jewellery brands, takes a bold new step by blending the worlds of glamour and grit. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the brand partners with Miss Universe Andhra Pradesh 2024–2025, Chandana Jayaram, for a 600 KM cycling expedition from Srikalahasti to Hyderabad. This landmark collaboration marks the first time a jewellery brand in India has associated with a major endurance sports event, highlighting a new narrative — where beauty, strength, and determination shine equally bright.

Madhuri Gold

“It is a proud moment for us as Bojjala Venkata Sudhir Reddy garu, MLA of Srikalahasti and a dynamic leader of the Telugu Desam Party, flags off our bikers from the sacred land of Srikalahasti. His victory in the 2024 Assembly Elections stands as an inspiration of dedication and public service. Under his leadership and with the support of TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena, we are honoured to begin this journey that symbolizes strength, unity, and purpose.”

Miss Universe Andhra Pradesh Chandana Jayaram, a fashion model, content creator, and cyclist, embodies the very spirit of resilience and transformation. Coming from a small village, her journey is nothing short of inspiring.

“I’ve always been drawn to fitness and movement. In 2020, I decided to take charge of my health, losing 20 kilograms in 10 months through discipline and consistency. That transformation built my confidence, self-reliance, and mental strength, showing me how fitness can reshape both the body and the mindset,” said Chandana.

Her remarkable achievements include completing the Brevet des Randonneurs Mondiaux (BRM) in Trichy — a global endurance cycling challenge that demands extraordinary focus and perseverance. Each milestone stands as a testament to her passion and determination to push boundaries.

Mr. Sunil from Madhuri Gold said, “We are immensely proud to associate with Chandana Jayaram for this inspiring journey. Her courage, elegance, and determination perfectly mirror the values of Madhuri Gold — purity, perseverance, and progress. Through this partnership, we aim to encourage more women to chase their dreams, break barriers, and shine with confidence — just like gold.”

Adding to this, Mr. Vishwas, CMO & four-time National Off-Road Biking Champion, shared, We’ve always believed in finding and supporting grassroots sports talent in India. This initiative reflects our vision — to celebrate endurance, commitment, and the courage to dream big. Also we are proud to stand for more than just sparkle. Through this initiative, we aim to encourage women across India to embrace health, fitness, and self-confidence as part of their lifestyle.

Madhuri Gold Extends a Helping Hand to Flood-Affected Families in Kalathuru

In a heartfelt gesture of compassion and solidarity, the owners and team of Madhuri Gold reached out to support families affected by the recent floods in Kalathuru, Moved by the hardships faced by the local community, the brand stepped forward not just as a business, but as a family that cares deeply for the people around it. The Madhuri Gold owners, emphasizing that true wealth lies in kindness and shared humanity. The team personally distributed essential supplies, food, and relief materials to the affected households, ensuring immediate comfort and hope during this challenging time.

Ramagya School’s Playdate Creates a World of Joy, Learning & Discovery for Young Children

Noida, Dec 1: Ramagya School, a pioneer in holistic education, successfully hosted a grand and power-packed Playdate—a thoughtfully designed experiential event for young children and their parents. The campus transformed into a playful, colourful, and immersive environment where every corner invited exploration, creativity, movement, and joyful learning.

The event drew an overwhelming response, with enthusiastic participation from families who praised Ramagya School’s commitment to early childhood development through experiential, play-based learning.

Highlights of the Playdate Experience

The Playdate featured nine engaging activity stations, each curated to stimulate different developmental skills such as creativity, motor skills, coordination, rhythm, logic, confidence, and teamwork.

Station 1: Creative Corner – Stick & Paste Fun

A vibrant craft station where children enthusiastically decorated colourful pre-cut shapes using cotton, paper bits, pompom balls, and glitter stickers. This activity helped enhance fine motor skills, imagination, and sensory exploration.
Little hands worked with excitement as children proudly carried home their personalised creations as keepsakes of the day.

Station 2: Adventure Trail – A Journey of Fun & Challenge

One of the biggest attractions, the Adventure Trail featured tunnels, balance paths, soft hurdles, hop areas, and crawling sections.
Children embarked on this mini adventure with zeal — hopping, climbing, crawling, and balancing — all while boosting confidence, body coordination, gross motor skills, and determination. Parents cheered as their little ones completed challenges with joy on their faces.

Station 3: Hit the Bottle – Test Your Aim

This fun, interactive game had children throwing soft balls to knock down colourful bottles.
The excitement of aiming, throwing, and winning small surprises made this station a top favourite. It encouraged focus, hand–eye coordination, and sportsmanship in an enjoyable, safe manner.

Station 4: Music Station – Make Your Own Rhythm

Children gathered to explore the world of rhythm using simple, everyday objects. From tapping boxes to shaking bottles and creating beats, children discovered how music is everywhere!
This station sparked creativity, auditory development, and confidence as children expressed themselves through sound.

Station 5: Blow the Ball – Aim with Air

A fun science-meets-play activity where children used air power to guide a light ball toward a target.
The laughter and excitement filled the area as children learned about breath control, cause-and-effect, and focus — all while having delightful fun.Station 6: Let’s Color Together – Friends Wall

A large community colouring wall invited children to doodle, draw, scribble, and express freely.
This collaborative art space fostered creativity, social interaction, and bonding. The wall bloomed with colours, reflecting the imaginations of dozens of young artists working together.

Station 7: Photo Booth – Capture the Smiles

A bright, cheerful corner with fun props and colourful backdrops became the perfect spot to freeze happy memories.
Parents and children clicked vibrant pictures, making the day unforgettable

Station 8: Puzzle Time – The Wooden Wonder Table

A calm and thoughtful station with wooden puzzles focused on shapes, patterns, and spatial learning.
Kids solved puzzles individually and in groups, enhancing logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

Station 9: Newspaper Walk – Don’t Touch the Ground!

A playful race where children used newspaper sheets as stepping stones to complete the course.
The activity encouraged balance, strategy, teamwork, and physical coordination — with plenty of laughter and cheering all around.

Expressing his delight over the event’s success, Mr. Utkarsh Gupta, Managing Director, Ramagya Group, said: “Seeing children explore, experiment, and enjoy so freely is truly heartwarming. At Ramagya, we believe that real learning happens when children are allowed to play, imagine, and express themselves. The Playdate was designed to provide a multisensory experience that nurtures creativity, confidence, curiosity, and social bonding. We are thrilled to witness the joy it brought to every child and parent who joined us.”

The playdate received an overwhelming response from parents, who appreciated Ramagya School’s commitment to experiential learning and child-centric development.

India’s Agri Future takes Centre-Stage in Meghalaya, as Shillong hosts First Northeast India Organic Week

Mumbai / Shillong – Nov 30: Positioning Meghalaya and the Northeast India as a formidable contender in the global organic set-up, Government of Meghalaya, in a strategic partnership with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM-Organics Asia), today successfully inaugurated the 1st Northeast India Organic Week here in Shillong.

India’s Agri Future takes Centre-Stage in Meghalaya, as Shillong hosts First Northeast India Organic Week

The inauguration marks a significant milestone not only for the region’s agricultural sector but also uniquely converges two major international initiatives on a single forum: the APEDA International Buyer-Seller Meet and the 4th IFOAM World Organic Youth Summit.

APEDA has been a long-standing partner in strengthening Meghalaya’s organic value chain. Through close collaboration with the state government, APEDA has helped Meghalaya’s high-value organic and natural produce such as ginger, turmeric, fresh fruits, and niche spices enter new and emerging markets in the Middle East. These efforts have enabled stronger market linkages, higher value realisation for farmers, and enhanced visibility for the state’s organic products.

Hosting delegates, importers, and representatives from 13 countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Indonesia and other countries, positioning Meghalaya as the gateway for global organic trade and youth led development and innovation.

The formal session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Saswati Bose, General Manager, APEDA, set the tone for the event characterizing the occasion as a “significant milestone for India and the global organic community.” Highlighting the region’s unique strengths, she asserted that “Meghalaya, with its rich biodiversity and strong community-driven farming systems, is an ideal state for advancing organic agriculture.”

Representing the host state, Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, highlighted the state’s impressive economic trajectory, noting “Meghalaya is the second fastest growing state in the country behind Tamil Nadu and the only state with 10% growth over the last four years post-COVID, a surge driven primarily by the agriculture sector.”

He outlined Hon’ble Chief Minister’s ambitious vision, stating, “We should try to more than double farmers’ income by 2028.” To achieve this, the state has implemented a “robust hub and spoke model” connecting village-level Collective Marketing Centres to large “Prime Hubs”,” including a new ginger processing facility established with an investment of “25 crores”, which he describes as the “largest organic processing unit for spices in the Northeastern region.”

He emphasized the value of local produce, specifically Lakadong turmeric, calling it the “world’s best turmeric” with a curcumin content reaching up to 13%. He also mentioned about the bio-curcumin tablets, explaining that the state is setting up an extraction unit to produce these high-value supplements from Lakadong turmeric. He reaffirmed the state’s aggressive targets, declaring a goal to do 1 lakh hectares which is 25% of the cultivating area of the state as certified organic by 2028. Furthermore, he highlighted climate action initiatives like “Green Meghalaya”.

He also highlighted Meghalaya’s abundant bamboo reserves that offer a sustainable solution for the region’s naturally acidic soils. Transforming bamboo into high-quality biochar enhancing soil health by improving nutrient retention, structure, and microbial activity while neutralizing acidity.

Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS, Chairman, APEDA, addressed the gathering stating, “Meghalaya has a significant export potential in organic.” He emphasized the necessity of partnership with state governments to ensure “last mile connectivity with the all the stakeholders in the value chain”. Acknowledging international partners, he expresses a desire to significantly increase our collaboration with IFOAMto provide Indian producers with an international stage to showcase their produce. Regarding regulatory integrity, he asserted that APEDA is working hard to ensure the system of organic certification should be fully credible highlighting the release of the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production.

Ms. Jennifer Chang, Executive Director, IFOAM Asia, in her keynote address, reiterated that the event marks a significant milestone in the work of IFOAM Organics Asia in India and South Asia. Reflecting on her time in Meghalaya she added, “We had a very inspirational start yesterday with a visit to a Khasi Mandarin organic farm in the beautiful hills of Mawphu. These farmers are not just providers of food, but truly the stewards of nature.” She added, “And what we saw yesterday is a testament of what Northeast India is, you have a unique agro-climatic condition enrich biodiversity, and this region is organic by default.”

Mr. Brendan Hoare, Adviser, IFOAM Asia, emphasized the organic movement is a borderless, collective mission. The first Northeast Organic Week serves as more than an exchange of knowledge; it is a catalyst for lasting connections and global sustainability. He urged everyone to commit for a future of cooperation and innovation, ensuring that the efforts today shape policies, markets, and communities worldwide.

Following the inaugural sessions, the esteemed dignitaries officially inaugurated the Exhibition Area, showcasing the finest certified organic products from FPOs, cooperatives, and enterprises across the Northeast. The area presented a dedicated Meghalaya Organic Pavilion, featuring stalls from Meghalaya Collectives, Meghalayan Age, PRIME and kiosks of APEDA, Directorate of Food Processing, National Co-operative Exports Limited, MoVCDNE, Tea Board India and more.

The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Saloni Verma, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Department of Agriculture.

A major highlight of the inaugural session was the presentation by Ms. Priyanka Uday, Associate Director, (CRISIL), on “Meghalaya-A growing powerhouse in India’s Organic Sector”, providing insights into Meghalaya as an emerging agricultural hub, leveraging its “Organic by Default” status with near-zero synthetic fertilizer usage and a significant expansion in certified organic land. The state’s horticulture landscape is witnessing robust growth: organic ginger exports to Dubai have reached 15 MT (7% CAGR) in 2019-23 cycle, while black pepper sales to have doubled. Driven by initiatives from bodies like the Jirang FPC, distinctive produce such as GI-tagged Mandarins has successfully entered the Gulf market through the Lulu Group, showcasing the immense global potential of Northeast India.

The afternoon sessions were dedicated to the Buyer Seller Meet and the Sensitisation and Capacity Building Programme on NPOP 8th Edition, Regulation & Labelling Requirement under NPOP.

The 1st Northeast India Organic Week continues through December 1, serving as a catalyst for youth-led agricultural innovation and creating a robust ecosystem for organic trade. By bringing policymakers, global buyers, and youth innovators together, Meghalaya has firmly established itself as a national and regional model in the organic agriculture landscape.

RBI Rate Cut Expected to Boost Real Estate and AIF Investments

Mr. Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund (GGF),  a category II Real Estate focussed Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)
From depositors’ standpoint, a rate cut will create concerns about declining returns on fixed deposits and other interest-bearing savings. A 25-bps reduction in the repo rate would likely push banks to trim deposit rates in the coming months, making it harder for savers to earn meaningful returns. While lower rates may support broader economic growth, affluent investors and family offices often redirect capital toward higher-return products such as real estate–focused Category II AIFs to preserve real yields, thereby improving fundraising momentum for these funds. A lower interest-rate environment also reduces the cost of capital for developers and strengthens project viability, which in turn expands the opportunity for AIFs.
Mr. Lalit Parihar, managing director, Aaiji Group, a Dholera-based real estate firm
 
Between June and now, several macroeconomic factors have evolved in favour of a rate cut. CPI inflation has fallen well below the RBI’s comfort zone, and – complemented by recent GST rationalisation – consumer spending has received a boost. We believe that with another 25-bps cut in the repo rate in this MPC meeting, India’s growth trajectory will strengthen further. The housing market has already benefited from the RBI’s liquidity measured and 100 bps of cut in repo rate between February and June, and it is time to make borrowing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers.
Mr. Vijay Harsh Jha, Founder and CEO of property brokerage firm VS Realtors
The housing market has shown signs of a slowdown in terms of volumes. Although sales values have grown – driven largely by rising prices – this trend indicates that shifting demand dynamics may gradually crowd out genuine homebuyers. A 25-bps rate cut would encourage fence-sitters to enter the market, especially as developers have indicated a pipeline of more affordable inventory in the coming quarters.

Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav Inaugurates Chanderi Eco Retreat Festival 2025

New Delhi, Nov 29: The 3 months festival ‘Chanderi Eco Retreat and Fest’ is commencing from November 28th at the famous tourist destination of Chanderi. It is being organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, in collaboration with the District Administration and Sunset Desert Camp. To promote Chanderi as a premier cultural and heritage destination, Madhya Pradesh Tourism also hosted a Fashion Show, with Fabindia as the opening brand.

scindhia

The festival was inaugurated by the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav via a video message. Union Minister of Communication and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Ashoknagar Collector Shri Aditya Singh, Deputy Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Yuvraj Padole, MD of Fabindia William Bissell, and CEO of Tata Taneria Ambuj Narayan. This was followed by the much-anticipated Fashion Show, featuring multiple other brands like Taneira, Itokri, Noize Jeans, and Zee’s by Tajwar which celebrated the artistic legacy and textile mastery of Chanderi’s handloom heritage.

During the event keynote, Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communication of India said, “Chanderi is a true marvel of our heritage, a place that has warm hearts and is the embodiment of the power the live art of handloom holds. It is full of history; there are instances written in Sanskrit that chronicle its past. It is essential that this profound cultural legacy reaches every corner of the globe, and we are proud that Fabindia echoes the beauty of Chanderi handloom across the world like nobody can, ensuring this artistry is both preserved and celebrated.”

A grand fashion and music ceremony dedicated to Chanderi’s traditional weaving and its unique heritage—“Threads of Time: The Chanderi Saga”—was organized at the tent city after the inauguration ceremony. Fabindia had the honour of presenting a specially curated collection inspired by the exquisite textures, motifs, and weaving traditions of Chanderi. The showcase underscored Fabindia’s commitment to enabling India’s artisanal communities and preserving the cultural craft ecosystem through contemporary design.

While addressing the audience at the event, William N. Bissell, Managing Director, Fabindia Ltd. said, “It is a privilege for Fabindia to be part of Chanderi’s artistic journey—a priceless heritage that reflects India’s timeless craftsmanship, grace, and tradition. For over twenty-five years, our association has been built on respect, collaboration, and a shared love for the loom. The dedication of Chanderi’s weavers continues to inspire us as they preserve and elevate this exquisite art form on the global stage. With the active participation of the younger generation, we are confident that Chanderi’s legacy will continue to thrive, carrying India’s pride and artistry to new heights with every weave.”

Along with art and cultural activities, tourists can enjoy thrilling activities at the tent city, including a Hot Air Balloon Glow Show, ATV Rides, Zipline, and Air Gun Shooting. The festival will feature evening cultural programs, DJ Nights, Live Bands, and a Light and Sound show, which will showcase the historical story of Chanderi.

Chanderi is one of Madhya Pradesh’s proudest cultural treasures — a place where history, craftsmanship, and living tradition come together in the most extraordinary way. ‘Threads of Time: The Chanderi Saga’ is more than an event; it is an immersive celebration of the soul of Chanderi and the unmatched skill of our artisans. By showcasing this timeless weave, we aim to highlight Chanderi not just as a fabric but as a world-class destination for heritage, culture, and creativity. Madhya Pradesh Tourism is delighted to support initiatives that bring global attention to our state’s rich legacy, and we invite travellers from across India and the world to experience the magic of Chanderi for themselves. – Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Home, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board

The first day marks the beginning of a vibrant five-day celebration, which will include naturopathy sessions, weaving workshops, buyer–seller interactions, sound meditation, heritage walks, light & sound shows, yoga sessions, cultural programs, laser shows, musical performances, and a series of curated heritage experiences across Chanderi.

ARAPL’s Total Order Book Crosses Rs.140+ crore

Pune, Nov 29: Affordable Robotic and Automation Limited (ARAPL) (BSE: 541402 | NSE: AFFORDABLE), India’s first listed robotics company, today announced its strongest order position to date, with the confirmed order book exceeding crore as of 25 November 2025, compared with  at the end of November 2024. Current orders come from marquee clients including Bajaj, the Mahindra & Mahindra Group, and other Tier-1 OEMs in the automobile sector, as well as real estate customers such as Rustomjee, Sankrit, and Avni.  Notably, 80% of these orders are from repeat customers and are slated for delivery before March 2026. The company also noted a robust order pipeline, expected to convert over the coming months. 

During the first half of FY26, ARAPL executed  of orders, underscoring its execution strength and scalable manufacturing capabilities.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Milind Padolee, Chairman, ARAPL, said;
“Crossing the  mark is a defining milestone for ARAPL. It reflects both the growing maturity of our business and the accelerating demand for automation. With India advancing toward smart manufacturing and urban mobility solutions—and with the US opening a new pathway for scale ARAPL is well-positioned to deliver on its long-term growth ambitions.”

With a strong backlog and consistent execution progress, ARAPL expects to sustain its growth trajectory and deliver improved margins over previous years. The robust pipeline is also expected to provide a strong start to the next financial year and support project continuity beyond FY26.

Strengthening Presence in the US Market;

ARAPL’s strategic expansion into the US through its brand HUMRO, launched last year, continues to reinforce its international order book. Recent US orders highlight the increasing acceptance of Indian-built automation solutions in advanced markets, particularly as global supply chains diversify.

Humro Division Enhances Forward Visibility;

ARAPL’s Humro robotics division has commenced order bookings as its Proof-of-Concept deployments—supported by robots already shipped to the US—reach completion. The division has secured orders for 8 robots under the RaaS (Robotics-as-a-Service) model, valued at, with an expected IRR of approximately 65%. While still an emerging segment, rising inquiries especially from US technology integrators—are further strengthening ARAPL’s forward order visibility.

Progress Is Complement, Not Competition: DC Hari Chandana

Progress is never a competition between genders. Complement — not compete: Smt Hari Chandana, District Collector

women leadership

Hyderabad, Nov 29: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FTCCI) hosted the FTCCI Women’s Leadership Summit 2025, a full-day conference at its Red Hills premises in Hyderabad.

Smt. Harichandana Dasari, IAS, District Collector, graced as the chief guest and inaugurated the summit. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “If there is one truly transformative opportunity for the future, it is educating a girl child and giving her the platform she deserves to rise. But equally important is educating our boys — teaching them to respect every girl at home, in school, and in society. Real change begins within families. When we stop differentiating between sons and daughters, we begin shaping a world that is fairer, stronger, and more humane.

Progress is never a competition between genders. We are meant to energise each other, rise together, and complement — not compete. The true success of any society or nation lies in equality, acceptance, and shared growth. One sincere mindset shift, one conscious step at a time, can change the world — and that first step always begins at home.”

During a panel discussion on ‘Leadership Competency Development’, moderated by Ms Aruna Ravi Kumar, the state’s first woman broadcast journalist, panel member Ms Vanita Datla, former Chairperson of CII Telangana, shared her powerful Six-Up Formula for leadership. She explained that she picked up this model nearly 15 years ago at a leadership summit in Japan, and that it stayed with her consciously or subconsciously, shaping the leader she is today. Vanita Datla’s Six-Up Formula emphasises a holistic approach to growth and influence. She urges women to Show Up by being present and making their presence count, Speak Up by expressing their views fearlessly even when opinions may not be welcomed, Look Up to role models by adopting good traits and continually improving themselves, Team Up by building strong teams and nurturing a reliable support system around them, Not Give Up by pursuing goals relentlessly because winners never quit, and finally Lift others, as true leadership lies in creating future leaders, not followers.

Vanita Datla highlighted a hard-hitting reality, stating that India has the dubious distinction of having the world’s largest number of highly qualified homemakers—educated, skilled women, confined within four walls and unseen in the workforce.

She added that women often need to work twice as hard as men to stay afloat as leaders. Another panellist, Ms Anandita Mookerjee Sinha, Client Communications Leader – ET, spoke about overcoming stereotypes, judgment and sarcasm, stating that women determined to rise in leadership must convert obstacles into opportunities.

Moderator Ms Aruna Ravi Kumar shared her personal experience of being denied a mobile phone that all her male colleagues received, explaining how she had to prove her worth before being allowed one. She reminded the audience that success and failure have no gender.

Dr Ch. Preeti Reddy, Vice Chairman, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth, who was the guest of honour, spoke about the equal treatment she received from her family, calling her in-laws her parents and explaining how her father-in-law, former Minister Malla Reddy, supported her as he would a son. She urged participants to develop knowledge, read widely, command respect, avoid gossip and remain productive.

Ravi Kumar, President of FTCCI, emphasised humanity over gender, stating that whether men or women, all are human beings and must work beyond gender bias with humanness.

“When women rise, economies rise. Our responsibility is not to wait for the gap to close — but to close it ourselves.” Speaking as Chairperson, Dr Tasneem Shariff said

She posed sharp, thought-provoking questions that shook the room:
“Why does 50% of the world’s talent get only 7% of Fortune 500 CEO roles?
Why do women add $13 trillion to global GDP yet receive less than 4% of venture funding?
And why must the world still wait 132 years to close the gender gap — is the delay in the data, or in our decisions?”

Tasneem underscored that while discussions often dwell on challenges, solutions already exist. More than ₹50,000 crore worth of credit schemes in India are earmarked for women. MUDRA Yojana alone funds over 70% women borrowers. States offer tax incentives, stamp duty waivers, subsidised loans, and 0–6% interest credit for women-led MSMEs.

The Summit was envisioned as a dynamic platform to champion women’s leadership, recognise their expanding impact across sectors, and nurture the next generation of purpose-driven women leaders. The day-long conference brought together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, professionals, innovators and changemakers from Telangana and across India, and covered themes such as Leadership Competency Development, Personal Growth, Health, Wellness & Self-Confidence, Strategies for Overcoming Challenges & Personal Branding, Advocacy for Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces, Financial Resilience for Women Founders, and Technology, Innovation & Leadership.

The Summit featured a stellar lineup including Ms. Vanitha Datla, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director, Elico Ltd; Ms. Khushboo Hoda, Head – Health & Wellness, Volvo Group India; Ms. Tanya Chaitanya, CEO, Her Circle & President – Digital & Diversity Initiatives, Reliance Industries Limited; Graybox Strategy & Society for Animal Aid; Ms. Nisary Mahesh, Founder & CEO, HerMoneyTalks; Ms. Deepti Akki, Director – Basketball, Federation Sports & Fitness Management Consultant; Ms. Michelle Dominica, Head – India CSR & Administrative Services, Viatris; Ms. Radhika Yuvraj Iyengar, Country Director, Women in Tech India & Senior Director – Data Strategy & Personalisation, Credera; Ms. Aninditha Sinha and Ms. Rashi Srivasthava among others. A special stand-up comedy segment by Ms Sushma Chitta, Senior Manager – Product Content at ServiceNow and an award-winning stand-up comedian, added an engaging and refreshing close to the deliberations.