Category business

Mumbai, 22nd September, 2025: The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, a Pantomath Group Company, today announced a significant milestone by becoming the first asset management company (AMC) to launch New Fund Offer (NFO) on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Network in partnership with Cybrilla Technologies Pvt Ltd.

With this launch, investors across Bharat – especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will now be able to access The Wealth Company Mutual Fund NFOs seamlessly through ONDC Network’s open digital infrastructure. The initiative reflects the company’s vision of democratizing wealth creation and driving financial inclusion across underserved markets.

Starting 24th September, The Wealth Company Mutual Fund will be leveraging ONDC Network to launch its NFOs, making mutual fund distribution simpler and more accessible to a wider base of investors.

Madhu Lunawat, Founder, MD & CEO, The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, said: “Our integration with the ONDC Network marks a breakthrough moment. As the first AMC to launch NFOs on ONDC, we are making mutual fund investments easier, especially NFOs more accessible for investors across India, particularly reaching Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities that were previously underserved. This partnership reinforces our commitment to democratizing wealth creation and expanding financial inclusion nationwide.”

Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO and COO at ONDC, said: “It’s encouraging to see The Wealth Company Mutual Fund launch its NFO through the ONDC Network. By enabling discovery and access through new distribution channels, ONDC is not only broadening investor engagement but also helping bring investment opportunities to previously underserved markets. This demonstrates the network’s potential to support more inclusive and accessible financial ecosystems.”

In August 2025 alone, ONDC processed over 2,800 mutual fund transactions worth INR 1.1 crores with more than 15 distributors live on the network. This growth underscores the strong appetite for investment opportunities in the underserved markets and highlights the vast potential of expanding access.

NOIDA, India, Sept 21, 2025 — HCLFoundation, which drives the corporate social responsibility agenda of global technology company HCLTech in India, spearheaded a coastal cleanup campaign across six Indian states — Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and West Bengal — to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025.

The initiative mobilized local communities, HCLTech employees and partner organizations, resulting in the removal of approximately 20,000 kilograms of marine debris by over 5,000+ volunteers, reaffirming HCLFoundation’s commitment to protecting India’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

This year’s campaign was strengthened by collaborations with leading environmental organizations, including Animal Welfare Conservation Society, ReefWatch Marine Conservation, SPANDAN, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Environmentalist Foundation of India, Development Research Communication and Services Centre, Plan@tEarth, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trus, and Tree Foundation. Over the past four years, HCLFoundation and its partners have successfully removed more than 560,000 kilograms of ghost nets and marine debris from India’s coastal waters.

A significant milestone in marine conservation was achieved in 2024 when HCLFoundation, the Indian Coast Guard and The Habitats Trust (THT) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address challenges facing India’s marine biodiversity. This partnership leverages scientific expertise, operational capacity and grassroots engagement to drive impactful conservation efforts along the nation’s coastline.

On International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, HCLFoundation, the Indian Coast Guard and THT jointly participated in the national cleanup campaign, demonstrating their unified commitment to marine conservation.

“Environmental sustainability is central to our mission of building resilient and inclusive communities,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, SVP, Global CSR, HCLTech and Director, HCLFoundation.

“Our coastal cleanup initiative goes beyond waste removal—it inspires collective responsibility and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship. Through our partnerships, we are strengthening efforts to conserve and restore India’s marine ecosystems.”

Pic Credit: Pexel

Bhubaneswar, Sept 20: The much-anticipated 12th edition of the Bhubaneswar International Trade Fair 2025 was inaugurated on Friday at Janata Maidan, bringing with it an exciting mix of global culture, commerce, and craftsmanship.

Organised by Gupta Event Management Pvt. Ltd, the 11-day fair will be open to the public from September 19 to 29, daily between 2:30 PM and 10:00 PM. With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse product offerings, and international participation, the event promises to be a major attraction for both businesses and consumers.

A Global Marketplace in the Heart of Odisha

This year’s edition is truly international in scope. The trade fair features participation from 22 Indian states and 10 countries, making it a unique platform for cross-border trade and cultural exchange. From handcrafted Indian goods to exclusive international products, the fair has something for everyone.

Some of the standout international exhibits include:

• Jamdani sarees from Bangladesh
• Dates and carpets from Iran
• Perfumes from Dubai
• Jewellery and accessories from Thailand and South Korea
• Lamps from Germany

In addition, Indian stalls are showcasing a rich variety of handlooms, handicrafts, leather goods, home décor, ethnic wear, furniture, and more.

Business Meets Culture

Designed as both a B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) event, the trade fair offers significant opportunities for business networking, retail sales, and market exploration. Local entrepreneurs, artisans, wholesalers, and international sellers are using the platform to build partnerships, promote their products, and tap into new markets.

High Footfall Expected

With its wide appeal and diverse offerings, the Bhubaneswar International Trade Fair 2025 is expected to draw over 5 lakh visitors throughout its duration. The organisers have set up air-conditioned exhibition hangars and ensured a comfortable environment for families, shoppers, and trade visitors alike.

More Than Just Shopping

Beyond commerce, the fair is also a celebration of culture. Visitors can expect live demonstrations, food stalls with global cuisine, and cultural performances that add a festive spirit to the event.

A Boost for Odisha’s Trade Landscape

Events like this not only benefit individual sellers and buyers but also play a crucial role in positioning Bhubaneswar as an emerging hub for international trade and investment. The fair continues to grow in scale and reputation, reflecting the city’s increasing importance on the global trade map.

GURUGRAM, India September 20, 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced never-before-seen prices on its latest Galaxy wearables, including the recently-launched Galaxy Watch8 series and Galaxy Buds3 FE. Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Ring are some of the other products to get massive discount ahead of the festive season. These special discounts provide customers with a fantastic opportunity to own Galaxy wearables at the most attractive prices since their launch.

Starting today, the Galaxy Watch8 series will be available at a massive discount of up to INR 15000, while the recently-launched Galaxy Buds3 FE will be offered with a discount of INR 4000. The Galaxy Watch Ultra will be available at a discount of INR 18000, and the Galaxy Ring will be offered with a discount of INR 15000.  The special prices can be availed either through an instant cashback or an upgrade bonus, available for a limited time period. Additionally, consumers seeking enhanced affordability can take advantage of no-cost EMI for up to 18 months.

Galaxy Watch8 Series 

The Galaxy Watch8 series is the first smartwatch series to come out of the box with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant empowering the users to go hands-free using natural voice commands to get complex tasks done across multiple Galaxy Watch apps. For the first time, the Galaxy Watch8 series introduces an Antioxidant Index, giving you a real-time view of your cellular health.

Running on Wear OS 6 with One UI Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch8 series also debuts enhanced features like Multi-Info Tiles, a refreshed Now Bar, and streamlined notifications for at-a-glance convenience.  Built on the foundation of the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, Galaxy Watch8 is just 8.6mm thinoffering a sleek profile and snug, all-day comfortable fit, thanks to its new Dynamic Lug System. The Galaxy Watch8 series features a dazzling Super AMOLED display with 3000 nits of peak brightness that ensures excellent visibility outdoors.

The Watch8 Classic adds elements of traditional elegance, with its ever-popular Rotating Bezel design and a new “Quick Button” for fast access to apps and routines.  It is available in a single 46 mm size with a premium stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal display, and upgraded brightness for clearer visibility outdoors. The Galaxy Watch8 series is Samsung’s most advanced lineup of wellness-focused smartwatches, combining refined design with powerful health tracking. Equipped with the upgraded BioActive Sensor, it delivers more accurate insights on sleep, including Bedtime Guidance to track circadian rhythm and recommend optimal sleep times, plus Vascular Load monitoring and Sleep Coaching to build better habits. The new AI-powered Energy Score gives a daily snapshot of physical and mental energy, while Running Coach provides personalized training plans with live guidance. 

Galaxy Buds3 FE

Galaxy Buds3 FE come with an exciting fusion of Galaxy AI, enhanced audio tech and an iconic blade design  allowing users to step in to the Galaxy ecosystem and enjoy better living and wellness – all in a playful way. The device gets core innovations and enhancements, including advanced Active Noise Cancelation, while providing improved call quality, battery life and comfort. For translation, you can use Galaxy Buds3 FE with the Galaxy AI Interpreter app on your Galaxy smartphone to listen to a lecture in a foreign language or have a conversation with someone in another language. When phrases like “Hey Google” are used, Galaxy Buds3 FE can listen, understand, and respond without a screen or hands — just the user’s voice. You can also check your daily agenda or email without removing your phone from your pocket or bag. Additionally, AI features and the Galaxy Buds3 FE design ensure that queuing up the next playlist or translating a conversation from one language to another is always just a word or long press away.

Galaxy Ring  

Designed for 24/7 health monitoring, Galaxy Ring offers a simple approach to everyday wellness. Engineered with premium materials, including a titanium finish for enhanced durability, Galaxy Ring is IP68 water- and dust-resistant and can withstand depths of up to 100 meters with its 10ATM rating. This makes Galaxy Ring a sophisticated yet rugged accessory, perfect for all use cases. Galaxy Ring is ultra-lightweight, making it ideal for all-day wear and it offers up to 7 days of battery life encased in a specially designed charging case that features aesthetic LED lighting to indicate charging status.  Powered by Samsung’s proprietary “Health AI”, Galaxy Ring delivers real-time insights intuitively, so that users can simply wear it and let the AI-driven insights work in the background, providing personalized recommendations and wellness tips. All data and insights are integrated into Samsung Health for seamless access within one cohesive platform without any subscription fees. Galaxy Ring also supports everyday wellness monitoring, allowing users to stay informed about heart health with HR monitoring providing alerts for high/low heart rates. 

Galaxy Ring is able to auto-detect workouts (walking and running) as well as provides inactive alerts to users keeping them motivated to achieve their goals. Galaxy Ring also features Samsung’s best-in-class sleep analysis and a powerful sleep AI algorithm. Along with Sleep Score and snoring analysis, new sleep metrics such as movement during sleep, sleep latency, heart and respiratory rate provide a detailed and accurate analysis of sleep quality.

New Delhi, September 20, 2025: NTPC Ltd., India’s largest integrated power utility, has entered into an agreement with the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to support the promotion and development of rugby in India.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by Shri V. Jayanarayanan, Chief General Manager (HR/CSR/LA/R&R), NTPC and Shri Gerald Prabhu, Hon. Secretary, IRFU. The programme aims to strengthen training, development, and capacity building of Indian Rugby teams, creating opportunities for young athletes to excel at national and international platforms.

Through this initiative, NTPC reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth and nurturing sporting talent. The collaboration with IRFU is a step towards broadening the scope of sporting disciplines supported by NTPC, ensuring wider participation and promoting a culture of fitness, teamwork, and excellence.

In addition to this new partnership, NTPC has also been actively supporting the growth of archery in India since 2018 and recently signed an agreement with the Archery Association of India (AAI) to extend financial support of ₹2,420 lakh over the next four years for the promotion and development of archery across the country.

NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing one-fourth of the India’s power requirements and has an installed capacity of 83 GW, with an additional capacity of 30.90 GW under construction, including 13.3 GW of renewable energy capacity. The company is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, strengthening India’s Net Zero goals.

With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.

Along with power generation, NTPC has ventured into various new business areas, including e-mobility, battery storage, pumped hydro storage, waste-to-energy, nuclear power, and green hydrogen solutions. It has also participated in the bidding for power distribution of Union Territories.

September 20, 2025: Baker’s Artisanal Recipes (BAR), India’s premier bean-to-bar chocolate artisan, announces an exciting collaboration with Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters for “When Chocolate Meets Coffee,” an exclusive guided tasting experience set for September 21, 2025. This unique partnership brings together two passionate craft brands in an intimate workshop limited to 20 participants, offering guests a rare opportunity to explore how two of the world’s most beloved ingredients complement and enhance each other through expertly curated pairings. The event will take place at Siolim Coffee’s atmospheric venue, creating an unforgettable sensorial journey that celebrates the art of origin, roast, fermentation, and flavor.

The immersive experience will showcase four distinct chocolate varieties, each expertly paired with complementary coffee preparations to highlight their unique flavor profiles. Be it your cappuccino, cortado, espresso or Vietnamese brew; BAR has a solid variant to pair with each of your palette. Participants will discover the sweet and creamy notes of Milk 38% chocolate from Mangalore origin with its rich, buttery finish, explore the tropical complexity of Dark 60% Idukki chocolate bursting with pineapple and black currant undertones, savor the sophisticated Darker 70% chocolate with its distinctive caramelly sweetness and woody depth, and experience the bold intensity of Seriously Dark 90% chocolate with its deep, nutty character and robust cocoa finish. Beyond simple tasting, guests will engage with the International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting flavor wheel, explore the tactile elements of cocoa beans, nibs, and pods alongside coffee beans, and participate in a live pairing activity where they can create their own perfect coffee-chocolate combinations.

Founded in 2021, Baker’s Artisanal Recipes has established itself as a leader in premium couverture chocolate production in India, specializing in single-origin chocolates from Kerala’s Idukki region and Karnataka’s Mangalore area. Their commitment to pure cocoa butter, precise tempering techniques, and celebrating the unique terroir of Indian cocoa through their bean-to-bar process has made them a favorite among professional bakers, confectioners, and chocolate enthusiasts. This collaboration with Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters represents a perfect meeting of craft-driven philosophies, as both brands share an unwavering dedication to quality, origin stories, and the artisanal processes that transform raw ingredients into exceptional experiences.

Each participant will receive comprehensive educational materials including a Certificate of Participation, detailed pairing sheets, the IICCT Flavor Wheel, and access to exclusive retail offerings from both brands. The event promises to be more than just a tasting session – it’s an educational journey that explores the stories behind two craft-driven brands, from farm to cup and bean to bar. Given the intimate nature of the experience and limited seating, tickets will be available through Siolim Coffee’s booking channels with early booking strongly recommended. This inaugural collaboration marks the beginning of what both brands hope will be an ongoing series of experiences exploring the beautiful intersection of coffee and chocolate craftsmanship.

New Delhi, September 19, 2025: Atal Foundation, dedicated to holistic development and social upliftment, celebrated its Foundation Day at the Prime Ministers’ Museum in New Delhi with the 5th edition of the Atal Bhushan Awards.

On this occasion, the National Atal Awards and Atal Bhushan Awards ceremony was held to honor distinguished individuals for their remarkable contributions to society. This year, a total of 22 National Atal Awards, 14 Atal Bhushan Awards, 1 Atal Alankar Award, and 1 Atal Icon Award were presented.

Among the prominent awardees this year were Ankit Rathi and Sanjay Gajanan Gate, who received the Atal Alankar Award; Avneesh Singh Bisen, who was honored with the Vishva Youth Atal Icon Award; and Pratibha Sharma and Shalini Kangra, who were conferred with the National Atal Award. Additionally, Pankaj Chawla and Inspector Ram Ratan Singh were also recognized with the National Atal Award. These winners are known not only for their excellence in their respective fields but also for being sources of inspiration to society and the nation.

Receiving the honor, Avneesh Singh (Director & CEO, DCJ Group) said, “Receiving this award at the Prime Ministers’ Museum is a moment of pride and inspiration for me. This is not just an award, but also a responsibility to carry forward the ideals of Atal Ji and take India to new heights.”

The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of dignitaries including former Union Minister Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya; chief patron of Atal Foundation and former BJP National Vice President Shyam Jaju; 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Rajesh Ojha Ji; Parliamentary Committee member Avinash Rai Khanna; Ashok Aggarwal from International Vaish Federation; and Bajranglal Bagda, General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Their presence added special significance to the ceremony and highlighted the importance of recognizing contributions to society.

Addressing the gathering, Shyam Jaju, chief patron of Atal Foundation and former BJP National Vice President, said, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji was a great statesman whose name even today evokes trust, enthusiasm, and a sense of duty among people. From leading the nation as Prime Minister to establishing a direct dialogue with the common people, his vision laid the foundation of India’s progress. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, this legacy is being carried forward, and today India is emerging on the world stage with confidence. Through these awards, Atal Foundation is keeping alive the values of service, integrity, and patriotism that Atal Ji embodied throughout his life.”

Former MP and former BJP National Vice President Avinash Rai Khanna also shared his thoughts, praising the work of Atal Foundation and congratulating Aparna Singh for her leadership. He said that Atal Foundation is working with unity across the nation.

National President of Atal Foundation Aparna Singh said, “Atal Foundation was established with the objective of holistic development and inclusive progress. The awards presented today symbolize our belief that true change is possible only when we honor those who dedicate themselves selflessly to serving society. By bringing contributors from diverse fields onto one platform, we aim to strengthen the collective power of inspiration for the nation. We remain committed to continuing our efforts for the empowerment of society and development in every sphere.”

On this occasion, the contributions of National General Secretary and Award Committee Chairman Radheshyam Ranga Ji and Award Committee Vice Chairman Lekhraj Maheshwari Ji were also significant.

The Atal Bhushan Awards and National Atal Awards have become important platforms to celebrate the spirit of social contribution and leadership. By bringing together visionaries and achievers from diverse fields, Atal Foundation continues to inspire the building of a strong and inclusive India.

Bengaluru, September 19, 2025 — Instagram’s newest history-meets-food channel, Ancient Indian Cooking (@ancientindiancookingtales), has become one of the fastest-growing Indian cultural handles on the platform. In less than 20 days, the channel has crossed more than 13,700 followers and racked up close to 2.5 million views. Several reels have crossed 200,000-300000 views, with the most-watched one clocking 800,000 (and well on its way to a million) — rare traction for a new entrant in the crowded food-content space.

What sets the channel apart is its focus on storytelling. Instead of modern recipes, Ancient Indian Cooking mines Sanskrit plays, religious literature, Buddhist travelogues, folktales, and classical texts to uncover quirky yet relatable stories about what people ate, how they celebrated, and the food rituals that shaped daily life. Posts connect these insights to present-day habits, showing how cultural memory around food continues to resonate.

Audiences are responding well beyond India. A sizeable portion of followers come from the US, Canada, UK, and UAE, highlighting the global appetite for India’s culinary heritage when told in fresh, engaging formats.

On the success of the channel, Ashish Dwivedi, the creator of the channel who is a communications professional and a history graduate, said: “The objective is not just to talk about recipes, but to highlight the cultural aspects of food as reflected in our oldest literature and oral traditions. Food is everywhere, not just on the table but in rituals, in jokes, in the way respect was shown. What strikes me is the continuity. A Sangam poet describing a wedding feast, or a sutra on how to welcome a guest, could easily be mistaken for something we’d say today. The details are different, but the instincts are the same, generosity, abundance, pride in feeding others. Even the humor is timeless: someone in a play complaining of a hangover or overindulgence is no different from us. That is what makes these stories worth telling ; they make the past less distant, and they remind us that food habits are often the most enduring parts of culture.”

With a steep growth curve and high-quality engagement, Ancient Indian Cooking is fast positioning itself as one of the most distinctive new voices in the Indian creator ecosystem, particularly on cultural themes.

India, 19 september 2025: The South Indian Cement Manufacturers’ Association (SICMA) expresses its sincere appreciation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, for the landmark decision to reduce Goods and Services Tax (GST) across a wide range of goods and services.

This timely and progressive measure enhances consumer affordability, boosts industry competitiveness, and marks a major step in India’s journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. It demonstrates the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and addresses long-standing concerns across multiple sectors.

GST Reduction on Cement: A Boost to Housing and Infrastructure

Reducing GST on cement from 28% to 18% is a particularly impactful move. As a core input in housing, infrastructure, and industrial development, the lower rate will ease construction costs – benefiting individual home builders, affordable housing projects, and public infrastructure initiatives.

By making cement more affordable, this measure supports the Government’s Housing for All mission, expands access to home ownership, and promotes balanced growth in both urban and rural India.

Stimulating Industry and Investment

SICMA believes the revised GST structure will energise demand, spur investment, and create employment. Including cement in this reform reflects the Government’s recognition of its critical role in nation-building. The change will improve efficiency, reduce compliance burdens, and encourage greater formal sector activity.

Industry’s Commitment

SICMA members, representing leading cement manufacturers in Southern India, reaffirm their full support for this transformative reform and stand ready to work alongside all stakeholders to ensure its effective implementation and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth and development.

National, September 19, 2025: Croma, India’s leading omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, today announced a special line-up of customer offers on the new iPhone 17 range across Croma stores, TRiBE by Croma outlets, Croma.com and the Tata Neu app. The launch campaign opens with a sale window from 19–27 September, followed by extended offers through 26 October, with select benefits continuing thereafter. 

Customers can explore and purchase iPhone 17 from a nationwide network of 560+ stores of Croma and TRiBE by Croma – Croma’s dedicated Apple-authorised reseller, across 206 cities, as well as via Croma.com and Tata Neu, for a seamless, omnichannel experience. TRiBE by Croma offers a premium Apple shopping experience with trained specialists and the full Apple portfolio, ensuring expert assistance from selection to setup.

From 19–27 September, customers can get up to INR12,000 exchange bonus, earn up to 10% NeuCoins* with Tata Neu HDFC Card, and avail no-cost EMI options on eligible iPhone 17 purchases made at Croma and TRiBE stores and online on Croma.com and Tata Neu. As a special offer, applicable only during this launch sale window, customers can get up to 20% off on select Apple accessories, ideal for completing the iPhone setup with cases, chargers and audio gear.

Commenting on the announcement, a spokesperson at Infiniti Retail Ltd, said, “Each year customers look to Croma for the most dependable iPhone buying experience with great value on exchange, transparent finance options, assured accessories and expert guidance. With our special iPhone 17 offers, we have simplified the upgrade journey across every channel spanning our Croma stores, TRiBE by Croma, Croma.com and Tata Neu, so customers can pick the iPhone they love and unlock meaningful savings and rewards.”