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 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.

“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.”

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.

Hyderabad, September 25, 2025: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with the Indo-German Initiative for Technical Education (IGnITE), hosted an Industry–ITI Meet at Surana Auditorium on Wednesday to foster stronger partnerships between industries and government ITIs.

The event brought together over 20 industries and ITIs to enhance industry-driven skill development and promote workforce readiness.

The meet was graced by Shri Krishna Kumar Maheshwari, Sr. Vice President, FTCCI; Shri Raja Mahender Reddy, President, FETSIA; Shri Digvijay Rajput, Director, Centum Foundation, and Shri Hameed Khan, Assistant. Director, DET. Principals from Government ITIs at Sanathnagar, Patancheru, Vikarabad, Mallepally, and VN Colony also participated.

Shri Hameed Khan Applauded IGnITE’s Role in ITI Transformation. He emphasised the transformation of ITIs through IGnITE, calling it a key driver in strengthening the ITI–industry ecosystem. He shared that over 1,134 trainees have benefitted from On-the-Job Training (OJT) under the German Dual VET model through IGnITE.

He reaffirmed the Department of Employment and Training’s (DET) commitment to expanding the program across all 63 Government ITIs in Telangana, under the guidance of Principal Secretary Shri Dana Kishore. He also urged industries to support curriculum development, OJT, and trainee exchanges. Referring to a recent safety-related incident at Sigachi, he underlined the urgent need for safety kits and insurance coverage for trainees.

Shri Krishna Kumar Maheshwari stressed the importance of aligning the ITI curriculum with industry skill needs, soft skills, and workplace readiness, reaffirming the value of the German Dual VET model.

Shri Digvijay Rajput highlighted the structured nature of IGnITE, calling for greater industry participation and mandatory PPE kits and insurance for ITI trainees during OJT.

Shri Raja Mahender Reddy, President of FETSIA, hailed IGnITE as a vital initiative for industry exposure of ITI students and reiterated FETSIA’s commitment to strengthening industry–institution collaboration to build a future-ready workforce.

HIGH SPRINGS, FL (September 24, 2025) – The Barkade Society, a new dog-centric lifestyle company dedicated to premium dog experiences and events, announces the official itinerary and new sponsorships for their first-ever upcoming Howl-o-Ween dog takeover at Postcard Cabins by Marriott Bonvoy Gilchrist Springs from October 30 to November 3, 2025.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Sponsors include award-winning Prohibition Pizza, which will cater select meals, and Decades on Main, which will host a surprise gifting game during the downtown excursion. High Springs Brewery will participate in the fun with a pup costume contest and a special night called Pizza, Pints and Painting Paws featuring local artists. Guests will also receive VooCoo’s rinse-free paw cleaner, ensuring pets stay fresh throughout the event.

The schedule also features live music, mixology competitions, splash pad fun, and more, with guests invited to take part in a special pup play-off event that includes a treat toss tournament sponsored by Jaffees Pet Pops.

Josh Green, Pup Experience Expert for The Barkade Society, said, “We are excited to bring the community together in a way that not only celebrates the spirit of Halloween in a new way, but also builds lasting shared experiences with a family member we often have to leave behind.”

In addition, the itinerary has been officially announced, including the following highlights:

• Spooky “Yappy Hour” Welcome Get-together: Mix, mingle, and make new friends while enjoying some local live music.

• Fireside “Tails” & S’mores: Gather ‘round the firepit for cozy ghost stories—and yummies under the stars.

• Snouts, Selfies & Social Spells” with Influencer BindiBleu: Halloween-themed “crash course” in creating boo-tiful and paw-some posts.

•  High Springs Brewery Mystery Meet-Up:  High Springs Brewery Mystery Meet-Up

• “Howl-o-ween Trick or Treating” on Main Street Downtown in Quaint High Springs: Red-Carpet Puppie Costume Contest, Scavenger Hunt, Surprise Snacks & Treats…and so much more!

• Waffle & Wag Pajama Party Breakfast at Pup Pavilion: Pajama-clad pups welcome! Coffee, waffles, and early morning cuddles

• Yin “Chair” Yoga: Gentle Moves and Mellow Stretches: Hands, fresh air, and your fur-ever friend, Breathe easy with your best buddy

• Color & Pawdicure Parlour: Chic or subtle – polish, pet-safe dyeing, glam tinsel to match.

• Full Moon Feast & Group Howl Toast: A twilight celebration dinner with shared stories and sparkling cider.

• Paws & Poltergeists: The Selfie Scavenger Haunt: Snap spooky selfies at frightfully fun photo stops hidden throughout camp!

Participants booking between September 19 and September 21 can enjoy a $300 discount using the code HOWL300.

To learn more about this experience, read the full itinerary, and book your stay, please visit: https://tri.ps/muUBD

Siemens Healthineers in India kicked off the ‘Knowing is Comforting’ campaign to address Scanxiety, the heightened anxiety, fear, or distress that people may experience before, during, and after a medical imaging scan.

The campaign aims to raise awareness and ease patient anxiety around diagnostic imaging such as Mammography, MRI, CT, and PET CT scans. Through a series of well-crafted awareness videos in English and nine regional languages- Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu- the campaign seeks to empower patients with a better understanding of modern imaging, highlighting how recent innovations have made scans better and more comfortable for everyone. 

Hariharan Subramanian, Managing Director of Siemens Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., added, “Early and precise diagnosis leads to better outcomes, timely treatment, and effective management of lifestyle diseases. Driven by years of listening to healthcare practitioners, patients, caregivers and understanding the challenges they face, we strive to deliver solutions that truly meet their needs. Through this awareness campaign, we reaffirm our mission to make healthcare more approachable and trusted, equipping every patient and caregiver with the knowledge they need to undergo the imaging process confidently, if advised.”

By focusing on how advanced technology is improving patient experience, Siemens Healthineers underscores its commitment to pioneering healthcare, for everyone, everywhere, sustainably.

Pranav Patil, Head of Communications-Zone India at Siemens Healthineers, stated, “With ‘Knowing is Comforting,’ we aim to ensure that patients and their families feel informed and reassured before and during the scans. By offering simple, relatable, and easily accessible information in multiple languages, we aim to reach diverse communities across India. Our goal is to help people understand that today’s diagnostic imaging is not only highly advanced but also significantly more patient-friendly than ever before.”

Video content is tailored to highlight how healthcare and technology have evolved over the years to meet the diverse needs of patients. Each video series breaks down the technology into simple, relatable explanations across different scan modalities.

This 360-degree campaign covers all touchpoints by integrating messaging and strategy across digital, offline, media, and additional key channels.

The full series of “Knowing is Comforting” awareness videos is available on the company website.

Mumbai, 24th September 2025 – At the opening session of the International Congress for Wedding Futures (ICWF) 2025, titled “Sacred Backdrops, Soulful Vows”, industry leaders united around a bold vision: transforming India’s temple towns into epicentres of sustainable, spiritual wedding experiences.

The panel, featuring Shri Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni (Founder, Temple Connect), Shri Chetan Vohra (Wedding Line), Tanuja Pandey (Tourism Advisor, Maharashtra), and Rakhi Kankariya (Rachnostav Weddings), highlighted the growing trend of Millennial and Gen Z couples opting for temple weddings, seeking deeper cultural and spiritual connections. The session was moderated by Roshan Abbas.

“Indian temples don’t just represent history—they embody spirituality,” said Shri Kulkarni, aligning his message with Prime Minister Modi’s “Wed in India” vision. He emphasized the huge economic opportunity this shift presents for domestic tourism, hospitality, and local economies.

ICWF’s co-founder Samit Garg—also President of EEMA—has been a key advocate for enabling policy changes that make temple complexes viable wedding venues.

“Temple weddings can become symbols of India’s soft power, combining culture, commerce, and community,” he said.

Key Highlights:

• 80+ speakers gathered for the 3-day event, Asia’s largest wedding industry congregation.

• Focus on heritage-led, sustainable, and authentic luxury weddings.

• Temple towns proposed as alternatives to international palace/castle weddings.

• Call to action for infrastructure investment in temple regions to balance tradition with modern convenience.

• Reinforces ICWF’s legacy as a think-tank for the global wedding business and a leader in wedding industry transformation.

The session concluded with a resounding consensus: India’s temples are not just sacred they’re the future of destination weddings rooted in meaning, heritage, and national pride.

India, 24th september 2025: The festive season is traditionally considered an auspicious period for the real estate sector. This year, tier-2 cities are expected to witness renewed vibrancy. Rising incomes, better connectivity, and rapidly emerging townships in smaller cities are motivating both investors and homebuyers to explore alternatives beyond major metros. Compared to the high prices and limited space in metros like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, cities such as Dehradun, Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, and Muzaffarnagar are offering modern homes with attractive amenities at affordable prices.

Special Focus on Dehradun

Harvinder Singh Sikka, Managing Director, Sikka Group, shares, “Dehradun, where infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and enhanced rail connectivity are progressing rapidly, is emerging as a hotspot for investors. The city is no longer just a tourist destination; it is becoming a preferred real estate investment hub. The expressway and airport connectivity make access seamless. During this festive season, we are seeing young professionals and retirees opting for modern lifestyle homes. In the coming years, Dehradun will prove to be a strong real estate investment option for the entire North India.”

Muzaffarnagar: A Rising Investment Hub

Sunil Goel, Managing Director, Numax Realcon & Co-Founder, Omaxe, says, “The festive season always brings excitement and renewed optimism to real estate. Growing demand in Tier-2 cities shows that buyers and investors are exploring beyond major metros. Cities like Muzaffarnagar, where our project is located, have the potential to become hubs for future development. The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway will be a game changer, offering fast connectivity and opening opportunities in tourism, education, and employment. We believe Muzaffarnagar will soon emerge as a significant player on the real estate map, not just in Western Uttar Pradesh but across the NCR. Our initiatives are designed to offer modern homes and an enhanced lifestyle to residents.”

Investor Confidence and Emerging Trends

Ankit Kansal, Managing Director, 360 Realtors, adds, “Buyers’ sentiment is particularly positive during the festive season. Currently, there is a balanced demand-supply scenario in Tier-2 cities. Developers are launching attractive offers and schemes, which is expected to further boost demand. According to our research, the real estate growth rate in Tier-2 cities is likely to outpace that of metro cities in the coming years.”

The festive season is poised to become a golden period for Tier-2 city real estate. Improved connectivity, developing infrastructure, and affordable housing options are drawing homebuyers. Cities like Dehradun exemplify this trend, with demand steadily increasing. In the long run, these developments will not only transform the landscape of smaller cities but also energize the broader real estate sector.