Archives August 2025

Mumbai, August 2025: Raksha Bandhan has always celebrated the sacred chaos of siblinghood, the fights, the food thefts, the unspoken loyalty. But in today’s world, that bond is becoming rarer. Many of us don’t live in the same city, or even the same country, as our siblings anymore. With changing family dynamics or preferences leaning towards single child, an increasing number of children are growing up without siblings at all. A 2023 YouGov-Mint-CPR Millennial Survey said that among urban millennials in India, 47% wanted only one child.

At the same time, our workplaces have become our second homes. We spend more hours with colleagues than we do with friends or family. In that proximity, real bonds form, ones that go beyond job roles and coffee chats. We’ve all heard of “work spouses”, but what about the “work sibling”? The one who teases you endlessly in meetings, finishes your half-written decks, steals your snacks, and always has your back.

This Raksha Bandhan, Godrej Industries Group (GIG), through its brand agnostic lifestyle platforms Godrej L’Affaire and Vikhroli Cucina, introduces a delightful campaign for the modern professional: ‘The Work Sibling – India’s New Badge of Workplace Bonding’

Through a tongue-in-cheek digital film and an interactive social media activity, the campaign invites working professionals to “adopt” their favorite colleagues as official work siblings. From stealing your snacks to roasting your ideas (with love, of course), this satirical campaign brings the chaotic joy of siblinghood right into the workplace.

Set up like a parody infomercial, the film hits nostalgic notes from loud typers and pineapple-on-pizza debates to desk fights and lunch thefts, it turns everyday office chaos into classic sibling moments. This Raksha Bandhan, celebrate your ‘work sibling’ the colleague who roasts you in 4K but backs you in every pitch. Tag them with a message, and a personalised e-Rakhi card will quietly slide into their DMs because what’s Raksha Bandhan without a bit of emotional blackmail?

The campaign sparked a wave of hilarious confessions and shoutouts, as professionals shared their own work sibling moments on the campaign comments section.

Commenting on the Campaign Sujit Patil, Godrej Industries Group, Chief Communication Offer said “With ‘The Work Sibling’, we wanted to celebrate the everyday bonds that make workplaces feel more human. At Godrej, we have always believed that strong teams are built on beautiful bonds of friendship and understanding, not just roles. This campaign reflects our continued focus on employee wellbeing, and we hope it brings a little joy to offices across the country by encouraging people to appreciate the colleagues who feel like family.”

09th August 2025: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body hosted an exclusive leadership roundtable at GIFT City supported by International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), on Friday, August 8, 2025. The strategic dialogue brought together senior leaders from India’s top Global Capability Centres (GCCs), government stakeholders, and academia to explore how Gujarat is emerging as a vital player in the global GCC ecosystem.

The event in Ahmedabad attracted around 40 senior leaders, including top HR and finance heads from leading GCCs and other industries such as Welspun Transformation Services, Adani GCC, BNP Paribas, S&P Global, Kraft Heinz, Baroda Global Shared Services, KPMG, Cadila Pharma, Zydus, TCS, QX Global Group, Befree Global, and Pacific Group.

The distinguished speaker line-up included Stephen Hickling, British Deputy High Commissioner to Gujarat and Rajasthan; Ashutosh Sharma, Chief General Manager at IFSCA; and senior officials representing ACCA — Md Sajid Khan, Director – India; Sundeep Jakhar, Head of Public Affairs – India; and Naina VG, Strategic Head of Corporate Alliances – India who launched ACCA’s latest GCC report.

As India strengthens its position as the world’s front office, Gujarat is fast becoming the epicentre of next-generation global service delivery. The rise of GIFT City – India’s first operational International Financial Services Centre is playing a transformative role by attracting global institutions to set up operations, especially in financial services, fintech, analytics, and strategic decision-making.

GCCs are contributing directly to Gujarat’s economic diversification by creating high-quality jobs, enabling knowledge transfer, and fostering innovation. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, progressive policy framework, and unified regulatory support from IFSCA, GIFT City offers a globally competitive environment for setting up knowledge-intensive global centres.

The roundtable discussion saw vibrant participation from GCC leaders who shared practical insights on operational excellence, talent strategies, policy enablement, and leveraging GIFT City’s unique advantages. Leaders discussed the need for continuous innovation, building globally competitive skill sets in digital finance and analytics, fostering leadership pipelines, and deepening cross-border collaboration. Participants emphasised the pivotal role of an enabling regulatory framework and public-private-academia partnerships in sustaining GCC growth momentum.

A key highlight of the roundtable was the launch of ACCA’s latest thought leadership report on GCCs. The report projects that GCCs will contribute 2% to India’s GDP and generate 2.8 million jobs by 2030. In FY24 alone, GCCs in India generated approximately $64.6 billion in export revenue, marking a significant 40% rise from the previous fiscal year.

Md. Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA said: ‘ India has emerged as an ideal destination for Global Capability Centres, thanks to our digitally skilled, young workforce, a stable regulatory environment, and robust digital infrastructure. Gujarat, with GIFT City at its heart, is fast becoming a preferred destination for high-value GCCs. The state’s progressive outlook, combined with a robust talent pipeline and enabling infrastructure, offers a compelling case for global companies. ACCA is proud to support this transformation by equipping finance professionals with global capabilities that meet the evolving demands of these centres’

The roundtable concluded with a call for continued collaboration among industry, academia, and regulatory bodies to ensure that India not only sustains but accelerates its momentum in becoming a strategic global delivery hub . With continued collaboration between regulators like IFSCA, industry leaders, and academic institutions, the state is well-positioned to attract high-value global operations and reinforce its role in driving India’s service-led economic growth. GCCs in Gujarat are no longer a future possibility they are a present-day reality shaping India’s rise as a trusted global partner for innovation and value creation.

GIFT City’s rise as India’s premier International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) has positioned Gujarat as a key player in the global capability delivery landscape. Its world-class infrastructure, unified regulatory framework, and tax-efficient environment are attracting global corporations to set up high-value GCCs in financial services, fintech, and innovation. This shift is driving foreign investment, creating high-skilled jobs, and exposing Gujarat’s talent pool to global finance, risk, and R&D functions. The growing GCC footprint is also fuelling a strong ancillary ecosystem spanning legal, consulting, analytics, and ESG cementing Gujarat’s role as a full-spectrum global business hub.

August 9, 2025: The We Women Want Conclave & Shakti Awards 2025, presented by NewsX and an initiative of iTV Network, concluded with standing ovations, heartfelt moments, and an unshakable message — India’s progress is inseparable from the empowerment of its women. What began as an extension of the acclaimed We Women Want show has now evolved into a formidable national movement, celebrating courage, dismantling stereotypes, and placing women at the centre of India’s growth story.

The 2025 edition was nothing short of historic, graced by Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi (Chief Guest), Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Guest of Honour), and Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament & Keynote Speaker, whose speeches added gravitas and urgency to the cause. Smt. Rekha Gupta’s rallying call — “You don’t need to wait to be empowered, you already are. The time to lead is now.” — drew thunderous applause and set the tone for a day that celebrated leadership without hesitation.

This on-ground conclave hosted a stellar line-up of powerful and thought-provoking panel discussions, each addressing pressing issues and presenting transformative solutions. The session on Drone Didis and Lakhpati Didis highlighted rural women breaking technological and economic barriers, while War Against the Beasts saw Nirbhaya’s mother Asha Devi and advocate Seema Khushwaha demand fearless justice. Women & Ayurveda offered deep insights from Dr. Upasana Vohra on blending ancient wellness wisdom with modern living, and sessions like Real Estate & Her and Women Mean Business showcased entrepreneurs like Aishwarya Bansal, Shirin Mann, and Dr. Shweta Singh redefining the business landscape. Panels such as Bringing Up Girls & Boys challenged parenting norms, From IVF to Menopause broke health taboos, and Breaking Biases brought together women MPs Priyanka Chaturvedi, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Supriya Sule, and Sushmita Dev to discuss systemic political change. Emotional and inspiring moments came from Women in Uniform with Lt Gen. Sadhna Saxena Nair, Beyond the Mainstream with Shabana Azmi, The Sunny Story with Sunny Leone, and What Women Want with Ekta Kapoor — each conversation reinforcing the belief that empowerment is achieved by leading change, not waiting for it.

At the heart of the conclave were the Shakti Awards 2025, instituted in memory of Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, celebrating over 80 exceptional women whose achievements span industries, geographies, and causes. Honourees included:

Sussanne Khan (Interior Design), Nimrat Kaur (Pathbreaking Performances), Charu Singh (Philanthropy), Dr. Payal Kanodia (Philanthropy), Asha Devi (Women’s Activism), Sara Abdullah Pilot (Women Empowerment), Aishwarya Bansal (Innovation & Design in Real Estate), Radhika Bharat Ram (Women Empowerment), Shalini Passi (Powerpacked OTT Debut), Prof. Himani Sood (Women Leadership), Shaifalika Panda (Philanthropy), Kalyani Saha Chawla (Entrepreneurship), Ritu Beri (Design), Bahaar Rohatgi (Visual Art), Adv. Seema Samridhi Khushwaha (Nari Shakti), Ratna Debnath (Nari Shakti), Dr. Kashika Jain (Clinical Psychology), Dr. Mamata Dhiraj Jain (Real Estate), Dr. Upasana Vohra (Ayurveda & Social Health Services), Neha Arora (Architectural Glass & Hardware Design), Dr. Shweta Singh (Business Analysis), Dr. Shilpi Mohan (Preventive Cardiology & Tarot Astrology), Reema Patne (Life Coaching), Taniya Tikoo (Entrepreneurship), Arunima Malik (Communications), Ms. Neeraj (Rural Entrepreneurship), Ms. Lalita (Rural Entrepreneurship), Ms. Ambika Rana (Rural Entrepreneurship), Ms. Lata Sharma (Rural Entrepreneurship), Amna Khatoon (Agricultural Entrepreneurship), Sakshi Lalwani (Nutrition), Ishi Khosla (Nutrition), Dr. Anjali Hooda (Preventive Health), Shirin Mann (Entrepreneurship), Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (Gender Activism), Dr. Alkanshree Dahar (Law), Apoorva Pandey (Entrepreneurship), Dr. Radhikaraje Gaekwad (Philanthropy), Kamakshi Khanna (Vocal Artistry – Promising Talent), Shahat Gill (Vocal Artistry – Upcoming Talent), Simran Choudhary (Singing), Uorfi Javed (Fashion), Anuradha Das Mathur (Women Empowerment), Dr. Tanya Buckshee Rohatgi (IVF Reproductive Medicine & Onco-Fertility), Dr. Jayasree Sundar (Gynaecology & Obstetrics), Dr. Gita Prakash (Family Medicine), Dr. Anjila Aneja (Gynaecology & Obstetrics), Dr. Jai Madaan (Motivational Speaking), Sonia Garg (Fashion Content Creation), Sahiba Bali (Promising Performances), Sayali Bhagat (Women Empowerment), Ambika Seth (Gastronomy), Sunny Leone (Powerful Performances), Dr. Purnima Devi Barman (Ecological Leadership), Shabana Azmi (Entertainment), Ekta Kapoor (Entertainment), Neha Dhupia (Empowering Women), Dia Mirza (Environmental Impact), Malavika Mohanan (Style), Nikita Luther (Gaming), Nomita Kohli (Interior Design), Chanda Narang (Applied Art), Dr. Ankita Menon (Water Stewardship & Sustainability), Glorywebs (Most Trusted IT Partner for Businesses), Devyani Jaipuria (Education & Healthcare Leadership), Lt Gen. Sadhna Saxena Nair (Leadership in Uniform), Ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee (Public Service), Surveen Chawla (Powerhouse Performances), Vimla Kumari (Rural Entrepreneurship), Seema (Rural Entrepreneurship), Manisha Kumari (Rural Entrepreneurship), Usha Devi (Rural Entrepreneurship), Pooja Elangbam (Cultural Promotion), Rima Das (Filmmaking), Anupama Raag (Leadership), Niti Batra (Women’s Leadership), Prikansha Luthra (Business Leadership), Payal Garg, and Ishika Sharma.

Reflecting on the event’s impact, Dr. Aishwarya Pandit Sharma, Chairperson of The Sunday Guardian Foundation, said, “The We Women Want Conclave & Shakti Awards 2025is our declaration to the world — we will not wait to be invited into decision-making spaces, we will claim them, transform them, and build new ones. Every awardee here today has defied the odds, turned challenges into opportunities, and in doing so, has rewritten the narrative of what it means to be a woman in India. The We Women Want Conclave and Shakti Awards are not a once-a-year celebration; they are the start of an everyday revolution. We are here to prove that women’s progress is not just about representation — it is about leadership, ownership, and unstoppable influence.”

With its spirit of openness, constructive dialogue, and wholehearted celebration, the We Women Want Conclave & Shakti Awards 2025 reaffirmed its place as one of the nation’s most powerful platforms for women’s voices. The event not only brought together inspiring stories and practical solutions but also created an atmosphere of hope, collaboration, and shared purpose. Every conversation was forward-looking, every award a recognition of possibility, and every moment a reminder that women’s leadership is not an aspiration for the future but a vibrant reality of the present. By sparking meaningful discussions, setting a progressive agenda, and celebrating achievements across every sphere, the conclave inspired a generation to step forward with confidence, conviction, and a renewed belief in their power to shape a more inclusive and empowered India.

Bangalore , Karnataka, August 9, 2024 — The Silicon Beach Program (SBP) today launched the HomeComing platform, an initiative to support experienced professionals in returning to Coastal Karnataka — helping them rediscover thriving careers and a better quality of life in the region they once called home. The initiative is powered by strategic partnership with Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (an initiative under the Government of Karnataka).

The platform was formally launched by Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament, Dakshin Kannada, in the presence of industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, marking a significant step in connecting professionals back to their roots.

Over 40 new companies have set up operations here in the past two years, creating over 8,000 jobs. With even more opportunities on the horizon, now is the perfect time for experienced professionals to make the move to the Silicon Beach of India

In a recent survey conducted with over 2000 global respondents – to measure the propensity of seasoned professionals with coastal Karnataka connections to return to their roots, over 95% of professionals evinced a clear interest in returning, if suitable opportunities exist” said Rohith Bhat, SBP Convenor and Founder of wrkwrk, 99Games & Robosoft. “As more companies shift to Silicon Beach of India, they are looking to hire experienced professionals. This platform will help such companies to quickly fill those roles and scale quickly. Experienced professionals working in metros are tired of the traffic, water, pollution issues that are seriously degrading their quality of life. If the right opportunities exist, they will consider shifting back to a familiar region.

“Silicon Beach of India momentum is impressive and should be replicated across our nation. As an important pillar of Karnataka Government’s Beyond Bengaluru mission, this HomeComing initiative is transformational and unique! Goal is to grow the local digital economy & creating more opportunities for talent to be retained in the cluster. As more companies realize the talent advantages of the region, they will seek our experienced professional with a local touch and this platform aids in that. Moreover, many professionals want to reconnect with their roots and make a lasting impact in the communities that shaped them. Each returning professional can easily absorb another minimum 15-25 fresh engineer or graduates under them there by letting talent stay where they belong. Government of Karnataka & KDEM’s partnership and support for such cluster acceleration programs is always there as a co-host. We have enabled over 40 new companies set up operations here in the past two years, creating over 8,000 jobs. With even more opportunities on the horizon, now is the perfect time for experienced professionals to make the move to the Silicon Beach of India” added Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO, KDEM

Supported by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) and TiE Mangaluru, the Silicon Beach Program brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, NRIs, and policymakers to accelerate the region’s economic growth through technology innovation.

Manipal, August 9, 2025: Bioincubator of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, is set to host the prestigious Manipal Start-Up Expo 2025 on August 25, 2025, at the Advanced Research Centre Campus, Manipal. M-GOKB, a Technology Business Incubator established by MAHE and supported by Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Government of Karnataka, and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, serves as the driving force behind this initiative, dedicated to fostering and scaling start-ups by providing a nurturing ecosystem for technology-based innovation and supporting the entrepreneurial journey from ideation to product commercialization. This flagship event promises to be a dynamic showcase of India’s most innovative minds and breakthrough technologies.

The expo is organized jointly by the Manipal-Government of Karnataka Bioincubator (MGOKB), Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI), MIDAS (Medical Instruments, Devices and Allied Services) DST MAHE HUB, Innovation Center, MCHP (Manipal College of Health Professions), MCOPS (Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science), and DBMS (Department of Basic Medical Sciences) MAHE. The initiative is further strengthened through active organizational collaboration with TiE Mangaluru, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), GCSE – Saraswat Chamber, POWER Group Manipal, and the State Bank of India.

The expo will feature a power-packed lineup of keynote sessions from distinguished industry leaders, including Dr. K. Mohan Velu, Scientist G, DEBEL/DRDO, who will address “Innovation of Biomedical Devices in Defense”; Dr. Rajkumar Aland, Senior Vice President, Bioplus Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., presenting on “Nutraceutical Dosage Forms – Development & Challenges”; and Mr. Sankeern Pai, Business Development Head, Hangyo Ice Creams Pvt. Ltd., exploring “Beyond the Scoop: Fostering Innovation and Sustainability in a Traditional Industry.”

Visioned as a comprehensive platform to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship, the expo invites start-ups, MSMEs, student innovators, and ecosystem enablers to showcase their novel ideas, technologies, and products. With dedicated tracks for Start-ups/MSMEs, Student Innovators, and Delegates, the event aims to foster strategic partnerships, spark meaningful dialogue, and catalyze investment opportunities across India’s innovation landscape.

The day-long event will feature an array of engaging activities including start-up pitch sessions, interactive exhibitions, networking zones, and opportunities for meaningful engagement with investors, venture capitalists, industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from DBT, DST, BIRAC, KTech, and leading academic institutions.

The expo reinforces MAHE’s position as a leading institution committed to fostering entrepreneurial excellence and strengthening collaborative networks that drive India’s innovation economy forward. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and investment communities, the expo creates an unprecedented opportunity for knowledge transfer, partnership formation, and the acceleration of breakthrough technologies.

Start-ups, innovators, corporates, institutions, and ecosystem players are invited to register by August 10, 2025, to be part of this high-impact innovation showcase that promises to shape the future of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Kolkata, 9th August 2025: The Association of Minority Professional Academic Institutes (AMPAI) has announced that the CEE-AMPAI-MASTERS-WB-2025 examination will be held on 24 August 2025 across 10 centers in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Tripura.

CEE-AMPAI-2025-WB is a state-recognized examination conducted under the supervision of the Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal as per Government order. The examination will be held in Asansol, Jamshedpur, Agartala, Siliguri, Patna, JIS College of Engineering-Kalyani, Guru Nanak Institute of Technology- Kolkata, Narula Institute of Technology-Kolkata, Dr. Sudhir Chandra Sur Institute of Technology & Sports Complex – Kolkata & Khalsa High School – Kolkata.

The exam enables admission to the two-year regular M.Tech, M.Pharm, MBA and MCA programmes across five AMPAI-affiliated colleges in West Bengal.

While preference is given to Sikh minority candidates, the remaining seats will be opened to students from any religion, caste, or category across India, subject to eligibility. The eligible criteria for M. Tech, M.Pharma, MBA & MCA is available on:

https://www.ampai.in/ampai-pg/eligibility.php

The results of CEE–AMPAI–WB–2025 have been declared. The merit list and the status of examinees are now available at www.ampai.in.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Sohan Singh, Secretary, CEE AMPAI, said, “This exam is not just a gateway to higher education but a step toward inclusive academic empowerment. Our mission is to ensure that meritorious students from minority communities and beyond get equal access to quality technical education.”

Online applications are invited upon payment of ₹200. Detailed information is available on the official website: www.ampai.in till 20 August 2025.

New Delhi, 9th August 2025: Rymbal, a Polyurethane System House and a business entity of the esteemed Space World Group, operating under Horizon Performance Polyurethane Private Limited, is proud to have participated in the 9th edition of the India International Footwear Fair (IIFF) 2025.

The IIFF 2025 exhibition highlighted the latest trends and innovations in the footwear industry, featuring a wide range of products including footwear, synthetic materials, footwear components, accessories, machinery and equipment, and chemicals.

Rymbal has showcased their latest innovations in Polyether based Polyurethane Solutions for Footwear, especially designed to perform across diverse climate zones in India. These next-gen materials are designed to meet the evolving needs of footwear manufacturers—combining durability, flexibility, and environmental responsibility without compromising on high performance.

In the words of Neeraj Garg, Director & Co-Founder, Rymbal, “The International Footwear Fair is a platform for us to showcase our new innovations to the right manufacturers. At Rymbal, we are driven by a commitment to engineering solutions that not only enhance performance but also support sustainability goals—creating long-term value for our partners and the industry.”

Rymbal is one of the few companies which recycles polyurethanes to promote the circularity of footwear in the polyurethane industry. Rymbal’s products are the preferred choice for manufacturers and brands seeking superior performance and enhanced comfort.

Mumbai, August 09, 2025: DKMS Foundation India, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders such as thalassemia and aplastic anemia, celebrates siblinghood this marks Raksha Bandhan, with two unique brother-sister pair.

Two young children, Ayan Khan and Papali Gaan were battling with a blood disorder called thalassemia major, but their siblings saved them by donating their blood stem cells.

India faces a pressing healthcare challenge: with over 10,000 new children born annually with thalassemia – a hereditary blood disorder leading to severe anaemia. These children often require lifelong blood transfusions, and without proper treatment, many do not survive beyond the age of 20. Blood stem cell transplantation offers the only curative option, but access remains limited due to financial and logistical barriers.

Through the Access to Transplantation Program DKMS India is addressing this gap by supporting families in need. This program ensures access to life-saving stem cell transplants for patients who face medical, financial, and infrastructural impediments.  the DKMS Patient Funding Program India and the DKMS Thalassemia Program India.

Ayan Khan’s story

Ayan Khan, born on March 11, 2016, was diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disorder, Thalassemia Major. He required regular blood transfusions. His father, a construction labourer with limited finances, was running pillar to post in search of a permanent cure.

Ayan and his family found hope in an HLA-typing camp that took place in October 2022, organised by DKMS Foundation India along with Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. Ayan’s elder sister, Al Shifa, reported as a perfect HLA Match!!

On May 1, 2023, under the expert care of Dr. Sunil Bhat, Vice Chairman – Oncology Collegium, Narayana Health Group, and Director of Pediatric Haematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Ayan underwent a successful blood stem cell transplant. Two years after the transplant, Ayan is reported as completely disease-free, no longer dependent on blood transfusions. He is currently studying in second standard, and his sister Al Shifa is in seventh standard. Ayan and Al Shifa’s story becomes a testament to the courage and compassion of young siblings and stresses the importance of timely medical intervention.

Papali Gaan’s Story

Papali Gaan, born on March 15, 2015, suffered from Thalassemia Major. Her parents, despite their limited financial means, remained steadfast in their commitment to finding a cure. A breakthrough came in the form of an HLA typing camp jointly conducted by DKMS Foundation India and Narayana Health City in February 2022.

Om Prakash, Papali’s younger brother, emerged as a perfect match. At a young age, the lad donated his blood stem cells. On August 15, 2023, Papali received her life-saving transplant under the expert care of Dr. Sunil Bhat and his team.

Post her transplant, Papali is living her second chance at life without needing a blood transfusion. Both Papali and Om Prakash are living a healthy life, full of mischief and innocence. But the story doesn’t end with recovery. Deeply moved by his daughter’s transformation, Papali’s father has now taken it upon himself to support other families dealing with Thalassemia. He actively guides and motivates others by spreading awareness about blood stem cell donation and sharing his journey, giving them hope.

Speaking about the two case studies, Patrick Paul, Chairman, DKMS Foundation India, said, “Ayan, Papali, and their siblings remind us that Raksha Bandhan has become more than a ritual; it’s a celebration of siblinghood. Our role is to ensure that patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have access to the first step toward a potential cure—high-resolution HLA typing. While some patients may find a match within their family, the rest must rely on unrelated donors from global registries. However, due to India’s genetic diversity, finding a match is especially challenging. Only 0.09% of the Indian population of the relevant age is registered as a blood stem cell donor. This can leave many patients without viable options.

By- K. Paul Thomas, MD & CEO, ESAF Small Finance Bank

The key takeaway from today’s MPC decision is the RBI’s continued commitment to price stability while supporting growth. With inflation easing to a 77-month low and domestic growth showing resilience, the central bank has rightly chosen to pause and assess the full impact of the rate cuts delivered earlier this year. The forward-looking approach, coupled with encouraging signs such as a good monsoon, healthy Kharif sowing, and steady consumption demand, provides optimism for sustained macroeconomic stability. The RBI’s emphasis on coordinated monetary, fiscal, and regulatory actions reaffirms confidence in India’s growth trajectory.

Bengaluru, 9th Aug 2025: Aukera, India’s leading lab-grown diamond jewelry brand, launches its much-awaited Bridal ring collection 2025, anchored in the powerful belief: Love is a Choice crafted for couples of today, who see marriage not as a tradition to follow, but a choice to make. Each ring is a reflection of intention, emotion, and the evolving narrative of commitment.

In a world where love is often assumed, arranged, or expected, Aukera’s new collection celebrates a new kind of journey, one where love is consciously chosen by two people, together. Love is a Choice is dedicated to couples who value authenticity over tradition, intimacy over spectacle, and shared decisions over inherited rituals. At its heart are the empowered couple partners who equally choose each other, their future, and rings that become meaningful symbols of their unique story.

Speaking at the launch, Lisa Mukhedkar, Founder & CEO of Aukera, shared “Aukera believes that love is a choice—and so is the ring that represents it. As a brand, we celebrate progressive, equal relationships through jewelry that reflects the same values. From pioneering comfort-fit rings in India to designing globally inspired, intricate settings, every detail is intentional. We use Hearts & Arrows solitaires – diamonds of rare precision and complete each piece of our bridal rings with our signature 1 cent blue diamond, discreetly placed on the shank. We refer to it as the Eternal Compass – a symbol of emotional direction.”

Redefining the Modern Bridal Ring

The new collection features an elegant range of engagement rings, proposal rings, couple bands, and men’s rings, each designed to celebrate the unique stories and values that define today’s relationships. Every ring is engineered for comfort and durability, featuring comfort-fit typically reserved for high-jewelry pieces, enhanced by added gold for lasting support. These make everyday luxury truly attainable, without compromising on the wearability required for lifelong memories.

Signature Craftsmanship and Unmatched Brilliance

Aukera elevates classic design with hallmark craftsmanship:

• Hearts & Arrows-cut diamonds: Renowned as the world’s most precisely cut diamonds, offering exceptional fire, brilliance, and symmetry.
• Advanced settings: Stronger prongs, double-prong mounts, hidden halos, and surprise diamonds ensure each piece is as robust as it is radiant.

Quality remains paramount only the finest materials and techniques are employed, ensuring each ring is a symbol of enduring beauty and meaning.

The Eternal Compass: A Hidden Blue Diamond

At the heart of every Aukera bridal ring is its latest design signature: the Eternal Compass, a secret 1 cent full-cut blue diamond, set discreetly on the band. Drawing inspiration from ancient legends where blue stones guided those at sea safely home, this stone is more than a design flourish. It signifies inner direction, loyalty, and a soulful connection known only to the couple. For those who choose each other, and shape their own journey, it is a private reminder that while the world may see a ring, the soul of the promise lies within.

Quiet Luxury, Designed for a Lifetime

Each piece in the collection is an invitation to celebrate personal stories, shared milestones, and the beauty of conscious choice. With flexible men’s designs, the range caters to individual tastes, making every ring as unique as the love it represents.

The 2025 Bridal Collection is now available at Aukera stores and online. Discover rings crafted to be cherished for a lifetime, where every detail is intentional, every material responsibly sourced, and every story worth celebrating.