Thursday, August 27, 2026

*India Extends Assistance to Flood-Hit Nepal; EAM Jaishankar Chairs Review Meeting*




*Mumba/New Delhi*– Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, India has once again lived up to its longstanding role as Nepal’s ‘first responder’ in times of crisis. To help Nepal cope with the devastation caused by floods and landslides, the Government of India acted swiftly on 26 August, sending the first consignment of 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) material, along with life-saving medicines, to Kathmandu. The very next day, on 27 August, India dispatched a second major consignment of 37.5 tonnes of relief material aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft, providing immediate assistance to its neighbour during this difficult period.

In view of the severity of the disaster, the Ministry of External Affairs activated its diplomatic and administrative machinery in full force. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a high-level meeting in New Delhi on August 27. Sharing details of the meeting, Jaishankar wrote on the social media platform 'X', “Held a review meeting with Foreign Secretary, Team MEA and our Ambassadors in Kathmandu & Beijing on the Nepal flood disaster. Urgent efforts are underway to ascertain the status and well-being of all Indians in the flood-affected areas.”

He further wrote, “MEA is coordinating with various Ministries, State Governments, tour operators and project authorities in this regard. We are working closely with the Nepali side, both on this aspect and on the relief efforts.”

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said that Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava handed over the assistance material sent by India to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel. It also said that the second consignment of 37.5 tonnes of HADR material, medicines and food packets was handed over to Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun. The Embassy said that all its officials are on alert and emergency numbers have been issued to assist and ensure the safety of Indians living in Nepal.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 21 Indian citizens from Tamil Nadu who had travelled to Nepal for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have been rescued. He also said that a special control room has been established at the Ministry of External Affairs to deal with the flood situation in Nepal.

India’s swift assistance is a vivid demonstration of its belief that the well-being and hardships of neighbouring countries are part of a shared destiny. Whether it was the devastating earthquake of 2015, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019–20, or the current flood disaster, India has always acted without delay to fulfil its responsibility as the ‘big brother’ to its neighbours.

*IndiaFirst Life’s AI-Driven Transformation with Salesforce Agentforce*




Building on its unified Salesforce foundation, IndiaFirst Life is bringing AI agents into critical workflows to improve speed, consistency, and customer experience at scale
 
*Mumbai, August 27, 2026*: Salesforce, the #1 Agentic CRM, today announced that IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life) – a Bank of Baroda subsidiary – has selected Agentforce to advance its enterprise-wide AI transformation. IndiaFirst Life will embed trusted AI agents into critical processes to improve sales, streamline operations and enhance customer experience. The initiative builds on its unified Salesforce platform, which supports the insurance journey from lead generation to claims settlement. This marks the next phase of IndiaFirst Life’s collaboration with Salesforce and reinforces its ambition to build a more intelligent, and customer-centric life insurance experience.
 
Founded in 2009, IndiaFirst Life serves customers across more than 90% of India's pin codes and continues to expand its distribution reach. To support these priorities, IndiaFirst Life is deploying Agentforce across three priority areas of its business: *new business underwriting, customer service, and claims processing.*
● *New Business Underwriting*: AI agents will review KYCs, financial and medical documents against underwriting guidelines, to flag discrepancies, assess risk, and recommend decisions. This will help accelerate policy issuance while improving consistency, compliance and auditability.
● *Customer Service*: AI agents will classify incoming cases, assess sentiment, and generate compliant responses, helping reduce turnaround times and enabling teams to focus on more complex customer interactions.
● *Claims*: For Micro Insurance and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) products, AI agents will verify documents, identify missing information, and route exceptions for review, helping accelerate claims handling, and improving responsiveness for customers.
 
The Agentforce deployment builds on a Salesforce-powered technology ecosystem already embedded across IndiaFirst Life's operations. Agentforce Financial Services serves as the life insurer's core engagement layer, providing sales teams, distributors, and service representatives with a unified customer view. Business Process Management capabilities standardise workflows across new business, underwriting, servicing, and claims. MuleSoft connects UNIFY, IndiaFirst Life's proprietary sales Super App, with Salesforce in real time. Combined with analytics and operational dashboards, this ecosystem enables seamless information flow, operational visibility, and data-driven decision-making.
 
*Rushabh Gandhi, Managing Director & CEO, IndiaFirst Life Insurance*, said, “IndiaFirst Life’s digital transformation journey with Salesforce has strengthened sales processes and elevated customer experiences across the value chain. With Agentforce, we are building on this foundation by bringing AI agents into key business processes, enabling faster execution. This will allow our teams to focus on more meaningful customer interactions and areas where human judgment matters most. IndiaFirst Life is deepening its #CustomerFirst commitment by pairing technology with trust and driving innovation responsibly across the organisation.”
 
*Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO, Salesforce – South Asia*, said, “IndiaFirst Life is demonstrating how organisations can build an agentic enterprise on a strong digital foundation. By extending Agentforce across an already connected Salesforce environment, the company can extend trusted AI across critical workflows while keeping people at the centre of decisions that require judgment and empathy. We are proud to deepen our collaboration with IndiaFirst Life as it reimagines insurance delivery through enterprise-grade AI."
 
This expanded collaboration will help IndiaFirst Life enhance operational agility, strengthen customer outcomes and support continued innovation as it scales AI across the insurance lifecycle.
*Salesforce, the #1 CRM, powered by AI technology and capabilities.

Bombay Gymkhana Unveils The Journey So Far, Celebrating 150 Years of Sporting Heritage



Mumbai, August, 2026: Bombay Gymkhana, one of India’s historic sporting institutions, today unveiled its commemorative coffee table book, The Journey So Far, at the Club’s Dining Hall. The 284-page publication celebrates the Club’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 1875, documenting more than 150 years of sporting achievements, traditions, personalities and milestones.
Edited, designed and printed by Spenta Multimedia Pvt. Ltd., with valuable contributions from Club members, The Journey So Far brings together a rich collection of archival photographs, historical records and contemporary images. The publication offers a visual journey through Bombay Gymkhana’s evolution across generations, showcasing its sporting disciplines, tournaments, facilities, teams, athletes, coaches, members and distinguished sporting personalities.
The book also records several defining moments in the Club’s long association with Indian sport. Among its most significant chapters is Bombay Gymkhana’s association with India’s first-ever home Test match, played against England in 1933. The historic encounter marked an important milestone in the development of Indian cricket and remains an enduring part of the Club’s sporting history.
While cricket occupies a prominent place in the Club’s story, The Journey So Far also highlights Bombay Gymkhana’s longstanding association with other sports. Rugby has been an important part of the Club’s sporting identity since 1890, with Bombay Gymkhana playing a significant role in the development and promotion of the sport in India. Over the decades, the Club’s teams and players have made a valuable contribution to the competitive rugby landscape.
Polo, too, forms an important chapter in the Club’s sporting history. The sport was among the early disciplines associated with Bombay Gymkhana, with the prestigious Bombay Gymkhana Polo Challenge Cup established in 1882. The revival of polo at the Club in recent years, after a gap of nearly a century, has renewed its connection with this historic sporting tradition.
Another significant milestone featured in the Club’s recent history is the release of a commemorative postage stamp by the Department of Posts to mark Bombay Gymkhana’s 150th anniversary. The stamp recognised the Club’s long-standing heritage and its contribution to India’s sporting and cultural landscape.
Over more than a century and a half, Bombay Gymkhana has evolved alongside Mumbai while remaining committed to its sporting traditions. From cricket, rugby and polo to tennis, badminton, squash, swimming and other disciplines, the Club has provided a platform for sporting participation, competition and excellence across generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjiv Saran Mehra, President, Bombay Gymkhana, said, “The Journey So Far is a celebration of our remarkable sporting heritage and the generations who have been part of Bombay Gymkhana’s journey. Our history is closely intertwined with the sporting history of Mumbai and India, and this book is an effort to preserve these memories for future generations. It also reminds us of the responsibility we carry to ensure that this legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”

Sunil Gavaskar (Former Indian Cricket Captain; Padma Bhushan | Arjuna Awardee | ICC Hall of Fame 2009) shared, “Being a member of Bombay Gymkhana has been an absolute honour and one of my most cherished experiences. I have spent many happy hours here, playing both badminton and cricket, and I feel truly blessed to have been a member of this wonderful club. Seeing so many sporting achievers and champions associated with the Gymkhana has always been a real thrill. The legacy of legends such as Nariman Jamshedji Contractor, along with the memories of those who are no longer with us, truly reflects what Bombay Gymkhana stands for. The Journey So Far is a wonderful way to preserve and celebrate that rich legacy. Classy, always classy, that is what Bombay Gymkhana is.”
Uday Pawar (Former Indian International Badminton player; Four-Time National Doubles Champion | Asian Games Bronze Medallist | Coach & Mentor) said, “Bombay Gymkhana is the most iconic sports club in India. In Badminton former All England and World champions like Wong Pen Soon, Erland Kops and Rudy Hartono have played on our courts, in Cricket, the first ever Test match was played here, in Boxing we have hosted the World Championships and in Squash too the best players from the World have entertained the Sports lovers. A coffee book to preserve all these memories is a welcome move by our dynamic President Sanjiv Saran and his colleagues in the Comittee. Congratulations to Bombay Gymkhana.”
M M Somaya (Former India Hockey captain; 1980 Olympic Gold Medallist | Three-Time Olympian | Arjuna Awardee), said, “The iconic Bombay Gymkhana has been a Sportsman’s paradise for over a century and a half. Besides top-of-line Sports amenities, the Gym has developed a distinct sporting culture and a strong set of values. Bombay Gym has been able to strike a balance between deep rooted tradition and an equal measure of modernity. The management has consistently been top notch and has played a key role in nurturing a strong bond with members across age groups. Happy that the Gym will be formally launching a Coffee Table Book to commemorate 150 years. The Book will make an interesting read since it will showcase the many historic events that have been hosted by the Gym and also feature the impressive achievements in various sporting disciplines. Wishing the Launch function the very best.”
The publication is more than a record of the past; it is a visual and historical reflection of an institution that has continued to evolve while preserving its traditions. The Journey So Far seeks to honour the people and achievements that have shaped Bombay Gymkhana and provide future generations with a lasting record of its extraordinary sporting journey.
The unveiling of The Journey So Far marks another milestone in Bombay Gymkhana’s 150-plus-year history, celebrating its past while looking towards the future with a continued commitment to sport, sporting excellence and community.

Deepa Jewellers Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Tuesday, September 01, 2026, price band set at Rs 168 – Rs 177 per Equity Share



Price band of Rs 168 – Rs 177 per Equity Share bearing face value of Rs 2 each (“Equity Shares”)
Bid/Offer Opening Date – Tuesday, September 01, 2026 and Bid/Offer Closing Date – Thursday, September 03, 2026
Minimum Bid Lot is 84 Equity Shares and in multiples of 84 Equity Shares thereafter
Mumbai, August 27, 2026: Deepa Jewellers Limited (the “Company”) has fixed the price band of Rs 168/- to Rs 177/- per Equity Share of face value Rs 2 each (“Equity Shares”) for its maiden initial public offer.
The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Tuesday, September 01, 2026, for subscription and close on Thursday, September, 03, 2026.
Investors can bid for a minimum of 84 Equity Shares and in multiples of 84 Equity Shares thereafter. As on the date, there is outstanding of 82,000,000 Equity Shares. 
The Offer comprises a fresh issue of up to Rs 2,500.00 million and an offer-for-sale for up to 11,848,340 Equity Shares by the Promoter Selling Shareholders, comprising up to 5,924,170 Equity Shares by Ashish Agarwal and 5,924,170 Equity Shares by Seema Agarwal.
The proceeds from its fresh issuance worth Rs 2,500.00 million will be utilised for funding long-term working capital requirements towards procurement, maintenance and scaling up of inventory by the Company, general corporate purposes and Offer Expenses.
The Offer is being made through the book-building process, in compliance with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018 (“SEBI ICDR Regulations”), wherein not more than 50% of the Offer shall be available for allocation to qualified institutional buyers (“QIBs”), not less than 15% of the Offer shall be available for allocation to non-institutional bidders (NIIs), and not less than 35% of the Offer shall be available for allocation to retail individual bidders (RIIs).
Incorporated in 2016, the Company is an organized B2B designer, processor and supplier of hallmarked gold jewellery, primarily having operations in Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. According to a CRISIL Report, the Company is one of the key processors and suppliers of vaddanam and CNC machine cut bangles, distributing to jewellery retail chains and standalone stores.
The Company is an organized business-to-business (B2B) company, engaged in designing, getting its jewellery manufactured, and supplying gold jewellery to other businesses such as retail chains and standalone stores, rather than selling directly to end customers.
It is engaged in the business of processing and supplying 22 karat gold jewellery, job-work services and trading of jewellery and related products. The Company designs, processes and sells a wide range of hallmarked plain gold and precious stone studded jewellery.
Its products primarily include vaddanam (waist belt), CNC machine cut bangles, gents kada, vanky (armlet), dandpatti (bajuband), gundlamala haaram (traditional neck piece), gundlamala necklace, kangan, earring, mangtika (forehead pendant), maatil (ear chain), champasaralu (ear-to-hair chain), jada (braid ornament), rings, bracelets and precious rings.
In addition to its core jewellery processing operations, the Company also undertakes job work assignments, wherein it receives raw material from its customers, which it processes and delivers finished ornaments to them. Furthermore, the Company is also engaged in the trading of silver ornaments, 18 and 20-karat gold ornaments, precious stones and gold bullion.
As on July 31, 2026, the Company has a product portfolio of 16 products and 110 SKUs across our product categories.
As of July 31, 2026, its customer network spans across 13 states and 1 union territory in India with a total customer base of 373 customers, comprising of 47 jewellery retail chains and 326 standalone stores. 
The Company’s team of creative designers allows it to manage a large and wide portfolio of designs. With a diverse product portfolio and team of creative designers, the Company has established a long-standing relationship with jewellery retail chains and standalone stores including, Joyalukkas India Limited, Kalyan Jewellers India Limited and Lalithaa Jewellery Mart Limited, among others.
The Company has implemented a quality control and assurance framework to maintain the consistent standards of craftsmanship and product integrity.
Further, as a part of its marketing initiatives, the Company regularly participates in B2B exhibitions to broaden its brand exposure, visibility and awareness, and to promote its brand and specific product collections. The Company also uses a third-party mobile application, “Deepa Jewellers Limited” to enhance its brand visibility, disseminate information and display product collections, which was commissioned by it on June 25, 2021.
The Company’s revenue from operations was Rs 19,266.76 million during FY26 as against Rs 10,245.68 million during FY24. Its profit after tax was Rs 1,047.88 million during FY26 as against Rs 243.47 million during FY24.
Emkay Global Financial Services Limited and Valmiki Leela Capital Private Limited are the book running lead managers to the Offer (“BRLMs”), and Bigshare Services Private Limited is the registrar to the Offer (“RTA”). 
The shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE and together with BSE, the “Stock Exchanges”).
Deepa Jewellers Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its Equity Shares and has filed a red herring prospectus dated August 25, 2026, with the RoC. The RHP is made available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the website of the BRLM https://www.emkayglobal.com/,  and https://valmikileela.com/, the website of the NSE at www.nseindia.com and the website of the BSE at www.bseindia.com and the website of the Company at https://www.deepajewel.com/home.
Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risks, please see the section “Risk Factors” beginning on page 20 of the RHP. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for making any investment decision but should only rely on the information included in the RHP filed by the Company with the RoC.
The Equity Shares offered in the Issue have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act and may not be offered or sold within the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Equity Shares offered in the issue are being offered and sold only outside the United States in “offshore transactions” as defined in and in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act (“Regulation S”). 
Disclaimer Clause of Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”): SEBI only gives its observations on the offer documents and this does not constitute approval of either the Issue or the specified securities stated in the Offer Documents. The investors are advised to refer to page 299 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of SEBI.
Disclaimer Clause of BSE: It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by BSE Limited should not in any way be deemed or construed that the RHP has been cleared or approved by BSE Limited, nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the RHP. The investors are advised to refer to the page 301 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of BSE. 
Disclaimer Clause of NSE: It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by NSE should not in any way be deemed or construed that the Offer Document has been cleared or approved by NSE, nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the Issue Document. The investors are advised to refer to page 301 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of NSE.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

*Mumbai, Pune and Thane Drive 71.9% of Maharashtra’s Crypto Investment Value in Q2 2026: CoinSwitch Report*



*Mumbai, 26 August, 2026—* Maharashtra’s crypto investment value in Q2 2026 was concentrated in three cities, with Mumbai, Pune and Thane together accounting for 71.9% of the state’s total, according to CoinSwitch’s Q2 2026 edition of India’s Crypto Portfolio: How India Invests.

Mumbai was the largest contributor, accounting for 39.1% of Maharashtra’s total investment value, followed by Pune at 27.5% and Thane at 5.3%. Mumbai alone contributed nearly two-fifths of the state’s investment value, while Pune accounted for more than one-quarter. Together, Mumbai and Pune contributed 66.6%, with Thane taking the combined share to 71.9%. The remaining 28.1% was distributed across other cities in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra’s 12.39% share placed it just behind Uttar Pradesh at 12.89%, while Karnataka accounted for 8.10% and Delhi for 7.38% of India’s total crypto investment value. The data highlights Maharashtra’s position among India’s largest state-level crypto investment markets, while also showing the significant contribution of its leading urban centres.

In terms of gender-wise investment value, male investors accounted for 79.55% of Maharashtra’s total, while female investors accounted for 20.45%. BTC was the top coin held by Maharashtra investors during the quarter.

*Ashish Singhal, Co-founder, CoinSwitch, said,* “Each market cycle brings in a new set of investors, but over time, we see investors become more informed and deliberate in how they participate. What we are seeing in India is a shift from crypto being viewed simply as a new asset class to investors developing a more nuanced understanding of how they want to participate in it. The next phase of adoption will be shaped by bringing more people into the market while also building greater confidence, awareness and sophistication among those already here. That evolution will be important as crypto moves from an emerging category to a more established part of India’s investment landscape.”

The report is based exclusively on activity on the CoinSwitch platform during Q2 2026 and does not include data from users on other crypto platforms.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Protein, Simplified: 6 Things Worth Knowing About Horlicks Protein Before You Add It to Your Day


Protein has become a bigger part of everyday nutrition conversations, but choosing a protein option doesn’t have to be complicated.
How much protein do you need? Does the source matter? What makes one protein different from another? And what exactly is fermented yeast protein?
But there is another nutrient that deserves a place in the conversation too: fibre.
Protein and fibre play different roles in the body, but both are important parts of everyday nutrition. So, before you focus only on the protein number, here are six things worth knowing.
1. Protein isn’t just for gym goers
Protein is often associated with workouts, muscle building, and fitness goals. But you don’t need gym membership to need protein.
Protein provides essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance, repair, and everyday functioning. Fibre, meanwhile, is also an important part of everyday nutrition and supports gut health.
This applies to women too. Whether your day involves work, commuting, caregiving, or simply staying active, both protein and fibre deserve a place in everyday nutrition. Options such as Horlicks Protein can fit into these everyday moments rather than only a post workout routine.
2. Your protein needs are personal
There isn’t one “perfect” amount of protein that works for everyone. Your needs can vary depending on age, body weight, diet, activity levels, and overall health.
That’s why it can be more useful to think about your overall nutrition across the day rather than focusing on a single “protein moment”. Alongside protein, getting enough fibre through your overall diet is also worth keeping in mind.
The important thing is to find an approach that works for you.
3. The source matters
Protein can come from many different sources. Dairy and plant proteins may be the most familiar, but newer sources such as fermented yeast protein are also becoming part of the conversation.
A complete protein provides all nine essential amino acids that the body needs to obtain through food.
Horlicks Protein uses fermented yeast protein, provides all nine essential amino acids and contains prebiotic fibre, bringing protein quality and fibre together in the overall formulation.
The source is therefore worth considering alongside what else the product offers nutritionally.
4. Look beyond just the grams
When choosing a protein product, the number of grams per serving is an obvious place to start. But the quantity is only one part of the picture.
Protein quality, amino acid profile and the overall formulation matter too. One measure you may come across is PDCAAS, where 1.0 is the highest possible score.
Horlicks Protein provides 24 g of protein per serve, has a PDCAAS score of 1.0 and contains 4 g of prebiotic fibre, which supports gut health.
So, when comparing protein options, don’t look at the biggest number alone. Consider the protein source, quality, fibre and overall formulation.
5. Fermented yeast protein is worth knowing about
Whey and plant proteins may be familiar, but they aren’t the only options available.
Fermented yeast protein is a microbial protein source that can provide all nine essential amino acids when appropriately processed. It is also naturally lactose-free.
And despite the name, “fermented” doesn’t mean “predigested”. The protein still goes through the body’s normal digestive process.
In Horlicks Protein, fermented yeast protein is combined with prebiotic fibre, adding another everyday nutrition element to the formulation.
6. Choose something that fits your routine
Understanding protein and fibre is one thing. Finding a way to include them consistently in your day is another.
They can be part of breakfast, between meals, after exercise, during a busy workday or while traveling. What matters is choosing an option that works with your actual routine.
Horlicks Protein comes in convenient single serve sachets, with 24 g of fermented yeast protein and 4 g of prebiotic fibre per serve, making it easier to include both as part of an everyday routine.
The takeaway: Protein doesn’t have to be a fitness only conversation, and it doesn’t need to be looked at in isolation.
Know your needs. Consider the source and quality. Look beyond just the protein grams to fibre and the overall formulation. And choose an option that fits naturally into the way you actually live.

*Rochester Institute of Technology Brings Its First Student Innovation Program, Global Scholar Quest, to India; Rewards Young Problem Solvers at Grand Finale*



RIT’s inaugural GSQ India chapter culminates in Mumbai with Rs. 1,00,000 cash prize and USD 50,000 scholarship pool; Grade 11–12 students compete on innovation, problem solving and original thinking

*Mumbai*, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has concluded the inaugural India chapter of Global Scholar Quest (GSQ), its first global student innovation program, with a Grand Finale at Sofitel, BKC, Mumbai. The winning team received seed capital of *USD 50,000 RIT scholarship pool* along with a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000, to serve as seed capital for their ideas. Three Rising Star Awards were also presented in recognition of standout student contributions.

Conducted through nomination only, the program brought together high-potential Grade 11 and 12 students from leading International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge and Indian board schools for a four-level journey that assessed how they identify problems, develop ideas and build solutions rather than how they perform in examinations.

The inaugural chapter ran from May to August and culminated in live presentations at the Grand Finale in Mumbai before an RIT-led jury comprising *Kathleen B. Davis, VP, Enrollment Management & Associate Provost, RIT; Elizabeth Sullivan, Associate VP, Enrollment Marketing & Global Strategic Initiatives, RIT; Dan Kopperud, EdD, Assistant Director, Global Enrollment Management, RIT; and Dr. S. Manian Ramkumar, Dean of the College of Engineering Technology, RIT*.

Spanning multiple months, the journey began with an online screening, followed by team submissions across ten diverse innovation tracks (such as AI, Climate, and Healthcare). Shortlisted teams then underwent mentorship with Dr. M. A. Rehman (TIFR) and industry specialists to refine their ideas. At the Grand Finale, top national teams presented their concepts and prototypes to an RIT and industry jury, which evaluated them on originality, feasibility, and real-world impact.

“In the mentorship sessions, the strongest students were not necessarily the ones who arrived with the most polished idea. They were the ones who were willing to take it apart when a question exposed a weakness, go back to the problem and rebuild their thinking. We saw students move from saying ‘this is a problem’ to asking why it exists, who is affected, and whether their proposed solution could work outside a presentation. That shift from having an idea to learning how to test an idea is where real innovation begins,” *said Dr. M. A. Rehman, physicist at TIFR and founder of Creator International School.*

The program's emphasis on thinking beyond academic scores also reflects the way RIT approaches student potential and learning, with the spirit of innovation at the core of RIT's philosophy. As a research university with a strong focus on experiential learning, technology, creativity and applied problem solving, RIT designed GSQ to give school students an opportunity to demonstrate capabilities that may not be fully captured through conventional academic evaluation.

“Universities often encounter students after years of academic evaluation have already shaped how they see themselves. GSQ allows us to meet students earlier and see a different dimension of their potential: how they respond when there is no textbook answer, how they work through ambiguity and whether they can turn curiosity into something tangible. For RIT, that is particularly meaningful because the qualities we look for in students are closely connected to the kind of learning they will encounter here, where making, experimenting and solving real problems are integral to the educational experience,” said *Kathleen B. Davis, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Associate Provost, Rochester Institute of Technology.*

The inaugural India chapter builds on RIT's existing engagement with Indian classrooms through Tiger STRIPES, which brought its hands-on learning approach to students across different school settings. GSQ extends that engagement by creating a structured platform through which students can demonstrate how they think, build and respond to real-world problems.

“GSQ is not simply about finding students with the best idea on a particular day. It creates a relationship with young people around the way they think, the questions they care about and the problems they want to solve. Bringing the program to India first also gives RIT an opportunity to listen to that generation directly rather than viewing India only through the lens of university recruitment. The ideas students brought to GSQ give us a much richer understanding of what young people here are curious about and where they believe technology, creativity and innovation can make a difference,” said *Elizabeth Sullivan, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Marketing and Global Strategic Initiatives, Rochester Institute of Technology*.

The decision to begin GSQ in India also reflects the country's expanding role in the global higher education landscape and the growing importance of engaging students around their interests and aspirations at an earlier stage. For RIT, the program provides a platform to connect those interests with an international academic and innovation ecosystem.

ESDS Software Solution Limited’s Initial Public Offering to Open on 28 August 2026, Price Band set at Rs 408 – Rs 429 Per Equity Share of face value of Rs 1 each








 
Price band of Rs 408 – Rs 429 per Equity Share bearing face value of Rs 1 each (“Equity Shares”)
Bid/Issue Opening Date – 28 August 2026 and Bid/Issue Closing Date – 1 September 2026 
Minimum Bid Lot is 34 Equity Shares and in multiples of 34 Equity Shares thereafter

 
Mumbai, 25th August, 2026: ESDS Software Solution Limited (the “Company”) has fixed the price band of Rs 408 /- to Rs 429 /- per Equity Share of face value Rs 1/- each for its initial public offer.
 
The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Issue”) of the Company will open on 28 August, 2026 for subscription and close on 1 September 2026. 
 
Investors can bid for a minimum of 34 Equity Shares and in multiples of 34 Equity Shares thereafter.
 
Equity shares outstanding pre-Issue 100,427,753 equity shares of Rs 1 each.
 
The IPO is a fresh issue of up to Rs7,200.00 million.
 
Incorporated in 2005, the company is an AI-enabled cloud, managed services, data centre infrastructure and software solutions provider in India. It is one of the only two players in India providing the entire spectrum of GPUaaS, cloud, managed services, data centre infrastructure and software solutions in India (source: Nexdigm Report, page 66). Further, among the two, it is the largest in terms of revenue from operations in Fiscal 2026 (source: Nexdigm Report, page 77), with revenue from operations of ₹4,722.10 million in Fiscal 2026. 
The Company offers a comprehensive platform of cloud infrastructure and software solutions consisting of (i) infrastructure as a service (IaaS), which is broadly divided into colocation and data centre services, cloud services and cloud computing, (ii) managed services and (iii) software as a service (SaaS), which allows it to provide well architected cloud-adoption solutions to its customers aimed at reducing their cost while providing security, flexibility, scalability and reliability.
 
It was one of the first cloud service providers in India to offer community cloud services, provided on multi-tenant model to a group of organizations that have similar business models and requirements, such as data privacy, security, compliances and regulatory considerations (source :Nexdigm Report, page 30).
 
The Company provides its services to a diverse range of end-user industries and customers, comprising (i) banking, financial services and insurance companies, (ii) public sector entities, including central, state, and local government departments, public sector undertakings, government agencies, and institutions that procure products or services for administrative, infrastructure, or public service purposes and (iii) businesses and enterprises. The company served 2,501 customers in Fiscal 2026. 

On March 31, 2026, the Company entered into a strategic AI cloud infrastructure agreement with an Australia-based neocloud AI compute service provider. The agreement is for an initial term of five years, with an option to extend for a further two years, aggregating to a total contract value of approximately US $ 1,250 million (equivalent to ₹118,312.50 million at an exchange rate of USD 1 = ₹94.65, which was the exchange rate as of March 31, 2026 (source: www.rbi.org.in)).
Pursuant to this agreement, the AI company is required to deploy and operate a dedicated AI infrastructure cluster within an existing data centre facility in Australia. This cluster will comprise approximately 8,208 NVIDIA B300 GPUs along with associated storage infrastructure. Delivery of such infrastructure is targeted for completion by September 2026, and revenue generation under the agreement is expected to commence in the third quarter of Fiscal 2027. 
The agreement provides for service fees payable on a monthly basis. This partnership is aimed at strengthening the Company’s access to dedicated, high-performance AI compute capacity to support its cloud and managed services offerings.
The Company was recognized as the “Most Preferred and Trusted Cloud Service Provider” by Economic Times Achievers (Karnataka) and awarded the Aegis Graham Bell Award in the category of “Combat Covid 19 with Artificial Intelligence” in 2022.

The Company’s revenue from operations was Rs 4,722.10 million for Fiscal 2026 as compared to Rs 2,865.18 million for Fiscal 2024
 
The Company’s net profit was Rs 1,208.23 million for Fiscal 2026 as against Rs 136.09 million for Fiscal 2024. 

DAM Capital Advisors Limited, and Systematix Corporate Services Limited are the book-running lead managers, for the Issue. MUFG Intime India Private Limited is the registrar of the Issu 
The Equity Shares are proposed to be listed on NSE and BSE.
 
ESDS Software Solution Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its Equity Shares and has filed a red herring prospectus dated 24 August 2026 (the “RHP”) with the RoCThe RHP is made available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the website of the BRLM,  www.damcapital.in, and https://www.systematixgroup.in/ the website of the NSE at www.nseindia.com and the website of the BSE at www.bseindia.com and the website of the Company at www.esds.co.in. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risks, please see the section “Risk Factors” beginning on page 23 of the RHP. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for making any investment decision but should only rely on the information included in the RHP filed by the Company with the RoC.
 
This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in any jurisdiction, including the United States, and any securities described in this announcement may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the Company and that will contain detailed information about the Company and management, as well as financial statements. However, the securities described in this announcement are not being offered or sold in the United States.
 
Disclaimer Clause of Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”): SEBI only gives its observations on the offer documents and this does not constitute approval of either the Issue or the specified securities stated in the Offer Documents. The investors are advised to refer to page 449 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of SEBI.
 
Disclaimer Clause of BSE: It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by BSE Limited should not in any way be deemed or construed that the RHP has been cleared or approved by BSE Limited, nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the RHP. The investors are advised to refer to page 451 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of BSE.
 
Disclaimer Clause of NSE: It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by NSE should not in any way be deemed or construed that the Offer Document has been cleared or approved by NSE, nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the Issue Document. The investors are advised to refer to page 452 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of NSE.
 

End of Ordeal for Entrepreneurs in Chakan Industrial Area!




Chamber of Commerce to Act as Coordinator for Entrepreneurs

Will Pursue Solutions as a Bridge Between Government and Industry

Mumbai , 25th (Representative): The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) has taken a significant initiative to resolve pending issues in Pune's prominent and rapidly developing Chakan industrial area. A meeting was recently held with office bearers of local industrial associations, followed by detailed discussions regarding the entrepreneurs' problems with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Industry Minister Uday Samant.

Local entrepreneurs are facing severe difficulties due to basic issues such as traffic congestion, dilapidated infrastructure, and shortcomings in power and water supply in the Chakan industrial belt. Against this backdrop, MACCIA has shown readiness to work out solutions in coordination with local organizations. The Chamber will aggressively advocate for these issues with the administration as a strong link between the state government and the industrial sector.

Speaking about this initiative, MACCIA President Ravindra Mangawe said, "Chakan is the main hub of Maharashtra's industrial progress, but local infrastructure issues are impacting the expansion of industries. After consulting with local associations, we consolidated all key issues and held a positive discussion with Industry Minister Uday Samant. Functioning as a solid bridge between the state government and entrepreneurs, the Maharashtra Chamber will continuously follow up to resolve Chakan's issues at the earliest."

This meeting and the positive discussions have created an atmosphere of hope among entrepreneurs in Chakan. Confidence is being expressed that the issues facing the Chakan industrial area will be resolved quickly in the coming days due to the Chamber's active mediation.

Gratitude Expressed to Industry Minister Uday Samant

The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce brought these issues of local entrepreneurs to the attention of Industry Minister Uday Samant. Consequently, an immediate meeting was organized involving MACCIA, Minister Uday Samant, and representatives and directors of companies from the Chakan industrial area. MACCIA President Ravindra Mangawe expressed gratitude to Uday Samant on behalf of the Chamber and Chakan's entrepreneurs for taking immediate action and consistently resolving issues at a swift pace during the meeting. Chakan MIDC Association President Jaydev Akkalkote, Dhanraj Shedbale, Shantanu Kulkarni, Rameshwar Pawar, and Kunal were present at this meeting.

Priority Jewels Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Friday, August 28, 2026, price band set at Rs 190 Rs 200 per Equity Shares of face value of Rs. 10 each




Price band of Rs 190 Rs 200 per Equity Share bearing face value of Rs 10 each (“Equity Shares”)
 
Bid/Issue Opening Date – Friday, August 28, 2026 and Bid/Issue Closing Date – Tuesday, September 1, 2026
 
Minimum Bid Lot is 75 Equity Shares and in multiples of 75 Equity Shares thereafter
 
24 August, Mumbai:  Priority Jewels Limited (the “Company”) has fixed the price band of Rs 190/- to Rs 200/- per Equity Share of face value Rs 10/- each for its maiden initial public offer.

The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Issue”) of the Company will open on August 28, 2026, for subscription and close on September 1, 2026.

Investors can bid for a minimum of 75 Equity Shares and in multiples of 75 Equity Shares thereafter.

Equity Shares outstanding as on date is 1,34,25,000 Equity Shares of face value of Rs 10 each

The Issue, with a face value of Rs 10 per Equity Share, comprises a fresh issue of up to 45,75,000 equity shares.

The Net Proceeds from its fresh issuance will be utilised for repayment / pre-payment, in full or in part, of certain working capital borrowings availed by the Company, and general corporate purposes.
 
The Issue is being made through the book-building process, in compliance with SEBI ICDR Regulations, wherein not more than 50% of the Issue will be available for allocation to qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), not less than 15% to non-institutional bidders (NIIs), and not less than 35% to retail individual bidders (RIIs).
 

The Company, in consultation with the book-running lead manager (BRLM), has undertaken a Pre-IPO Placement of 8,25,000 Equity Shares at an issue price of ₹ 190 per Equity Share (including a premium of ₹ 180 per Equity Share) aggregating to an amount of ₹ 15.67 crore, by way of a private placement.


Incorporated in 2007, the Company is engaged in designing, manufacturing and sale of a wide range of light-weight, affordable diamond-studded gold and platinum fine jewellery, and it sells directly to independent jewellers and jewellery chains in India as well as select international markets.
 
The Company supplies its products to jewellery chains including CaratLane Trading Private Limited, Kalyan Jewellers India Limited, Reliance Retail Limited, Malabar Gold & Diamonds FZCO, Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Limited and Senco Gold Limited.
 
Its ability to blend craftsmanship with innovation has enabled it to establish long-standing relationships with major Indian retail jewellery players, reinforcing its position as a trusted supplier to its customers (Source - CARE Report).
 
Its portfolio primarily comprises daily wear jewellery, including rings, earrings, pendants, neckwear, bracelets and occasion couture jewellery, all of which are developed using contemporary design approaches and modern manufacturing techniques. Its product portfolio is centred on light-weight, affordable, daily wear pieces that are crafted for a wide audience across the country. The Company also manufactures lab-grown diamond jewellery based on specific orders received from its customers. 

As of June 30, 2026, the Company has over 200 customers, predominantly in India, including 125 independent jewellers and 53 jewellery chains. Over the years, the Company has expanded its market presence across 21 states and 3 union territories and has exported products to 13 countries globally, including the United States of America, UAE, Hong Kong and Norway. Most of the company’s exports are to overseas stores of Indian jewellery chains, primarily catering to the Indian diaspora.

The Company has established two jewellery manufacturing facilities in India that cater to its domestic and export sales. 
 
The Company's revenue from operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 was Rs 146.72 crore and its profit after tax of Rs 6.47 crore for the same period.
 
The Company’s revenue from operations was Rs 538.94 crore in FY26 as against Rs 410.50 crore in FY24. The Company’s profit after tax was Rs 17.64 crore in FY26 as against Rs 7.14 crore in FY24. achieving a CAGR of 57.13%.
 
Mefcom Capital Markets Limited is the book-running lead manager to the Issue and MUFG Intime India Private Limited is the registrar of the Issue.
 
The Equity Shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE.
 
Disclaimer: Priority Jewels Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its Equity Shares and has filed a red herring prospectus dated August 22, 2026(“RHP”) with the RoC. The RHP is made available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the website of the BRLM, https://www.mefcomcap.in/ , the website of the NSE at www.nseindia.com and the website of the BSE at www.bseindia.com and the website of the Company at https://priorityjewels.in/.
 
Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risks, please see the section “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of the RHP. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for making any investment decision but should only rely on the information included in the RHP filed by the Company with the RoC.

The Equity Shares offered in the Issue have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act and may not be offered or sold within the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Equity Shares offered in the issue are being offered and sold only outside the United States in “offshore transactions” as defined in and in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act (“Regulation S”).
 
Disclaimer Clause of Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”): SEBI only gives its observations on the offer documents and this does not constitute approval of either the Issue or the specified securities stated in the Issue Documents. The investors are advised to refer to page 311 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of SEBI.

Disclaimer Clause of BSE (Designated Stock Exchange): It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by BSE Limited should not in any way be deemed or construed that the RHP has been cleared or approved by BSE Limited, nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the RHP. The investors are advised to refer to the page 313 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of BSE.

Disclaimer Clause of NSE: It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by NSE should not in any way be deemed or construed that the Issue Document has been cleared or approved by NSE, nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the Issue Document. The investors are advised to refer to page 313 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of NSE.