Over 1.59 Crore Repatriated Under Special Operations, Govt Highlights Robust Welfare Measures

Mumbai/New Delhi, 22nd August, 2025– In a parliamentary session on 21st August, Congress MP Vivek K. Tankha asked Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh whether the government maintains year-wise records of Indians who emigrated and later returned over the past five years. He also sought data on the scale of repatriations under missions such as Vande Bharat, while questioning whether a centralized migration database exists.

Responding to the Query, MoS Singh clarified that the government does not maintain comprehensive migration records, since travellers often do not disclose details of their stay or employment abroad. However, he noted that data is available for Indian workers holding Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports who travel to 18 notified countries through the e-Migrate portal. The migration under this category stood at 94,145 in 2020, rose to 1,32,675 in 2021, and surged to 3,73,426 in 2022 and 3,98,317 in 2023. It dipped to 3,87,067 in 2024, with 2,56,186 recorded up to July 2025. The Minister further highlighted that repatriations under special operations such as the Vande Bharat Mission covered about 1.597 crore people, including Indian citizens, OCI cardholders and some foreign nationals.

BJP MP Baburam Nishad raised a similar question seeking details of mechanisms to assist Indians facing legal or humanitarian crises abroad, particularly in high-risk regions, and asked whether the government intended to review the effectiveness of such interventions.

In his reply, Minister Singh stressed that safeguarding Indians overseas remains a top priority. Indian missions, he said, issue advisories in conflict-prone areas, operate round-the-clock helplines, and launch evacuations when necessary. Indian nationals in distress can reach missions through walk-ins, email, social media, emergency phone lines, or grievance portals such as MADAD and CPGRAMS. Assistance is also extended under the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), audited regularly by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

To strengthen outreach, missions hold Open Houses and Consular Camps, while Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras in Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah provide counselling to workers. There are dedicated labour wings in high-migrant destinations that handle employment disputes, and shelter homes in Gulf countries offer temporary accommodation to distressed nationals pending repatriation.

JICA announces commitment to an Aavishkaar Fund to boost impact investment in Africa and Asia

A leading impact investment group in India, Aavishkaar Group, expand its investments in Emerging Africa and Asia with JICA

Yokohama, 22nd August, 2025: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announces its decision to newly participate into “Global Supply Chain Support Fund SCSp” (“Aavishkaar Fund”) to foster impact investing in emerging Africa and Asia. The decision was announced in a speech by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, at the “Economic Partnership in Indian Ocean - Africa Forum”. The forum was convened in conjunction to the TICAD 9 (Tokyo International Conference on African Development), which is being held in Yokohama, Japan, throughout the week. The fund is being managed by the Aavishkaar Group, a leading impact investment group which is headquartered in Mumbai, India. 

Utilizing JICA’s upcoming contribution to the Fund, the Aavishkaar Group as a fund manager provides credits to private corporates operating in Africa, India and other parts of emerging Asia. These investees are involved in a variety of international business supply chains, including those in agriculture, food processing and manufacturing. JICA’s commitment aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) whose businesses have a significant social and environmental impact. 

By investing in the Aavishkaar Fund, JICA will help the Aavishkaar Group expand into the emerging markets of Africa and Asia, after India, thereby contributing to the development of the wider Indian Ocean region and the global supply chain. 

The war in Ukraine and other international shocks have led to a rapid surge in commodity prices worldwide. This is why improving productivity in emerging continents, such as India and Africa, is crucial for achieving a sound global economy. Developed economies are also observed to demand a higher quality supply chain when trading goods and services with developing countries. The private sector is now being asked more than ever before to properly identify and address the human rights and environmental impacts of its actions throughout the entire global supply chain. JICA’s decision to invest in the Aavishkaar Fund aims to promote ESG integration in the global supply chain between emerging markets and developed economies. 

This announcement also complements Japan’s global development agenda. Specifically, the investment into the Aavishkaar Fund is intended to align with the “Japan-India Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa” to promote supply chain resilience in the vast markets of India, Africa and Japan - an initiative announced by the Japanese government. Furthermore, the investment reflects an initiative called ”IDEA” (Impact Investing for Development of Emerging Africa), which JICA newly launched at the TICAD event on 22nd August to support sustainable growth in Africa through public-private collaboration. Through IDEA, JICA aims to realise a total of USD 1.5 billion in public-private impact investment in Africa, generating development impacts in time for the next round of TICAD (TICAD 10). 

Speaking at the event, Mikio Hataeda, JICA’s Senior Vice President, said: “We are honoured to invest in the Aavishkaar Fund, with which JICA has a long-standing relationship and has achieved significant impact in India. By investing in the fund and entering a new chapter of collaboration with the Aavishkaar Group, we hope to elevate the well-established India-Japan partnership and further strengthen our commitment to impact investment in Africa and Asia.”

Vineet Chandra Rai, Founder and Chairman, Aavishkaar Group, stated, “

We are honoured to welcome JICA’s strategic investment in our Global Supply Chain Support Fund targeting the global south. This collaboration builds upon a decade of our relationship and reflects the long-standing tradition of IndoJapan economic cooperation. Together, we are committed to advancing shared values of sustainable growth and transformative opportunities for SMEs across the African & Asian continent and look forward to a long and an impactful alliance.”

JICA is firmly committed to supporting inclusive and sustainable development in Africa and Asia through strategic partnerships and innovative financing solutions.

About JICA

Established by a specific law as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international development cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA, the world's largest bilateral development agency, works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries and provides assistance in forms of loan, equity investment, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

JICA India Office Web: https://www.jica.go.jp/india/english/index.html

JICA India Brochure (2023-2024): brochure_30.pdf (jica.go.jp)

JICA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jicaindiapr/

JICA India Chief Representative’s X account: https://x.com/CR_JICAIndia

Bayer launches CAMALUS, a unique pest spectrum insecticide for smarter, sustainable pest management

India, 22nd August – Bayer, a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of agriculture and healthcare, announces the launch of Camalus, a unique pest spectrum insecticide designed specifically for Indian horticulture farmers. Camalus brings a dual mode of action with a unique pest-spectrum control of chewing and sucking pests, which is a need gap in horticultural crop cultivation.

Targeted at premium vegetable markets across key Indian states, Camalus will be available across Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, beginning August 2025.

Indian vegetable farmers, especially smallholders, face growing combined pressure from chewing and sucking pest infestations, which often require frequent spray cycles. This, combined with the declining effectiveness of existing products leads to a need gap. Camalus addresses this gap with an innovative dual-mode of action that stops pests from feeding quickly and protects the plant from within, both through the roots and leaves. It offers long-lasting protection, reducing the need for repeated sprays—helping farmers save on time, input costs, and labour. Vegetable growers, particularly those cultivating tomato, brinjal, chilli, cabbage, and okra, will find Camalus a powerful solution when used in the early crop stages.

Speaking on the launch, Mohan Babu, Cluster Commercial Lead, Crop Science Division of Bayer in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka said, “Vegetable crops are central to meeting India’s nutritional security needs and hold immense potential to strengthen the country’s position in the global export economy. As vegetable consumption rises, ensuring crop productivity and quality becomes even more critical. At Bayer, we are committed to supporting Indian farmers with innovative and sustainable solutions. With Camalus, we bring a next-generation insecticide that not only strengthens pest management but also contributes to building resilient, high-quality vegetable value chains for India and the world.”

Designed with the realities of Indian agriculture in mind, Camalus not only delivers strong pest control but also ensures compatibility with Integrated Pest Management (IPM), minimizing impact on beneficial insects. It enhances leaf penetration, especially when used with high-quality Camalus surfactant ensuring consistent performance even under challenging weather conditions. 

Camalus will be available in 150 ML and 300 ML pack sizes. 

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Duracell Introduces Innovative range of Lithium Coin Batteries with Bitter coating to help discourage swallowing by toddlers

~ With this new range launch, Duracell puts child safety at the core by offering lithium coin batteries integrating bitter coating with child resistant packaging.

22 August 2025, India – Duracell, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, specialty cells, and rechargeables, has launched its new range of  Duracell Lithium Coin Battery in India, available in three sizes — CR2025, CR2016, and CR2032. With this launch, Duracell now also offers bitter coating along with child resistant packaging  into some of its lithium coin batteries, combining trusted performance with a safety-first approach designed for modern households in order to help reducing battery ingestions by young children.

Accidental ingestion of button batteries can pose a serious health risk to young children requiring immediate medical attention. These small, shiny batteries are commonly found in household devices, making them easily accessible to curious young children. Despite growing safety concerns, most products available in the Indian market still lack protective features that could reduce the risks. 

Duracell is addressing this issue head-on with a solution that prioritizes both performance and protection. The range of lithium coin batteries features a safety-first design:

A unique non-toxic bitter coating on the battery surface specifically developed to discourage ingestion with release of bitter taste when in contact with saliva.

A tamper-proof double blister packaging that requires scissors to open, making it virtually impossible for children to access the battery on their own for kids below 6 years.

These child safety features are reinforced through visual safety identifiers, such as the “child spitting out” symbol, “bitter coating” label and clear on-pack warnings, enabling parents to instantly recognize the specific range of Lithium coin batteries reaffirming Duracell’s position as a brand that not only provides products which deliver long lasting power but also leads in helping to prevent  accidental child ingestion.

Duracell offers two ranges of child-safe lithium coin batteries across CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 

Range with Child-Resistant Packaging – We already started the path of child security by supplying a battery that comes in a tamper-proof double blister pack that can only be opened with scissors. Designed to be difficult for children to access, the packaging is clearly marked with safety warnings and is available across key battery sizes. 

Range with Bitter Coating along with Child Resistant packaging – A new innovative range of lithium coin batteries that combines child-resistant packaging with a non-toxic bitter coating on the battery surface itself to discourage swallowing. 

Both ranges are suitable for a wide variety of devices including key fobs, small remotes, scales, wearables, sensors, and medical devices like glucometers and thermometers, as well as sports gear and home security systems. With an in-storage guarantee of up to 10 years, it’s a dependable choice for both everyday and essential electronics.

Speaking about the new range, Sunil Gadgil, General Manager, Duracell India said, “At Duracell, safety and performance go hand in hand. As a brand trusted by families across the world, we are constantly innovating to meet real-life challenges. The accidental ingestion of lithium coin batteries is a serious concern for parents, and as the number of devices that require lithium coin batteries rises, the child safety risk associated with coin battery ingestion also grows accordingly. Parents/caregivers should ensure that Lithium coin batteries are kept out of reach of young children at all times and battery compartment of devices are safely secure. To prevent children from getting their hands on the Lithium coin batteries out from the packaging, all Duracell Lithium coin batteries are packed in child resistant packaging. For additional layer of defense against accidental lithium coin ingestion, we’ve designed our new Lithium Coin Battery range by pairing a non-toxic bitter layer with tamper-proof packaging. It’s a category defining launch in India’s battery segment — one that reflects our proactive approach to helping consumer safety along with the long-lasting power Duracell is known for. 

We’re also proudly partnering  with European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) since 2023 to raise awareness of the dangers related to battery ingestion. The partnership comprises of prevention campaigns for parents, and we are also addressing paediatricians, particularly EAP members, and other health care professionals to improve their knowledge about detection, treatment and cure.”

Sania Mirza, Indian Former Tennis Player said, “As a parent, the safety of our children is always top of mind. That’s exactly why I’m supporting the #BunnyKids campaign by Duracell— because spreading awareness is the first step towards building safer homes. It’s about being more mindful, more informed, and helping fellow parents take small but significant actions that help keeping  their little ones safe.”

The new Duracell Lithium Coin Battery range is currently available exclusively on Amazon India. With a strong focus on child safety, innovative packaging, and trusted performance, Duracell is not just delivering power but leading a safety-first movement in India’s lithium coin battery space. By prioritizing protection in product design, the brand is raising awareness and setting a new benchmark for innovation in the battery industry.

Reel Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNk1-rkiRS5/

Disclaimer: Duracell Specialty Lithium Coin Batteries should be kept out of reach of children. In case of ingestion, seek immediate medical attention. Always store batteries in a secure location to prevent access by children. 

ARKS TURNS LAY’S® COLOUR CODES INTO THE SEASON’S HOTTEST SNEAKERS

A vibrant collision of Lay’s® iconic flavours and ARKS signature energy in a colour-driven special drop.

National, August 18, 2025: In a bold and unexpected collaboration, one of India’s most iconic brands is inspiring a new kind of style story with the launch of Colour-Lays®, a limited-edition capsule collection. Conceptualised and led by Ranbir Kapoor’s visionary lifestyle brand, ARKS, the drop reimagines the instantly recognisable hues from Lay’s® packs into bold, contemporary sneaker designs.

By merging ARKS’ design-first, community-driven ethos with Lay’s® vibrant cultural familiarity, Colour-Lays® creates a fusion of mass appeal and contemporary street style - emerging less as product placement and more as a creative movement.

The Colour-Lays® collection channels the instantly recognisable hues of Lay’s® packs into bold, statement-making silhouettes. Designed by ARKS with a playful aesthetic, each piece merges the familiarity of one of India’s leading potato chips brands with the edge of contemporary street style. As part of the drop, ARKS is introducing sneakers in four new colours, blue, red, orange and neon green, which fits well with the Lay’s Chips and their India’s Magic Masala, Spanish Tomato Tango, West Indies Hot & Sweet Chilli and American Style Cream & Onion.

This limited-edition collaboration brings together two essentials of youth culture: Sneakers + Snacks. It's not just style; it's a flavour-fuelled movement. The ARKS sneakers are designed to reflect the vibrant, playful essence of Lay’s chips, delivering bold colour pops, timeless Low top silhouettes, and a connection to the flavours that have become popular all across India.

Commenting on the launch, Abhinav Verma, Co-Founder & CEO, ARKS says, “At ARKS, we believe in building culture through stories and collaborations that feel authentic to us and our community, The idea started with us asking – what if we took something millions of Indians instantly recognise, and reframed it in the language of sneakers? Lay’s was the perfect partner because their colours are cultural shorthand. Together, we’ve created not just sneakers, but a conversation between nostalgia, identity, and style. For us, it’s a brand statement as much as a business move – proving that collaborations, when done right, build both creative equity and commercial value.”

“ARKS is my canvas – a space for expression, creativity and authenticity. When we thought about how to launch this drop, we knew it had to be more than just a drop. Collaborating with Lay’s® gave us that extra spark, because they’ve always shown up where culture is being created. This one is fun, fresh and full of energy, just the way we imagined it,” added Ranbir Kapoor, Founder of ARKS

In the same spirit, Saumya Rathor, Marketing Director, Lay’s, PepsiCo India, shared “Lay’s is no stranger to the fashion-verse, pop culture, or the emergence of streetwear. We’ve always shown up where culture is being created. Our consumers seek authenticity, creativity, and a sense of connection, and this capsule with our long-time ambassador Ranbir Kapoor delivers exactly that. By blending Lay’s instantly recognisable colour cues with ARKS’ bold lens, we’ve created a true cultural drop – one that’s playful, expressive, and rooted in the energy of now.”

The Colour-Lays® drop will be available on ARKS website for purchase and customization. To stay updated with all things Colour-Lays®, follow @Lay’s_India and @arks on Instagram!

About Lay’s®:

Launched in 1995 in India, Lay’s® is one of the marquee brands from PepsiCo India and has always been known for bringing in flavours of the world along with Indian flavours that our consumers love. Lay’s® has a wide range of offerings under its umbrella, with unique and indulgent flavours that cater to both local and international tastes. It is available in six flavours. Consumers can also log onto the Lay’s® Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/laysindia and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lays_india/?hl=en 

About ARKS

ARKS a lifestyle brand, started in February 2025, started by Ranbir Kapoor defines his personality. It focuses on creating everyday essentials—refined through timeless, minimalist aesthetics. With an emphasis on classic silhouettes, neutral tones, and premium materials, each piece is designed to transcend seasonal trends, offering enduring style and effortless elegance. ARKS proudly embodies the “Made in India” ethos. Every ARKS product is a reflection of thoughtful craftsmanship, where meticulous attention to detail ensures unmatched quality, comfort, and durability. Check us out at www.arks.club and follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arks/?hl=en.

About PepsiCo India: 

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s®, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. 

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo. 

Vikran Engineering Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, price band set at ₹92/- to ₹97/- per Equity Share

Mumbai, August 19, 2025: Vikran Engineering Limited has fixed the price band of ₹92/- to ₹97/- per Equity Share of face value ₹1/- each for its maiden initial public offer. 

The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, for subscription and close on Friday, August 29, 2025. Investors can bid for a minimum of 148 Equity Shares and in multiples of 148 Equity Shares thereafter.

The IPO is a mix of fresh issue of shares up to ₹721 crore and an offer for sale up to ₹51 crore by Rakesh Ashok Markhedkar. 

The proceeds from the fresh issue to the extent of ₹541 crore for funding working capital requirements of the company; and general corporate purposes.

Vikran Engineering is one of the fast-growing Indian Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) company in terms of revenue growth over FY23-25, compared to the average industry growth estimates and the peer set considered. (Source: CRISIL Report). The company has a diversified project portfolio, with majority revenue from energy and water infrastructure verticals. It provides end-to-end services from conceptualisation, design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning on a turnkey basis and has presence across multiple sectors including power, water, and railway infrastructure. 

In the power sector, the company has presence in both- power transmission and power distribution. In the water sector, its projects include underground water distribution and surface water extraction, overhead tanks, and distribution networks. In the water sector, its projects include underground water distribution and surface water extraction, overhead tanks, and distribution networks. The company also has experience in Solar EPC of ground mounted solar projects and smart metering.

As of June 30, 2025, it has successfully completed 45 projects across 14 states with a total executed contract value of ₹ 1,919.92 crore. The company has 44 ongoing projects across 16 states, aggregating orders of ₹ 5,120.21 crore, of which Order Book of ₹ 2,442.44 crore. 

The company's clients from the government sector include NTPC Limited, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, South Bihar Power Distribution Co. Ltd., North Bihar Power Distribution Co. Ltd., Transmission Corporation of Telangana Limited, Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited, Madhya Pradesh Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Company Limited, District Water and Sanitation Mission (PHED) and State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM). Further it is also working on certain projects for Assam Power Distribution Company Limited and the Danapur division of the Eastern Central Railway.

Vikran Engineering’s revenue from operations increased by 16.53% from ₹785.95 crore in Fiscal 2024 to ₹915.85 crore in Fiscal 2025, primarily due to an increase in income from EPC services and in the number of projects awarded. Profit after tax increased by 3.99% from ₹74.83 crore in Fiscal 2024 to ₹77.82 crore in Fiscal 2025.

Pantomath Capital Advisors Limited, and Systematix Corporate Services Limited are the book-running lead managers, and Bigshare Services Private Limited is the registrar of the issue.

The Offer is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the net offer shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to qualified institutional buyers, not less than 15% of the net offer shall be available for allocation to non-institutional bidders, and not less than 35% of the net offer shall be available for allocation to retail individual bidders.

Notes for Reference: 

Issue Size of the IPO based on the upper and lower end of the price band

Fresh Issue   

OFS (85,00,000 equity shares)

Total  

Lower Band (@Rs 92)

Rs 721 crore

Rs 51 crore

Rs 772 crore

Upper Band (@Rs 97)

Rs 721 crore

Rs 51 crore

Rs 772 crore

“The Style Edit” - Bollywood Fashionista Ananya Panday Hosts a ‘Fashion and Glow Up’ Experience, only on Airbnb

● Hosted by Ananya Panday along with her A team of stylists, hair and makeup artists and fashion photographer, this Airbnb Original 4-hour experience gives guests exclusive front-row seats to a glam session straight out of Ananya’s slaybook

● Bookings for the fashion experience open on August 21, 11 AM IST

India, 18th August, 2025:  Bollywood’s fashion icon Ananya Panday is all set to host an exclusive, one-of-a-kind fashion and glow up experience, the “Ananya’s Style Edit,” only on Airbnb.  Designed to offer fashion enthusiasts, glam seekers and Ananya's biggest fans behind-the-scenes access to her signature style universe, this experience will be available to a maximum of four guests. 

Guests will get a chance to step inside a reimagined version of Ananya’s dream closet and vanity space, brought to life inside one of Delhi’s most stunning Airbnb homes. From her walk-in wardrobe to her vanity zone, the space has been completely transformed into a playful fashion playground.

Joining Ananya is her expert A-team, offering guests the ultimate glow-up, where they’ll be styled by her go-to stylist, glammed up by her trusted beauty squad, and snapped by her go to photographer. Think major glow-up, big fashion energy, and total main character vibes. 

“I’m so excited to welcome guests into my world of glitz and glam through “Ananya’s Style Edit,” an Airbnb Originals curated and hosted by me. Fashion and self-expression are such a big part of who I am as an actor, and getting to share that in such a personal, hands-on way, with guests is truly special. I can't wait to meet the guests, swap stories, and create unforgettable memories together in this one-of-a-kind experience,” said host, Ananya Panday.

“We’re excited to introduce Airbnb Originals in India with Ananya Panday, a Gen Z cultural icon. Originals is a series of extraordinary experiences hosted by the world’s most interesting people and designed exclusively for Airbnb - and Ananya’s Style Edit is a perfect example of that. Ananya’s unique sense of style and strong connection with young audiences across Bollywood-loving nations make this collaboration truly special. We’re proud to offer guests a chance to experience her glam world up close, in a way that’s intimate, immersive, and truly unforgettable,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India and Southeast Asia. 

About Ananya’s Style Edit Experience

Curated and led by Ananya Panday with her A-team, this 4-hour experience hosted at an Airbnb in New Delhi will include:

● Fashion Reboot: A personalized styling session with celebrity fashion stylist Ami Patel to recreate an Ananya-inspired look – complete with expert outfit guidance.

● Slay & Spray: An opportunity to get glammed up by the duo behind Ananya’s iconic looks. Expect fabulous hair flips courtesy of her go-to hairstylist Aanchal Morwani and a beauty transformation that’s spotlight-ready, by her makeup artist Riddhima Sharma. (Warning: dramatic mirror moments ahead).

● Pose & Shine: Feature in a high-energy fashion shoot with Ananya Panday, shot by ace photographer Rahul Jhangiani & team, who’s worked his magic on some of Bollywood’s biggest stars. He’ll capture your new look in a series of stunning, editorial-style portraits that belong on a billboard - or at least your Instagram grid. 

● Coffee with Ananya: To wrap up this unforgettable day, enjoy a relaxed coffee chat with Ananya herself. Hear her personal fashion stories, go-to beauty hacks, and confidence-boosting tips; straight from the heart.

● Slay the Day Giveaway: Each guest will leave with a special goodie bag curated by Ananya, handpicked with her style essentials, along with a signed memento.

How to book:

● Requests to book open at 11 AM IST on August 21, 2025, at airbnb.com/ananya 

● The 4-hour experience will be priced at ₹0

● This experience will be bookable by a maximum of 4 guests. Book for 1 or 2 people, but please note if spots are limited, you might only be able to book for 1. Guests will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis

● Guests will be responsible for their own travel to and from New Delhi, India

Note that this exclusive experience is not a competition, those making a booking must have an active Airbnb profile and have a history of positive reviews on the platform. All guests who request to book must be able to provide a government-issued ID.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays, experiences, and services that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

Streax Professional with Vaani Kapoor presents the trendsetting EVOQUE Collection at MEGA SHOW 2025 in Mumbai

~A 6th landmark edition celebrating innovation, education, and the future of beauty services~

Mumbai, 14th August 2025 – Streax Professional, a leader in professional hair care and styling, marked another milestone with the spectacular return of its much-anticipated MEGA SHOW at The Lalit in Mumbai. Now in its 6th edition, the event built on the resounding success of previous years, introducing the brand’s latest innovation, the EVOQUE Collection, alongside the launch of its exclusive new Skin portfolio.

This one-day showcase drew salon professionals from across the country for an immersive celebration of artistry, education, and inspiration. The MEGA SHOW 2025 offered participants hands-on exposure to cutting-edge techniques, global hair fashion trends, and advanced approaches in cut, colour, and style.

The highlight of the evening was the grand reveal of the EVOQUE Collection, a fusion of “Evoke” and “Vogue” paying homage to quiet confidence, retro nostalgia, and modern elegance. Featuring eight trend-led looks (Like Mocha Mirage, Auburn Shag, Violet Fringe etc). EVOQUE showcased the brand’s expertise in colour innovation, powered by Argan Secrets and Huemagic techniques. Another key highlight was the unveiling of the brand’s skin portfolio, introducing the Streax Professional Anti-Ageing Facial Kit, Streax Professional Skin De-tan Mask and the Streax Professional Skin Brightening Facial Kit. These premium treatments are designed to help salons offer advanced skincare solutions tailored for diverse client needs, further enhancing the overall beauty experience.

Rochelle Chhabra, Head at Streax Professional, emphasized the brand’s dedication to education: “Education remains the foundation of our brand and is in our DNA, and the MEGA SHOW stands as our flagship platform for equipping the salon community with advanced training and global trend insights, carefully adapted to suit the Indian market. It’s more than a showcase—it’s an immersive experience where creativity, skill, and innovation come together under one roof. Building on the success of distinguished collections such as Marigold, Mercurial, Kaleidoscope, and Spectrum, EVOQUE reaffirms the brand’s leadership and innovation in the realm of professional space, while inspiring stylists to push boundaries and reimagine what’s possible for their consumers.”

Priyanka Puri, Senior Vice President, HRIPL At Streax Professional, we are committed to translating global hair fashion into styles that truly resonate with Indian hair, skin tones, and lifestyles. With the launch of our new Streax Evoque Collection alongside our Skin portfolio, we continue to bring the world’s most exciting trends into a uniquely Indian context — grounded in our deep understanding of local hair textures and beauty aspirations. Each collection is crafted not only to inspire creativity in our salon partners but to empower every client to look and feel like the best version of themselves. By fusing international innovation with our expertise in Indian beauty, we aim to keep our professional community ahead of the curve, setting new benchmarks for style, skill, and self-expression.”

The event culminated in a spectacular grand finale ramp walk, headlined by brand ambassador and Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor, who brought the stunning EVOQUE looks to life on the runway. Vaani Kapoor shared her thoughts, saying Being part of Streax Professional’s MEGA SHOW 2025 was an absolute joy. The EVOQUE Collection celebrates style, confidence, and individuality. I truly admire how Streax Professional brings the best of global trends to India while empowering salon professionals and inspiring people to feel their most beautiful and confident selves.”

Following the triumph in Mumbai, Streax Professional is excited to bring MEGA SHOW 2025 to Delhi on 12th September 2025.  

*** End of press release ***

About Streax Professional

Streax Professional – a brand closely associated with style and glamour in the salon business- was launched in 2004 by Hygienic Research Institute. Streax Professional is the smart choice for smart Indian stylists and consumers. Launching innovative products with well-researched formulations, especially suited to Indian hair types, Streax Professional is the forerunner in the professional segment with the widest distribution network. Streax Professional Hair colourant range (Colour, Developer and Ultralights) is on a continuous growth path and has a partnership with over 40000 salons in India and abroad.

About Hygienic Research Institute

Hygienic Research Institute Private Limited (HRIPL) is a prominent Indian leader in beauty and personal care products, specializing in hair care, skin care, and salon services. With over 60 years of legacy since 1957, HRIPL has grown from a single-brand promoter-owned entity to a multi-brand, multi-category organization backed by private equity and is known for brands like Vasmol, Streax, and Streax Professional, along with Florozone in skin care. Committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, HRIPL operates with a vision to offer excellent products and services globally while fostering growth and spreading happiness. The company boasts a robust manufacturing legacy across six locations, adhering to international quality standards. HRIPL is honored with accolades such as Great Place to Work, Best Workplace for Innovation, and recognition in the FMCG sector, underscoring its commitment to excellence in workplace culture and innovation.

Mangal Electrical Industries Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, price band set at ₹533/- to ₹561/- per Equity Share

Price Band of ₹533/– ₹561/- per Equity Share bearing face value of ₹10/- each (“Equity Shares”)

Bid/Offer Opening Date – Wednesday, August 20, 2025 and Bid/Offer Closing Date –Friday, August 22, 2025.

Minimum Bid Lot is 26 Equity Shares and in multiples of 26 Equity Shares thereafter.

Mumbai, August 14, 2025: Mangal Electrical Industries Limited has fixed the price band of ₹533/- to ₹561/- per Equity Share of face value ₹10/- each for its maiden initial public offer. 

The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Issue”) of the Company will open on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, for subscription and close on Friday, August 22, 2025. Investors can bid for a minimum of 26 Equity Shares and in multiples of 26 Equity Shares thereafter.

The IPO is entirely a fresh issue of shares up to Rs 40,000 lakhs.

The proceeds from the fresh issue to the extent of Rs 10,126.65 lakhs for repayment/ prepayment, in full or in part, of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the company; Rs 8,785.63 lakhs for capital expenditure including civil works of the Company for expanding the facility at Unit IV situated at Reengus Sikar District, Rajasthan; Rs 12,200.00 lakhs for funding working capital requirements of the Company and the balance is for general corporate purposes.

Mangal Electrical Industries Limited specializes in processing transformer components, including transformer laminations, CRGO slit coils, amorphous cores, coil and core assemblies, wound and toroidal cores, and oil-immersed circuit breakers. It also trades CRGO and CRNO coils, as well as amorphous ribbons. Additionally, it manufactures transformers and customized products for the power infrastructure industry. Its transformer range spans from single-phase 5 KVA to three-phase 10 MVA units. It also offers EPC services for construction of electrical substations under turnkey project, serving the power sector.

The company has five production facilities in Rajasthan with an aggregate production capacity of 16,200 MT for CRGO, 10,22,500 KVA for transformers and 75,000 units for ICB and 2,400 MT for Amorphous units per annum.

It is both NABL and PGCIL lab approved underscoring its adherence to stringent quality standards. It has also approved by PGCIL approval for processing of CRGO and lamination for transformers/ reactors from up to 765 kV class and are also an ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certified with a global customer base. The company has also obtained NTPC approval for CRGO processing.  

Further, it also possess Brockhaus Messtechnik, a Germany based machinery, used for quality control checks that enables it to achieve high-efficiency level outputs. 

The company's customer mix primarily include government discoms and private such as Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVVNL) and Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL) and private sector such as Voltamp Transformers Limited and Western Electrotrans Private Limited etc. It has exported its transformer components to Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Oman, United States of America, Italy and Nepal.

Systematix Corporate Services Limited is the sole book-running lead manager, and Bigshare Services Private Limited is the registrar of the issue.

The Issue is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the net issue shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to qualified institutional buyers, not less than 15% of the issue shall be available for allocation to non-institutional investors, and not less than 35% of the issue shall be available for allocation to retail individual investors.

MANGAL ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES 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 13, 2025 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 i.e., Systematix Corporate Services Limited at 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 https://www.mangals.com. 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 28 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 374 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 376 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of BSE.

Disclaimer Clause of NSE (the Designated Stock Exchange): 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 376 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of NSE.

Robin Hood Army’s #MissionSankalp78 to serve 78 lakh citizens and transform 78 community spaces this Independence Day

 

~78 lakh underserved citizens to be served across 170 cities in 22 states and union territories

~78 parks, libraries, playgrounds, heritage sites, and skill centres to be restored and revitalized

 

National, 13 August 2025: The Robin Hood Army (RHA), a volunteer-led, zero-funds organization with over 300,000 members, is in the final stretch of #MissionSankalp78, a nationwide Independence Day campaign aimed at creating a hunger-free India and strengthening communities for the future. Launched on August 1, the initiative brings together citizens, corporates, municipalities, and influencers to serve meals and essentials to 7.8 million underserved people, while transforming 78 community spaces across the country. This is part of the Robin Hood Army’s broader ambition to serve 0.5 billion meals by 2030, strengthen global civic communities across South Asia and Africa, and expand its Academy to reach 100,000 students.

 

The campaign has rapidly gained momentum with support from corporate partners including Unilever, Compass Group, ABP Network, Swiggy, Kcorp, Snowman, PMR and Adonmo and is actively supported by influential voices such as Ranveer Allahbadia, Vineet Kumar, Mehak Mirza, Yashita Soni, Sabyasachi Satpathy, Vanikaa, Helly Shah, Gunjan Saini, Shenaaz Gill, Ravi Sing, Romi Rajput, Aashka Goradia and Amandeep Singh Khayal, who together reach over 20 million people. Key hospitality partners, including TFS- Travel Food Services, Ibis Hotels, Biryani Blues, Biryani by Kilo, The Lalit, Bread Talk, Defence Bakery, Novotel, and Wow Momos, are all contributing surplus food to fuel the effort.

Traction on meals to be served during the fortnight and achieving all overall goals, has begun well and the continued focus remains on reaching vulnerable citizens and areas where help is needed most. As part of #MissionSankalp78’s two-pronged approach, Project 78 delivers meals, rations and essentials to underserved communities, while Project Sankalp focuses on restoring public spaces into places where culture, learning and community can thrive. Recent efforts include the art-led renewal of Mankhurd Station in Mumbai, the refurbishment of the science lab at Purandare School in Lonavala, and classroom upgrades in Jamshedpur, and the transformation of the Beghar Nivara Ashram in Nashik where walls and a flag hoisting space were painted to reflect smiles, dignity and new beginnings.

As part of the ongoing #MissionSankalp78 drive, a team from Robinhood Army, -transformed the hall of a Blind Persons Association School, Uttam Nagar in New Delhi, so that fifty girls can now use with ease the walls; with the addition Braille art. To help them learn and connect with alphabets in their own way, in a welcoming and vibrant way.

Susmita Srivastava, Head of Swades (Rural Initiative), Robin Hood Army, said: “This Independence Day, we are turning solidarity into action not only by feeding people but by building spaces that will nourish hope for years to come. Our mission is rooted in the belief that no one should go hungry in a country that has the resources to share, and when people unite for a cause, the change we create, can last for generations.”

In the past decade, the Robin Hood Army’s unique zero-funds model has enabled the redistribution of surplus food from restaurants, hotels and partners to underserved communities without raising or spending money. This citizen-powered approach has served more than 162 million meals across over 400 cities worldwide, driven by a mission to make food accessible for all and a vision to inspire everyday people to find local solutions to hunger.

Since 2014, the organization's Independence Day missions have delivered millions of meals and vital services across India, contributing significantly to the 158 million meals served between 2020 and 2024. Well- known celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar, recording a promotional video and an anthem song respectively. Other supporting friends include Vikas Khanna, Saina Nehwal, Vishal Dadlani, Sunil Grover, Annu Kapoor, Vineet Kumar Singh, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, Hansika Motwani, Abhi & Niyu and Revant Himatsingka. Uber, Air India and Paytm have also stepped up as key supporters in past missions. All of them have actively supported by helping spread awareness about RHAs work through their voices and platforms.

About Robin Hood Army

The Robin Hood Army (RHA) is a volunteer-powered movement that has for over 10 years served 162 million meals to the underserved across 407 cities globally through a zero-funds model. With 275,000+ volunteers, the team redistributes surplus food to fight hunger and partners with communities to empower lives. Featured as a Harvard case study, RHA scales purely through social media, community spirit, and partnerships - there is no money involved.

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