Pune (Maharashtra) [India], December 26: SA Technologies Inc., a global technology consulting and services company, today announced the promotion of Abhay Bhan to Associate VP – Sales (GCC Services), recognizing his consistent leadership, business impact, and pivotal role in strengthening the company’s Global Capability Center (GCC) practice.

Abhay has been an integral part of SA Technologies for over a decade, steadily progressing through multiple leadership roles. His journey reflects a deep understanding of client needs, strong execution capabilities, and a long-term vision for scalable global delivery models.

In his most recent role as Director – Sales & Head of GCC Services, Abhay led the strategy and execution of SA Technologies’ offshoring initiatives, Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model-based GCC setups, and GCC consulting and advisory services. He provided end-to-end leadership across sales, delivery, technology deployment, and advisory initiatives for global enterprises. Under his leadership, the GCC business witnessed transformational, multifold growth, becoming a cornerstone of the company’s global GCC strategy and enabling enterprises to successfully establish, scale, and run high-performing GCCs across India.

Over the years, Abhay has played a critical role in setting up and managing multiple GCCs across key locations such as Pune, Bengaluru, and other strategic hubs, helping clients optimize operations, reduce costs, and build future-ready global teams. His ability to align business objectives with delivery excellence has resulted in long-term client partnerships and repeat engagements.

Reflecting on the promotion, Abhay Bhan said,

“With over a decade at SA Technologies, I’m grateful to the organization and our leadership team for the trust placed in me. Throughout my journey, I have focused on building and scaling high-performing Global Capability Centers that drive efficiency and operational excellence. Looking ahead, our focus goes beyond team build-outs to delivering integrated, end-to-end GCC operating models centered on cost efficiency, execution speed, and high-quality talent. Our aim is to create resilient, future-ready GCCs while acting as a hands-on partner aligned to our clients’ long-term growth objectives.”

Commenting on the promotion, Manoj Joshi, CEO of SA Technologies, said:

“Abhay has been a cornerstone of our growth story for more than a decade. His promotion is a testament to his exceptional ability to turn strategic vision into tangible business success. As we continue to strengthen our market leadership in the GCC space, Abhay’s leadership will be instrumental in driving our global sales strategy and delivering high-value outcomes for our clients.”

Ritesh Sharma, President and Country Head – India, added:

“Abhay’s deep-rooted understanding of the offshore talent ecosystem and his strategic approach to large-scale global delivery have been game-changers for our operations. His leadership has consistently empowered our clients to scale their offshore capabilities with speed and precision. I am confident that in this new role, he will continue to elevate our GCC practice and strengthen our footprint across the region.”

With this appointment, SA Technologies continues to reinforce its leadership bench while accelerating its growth in the GCC space–one of the most strategic pillars of the company’s global expansion strategy.

About SA Tech Software India Ltd.

Headquartered in San Jose, California, with its India headquarters in Pune and having offshore development centers in Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, SA Tech Software India Ltd. is a trusted partner to leading global enterprises, helping them build, operate, and scale future-ready Global Development Centers, also known as Global Capability Centers, that drive innovation, efficiency, and transformation.

As an NSE Emerge-listed organization and a CMMI Level 5 certified company, SA Tech Software India Ltd. upholds the highest standards of operational excellence, governance, and delivery maturity.

Through its proven Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model and specialized GCC consulting services, the company empowers organizations to expand and optimize their offshore operations with confidence, speed, and scalability.

Yuva Sangam 2025, a landmark youth-centric initiative, concluded with resounding success, drawing participation from more than 10,000 enthusiastic young citizens from diverse backgrounds. The grand event emerged as a vibrant confluence of sports, arts, culture, fitness and social engagement, reaffirming the belief that India’s youth are the strongest drivers of national progress and social unity.

Organised with the vision of empowering young minds and nurturing holistic development, Yuva Sangam 2025 provided a dynamic platform where youth could express talent, build leadership qualities, and imbibe values of discipline, teamwork and cultural harmony. The event was strongly supported by leading Government Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), who’s commitment to youth development and nation-building played a crucial role in the scale and impact of the programme.

A Celebration of Youth Energy and Talent

From early morning fitness activities to high-energy sports competitions, from soulful cultural performances to inspiring art exhibitions, Yuva Sangam 2025 was a true celebration of youth energy. Multiple sporting disciplines such as athletics, football, kabaddi, badminton and indigenous games witnessed enthusiastic participation, promoting physical fitness, competitive spirit and mental resilience.

Parallelly, art and cultural segments showcased India’s rich diversity. Youth performers representing different states and regions mesmerised audiences with folk dances, music, theatre and contemporary art forms. These performances not only highlighted talent but also strengthened the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, fostering mutual respect and cultural understanding among participants.

Yuva Sangam 2025

Promoting Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles

One of the core objectives of Yuva Sangam 2025 was to instil the importance of fitness and healthy living among young citizens. In an era increasingly dominated by sedentary lifestyles and digital dependency, the event emphasised the need for regular physical activity, sportsmanship and mental well-being.

Interactive fitness sessions, yoga workshops and talks by sports professionals motivated youth to adopt healthier routines. Experts highlighted how physical fitness directly contributes to confidence, productivity and long-term success. The overwhelming participation reflected a growing awareness among youth about health as a foundation for personal and professional excellence.

Youth Motivation and Leadership Development

Beyond competitions and performances, Yuva Sangam 2025 served as a powerful source of motivation and inspiration. Motivational sessions, panel discussions and informal interactions enabled young participants to engage with achievers from sports, arts, social service and public life. These interactions encouraged youth to dream big, set clear goals and contribute positively to society.

Speakers emphasised that today’s youth are not just future leaders but current change-makers. The event reinforced values of discipline, perseverance, innovation and social responsibility, urging participants to channel their energy into constructive nation-building efforts.

Strengthening Social and Cultural Harmony

A defining highlight of Yuva Sangam 2025 was its role in promoting social cohesion and cultural harmony. With participants from different socio-economic backgrounds, regions and cultures, the event became a living example of unity in diversity. Team sports fostered cooperation beyond linguistic or regional identities, while cultural exchanges built emotional connections and mutual respect.

Special sessions on social harmony underscored the importance of inclusivity, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence in a diverse nation like India. Youth were encouraged to act as ambassadors of harmony in their communities, countering divisive narratives with dialogue, empathy and shared values.

Yuva Sangam 2025 Inspires Over 10,000 Youth through Sports, Arts and Cultural Harmony

Support from Government PSUs: A Model of Nation-Building

The successful execution of Yuva Sangam 2025 was made possible through the active support of Government PSUs, whose contribution went beyond sponsorship to meaningful engagement. Their involvement reflected a strong commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focused on youth empowerment, sports promotion and cultural preservation.

Representatives from supporting PSUs reiterated that investing in youth is investing in the future of India. By backing platforms like Yuva Sangam, PSUs are helping create a skilled, healthy, confident and socially responsible generation that will drive economic growth and social stability.

A Vision for the Future

Yuva Sangam 2025 has set a new benchmark for large-scale youth engagement initiatives. The overwhelming response and participation underline the need for more such platforms that integrate sports, culture, fitness and social values under one umbrella.

As the curtains closed on this memorable event, participants carried back not just medals or certificates, but renewed confidence, friendships across cultures, and a stronger sense of purpose. Yuva Sangam 2025 stands as a testament to the power of collective effort—of youth, organisers and Government PSUs—working together to build a fitter, more harmonious and inspired India.

This event sponsored by GAIL (India) Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), NTPC Limited, Small Industries Development Bank of India,(SIDBI), SIDBI Swavalamban Foundation, Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited(BPCL), The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), REC Limited (REC),  NBCC (India) Limited, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited ( NHPC), State Bank of India (SBI), Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, The New India Assurance Co. Ltd., SBI General Insurance, Engineers India Limited (EIL), Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited, (HUDCO), Oil India Limited (IOL), The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd (NSIC), Bank of India ( BOI). Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

New Delhi [India], December 24: BioPetroClean (BPC), a global technology-driven water and wastewater treatment company, has been awarded Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 Best Practices Recognition for Customer Value Leadership in Indian Smart Water Solutions for Pharmaceuticals. The recognition highlights BPC’s ability to deliver measurable customer value, lifecycle ROI, and performance stability across complex industrial water systems.

The award validates BPC’s leadership in designing and deploying scalable solutions for critical industry segments and applications, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas refineries, BPCL and IOCL operations, CETPs (Common Effluent Treatment Plants), the process industry, and emerging high-purity industries such as semiconductors and solar manufacturing. Frost & Sullivan’s assessment acknowledges BPC’s consistent role in enabling the transformation of existing plants through fast deployment and retrofit engineering, rather than disruptive greenfield replacement.

Industry Validation Across Complex Treatment Domains

Frost & Sullivan’s independent evaluation highlights BPC’s strength across diverse treatment and technical domains, including effluent treatment plants (ETP: with chemical and biological treatment processes), Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD: With UF/RO, MEE/MVR/LTE, and ATFD treatment systems), and ultra-pure water applications.

Frost & Sullivan also noted BPC’s ability to reduce sludge generation and chemical dependency, contributing directly to operating cost reduction and energy load reduction.

Retrofit Automation and Digital Intelligence as Core Differentiators

A defining strength identified in the evaluation is BPC’s depth of core competencies and technologies, particularly in retrofit automation and modular automation frameworks. BPC’s solutions integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, allowing multi-site deployment across legacy treatment plants without prolonged shutdowns.

The company’s TPI Oil and Water Separation Automation, advanced sampling & analysis systems, and multi-point analyzer architecture provide continuous, real-time monitoring across critical treatment stages. These systems feed into PureBI, BPC’s proprietary digital intelligence platform, which combines digital twin modelling, predictive analytics, benchmarking, root-cause AI, and advanced monitoring into a unified operational layer.

PureBI enables rapid digitization of treatment assets, delivering site-specific digital twins within days instead of months.

The platform supports data-driven decision-making by correlating process variables, identifying anomalies, and recommending corrective actions before compliance or performance risks escalate.

Analyst Endorsement of PureBI and Digital Twin Deployment

“BioPetroClean’s PureBI platform is purpose-built for industrial wastewater environments. Its pre-configured process libraries enable rapid digital twin deployment while supporting both automated and manual data inputs. This allows operators to transition quickly toward predictive, insight-led plant management,”

– Paul Hudson, Senior Industry Analyst, Sustainability & Circular Economy, Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan highlighted PureBI’s role in enabling rapid deployment of digitization and data analytical tools for performance stability, BPC has delivered these solutions across pharmaceutical, Refinery, CETP, and process industry applications.

Demonstrated Customer Value and Lifecycle ROI

As part of its Customer Value Leadership assessment, Frost & Sullivan reviewed operational outcomes across multiple BPC deployments. The evaluation recorded tangible performance improvements, including:

  • Throughput increase of up to 30% in retrofitted plants
  • RO efficiency improvement of approximately 5%
  • Evaporator load reduction by up to 10%
  • Chemical reduction of up to 60%
  • Sludge reduction resulting in disposal cost savings of up to 88%
  • Stable operations under high TDS and fluctuating flow conditions

These results reinforce BPC’s ability to deliver lifecycle ROI while maintaining compliance with stringent Environmental Compliance and broader regulatory frameworks.

The evaluation noted that BPC’s solutions enable industries to meet evolving environmental mandates without compromising plant availability or production continuity.

Leadership Perspective

“This recognition reflects our focus on measurable outcomes rather than theoretical innovation,” said Bhaskar Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, BioPetroClean (BPC) India. “Across pharmaceuticals, refineries, CETPs, and process industries, customers adopt BPC for one reason – predictable performance with reduced operating cost. Our strength lies in retrofit engineering, digital intelligence, and biological treatment systems that scale across multiple sites.”

Expanding Across High-Purity and Future-Ready Industries

Beyond pharmaceuticals, Frost & Sullivan recognised BPC’s expanding role in oil and gas refineries, BPCL and IOCL facilities, CETPs, and process industries, as well as future-facing sectors such as semiconductors and solar manufacturing. These sectors demand ultra-pure water, zero tolerance for instability, and high compliance assurance.

BPC’s modular automation, digital twin capabilities, and patented biological treatment solutions support fast deployment in high-flow-rate, saline, and variable-load environments. The company’s approach enables industries to future-proof water infrastructure while maximising asset value from existing plants.

About BioPetroClean (BPC)

BioPetroClean is a global cleantech company specialising in advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions. Its portfolio includes patented biological treatment systems, automation platforms, analyzer-based monitoring, retrofit engineering, and the PureBI digital intelligence ecosystem. BPC serves pharmaceuticals, oil and gas refineries, CETPs, process industries, and high-purity manufacturing sectors, delivering scalable, compliant, and performance-driven water solutions.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan identifies organisations that demonstrate visionary innovation, operational excellence, and sustained customer value. Its Best Practices Recognition honours companies that set benchmarks for industry leadership and transformation.

Media and Partnership Enquiries

Industry stakeholders and partners are invited to engage with the BPC India leadership team to explore how automation, biological optimisation, digital intelligence, and retrofit solutions can enhance wastewater performance across ETP, TPI, CETP, and refinery operations.

BioPetroClean

Website: https://www.biopetroclean.co.in/

Address: Property No. 5, Second Floor, Block B, Pocket 3, Sector 17, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110078

Email: info@biopetroclean.co.in

Contact: +91 981 8602141

New Delhi [India], December 24: This holiday season, just a scenic drive away from Surat and Mumbai, The Deltin, Daman sets the stage for an unforgettable Christmas and New Year celebration–where festive indulgence, live entertainment, and celebratory dining come together against the charm of India’s only offshore gaming and entertainment destination.

Whether you’re planning a cozy Christmas gathering with loved ones or looking to ring in 2026 with high-energy celebrations, The Deltin, Daman promises a thoughtfully curated festive calendar designed to elevate every moment of the season.

A Festive Christmas Eve at Vegas

Christmas Eve at Vegas, The Deltin’s all-day dining restaurant, is all about coming together over great food and holiday cheer. Guests can look forward to a lavish festive buffet featuring classic Christmas favourites, decadent desserts, and a celebratory beverage to set the mood. Perfect for families, friends, and corporate groups, the evening offers a warm, relaxed ambience to mark the start of the festivities.

Date: 24th December 2025

Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Price: Starting at INR 1,599 (exclusive of taxes)

A Laid-Back Christmas Day Brunch

On Christmas Day, unwind with a leisurely festive brunch at Vegas. Designed for a relaxed afternoon, the brunch showcases seasonal flavours, comforting holiday classics, and a generous buffet spread paired with a festive mocktail. It’s the perfect way to slow down and savour the spirit of Christmas with family and friends.

Date: 25th December 2025

Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Price: Starting at INR 1,199 + taxes

Ring in 2026 with a Spectacular New Year’s Eve

As the year comes to a close, The Deltin, Daman turns up the glamour with a high-octane New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration. The night features a power-packed live performance by Jyotsna Navandar of Indian Idol fame, electrifying DJ sets, Silky Angels dance performances, unlimited beverages, and a lavish dinner–culminating in an unforgettable countdown to 2026.

Designed for those who love to celebrate big, the New Year’s Eve party promises an immersive night of music, energy, and celebration, making it a top pick for Surat partygoers looking for a premium year-end getaway.

For table reservations Contact :

+91 9662010646

T&Cs apply | Selected brands only

For room reservations, Contact :

+91 7227-005987 | 0260 6699999

For event Details click below :

https://www.deltin.com/events.php

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 24: Cininfo, in association with The Sumita Gupta Foundation of Arts (SGFA), announces the four winners of the Cininfo Screenwriters Lab 2025, an intensive online mentorship program created to support emerging screenwriting talent and help original scripts move decisively towards production.

The selected winners are:

  • Aparajita Datta Gupta — Mumbai
  • Biaas Sanyal — Kolkata
  • Brijbala Vyas — Goa
  • Pawan Kumar Mishra — Mumbai

Their four winning scripts, developed through months of writing, rewrites, and close mentorship, have been selected for production as short films — marking a meaningful transition from script development to screen.

A Lab That Takes Writing Beyond the Page

The Cininfo Screenwriters Lab 2025 was conceived as a writer-first initiative, bringing together committed emerging writers and experienced industry professionals in a focused development environment. Over the course of the lab, participants engaged in structured writing sessions, feedback rounds, and one-on-one guidance aimed at strengthening craft, clarity, and voice.

What distinguishes the lab is its outcome. The process does not conclude with a showcase or certificate. The four winning scripts will now move into active production, reinforcing Cininfo’s intent to create real pathways for writers to see their work realised on screen.

Script Mentorship by Industry Leaders

The lab was mentored by four respected voices from Indian cinema:

  • Sudhir Mishra — Writer / Director / Producer
  • Vijay Krishna Acharya — Writer / Director
  • Richa Chadda — Actor / Producer
  • Shonali Bose — Writer / Director / Producer

Working closely with a cohort of twelve writers, the mentors offered rigorous feedback and practical insight, guiding the writers through multiple stages of development. The four winning scripts emerged through this sustained and collaborative process.

Quotes from Leadership

Nikkhil Advani, Founder, SGFA & Advisor to the Program:

“The Cininfo Screenwriters Lab reflects our shared belief that strong writing deserves time, guidance, and a clear future. What makes this initiative stand out is its commitment to seeing scripts through to production. These four stories have been shaped through focused mentorship, and I am proud to support a program that places writers and storytelling at its core.”

Dina Mukherjee & Raghav Gupta, Founders, Cininfo:

“Cininfo was created to support writers beyond access and inspiration — with structure, intent, and outcomes. The Screenwriters Lab is an extension of that thinking. These scripts were mentored with care and seriousness, and now they move forward into production. Our collaboration with SGFA has helped us build a program that respects the writer’s journey while offering a tangible next step.”

About Cininfo

Cininfo is a platform dedicated to supporting screenwriters and creative professionals through structured labs, mentorship initiatives, and direct pathways to production.

About The Sumita Gupta Foundation of Arts (SGFA)

The Sumita Gupta Foundation of Arts works to strengthen the creative ecosystem by supporting initiatives that nurture talent and encourage original storytelling across film and the arts.

Media Contact:

Cininfo

info@cininfo.in I +91 9009004762

New Delhi [India], December 24: Biofactor Biologicals (Biofac Inputs Pvt. Ltd.), a pioneer in agri-biological innovations, today announced the national launch of its flagship solution — the BIOLMIN Kit, India’s first integrated Soil-to-Yield biological nutrition programme. Designed to restore soil vitality, enhance crop performance, and improve farmer profitability, BIOLMIN Kit marks a decisive shift toward science-led, sustainable agriculture.

Developed after more than a decade of intensive research and large-scale field validation, BIOLMIN Kit addresses two of Indian agriculture’s most pressing challenges: progressive soil nutrient depletion and escalating input costs.

A Science-Backed Response to India’s Soil Health Challenge

National soil surveys indicate that nearly 60% of Indian soils are deficient in one or more essential nutrients, leading to declining crop response and inefficient fertilizer use. Conventional fertilizer-centric practices often overlook soil biology — the very engine that governs nutrient availability and plant resilience.

BIOLMIN Kit offers a complete biological nutrition framework that works with natural soil processes, rather than against them.

“Farmers today are battling climate uncertainty, soil fatigue, and rising cultivation costs,” said Dr. L. N. Reddy, Founder & Chief Scientific Advisor, Biofactor.

“BIOLMIN Kit is the outcome of 15 years of research in microbial sciences and field agronomy. It strengthens soil biology so crops can access nutrients more efficiently and sustainably.”

What Makes BIOLMIN Kit Distinct

BIOLMIN Kit integrates four complementary biological actions into a single, easy-to-adopt programme:

  • Nitrogen-Fixing Microbes – Enhance natural nitrogen availability and reduce dependency on synthetic nitrogen
  • Phosphorus-Solubilizing Microorganisms – Improve root development and phosphorus uptake from fixed soil pools
  • Potash-Mobilizing Bacteria – Support flowering, fruiting, and stress tolerance
  • Micronutrient Enrichment – Strengthen enzymatic activity, photosynthesis, and overall plant metabolism

Together, these components establish a self-reinforcing, bio-intelligent soil ecosystem that continues to deliver benefits well beyond the application window.

Proven Field Impact

Farmers across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka who adopted BIOLMIN Kit have reported:

  • Vigorous and uniform crop growth
  • Reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers
  • Improved yield and produce quality
  • Enhanced soil organic carbon and root health
  • Lower overall cost of cultivation

Advancing Precision & Sustainable Agriculture

The launch of BIOLMIN Kit reinforces Biofactor’s long-standing philosophy:

“Agriculture without waste. Agriculture without stress. Agriculture with intelligence.”

“BIOLMIN is not merely a product; it is a precision-guided nutrition programme for modern farming,” said Dr. LN Reddy Founder & CEO, Biofactor Biologicals.

“Our goal is to equip farmers with soil-friendly, high-impact technologies that deliver visible results from the very first season.”

Farmer Education & Outreach Initiative

To support effective adoption, Biofactor is simultaneously rolling out a nationwide Farmer Awareness & Capacity-Building Programme, including:

  • Village-level field demonstrations
  • Farmer training camps
  • Digital advisory videos in regional languages
  • Soil biology awareness drives
  • Dealer and retailer technical workshops

This initiative aims to deepen farmer understanding of biological nutrition and its role in long-term soil and crop health.

Availability

The BIOLMIN Kit is now available through Biofactor’s authorized dealer network across:

Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, with pan-India expansion planned in the coming months.

For more information, visit: https://www.biofactor.in

About Biofactor Biologicals

Biofactor Biologicals (Biofac Inputs Pvt. Ltd.) is one of India’s leading innovators in agri-biological solutions, specializing in biofertilizers, microbial consortia, nano-nutrients, and sustainable crop care technologies. Founded in 2014, Biofactor operates across 11 Indian states, supported by 9 patents and 32 proprietary microbial strains developed through advanced R&D. The company is committed to restoring soil health, improving farm economics, and advancing precision-driven, eco-friendly agriculture. Biofactor biologicals are also in to Aqua, Poultry and Ruminants.

Media Contact:

Biofactor Biologicals

Email- info@biofactor.in

Website: https://www.biofactor.in

New Delhi [India], December 24: The global internet naming authority ICANN is set to open the next application window for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) on April 30, 2026, marking the first such opportunity in over a decade for companies, institutions and communities to apply for their own top level extensions.

The programme, formally known as ICANN’s New gTLD Program, allows applicants to create custom top-level domains, including brand-specific extensions such as .brandname. The previous round, launched in 2012, resulted in more than 1,200 new domain extensions but saw relatively limited participation from Indian enterprises.

Industry experts say the upcoming round is drawing sharper interest from Indian companies this time, driven by growing concerns around phishing, brand impersonation and digital trust.

“Domains are no longer just web addresses; they have become trust signals for brands and consumers,” said Venkatesh Venkatasubramanian, an independent domain industry consultant and founder of NewgTLDProgram.com. “What has changed since 2012 is how consumers interact with brands online. Most users today don’t type URLs carefully — they click links, scan QR codes and engage across multiple digital channels.”

According to Venkatesh, this behavioural shift has exposed brands to greater risk from lookalike and deceptive domains, even as companies invest heavily in cybersecurity tools. “You can secure your infrastructure, but if anyone can register a domain that closely resembles your brand, the attack surface remains wide open,” he said.

One category gaining renewed attention is DotBrand gTLD, where a company applies for and operates its own branded top-level domain. Under this model, only the brand itself can create domain names, significantly reducing the risk of external misuse.

“In 2012, DotBrand was often viewed as a marketing experiment,” Venkatesh said. “In 2026, it is being evaluated as a brand protection and control mechanism. That is a fundamental shift among brands.”

Lately many of us have seen or interacted with DotBRAND domains on the internet. Banks and large Brands now use simple, recognisable branded domain names in their websites and online services. home.BARCLAYS or search.GOOGLE are great examples of DotBRAND Domain Names. Dot BRAND domains add a visual layer of authenticated BRAND identification to the customer’s interacting with the Brands online which in turn signifies customer trust towards brands.

Venkatesh noted that several global corporations that adopted brand-owned domains in the previous round now use them for secure customer communication channels, online brand presence along with marketing and branding opportunities. He believes now brands in India are examining similar use cases as they expand globally and face increasing scrutiny around consumer trust. In 2012 Indian BRANDS like TATA, Reliance, Aitel, State Bank of India and few more secured their DotBRAND top level domains like .SBI, .TVS, .JIO.

The upcoming application window is expected to remain open for approximately 12 to 15 weeks, after which ICANN will begin a multi-stage evaluation process that can take several years before successful applicants receive delegation of their domains.

Unlike domain registrations, applying for a new gTLD is a one-time opportunity tied to ICANN’s programme cycles. “These rounds do not open frequently,” Venkatesh said. “For many organisations, this may be the only chance in the next decade to make a foundational decision about how their domain names align with their digital identity.”

Based on his current work with applicants preparing for the upcoming ICANN new gTLD round, Venkatesh said interest levels are noticeably higher than in previous cycles. He noted increased participation from internet entrepreneurs, angel investors, brands and startups across regions, and expects around 40-50 gTLD applications from India in the 2026 round.

He also noted that he assisted several Indian applicants in accessing ICANN’s Applicant Support Program (ASP) before it closed in November. The programme enables eligible applicants to receive up to a 75 per cent reduction on the standard application fee of $227,000. Awareness around the ASP in India was driven through coordinated efforts by ICANN, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI).

As the April 2026 timeline approaches, industry observers expect more boardrooms to engage with the topic — not as a branding exercise, but as a long-term infrastructure decision that sits alongside cybersecurity, compliance and digital risk management.

Mumbai, India, 2025: Silver Denims has officially launched in Mumbai with a fresh take on modern jewellery shopping. The brand brings Paris designed craftsmanship, Indian artistry and a one hour delivery promise together on a platform made for the new generation of jewellery buyers. Customers can explore the full range at silverdenims.com, where the brand presents a mix of minimal, premium and everyday wearable pieces created for people who appreciate design that feels global and still carries local warmth.

Silver Denims is co founded by Paris born designer Maris Levine, who recognised that many Indian shoppers were searching for jewellery that looked international while still remaining affordable and practical. Maris partnered with an Indian co founder to create a brand that merges European design language with India’s rich jewellery traditions. This approach gives Silver Denims a personality that feels fresh and familiar at the same time. The overall design direction is led by Maison Luvine, a Paris based creative studio known for clean, artistic and timeless visual language. Their influence shapes the brand’s identity across every collection.

One of the most important highlights of the launch is the one hour delivery service in Mumbai. Silver Denims has introduced a level of convenience that is uncommon in jewellery retail. Shoppers can place an order on silverdenims.com and have their jewellery delivered at their doorstep within an hour. This is particularly helpful for last minute gifting, event styling, celebrations or any situation where someone wants premium jewellery without waiting several days for shipping. The brand aims to make the shopping experience smooth, fast and friendly.

Silver Denims has entered the market with a set of exclusive limited collections, each produced in controlled quantities. This ensures that every design feels special and rare. Customers can buy jewellery that is not available in mass numbers, which helps them maintain individuality and personal style. The brand story behind this design philosophy is explained in detail on their blog at silverdenims.com/blogs/news/silver-denims-a-new-jewellery-startup-redefining-everyday-luxury, where readers can understand the idea of everyday luxury and why Silver Denims focuses on limited pieces.

Each collection reflects a balanced fusion of Parisian design and Indian craftsmanship. The jewellery features clean silhouettes, soft contours and modern textures that work well with both traditional outfits and contemporary clothing. The team focuses heavily on comfort so people can use the pieces daily without feeling overdressed. The craftsmanship narrative and the blend of Paris-inspired design with Indian techniques is further described at silverdenims.com/blogs/news/paris-design-meets-indian-craftsmanship-at-silver-denims, which highlights how the brand brings two worlds together.

With the Mumbai launch, Silver Denims hopes to change the way young India shops for jewellery. The brand targets customers who want something premium but still reachable, who want exclusivity without the complexity of high luxury, and who value convenience without compromising on design. The combination of Paris influenced aesthetics, limited collections and a one hour delivery model positions Silver Denims as a strong player in India’s growing affordable luxury segment.

The brand plans to expand the fast delivery model to more metro cities. Silver Denims also intends to introduce new collections throughout the year, keeping the catalogue fresh and aligned with global trends. The long term goal is to create a jewellery experience that remains simple, stylish and accessible through silverdenims.com while still celebrating craftsmanship and individuality.

For media enquiries:
Silver Denims Team
Email: hey@silverdenims.com

From Army schools and a Garhwal village legacy to India’s next-generation AI classroom, Arun Singh Panwar builds a safe, powerful AI companion for every child.

[Dehradun / Tehri Garhwal / Delhi, December 22, 2025] – Karakbit Pvt. Ltd., an EdTech startup founded by Arun Singh Panwar, today announced the launch of Karakbit: Safe AI for Kids, an AI-powered learning app that helps children read better, finish homework, ask questions freely, and explore creativity—within a safe, age-appropriate digital environment. Born in Dehradun to an ex-Army personnel family with roots in Bangdwara (Tehri Garhwal) and educated in Kendriya Vidyalaya and Army schools, Arun now channels discipline, service, and rural connection into building future-ready AI education for Indian children.

Arun spent years designing learning experiences and visual content before starting Karakbit after seeing how outdated traditional education felt in a fast-changing digital world. “Kids are still pushed to memorise, while the world they are entering is AI-driven,” he observed, noting that AI and digital skills are often introduced too late, creativity is sidelined, and children are rarely taught how to think, only what to think. Karakbit was built to close this gap and bring AI-powered learning tools into the hands of children much earlier.

“Karakbit is about preparing a generation that does not just learn but builds,” said Arun Singh Panwar, Founder & CEO, Karakbit. “Coming from an Army background and a Garhwal village, I wanted to make sure children—from villages, cantonment towns, and cities—get early, safe exposure to AI so they grow with confidence instead of confusion.”

Karakbit: Safe AI for Kids offers a set of features designed specifically for school-going children and their parents:

  • Reading Assistance: Children can simply scan any textbook page and get clear explanations of concepts in their native language, including Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu.
  • Homework Help: Kids and parents can scan any question or written answer to receive instant solutions, corrections, and guidance at home.
  • Ask Me Anything: Children can ask doubts freely and receive well-explained, age-appropriate answers inside a safe learning environment instead of an open internet search.
  • Drawing Magic: Kids’ simple drawings can be transformed into engaging 2D, 3D, Ghibli-style, or Minecraft-style artworks, helping them see their ideas come alive visually and creatively.
  • Communication Skills: Guided AI support helps children express themselves more clearly, think broadly, and gain confidence in how they speak and write.
  • AI Skills & Training (Coming Soon): Planned modules will equip children with foundational AI knowledge to support long-term growth and adaptability in an AI-first world.

“The world our kids are stepping into is shaped by AI, and digital literacy is becoming as important as reading,” Arun added. “If we wait until college, it is already too late. Karakbit is our step towards making India’s children ready for a developed India by 2047.”

Karakbit: Safe AI for Kids is designed for Android devices and is ideal for students who need structured, safe AI support for studies, creativity, and core skills. Schools, educators, and parents in Uttarakhand and across India are invited to collaborate on pilots, classroom integrations, and community programs.

About Karakbit Pvt. Ltd. 

Karakbit Pvt. Ltd. is a Delhi-based EdTech startup founded by Arun Singh Panwar, a Dehradun-born founder from an ex-Army family with roots in Bangdwara, Tehri Garhwal, and a background in Edtech and visual storytelling. Karakbit’s mission is to build the safest, most empowering AI learning experiences for children, helping them stop memorising and start exploring in an AI-driven world.

Media Contact:
Karakbit Pvt. Ltd.
Email: arun@karakbit.com
Phone: 9599336807
Location: Delhi

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], December 20: Dr. Gautam Das, one of India’s pioneering pain physicians and founder of Daradia: The Pain Clinic, Kolkata, was conferred the Dr. M. J. Joshi – IMA Bhushan Award by Indian Medical Association (IMA), Pune, during MULTICON 2025 held on 7 December.

The prestigious oration and award were instituted in 2014 by Dr. Madhuri Lokapur and her family in memory of her father, Dr. M. J. Joshi, a gifted surgeon, revered teacher, and noted philanthropist. The award honours medical professionals who have made sustained and meaningful contributions to clinical excellence, education, and service to society.

Dr. Das delivered the Dr. M. J. Joshi Oration at MULTICON 2025, highlighting the evolution of pain medicine in India, the growing importance of evidence-based interventional techniques, and the role of structured education in improving patient outcomes. His work spans clinical innovation, original research published in peer-reviewed journals, and large-scale physician training initiatives.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Das has been instrumental in advancing the practice of interventional pain management in India. Through Daradia: The Pain Clinic, he established one of the country’s advanced centres dedicated exclusively to pain management. The clinic has received multiple recognitions for clinical excellence, education, and innovation.

In addition to clinical work, Dr. Das has played a significant role in medical education. He has trained more than 3,000 pain physicians through structured online and offline courses, fellowships, cadaveric workshops, and hands-on training programs, contributing to capacity building in pain medicine across India and internationally.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Das expressed his gratitude for the honour and reflected on its significance:

“It is deeply humbling to receive an award associated with the legacy of Dr. M. J. Joshi, whose life represented the highest values of our profession—commitment to patients, excellence in teaching, and service to society. I am grateful to Dr. Madhuri Lokapur and her family, and to IMA Pune, for this recognition. Such moments reaffirm one’s responsibility to continue contributing meaningfully to medicine and education.”

Dr. Madhuri Lokapur, while introducing the oration, recalled her father’s dedication to teaching and philanthropy, and noted that the award seeks to honour physicians who embody those ideals through their professional journey.

The Dr. M. J. Joshi – IMA Bhushan Award is regarded as one of IMA Pune’s most respected academic recognitions, celebrating not only professional achievements but also long-term impact on medical education and patient care.

Read More: https://daradia.com/ima-bhushan-award/

About Dr. Gautam Das

Dr. Gautam Das is a senior pain physician, educator, and researcher, and the Founder of Daradia: The Pain Clinic, Kolkata. He is known for his work in interventional pain management, regenerative therapies, and pain education. Dr. Das has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and has been actively involved in training physicians through national and international educational initiatives.

About Daradia: The Pain Clinic

Daradia: The Pain Clinic is a specialised centre in Kolkata dedicated to comprehensive pain management, education, and research. The institution is recognised for its contributions to clinical pain care, physician training programs, and academic initiatives in pain medicine.

Media Contact: Sanjib Paul (+919163730004)

Email: info@daradia.com, Website: www.daradia.com