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Medusa Beverages, has announced its entry into New Zealand starting in August. This marks the next phase of its international expansion following its earlier foray into the GCC region this year. The company will roll out its portfolio through strategic distribution partnerships starting from Auckland, Queensland, Tauranga and Wellington, as part of its broader strategy of building a globally recognised Indian brand. Amardeep Singh, Executive director, Medusa Beverages As part of its New Zealand expansion strategy, Medusa is targeting 10,000 cases sold in its first year of operations. The company also plans to expand its presence to 1,000 stores nationwide. Through a phased market-entry approach focused on distribution partnerships, retail visibility and consumer engagement, Medusa aims to steadily build brand awareness and establish itself within New Zealand’s premium segment. The company is committed to its long-term growth in the market and its ambition to emerge as a leading international brand originating from India. New Zealand’s brewing industry contributes NZD 3.58 billion to the country’s annual GDP, underlining the scale and maturity of its culture. Within this, premium segment is most closely associated with international brands and has seen a 15 percent rise in popularity even as overall consumption patterns shift toward more selective, quality-driven drinking. This growing appetite for premium choices makes New Zealand a strategically well-timed entry point for Medusa as it looks to build long-term brand equity beyond India. Speaking on the announcement, Amardeep Singh, Executive Director, Medusa Beverages, said, “New Zealand is a natural next step in our international growth journey. It is a market where consumers have a deep appreciation for quality lagers and are open to discovering new brands. We are entering with a focused strategy, building through retail channels first, while establishing a strong distribution network and earning consumer trust. India continues to be our largest market and the foundation of our global ambitions, and every international market we enter is an opportunity to take an Indian brand to a wider audience.” As part of this launch, Medusa Beverages will introduce its portfolio through bottle stores, off licences and retail outlets including supermarkets across New Zealand. The company will also be entering the on-premises or HORECA segment, with its go-to-market strategy spanning both off-premise retail channels as well as on-premise outlets.   

The AVPN Global Conference 2026 concluded today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi with a series of new partnerships, regional initiatives and capital commitments aimed at accelerating Asia-led solutions for climate action, health impact, gender equality and economic inclusion. Held in India for the first time in the Conference’s 13-year history, the convening marked a significant milestone in AVPN’s fifteenth year of moving capital towards impact for Asia.    Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO at AVPN   Over three days, the flagship Conference moved beyond dialogue to action. It made a bold call to shift Asia’s impact conversations from why Asia must lead to how leadership needs to happen – through blended finance, catalytic capital, and cross-sector partnerships that unlock capital at scale. More than 2,400 delegates from 52 markets, as well as over 350 speakers across more than 140 sessions, worked to align capital with solutions, reduce fragmentation and accelerate deployment across borders.   Anchored by the theme “A Blueprint for Action in Asia”, the Conference delivered tangible outcomes, with key partnership and capital commitments such as:   Financing Women’s Economic Empowerment: A Continuum of Capital in Action. Unlocking women’s economic empowerment (WEE) at scale requires bold capital, stronger collaboration, and smarter pathways to action. This session brought together leaders across the continuum of capital to explore how philanthropy, corporate foundations and impact-driven organisations are reshaping capital flows to women across Asia. The session also launched the WEE feature on AVPN’s ImpactCollab platform, a dedicated space connecting funders to high-quality organisations that have undergone due diligence to advance gender equality and accelerate capital towards impactful WEE solutions. ASEAN CSR Working Group Official Launch and Meeting. The ASEAN Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Working Group marked its official launch and meeting at the AVPN Global Conference 2026, with participating members taking part in an official capacity for the first time since the platform was established in May 2026 with a mandate by ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC). The working group brought together corporate, CSR and foundation leaders alongside and aims to connect private sector practice with regional policy dialogue, align corporate capital with ASEAN priorities and strengthen cross-sector collaboration across Southeast Asia. Sangam Collaborative. As India advances towards its development ambitions for 2047, the challenge is no longer defining the vision. The Sangam Collaborative brings together government, philanthropy and ecosystem partners to strengthen public systems in education and health across five high-need Indian states, with an ambition to improve outcomes for 70 million people. The launch was officiated by Ajay Piramal (Chairman, Piramal Foundation), Mark Suzman (CEO, Gates Foundation) and Amit Chandra (Chairperson, Bain Capital India Office and Co-founder, A.T.E Chandra Foundation). Global Mental Health Consortium. Mental wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a critical determinant of health, education, livelihoods, and social outcomes. Yet, funding and action remain fragmented across Asia. The Global Mental Health Consortium brings together cross-border experts, policymakers and practitioners to strengthen collaboration and advance better approaches to youth mental health. AVPN–Erth Zayed Philanthropies Memorandum of Understanding. AVPN and Erth Zayed Philanthropies formalised their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the AVPN Global Conference 2026. The partnership will strengthen connections between philanthropic communities across Asia and West Asia, bringing together knowledge, networks and resources to support greater social impact. It also creates new opportunities to connect UAE-based philanthropy with AVPN’s wider regional network and deepen collaboration across the two regions.   A dedicated Impact Investing Day further advanced strategies to align the full continuum of capital, with particular emphasis on catalytic capital, domestic capital mobilisation, and scalable financing models.   Hosting the Conference in India for the first time reflected the country’s growing importance in Asia’s broader impact agenda. Beyond being a fast-growing economy, India is increasingly shaping new approaches to digital public infrastructure, healthcare, livelihoods, climate resilience and social innovation that are finding relevance well beyond its borders. As the country advances its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the Conference provided a timely platform to connect these homegrown models with a wider regional ecosystem, reinforcing India’s role not only as a destination for capital, but as a source of ideas, partnerships and scalable solutions for Asia.   “We cannot afford incremental actions when the challenges before us are systemic, urgent and deeply interconnected. The real message from New Delhi is that Asian leaders are ready to lead, not only in ambition, but also in execution. We now need the confidence to build frameworks that reflect our region’s realities and align capital more intentionally to back solutions built by and for our communities. AVPN is committed to turning that ambition into a shared regional movement that delivers a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous future,” said Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO at AVPN.   As delegates depart New Delhi, the momentum from AVPN Global Conference 2026 carries forward in the form of sharper priorities, stronger partnerships and a clearer regional blueprint for action. The work ahead is not only to sustain dialogue, but to translate collaboration into measurable outcomes for communities, markets and systems across Asia.   About AVPN AVPN is Asia’s largest platform for social impact, where over 700 resource providers, innovators and intermediaries from across 43 markets collaborate to mobilise capital. Grounded in deep regional expertise and partnerships, AVPN is building a thriving ecosystem that accelerates measurable progress toward inclusive growth, empowering Asia to lead the way in global impact. AVPN’s mission is to translate intent into impact by bringing together people, ideas, and resources for Asia. We do this by strengthening partnerships, fostering open collaboration, and enabling the coordinated flow of resources across markets and borders. Together with our community, AVPN is building a thriving impact ecosystem that drives a prosperous and inclusive Asia.   For more information about AVPN and our work, please visit our website and read our latest Annual Review.   About AVPN Global Conference 2026 The AVPN Global Conference, the largest annual networking event for resource providers active in Asia, brings together leaders from Asia and beyond to collectively envision an impactful future that

For years, luxury housing in NCR was largely defined by scale, specifications and exclusivity. That definition is now changing. As for today’s affluent homebuyer, the value of a luxury residence increasingly extends beyond the four walls of the home to encompass wellness, convenience, connectivity, design and community.   NCR’s luxury housing market evolves towards wellness, connectivity, convenience and quality of life   The changing definition comes amid strong momentum in NCR’s residential market, where expanding supply and rising values are reshaping the luxury housing market. According to JLL’s Residential Dynamics Report for Q1 2026, Delhi-NCR recorded 13,631 new residential launches, registering a 64% year-on-year increase. The region was also among the markets that recorded annual price growth of more than 12% during the quarter.   Behind this momentum is a buyer whose expectations are becoming more sophisticated. Greater exposure to international standards of living, higher purchasing power and increasing attention to personal well-being are influencing buyers’ purchase decisions. The emphasis is consequently moving towards elements that shape everyday routines, from landscaped surroundings and wellness and fitness facilities to recreational spaces, smart-home features and carefully planned common areas. Access to retail, healthcare, education, workplaces and entertainment is becoming equally relevant, as convenience increasingly forms part of the value proposition.   This shift in expectations is prompting a corresponding change in residential planning. Developers are moving towards communities where architecture, open spaces, amenities and social infrastructure are considered together, rather than being treated as individual features. According to Cushman & Wakefield, 8,793 residential launches were recorded across NCR in Q2 2026, taking H1 2026 launches to approximately 18,470 units. Additionally, Gurugram accounted for 73% of Q2 supply, while Noida and Greater Noida continued to contribute 20% and 6%, respectively. Also, Noida Extension alone accounted for 15%.   Within this expanding landscape, Gurugram continues to represent NCR’s established high-end residential market, while Noida is developing a distinct position as newer luxury residential corridors emerge. The city’s improving connectivity, growing commercial ecosystem and expanding social infrastructure are supporting this evolution. The trend is evident in Noida’s progressing appeal as a luxury residential destination, with the city increasingly drawing demand on the strength of its expanding infrastructure, connectivity and lifestyle ecosystem.   Alongside this, the wider Noida-Ghaziabad belt is also gaining relevance as emerging micro-markets mature. As infrastructure improves and residential clusters become more established, the surrounding ecosystem is becoming an important part of the purchase proposition. More importantly, proximity to employment hubs, retail, education, healthcare, leisure and transportation can influence residential choices alongside the characteristics of the home itself. As these micro-markets develop, their growing connectivity to employment centres and expanding social and commercial infrastructure could further strengthen their appeal to affluent homebuyers seeking a more integrated lifestyle. This is creating greater scope for developments that bring multiple aspects of urban living together within a well-planned community.   As expectations change, so too is the way residential communities are being conceived. Developers such as Prateek Group, County Group , Gulshan Group and Gaurs Group are responding with projects that place greater emphasis on design, open spaces, lifestyle amenities and community-oriented planning. Prateek Group’s growing portfolio, including Prateek Grand Begonia and Prateek Canary located in Siddharth Vihar and Sec-150, Noida respectively, indicates this broader industry movement towards more integrated residential environments. Prateek Grand Begonia combines distinctive architectural character with contemporary comforts, while Prateek Canary in Noida’s Sector 150 places greater emphasis on greenery, wellness and thoughtfully planned spaces. Together, these developments illustrate how the focus is extending beyond the individual residence to the everyday needs and aspirations of residents, with the quality of the overall living experience becoming an increasingly important dimension of luxury. The market insiders anticipate something exciting coming up soon in Noida’s residential segment, raising the luxury living standards and bar high.   NCR’s luxury housing story is moving beyond the traditional equation of space, specifications and status. The market is increasingly rewarding developments that bring together design, wellness, convenience, connectivity and community in a more cohesive manner. For Noida and its surrounding growth corridors, this evolution could create a new standard for quality of life and further diversify the meaning of luxury across NCR.

All service partners will retain their complete earnings from bookings on Raksha Bandhan  Aims to make its partners feel valued for the role they play in the company’s journey   Yes Madam, India’s leading at-home salon and wellness platform, has announced 0% commission for its network of over 10,000 service partners on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. As part of the initiative, every Yes Madam service partner will retain 100% of their earnings from bookings completed on Raksha Bandhan.   Yes Madam Service Partners The decision draws from the cultural significance of Raksha Bandhan and Yes Madam’s predominantly women service partner network, with women comprising around 90% of its partner community. As these professionals have become an integral part of the company’s journey, Yes Madam sees supporting them not just as a business commitment, but as a larger responsibility. On an occasion that celebrates the bond of care and support, the company aims to extend that same spirit to its service partners, particularly women such as single mothers and those who may not always have immediate family support.  To translate this thought into a tangible benefit, Yes Madam will charge a 0% commission from its entire service partner network for the day. Till now, only the high performing partners who meet defined performance benchmarks operate at 0% commission but this Raksha Bandhan, this benefit will be extended to every service partner, irrespective of their existing category or how recently they joined the platform. Beyond the additional earning opportunity, it serves as a gesture of recognition for their contribution to the company’s growth. Through the initiative, Yes Madam aims to make its partners feel valued for the role they play in the company’s journey, while also highlighting the importance of greater recognition and support for service professionals across the gig economy. Commenting on the initiative, Aditya Arya, Co-Founder and CEO, Yes Madam, said, “Our service partners are at the heart of what we have built at Yes Madam, and Raksha Bandhan holds a special significance for us given that a majority of our partner community comprises women. For us, this initiative is not about the business impact of foregoing commission for a day. It is about recognising that many of our service partners will step out and continue delivering services on the festive day. We wanted to acknowledge that commitment by ensuring that the day creates greater value for them and their families. We hope more brands consider initiatives that put their partners’ earnings and long-term well-being at the centre.”  The initiative builds on Yes Madam’s broader approach towards supporting its gig workforce through measures focused on earnings, financial security, well-being and recognition. Over the years, the company has introduced measures including 0% commission for pregnant service partners, free health check-ups, interest-free loans, education support, accidental term insurance, lower commission categories, experiential events and more. Together, these efforts reflect Yes Madam’s continued focus on supporting service professionals beyond earning opportunities alone, while challenging conventional approaches to how gig platforms engage with and support their workforce.    About Yes Madam Founded in 2016, Yes Madam is an at-home beauty and wellness platform offering salon and spa services through trained professionals using hygienic, single-use product formats. Operating across 55+ cities in India, the brand focuses on convenience, transparency, and high-quality personal care experiences delivered at home.

Ai+ Smartphone announced Nova 2 Power 5G, the newest addition to its Nova 2 Series, through Project Open Review 2.0, revealing the device’s design, colourways and chipset ahead of its market debut. The programme invites reviewers, creators, journalists, technology enthusiasts and ethical hackers to independently put Nova 2 Power to the test before it reaches consumers.    Ai+ Smartphone Announces Nova 2 Power through Project Open Review 2.0, Unveiling a Bold New Design and Powerful Performance   Building on the first edition of Project Open Review, which drew more than 700 registrations, Open Review 2.0 expands participation to include ethical hackers for the first time, reflecting Ai+’s commitment to building Trust through Transparency before the product reaches the end consumer.    With Nova 2 Power, Ai+ Smartphone is introducing a smartphone built around two defining ideas – “Design that inspires and Power that outlasts.” The design story comes to life through two striking dual Colour Fusion finishes: Golden Blue Fusion, which brings together muted gold and deep navy blue in a fluid gradient that shifts from understated warmth to a deeper, bolder tone; and Blue Fusion, which transitions from cool ocean blue to vivid sunset orange for a younger, more expressive visual identity.   Rather than treating colour as a surface-level addition, the design language brings contrasting tones together in a dual flowing finish, giving Nova 2 Power a distinctive and recognisable identity. The approach is designed for consumers who increasingly see their smartphone not just as a technology device, but as an extension of their personal style.   Ai+ Smartphone Announces Nova 2 Power through Project Open Review 2.0, Unveiling a Bold New Design and Powerful Performance   Under the hood, Nova 2 Power runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7100, built on a 6nm process designed to deliver a balance of sustained performance and power efficiency.    Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said, “Nova 2 Power represents the next evolution of the Nova Series bringing together performance and a design identity that is distinctly its own. The Dimensity 7100 gives it the performance foundation, while our new Colour Fusion finishes allow the device to stand out beyond specifications. But we also believe a product should earn confidence before it asks consumers for it. With Project Open Review 2.0, we are putting the Nova 2 Power to test before it reaches the end consumer.”   Under Project Open Review 2.0, participants will get early, independent access to evaluate Nova 2 Power across all the specs and overall user experience. The process is entirely unscripted, with no expectation of a favourable verdict. Nova 2 Power runs on NxtQuantum OS, Ai+ Smartphone’s mobile operating system, and extends the Nova Series into a more performance and design-led territory.    Further details on Nova 2 Power, including additional specifications, pricing and availability, will be announced closer to its consumer launch.    About Ai+ Smartphone Ai+ Smartphone is an Indian technology brand delivering high-performance, accessible mobile experiences powered by NxtQuantum OS — India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. By combining clean design, long battery life and privacy-first software across its smartphone and Connected AIoT ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is establishing a new standard for trust, performance and user-owned technology.   About NxtQuantum Shift Technologies NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is authored in India and globally competitive.

Bajaj Finance has launched Loan Utsav 2026, offering a limited-period reward bundle to eligible customers whose Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is successfully disbursed during the campaign period. The campaign combines access to personal financing with entertainment, dining and lifestyle benefits.   Loan Utsav 2026 is available until 10 September 2026, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Eligible customers can explore the reward bundle while considering a personal loan for planned or urgent expenses.   Bajaj Finance Personal Loan   What is new in Loan Utsav 2026? Loan Utsav 2026 introduces a reward bundle for eligible customers whose Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is successfully disbursed during the campaign period.   The reward bundle includes benefits across entertainment, music, dining and shopping categories: Zee 5, Sony Liv & 14 other OTTs – 6 months free membership JioHotstar membership – 3 months Free 3-month Zomato Gold Membership Free 3-month JioSaavn Pro Free 45 Day Gaana membership Free 40+ Vouchers   The rewards are applicable after successful loan disbursal within the campaign period. Eligibility and reward fulfilment are subject to the applicable campaign terms and conditions.   Who can benefit from Loan Utsav 2026? Loan Utsav 2026 can be relevant for eligible customers who are already considering a personal loan for a planned or urgent financial requirement.   A Bajaj Finance Personal Loan can help manage various personal expenses. Customers can choose a loan amount and repayment tenure based on their financial needs and applicable eligibility.   The campaign rewards are linked to successful loan disbursal during the specified campaign period. Customers should review the applicable terms before applying.   What are the key features of a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan? A Bajaj Finance Personal Loan offers a loan amount ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, subject to applicable eligibility criteria. The repayment tenure ranges from 12 months to 108 months.   The personal loan interest rate ranges from 10% to 30.5% per annum, depending on applicable terms and the customer’s profile.   The loan is collateral-free, so eligible customers do not need to pledge an asset as security. Funds can be disbursed within 24 hours*, subject to fulfilment of applicable conditions and documentation.   These features allow customers to consider different loan amounts and repayment periods based on their financial requirements.   How does the extended tenure help with financial planning? The repayment tenure of up to 108 months gives eligible customers more flexibility when planning their monthly repayments.   A longer tenure can reduce the monthly EMI for a given loan amount, which may help customers manage their monthly cash flow. However, extending the tenure can also increase the total interest payable over the loan period.   Customers should compare different tenure options and consider their income, existing financial commitments and repayment capacity before selecting a repayment schedule.   What is the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan interest rate? The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan interest rate ranges from 10% to 30.5% per annum, subject to applicable terms and the customer’s profile.   The interest rate is an important factor when assessing the overall cost of a personal loan. Customers should review the applicable rate, EMI, processing charges and other relevant terms before accepting a loan offer.   Using an EMI calculator can also help customers understand how the loan amount, interest rate and tenure can affect their monthly repayment.   How can customers apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan? Customers can begin the application process online by checking their eligibility and providing the required information. The process includes submitting relevant details and documents for assessment.   Eligible customers can select a suitable loan amount and repayment tenure based on their requirements and applicable terms. Once the required checks and documentation are completed, the loan can be disbursed within 24 hours*.   Customers applying during Loan Utsav 2026 should ensure that the loan is successfully disbursed within the campaign period to qualify for the applicable reward benefits, subject to the campaign terms.   Why consider a personal loan during Loan Utsav 2026? Loan Utsav 2026 brings together personal financing and a limited-period reward bundle. For customers who already have a planned borrowing requirement, the campaign provides an opportunity to explore the applicable rewards along with the features of a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan.   The loan offers amounts from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, repayment tenures from 12 months to 108 months, and interest rates from 10% to 30.5% per annum. It is also a collateral-free loan, with disbursal within 24 hours* subject to applicable conditions.   Customers should borrow based on their actual financial requirements and repayment capacity rather than choosing a loan solely for the campaign rewards.   A simple and customer-focused borrowing journey Bajaj Finance provides a structured process for customers exploring personal finance options. The combination of online application, flexible repayment tenures and collateral-free borrowing can help eligible customers manage different financial needs.   Loan Utsav 2026 adds a limited-period reward bundle for eligible customers whose loan is successfully disbursed during the campaign period. Customers should check the campaign terms, loan costs and applicable eligibility criteria before proceeding.   Customers can check their eligibility online and review the applicable terms for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan.   *Terms and conditions apply.   About Bajaj Finance Ltd. Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL serves over 124.43 million customers through a diversified portfolio comprising consumer loans, SME finance, commercial lending, rural lending, fixed deposits and payments, offered through Web, App and at 4,000+ locations. As a FinAI company, BFL is focused on continuous innovation through smart use of technology, data and analytics to drive seamless, simplified and personalized experiences for its customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program.

Want to make this Rakhi extra special with a unique twist on traditional mithai? Add a burst of South African Citrus to your festive platter with this delightful Orange Sandesh. A refreshing take on the classic Bengali sweet, it combines soft, melt-in-the-mouth chhena with milk powder, a zero-calorie sweetener and fragrant South African Citrus zest. With a juicy mandarin segment tucked inside, every bite brings a delicious citrus surprise. Light, flavourful and made without sugar or cream, this vibrant festive treat is the perfect way to add a fresh and memorable touch to your Rakhi celebrations.   South African Orange Sandesh- Chef Neha Deepak Shah   South African Citrus Orange Sandesh –Chef Neha Deepak Shah   Ingredients – 500 ml milk  2 tsp vinegar  1/4 cup milk powder  1/4 cup low sweetener of your choice  A pinch of saffron or orange food colour (optional) 1 South African Mandarins (for stuffing and zest) Some cloves, pistachios & mint leaves for garnish Preparations- 1. Heat the milk until hot. Add vinegar gradually and stir gently until the milk curdles and the chhena separates. 2. Strain the chhena using a muslin cloth and wash it well. 3. Squeeze out the excess water and transfer the soft chhena to a mixer. 4. Add zero-calorie sweetener and milk powder, then blend until smooth. 5. Transfer the mixture to a pan and cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until it becomes slightly dry and starts leaving the sides of the pan. 6. Add saffron or orange food colour, if using, and mix well. 7. Stir in the finely grated South African mandarin zest for a fresh citrusy aroma. 8. Let the mixture cool slightly. Take a small portion and flatten it gently. 9. Place a juicy South African mandarin segment in the centre and carefully shape the mixture into a ball, sealing the fruit inside. 10. Repeat with the remaining mixture and mandarin segments. 11. Serve these citrus-filled sandesh as a special mithai for Rakhi and surprise your loved ones with a burst of freshness in every bite.   About Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) represents citrus growers across Southern Africa. For over 120 years, growers have produced premium citrus fruits with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, innovation, nutrition, and preventive health. Grown under ideal climatic conditions and carefully harvested, these fruits deliver scientifically supported health benefits with every serving. Behind this success are passionate individuals who take pride in agriculture and understand the dedication required to produce world-class fruit – a commitment that truly sets Southern African citrus apart. truly sets Southern African citrus apart.

Azim Premji Foundation today announced the launch of the Azim Premji Scholarship for Delhi (NCT). The scholarship will support up to 20,000 girls in Delhi this year to continue their higher education. Each selected student will receive INR 30,000 a year, from the first year of college until she completes her undergraduate degree or diploma. Depending on the duration of the course, which can range from two to five years, a student can receive up to INR 1.5 lakh. The scholarship can be used to pay college fees and meet other education-related expenses.   L-R: Nikhil Mathur, Delhi State Lead, Azim Premji Foundation; Sudheesh Venkatesh, Chief Communications Officer at the Azim Premji Foundation   Launched in 2024, the scholarship is now open to girls who have completed their schooling in any of 21 States and Union Territories: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi (NCT), Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.   To be eligible, a student must have completed Classes 10 and 12 in a government school in one of these States/UTs and secured admission to the first year of an undergraduate degree or diploma course at a recognised institution anywhere in India.   The Foundation aims to support up to 5 lakh girls across India every year. Since most undergraduate programmes last around three years, and students continue to receive the scholarship throughout their course, nearly 15 lakh girls could have an active Azim Premji Scholarship at any given time. Since the scholarship was launched in 2024, more than 1.9 lakh girls have received support.   The Azim Premji Scholarship application process is completely online and free. Applications can be submitted only through the official Azim Premji Foundation website.   Anurag Behar, CEO, Azim Premji Foundation, said, “Girls will have a greater influence on the future of our country and our society’s well-being — more than any other demographic group. So, we must ensure equitable opportunities for them in all spheres. Higher Education is one the most important of these spheres — it is an enabler of lifelong empowerment. Our scholarship directly addresses some of the barriers that girls continue to confront in accessing Higher Education.”   About Azim Premji Foundation Azim Premji Foundation works towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. The Foundation works across education, health and other areas of social development. It partners with governments, institutions, civil society organisations and communities across India.

What happens when conversations around mental health move beyond formal settings and into spaces where people naturally meet, connect and spend time together?   Mpowered Voices at in good co in Delhi   Mpowered Voices, the lived experience platform of Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), is exploring that question through ‘Coffee & Conversations’ at in good co’s flagship café in GK2, Delhi. Bringing together diverse voices for an intimate exchange around emotional wellbeing, mental health and experiences that are often difficult to articulate, they explore how something as everyday can create space for conversations that matter.   Built on the belief that lived experiences can change the way we understand mental health, Mpowered Voices brings personal stories into the mainstream, fostering empathy, challenging stigma and making conversations around mental wellbeing more open and relatable for anyone going through similar experiences, helping people acknowledge what they may be experiencing and feel more comfortable seeking support.   Speaking about Mpowered Voices and the idea behind ‘Coffee & Conversations’ Amit Gupta, CFO, Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust said, “One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is the stigma that continues to surround mental health. At Mpower, we have seen how conversations rooted in real experiences can help challenge that stigma by making people realise that what they may be experiencing is not something they have to navigate alone. Lived experiences can make conversations around mental health more human, challenge assumptions and, importantly, help make seeking support feel more acceptable. Taking these conversations into an everyday space such as a café is another step towards making mental health part of the conversations and not something we discuss only when there is a crisis. We are pleased to bring Mpowered Voices to in good co, creating safe space for these conversations to happen naturally, through listening, sharing and connection.”   Udai Pinnali, CEO, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, further added, “At in good co, we see ourselves as a space that brings young India together. Coffee, for us, is more than a beverage – it is a catalyst for connection, conversation and culture. Progressive Indianness is a core belief of our brand. To us, that means being open to new ideas, creating stronger communities of support as well as making it easier to talk about things that have traditionally been difficult to discuss. Normalising conversations around mental health and making it easier to ask for help are part of the progressive India we believe in.   Mpower’s Mpowered Voices has built a credible platform for bringing these conversations into the mainstream. Through this association, in good co hopes to play a natural role in creating an inclusive, everyday space where young people can come together, connect, and begin conversations that might otherwise be difficult to have. Because sometimes, meaningful conversations can start with something as simple as a cup of coffee, in good company.”   The Coffee & Conversations gathering at in good co represents this approach in practice, a conversation that begins in an everyday space, is grounded in lived experience, and creates room for people to listen, connect and perhaps start a conversation of their own.   About Mpower Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, is one of South Asia’s largest private mental-health initiatives, with a distinctive focus on mental-health literacy, capacity building, community outreach and access to care. Through its work across awareness, advocacy, prevention, intervention and support, Mpower has touched. Its work spans clinical services, mental-health awareness and outreach programmes, capacity building, and school, workplace and community interventions, with a focus on making mental-health support more accessible and creating greater openness around conversations on mental wellbeing.   Mpowered Voices is Mpower’s platform for lived experiences, creating spaces for individuals to share their personal journeys and perspectives around mental health, while encouraging empathy, reducing stigma and making conversations around mental wellbeing more relatable.   About in good co in good co is a modern Indian café brand built around a simple idea: good coffee is about good company. The brand opened its first café at GK2, Delhi. Designed as a distinctive, contemporary social space for India to come together – in good co is progressively Indian in its design and rooted in neighborhood familiarity, while carrying a globally relevant point of view. in good co, is a part of Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH).