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RajaRani Coaching has announced the launch of India’s First-Ever National Blouse Designing Competition, a first-of-its-kind online initiative that aims to discover, recognize and reward blouse designers from across the country while celebrating India’s rich craftsmanship and growing fashion skill economy. Open to aspiring designers, homemakers, boutique owners, students and fashion enthusiasts, the competition has already garnered over thousands of registrations, reflecting the growing demand for accessible, skill-based opportunities in fashion.   RajaRani Coaching Launches India’s First-Ever National Blouse Designing Competition to Spotlight India’s Grassroots Fashion Talent   Hosted entirely online, the competition has been designed to make participation accessible to everyone with a symbolic registration fee of just Rs. 51.    Registrations will remain open until 13 July 2026 at 9:00 PM IST, following which the design challenge will be unveiled on 14 July 2026 at 8:00 AM IST. Participants will submit their entries between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM IST on the same day, while the winners will be announced on 15 July 2026 at 4:00 PM IST.   The competition is more than a showcase of creativity. It aims to position blouse designing as a serious creative, technical and entrepreneurial discipline while providing talented individuals from every corner of the country with a national platform to gain recognition. Participants will compete for exciting prizes, including a Juki Sewing Machine for the winner, trophies for the top three winners and exclusive rewards for the Top 51 participants.   Speaking about the initiative, Mohit Gadhiya, Co-Founder & Chairman, RajaRani Coaching, said, “India has no shortage of fashion talent. What many aspiring designers need is access to the right platform, recognition and opportunities to transform their skills into sustainable careers. Through this competition, we hope to celebrate creativity, encourage entrepreneurship and inspire more people to build successful careers through fashion.”   Priya M.G., Founder, RajaRani Coaching, added, “Blouse designing is one of the most commercially relevant skills in India’s fashion ecosystem, yet the talent behind it often goes unrecognized. Through this initiative, we want to provide a national platform where aspiring designers can showcase their skills, gain confidence and receive the recognition they truly deserve.”   Blouse designing remains one of the most significant segments within India’s ethnic wear industry. Combining technical precision, creativity and craftsmanship, it continues to generate livelihood opportunities for thousands of boutique owners, homepreneurs, independent designers and tailoring professionals across the country. By launching India’s first national competition dedicated exclusively to blouse designing, RajaRani Coaching aims to formally recognize this skill while inspiring more individuals to pursue fashion as a sustainable career and entrepreneurial opportunity.   The competition is an extension of RajaRani Coaching’s larger vision to democratize fashion education and make practical skill development accessible to every learner. Founded by Priya M.G. and Mohit Gadhiya in Surat, the organization has evolved into one of India’s leading vocational fashion education ecosystems, empowering learners through structured training, practical learning and entrepreneurship-focused education.   Today, RajaRani Coaching has trained over 3.5 lakh learners, recorded more than 5 lakh app downloads, offers 140+ fashion and design courses, and has impacted over 10 lakh lives through its education, entrepreneurship and community initiatives. The platform has also enabled the launch of more than 10,000 boutiques and fashion businesses, helping learners transform their skills into sustainable livelihoods.   Recognized for its contribution to vocational education and fashion skill development, RajaRani Coaching has also earned national recognition, including a Guinness World Record for the highest viewership of a live textiles lesson on YouTube and Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition for its founders. Through the National Blouse Designing Competition, the organization continues its mission of building a skill-first ecosystem that empowers India’s next generation of fashion entrepreneurs while bringing national visibility to grassroots talent.   About RajaRani Coaching Founded by Priya M.G. and Mohit Gadhiya, RajaRani Coaching is a vocational fashion and creative skills ecosystem committed to making fashion education accessible, practical and outcome-driven. Through structured curricula, digital learning, assessments, certifications, workshops, competitions and entrepreneurship-focused programs, the organization enables learners to transform creative skills into professional careers, successful businesses and sustainable income opportunities.   Competition Link- www.competition.rajaranicoaching.com Brand Website Link- www.RajaRaniCoaching.com  Instagram Profile Link – www.instagram.com/rajarani_coaching 

In a significant initiative aimed at accelerating technology-led transformation in agriculture, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research, innovation, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technologies for sustainable agricultural development across the state.   Manipal University Jaipur and Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan signed MoU The MoU was signed at the Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, in the presence of Smt. Manju Rajpal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Horticulture and Panchayati Raj (Agriculture) Department, Government of Rajasthan, and Shri Naresh Goyal, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan. Representing Manipal University Jaipur were Prof. Amit Soni, Registrar, and Prof. Vijaypal Singh Dhaka, Dean – Quality and Accreditation. The collaboration aims to bridge academia, technology, and governance to develop innovative solutions that enhance agricultural productivity, improve resource efficiency, and promote sustainable farming practices. It will also create a platform for translating research outcomes into practical applications that directly benefit farmers and the agricultural ecosystem. Under the agreement, both institutions will jointly undertake research in emerging agricultural technologies, develop AI-enabled smart farming solutions, organise capacity-building programmes for farmers and agricultural professionals, promote climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices, establish a Centre of Excellence for agricultural research and innovation, support agri-tech entrepreneurship and startups, and strengthen academic and institutional collaboration. Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Prof. Amit Soni, Registrar, Manipal University Jaipur, said, “This partnership brings together the academic and research strengths of the University with the policy vision and field expertise of the Department of Agriculture. Through collaborative research, innovation, and capacity building, we aim to develop technology-driven solutions that contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector and strengthen Rajasthan’s innovation ecosystem.” The collaboration will also facilitate interdisciplinary research involving faculty members, researchers, and students while encouraging knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and joint innovation projects in precision agriculture, digital farming, data analytics, and AI-driven decision support systems. The initiative is expected to contribute to Rajasthan’s efforts towards building a modern, technology-enabled agricultural ecosystem by fostering innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship, and accelerating the adoption of smart agricultural practices. It also aligns with national priorities of promoting digital agriculture, strengthening food security, and enhancing farmers’ income through scientific and technological interventions. With this landmark partnership, Manipal University Jaipur continues to expand its role as a research-driven institution working closely with government and industry to develop solutions that create measurable social and economic impact. To know more about Manipal University Jaipur please visit jaipur.manipal.edu 

Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, has successfully treated two failing heart valves in a patient without repeat open-heart surgery, in what is believed to be the world’s first reported completely catheter-based treatment following a Ross procedure.   Dr. R Anantharaman, Director for Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies, Dr Mahesh Kumar Medical Superintendent and team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons   The procedure was performed on a 58-year-old man who had undergone a complex heart valve operation nearly 25 years ago. He had previously undergone the Ross procedure, in which the patient’s own pulmonary valve is moved to replace the diseased aortic valve (known as an aortic autograft), while the pulmonary valve is replaced with a donated human valve (known as a pulmonary homograft). Although the Ross procedure provides excellent long-term outcomes, both valves can deteriorate over time and may require further intervention.   The patient presented with severe aortic regurgitation, severe pulmonary regurgitation with moderate pulmonary stenosis, severe pulmonary hypertension and moderate mitral regurgitation. He had repeated admissions for heart failure with severe swelling of the legs and abdomen, impaired kidney and liver function, and severe breathlessness. He was unable to sleep comfortably and was in New York Heart Association Class III–IV heart failure.   He had consulted multiple centres where repeat open-heart surgery was considered prohibitively high risk because of the complexity of a second operation. Even a catheter-based approach was considered extremely challenging.   Following a detailed evaluation using three-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac CT imaging, the multidisciplinary heart team at Kauvery Heart Institute identified the possibility of treating both failing valves through a completely catheter-based approach without repeat open-heart surgery. Since no similar case had been reported in the published medical literature, the treatment strategy was reviewed extensively by the hospital’s heart team led by Dr Rajaram Anantharaman, Director of Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies and an international panel of experts before proceeding.   The pulmonary homograft was initially prepared by placing covered stents, followed by balloon dilatation, before implanting a Medtronic Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve. The failing aortic autograft was then treated with an Edwards Sapien 3 Ultra Resilia balloon-expandable valve. As there was no calcium within the valve to help anchor the replacement valve, the procedure required meticulous planning and precise execution, with AI predictive modeling with virtual Valve implant. It was performed in a hybrid operating room under general anaesthesia with continuous transoesophageal echocardiography guidance.   The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged after a short stay in the intensive care unit. At his two-week follow-up, his symptoms had improved markedly. The swelling had completely resolved, he had returned to New York Heart Association Class I functional status, was sleeping comfortably, and was able to walk for 20–30 minutes without any limitation.   Dr. Rajaram Anantharaman, Director for Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies Kauvery Heart Institute, Alwarpet, said, “Patients with failure of both the aortic autograft and pulmonary homograft after a Ross procedure have very limited treatment options because repeat surgery carries considerable risk. Careful imaging, meticulous procedural planning and close collaboration across multiple specialties enabled us to successfully replace both valves using a catheter-based approach without reopening the chest. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a completely percutaneous double transcatheter Ross rescue strategy in the published world literature. This case opens the possibility of treating carefully selected high-risk patients who otherwise may not have a viable treatment option.“   Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, added, “Advanced structural heart interventions are transforming the way complex valve diseases are treated. Performing a procedure of this complexity requires experienced clinical teams, advanced imaging, hybrid operating room facilities and seamless coordination across specialties. This achievement reflects the advanced expertise and infrastructure available at Kauvery Heart Institute and our continued commitment to bringing the latest evidence-based treatment options to patients in India.”

Contemporary couturier Silky Nanda has officially unveiled her flagship couture studio in the heart of Defence Colony, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the journey of her eponymous luxury label. Designed as an immersive couture destination, the studio embodies the brand’s philosophy of creating garments that are deeply personal, timeless, and crafted to celebrate individuality.   Designer Silky Nanda at her store SILKY NANDA in Defence Colony, New Delhi   The newly launched space offers clients a refined couture experience, bringing together design consultations, bespoke craftsmanship, and carefully curated collections under one roof. More than just a retail destination, the studio has been envisioned as a creative space where every garment is developed through close collaboration with the client, ensuring each creation reflects personal style while maintaining the label’s signature aesthetic.   Over the years, Silky Nanda has built a distinct identity in the luxury couture landscape through contemporary cocktail gowns, eveningwear, and occasion dressing that seamlessly blend Indian craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. The launch of the standalone studio marks the evolution of the brand from a growing couture label into a destination for discerning clients seeking understated luxury and personalised design.   Speaking on the occasion, Silky Nanda, Founder and Creative Director, said, “Opening this studio is incredibly special because it represents years of passion, perseverance, and belief in building a label that stays true to its identity. I wanted to create a space where couture feels intimate rather than intimidating where every client enjoys a personalised journey, and every garment tells a story. This studio is not just about showcasing collections; it’s about celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and the confidence that beautiful clothing can inspire.”   She further added, “I’ve always believed that luxury today is defined by authenticity and emotional connection. Our designs are created to become a part of people’s most memorable moments, and this new space allows us to deepen that relationship. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating couture that is contemporary, versatile, and timeless enough to be cherished for years to come.”   Designed to mirror the label’s understated elegance, the Defence Colony studio features thoughtfully curated interiors that place craftsmanship and design at the forefront. The space showcases the brand’s signature cocktail gowns, eveningwear, bridal and occasion couture while offering clients an environment that encourages collaboration and personalised styling.   The label has steadily earned recognition for its contemporary interpretation of couture, with creations that balance fluid silhouettes, intricate detailing, and refined craftsmanship. Working closely with skilled artisans across the country, the brand remains committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship while presenting it through a contemporary lens. Every collection reflects meticulous embroidery, thoughtful surface development, and silhouettes designed for modern lifestyles without compromising on couture excellence.   With the opening of its flagship studio, Silky Nanda enters a new phase of growth, reaffirming its commitment to creating couture that feels relevant, wearable, and deeply personal. As the label expands its presence, it continues to champion a design philosophy rooted in individuality, craftsmanship, and enduring elegance.   About Silky Nanda Silky Nanda is a contemporary couture label specialising in cocktail gowns, eveningwear, and modern occasion dressing. Known for its refined craftsmanship, fluid silhouettes, and sophisticated design language, the brand creates timeless garments that celebrate confidence, elegance, and individuality.   Founded by self-taught designer Silky Nanda, the label combines traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics to create couture that is luxurious yet wearable. With a growing presence in the luxury fashion space, the brand has showcased at leading fashion platforms and continues to build a loyal clientele seeking personalised couture experiences rooted in authenticity, quality, and understated glamour. Silky Nanda Label Instagram: www.instagram.com/silky.nanda?igsh=MWNvcnVrZ2ZxYXpxOQ==   Silky Nanda Instagram: www.instagram.com/silkynanda?igsh=eWh4dHRnanAwbWV0

Reinforcing its commitment to the holistic development and emotional well-being of students, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) successfully organised “Matru Setu – Women Mentoring Young Women,” a unique orientation and mentorship programme aimed at empowering women educators to become compassionate mentors for young female students.   Dignitaries present in the inaugural ceremony of the “Matru Setu” workshop organized by Manipal University Jaipur The programme, organised by the Directorate of Student Welfare, Manipal University Jaipur, in collaboration with the Foundation for Holistic Development (FHD), brought together all female faculty members and spouses of male faculty members to create a nurturing support network for students navigating the challenges of university life. The event was graced by Mrs. Madhuri Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson, Foundation for Holistic Development, along with distinguished members of her team, Ms. Alka Soni and Ms. Medha Deshpande. The programme was attended by President, Manipal University Jaipur, Prof. (Dr.) Niti Nipun Sharma; Pro President, Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana; Provost, Prof. (Dr.) Nitu Bhatnagar; Ms. Manju Sharma; Dean, Student Welfare, Dr. Madhura Yadav; Head-HR, Ms. Kananjeet Kaur, besides Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and faculty members. Senior journalist and television personality Dr. Puneet Sharma also joined the programme. Welcoming the guests and participants, Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana highlighted the growing importance of mentorship in higher education. He emphasised that today’s young students face a wide range of academic, emotional and social challenges, making empathetic guidance from faculty members more relevant than ever. He encouraged participants to become trusted mentors who could positively influence students’ personal and professional journeys. In his presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Niti Nipun Sharma spoke about the transformative role of mothers in shaping the character, values and future of children. Paying tribute to the mother of Dr. T.M.A. Pai, the visionary founder of the Manipal Group, he acknowledged her enduring contribution to society and the values that inspired the institution’s legacy. He urged women faculty members to extend motherly care and emotional support to students, helping them overcome stress, anxiety and personal challenges while pursuing higher education. Delivering the keynote session, Mrs. Madhuri Sahasrabudhe shared inspiring experiences from her extensive interactions with college and university students across the country. Through powerful anecdotes, she explained how timely guidance, empathy and genuine concern from a mentor can profoundly transform the lives of young people, especially those facing emotional distress or difficult circumstances. The interactive workshop featured practical sessions conducted by Mrs. Sahasrabudhe, Ms. Alka Soni and Ms. Medha Deshpande, who presented real-life situations commonly encountered by university students. Participants were actively engaged through role-playing exercises that encouraged them to understand students’ perspectives and respond with empathy, compassion and effective communication. A major highlight of the programme was the presentation by 13 faculty teams, each performing role-play activities based on different student issues, ranging from emotional well-being and academic pressure to interpersonal relationships and self-confidence. The sessions enabled participants to explore practical mentoring approaches and strengthen their ability to build meaningful conversations with students. The workshop was designed to cultivate qualities such as empathy, compassion, active listening and emotional intelligence among women faculty members, enabling them to serve as mentors who guide students with the care and understanding of a mother. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Pankaj Vyas, Director, Student Welfare, while Dr. Aanyaa Chouhary efficiently conducted the proceedings as the Master of Ceremony. The initiative reflects Manipal University Jaipur’s continued emphasis on creating a supportive, inclusive and emotionally resilient campus ecosystem where mentorship extends beyond academics to foster confidence, resilience and holistic growth among young women. To know more about Manipal University Jaipur please visit jaipur.manipal.edu 

PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) has been recognized by Great Place To Work® India among India’s Top 20 Best Companies to Work For 2026, strengthening its standing as one of the country’s most trusted and employee-centric workplaces. Ranked 16th among leading organizations across industries, this recognition reflects PNB MetLife’s continued commitment to fostering a high-trust, high-performance culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow. This marks the third consecutive year that PNB MetLife has earned a place among India’s Top 20 Best Companies to Work For.   PNB MetLife recognized by Great Place To Work®   Commenting on this Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work®, said, “As we unveil India’s Best Companies To Work For 2026, we reflect on a journey that has, over decades, shaped how organizations understand and build workplace culture. In India, this study has become one of the most comprehensive workplace culture assessments, capturing the lived experiences of over 5.7 million employees across 20+ industries.   We observe that Best Workplaces outperform peers by scoring 89% on caring and inspiring, which are two of the nine key leadership behaviors as defined by Great Place To Work. Organizations that prioritize these behaviors see 14% higher experience of productivity, retention, and customer service scores. Leaders at Best Workplaces demonstrate that when people feel valued and heard, they bring their best selves to work.   I extend my heartfelt congratulations to PNB MetLife that has earned a place on this year’s list as well. This recognition belongs to every leader who leads with intent, every team that fosters belonging, and every employee who contributes to building a culture of trust. The journey to greatness starts with you.”   Commenting on the recognition, Sameer Bansal, Managing Director & CEO, PNB MetLife, said, “Our people are our greatest strength, and this recognition celebrates the culture they help create every day. Being ranked among India’s Top 20 Best Companies to Work For 2026 inspires us to raise the bar further and continue building a workplace where innovation, collaboration, and purpose thrive. As we grow, we remain committed to creating opportunities that empower our employees to achieve their full potential and make a meaningful impact for our customers, communities, and the stakeholders.”   Backed by 30 years of data, Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Through its proprietary For All™ Model and Trust Index™ Survey, it gives organizations the recognition and tools to create a consistently positive employee experience. Its mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all, driving business growth, improving lives, and empowering communities. Through globally recognized and coveted Great Place To Work Certification™ and highly competitive Best Workplaces Lists, Great Place To Work enables employers to attract and retain talent, benchmark company culture, and increase revenue. Its platform enables leaders to truly capture, analyze and understand the experience of every employee, and compare outcomes with data collected from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries worldwide.   About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) is one of the leading life insurance companies in India that combines the financial strength of MetLife, Inc. with the credibility of PNB, one of India’s oldest nationalized banks. PNB MetLife’s positioning, Always Ready for Life, is demonstrated through empowering every individual to lead life with absolute confidence.   With a strong presence in 182 offices and access to customers in over 20,000 locations through bank partnerships, PNB MetLife offers a comprehensive insurance solutions portfolio covering Child Education, Family Protection, Long-Term Saving and Retirement. The company has a wide range of protection and retirement plans available through its sales channel of over 40,000 financial advisors and multiple bank partners and caters to over 585 group relationships in India.   For more information, follow us on: Facebook – www.facebook.com/PNBMetLife Instagram – www.instagram.com/pnb_metlife Visit – www.pnbmetlife.com

Neka Sulaiman, daughter of HiLITE Group Chairman P. Sulaiman, has taken charge of the Group’s hospitality division as Director, HiLITE Holdings. She will lead HiLITE Group’s hospitality expansion, with a vision to develop 1,000 hotel keys across Kerala by 2030.   Neka Sulaiman, Director, HiLITE Holdings   Her appointment marks an important step in HiLITE Group’s next phase of growth, as the Group expands its presence beyond retail, residential, commercial and business infrastructure projects into the hospitality sector.   As part of the new vision, HiLITE Group plans to build a diversified hospitality portfolio across luxury, upscale and midscale hotel segments. Kozhikode is expected to be a key focus market, supported by the city’s growing business, tourism, healthcare and education ecosystem.   Speaking on her new role, Neka Sulaiman said the Group’s aim is to create hospitality destinations that become part of the city’s business, cultural and social life.   “This is the right time to strengthen Kozhikode’s hospitality landscape. Our target is not just about numbers, but about creating the right hospitality infrastructure for a growing city,” she said.   P. Sulaiman, Group Chairman, HiLITE Group, said Neka’s appointment reflects her commitment, character and willingness to take ownership.   “The true measure of a leader lies in character, judgement and responsibility. These are qualities I have seen in Neka over the years. I look forward to the fresh perspective she will bring to HiLITE Group,” he said.   Neka was associated with Hug a Mug, HiLITE Group’s home-grown café brand, during her educational period, gaining hands-on experience in operations, customer service and team coordination. She said the experience helped her understand business from the ground level.   Neka completed her schooling at The White School International (International Baccalaureate) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree. She has also completed CMA, strengthening her foundation in finance, management and business strategy.   With Neka taking charge, HiLITE Group aims to build a strong hospitality vertical that supports Kerala’s growing demand for quality hotel infrastructure while carrying forward the Group’s legacy through new-generation leadership. 

Bank of Maharashtra has announced the launch of FinSpark’26, a national-level cybersecurity hackathon aimed at encouraging students and dropouts across India to develop solutions for real-world cybersecurity challenges in the banking sector.   Bank of Maharashtra launches FinSpark’26, a national cybersecurity hackathon for students to solve real banking security challenges and win Rs. 10 lakh+ rewards   With the theme “Securing the Future of Banking,” FinSpark’26 is designed to bring together young technology minds, cybersecurity enthusiasts and problem-solvers to build innovative ideas that can strengthen digital banking security, fraud prevention, cyber resilience and customer trust. The hackathon invites participants to register, choose a problem statement, build individually or with a team, and compete for national recognition. The initiative offers a Rs. 10+ Lakh Prize Pool*, with the Top 20 teams getting an opportunity to present their solutions at the Grand Finale at COEP Technological University, Pune. Winning teams will also get an Opportunity to Showcase at Global FinTech Fest 2026*, subject to applicable terms and conditions. FinSpark’26 focuses on mission-critical areas of banking cybersecurity, including insider threat detection, privileged access misuse, AI-driven correlation of cybersecurity telemetry, transaction behaviour analysis, fraud prevention and proactive threat identification. Through this initiative, Bank of Maharashtra aims to encourage practical, scalable and secure solutions that can support the evolving needs of the banking industry. The hackathon features two cybersecurity-led problem statements. The first is Privileged Access Misuse & Insider Threat Detection, where participants are encouraged to build solutions that can detect misuse of privileged accounts, identify insider threats, study behavioural patterns and support risk-based access control. The second is AI-Driven Correlation of Cybersecurity Telemetry & Transactional Behaviour, where participants can explore how cybersecurity signals and transaction behaviour can be connected to detect anomalies, fraud patterns, suspicious activity and potential threats more effectively. Participants can register individually or in teams of up to four members. They are expected to select a problem statement, develop a structured idea or prototype, and submit their solution for evaluation. Submissions will be assessed on parameters such as business potential and relevance, security considerations, uniqueness of approach, user experience, scalability, and ease of development and maintenance. Beyond competition, FinSpark’26 is designed as a learning and innovation platform. Participants will get exposure to real-world banking challenges, mentoring support, national-level recognition and the opportunity to refine their ideas through the hackathon journey. The Top 20 teams shortlisted for the Grand Finale will present their solutions before experts from relevant domains, with a focus on identifying ideas that are practical, secure and relevant to the future of digital banking. Speaking about the initiative, Bank of Maharashtra said, “Cybersecurity is one of the most important pillars of modern banking. Through FinSpark’26, Bank of Maharashtra aims to encourage young innovators to think deeply about real banking security challenges and build solutions that can contribute to a safer and more resilient digital banking ecosystem. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation, technology adoption and nurturing future-ready talent.” FinSpark’26 is open to students and dropouts across India who are interested in cybersecurity, technology, AI, data, fraud prevention, secure digital banking and innovation. Participants can register for FinSpark’26 at: www.finsparkhackathon.com/auth/register.

Aukera, India’s leading premium lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, today announced that it has raised Rs. 90 crore (over USD 10 million) in fresh funding, led by existing investor Alteria Capital, along with InnoVen Capital, Lighthouse Canton and a leading bank. The raise comes less than twelve months after the company closed a USD 15 million equity round led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Fireside Ventures, Sparrow Capital, Prath Ventures and Alteria Capital — a pace of back-to-back institutional capital that reflects the strength of Aukera’s growth trajectory and the confidence of lenders and investors alike in the underlying business. The company continues to strengthen its balance sheet as the category draws in India’s largest players, including Titan with its lab-grown diamond brand Beyon — a market Aukera has been leading from the front.   Kumar Saurabh, Co-founder, Aukera and Lisa Mukhedkar, Founder & CEO, Aukera   That leadership is visible on the ground: in the year since its last raise, Aukera has grown from 13 to 35 company-owned stores, expanding beyond Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi NCR into cities including Pune, Lucknow, Dehradun and Vizag — one of the fastest retail scale-ups in Indian fine jewellery, and a genuinely national footprint. The new capital will fuel the next phase of this expansion.   Aukera occupies the premium end of India’s lab-grown diamond market, built around a simple idea: the better diamond. Every Aukera diamond is of the highest grades, certified to the most exacting global standards, and crafted into fine jewellery featuring original, in-house designs and the brand’s trademarked cuts. It is a promise brought to life by a design and craft organisation that draws on global talent, and carried publicly by acclaimed actor Taapsee Pannu, the Face of the Brand. For Aukera’s customers, grown diamonds are a deliberate upgrade — to a finer, larger, better-designed diamond.   That confidence extends to how the brand stands behind every piece. Aukera operates company-owned experience stores across the country and backs every purchase with assured buyback and exchange — the kind of guarantee that has traditionally separated enduring jewellery houses from the rest.   “This category will not be won on discounting — it will be won on trust, quality and brand,” said Lisa Mukhedkar, Founder & CEO, Aukera. “This capital lets us take that promise to many more cities, faster.”   “We believe this category will require the top player to invest at least Rs. 1,000 crore, as the mining industry resets to recognise the permanence of grown diamonds,” said Kumar Saurabh, Co-founder, Aukera. “We are building the balance sheet and the business to be that player.”   With the fresh capital, Aukera will accelerate store openings in new and existing markets, continue investing in design, product innovation and talent, and strengthen the omnichannel infrastructure that supports its retail engine.   Founded in 2023 by Lisa Mukhedkar and Kumar Saurabh, Aukera is backed by Peak XV Partners, Fireside Ventures, Sparrow Capital, Prath Ventures and Alteria Capital, and is on track towards its stated ambition of becoming a Rs. 1,000 crore brand.