NBCC (India) wins Rs. 500cr Township development project in Jharkhand

NBCC (India) has been awarded a Rs 498.3 crore project management consultancy (PMC) contract by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).

The contract is for developing the Integrated Township at Chandrapura Thermal Power Station in Jharkhand. The contract entails end-to-end project management, including planning, design supervision, and execution oversight of the township project. NBCC, a domestic entity, will execute the order in compliance with timelines and regulatory standards. The contract does not constitute a related party transaction. NBCC (India) is in business and operates in three major segments, namely project management consultancy, real estate, and engineering procurement & construction. The company's consolidated net profit advanced 25.21% to Rs 156.68 crore on a 18.99% rise in revenue from operations to Rs 2,910.19 crore in Q2 FY26 over Q2 FY25. 

Aditya Birla Jewellery opens its second store in Bengaluru

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, announces its expansion in Karnataka with the launch of its second store in Bengaluru, located in the culturally rich and historic neighbourhood of Malleswaram. One of Bengaluru’s oldest and most cherished localities, Malleswaram is known for its heritage, ancient temples, and vibrant marketplaces that have long celebrated artisanal craftsmanship and fine gold jewellery. As a hub of the city’s cultural and commercial life, Malleswaram resonates deeply with art and culture lovers who value heritage and craftsmanship in every piece they adorn.

Located in Sampige Road, Malleswaram, the Indriya store will feature thoughtfully curated zones, including a dedicated karigari space and an expansive collection showcasing over 28,000 exquisitely crafted designs. This launch offers the perfect blend of artistry and modern expression, celebrating the intrinsic link that Malleswaram and by extension, Bengaluru holds with jewellery as a symbol of tradition, prosperity, and beauty.
This significant milestone increases Indriya’s footprint to 38 stores nationwide. The brand’s presence includes six outlets in Delhi; four each in Mumbai and Hyderabad; three in Pune; two stores each in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, and Bangalore; and one store in key cities such as Indore, Jodhpur, Surat, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra, Gaya, Jammu, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Chandigarh. This growth reflects Indriya’s dedication to bringing fine craftsmanship and timeless jewellery to customers across India.
Mr. Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya, said, “We believe Karnataka has always been a significant market for Indriya, and the wonderful response to our first store in the state has been incredibly encouraging. With the launch of our second store in Bengaluru, we are thrilled to strengthen our presence and bring Indriya's legacy of artistic craftsmanship deeper into South India. Our collection is designed to resonate with this city's unique spirit, seamlessly blending rich heritage with contemporary style, making them a perfect choice for today's jewellery enthusiasts. This launch will strengthen our presence in this dynamic market, ensuring customers have easy access to our exquisite collections and a superior shopping experience.”
The trusted legacy of the Aditya Birla Group continues to grow in Karnataka with the opening of Indriya’s second store in Bangalore.

Cutting edge Water Management Sol. on display at 31st Indian Plumbing Conf. & Exibition

Indian Plumbing Association is hosting the 31st Indian Plumbing Conference (31st IPC) from 13th to 15th November 2025 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan (Milan Mela), Kolkata, where they would be bringing in together key stakeholders from India’s water, infrastructure and construction sectors to address one of the most critical challenges of our time - Sustainable Smart Water Management. The conference will be focussing on innovative and actionable approaches to tackle India’s escalating water stress, particularly in the context of rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion.

The conference will be deliberating on topics such as real-time water monitoring through AI and IoT, innovations in wastewater treatment and water circularity, road to water-neutral buildings and plumbing design challenges in high-rise structures. These sessions would be led by renowned experts, senior policymakers, and industry leaders who would be sharing policy insights and technical solutions. The main emphasis of the deliberations would relate to “Sustainable Smart water management”, on the theme of the conference, to achieve the objectives of India’s Jal Jeevan Mission and AMRUT 2.0, ensuring long-term water security, enhancing urban resilience and contributing meaningfully to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Indian Plumbing Conference is coming back to Kolkata after 9 years and will be inaugurated by Firhad Hakim, Cabinet Minister of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs and Housing, Govt. Of West Bengal.

Aniruddha Roychoudhury, acclaimed Indian film director, unveiled the Mascot for the Conference, in the presence of Gurmit Singh Arora, National President along with Chandra Shekhar Gupta, National Vice President, Minesh Shah, National Hon. Secretary, Abhay Pasari, IPA Kolkata Chapter Chairman and Pradeep Chakravarti, IPA Kolkata Chapter Vice Chairman, were present for the occasion.

The 31st IPC promises to be a landmark event for professionals shaping India’s urban landscape - including real estate developers, architects, engineers, policymakers, sustainability advocates, and infrastructure consultants. With its convergence of innovation, policy, and implementation, the conference redefined the roadmap for smart plumbing and sustainable water management in India. A concurrent exhibition will also be showcasing modern technologies of water, sanitation and plumbing products by spreading over 5500 sqm with 75+ exhibitors and 50+ experts.

Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) is India’s premier national body dedicated to elevating water, sanitation and plumbing planning, executing and practicing in promoting efficiency, fostering innovation, and championing sustainability. With 28 Chapters across India and a legacy of organizing the very many programmes since 2003, IPA continues to be the driving force behind India's water, sanitation and plumbing excellence.

Urban Cooperative Banks brings Digipay and Digiloan lending sol.

The National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC), the Umbrella Organization for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), has launched Sahakar Digipay and Sahakar Digiloan. These two purpose-built digital solutions aim to strengthen payments infrastructure and automate lending operations across the UCBs. The initiative is part of NUCFDC’s broader strategy to drive digital transformation, enhance operational efficiency, and promote customer-centric innovation within the UCB ecosystem at affordable costs.

Unveiled by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, at Co-op Kumbh 2025, the new digital solutions align with the government’s vision of creating digitally empowered and sustainable UCBs. The products are designed to modernize UCB operations and enable them to better serve a new generation of tech-savvy customers.

 Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that in the past two years, we have succeeded in reducing Non-Performing Assets (NPA) from 2.8% to 0.06%. Along with this, we must improve operational standards and further strengthen the improvements achieved in financial discipline. Establishing one urban cooperative bank in every city will be possible only when we work toward converting cooperative societies into banks. He said that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures alone cannot reflect our progress; along with them, we must also ensure that every person gets some work and that their standard of living improves, which cannot happen without cooperatives. Shri Shah said that the Government of India and all state governments fully understand the concept and importance of cooperatives, and now there is a need to work with renewed confidence and effort in a transparent and result-oriented manner.

Amit Shah said that the International Cooperative Alliance has placed Amul at the first position and IFFCO at the second position in the global ranking. This shows that even today, the idea and culture of cooperatives have not become outdated. Amul has become the driver of the White Revolution in the country, and through its 3.6 million farmer members, 18,000 village societies, and 18 district unions, it collects 30 million liters of milk every day across India. He said that in the year 2024–25, Amul’s turnover crossed 90,000 crore rupees, which shows that 3.6 million farmers, more than 65 per cent of whom are women, have together been successfully running such a large cooperative for so many years with small individual contributions. Shah added that this reflects the vast potential available for cooperatives in our country.

Union Minister of Cooperation said that IFFCO has secured the position of the second-largest cooperative organization in the world. IFFCO has recorded a turnover of 41,000 crore rupees and a profit of 3,000 crore rupees. He said that IFFCO is a society of cooperative societies, and across the country, 35,000 cooperative societies, most of which are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and marketing-related societies, are its members. Through these societies, more than 5 crore farmers have become members of IFFCO, and today IFFCO has become a pillar of India’s Green Revolution by producing 93 lakh metric tonnes of urea and DAP. He added that IFFCO’s nano urea and nano DAP are now being exported to 65 countries, including Brazil, Oman, the United States, and Jordan.

Speaking about the products, Jyotindra Mehta, Chairman, NUCFDC, said, “India’s 1,400-plus Urban Co-operative Banks serve over 9 crore customers across the country through a network of nearly 11,500 branches. They play a vital role in advancing financial inclusion, yet many continue to face challenges in adopting secure and scalable digital systems. To remain trusted and competitive, UCBs must become digitally strong while upholding their core values of trust and transparency. NUCFDC’s product suite is designed to bridge this gap by offering affordable, future-ready solutions that strengthen governance and service delivery. These innovations will empower UCBs to deliver faster, smarter, and more secure financial services, making them self-reliant and driving their growth.”

 

Prabhat Chaturvedi, CEO, NUCFDC added that “The products are designed to simplify digital transformation for UCBs, with each addressing a specific operational challenge. These solutions minimize manual intervention, improve turnaround time, and ensure regulatory compliance. Built for long-term digital resilience, they mark a decisive step toward making UCBs more confident and efficient. It is an important milestone in the digital evolution of India’s Urban Co-operative Banking sector, enabling UCBs to become more competitive and resilient in a fast-changing financial landscape.”

 

Sahakar Digipay by NUCFDC is a centralized UPI switch designed to help banks lower transaction costs. It is equipped with advanced fraud detection and risk mitigation tools, providing Urban Co-operative Banks with a secure, scalable, and compliant payments infrastructure.

 

Sahakar Digiloan, is a Loan Origination System that enables UCBs to accelerate customer onboarding through paperless processes. It features digital KYC, automated credit assessment, and real-time risk identification to strengthen both retail and commercial lending operations. Designed to promote data-driven decision-making and transparent credit delivery, the platform aims to significantly reduce turnaround time and enhance lending efficiency of the UCBs.

Bhutan all decked up for traditional religious festivals

Bhutan is gearing up for one of its most spectacular celebrations, the Tshechus (Bhutan’s traditional religious festival). For Indian travellers seeking a Himalayan escape with a blend of spirituality, culture, and once in a lifetime experiences, this is the perfect time for a journey into the Kingdom.

From swirling brocade robes to dramatic masked dancers suspended mid-leap, Tshechu is a visual feast for photographers and Instagrammers alike. Against the backdrop of ancient Dzongs, fluttering prayer flags, and vibrant crowds in traditional attire, every frame feels timeless.

This autumn-winter season offers an unforgettable line-up: 

Jakar Tshechu | Oct 29 – Nov 1, 2025 – Ancient rituals in the heart of Bumthang.

Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Nov 5 – 8, 2025 – Famous for its dramatic fire dance under the stars.

Crane Festival | Nov 11, 2025 – Celebrating the graceful, black-necked cranes in Gangtey.

Dolla Pass Festival | Dec 13, 2025 – A winter gathering steeped in local tradition.

Trosa Festival | Dec 20, 2025 – Music, community, and cultural rituals to close the year.

Punakha Festival | Feb 27 – Mar 1, 2026 – A spring spectacle by the riverside dzong.

Travellers often describe the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus as dreamlike for photography, while curated journeys such as those through Six Senses Bhutan offers special access and quiet sunrise shoots to capture the valleys in their purest light. The Paro and Thimphu Tshechus are often described as dreamlike for photography. With Six Senses Bhutan, curated journeys offer not only access to the festivals but also quiet sunrise shoots, monastery visits, and moments of stillness in the valleys that captures Bhutan in its purest light.

Here’s why Tshechu deserves a spot on your travel calendar: 

1. Easy Access for Indian Travellers

With direct flights and overland routes from India, Bhutan is one of the easiest international escapes. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with Thimphu, Paro, and Bumthang hosting the most iconic Tshechus in postcard-perfect weather.

The Khamsa Journey (a curated itinerary across five valleys) with Six Senses Bhutan makes it effortless for travellers to combine festival-hopping with explorations of forests, monasteries, and wellness rituals across different valleys.

2. A Festival of Blessings and Good Fortune

The vibrant dances, chants, and rituals are believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead, making it not just a spectacle but also a meaningful celebration for locals and visitors alike.

Guests at Six Senses Bhutan often pair festival days with guided meditations, forest walks, or traditional spa rituals, allowing the spiritual energy of the celebration to extend beyond the performances.

3. Legends Told Through Dance

The heart of Tshechu lies in its Cham dances. Performers in ornate masks enact timeless tales — from Guru Rinpoche banishing demons to Milarepa saving a stag in an act of compassion. Each story is as dramatic as it is symbolic, combining moral lessons with mythical spectacle.

Journeys with Six Senses Bhutan can include private storytelling sessions with monks or village elders, deepening the understanding of these legends beyond the stage.

4. The Legendary Thongdrel Unveiling

At Paro and Thimphu Tshechus, an awe-inspiring sacred silk scroll called the Thongdrel is unfurled at dawn. Bhutanese believe that just witnessing it can cleanse all sins. For travellers, it’s a spine-tingling, unforgettable moment that few destinations in the world can rival.

Six Senses Bhutan lodges located near these historic dzongs often plan early-morning excursions for guests, pairing the experience with quiet rituals from yoga at sunrise to traditional hot stone baths to reflect on the blessings of the day.

5. A Cultural Living Carnival

Beyond the rituals, Tshechu is a carnival of community. Locals gather in their finest Kiras and Gho (traditional dress), folk songs fill the air, and bustling stalls offer Bhutanese street food and handicrafts. Guests of Six Senses Bhutan are invited to join these communal moments by donning the gho or kira to blend with the festive crowd.

Biocon’s first US unit underwent GMP inspection by U.S. FDA

Indian drug makers are busy building manufacturing facilities in USA to beat Trump Tariff 

Biocon’s first US manufacturing facility in Cranbury New Jersey was inaugurated on 10th September this year.The new facility underwent a GMP inspection by the U.S. FDA.

The inspection concluded with 1 observation which the Company will address within the stipulated time and is not expected to have any impact on business operations.

Biocon acquired the Cranbury-based Oral Solid Dosage facility from Eywa Pharma Inc. in 2023 and has since invested more than $30 million to establish a state-of-the-art plant with an annual production capacity of 2 billion tablets. A few products have already been commercialized from the site, with several more in the pipeline. This investment helps Biocon diversify its manufacturing base, strengthen its supply chain and accelerate the expansion of its global footprint.

Biocon has approximately 60 employees at the new facility (40 employees joined from Eywa, while Biocon hired the rest), and plans to grow to about 80 to 85 people managing the facility over the next few months.

The Cranbury facility represents a strategic advancement of the Company’s operations in the Unted States, enabling faster access to Biocon’s vertically integrated portfolio of products, benefitting patients in the region. With some products having already been commissioned from this site and additional launches in the pipeline, the facility will play a key role in furthering Biocon’s mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable therapies worldwide.

US president Donald Trump has announced tariffs of 100% on branded or patented pharmaceutical product imports into the US, leading to questions on how the Indian pharma sector will cope.

"Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100 per cent Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

""IS BUILDING" will be defined as, "breaking ground" and/or "under construction." There will, therefore, be no Tariff on these Pharmaceutical Products if construction has started. Thank you for your attention to this matter," he added.

India's total pharmaceutical exports were almost US$ 28 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, with the US its largest export market at US $8.7 billion, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India.

Stampede at Vijay’s TN rally, 31 lives lost, PM sends condolences

At least 31 people were killed in a stampede during actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur, according to reports. Several children were among the dead.

The incident took place after supporters of Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), had been waiting for over six hours as the actor-politician arrived late for the event.

The stampede occurred in an overcrowded section of the rally, where several TVK workers collapsed and were moved in ambulances. Death toll likely to rise.

Oracle to partner WB Govt. for IT education in schools

Oracle plans to partner WB Govt. for IT education in schools.

Speaking on the sidelines of ICT East 2025 in Kolkata , Sanjeev Chauhan, VP – Cloud Engineering, Oracle, highlighted the potential of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as emerging hubs of digital talent. He called for closer collaboration with governments to make IT and digital education a core part of school curriculums. The company currently has about 58000 employees in its 50 plus offices in India and about 600 employees in Kolkata.

Sankarshan Thakur a fearless voice in journalism has fallen silent

Sankarshan Thakur, the editor of the Telegraph news paper published from Kolkata died on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 63. The Press Club of India in its condolence message said, "We’ve lost a fearless voice in journalism."

BHEL signs 10-year exclusive pact with Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies

BHEL signs 10-year exclusive pact with Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies

Under this 10-year agreement, the two companies will collaborate on the development of hydrogen fuel cell-based rolling stock, with a focus on business sharing and joint operations. The partnership is aimed at enabling BHEL's entry into a new market segment. Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) is an integrated power plant equipment manufacturer engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing, erection, testing, commissioning, and servicing of a diverse range of products and systems. The company's consolidated net loss widened to Rs 445.50 crore in Q1 FY26 compared with a net loss of Rs 211.40 crore in Q1 FY25. Revenue from operations saw a marginal year-on-year (YoY) increase of 0.03%, reaching Rs 5,486.91 crore in the quarter ended 30 June 2025.