“India’s protein gap is one of the country’s largest unmet nutrition needs, and one of the most practical answers may already be sitting in every household refrigerator. Provilac has done the hard work of building fresh, high-protein dairy at scale, with control over the supply chain, the science and the last mile, while proving that consumers will pay for better nutrition when it fits seamlessly into their daily routine,” said Shilpa Kulkarni, General Partner at Panthera Growth Partners.

The post Provilac Raises 14 Million USD From Panthera Growth Partners to Build India’s Leading High-Protein Dairy Brand first appeared on Press Release India.

The Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, has lauded Galgotias University for signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture and the University of Yamanashi, describing it as a proud step for the state towards international academic and industrial collaboration. “I am pleased that Galgotias University in Uttar Pradesh has signed an MoU with the Japanese delegation. We would like to see more such partnerships between other universities in Uttar Pradesh and universities and institutions in Japan,” the Chief Minister said.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the official institutional visit of a high-level Japanese delegation of more than two hundred members, led by His Excellency Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, which chose Galgotias University as the only university for its visit during the Uttar Pradesh-Japan Investment Summit 2026, a marker of the state’s success in building an investment-friendly environment. The collaboration opens a new chapter of academic and industry cooperation between India and Japan, prioritising three technologies central to the global sustainability agenda, namely Green Hydrogen, Electric Vehicles and Semiconductors, while keeping the door open to partnerships across a wider range of disciplines.

India and Japan share a natural affinity rooted in centuries of civilisational and cultural exchange and reinforced today by common democratic values and complementary strengths, with Japan’s expertise in precision manufacturing and clean energy technology meeting India’s scale and vast pool of young engineering and research talent. The engagement explored joint research programmes, technology exchange, faculty and student exchange and university-industry partnerships, and is a precursor to deeper cooperation in the coming weeks.

The visit itself marked a significant success for the Uttar Pradesh government, with Japanese investment of Rs 3,000 crore in the YEIDA region expected to create employment for around 10,000 young people. Commenting on this, Galgotias University Chancellor, Sunil Galgotia, said, “The substantial investment being made by Japan in the state is the result of the visionary thinking of Uttar Pradesh’s illustrious and hardworking Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi, the improved law and order situation in UP is rapidly boosting investment in the state. The investment proposed by Japan in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region is a result of this very environment. On account of development and law and order, the Yogi model has today become an example across the entire country.”

In his conversation with the Japanese delegation, Chancellor Sunil Galgotia told them that Jewar, once known for criminals and crime, has today, through the resolve of the state government, become the ‘jewel’ not only of the state but of the entire country. The newly built world-class Noida International Airport in Jewar in the YEIDA region of Gautam Buddh Nagar has become an example for the whole country on account of its modernity, technology and facilities. The governance model that has come about under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is being emulated across the country.

The Japanese team closely observed the world-class laboratories and classrooms at the University and praised the benefits accruing to the country’s youth. The Governor of Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, Kotaro Nagasaki, was so impressed by the quality and grandeur of the university that he spontaneously remarked, “If I were 30 years younger, I too would take admission in Galgotias University and study here.” His comment further enhanced the pride of the university and, alongside the praise of the delegation, again demonstrated how the university, with world-class facilities and a philosophy of active learning, is shaping its students in line with the changing expectations of industry.

Commenting on the landmark collaboration, Galgotias University CEO, Dr Dhruv Galgotia, said, “This MoU with Yamanashi Prefecture and the University of Yamanashi is a landmark moment for Galgotias University and for Uttar Pradesh. We deeply value the warmth, trust, and spirit of collaboration shown by our Japanese partners throughout this engagement. None of this would have been possible without the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, whose relentless efforts to build a safe, investment-friendly, and forward-looking Uttar Pradesh continue to open doors for institutions like ours on the global stage.”

Galgotias University will continue to pursue collaborative research and industry-linked innovation in sustainable technologies, aligning its research capabilities and talent pipeline with national and international priorities.

The post UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Hails Galgotias University’s Landmark MoU with Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture first appeared on Press Release India.

Following the success of the Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence (YSCE) High Performance Centre at Merlin Rise – The Sports Republic, Rajarhat, Merlin Group is strengthening its partnership with cricket legend Yuvraj Singh with the launch of the second Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. Merlin Group’s state-of-the-art multisports complex is on Basanti Road, Bantalla, just 20 minutes from Science City.
 

The new YSCE at Club Arena will expand access to professional cricket training and player development for young cricketers in Bengal and Eastern India. The initiative further strengthens Merlin Group’s commitment to creating world-class sporting infrastructure and building integrated destinations that go beyond homes to create holistic lifestyle, sporting and community ecosystems.

The academy has already generated strong interest among aspiring cricketers. Its inaugural cricket trials received an enthusiastic response, with more than 200 students participating. Following the selection process, six promising young cricketers were awarded scholarships, giving them an opportunity to train through the YSCE programme. The organiser will also hold, further rounds of trials based on registrations and demand.

Spread across a premium campus on Basanti Road, Bantalla, YSCE Club Arena has been envisioned as one of Eastern India’s finest multisports and recreational destinations, complemented by a large residential academy. The facility features a 10,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art indoor air-conditioned sports arena, among the largest in Eastern India, along with a 30,000 sq. ft. outdoor sports ground, offering year-round professional training and sporting activities.

Designed as a complete multisports destination, YSCE Club Arena also houses a restaurant and café, residential accommodation for athletes and guests, modern gymnasium and fitness facilities, recreational zones, and infrastructure to host professional coaching programmes, tournaments, corporate sporting events and community engagements.

The launch of the second YSCE marks a significant expansion of the successful partnership between Merlin Group and cricket legend Yuvraj Singh, which began with the establishment of the first Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence at Merlin Rise – The Sports Republic in Rajarhat. Operational since 2023, the academy was the first YSCE in Eastern India and has since witnessed 600 students train through its programme, establishing a strong reputation for professional cricket coaching and player development. The Centre has brought Yuvraj Singh’s cricketing expertise, experience and training philosophy to aspiring cricketers in the region.

Yuvraj Singh, Founder, Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence, said:
“The success of our High Performance Centre at Merlin Rise has shown us the tremendous potential and passion for cricket that exists in Bengal. Six hundred students have trained with us there, and the trust that families and young cricketers have placed in YSCE is something we value deeply. YSCE Club Arena takes our partnership with Merlin into an exciting new space. With the second academy, we are looking forward to bringing professional training and a strong sporting environment to even more young cricketers. The response to the trials has been fantastic, and the six scholarships give us an opportunity to support young players who have shown the potential to take their cricket forward.”

Saket Mohta, Managing Director, Merlin Group, said:
“It is a matter of immense pride for Merlin Group to strengthen our association with cricket icon Yuvraj Singh with the launch of the second Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. The inauguration of YSCE Club Arena marks another important milestone in our journey of creating destinations where people can live, learn, grow and excel. The response to the first round of trials has been extremely encouraging and reflects the tremendous passion for cricket in Bengal. We look forward to welcoming young talent to the academy and providing them with world-class coaching and infrastructure that can help them realise their full potential.”

Launched in 2021, Merlin Rise – The Sports Republic is Eastern India’s first integrated sports-themed township, reflecting Merlin Group’s vision of creating a one-of-a-kind sports ecosystem where world-class coaching meets world-class infrastructure. The township has brought together globally renowned sporting icons under one roof to inspire and nurture young talent.

Alongside the Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence, Merlin Rise is home to the Ronaldinho R10 Football Academy, which currently trains 117 young footballers through an internationally designed football development programme inspired by Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho. Further expanding this sporting ecosystem, Merlin Group is set to introduce Michael Phelps Swimming, the globally acclaimed learn-to-swim programme inspired by the world’s most decorated Olympian, as well as MMA Matrix by Tiger Shroff, a state-of-the-art mixed martial arts training centre designed to provide world-class coaching in combat sports and fitness.

With the addition of the second Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence at YSCE Club Arena, Merlin Group is taking another significant step towards creating one of India’s most comprehensive sports development platforms while making professional coaching accessible to young talent across Eastern India.

The enthusiastic response to the first round of trials underlines the growing demand for professional cricket coaching in the region. Admissions to the academy will commence through the trial process, with additional rounds of trials being conducted based on registrations and demand, enabling more aspiring cricketers to become part of the Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence.

The post Merlin Group Partners With Yuvraj Singh to Set up the Second Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence in Kolkata first appeared on Press Release India.

Ratnaveer Precision Engineering Limited today announced that its INR 329.99 crore Rights Issue has closed with an overall subscription of 1.11x, reflecting [strong/steady] participation from eligible shareholders and Rights Entitlement (RE) holders.

The Rights Issue comprised 1,24,99,669 fully paid-up equity shares at INR 264 per share, in the ratio of 7 Rights Equity Shares for every 40 shares held as on the Record Date of August 26, 2026. Basis of allotment will be finalized on September 10, 2026, with shares credited to demat accounts and listing on the NSE and BSE on September 15, 2026. MUFG Intime India Private Limited is the Registrar to the Issue.

CCL Plant: Entering the Market at a Historic Price Inflection Point

The Rights Issue proceeds, along with a broader INR 650 crore funding package, are earmarked to support Ratnaveer’s INR 472.34 crore Copper Clad Laminate (CCL) project in Vadodara — the company’s strategic entry into the electronics materials value chain, beyond its core stainless steel business. The plant is roughly 60% complete, with commercial production targeted for November 2026, and machinery, technology partnerships and the core operating team are reported to be in place ahead of ramp-up. The project has received approvals under the Government of India’s ECMS scheme and Gujarat’s Electronics Policy.

Ratnaveer’s timing coincides with one of the sharpest price cycles the global CCL industry has seen in years:

• Global CCL and prepreg prices have seen multiple rounds of price increases, reflecting tight supply and rising input costs.
• FR-4 laminate prices have risen sharply during 2026, indicating sustained pricing pressure across the industry.
• Global CCL industry revenues have recorded strong year-on-year growth, while improving gross margins point towards enhanced pricing power and industry profitability.
• Upstream inputs — electronic glass fabric, HVLP copper foil, and PPO resin — remain in tight supply, with several producers running fully booked capacity.
• A possible additional 7.5% U.S. tariff on Chinese electronics materials could add further cost pressure across the global supply chain.

For Ratnaveer, this pricing environment is a significant tailwind: CCL is a critical, high-value input in the PCB value chain, and India remains heavily import-dependent for it. Industry data suggests CCL prices have risen sharply over the past 12 months — while raw material costs are up a comparatively modest amount, a gap that could translate into substantial margin expansion and a meaningful boost to profitability once the plant ramps up.

The post Ratnaveer Precision Engineering’s INR 329.99 Crore Rights Issue Subscribed 1.11x; Allotment on September 10, Listing on September 15 — CCL Plant Progresses as Global Prices Surge first appeared on Press Release India.

Hangover by Saachi, the contemporary occasion-wear label founded by young entrepreneur Saachi Pasari, announces the launch of its latest collection – an edit that captures the brand at its most confident yet. Bringing together sculptural silhouettes, intricate Indian hand-embroidery and a rich, understated colour palette, the new collection is designed to make dressing up feel exciting, expressive and individual again.

For Saachi, who began her entrepreneurial journey at just 18, Hangover was born from a surprisingly simple frustration: she could constantly find references of clothes she wanted to wear, but rarely find those pieces in the market.

“I saw a gap for Indian occasion wear that genuinely spoke to my generation- pieces that felt glamorous, bold and high-fashion without feeling rigid, outdated or overly traditional,” says Saachi. “While my family’s business was a huge inspiration, I wanted to build something entirely my own from scratch.”

What began as creative curiosity soon evolved into a label built around a new interpretation of Indian craftsmanship. Working closely with master artisans introduced Saachi to the hundreds of hours and meticulous skill behind traditional handwork, while also showing her how these techniques could be translated into something decidedly modern.

The brand’s newest collection takes that philosophy further. Anchored in deep burgundy, chocolate brown, sharp black, soft ivory and touches of antique gold, the edit moves away from fleeting micro-trends in favour of statement pieces with longevity. Sharp party dresses, sculpted skirts and modern separates form the foundation of the collection, while intricate hand-embroidery, refined crystal detailing and multidimensional surface textures bring each garment to life.

Among the hero styles are high-impact embellished mini dresses alongside versatile statement separates designed to be styled beyond a single occasion – an embellished skirt, for instance, can be paired with everything from a structured top to a vintage T-shirt or tank.

“This upcoming edit is our most quintessential ‘Hangover’ drop yet,” says Saachi. “The idea was to re-energise occasion wear and make dressing up feel fun again rather than something dictated by rigid expectations. I want every piece to feel special and memorable, but still like something the woman wearing it can make completely her own.”

That instinctive understanding of her customer is perhaps one of the biggest advantages of building a fashion label at such a young age. Rather than designing for a distant demographic, Saachi is creating for her own generation – women who value individuality and craftsmanship but want luxury to feel relevant to the way they actually dress and live.

The Hangover girl, as Saachi describes her, is bold, self-assured and comfortable being the most memorable person in the room. The label has consequently found its place across milestone birthdays, celebratory dinners, destination holidays and nights out, with pieces recognisable for their combination of contemporary cuts and meticulous embellishment.

Since its inception, Hangover by Saachi has evolved from Saachi’s search for pieces she couldn’t find into a more defined vision of new-age Indian luxury. The new collection marks that transition, balancing the energy and irreverence of youth with the painstaking craftsmanship traditionally associated with luxury occasion wear.

Looking ahead, Saachi plans to take Hangover beyond India, introducing its artisanal occasion wear to international markets while retaining a limited-batch, exclusivity-led approach. The brand also intends to gradually explore lifestyle and eveningwear extensions, with craftsmanship remaining central to its identity.

For a founder who started at 18, the journey is still only at its beginning. But Saachi’s ambition for Hangover is already clear: to build a globally relevant Indian label that proves heritage craftsmanship and a distinctly young point of view don’t have to exist in separate worlds – they can, quite literally, be worn together.

The post Hangover by Saachi Unveils Its New Collection, Reimagining Occasion Wear for a New Generation first appeared on Press Release India.

PwC India today announced an alliance with Claroty, a cyber-physical systems (CPS) protection company, to help organisations address the evolving cybersecurity needs of connected environments. As businesses accelerate digital adoption across operational technology (OT), industrial systems, healthcare, and other critical infrastructure, the alliance is designed to support a more integrated approach to managing cyber risk across IT, OT, and extended connected environments.

By bringing together Claroty’s specialised capabilities in CPS protection and PwC India’s deep expertise in cybersecurity, risk, business transformation and deep expertise in OT Security, the alliance is intended to help organisations enhance resilience, strengthen visibility across connected assets, and respond to a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to helping businesses navigate evolving security challenges while enabling innovation, operational continuity, and sustainable growth. Commenting on the alliance, Sundareshwar Krishnamurthy, Partner and India Cyber Leader at PwC India said, “As organisations become more connected and digitised, trust, resilience and security are becoming integral to business growth and transformation. The ability to build confidence across critical operations will play an increasingly important role in supporting business continuity, strengthening customer trust and enhancing India’s competitiveness as a global manufacturing and digital hub. Through our alliance with Claroty, we aim to help organisations gain greater visibility across critical assets, strengthen resilience and pursue growth and innovation with confidence.”

“The combination of Claroty’s AI-powered platform and PwC India’s expertise gives organisations a holistic approach to reduce risk and achieve operational resilience for their CPS and OT environments,” said John Ryan, Vice President of Worldwide Partner Ecosystem at Claroty. “We are delighted to partner with PwC India to help organisations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and protect India’s mission-critical infrastructure against an evolving threat landscape, and we look forward to our continued global expansion.”

As industries across manufacturing, energy, utilities, healthcare, and critical infrastructure continue to embrace digital transformation, the convergence of IT and OT environments has significantly expanded the cyber threat landscape. Connected devices, industrial control systems (ICS), and IoT deployments have become prime targets for sophisticated cyberattacks, with the potential to disrupt operations, compromise safety, and cause significant financial and reputational damage.

Amanjit Makesh, Partner – OT Cybersecurity, PwC India said, “Clients today are looking for more than point solutions; they want partners who understand both the complexity of industrial operations and the urgency of cyber risk. That is exactly why this alliance with Claroty is so relevant. PwC India brings the advisory, execution and industry context, while Claroty brings the visibility and control needed to secure modern and legacy OT environments. Together, we can help organisations strengthen resilience where it matters most — on the ground, in operations, and at scale.”

“For cyber attackers seeking to cause real-world damage by disrupting the availability of essential services in India, OT systems in the region are becoming an increasingly desirable target, while simultaneously becoming more connected and exposed to cyber threats,” said Eddie Stefanescu, General Manager of APJ, Claroty. “Together, Claroty and PwC India are committed to delivering purpose-built solutions for the manufacturing, healthcare, and commercial organisations that the general population relies on every day.”

The post PwC India Announces Strategic Alliance With Claroty for OT and Connected Environment Cybersecurity first appeared on Press Release India.

• Recognised as MVT Facilitator of the Year and Most Transformative Medical Value Travel Company of the Year at Bharat Health’s Sanjeevani 2026
• With operations across 18+ countries and patients assisted from 50+ nationalities, Shinon is strengthening India’s role in global healthcare delivery

Shinon Healthcare, India’s trusted medical-assistance and healthcare consultancy, has been recognized as the ‘MVT Facilitator of the Year’ and ‘Most Transformative Medical Value Travel Company of the Year’ for its contribution to India’s global healthcare ecosystem, at Sanjeevani 2026.

Sanjeevani 2026, a part of Bharat Health, is supported by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India; Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India; and the National Health Authority (NHA), bringing together stakeholders from across India’s healthcare and Medical Value Travel ecosystem.

With a presence across 18+ countries and assisting patients from 50+ nationalities, Shinon has emerged as a growing bridge of hope between international patients and India’s advanced healthcare capabilities. The recognition highlights their work in healthcare, while strengthening India’s position as a global destination for advanced, affordable and high-quality healthcare.

Aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Heal in India’ vision, Shinon’s larger objective is to position India as one of the world’s most trusted healthcare destinations. With this, Shinon aims to bring the world to India’s healthcare ecosystem while taking the strength of Indian healthcare to the world.

Vivaan Aggarwal, Director, Shinon Healthcare, said, “We are deeply honoured to receive the recognitions at Sanjeevani 2026. For us, these awards represent more than an achievement. They validate the direction in which we believe Medical Value Travel needs to evolve.

An international patient’s healthcare journey does not begin when they land in India, and it certainly does not end when they leave the hospital. There are numerous decisions, challenges and support requirements before, during and after treatment. Our responsibility is to be there throughout that journey, helping patients understand their options, connect with the right medical expertise and receive the support they need.”

For Shinon, Medical Value Travel extends far beyond bringing an international patient to India. It means:

• Personalised guidance, not just patient facilitation: The company works across the entire healthcare journey of the patient. Starting from understanding a patient’s medical requirements and identifying suitable treatment options and healthcare institutions, to coordinating travel, airport assistance, accommodation, interpretation, on-ground support and post-treatment follow-ups.
• Taking Indian healthcare closer to the patient: The approach extends beyond facilitating patients to travel to India. Shinon Healthcare continues to undertake international surgical camps and BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) models across countries including Ethiopia, Uzbekistan and Myanmar, taking Indian clinical expertise and healthcare capabilities closer to patients in their home countries. In Uzbekistan, the company has been actively involved in liver healthcare helpline initiative and helping patients navigate specialised liver care and understand potential treatment pathways.

The two recognitions at Sanjeevani 2026 mark a significant milestone in Shinon Healthcare’s journey as it continues to expand its international footprint and strengthen connections between patients worldwide and India’s healthcare ecosystem. From facilitating patients to India to taking Indian healthcare beyond borders, Shinon aims to play a larger role in shaping the future of Medical Value Travel.

The post Shinon Healthcare Receives Honors at Sanjeevani 2026 for Medical Value Travel Leadership, Advancing the ‘Heal in India’ Vision first appeared on Press Release India.

Founded by Yash and Anishkaa Malpani, ISFBP is created to bring the breadth, technical depth and professional discipline of international French baking education to aspiring bakers in India.

For Yash and Anishkaa Malpani, the idea for the International School of French Baking & Pâtisserie did not begin in a classroom. It began while travelling.

Over the years, their travels took them through different countries and food cultures around the world, where they encountered a remarkable breadth of baking and pâtisserie: from traditional French breads and viennoiserie to contemporary desserts, artisan techniques and highly specialised pastry work. What stood out was not simply the variety of products, but the depth with which baking was approached as a profession.

When they returned to India, one question kept coming back: why should aspiring Indian bakers have to travel abroad to experience this breadth of learning?

“Our vision was never simply to open another culinary school. It was to create an institution dedicated entirely to French baking and pâtisserie, where students could train to international standards without leaving India,” said Anishkaa Malpani.

India is home to extraordinary talent and one of the world’s fastest-growing bakery industries. Yet, the founders saw an opportunity to create something more focused: an institution dedicated entirely to French baking and pâtisserie, where students could develop professional skills to international standards without having to leave India.

That vision became the foundation for the International School of French Baking & Pâtisserie (ISFBP), which has now opened its doors in Pune.

Located at 3rd Floor, Mantri Centre, Fergusson Road, Shivajinagar, Pune, ISFBP is designed for students who want to move beyond learning recipes and develop the technical discipline, professional kitchen practices and commercial understanding required to build a career in baking and pâtisserie.

At the heart of the school is a simple philosophy: great baking is built on precision, discipline and an uncompromising respect for technique. Rather than treating French baking as a collection of recipes, ISFBP approaches it as a craft that is developed through practice, repetition and technical understanding.

Two Pathways, One Professional Foundation

ISFBP currently offers two full-time programmes in French Baking & Pâtisserie: the Foundation Programme, spanning 3.5 months, and the Diploma Programme, spanning 6.5 months.

The Foundation in French Baking & Pâtisserie Arts is designed as a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of French baking and pâtisserie. Students work across classical techniques, hands-on training and professional kitchen practices, covering areas such as classical French pastries, petit gâteaux, artisan breads and enriched doughs, basic viennoiserie, chocolate and confectionery fundamentals, travel cakes, tarts, pies, quiches, cookies, plated desserts and wedding cake fundamentals.

For students looking for a more intensive professional pathway, the Diploma in French Baking & Pâtisserie Arts goes considerably deeper. The 6.5-month programme combines advanced French baking and pâtisserie with entrepreneurship and industry exposure. Its curriculum includes advanced viennoiserie and laminated doughs, sourdough, chocolate and confectionery arts, signature tarts and fine pâtisserie, contemporary plated desserts, savoury bakery and café production, celebration cakes, advanced chocolate displays, recipe development, bakery entrepreneurship and business management.

The school’s approach extends beyond classroom instruction. ISFBP emphasises an industry-standard production kitchen, globally sourced ingredients, entrepreneurship and business training, and structured placement assistance for students as they take their next step into the industry. This support extends beyond graduation, with placement assistance available for up to one year after completing the programme, helping graduates navigate opportunities without positioning employment as a guaranteed outcome.

The school also offers a conditional City & Guilds accreditation, providing students with an internationally recognised qualification pathway that is still relatively uncommon among baking and pâtisserie institutions in India.

The programmes are designed to open multiple career pathways, from professional pastry kitchens, hotels and fine-dining establishments to artisan bakeries, cafés, pâtisseries and independent food ventures. Diploma graduates can also pursue roles in chocolate and confectionery, pastry consulting, food product development and bakery entrepreneurship.

Beyond its full-time programmes, ISFBP also conducts one-day and three-day masterclasses designed to introduce more people to the world of French baking and pâtisserie. Open to baking enthusiasts, working professionals and anyone looking to explore the craft, these hands-on sessions offer an opportunity to learn techniques, understand the fundamentals and experience the joy of baking.

With ISFBP now in Pune, that vision has taken its first physical form: a school where the techniques, disciplines and possibilities of professional French baking can be learnt closer to home.

ISFBP is currently accepting enquiries for its 10-seat cohorts at its Pune admissions office.

The post International School of French Baking & Pâtisserie Opens in Pune, Bringing International-Standard Baking Education to India first appeared on Press Release India.

As part of her virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform, “Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact,” Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has published a new leadership article titled “Leadership Beyond the Obvious: How I Worked to Transform Fertility Care and Break Infertility Stigma.” Through the article, Dr. Kelej reflects on her leadership journey in creating and driving the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” movement, and how she looked beyond the immediate challenges in fertility care to address the deeper social, cultural, and communication barriers surrounding infertility. She shares how this approach helped create a broader culture shift alongside strengthening access to fertility care and building healthcare capacity.

To read the full article and access the platform, visit:
https://rashakelej.substack.com/p/leadership-beyond-the-obvious-how

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) shares, “Lasting change rarely comes from solving only the problem you can see. A leader must identify—and then work on—the many layers surrounding it. This is one of the most important leadership lessons I learned through creating the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” movement.

For me, leadership meant looking at the problem from every direction. If there were no trained specialists, we had to build medical capacity. If stigma prevented women and couples from seeking care, we had to change perceptions. If misinformation was being reinforced through public narratives, we had to engage and train the media. If deeply rooted cultural or religious beliefs created resistance, we had to enter those conversations respectfully. And if conventional health communication could not reach everyone, we had to engage artists and creative communities to help carry the message.”

Dr. Kelej personally visited communities across Africa, including rural areas, where she witnessed first-hand how infertility could become a devastating source of social stigma, particularly for women who were too often blamed, discriminated against or isolated for a condition that may have had nothing to do with them. She also encountered cultural and religious resistance to fertility treatment in some communities.

These experiences reinforced her understanding that transforming fertility care and breaking infertility stigma required working across multiple layers at the same time.

Dr. Kelej shared, “We built medical capacity, providing more than 800 scholarships to healthcare providers from 42 countries as part of our “More Than a Mother” movement, including supporting the training of the first local fertility specialists and embryologists in many countries where such specialized local expertise had previously been unavailable.”

“But I knew that training doctors alone would never be enough. We partnered with Africa’s First Ladies as Ambassadors of “More Than a Mother” to help influence communities and create a much-needed culture shift. We engaged Ministries, healthcare professionals, religious and community leaders. Together with local media societies, we trained journalists and media professionals to communicate about infertility accurately, sensitively and responsibly.” She further added

In the article, Dr. Kelej emphasizes that the “More Than a Mother” movement was much more than a medical training program. Under her leadership, it focused on building an ecosystem that strengthened local medical expertise while simultaneously creating the social understanding and acceptance needed for women and couples to seek and benefit from fertility care.

The article is available through Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Mentorship and Leadership Platform, “Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact,” through Substack, that has been launched to create an accessible resource designed to inspire, guide, and support future leaders, particularly women and young future leaders in Africa, Asia and Global South Countries. The platform is accessible to all, ensuring that aspiring leaders from diverse backgrounds can access valuable mentorship, leadership insights, and practical guidance.

Link to Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Mentorship and Leadership Platform: https://open.substack.com/pub/rashakelej

The articles can be freely accessed on Dr. Rasha Kelej’s website: https://rasha-kelej.com/

The links of the articles can also be accessed on Merck Foundation Website: https://merck-foundation.com/

The links can also be accessed on the Social Media channels of Dr. Rasha Kelej and Merck Foundation.

Through her Mentorship and Leadership Platform, Dr. Rasha Kelej is committed to sharing her 32 years of knowledge and experience to support and guide aspiring individuals in unlocking their hidden potential, achieving their professional and personal goals, and becoming the leaders of tomorrow. 

To learn more about Dr. Rasha Kelej’s journey, visit her Social Media Handles: Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

And Merck Foundation Social Media Handles: Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

The post Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej Publishes New Leadership Article: “Leadership Beyond the Obvious: How I Worked to Transform Fertility Care and Break Infertility Stigma” first appeared on Press Release India.

Ireo Boulevard has been recognised at the Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave Awards 2026 for Excellence in Luxury Retail and Thematic Project, reaffirming its distinctive approach to luxury retail that brings together India’s leading designers, world-class architecture, sustainability, and curated lifestyle experiences.

Located on Golf Course Extension Road in Gurugram, Ireo Boulevard redefines the idea of a luxury high‑street. More than a retail destination, it is a sensory experience where elements of nature come together to create a soothing experience. Calm water body, tree-lined promenades, natural wind movement, and sunlight balanced with controlled lighting create a distinctive ambience. This interplay of nature and design transforms retail into a curated environment, setting Ireo Boulevard apart from conventional developments.

The award was received by Pankaj Dugar, Director & CEO, Ireo Hospitality Company Private Limited (IHCPL), during a ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt, Gurugram. 

Presented annually, Times award honour excellence, innovation and leadership across India’s real estate sector. The awards ceremony was attended by industry leaders, where Bollywood actress Kiara Advani presented the award. 

Designed by international architectural firm Foster + Partners, Ireo Boulevard spans approximately 3.5 lakh square feet and is home to more than 55 Indian labels across fashion, lifestyle, home décor and experiential dining. The destination features celebrated brands including Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Valaya, Amit Aggarwal, Masaba, Good Earth, Ensemble, EKA, and many more, alongside distinctive dining experiences such as Cafe Dori, Avatar and JuuJuu. The entire complex, comprising the Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Grand View High Tower beside Ireo Boulevard, is also a 5-Star GRIHA-rated project, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and responsible luxury.

The recognition highlights a growing shift in luxury retail, where consumers increasingly value experiences alongside products. 

Commenting on the achievement, Pankaj Dugar, Director & CEO, IHCPL, said, “Luxury today is defined by how a place makes you feel. At Ireo Boulevard, we set out to create a destination where architecture, curated retail, and nature’s experiences come together seamlessly. This recognition by the Times Realty Awards validates that vision and our belief that luxury retail can be both distinctive and deeply experiential.”

The entire complex is distinguished by its seamless integration with nature, offering visitors a holistic, immersive, and high‑street experience that redefines luxury retail in India.

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