Bengaluru, 25 August 2026: India’s premier performance helmet brand, SMK Helmets, has achieved a significant milestone in helmet safety, with its top selling full-face helmet Typhoon receiving a 4-Star safety rating from SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme), the UK’s independent, government-funded helmet safety body. The achievement makes SMK the first Indian helmet manufacturer to secure a 4-Star SHARP rating.  

Run by the UK’s Department for Transport since 2007, SHARP was created to give riders safety information that goes beyond the pass/fail minimum required under regulatory certification such as ECE 22.05/22.06. Helmets are bought directly from UK retailers rather than supplied by manufacturers, so the models tested are the same ones available to riders. For every model, SHARP runs 32 impact tests across seven helmet samples of varying sizes, striking each helmet at five head zones under three linear impact speeds –  6, 7.5 and 8.5 metres per second, to measure the force transmitted to the head. And then, the helmet is rated out of a maximum 5 stars. The resulting star rating is one of the most closely watched independent safety benchmarks in the global helmet industry, and the Typhoon’s 4-Star score sits alongside ratings earned by decades-old global helmet brands tested under the same protocol. 

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director & CEO at SMK said, “SMK has engineered helmets around top protection for years – The SHARP rating is simply independent, public validation of that approach. The Typhoon’s score reflects a standard we’ve held ourselves to well before any external test came along to measure it: materials, construction and design built to perform, not just to pass. Indian riders deserve helmets tested to the same yardstick as the world’s best-known brands, and this is a step toward making that the norm rather than the exception.” 

The full-face SMK Typhoon is built of Energy-Impact-Resistant Thermoplastic (EIRT) shell weighing ~ 1.6kg, and features a quick-release buckle, drop-down sun visor, Pinlock 30® Lens, anti-scratch visor coatings, and multi-point ventilation. It is certified to the ECE 22.06 standard set by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and is sold in seven sizes from XS to XXXL. The model is available across SMK’s authorized dealer network and online channels in India, starting from ₹5,200 (MRP). 

The Typhoon’s SHARP rating and this year’s entry into international motorsport, as technical helmet sponsor of the Moto4 Latin Cup, are two sides of the same effort –  years of engineering work behind a brand that’s begun to compete globally, not just sell globally. Across its helmet range, that shows up as a consistent emphasis on materials, construction and testing that goes beyond what regulation requires.

SMK helmets are already sold in more than 40 countries. The SHARP rating is a testament to the fact that Indian helmet engineering can now compete with long-established international brands on measured safety performance, not price alone. 

Link to the SHARP SMK Typhoon Helmet Safety Rating: https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/helmets/smk-typhoon/

MUMBAI, India—August 24, 2026—Prime Video, India’s largest streaming service for exclusive Originals, has announced September 25 as the worldwide premiere of its upcoming Prime Original Movie, Don’t Be Shy. Written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji, produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt, under the banner of Eternal Sunshine Productions, and co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani, the coming-of-age romantic comedy is headlined by a young cast of fresh faces Aarushi Bajaj, Piyush Khati, Bianca Arora, and Ansh Duggal, who bring to life a story about friendship, young love, heartbreak, dreams, and the complex process of figuring life out as a young adult. The film also stars Kunaal Roy Kapur, Anurag Basu, Neha Dhupia, and Anju Alva Naik in pivotal roles.

“Don’t Be Shy is one of our most cherished films, and we’re thrilled to finally announce its global streaming premiere,” said Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals, Prime Video (SVOD) and Amazon MGM Studios India. “This film introduces four extraordinary new actors—Aarushi, Ansh, Bianca, and Piyush—who bring an incredible freshness and authenticity to their roles. Led by Sreeti Mukerji and shaped by the creative vision of Alia and Shaheen Bhatt, Don’t Be Shy is a joyful, heartfelt celebration of friendship, love, and the beautifully messy journey of growing up. We can’t wait for audiences to immerse themselves in Shy’s world.”

“Don’t Be Shy has been extremely special to us from the very beginning, and we couldn’t be prouder to see it come to life. It captures something so honest about being young—the friendships that shape you, the first loves that change you, the heartbreaks that stay with you, and the process of gradually figuring out who you are. What excites us most is this brilliant young cast; their energy, vulnerability, and chemistry are magnetic, and they bring such life and honesty to these characters. We can’t wait for audiences in India and around the world to meet Shy and get swept into her wonderful, chaotic world,” said Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt, co-founders of Eternal Sunshine Productions, in a joint statement.

Don’t Be Shy will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in Hindi with English subtitles, across India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide, on September 25, 2026.

“Omkar Swaroop Shree Lahari Krishna Amrut Geetayan” Brings Together Six Of India’s Leading Playback & Devotional Singers For An Album Rooted In The Message Of “One God, One Nation” 

Mumbai, Aug 25: A new Hindi devotional audio album – Omkar Swaroop Shree Lahari Krishna Amrut Geetayan, was released on 23^rd Aug at a special ceremony at Annoor Banquet Hall in Ghatkopar, bringing together some of India’s most celebrated musical voices for a project centred on spirituality, unity and interfaith harmony.

The album features twelve devotional songs rendered by singers Shankar Mahadevan, Anup Jalota, Sadhana Sargam, Vijay Prakash, Madhushree and Bharat Kamal. Music is composed and directed by Shailesh Dani, with lyrics written by Suresh Tiwari Yash.

Produced by Uphaz Navaraja and Leo Columbus, the album draws on the essence of the Vedas and spiritual scriptures, presenting them through devotional music for a wide audience of listeners.

A Project Rooted in Interfaith Harmony 

The album was created under the guidance of Uphaz Navaraja, President of Manujothi Ashram, a spiritual and social institution based in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. Founded by Shreeman Narayana Shree Lahari Krishna, the Ashram is known for its guiding principle of “One God! One Nation!” — the belief that God is one and that all human beings are His creation.

Manujothi Ashram has organised National Integration and Interfaith Conferences across India, working to promote harmony among people regardless of caste, religion, race, region or language.

Distinguished Guests and Nationwide Participation 

The Mumbai launch drew a wide gathering of spiritual leaders, public figures and devotees. Guests included Pandit Prem Prakash Dubey, the renowned Sundarkand narrator; Dr Shankar Prasad Vemula, Founder and Chairman of Vemula Charitable Trust; Rajesh Bhosle, Founder Chairman of Consumer Forum, Delhi; Navnit A. Pranjivan Bhai Trivedi, Member, Mayor-in-Council; and Joshi Hasmukh Bhai Ratilal.

Devotees of Shreeman Narayana Shree Lahari Krishna travelled from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country to attend the release.

In His Own Words 

Speaking at the launch, Uphaz Navaraja said:

“At Manujothi Ashram, people study the Bhagavad Gita, read the Quran and meditate upon all the Vedas. The Ashram is a training centre for attaining spiritual knowledge and is emerging as a research centre for the study of the Vedas. We wish that everyone who listens to these spiritual songs may be blessed with long life, prosperity, good health and spiritual thoughts, and may attain liberation in life.”

The newly unveiled installation features a fully weatherproof, 20-meter-long scale model of the ship situated in the open-air space outside the airport terminal building. The model is fully designed, installed, and maintained by GRSE. The non-commercial display serves as a striking landmark for millions of passengers, symbolizing “Atmanirbharta” and a proud collaboration between AAI and GRSE while bringing indigenous naval technology prowess of the country closer to the public eye.

The initiative reflects the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ and underscores the transformative power of ‘Atmanirbharta’ (Self-Reliance) in warship building. Placed at one of Eastern India’s busiest international gateways, the exhibit highlights the country’s technological capabilities and rapid strides in defense manufacturing to domestic and global travelers alike.

The scale model represents the Project 17A (Himgiri Class) Advanced Guided-Missile Frigate programme, one of India’s most ambitious indigenous warship-building initiatives. Designed for multi-mission operations, including anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, these next-generation stealth frigates incorporate advanced weapons, sensors and survivability features. Measuring 149 metres in length and displacing approximately 6,670 tonnes, the warships are powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system and represent a generational leap in indigenous warship design, stealth, firepower, automation and combat capability.

GRSE has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of Project 17A. The first GRSE-built frigate, Himgiri, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 31 July 2025, while the second frigate, Dunagiri, was delivered on 30 March 2026 and subsequently commissioned into service by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 21 June 2026. The third and final frigate of the class being built by GRSE, Vindhyagiri, is currently at an advanced stage of construction. These technologically advanced warships reflect India’s growing expertise in indigenous warship design and construction and stand as powerful symbols of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

As a Premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) operating from Kolkata since 1960, GRSE holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian shipyard to have built and delivered the highest number of warships to the nation’s armed forces. To date, the shipyard has built and delivered 118 warships, including 80 warships for the Indian Navy, a record unmatched by any shipyard in the country. GRSE is currently constructing multiple advanced platforms, including one Project 17A Advanced Frigate, four Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWCs), four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), and several commercial and export vessels.

“Women often have a less dramatic presentation. Unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, discomfort in the back, shoulder, neck or jaw, acidity, heartburn, epigastric pain, lightheadedness, nausea, sweating and palpitations can sometimes be cardiac symptoms and should not be casually dismissed,” said Dr. Chandrama Das, Consultant Cardiologist, Peerless Hospital Guwahati.

While cardiovascular health is important at every stage of a woman’s life, Dr. Chandrama identifies menopause as a particularly important period for reassessing cardiac risk. She also highlighted often-overlooked risk factors including PCOS, early menopause before 40, pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, smoking and thyroid disease.

“Pregnancy-related complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes should not simply be forgotten once pregnancy is over. They can be markers of future cardiovascular risk and deserve attention as part of a woman’s long-term health,” she said.

Dr. Chandrama also cautioned that cardiac symptoms do not always result from a major coronary blockage. Coronary microvascular dysfunction, vasospastic angina and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) can cause cardiac symptoms without significant conventional coronary artery obstruction.

“Everyone thinks heart disease is a man’s disease, but it is not so. We also tend to overlook non-specific symptoms in women because they do not resemble the classic symptoms we expect. And although heart disease is less common in young women, it can happen,” Dr. Chandrama said.

“Women make up nearly half of the world’s population, yet cardiovascular health in women continues to receive less attention than it deserves. Heart disease is not exclusively a male health concern, and greater awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and warning signs among women is essential. Early recognition and timely medical care can play an important role in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease among women,” said Dr. Gautam Kr Das, CEO, Peerless Hospital Guwahati.

Peerless Hospital Guwahati provides comprehensive cardiac care including interventional cardiology, coronary angiography and angioplasty, echocardiography, heart failure and arrhythmia management, pacemaker and AICD implantation, and critical and emergency cardiac care.

The award recognises REC’s continued commitment to using sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, inclusion and community development, creating opportunities and enabling aspiring talent across the country.

REC’s CSR interventions in the sports sector reflect its focus on nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity and creating avenues for youth to realise their potential. By supporting sports development, REC Foundation continues to contribute towards building a more inclusive and empowered society.

The camp aimed at promoting awareness among school students about various aspects of adolescent health and encouraging healthy habits for a healthier future. In all 82 students were screened during the programme, including 27 students from Kindergarten to Standard I and 55 students from Classes IX and X.

A team of medical specialists from Ispat General Hospital attended the camp and interacted with the students. The medical team included Dr. Aishwarya Mishra, Paediatrician; Dr. Ajay Jena, Paediatrician and Dr. Chandrakala Rani, Obstetrics & Gynaecology specialist.

The programme covered important aspects of adolescent well-being, including nutrition and fitness, mental health, growth and development, puberty and sexual health, substance-abuse awareness and preventive healthcare. The students were also encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle practices and seek timely medical advice whenever required.

The initiative reflects the commitment of IGH and the CSR Department of Rourkela Steel Plant towards community health and preventive healthcare, with a special focus on the health and well-being of children and adolescents..

A total of 127 candidates were inducted into the services of ECL under various employment and rehabilitation initiatives. Of these, 111 candidates have been appointed under the Dependent Employment Scheme in accordance with the provisions of the National Coal Wage Agreement (NCWA), while 16 candidates have been appointed under ECL’s Resettlement & Rehabilitation (R&R) Policy.

The ceremony was graced by CMD, ECL, Shri Satish Jha, and Shri Gunjan Kumar Sinha, Director (HR), ECL, in the presence of Shri Nazrul Islam, General Manager, WBE Department, ECL; Shri Punyadeep Bhattacharya, General Manager (HR/IR), ECL; Shri RRR Lakra, General Manager (Welfare & CSR), ECL, along with other senior officers of the company.

Representatives of various trade unions, HoDs, senior officials and employees from ECL HQs and different Areas of ECL were also present at the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the senior management emphasised the significance of the induction of the new appointees and encouraged them to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, dedication and a strong commitment towards the organisation’s objectives. The occasion also underscored ECL’s continued efforts towards strengthening its workforce while fulfilling its commitments under applicable employment and rehabilitation frameworks.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Head of the Employment & Recruitment Department, ECL, Shri Dibyajyoti Ghosh, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, trade union representatives, officers, employees and all participants for their presence and contribution towards the successful conduct of the ceremony.

The two-day conference, themed “Sustainability Education for Transformative Action,” will bring together policymakers, educators, researchers, development practitioners, industry leaders and young changemakers to examine how education can move beyond awareness and knowledge to build the skills, leadership and capacities needed for systems thinking, innovation and collective action, for accelerating meaningful action on the SDGs.

“The road to 2030 is a race against time. Progress on every SDG depends, in some way, on education on what people learn, the skills they develop and how that knowledge is translated into action. ICSE 2026 seeks to move the conversation beyond awareness and intent towards practical, measurable and scalable solutions,” said Pradip Burman, Chairman, Mobius Foundation.

Since its inception in 2019, ICSE has evolved into a platform for dialogue and collaboration on Education for Sustainable Development, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors and countries.

Leading voices across sustainability, education and development

The conference will feature 10-12 eminent voices from across environmental action, education, policy, development, industry and civil society, reflecting the breadth of sustainability challenges that require an education-led response.

Opening addresses will be delivered by Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment; Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI; and Kartikeya Sarabhai, Founder Director, Centre for Environment Education, alongside the leadership of Mobius Foundation.

Also participating in the deliberations will be Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO, WWF-India; Dr. Radhika Khosla, University of Oxford; Ms. Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India; Mr. Arpit Sharma, CEO, Skill Council for Green Jobs; Mr. Pranshu Singhal, Founder and Director, Karo Sambhav; Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General, Agriculture Extension, ICAR; Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan, Padma Shri Awardee; Ms. Harshika Singh, IAS, Government of Madhya Pradesh; and Mr. Ashok Khosla, Founder and President, Development Alternatives, among other distinguished speakers from around the globe.

Together, these voices will bring perspectives from classrooms and universities to government, industry, grassroots organisations and communities reflecting the conference’s central proposition that sustainability education must connect knowledge with real-world action.

Across ten plenary sessions, ICSE 2026 will examine some of the most pressing sustainability and development challenges confronting India and the world today, including:

• Green Economy, Green Careers, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation : building the skills and education pathways required for emerging green careers and enterprises;
• Sustainable Innovation at Scale : connecting research, technology and education with solutions that can move from laboratories to communities and markets;
• Recycling and Critical Minerals : understanding the role of circularity, resource efficiency and new skills in the evolving green economy;
• Sustainable Agriculture and Just Rural Transition : strengthening education and knowledge systems that can support farmers and rural communities in responding to changing environmental and economic conditions;
• Population Stabilisation and Health Systems : examining how government, philanthropy and civil society can work together to strengthen family planning and reproductive health outcomes;
• Women as Climate Change Makers : exploring the role of women’s education, leadership and participation in driving climate action;
• Youth and Climate Action : recognising young people not simply as beneficiaries of sustainability education, but as creators of solutions through the Youth for Earth (Y4E) Conclave and Awards; and
• Environmental Education and Global Cooperation : examining how environmental education can support transformative action across communities, institutions and countries. 

Why Sustainability Education Matters Now

With the need to accelerate India’s and the global energy transition, strengthen food security and health outcomes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the natural ecological balance, healthy ecosystems and sustainable food sources, the challenge is no longer only about creating awareness of sustainability. It is about building the knowledge, skills, institutions and leadership needed to translate these priorities into action. From preparing young people for green jobs and supporting communities in responding to climate variability, to strengthening circular economy skills, reducing emissions and enabling informed decisions that can help address extreme weather events, education increasingly sits at the intersection of interconnected environmental, economic and social challenges.

ICSE 2026 will therefore focus on the shift from “knowing” to “doing”, showcasing experiences, examining what has worked, identifying gaps and exploring how successful approaches can be scaled through partnerships between government, academia, civil society and industry.

“Sustainability education cannot remain confined to classrooms or conference halls,” said Priyanka Sharma, President & CEO, Mobius Foundation. “It has to become an enabler of the green economy building pathways for green careers and entrepreneurship, fostering green innovation at scale, and shaping decisions that contribute to a sustainable future. This requires engaging across the entire education continuum, from schools and undergraduate education to postgraduate, professional, technical and vocational learning, with a stronger focus on environment and sustainability. ICSE has grown into a platform where these conversations can move beyond panels and into partnerships, innovation and action.”

The conference will conclude with the presentation and formal adoption of recommendations emerging from the two-day discussions, providing a framework for further policy and institutional engagement.

To register for the conference visit https://icse-esd.org/icse-2026-registration/

Delhi, August 24, 2026: College Rivals Season 4, India’s premier collegiate gaming and youth culture movement, today announced EA SPORTS as its Official Game Partner for the upcoming season, bringing EA SPORTS FC Mobile to campuses across India.

With an estimated 300 million football fans, India is one of the world’s largest football audiences. The collaboration reflects the growing intersection of football, gaming and youth culture, bringing one of the world’s leading football gaming experiences closer to the country’s next generation of gamers.

The partnership aims to bring its games closer to India’s next generation of gaming enthusiasts by making it a core part of the College Rivals experience. Across 80+ colleges in 35+ cities, students will engage through on-campus activations, competitive esports formats, creator-led experiences and community initiatives, also leveraging College Rivals’ nationwide student ambassador network.

As India’s largest collegiate gaming and youth culture movement, College Rivals continues to expand across multiple gaming platforms, spanning mobile, PC and console experiences. The partnership further reinforces this vision, bringing one of the world’s biggest football gaming franchises into the College Rivals ecosystem. It expands opportunities for students to connect, play, and compete, while celebrating the passion, creativity and competitive spirit of young gamers across the country.

The collaboration will also explore campaigns aligned with key gaming and entertainment moments throughout the season, including opportunities around the highly anticipated launch of EA SPORTS FC 27, further strengthening the connection between football gaming, youth culture and campus communities.

Season 4 marks College Rivals’ most ambitious edition yet, featuring a season-long calendar of campus activations, online competitions and community-led experiences across 100+ colleges in 40+ cities.  Built for India’s Gen Z audience, the platform merges gaming, pop culture, music, and dance through immersive experiences. GamingCon Bharat will serve as one of several marquee on-ground moments during the season, alongside digital experiences and campus engagement across the country.

Commenting on the partnership, Ashutosh Sharma, Head of Publishing for India and SEA, EA SPORTS said, “India is an incredibly exciting market for gaming, with a young, connected audience and a deep passion for football. Our partnership with College Rivals gives us an opportunity to bring EA SPORTS FC Mobile closer to students in an authentic, community-led way, creating more opportunities for players to connect, compete and share their love of the world’s game. We are excited to work with College Rivals to build meaningful experiences across campuses and strengthen our connection with the next generation of players in India.”

Charlie Baillie, CEO Ampverse Group, said, “College Rivals has always been about building communities and creating meaningful opportunities for young audiences to engage with gaming and entertainment. Our partnership with EA SPORTS strengthens this vision by bringing one of the world’s most recognised football gaming experiences closer to India’s college ecosystem. Together, we aim to create experiences that go beyond competition and help foster a deeper connection between students, gaming and youth culture.”

Through this partnership, College Rivals and EA SPORTS FC Mobile Season Update aim to further strengthen the gaming ecosystem in India by creating accessible and engaging experiences for students while celebrating the passion, creativity and competitive spirit of young gamers across the country.