Celebrate Valentine's Day With ORRA Fine Jewellery's Exquisite Box Set, Handcrafted With Love

~ This Valentine’s Day, surprise your loved one with special gift box sets from ORRA Fine Jewellery and enjoy exclusive offers during our Diamond Festival ~

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to love, romance and heartfelt gestures and ORRA Fine Jewellery has an exciting offering for its customers during its Diamond Festival. On this momentous day, the brand is inviting consumers to indulge in the beauty of finely crafted jewellery by exploring ORRA Fine Jewellery’s exquisite box set, a symbol of affection and admiration for their loved ones. The box set represents a dedication to timeless beauty, precision, and reliability, and in a world where love and trust are the strongest pillars of every relationship, ORRA Fine Jewellery's Diamond Festival stands as a steadfast ally in creating unforgettable bonds and exude love beyond boundaries.

ORRA Fine Jewellery, renowned for its commitment to superior quality, has meticulously curated an all-in-one box set promising diligently crafted design that will captivate the hearts of your beloved ones. Comprising of a breathtaking neckpiece, and perfectly matched dainty earrings, this set will be the ideal gift for not just your loved ones, but also for yourself this Valentine’s Day. A standout feature of this box set is also its unbeatable price of just ? 89,999 making luxurious jewellery accessible without compromise. Additionally, one can delve into the enchantment of minimalistic designs from our Solis collection as well, which is a timeless essential for this season of love, treating yourself and your loved ones to the perfect blend of style and elegance.

Explore the diverse range of offerings, from dazzling diamond neckpieces to intricated solitaire designs only at ORRA Fine Jewellery. What’s more is that the brand is offering exclusive discounts, and special offers for the carefully curated collections, now available in-store, promising a sophisticated style statement for every discerning customer.

·       Up to 25% off on diamond jewellery (for a limited period) *

·       0% interest on EMI facilities*

·       100% exchange on old gold*

*Terms and Conditions apply

Experience the lasting charm and simplicity that define ORRA Fine Jewellery, where each piece is not just an accessory but a symbol of enduring love.

About ORRA Fine Jewellery:

The journey of a million gazes began in 1888 before it metamorphosed into ORRA Fine Jewellery. From sculpting and manufacturing diamonds to crafting and retailing the finest diamond and gold jewellery, ORRA Fine Jewellery has come a long way since its inception. Today, ORRA Fine Jewellery is one of India's finest diamond jewellery retail chains, having spread its glow with 97 stores in 40 cities and has consistently been at the forefront of design, leadership, and product innovation with 5 global design centres.

Master craftsmen who have inherited the centuries - old legacy of jewellery making, brilliantly cut Belgian diamonds, delicate designs in diamond jewellery, elaborate bridal sets in coloured stones, the 73-facet patented ORRA Crown Star, the one-of-its-kind ORRA Fine Jewellery store. These are just some of the facets that go into making ORRA Fine Jewellery - The Ultimate Diamond Destination. For more information, visit – https://www.orra.co.in

Alliance Literary Festival The Asian Century', ALF 4.0 From Feb 13-15

Alliance University is hosting the fourth edition of the Alliance Literary Festival (ALF 4.0), a three-day extravaganza celebrating literature, culture, and intellectual dialogue, scheduled from February 13 to February 15, 2025. This year’s theme, “The Asian Century”, highlights Asia’s profound impact on global culture, politics, economy, and art, offering an exceptional platform for literary enthusiasts, academicians, policymakers, diplomats, and cultural connoisseurs to engage in meaningful conversations and immersive experiences.

Mani Shankar Aiyar, Former Minister of Panchayati Raj of India, will inaugurate the event. The inauguration will be graced by Chief Guest Padma Shri Anju Bobby George, Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India, along with the distinguished Guest of Honour, Anil Kumble, former Indian cricketer, coach and commentator.

The inauguration will also be attended by Special Invitees Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev, Consul General of Russia in Chennai, Mr. Shiv Aroor, Indian journalist and writer, Mr. Stanly Johny international affairs editor, Mr. R Jagannathan, Writer and Author, Mr. Andrey Yuryevich Kurkov, Ukrainian author and Public intellectual and Ms. Asako Yuzuki, Japanese Writer.

When: February 13–15, 2025 (Thursday–Saturday), From 9:30 AM onwards

Where: Alliance University – Central Campus, Chikkahadage Cross, Chandapura-Anekal Main Road, Bengaluru – 562106.

PNB Launches “Nationwide MSME Outreach Programme” To Empower Entrepreneurs With Tailored Financial Solutions

Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, is organising the MSME Outreach Programme, aimed to support and empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with customised financial solutions, expert guidance, and prompt delivery.

The one-day event will bring together MSME entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and financial experts, offering them access to tailored credit solutions, competitive interest rates, digital banking tools and government-backed schemes for accelerating business growth.

Attendees can benefit from on-the-spot loan approvals, one-on-one consultations with PNB banking experts, and networking opportunities with key industry stakeholders. Eligible customers can also receive in-principle approvals in cash flow based schemes like PNB GST Express, PNB Trade Growth etc. Additionally, the dedicated digital tab at the event site will enable attendees to instantly access Digi MSME loan, making the approval process faster and more convenient.

Following the success of the PNB Home Loan Expo, PNB is delighted to extend this initiative to the MSME sector, who have been playing a pivotal role in shaping the economy. The MSME Outreach Programme reflects the Bank’s commitment to fostering business growth and financial inclusion by providing entrepreneurs with seamless access to financial solutions, ensuring they have the right support to scale their ventures with confidence. The programme also serves as a one-stop platform for MSMEs to explore the best loan offerings, gain valuable financial insights, and unlock opportunities for growth. Additionally, the programme aims to strengthen awareness about PNB’s MSME loan products, drive quality lending growth and deepen brand loyalty.

Aspiring MSMEs can be a part of this exclusive event on 13 February 2025 at ~200 locations across the country and unlock new growth opportunities. For more details, visit pnbindia.in, contact the nearest branch, or call 1800 1800 / 1800 2021 to explore event locations.

Shriram Finance Raises Over USD 500mn Equivalent Marking One Of The Largest SACE Covered Loan Facility

Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), among the India’s largest NBFC and the flagship company of the Shriram Group, has successfully availed a landmark External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) SACE Push loan facility. This transaction represents the largest SACE, an Italian export credit agency controlled by the Ministry of Economy & Finance, Italy,  covered loan facility ever raised by a NBFC in India from SACE, reinforcing SFL’s position as a leader in offshore fundraising and its ability to diversify funding sources strategically.

This 10-year long-tenor facility is backed by SACE, underlines a strong global partnership aimed at promoting the financing of Italian vehicles, both new and used, under SFL’s Social Finance Framework. The transaction saw participation from leading global financial institutions, including HSBC, Deutsche Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank, ING Bank and J.P. Morgan as Mandated Lead Arrangers and Lenders amounting to EUR 393 million and USD 100 million highlighting the strong confidence of international lenders in SFL’s creditworthiness. HSBC acted as the Sole ECA (Export Credit Agency). Coordinator and ING Bank acted as the Social Loan Coordinator for the transaction.

SFL’s collaboration with SACE reaffirms its ability to structure innovative funding solutions that align with its long-term business strategy. The transaction further demonstrates SFL’s agility in tapping offshore financing markets and expanding its lender base to support sustainable business growth.

This milestone highlights SFL's demonstrated ability to tap into international capital markets, effectively optimizing its funding costs while maintaining a diverse funding mix. With this recent transaction, SFL has successfully secured over USD 2.50 billion in offshore funding in the current financial year, the highest by any NBFC in India in structured finance and sustainable funding initiatives. Commenting on the successful fundraise, Mr. Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman of Shriram Finance Limited, stated: “This landmark transaction showcases our strong ability to navigate global financial markets and forge strategic partnerships with international lenders. Our association with SACE and leading global banks reinforces the confidence that global financial institutions have in SFL’s vision and operational strength. This facility not only enhances our ability to provide financing for Italian vehicles and equipment’s but also strengthens our commitment to financial inclusion and economic development.”

Gautam Bhansali, Head-India & South Asia of SACE stated: “Our relationship with Shriram Finance has only strengthened since 2019 when we executed our first Push Facility and since then over € 100 Mn equivalent of Italian products have been supported by them. This new unique facility is expected to further strengthen our partnership as we simultaneously support Italian excellence and Social activities of Shriram Finance in India.”

Mr. Ajay Sharma, Head of Banking, HSBC India, said, "We are delighted to work alongside SFL to arrange this landmark SACE-backed financing facility, further enhancing our relationship with them and reinforcing HSBC’s strong capabilities as a global ECA arranger. This transaction marks our fourth SACE-backed deal in India in the past 12 months, underscoring our commitment to supporting Indian clients and our strong relationship with the Italian ECA, which spans more than four decades.”

This transaction aligns with SFL’s strategic focus on expanding its lender base and accessing diversified pools of capital to support its mission of empowering small business owners and individuals with responsible financial solutions. By leveraging global partnerships, SFL continues to lead the way in mobilizing sustainable capital for India’s growth and development.

Addverb Unveils Robotics And Automation Solutions With Trakr 2.0, Along With Brisk And HOCA At LogiMAT India 2025

Addverb, a global leader in robotic and automation solutions, proudly introduces three cutting edge products at LogiMAT India 2025, taking place from February 13–15, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The unveiling includes India’s first-ever largest assistive dog robot – Trakr 2.0, a high-order carousel automation system – HOCA, and an intuitive user interface – Brisk, all designed to revolutionize warehouse operations with increased efficiency, safety, and adaptability across various industries through innovative features.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sangeet Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, Addverb, said, " The debut of Trakr 2.0, HOCA, and Brisk at LogiMAT India 2025 represents a significant milestone in our journey of innovation. After the overwhelming response to Trakr last year, we were inspired to develop Trakr 2.0—an even more powerful version with enhanced vision and gesture-based controls. Alongside this, our two new innovative solutions HOCA and Brisk are engineered to address the evolving needs of modern warehousing, offering unparalleled efficiency, precision, and adaptability. At Addverb, we are proud to drive innovation that not only sets new standards of performance but also redefines the concept of space and workplace efficiency.”

·         Trakr 2.0, an advanced quadruped robot, is a versatile robot assistant capable of carrying payloads of up to 20 kg. With features such as battery endurance of 90 minutes, stereo cameras for enhanced vision, and gesture-based commands, the quadruped robot offers a sophisticated yet user-friendly solution for material handling tasks.

·         HOCA, the state-of-the-art High-Speed Order Consolidation and Automation System, provides advanced batch picking capabilities, maximising space utilization and operational flexibility. The HOCA system includes a versatile carousel with dimensions ranging from 5,900 mm to 46,700 mm, multiple carrier size options, and impressive payload capacities of up to 900 kg. Its modular design allows it to be easily integrated into a wide variety of existing warehouse setups, helping businesses scale seamlessly.

·         Brisk, a user-friendly interface is designed to enhance picking processes through innovative features such as gesture-based technology and glove-based EAN scanning. The intuitive interface of Brisk adjusts seamlessly to different lighting environments, ensuring smooth functionality in different warehouse conditions.

With the launch of new products and solutions, Addverb is ready to lead the future of robotics and automation. These solutions tailored for industrial and commercial applications; promise to transform the way industries operate. From intelligent warehouse systems to the pioneering quadruped designed for logistics and defence security, Addverb recently marked a significant milestone with plans to launch its first Humanoid Robot in 2025.

Addverb’s unwavering commitment to quality has earned it a distinguished client roster, including Reliance, HUL, PepsiCo, Maersk, Mondial Relay, DHL, and Landmark, highlighting its reputation for delivering transformative automation solutions. With operations spanning the US, Europe, and Asia, Addverb is poised to redefine robotics in line with India’s “Make in India, Make for the World” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, reinforcing the country’s emerging leadership in global robotics and manufacturing.

61% Of Indians Could Develop Romantic Feelings For An AI Chatbot: Reveals McAfee Study

* 84% of Indians say online dating scams including deepfake audio, video, and imagery, and text and email scam messages, have impacted their ability to trust potential matches.

* 51% of Indians have been approached by an AI chatbot posing as a real person on a dating platform or social media.

* Social media (96%) is the most preferred platform, alongside dating websites and apps (91%), and messaging apps (84%) to meet potential partners, opening a vast pool for potential scammers.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air – and so are scams. As millions turn to dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms to find love, new McAfee India research reveals an alarming rise in AI-driven romance scams, fraudulent dating apps, and deepfake deception – making it harder than ever for hopeful romantics to tell the difference between true love and a digital con.

The Rise of the AI-Powered Fauxmance

While online dating has become a popular method for meeting potential romantic partners., the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in this realm has brought about new challenges.

61% think it’s possible for people to develop romantic feelings for an AI chatbot. Approximately half (51%) reported that they or someone they know have been approached by an AI chatbot posing as a real person on a dating platform or social media. This has raised concerns about emotional vulnerabilities, with 38% believing that forming an emotional bond with an AI chatbot increases susceptibility to scams.

"Online dating has indeed revolutionized our approach to forging connections with potential partners. However, our survey highlights that it comes with its own set of challenges. 84% of Indians say online dating scams including deepfake audio, video, and imagery, and text and email scam messages, have impacted their ability to trust potential matches. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, it's crucial to remain vigilant and continually educate ourselves about the ever-evolving online scams.” highlights Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering, McAfee.

The Online Romance Boom 

In today's digital dating scene, Indians prefer social media platforms over dating apps or websites to connect with potential romantic partners, with Instagram (85%) leading, followed by Snapchat (46%), WhatsApp (55%), and Telegram (50%). Among dating apps, Tinder (61%) is the most popular, followed by Facebook Dating (36%), Bumble (33%), and Match (23%). As more people search for love online, the risk of scams rises, with scammers using fake profiles and AI-driven deceptions to target unsuspecting online love seekers.

Scammers impersonating famous personalities

Social media has become a common platform for scams involving impersonation of celebrities or well-known figures. 42% of individuals reported that they or someone they know has been approached on social media by someone claiming to be a celebrity or a well-known figure. These impersonators often engage targets through fan-based interactions, creating a sense of authenticity and trust.

The impact of falling for such a “celebrity” scam can be severe. Of those who fell for it or knew someone who did, 47% experienced financial loss, 48% lost personal information leading to potential identity theft, and 56% experienced emotional distress. Many have faced scams where they were offered fake chances to meet or collaborate, romantic interest, expensive giveaways, and VIP passes.

Online Romance Scamiverse:

Real v/s what’s Fake

69% of Indians say they’ve come across “fake profiles” and/or photos that look AI-generated on dating websites or apps, or on social media. This includes 34% who’ve seen these on mainstream dating platforms (for example, Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, Match, Hinge, Happn), 54% on social media platforms (for example, Facebook, Instagram, X / Twitter), 21% on specialized dating platforms (for example, Facebook Dating, Bumble), 15% on chat forums or communities (for example, Reddit, Quora, various gaming platforms), and 12% on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. 

While 34% have had the misfortune of interacting with a scammer disguised as a romantic prospect, 28% of individuals found themselves conversing with what they believed was a potential love interest, only to later discover it was an AI-generated bot.

Financial Loss

A significant 70% of people have either been scammed out of money, valuables, other assets, or been pressured to buy gifts or send money by someone they met online. These scams are not limited to one platform; they are prevalent across social media (42%), dating apps (19%), and text or email (19%).

Victims were scammed or asked for an average of ?364,939, with 32% unable to recover their losses, highlighting the financial risks of online interactions and the need for vigilance.

How to Stay Safe While Looking for Love Online

With online romance scams on the rise, McAfee urges daters to be extra cautious and offers the following advice:

Question too-good-to-be-true matches – If someone avoids video calls, moves conversations off-platform quickly, or declares love too soon, proceed with caution.

Verify their identity – Reverse image search profile pictures and check social media activity to confirm if they are who they claim to be.

Protect personal information – Scammers use small details like birthdays or pet names to guess passwords and commit identity theft.

Never send money or gifts – No legitimate romantic partner should ever ask for financial assistance.

Use online protection tools – Tools like McAfee Scam Protection can detect and block suspicious messages, phishing attempts, and AI-generated fraud in real time.

Invest in holistic online protection like McAfee+. Use products that provide maximum identity, privacy, and device protection. Help keep yourself and your family safe online with protection that detects and protects against suspicious links and sites so you can browse online with greater confidence. For those with a supported device, take advantage of McAfee Deepfake Detector to alert you of deepfake audio within videos.

About McAfee

McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection, dedicated to safeguarding consumers from evolving cyber threats. Focused on protecting people, not just devices, McAfee provides intuitive, integrated security solutions to help individuals and families stay safe in an always-connected world. Learn more at www.mcafee.com.

Research methodology 

A McAfee survey, which focused on the topic of romance scams and the impact of these scams on consumers, was conducted online in February 2025. 7,000 adults in the US, UK, France, Germany, India, Japan, and Australia, age 18+, participated in the study. 

Shraddha Eye Care, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Ramana Rao’s ‘Village Clinic’ Partner To Improve Access Across Rural Bangalore

*       Signed a MoU to establish a dedicated ophthalmic wing at Dr. Rao's clinic, with advanced eye care services to underserved rural patients of Bangalore

*        43% require prescription glasses, 40% have untreated cataracts and 72% Patients are Females, indicating a critical need for specialised vision care services to underserved communities

Shraddha Eye Care Trust, the non-profit wing of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday, with Padma Shri Dr. B. Ramana Rao, the renowned Bangalore-based Physician and Cardiologist, to provide eye care services at his ‘Bhanuvara Grama Chikitsalaya’, also known as Sunday Village Clinic in T.Begur, Bangalore.

Dr. B. Ramana Rao has been running a free medical clinic every Sunday for over 51 years, offering a variety of critical primary medical services and bridge the healthcare gap by making specialized healthcare services accessible to the underserved communities. The Village Clinic has become a lifeline for many individuals below poverty line who have limited access to quality healthcare.

The Village Clinic offers comprehensive, free healthcare, including basic health checkups like blood pressure and blood sugar, electrocardiograms (ECGs), nebulization, dental, oral care, medications, injections, and free hot meals for Patients traveling long distances. Dr. Sri Ganesh and Shraddha Eye Care Trust are now joining hands to offer a new Ophthalmic wing established at Dr. Rao's Village Clinic, fully equipped and operated by Shraddha Eye Care Trust, to bring quality eye care services to the rural Patients.

“Quality healthcare is a basic human right and everyone deserves access to specialized treatment and advanced technology. Our collaboration with Shraddha Eye Care Trust allows us to provide just that, expanding our eye care services with a dedicated Ophthalmic wing. This will make a real difference in ensuring good eye health for all. The new Ophthalmic wing represents a significant milestone, bringing us closer to our goal of accessible and comprehensive healthcare for all rural communities,” said Padma Shri Dr. B Ramana Rao.

This dedicated eye care facility within the existing clinic structure will offer comprehensive eye care services. This partnership would ensure that patients visiting the camp can access quality eye care services, and address the critical need for advanced eye care services in underserved rural areas around Karnataka.

Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and Managing Trustee at Shraddha Eye Care Trust & CMD of Nethradhama Hospitals Pvt Ltd added, “We are honored to partner with Padma Shri Dr. Ramana Rao and his Village Clinic. The need for quality eye care in rural areas is immense. Many suffer from preventable vision loss simply because they lack access to basic eye care services. This collaboration will enable us to reach more people in rural Karnataka, and provide them with quality eye care services with advanced clinical equipment and specialty care. Through this partnership, we expect to conduct comprehensive eye examinations for the Patients who lack access to healthcare services.”

Over 2,000 people from across Karnataka visit the camp every Sunday to avail the facilities. Around 43% Patients were unaware that they need prescription eyeglasses, while 40% have untreated cataracts, which need a dedicated Ophthalmic care within the centre. This highlights the immediate need for proactive eye care intervention in rural communities.