PNB Offers Online PPF Account Opening Through A Seamless Do-it- Yourself (DIY) Journey

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading public sector bank, is offering online digital Public Provident Fund (PPF) account opening facility through its PNB-One Mobile Banking App, Internet banking and PNB website. This initiative enables both existing PNB customers and new-to-bank customers to open PPF accounts entirely online through a seamless Do-It-Yourself (DIY) journey.

The new digital PPF platform represents PNB's commitment to making long-term investment products accessible to every Indian. Available across multiple digital touchpoints including PNB One mobile application, Internet Banking Services (IBS), and PNB's corporate website, this facility eliminates the traditional barriers of branch visits and paperwork for PPF account opening.

 Comprehensive Features for Enhanced Customer Experience

 The digital PPF platform offers a range of sophisticated features designed to enhance customer experience:

• Built-in PPF Calculator: Interactive tool to calculate investment returns with adjustable duration and amount sliders

• Video KYC Integration: Seamless video-based know-your-customer verification for new customers

• Multi-Authentication Options: Flexible login using Customer ID or Account Number for existing customers

• Aadhaar Integration: Secure authentication through Aadhaar-based verification

• Real-time Payment Processing: Instant payment through existing accounts or payment gateway

• Branch Selection Facility: Comprehensive branch search by state, district, or branch name 

Shri Suresh Kumar Rana, Chief General Manager HO: BA & RM, PNB said “We are ensuring that the benefits of PPF reach every corner of our nation. This facility is a paperless process and a new PPF account can be opened instantly from anywhere, at any time using bank’s online platforms”.

Honda India Foundation Hands Over 50 Customized "Honda CB350 Quick Response Team Vehicles To Karnataka Police" Under Project

‘Sadak Sahayak: Surakshit Marg, Surakshit Jiwan’

Supporting road safety, community welfare and faster emergency response across the state 

As part of its efforts to help build safer communities and to take a step forward towards Honda’s global vision of a collision-free society by 2050, Honda India Foundation (HIF), the CSR arm for all Honda group of companies in India has handed over 50 specially equipped Quick Response Team (QRT) vehicles to the Karnataka Police as part of its ‘Sadak Sahayak: Surakshit Marg, Surakshit Jiwan’ project. This initiative is part of HIF’s broader road safety and community welfare programme, aimed at creating safer roads and strengthening public safety mechanisms throughout the state.

As part of a larger national effort, HIF aims to handover 300 QRT vehicles by the end of this year across Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. Recently, a total of 200 Honda QRT vehicles were handed over to Gujarat, Chandigarh and Rajasthan police to strengthen road safety initiatives. The collaboration reflects Honda India Foundation’s continued focus on public-private partnerships in advancing road safety and community resilience. The initiative highlights a shared vision for safer roads and a better-managed traffic ecosystem.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. G Parameshwara, Hon’ble Home Minister, Karnataka as the Chief guest, along with Shri. Tushar Girinath, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government Home Department and Dr. M.A. Saleem, IPS, Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka, Shri. Seemant Kumar Singh, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru and Shri. Kartik Reddy, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Bengaluru as Guests of Honour.

Shri. Prabhu Nagaraj, Operating Officer, Corporate Affairs, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India and Shri. Sunil Mittal, Operating Officer, Narsapura Plant, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India also attended the ceremony to mark the handover of QRT vehicles, along with other key officials from Government of Karnataka and members from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India.

The QRT vehicles, based on Honda CB350, are equipped with revolving flashers and blinkers, a public announcement system, siren, flashlight, side and rear storage boxes and two Honda safety helmets. These enhancements aim to help police teams respond more quickly in high-density and sensitive areas. The vehicles are intended to strengthen emergency response and empower police personnel with better tools to carry out their responsibilities effectively and safely. Designed for mobility and agility, they enhance the ability of officers to reach critical locations faster, saving lives, reducing injuries and improving on-ground law enforcement efficiency.

M.S. Dhoni Partner With Arth By Emcure To Launch “So Jao” - A Campaign Promoting Better Sleep And Everyday Well-Being

Arth by Emcure, a holistic wellness brand dedicated to blending science with nature, has announced its latest collaboration with cricket legend M.S. Dhoni to promote its offering, Arth Sleep Support Gummies. The partnership launches the brand’s new campaign, “So Jao”, which highlights Arth’s mission to prioritize peaceful sleep, helping people rejuvenate, restore balance and support overall well-being.

Rooted in the belief that true wellness begins with balance, “So Jao” takes a light-hearted yet meaningful approach to remind people about one of the most underrated acts of self-care, SLEEP. The campaign encourages individuals to slow down, relax and prioritize quality rest in their daily routine.

Known for his calm and composed demeanor, M.S. Dhoni perfectly embodies Arth’s values of harmony, resilience, and mindful living. In the campaign film, he appears in a refreshing and relatable avatar, encouraging everyone to pause, breathe and simply So Jao. Because no matter what keeps you up at night, a good night’s sleep is always the better choice.

Speaking about the collaboration, Namita Thapar, Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said, “Wellness begins with balance, and sleep plays a central role in that journey. Through ‘So Jao’, we want to remind people that rest is an act of self-care. Having M.S. Dhoni as the face of this thought brings authenticity and calm to the message. We hope that by offering well-designed nutraceuticals, we can help people enjoy better sleep while supporting their overall well-being.”

Sleep has emerged as a new health crisis, posing serious risks to both physical and mental well-being. Peer reviewed study published in Scientific Reports (Nature, 2025) found that Indian adults average about 6.9 hours of total daily sleep, including 6.4 hours of nighttime sleep, highlighting widespread short sleep durations.

Research published in the International Journal of Psychology (2025) revealed that sleep deprivation negatively impacts cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and decision-making. Interest in “sleep gummies” has surged, with search volume increasing by 650% over the past year. The study highlights a growing shift toward natural, non-habit-forming sleep aids such as melatonin and magnesium, which are increasingly being incorporated into nightly wellness routines to support better sleep. As a result, sleep supplements are increasingly being integrated into daily wellness routines to promote better sleep.

Formulated with Melatonin, L-theanine, Chamomile & Passion Flower Extract, the Arth Sleep Support Gummies are designed to aid sleep and relaxation. Each gummy is made with selected ingredients and tested for quality in FDA-approved labs in the USA. It’s 100% vegetarian and contains 5mg melatonin per serving, with minimal calories.

The “So Jao” campaign reflects the brand’s motto and purpose, encouraging people to prioritize restful, quality sleep as part of a balanced lifestyle that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being.

About Arth by Emcure:

Arth by Emcure is a holistic wellness brand that combines the power of science and nature to support better living. With a focus on daily wellness, Arth offers thoughtfully designed products that help individuals achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Instagram: @arthbyemcure

About Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd:

Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (EPL) is a leading Indian pharma company headquartered in Pune engaged in developing, manufacturing and globally marketing a broad range of pharmaceutical products. Known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and patient-centricity, Emcure is an R&D driven company that develops and manufactures a wide range of differentiated pharmaceutical products designed to improve patient health and well-being across several major therapeutic areas. Established in 1981, EPL is ranked as the 12th largest pharma company in India in terms of Domestic Sales for MAT June 2024. Emcure is present in 70+ countries globally including Europe and Canada.

Godrej Enterprises Group Introduces India’s First 48V Li-ion Electric Hand Pallet Truck

Godrej Enterprises Group’s Material Handling Equipment business today announced the launch of GEPT 20, India’s first 48V Li-ion powered electric hand pallet truck, marking a significant leap in warehouse mobility and efficiency. At a time when India's logistics sector is experiencing a surge in orders volumes and the demand for faster, safer operations, the GEPT 20 is intended for the country's evolving warehousing landscape. It delivers three times higher productivity than conventional hand pallet trucks, thanks to its fast lifting, long runtime, precise control, and robust durability. 

With a runtime of over 4 hours on a single charge, the GEPT 20 effortlessly handles loads up to 2 tonnes. Its turtle speed mode ensures safe maneuvering in high-density workspaces, making it ideal for modern warehouses, retail backrooms, and industrial facilities.

 

Anil Lingayat, Business Head, Material Handling Equipment Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “At Godrej Enterprises Group, we are driven by a vision to transform India’s industrial landscape through innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. The GEPT 20 is not just a product launch—it’s a strategic step towards electrifying logistics and empowering businesses with smarter, cleaner technologies. By introducing India’s first 48V Li-ion powered electric hand pallet truck, we’re reaffirming our commitment to building future-ready solutions that enhance productivity and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s green and self-reliant growth story.

 

Powered by advanced Li-ion battery technology, the GEPT 20 offers rapid charging, zero maintenance, and a longer lifecycle—a clear upgrade over traditional alternatives. This launch aligns with Godrej Enterprises Group’s commitment to sustainable innovation, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of supply chains while empowering India’s logistics and warehousing ecosystem.

 

As industries across manufacturing, e-commerce, retail, and infrastructure scale up to meet rising domestic and global demand, solutions like the GEPT 20 will play a critical role in enabling faster, safer, and cleaner operations, a step forward in building the nation’s future-ready green logistics.

REVA University Hosted An inspiring Kick Off Ceremony Celebrating Innovation And Future Tech Thinkers

A proud moment for India unfolded in Bengaluru, as five students from government schools are selected to represent India at the FIRST Global Challenge 2025, also known as the Robotics Olympics, which will take place in Panama City from October 29 to November 1, 2025. This was a momentous occasion for India.

At the kick-off ceremony, students explained the problem statement and solution they had been working on for months as they proudly unveiled and demonstrated their robot during the flag-off ceremony. Constructed under this year's theme, "Eco Equilibrium," the robot is intended to tackle practical environmental issues by encouraging habitat restoration and biodiversity preservation.

Under the direction of Gagan Goyal, General Partner at India Quotient and Co-Founder of the STEM Education Trust, whose goal is to democratize STEM education and make robotics "the next great equalizer" in education, the event celebrated not only innovation but also inclusion.

Gagan Goyal remarked, "These kids have been working nonstop for months." They come from limited resources families with limitless aspirations. Their accomplishments are remarkable. We hope that this initiative will enable more Indian government school children to dream, build, and lead. This is the sport where everyone can become a professional changemaker.”

Their self-assured, proud, and emotional presentations inspired the audience and served as a potent reminder that creativity can flourish anywhere given the right conditions and guidance.

The team has spent months perfecting their design, overcoming technical obstacles, and testing their robot in real-world scenarios under the guidance of experts from The Innovation Story and the Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) Makerspace Lab.

Each member’s journey is a story of grit and discovery

·         Ningaraj (16) - Mechanical lead, inspired by machines

·         Parashuram (17) - IoT enthusiast and patient problem-solver

·         Arjun (17) - Sportsperson turned innovator, known for discipline and teamwork

·         Gouresh (15) - Lead programmer ensuring every part moves in perfect sync

·         Chandan (14) - The youngest, a self-taught electronics prodigy

Together, they created a robot that exemplifies India's unbounded capacity for ingenuity from the ground up as well as engineering prowess.

Through Atal Tinkering Labs and Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) Makerspace Labs, the STEM Education Trust has mentored hundreds of students in just three years, nurturing practical skills in design thinking, robotics, and coding. With complete financial and emotional support, the best is chosen annually to represent India internationally.

With STEM Hubs, Alumni Mentorship Networks, and innovation pipelines that can support thousands of government school students each year, Gagan sees this model growing across the country.

A 2023 Team India graduate from Goa, who came back to coach the new squad, added motivation to the flag-off. He revealed, "The competition is tough, four days of building and fixing under pressure." “But the real win is the confidence you take home.”

Team India's journey serves as a beacon for any child who has big dreams despite the obstacles as they travel to Panama to compete against 190 other nations. Through partnerships like FIRST Global Challenge and the STEM Education Trust, India is shaping a future where innovation rises from every classroom one child, one school, one robot at a time.

About STEM Education Trust

STEM Education Trust is committed to inspiring and empowering students through high-quality STEM learning that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. The Trust works to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications by offering hands-on experiences, mentorship, and global exposure. Through partnerships with educational institutions, industry leaders, and international competitions, STEM Education Trust prepares young minds for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

About REVA University 
REVA University, located in Bengaluru, is one of India’s leading private universities known for its innovative approach to education and research. Established in 2012 under the Government of Karnataka Act No. 13, the University is accredited with an ‘A+’ grade by NAAC. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as Engineering, Architecture, Law, Management, Science, Arts, and Design. Guided by the vision of its Founder-Chancellor, Dr. P. Shyama Raju, REVA emphasizes an “Educate to Enterprise” model that nurtures innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry readiness among students. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, international collaborations, and a commitment to academic excellence, REVA University continues to shape future-ready global citizens.

An Evening Of Royal Flavours And Timeless Traditions – The Royal Awadhi At Vivanta Bengaluru, Whitefie

An Evening Of Royal Flavours And Timeless Traditions – The Royal Awadhi At Vivanta Bengaluru, Whitefield

Embark on a regal culinary journey as Vivanta Bengaluru, Whitefield unveils The Royal Awadhi — an exquisite dining experience that pays homage to the legendary kitchens of Lucknow’s Nawabs.

Savour the slow-cooked splendour of Awadhi cuisine, where every dish embodies finesse and heritage. Begin with Kumb Galouti — delicately spiced mushroom kebabs that melt in your mouth — and the rich Navratan Korma, a medley of nine vegetables blended to perfection. Relish the famed Tunde Kebab and Awadhi Murgh Korma, simmered in a velvety saffron gravy, before concluding with the indulgent Shahi Tukda, a dessert steeped in royal nostalgia.

Immerse yourself in an evening of timeless traditions, refined aromas, and royal indulgence — a true celebration of India’s aristocratic culinary artistry.

Event Details:

• Venue: Terracotta, Vivanta Bengaluru Whitefield

• Date: 20 October – 30 October

• Time: 19:00 – 23:00

• Price: Rs. 1950 plus taxes

For reservation, please contact: +91 73491 41123

Experience an evening where every bite whispers royalty and every aroma lingers with nostalgia

Prestige Group Deepens Biodiversity Commitment With Tiger Adoption At Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

Prestige Group, a leading real estate developer in India, is proud to announce the adoption of two male tiger cubs at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP). The cubs have been named Simba and Sheru, and Prestige will support their care for the next five years. This initiative underscores the Group's commitment to wildlife conservation, ecological balance, and raising public awareness for biodiversity protection.

This adoption extends Prestige's environmental stewardship into species conservation. The support will cover nutrition, veterinary care, habitat enrichment, and educational outreach programs, ensuring the cubs thrive under a structured, humane framework.

 

Nirbhay Lumde, Senior Vice President (ESG & sustainability), Prestige Group, said, "Our responsibility to the environment begins with what we build and extends to how we nurture the world around us. With Simba and Sheru, we aim to raise awareness of coexistence and strengthen collective efforts to protect natural heritage. This adoption is symbolic of how every small step can strengthen our collective commitment to conservation.”

“We are deeply grateful to Prestige Estates Projects Limited for their support in adopting and naming Simba and Sheru. The funds raised through our Animal Adoption Programme will be directed toward feed, veterinary care and enrichment for our animals, reinforcing the vital link between conservation and community participation. We thank all wildlife enthusiasts, media partners and citizens who help spread our message. Together, we invite every individual to become part of the BBP family and contribute to wildlife protection,” said A V Surya Sen IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests & Executive Director, Bannerghatta Biological Park.

 

BBP has been instrumental in conservation education, species rehabilitation, and public engagement. Prestige’s partnership will amplify these roles, especially by supporting awareness campaigns targeted at schoolchildren, visitors, and local communities, highlighting the urgent need for coexistence and biodiversity care.

 

The tiger adoption is part of a broader ecological vision. Over recent years, Prestige has initiated large-scale native tree planting, lake rejuvenation, and maintenance of urban park and road infrastructure. While transformational design and energy efficiency define its built environment strategy, wildlife conservation brings a more holistic, ecosystem-level dimension to its sustainability approach.

 

Through this adoption, Prestige aims to make a meaningful contribution to national wildlife protection efforts and serve as an example of responsible corporate citizenship. As Simba and Sheru grow under care, their stories will become living symbols of how development and nature can coexist harmoniously.

 

About Prestige Group:  Founded in 1986, Prestige Group is one of India’s most prominent and diversified real estate developers with a portfolio spanning residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and integrated townships across major cities. Known for its design excellence, timely delivery, and customer-centric approach, the Group has completed over 300 projects across more than 199 million sq. ft. of developable area, with ongoing and upcoming projects spread across key markets such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, NCR, Goa, and Kochi.