South African Tourism Works Closely With Indian Travel Trade To Simplify South Africa’s New ETA Process

South African Tourism is strengthening its engagement with the Indian travel trade to build awareness and understanding of South Africa’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) process, supporting trade partners in guiding eligible Indian travellers through the digital system. Through stakeholder interactions and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the organisation is working to familiarise the trade with the process, address queries and facilitate a smoother pre-travel experience for visitors to South Africa.

The introduction of the ETA marks an important step towards making travel to South Africa simpler and more convenient for eligible Indian travellers. The digital process enables travellers to complete key travel authorisation formalities online, reducing paperwork and streamlining the pre-travel journey. The ETA is designed to facilitate faster processing, with authorisation highlighted as being available within 48 hours. As part of these efforts, South African Tourism conducted its first digital ETA workshop for the Pune travel trade on 22 September 2026, in collaboration with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The session brought together 65 trade partners and provided an opportunity to introduce the new process, walk participants through the application journey and address practical queries around timelines, child applications, group handling and other aspects of the system. The engagement also enabled travel partners to gain greater clarity on the process and better prepare to guide their clients.

Neliswa Nkani, Acting Hub Head, South African Tourism, said, “Our travel trade partners play an important role in helping Indian travellers discover South Africa, and it is important that they have the clarity and confidence to guide their clients through new processes such as the ETA. Engaging directly with our partners allows us to address their questions, understand their needs and help them navigate these developments. We remain committed to working closely with the trade to build awareness of the ETA and support a smoother travel experience for eligible Indian travellers to South Africa.”

The Pune travel trade welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with South African Tourism and representatives from the Department of Home Affairs. Nilesh Bhansali, President, Travel Agencies Association of Pune (TAAP), said, “A special thanks to Neliswa and her team from South African Tourism for continuously engaging with the travel trade in such a proactive, positive and solution-oriented manner. Your team truly understands the challenges faced by the industry and works closely with us to find practical solutions.”

Amol Damle, Partner, Damle Safaris, added, “We sincerely thank Ms. Neliswa Nkani, Acting Hub Head, South African Tourism, and Mr. Yusuf Simons from the Department of Home Affairs for their clear, insightful presentations on the new ETA process. The session has helped us prepare for the anticipated rush in travel to South Africa ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.”

South African Tourism’s engagement with the Indian travel trade forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen destination knowledge, build confidence among industry stakeholders and support prospective visitors as they navigate the new authorisation process. By working closely with trade partners and relevant stakeholders, the organisation aims to improve awareness of the ETA and reinforce South Africa’s accessibility as a destination for Indian travellers.

University of York builds green technology ties with India's Karnataka state

The University of York has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka to collaborate on research into the bioeconomy, agri-tech, and clean energy.

The LoI outlines a framework to explore collaborative opportunities across several high-impact areas, including innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups, as well as joint research in the bioeconomy, clean technology, agri-tech, and digital sectors.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Home Minister of Karnataka Priyank Kharge and David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and included attendees Joan Concannon, Chief Reputation and Stakeholder Relations Office, University of York; Rohit Kumar, Director of Strategic Partnerships, University of York; Professor James Chong, Head of the Department of Biology, University of York; and Dr Christo Joseph from Garden City University as the University’s local partner institution.

The partnership also aims to build stronger academic and industry links through targeted pilot projects, such as work into anaerobic digestion led by Professor James Chong, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Anaerobic Digestion (CEAD) - a research centre established between the University of York and Yorkshire Water.

Professor James Chong, Director of CEAD and Head of the University of York’s Department of Biology, said: “Bengaluru’s advanced Research and Development hubs, as well as its world-leading technological industries, means that it can make significant strides in realising a greener future.

“By working together we can bring what we have learnt from our Centre of Excellence for Anaerobic Digestion and our contribution to the BioYorkshire programme into a global context, scaling-up what we have learnt from both regions to benefit other fast-growing areas around the world.”

India’s Cabinet recently approved funds to significantly increase compressed biogas output, making waste-to-energy conversion a national priority.

Anaerobic digestion turns waste materials into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser and is seen as a crucial technology to increase the sustainability of industry and reduce carbon emissions.

Home Minister of Karnataka, Priyank Kharge, said: “Our Global Innovation Alliance gives us a ready platform to take this forward. The areas of interest on both sides are closely aligned. We will identify a few clear areas of focus and move quickly on joint innovation programmes, Centres of Excellence, Government-to-Government partnerships and focused trials over the next three years, particularly around sustainability, waste management and creating economic value from waste.”

Following the state-level signing, the University and Mayoral team met with leadership at the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC), Karnataka’s state-backed bio-innovation hub to discuss the potential for working together in the future.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “York and North Yorkshire are leaders in innovation, research and development on the bioeconomy.

“Sharing our work in York and North Yorkshire with leaders and researchers in Bengaluru has made it clear that significant progress can be made by working together.

“Our regions are both committed to finding ways to support innovation in biotechnology, green energy and agri-tech. This agreement will allow us to explore a range of opportunities to bring our regions closer together.”

BioYorkshire is a 10-year green agenda initiative and public-private partnership that turns scientific research into commercial biotechnology. Led by the University of York, it aims to make York and North Yorkshire a leading net-zero bioeconomy cluster.

Dr. Christo Joseph, Director of Strategy and Planning at Garden City University, said: "International partnerships must produce tangible outcomes that touch lives. Through our engagement with Minister Shri Priyank Kharge, and our collaborative work on bio-resources with the University of York, we are actively turning academic vision into practical impact for Karnataka and beyond."

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery Unveiled India's Largest Sustainable Jewellery Rangavalli, As A Tribute To Our Rich Cultural Heritage

* The installation transformed an iconic jewellery design, from Indriya’s festive collection Padmika, into a magnificent Rangavalli, a grand celebration for Vijayadashami.

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, on unveiled India's Largest Sustainable Jewellery Rangavalli, crafted from grains, at Orion Mall and Shri Sathya Ganapathi Shirdi Saibaba Temple on in Bengaluru, as a tribute to our rich cultural heritage and enduring festive traditions. Spanning 400 sq. ft. at Orion Mall and 1,600 sq. ft. at the temple, the large-scale Rangavalli installations, inspired by an iconic jewellery design from Indriya’s latest festive collection, Padmika, transform the intricate artistry of fine jewellery into magnificent expressions of a cherished cultural tradition steeped in devotion, craftsmanship and community spirit.

Padmika crafted in 22KT gold celebrated the revival of Gulabi Meenakari, a rare pink enamel craft, and the necklace featured an intricate nakshi floral detailing alongside the auspicious motif of Goddess Lakshmi seated on a lotus, symbolising prosperity, abundance and new beginnings. Reimagined as a magnificent Rangavalli using eco-friendly materials including rice, millets and seeds, the installation translated the intricate artistry of the necklace into a large-scale tribute to our cultural heritage. Bringing together thousands of individual elements, the artwork reflected the precision, patience and craftsmanship shared by both jewellery-making and Rangavalli creation. Created using grains, millets and seeds, the installation celebrated the enduring beauty of traditional art forms while offering visitors a distinctive and immersive festive experience.

Rooted in cultural authenticity, the initiative drew on the expertise of the renowned Rangoli artist Shikha Sharma popularly known as the "3D Rangoli Queen." and creator of record-breaking Rangoli artworks. By translating the detailing of an iconic temple jewellery design into Rangavalli, Indriya celebrated two art forms that shared a deep appreciation for intricate patterns, craftsmanship and the coming together of individual elements which created something extraordinary.

Sustainability was integral to the initiative, and it extended the purpose of the installation beyond the festive celebration. Following Vijayadashami, the rice, millets and seeds used in the artwork were responsibly repurposed through feeding drives for birds and animals in partnership with Akhil Karnataka Prani Daya Sangh Gaushala.

Speaking about the initiative, Shantiswarup Panda, Head of Marketing & Visual Merchandising at Indriya, said, "At Indriya, our endeavour is to celebrate India's rich cultural heritage through meaningful and contemporary expressions. The Jewellery Rangavalli is an extension of that vision, reimagining an iconic Padmika design through a beloved festive tradition that resonates deeply with our audiences. As a brand inspired by culture and craftsmanship, we wanted to create an experience that not only showcases the artistry behind our jewellery but also invites consumers to engage with it in a memorable and immersive way. Through this initiative, we celebrate heritage, craftsmanship and the spirit of togetherness that lies at the heart of Vijayadashami."

Extending the celebration beyond the installation, Indriya had also launched the Rangavalli contest, inviting consumers to recreate the Padmika-inspired Jewellery Rangavalli in their own homes. Through a special stencil distributed via print innovations and promotional kits, participants could create their Rangavalli using colours, grains or grain powder, and share their creations with Indriya via social media or WhatsApp. As part of the initiative, 100 lucky winners stood a chance to win a 200 mg 22KT gold coin, bringing together creativity, tradition and the joy of festive celebrations.

About Indriya

Indriya, the jewellery brand from the Aditya Birla Group, was launched in July 2024 and is the first legacy-backed jewellery brand to enter the Indian market in over three decades. Derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘five senses’, Indriya embodies timeless elegance, unmatched craftsmanship, and a deeply immersive sensorial experience. Rooted in karigaari at its core, Indriya showcases evocative expressions of heritage, brought to life through the extraordinary skill and generational knowledge of India’s master craftsmen. With an expansive offering of over 37,000 designs across diamonds, precious gemstones, and artisanal gold, the brand is redefining the way Indians experience and buy jewellery—particularly diamonds. In under two years, Indriya has emerged as one of the fastest-growing jewellery retail brands in the country, with a network of over 80 stores. Each store is designed as more than a retail space—it is a destination for discovery, celebration, and self-expression. From meticulously crafted bridal heirlooms to contemporary designs for everyday elegance and special occasions, Indriya brings together tradition and modernity with equal finesse. Beyond weddings, the brand positions jewellery as a powerful expression of personal identity and artistry, making Indriya a destination for life’s most meaningful moments.

Godrej Enterprises Group Makes Its Micro-Drama Debut; Bringing The Many Stories Of A Home To Instagram With ‘2nd Gen Kumars’

* A new home, a family reunion, and everything that happens in between. Godrej Enterprises Group features its consumer businesses in an eight-episode Instagram micro-drama series exploring the realities of modern family life.

A home is where life happens. Where families grow, old connections resurface, unexpected conversations unfold and new memories take shape. For over 129 years, the brand has been part of this everyday story of Indian homes. Now, it is bringing that relationship to a new generation in a new way, making its debut in micro drama with ‘2nd Gen Kumars’, an eight-episode series on Instagram that brings alive the realities of contemporary Indian living.

Featuring Shreya Gupto, Naman Arora, Rushad Rana and Ekavali Khanna, among others, the series begins with a 30-year-old Tara returning from Hong Kong to Mumbai and opening the doors of her new home to her cousins. What should be a joyful housewarming soon becomes much more. Amid the jokes, childhood nostalgia and familiar family banter lie years of sibling comparisons, unresolved differences, and difficult choices. Across episodes of approximately two minutes each, the reunion becomes a story about growing up, growing apart and discovering whether the bonds of family can withstand the lives everyone has built for themselves.

The new home is more than a backdrop. It is where the story's many threads come together, and where products from Godrej Enterprises Group's (GEG) consumer businesses find a shared place in the lives of the characters, quietly enabling the moments that make them meaningful.

A digital lock welcomes family through the front door. A sofa creates space for cousins to slip back into old routines. A home locker becomes part of a conversation about what is worth keeping safe, while appliances accompany the everyday rituals that bring everyone together.

Reimagining brand storytelling: From products in homes to a place in people's lives

Commenting on the launch, Sumeet Bhojani, Head -Brand and Strategic Insights, Godrej Enterprises Group, said: “Modern Indian living is full of fascinating stories — in how we share our spaces, navigate relationships, balance aspirations and continuously redefine what home means to us. Through our first micro-drama, the 2nd Gen Kumars, we want to bring these stories to life in a format that is contemporary, engaging and relatable. It also marks the first time our digital locks, home lockers, furniture, and home appliances come together in a single content format. Godrej has always been part of the modern Indian home, enabling meaningful moments. For us, this is an opportunity to explore newer ways of storytelling that reflects the lives of today's consumers and build a deeper, more meaningful connection with them.”

129 years in Indian homes. A new way to tell their stories.

As entertainment consumption shifts towards digital, mobile-first formats, micro-drama offers brands a new way to build cultural relevance through stories that audiences connect with and return to. For Godrej Enterprises Group, this marks a new chapter in its consumer storytelling, into a format that resonates with a new generation shaping homes on its own terms.

With ‘2nd Gen Kumars’, Locks, Security Solutions, Interio by Godrej and Appliances come together for the first time in a single content format, bringing the group's diverse consumer businesses into one relatable narrative of contemporary Indian family life.

Watch now:

Episode 1 of '2nd Gen Kumars is now live! watch first episode and stay tuned as the story unfolds over the upcoming episodes.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/De1KZ3JsoBK/?hl=en

Trailer: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeyM-VDMaRt/?hl=en

Follow Godrej Enterprises Group on Instagram for new episodes, exclusive moments and more: @godrejenteprises

*Credits:
Creative and Production – Bonfire Collective. 

Mia By Tanishq Launches "Lightscapes": A Jewellery Collection Inspired By The Magic Of Festive Lights

* Featuring over 230 designs across gold, natural diamonds and coloured stone jewellery, the collection celebrates festive inspiration through distinctive designs made for everyday self-expression and gifting.

This festive season, Mia by Tanishq, one of India's leading contemporary fine jewellery brands, unveils 'Lightscapes', its latest collection inspired by the magic of festive lights that illuminate homes and celebrations throughout the season. Featuring 230+ designs across plain gold, natural diamonds and coloured stones, the collection brings together distinctive craftsmanship, modern styling and vibrant expressions of light.

Drawing from the idea of illumination as a universal symbol of celebration, Lightscapes is inspired by the way light brings people together across occasions, weddings and festivities. A timeless symbol of joy, hope and togetherness, light creates shared moments of connection that Lightscapes transforms into wearable expressions of radiance. Taking inspiration from cascading lights, shimmering reflections in water, flickering flames and other celebratory expressions of light, the collection translates these elements into wearable contemporary jewellery designs. With an extensive range of styles, it is an exciting choice for anyone looking to elevate their festive style or find something special for their loved ones.

Further strengthening its gifting appeal, the collection features a wide range of fine jewellery largely priced under ₹50,000, making it an accessible and thoughtful choice for self-purchase as well as gifting loved ones on special occasions. Available in 9KT and 14KT gold, the collection features elegant jhumkis, sculptural danglers, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets, ranging from delicate everyday pieces to statement designs for festive occasions. What sets the collection apart is its design language, featuring fluid gold forms, intricate diamond arrangements, layered silhouettes and unique surface textures that beautifully catch and reflect light. Specialised surface-finishing techniques add depth, dimension and a dazzling effect to the gold designs, giving each piece a contemporary character. Rooted in Mia's philosophy of 'Precious, Every Day', Lightscapes celebrates jewellery that goes beyond special occasions to become an expression of individual style.

Adding a vibrant dimension to the collection, Mia Lightscapes – Colour Edit features 67 designs crafted in 9KT gold, showcasing coloured stones in distinctive cuts, including custom tilak, hexagonal, kite, baguette and octagonal shapes. The edit brings together everyday studs, colourful pendants, stackable rings, bold cocktail rings and elegant lariat necklaces. Highlights include contemporary interpretations of Navratna jewellery, convertible hoops and drop earrings that offer multiple styling possibilities. With its playful use of colour, distinctive gemstone cuts and versatile designs, the Colour Edit offers fresh ways to accessorise festive ensembles while remaining equally relevant for everyday styling.

Speaking on the launch, Ms. Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head, Mia by Tanishq, said, "The festive season presents an opportunity for jewellery to move beyond occasion-led purchases and become a more personal expression of style and individuality. We are seeing consumers increasingly gravitate towards designs that balance contemporary aesthetics with versatility, allowing them to make jewellery a part of their celebrations and everyday lives. With Lightscapes, we are translating this shift into a collection that brings together festive inspiration, distinctive design and everyday relevance. Through our growing retail presence and e-commerce platforms, we aim to make contemporary fine jewellery more accessible while strengthening Mia's connection with the modern consumer and our position in the everyday fine jewellery space."

Sharing the creative vision behind the collection, Ms. Ishita Kumar, Head of Design, Mia by Tanishq, said, "Light has always been a universal symbol of joy, hope and togetherness across cultures and celebrations. With Lightscapes, we celebrate this emotion through the visual language of illumination. Strings of festive lights are reimagined as layered necklaces and hoops with cascading chains, creating a playful, effortless look that complements modern-day dressing. These are pieces to be worn and enjoyed, not tucked away in a locker. The sparkle of diyas floating on Indian rivers inspires open rings scattered with diamonds, while the movement of flames shapes the collection's feminine necklace designs. With Lightscapes, we bring the festive season to life through jewellery designed to be worn, cherished and lived in."

Explore Lightscapes across 320+ Mia by Tanishq stores nationwide, on the Mia app and at miabytanishq.com.

Over 3,000 Participate In Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road’s ‘Pinkstrong’ 3K Walkathon For Breast Cancer Awareness

* Community members, survivours, and healthcare professionals come together to highlight breast health awareness and timely medical evaluation –

Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, organised the ‘Pinkstrong - 3K Walkathon’, bringing together over 3,000 participants to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of recognising symptoms, appropriate screening, and timely medical evaluation. Community members, breast cancer survivors, and healthcare professionals participated in the event. Kannada Actress Ms. Milana Nagaraj attended in support of the awareness initiative.

The three-kilometre walk began at the hospital, proceeded towards Hulimavu Lake and returned to the starting point. A Zumba session and community activities accompanied the walk, encouraging participation and conversations around breast health.

Ms. Milana Nagaraj, Kannada Actress, said, “Breast health deserves greater attention and open conversation. Women often balance several responsibilities, and it is important that their own health also remains a priority. It was encouraging to see the community come together to raise awareness and express solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.”

Dr. C. Ramachandra, Principal Director – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, & Chairman - Surgical Oncology Council, Fortis India, said, “Breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women in India, making awareness and early detection more important than ever. Women should be encouraged to understand their breast health and seek medical evaluation promptly if they notice changes such as a new lump, changes in breast shape or skin, or unusual nipple discharge. Screening recommendations depend on age, individual risk factors and clinical advice. Women experiencing symptoms should not delay evaluation while waiting for a routine screening appointment. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.”

Dr. Niti Raizada, Principal Director – Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, “Breast cancer affects patients and families physically and emotionally. Alongside timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, access to clear information and psychological and social support is important. Open conversations can help address stigma and misconceptions, allowing women to seek advice and discuss their concerns without hesitation. Treatment decisions should be individualised according to the diagnosis and the patient’s clinical needs.”

Mr. Gautham, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, said, “Pinkstrong brought community members, survivors and healthcare professionals together around a shared public health concern. We thank all participants for contributing to the initiative and helping create space for conversations about breast health. The focus was on awareness, informed health decisions and support for people affected by breast cancer.” 

PFRDA Turns To Mutual Fund Distributors To Widen NPS Reach At Bengaluru Outreach

* Reach and distribution is the key challenge for NPS, says Chairperson S. Ramann, as StAR NPS opens a low-cost digital route for distributors

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is turning to Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) to take the National Pension System (NPS) to more households. Chairperson Shri S. Ramann said reach and distribution remain the key challenge for the scheme. He was speaking at a StAR NPS outreach programme for MFDs at The Chancery Pavilion in Bengaluru today, attended by distributors, industry representatives and partners from the pension sector.

After a welcome address by Mr. Arpit Singh, PFRDA the programme began with a presentation on NPS by Shri K. Mohan Gandhi, Chief General Manager, PFRDA. Shri S. Ramann then addressed the gathering. The sessions that followed turned to the practical side of distribution. HDFC Pension Fund made a presentation on the role of a Pension Distributor, and Mr. Mandar Jehurkar of BSE explained how distributors can onboard subscribers through StAR NPS. Certificates were then presented to MFDs onboarded as Pension Distributors. The programme closed with an open house and question and answer session and closing remarks by Mr. Shailendra Babu, PFRDA

Shri S. Ramann said, “NPS was designed by the Government of India for every citizen of the country. If we have 60 crore people with a savings bank account, we must also have 60 crore people with an NPS account. The challenge for NPS is reach and distribution. It is the lowest cost product available, at about 0.2% a year on AUM, far lower than any mutual fund, and that has made it harder for distributors to market. So we have built digital rails that sharply bring down the cost of acquiring a customer. With StAR NPS, a distributor can register on the platform, choose a Point of Presence and start servicing clients right away, while earning on the AUM of the accounts they bring in.”

He added, “The longer your money stays invested in NPS, the better your returns, because of the power of compounding. Over the last 12 months we have made the scheme far more flexible. Subscribers can stay invested up to the age of 85 and can exit after a minimum vesting period of 15 years, so the age of 60 is no longer fixed. What some people call a lock-in is the very reason the money grows.”

Under the revised exit rules, subscribers with a corpus of up to ₹8 lakh can withdraw the full amount as a lump sum at normal exit. Non-government subscribers with a corpus above ₹12 lakh can take up to 80% as a lump sum and must use at least 20% to buy an annuity. Shri Ramann said pension funds can now offer schemes with up to 100% equity for younger subscribers. He added that employer contributions of up to 14% of an employee’s basic pay and dearness allowance to NPS qualify for a tax deduction under the new tax regime.

He also spoke about NPS Vatsalya, which allows parents to save for a child from a young age. He highlighted NPS Swasthya, launched on October 1, which pairs a pension account with a super top-up health insurance policy. In case of hospitalisation, the subscriber’s share of the bill is paid directly to the hospital from the account, and the insurance cover pays the rest.

StAR NPS, built by BSE Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (BTPL), lets distributors register subscribers entirely online. Subscriber details are verified through CKYC and DigiLocker, and contributions go straight to the Trustee Bank. A Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) is generated instantly through integration with the Central Recordkeeping Agencies. Alongside StAR NPS, PFRDA has introduced Tatkal NPS. It allows customers to open an NPS account and contribute through UPI apps such as BHIM and PhonePe.

PFRDA will continue to hold outreach programmes with distributors and channel partners across the country to widen NPS coverage.