A historic and dignified ceremony was organised today at Balod, Chhattisgarh, during the First National Rover–Ranger Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG). On this occasion, Shri Naresh Kaushal, Editor of Dainik Tribune and a senior journalist, was conferred with the highest national honour of the Bharat Scouts and Guides – the ‘Silver Elephant Award’.

Shri Naresh Kaushal, Editor of Dainik Tribune, Honoured with the Highest Award of the Bharat Scouts and Guides – ‘Silver Elephant Award’

This prestigious award was presented by the Hon’ble Governor, Shri Ramen Deka, who was the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Jamboree. Shri Naresh Kaushal was honoured for his lifelong dedication to the Scout–Guide Movement, his significant contribution to youth character building, and his role in promoting the values of service, discipline, and nation-building through journalism.

It is noteworthy that Shri Naresh Kaushal’s association with the Scout–Guide Movement spans more than six decades. In 1964, he participated as a Scout in the Fourth National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides held at Allahabad. At that time, his childhood friend and renowned film actor Late Shri Om Puri ji was also present. This early exposure proved to be a defining influence in his life, deeply embedding the values of service, discipline, and patriotism in his personality.

On receiving this highest honour at the First National Rover–Ranger Jamboree, Balod, Dr Anil Jain, President, The Bharat Scouts and Guides, and Dr K. K. Khandelwal, Chief National Commissioner, The Bharat Scouts and Guides, congratulated Shri Naresh Kaushal and extended their best wishes.

After receiving the award, Shri Naresh Kaushal took the General Salute at the National Jamboree and jointly unfurled the Jamboree Flag along with Dr K. K. Khandelwal. This moment became a proud and inspiring chapter in the history of the Jamboree.

During the Jamboree, Shri Naresh Kaushal interacted with Rovers and Rangers from across the country, including participants from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh, among other states and Union Territories. He described scouting as a powerful medium for good citizenship, leadership development, and nation-building, and encouraged the youth to recognise their responsibilities towards society.

On this occasion, he particularly appreciated activities related to environmental protection, disaster management, and first aid, describing them as essential services in the present times. Shri Kaushal also visited various camps and sub-camps and stayed in a tent amidst nature, spending time with nearly 15,000 Rovers and Rangers representing 54 States, Union Territories, Railway Zones, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Sangathan (NVS).

The Bharat Scouts and Guides expressed confidence that this highest honour bestowed upon Shri Naresh Kaushal not only recognises his outstanding contribution but will also serve as a strong source of inspiration for youth across the nation to move forward on the path of service, discipline, leadership, and patriotism.

Sansaar, from the house of D’Decor Exports, and Bru Textile’s Fabric Library have entered into a strategic partnership to introduce Sansaar’s premium home furnishing fabric collections to the GCC market, with the brand’s Dubai launch marking its first international expansion.
 

L-R: Sarah Arora, Co-founder of Sansaar; Sanjay Arora, Managing Director of D’Decor Exports Pvt. Ltd.; Gary Neiman, Director at Bru Textiles; Sanjana Arora, Co-founder of Sansaar
 

Sansaar is built on the principles of thoughtful design, and timeless aesthetics, with a philosophy rooted in conscious living and careful craftsmanship. Founded by sisters Sanjana and Sarah Arora, the brand reflects a modern, globally informed approach to interiors – combining refined textures, contemporary colour palettes, and understated design sensibilities with the manufacturing expertise and legacy of D’Decor Exports. 
 

Gary Neiman, Director at Bru Textiles, shared the following perspective on the partnership, “At Bru Textiles, Jason and I have always believed that the most powerful businesses are built not just on scale or longevity, but on vision, integrity, and an instinctive understanding of people. In over three decades of working with brands across the world, it is rare to encounter a partnership as authentic and inspiring as Sansaar. The story of two sisters building a brand together, each complementing the other with absolute trust, clarity, and shared purpose is both powerful and deeply moving. Their ability to work in true harmony while remaining sharply attuned to the needs, aspirations, and values of today’s evolving consumer is exceptional. Sansaar represents a new generation of leadership: thoughtful, design-led, culturally aware, and rooted in substance rather than noise. It is this spirit of collaboration, courage, and forward-thinking creativity that resonates strongly with what we stand for at Bru Textiles. Partnering with Sansaar is not just a business collaboration, it is an alignment of values and a shared belief in building something enduring, meaningful, and relevant for the future.”

The rollout, completed in early December 2025, follows a B2B-led distribution model, with Sansaar’s fabric collections now being placed across select retail and trade counters in the GCC. The partnership leverages Fabric Library’s strong regional presence and market expertise within the Middle East’s interior and design ecosystem. 

Commenting on the partnership, Sarah Arora, Co-founder, Sansaar, comments saying, “We are grateful to Gary and the team at Fabric Library for recognising Sansaar’s potential and giving us the opportunity to enter the GCC market through this partnership. Their deep understanding of the region, strong distribution capabilities, and long-standing relationships make them ideal partners for our international expansion. We share a common commitment to quality, design integrity, and long-term value creation, which makes this collaboration especially meaningful for us.” 

Adding to that, Sanjana Arora, Co-founder, Sansaar, “Working alongside Fabric Library is a significant milestone for Sansaar as we take our first step beyond India. We are thrilled to be the first Indian home furnishings brand to go global. Legacy is also what we carry forward. The craftsmanship and quality that made D’Decor a trusted name transpires into Sansaar’s entrepreneurial and bold spirit, one that is always reaching for excellence. Lastly, strong family value and business ethics remain at our core.”
 

With this launch, Sansaar takes its first step beyond India, laying the foundation for a phased global expansion through selective markets and strategic distribution partnerships.
 

About D’Decor Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Established in 1999, the brand is the world’s largest producer of woven upholstery, curtain fabrics, and embroidered textiles, exporting to 65 countries. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities delivering over 100,000 meters daily, D’Decor brings innovation, style, and superior international quality to homes worldwide. Pioneering industry firsts like water-repellent and flame-retardant fabrics, the brand combines cutting-edge technology and design excellence to redefine home furnishings.

To know more about the brands, please visit
D’Decor: Website | Instagram
Sansaar: Website | Instagram

Chandigarh University once again stamped its authority on Indian university sports by delivering a historic double triumph at the All-India Inter-University Wrestling Greco-Roman and Freestyle Championship 2025–26, clinching the Overall Championship titles in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle categories by winning a total of 16 medals including 11 Gold (6 in Greco Roman and 5 in Freestyle), 3 Silver (Freestyle) and 2 Bronze medals (1 each in both categories) in both categories.

Chandigarh University wrestling medalists along with University officials receiving the overall champions trophy in AIU Wrestling Championship held at Chandigarh University

In Greco-Roman wrestling, Chandigarh University emerged as the undisputed champion finishing first overall, followed by Lovely Professional University in second place and Kurukshetra University in third. In Greco Roman, CU clinched the top spot with a total of 7 medals including 6 Gold 1 Bronze medal, Lovely Professional University (LPU) secured 2nd place with total 5 medals including 2 Gold and 3 Bronze medals and Kurukshetra University with total 3 medals including 1 Gold and 2 Bronze medals to secure 3rd place in the Greco Roman category.

In GR category, CU grapplers clinched gold medals in six weight categories including commanding victories by Kapil Dalal (60 kg), Saurabh (67 kg), Umesh (82 kg), Prince (87 kg) and Hardeep (130 kg), many of them registering emphatic, one-sided wins that showcased superior strength, technique and tactical brilliance of these grapplers.

Chandigarh University’s dominance continued in Freestyle wrestling, where the varsity again finished first overall ahead of MDU Rohtak and Lovely Professional University. Standout performances included gold medal wins by Tushar (61 kg), Deepanshu (65 kg) and Paras (79 kg) with several bouts decided by large margins reflecting the aggressive yet composed approach of CU wrestlers on the mat. With total 9 medals including 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze, CU secured 1st place in Freestyle category and MDU Rohtak, Haryana with total 3 medals including 1 silver and 2 Bronze medals to secure 2nd place and Lovely Professional University with total 3 medals including 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medals had to suffice with 3rd place in the same category.

The prestigious five-day national championship held from January 5 to 9 under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) was hosted by the Chandigarh University and witnessed electrifying bouts amid biting winter conditions. The national wrestling championship saw participation from over 200 universities across the country with more than 2700 wrestlers competing in over 2000 bouts across 20 weight categories in Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling. Against this fiercely competitive contests, Chandigarh University grapplers delivered power-packed and disciplined performances, underlining the university’s growing stature as a powerhouse of university sports in India.

Highlighting individual brilliance, Hardeep clinched gold in the Greco-Roman 130 kg category with an overwhelming 8–0 victory over Nitin of PU Gujarat, while Tushar dominated Kapil of JMAU Kota by 11–0 in the freestyle 61 kg final.

In a final bout, Nishant from Gondwana University Maharashtra defeated Sourabh from LPU Punjab by 7-5 points to clinch Gold in 74 kg weight category.

Deepanshu registered a convincing 10–0 win in the 65 kg freestyle category and Paras held his nerve in a thrilling 11–8 contest to secure gold in the 79 kg freestyle final. Several other CU wrestlers impressed with their resilience and tactical maturity, adding to the university’s rich medal haul.

In another closely contested final bout, Manish from KUK Haryana defeated Nikhil from KN Modi University, Rajasthan by a margin of 9-6 points to win gold medal in Greco Roman 55 kg weight category.

In a nail-biting final bout, Paras from Chandigarh University defeated Ankit from MSBU Rajasthan by 11-8 points to clinch gold medal in 79 kg freestyle category.

In a final bout in freestyle 57 kg weight category, Rohit from KUK Haryana defeated Chandigarh University wrestler Rupesh by a margin of 4-1 to win the gold medal and Rupesh won the silver medal.

In a one-sided contest, Kapil Dalal, a grappler from Chandigarh University defeated Sahil from BMU Haryana by 15-7 points to clinch the gold medal in the 60 kg Greco Roman category. In the Greco-Roman category (82 kg) final bout, Chandigarh University’s Umesh put up a spectacular display of strength and agility to defeat Vijay from GUG University by 12-2 points.

In a nail-biting final bout, Prince from Chandigarh University defeated Ankit of Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind by 5-4 points to win gold in 87 kg Greco Roman category. In another final bout, Saurabh from Chandigarh University put on a spectacular show of strength and agility to defeat his opponent Sunil of Desh Bhagat University Punjab by 9-4 points to win gold medal in the 67 kg Greco Roman category.

Earlier, several power-packed performances were witnessed in the semi-finals on the final day of the championship. In a semi-final bout, Rupesh from Chandigarh University defeated Akash from PU, Patiala by a margin of 6-5 points in 57 kg freestyle category and Rohit from KUK Haryana defeated Jaiveer from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Varanasi by 8-2 points to secure place in the finals in the same category.

In the semi-final bout, Manish from Kurukshetra University, Haryana defeated Nitin from LPU, Punjab by a margin of 9-3 points in the Greco-Roman 55 kg weight category. In another semi-final, Vikash from PU, Patiala defeated Omkar from SU, Kolhapur by a margin of 7-0 in a one-sided contest in 72 kg Greco-Roman category.

In another one-sided contest, Mohit from Guru Kashi University Punjab defeated Suraj from KUK, Haryana by a huge margin of 9-0 in Greco-Roman 72 kg weight category. In semi-final bout, Dheeraj from Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak, delivered a remarkable performance, dominating Vinay Gurjar of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, winning the match with a decisive 11-0 margin. In the second semi-final, Sachin from Lovely Professional University, Punjab put on a spectacular show of strength and agility to defeat Atul Lohan of Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, Jalandhar by a thin margin of 9-8 points to advance to the final.

Elated over the marvelous victory of Chandigarh University, while congratulating the CU grapplers, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “It indeed is a proud moment for Chandigarh University that our wrestlers have delivered spectacular performances in the All-India Inter-University Wrestling Championship to become the overall champion by winning 11 Gold medals. With this brilliant performance, CU not only successfully hosted one of the largest inter-university wrestling championships in the country but also reinforced its reputation as a breeding ground for national-level sporting talent.”

Sandhu added, “Wrestling is not merely a sport but its pride of our nation and an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage. Chandigarh University remains committed to encouraging young athletes to participate in traditional sports as staying connected to our roots is essential for the nation’s progress and development. The university provides world-class infrastructure and scholarships to its athletes to help them progress from the akhara to the Olympic stage.”

“In 2024, Chandigarh University became the country’s first private university to win the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy after securing a record 71 medals at the Khelo India University Games. In addition, the university won the Khelo India University Games for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025. Chandigarh University students have won a total of 610 medals, including 138 national and 87 international medals. CU provides sports scholarships with an annual budget of Rs 6.5 crore and offers free facilities such as special diets, sports kits, travel, coaching, hostel accommodation, and other amenities. A total of 1,183 student-athletes, including 562 women, are currently benefiting from sports scholarships at Chandigarh University,” added Sandhu.

About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address:  www.cuchd.in.

• Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh organizes India’s First AI Healthcare hackathon

• Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh hosts AI Convergence Summit 2026 in collaboration with Government of Uttar Pradesh

India’s first AI-augmented multidisciplinary university, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, hosted the first of its kind AI Convergence Summit 2026. The AI Convergence Summit 2026 is one of the official pre-runup event and part of Union Government’s upcoming India AI Impact Global Summit 2026 that is being held in New Delhi from 19th to 20th February. The AI Convergence Summit 2026 hosted by Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh has brought together AI & Tech-Experts from 5 countries including Government policymakers, global industry leaders, researchers, start-ups, venture capitalists, investors, and academicians on one platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges for India & its citizens in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing. As a part of AI Convergence Summit 2026, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh is also hosting India’s First AI Healthcare Hackathon as the state of Uttar Pradesh has been assigned the national theme of ‘Health & AI’ by Union Government.

AI experts deliberating during AI Convergence Summit organized by Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh

The AI Convergence Summit 20026 saw participation of more than 70+ AI experts, Researchers, Healthcare experts, startup leaders, CEOs, Founders, Academicians, government agency experts and innovators from countries of USA, Denmark, Germany, India and UK.

1500 teams comprising of 5000 YOUTH Participants from all over India are participating in the AI Healthcare hackathon which saw tech-oriented AI Solutions being worked upon by young technocrats and engineers. There are more than 100+ problem statements in the field of healthcare being provided by Government Agencies and Industry for which AI Augmented results are being discussed and formulated during the AI Healthcare Hackathon.

While giving details about the AI Convergence Summit 2026, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member Parliament and Chancellor Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh said, “The Summit is being hosted to provide a platform to Young Innovators to meet Global AI Industry Experts who would apprise them about the technology advancements and applications of AI and Quantum Computing. In addition, the AI Convergence Summit also helps common man to understand the Government Policies and Initiatives that being taken with the help of AI to maximize the benefits of the welfare schemes.” He further added that, “The summit is aimed to bridge India’s AI policy framework with real-world deployment, fostering collaboration across government, academia, industry, and the start-up ecosystem.”

The summit featured participation and collaboration from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India; Government of Uttar Pradesh; MeitY Startup Hub; IndiaAI; and Digital India, reflecting strong institutional and policy backing.

Prominent speakers included (Chief Guest) Nivedan Rathi, Founder, Future and AI; Prasad Menon, CEO, President, CIBA, ISBA; Dr. Pannirselvam Madanagopal, Chief Executive Officer, MeitY Startup Hub, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; Teja Chintalapati, Principal Manager, Cyber Innovation, Data Security Council of India (DSCI); JBV Reddy, Mission Director, National Quantum Mission, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; Himanshu Joshi, Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog; and Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, among others.

A key highlight of the summit was the Strategic Policy Dialogue on Shaping India’s AI and Quantum Future: From Policy to Platforms, which examined the operationalization of India’s AI and Quantum strategies across governance, defense, industry, start-ups, and international cooperation. The dialogue positioned Uttar Pradesh as a critical execution partner in India’s AI and Quantum journey ahead of the India AI Impact Global Summit 2026.

MP and Chancellor Chandigarh University Satnam Singh Sandhu along with Global AI Experts launched Chandigarh University’s “Quantum for Bharat” a National Initiative aimed to build capacity in terms of Building Quantum Computing Infrastructure, providing training & upskilling programs to build next-gen talent pool in the field of AI & Quantum Computing and also opening gateway for young innovators to foster research and entrepreneurship in the emerging fields of  AI.

Jai Inder Singh Sandhu, Managing Director Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh said, “Through Quantum for Bharat Mission, Chandigarh University aims to make India a Global hub for Quantum Computing by nurturing talent right from school level to university level. In addition, it will also foster the spirit of start-ups and research amongst the Indian youth in the emerging fields of AI and Quantum Computing.”

Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh also launched its “AI for ALL” mission which is a national initiative to take forward PM Narendra Modi’s vision to increase AI Literacy amongst the citizens of the nation across all the fields. The AI for All mission of Chandigarh University will also work upon the propagation of specialized training programs and workshops across India so that youth of the nation could be embarked with the skills of tomorrow that can enhance their employability.

The summit also witnessed a series of panel discussions on topics including Operationalizing the Vision: Uttar Pradesh as India’s AI and Quantum Powerhouse; Industry Leadership in Responsible and Inclusive AI; Women’s Leadership in AI; AI-Augmented Healthcare; From Lab to Launch: Building AI-First Deep-Tech Start-ups; and Funding Pathways for AI Innovation.

About Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow)
Envisioned to foster a culture of sustainability and empower future global leaders, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, immerses 21st-century learners in a personalised and experiential learning experience, integrating an AI-powered academic model and a multidimensional, futuristic perspective on education. Our Uttar Pradesh campus carries forward the venerable legacy of more than a decade of Chandigarh University, Punjab, which has established itself as India’s No. 1 Private University and a torchbearer of groundbreaking pedagogy and research-driven innovation. The AI-augmented new campus offers a broad spectrum of industry-driven futuristic academic programs encompassing data-driven insights, virtual reality experiences, real-world simulations, corporate mentorship, international perspective, interdisciplinary research, cultivation of entrepreneurial spirit, and professional competencies.

For more information, please visit: www.culko.in.

The all-electric VinFast VF 6 SUV has been honoured with the “Value for Money Car of the Year” award at the Autocar India Awards 2026, one of the most prestigious award programmes in the Indian automotive industry. It recognises the VF 6 as a model that delivers strong overall value in its segment, offering a balance of pricing, features and performance, while underscoring VinFast’s commitment to developing products that align closely with the preferences of Indian consumers.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh (right), CEO of VinFast India, accepted the award from Mr. Sachin Malhotra, Head of Operations, Orbitsys Technologies

The Autocar India Awards is a prestigious annual awards program organized by Autocar India, one of India’s leading automotive publications, to honor the most outstanding vehicles and brands in the market. With a history spanning more than 23 years, the awards are widely regarded for their credibility, and many past winners have gone on to achieve significant commercial success and lead their respective segments.

This year, the VinFast VF 6 impressed the jury with its market-focused approach to product development for India, where consumers increasingly prioritise long-term value, running costs and safety. The VF 6 was recognised as a model that meets these expectations effectively, while still maintaining high standards of design and technology.

A B-segment electric SUV, the VF 6 features a modern, compact yet robust design well suited to urban driving conditions. Its interior is thoughtfully crafted to maximise comfort for both driver and passengers, complemented by smart technology features and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that help enhance safety and convenience in everyday use.

The award at the Autocar India Awards 2026 represents an important milestone for the VF 6 and adds to VinFast’s growing list of achievements as the brand expands across international markets. The recognition reflects VinFast’s consistent strategy of making premium electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of customers.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer of VinFast India, stated, “We are proud that VinFast continues to be honored by one of the most prestigious awards programs in the Indian market, the Autocar India Awards 2026. This honour reflects the industry’s appreciation for VinFast’s premium yet accessible electric vehicles, and it motivates us to continue delivering modern, safe and sustainable electric mobility solutions for Indian customers.”

Mr. Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor,  Autocar India, said, “Getting the value equation right in India is never easy, but the well-equipped and practical VF 6 with its Rs sub-20 lakh price range does exactly that. It’s a lot of car for the money.”

With a structured investment strategy, VinFast is gradually building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem in India that integrates manufacturing, financial solutions, charging infrastructure, and after sales services to ensure a seamless electric vehicle ownership experience for customers. Guided by a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, and with products such as the VF 6, VinFast continues to advance its mission to accelerate the transition to green mobility in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: www.vinfastauto.in.

Author Neer Ya announces the release of her latest novel, Vanilla Hour, a deeply moving, genre-blending work of literary fiction that spans continents and decades, exploring resilience, motherhood, love, and the inescapable pull of the past.

Model & cinestar Sudharani at the book reading with Neer Ya at the Atta Galata Bengaluru today

Set between 2008 Delhi and 2025 Tokyo, Vanilla Hour follows Dr. Nandini Yadav, a respected geochemist who has painstakingly rebuilt her life after devastating personal trauma. Now settled in Japan with her sharp-witted teenage daughter Aani, Nandini exists within an unconventional yet nurturing family that includes her ex-husband Karan and his wife Yuki. Despite the stability she has achieved, Nandini is haunted by unresolved memories—of a brutal assault and the sudden disappearance of Anoop Krishnamurthy, her brilliant first love, after a catastrophic fallout two decades earlier.

The fragile equilibrium of her present unravels when Nandini attends a college reunion in Goa and comes face-to-face with Anoop. Their reunion is charged with chemistry, regret, and unspoken truths—particularly surrounding Aani’s paternity. The situation escalates dangerously with the return of Alan, the man responsible for Nandini’s past trauma, and Anoop’s own dark history resurfaces, revealing years spent trapped in indentured servitude to a Jakarta crime syndicate.

As past and present collide, Vanilla Hour becomes a powerful story of survival and second chances. With threats closing in, Nandini and Anoop are forced to confront decades of pain and betrayal, leaning on one another—and on an unconventional family—for protection and hope. The tension reaches a heartbreaking climax when Aani uncovers the truth about her origins and runs into mortal danger.

Blending emotional depth with gripping suspense, Vanilla Hour asks urgent questions about what defines a family, the cost of buried truths, and whether it is ever truly possible to outrun one’s past.

Speaking about the book, author Neer Ya says, “Vanilla Hour was written for anyone who has survived something they never speak about, for those who carry love and loss side by side. I invite readers to step into Nandini’s world, to sit with her silences, her courage, and her choices—and perhaps find pieces of their own story reflected there.”

Vanilla Hour is now available for readers seeking an emotionally resonant, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page. Find your copy on: www.store.pothi.com/book/neer-ya-vasnilla-hour.

Issued by BERNAY IMC

Author’s Profile:
Neer is techie-banker. She is a Creative Technologist with a blend of FinTech expertise, digital and AI product leadership with artistic flair.

Her entire career has been on the cusp of business and technology. After graduating from Symbiosis Centre of Information Technology, she spent last two decades being at the forefront of digital and AI technology, around the world.

She started her writing journey as a youngest journalist at the Times of India, Patna and always been writing in some shape and form.

Now she works for an international bank in Hong Kong.

Vanilla Hour is her first fiction work.

Foundation Year students of Anant National University’s Class of 2028 have achieved an early academic milestone by securing design registration (Intellectual Property Rights) for their project Woodwork Zoo. The project emerged from a classroom module and reflects Anant’s emphasis on hands-on, inquiry-led design education from the very first year.

Anant National University Students Earn IPR for Project Developed in Foundation Year

Developed under the mentorship of adjunct faculty Prof Krishna Mashruwala and visiting faculty Prof Apurva Pandey, Woodwork Zoo encouraged students to explore traditional wooden joinery techniques while translating natural forms into functional design outcomes. Each artefact was crafted without the use of nails or screws, relying solely on precision joinery and an in-depth understanding of material behaviour.

Aarambh Incubation Centre supported the project outcomes by funding the IPR registration for sixteen selected student projects and facilitating the complete filing process. This ensured that each idea was formally protected and professionally recognised.

Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost,  Anant National University , said, “At Anant, we believe that innovation should begin from the very first year of a student’s academic journey. We actively encourage students to conceive, develop and own their ideas, and we support them through every stage, from making and prototyping to intellectual property registration. By introducing IPR awareness and formal protection early on, we empower students to view their projects not just as academic exercises, but as valuable, real-world innovations with the potential to create impact.”

Aarambh Incubation Centre plays a key role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation at Anant by supporting young innovators through mentorship, prototyping assistance and access to government and non-government agencies.

This initiative exemplifies Anant’s commitment to experiential learning, innovation and early professional exposure. By integrating strong foundation pedagogy with incubation and IPR support, Anant enables students to translate classroom learning into meaningful, design-led innovations, laying the groundwork for a future-ready, industry-aware design education.

For more details click on  anu.edu.in
 

About Anant National University

Anant National University, India’s premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. Anant follows the DesignX pedagogy, where ‘X’ is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions.

Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset.

Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating’ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.

ASBL Spectra, a premium ready-to-move in gated community in Hyderabad’s Financial District, has announced an innovative homebuying initiative with the launch of its ‘No Registration & No GST’ scheme. The scheme eliminates upfront GST and registration charges for buyers, significantly reducing the immediate financial burden associated with purchasing a ready-to-move-in home.

A Ready to Move In Home Where You Don’t Pay GST or Registration: ASBL Spectra

Located in Financial District, one of Hyderabad’s most sought-after residential and commercial hubs, ASBL Spectra is addressing one of the biggest challenges faced by homebuyers today. While many buyers have strong income profiles and loan eligibility, the heavy upfront capital required for ready-to-move properties often delays or prevents purchase decisions.

The Challenge with Ready-to-Move Properties

Traditionally, purchasing a ready-to-move apartment requires buyers to arrange substantial liquid capital at the outset. Beyond the property value and down payment, buyers are required to pay 5 percent GST along with approximately 7.5 percent towards registration and stamp duty. These statutory charges, often amounting to several lakhs of rupees, must be paid simultaneously, creating a significant financial hurdle.

As a result, many genuine homebuyers who are otherwise comfortable servicing home loans struggle to arrange large sums of cash upfront, leading to delays or missed opportunities in securing completed homes.

A Restructured Approach to Home Buying

Under the ‘No Registration & No GST’ scheme, ASBL Spectra has restructured the purchase process by absorbing GST and registration charges into the overall transaction structure. Instead of requiring buyers to make these payments upfront, the costs are managed through a revised sale deed value, significantly lowering the immediate capital outlay.

With this scheme, buyers can now book a spacious 2,220 sq. ft. premium apartment by paying just ₹5 lakhs at the time of booking. The GST and registration components, which traditionally create financial pressure at the entry stage, are no longer required as lump-sum upfront payments. This allows buyers to secure a fully completed and ready-to-occupy home with a smoother purchase journey.

To illustrate the impact, a 2,220 sq. ft. apartment priced at ₹2.65 crore would typically require buyers to arrange approximately ₹80.86 lakhs from personal funds under a conventional purchase model. This includes GST, registration and stamp duty, along with other associated charges.

Under the ‘No Registration & No GST’ scheme, the same buyer requires only about ₹26.5 lakhs of personal capital. Bank financing can now cover close to 90 percent of the total cost, compared to the typical industry average of around 65 percent. This results in a reduction of over ₹54 lakhs in immediate cash requirement.

About ASBL Spectra

ASBL Spectra is a RERA-approved residential development (P02400003071) spread across approximately 7.85 acres in Financial District, Hyderabad. The project comprises four high-rise towers with G plus 39 floors and features nearly 76 percent open space, offering a balanced environment focused on natural light, ventilation, and privacy.

The gated community offers thoughtfully designed 3 BHK residences with roomsized balconies, catering to families seeking space and comfort without compromising on urban connectivity. ASBL Spectra enjoys direct access from the Outer Ring Road service lane, with Narsingi Junction just 3 minutes away, Gachibowli Circle approximately 7 to 10 minutes away, and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport reachable within 30 to 35 minutes via the ORR.

Easing the Path to Homeownership

By restructuring how GST and registration charges are handled, the scheme addresses a key concern in the ready-to-move housing segment. Higher loan coverage and lower upfront cash requirements allow buyers to preserve liquidity for interiors, furnishings, or financial contingencies, while continuing to benefit from immediate possession and clarity on the final product.

The ‘No Registration & No GST’ scheme is currently available on all the units at ASBL Spectra. Interested homebuyers may visit the project site in the Financial District or contact the sales team for more information on available inventory and the booking process.