National

Artists and Artisans Bring Durga Puja 2025 Alive with Tradition, Art & Devotion


As the festive season begins, India is once again preparing for the grandeur of Durga Puja 2025, one of the country’s most celebrated festivals. In every corner, from bustling cities to quiet villages, artists and artisans are breathing life into traditions that have been cherished for generations.

The festival’s preparations are as enchanting as the celebrations themselves. Skilled artisans delicately craft idols of Goddess Durga, each stroke of their brush adding expression and grace. The most sacred moment comes when the eyes of the Goddess are painted — a ritual known as Chokku Daan, believed to awaken the deity.

Simultaneously, teams of craftsmen and designers are busy constructing elaborate pandals — temporary structures that often rival architectural marvels. These pandals are more than worship spaces; they are cultural showcases blending mythology, art, and innovation.

Durga Puja is not just a festival; it is a symbol of devotion, creativity, and community spirit. Families, neighborhoods, and entire cities come together, weaving a tapestry of faith, art, and tradition. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival continues to inspire millions, transcending boundaries of region and religion.

This year, as the artisans give their final touches, the anticipation grows for days filled with music, rituals, food, and vibrant processions — all in honor of Goddess Durga’s victory of good over evil.

Durga Puja 2025 is not just a celebration. It is living art, faith in motion, and India’s cultural heartbeat.

National

‘Kalash’ Worth ₹1 Crore Stolen from Red Fort During Jain Ceremony


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

A kalash worth nearly ₹1 crore was stolen from within the Red Fort complex in Delhi during a Jain religious ceremony held in early September 2025. The gold object, weighing approximately 760 grams and embedded with around 150 grams of diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, was part of a daily religious ritual performed by businessman Sudhir Jain.

The theft took place at 15 August Park, an area inside the historic Red Fort that had been hosting the ongoing Jain worship activities. Witnesses and preliminary reports suggest that the thief was disguised in religious attire, blending in with the attendees before escaping with the sacred object.

What has shocked many is the timing and setting of the incident — amidst a large crowd that included public figures such as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The presence of high-profile attendees did not deter the thief, who reportedly took advantage of the crowd’s movement during the event to commit the crime unnoticed.

Security agencies and Delhi Police have launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses. The stolen item not only holds immense monetary value but is also considered spiritually significant to the Jain community.

The incident has raised concerns over security measures during religious gatherings at heritage sites, especially when high-value items are involved. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the recovery of the stolen kalash.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the search continues.

National

SEMICON India 2025 Concludes with Global Recognition, Reinforces India’s Ascent inthe Semiconductor Industry


SEMICON India 2025 concluded on September 4th, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, marking a pivotal chapter in India’s rise as a semiconductor leader. Spanning three days from September 2nd to 4th, the event brought together over 350 exhibiting companies and delegates from 48 countries. With more than 35,000 registrations, 30,000 footfalls, and 25,000 online viewers, the conference showcased the unprecedented scale of global interest in India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

This year’s edition, jointly organized by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and SEMI, the global semiconductor association, became a defining platform for high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships, and technology showcases. The event featured four international pavilions, six country roundtables, and a workforce development pavilion, along with sessions covering chip design, fabrication, display technologies, packaging, research, state-level policy initiatives, and supply chain development.

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the conference reflected India’s deep commitment to becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive hub for semiconductors. The Prime Minister not only visited the exhibition floors but also held a closed-door roundtable with top global semiconductor CEOs and CXOs to engage on India’s emerging role in the chip supply chain. In his address, he affirmed, “The day is not far when India’s smallest chip will drive the world’s biggest change,” signaling India’s readiness to transform from a market to a maker of advanced technology.

Throughout the three days, participants engaged in panel discussions, startup showcases, and knowledge exchanges. On the opening day, the Union Minister announced 13 MoUs aimed at building indigenous capabilities across chip design, camera modules, packaging, and talent development. The closing ceremony, led by ISM CEO Shri Amitesh Kumar Sinha and SEMI President Shri Ajit Manocha, featured seven more announcements solidifying India’s semiconductor roadmap.

More than just a technology event, SEMICON India 2025 embodied the spirit of “Design and Make in India,” a forward-looking vision backed by strong policy, global partnerships, and local innovation. As global supply chains diversify and the need for resilient semiconductor ecosystems becomes paramount, India is emerging not only as a strategic partner but as a driver of the digital future.

From Bengaluru to Gandhinagar to Greater Noida and now New Delhi, each edition of SEMICON India has progressively elevated India’s global position. With this year’s success, India sends a strong message: it is no longer catching up—it is shaping the next generation of chip innovation. Backed by reform-driven governance and the long-term vision of the India Semiconductor Mission, the country is poised to lead in the foundational technologies that power tomorrow’s world.

National

100 Countries Expected to Participate in Indian Maritime Week 2025


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

India is poised to become a global hub for maritime innovation and trade with the launch of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. Scheduled to take place from 27–31 October 2025 at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, the event is already garnering global attention, with over 100 countries expected to participate.

IMW 2025 is envisioned as a flagship global platform that will not only showcase India’s growing maritime capabilities but also drive international collaboration and strategic investments across the maritime ecosystem. The event comes at a pivotal time as the world pivots toward sustainable shipping, digital transformation in logistics, and inclusive global trade practices.

For coastal nations, the week presents a unique opportunity to enhance maritime infrastructure, modernize port operations, and attract cutting-edge investments in shipping, logistics, and technology. Meanwhile, landlocked nations can explore ways to integrate with maritime trade routes, improve their connectivity to seaports, and broaden international access for their goods, services, and industries.

The event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders, maritime experts, innovators, and investors on one platform to engage in dialogue, showcase advancements, and forge strategic partnerships. The holistic approach of IMW 2025 ensures that sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation are at the heart of every discussion.

With India’s growing stature as a maritime power and its strategic geographical location, India Maritime Week 2025 stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to advancing maritime excellence and facilitating shared prosperity through global collaboration.

National

19th Global Communication Conclave in Goa to Spotlight ‘Power of PR’


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) – Goa Chapter launched the much-awaited 19th Global Communication Conclave with a curtain raiser press meet and logo unveiling at Terminal Banquets, Caculo Mall, Panaji on September 3, 2025. The conclave, to be hosted in Goa, will revolve around the theme “Power of PR: Emerging Waves of Communication,” highlighting how public relations continues to evolve in a rapidly digitizing world.

The event was graced by key dignitaries including PRCI Chairman Emeritus and Chief Mentor M B Jayaram, National President Geetha Shankar, PRCI YCC President Chinnmayee Praveen, Secretary and Director General Council Dr. T Vinayakumar, Vice Chairman Waman Prabhu, and Goa Chapter leaders Deepak Narvekar and Nikhil Wagh.

Speaking at the launch, M B Jayaram emphasized the conclave’s role as a global forum for knowledge exchange among industry leaders, young professionals, and academicians, pointing out how communication today extends far beyond traditional formats, being reshaped by digital innovation and changing audience expectations.

Geetha Shankar echoed this sentiment, urging professionals to balance innovation with ethical responsibility, stating that while technology accelerates communication, credibility and trust remain paramount. Goa Chapter Chairman Deepak Narvekar expressed confidence that the conclave would serve as a key platform for collaboration, learning, and recognition of excellence in PR.

The conclave is expected to attract top communication professionals, corporate leaders, media experts, and students from across the country and abroad, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities that explore the evolving landscape of public relations, corporate communication, digital engagement, and media ethics.

As anticipation builds, the conclave promises to be a defining event for the industry, offering fresh perspectives and shaping the future of the profession.