• New walk-in Origin Fresh Stores to offer 250+ SKUs of fruits, vegetables, hydroponics, exotics, and daily essentials through a modern neighbourhood retail experience
• Backed by AI-driven inventory planning and controlled cold chain infrastructure to ensure produce is delivered at peak freshness
• Hydroponics grown using Deep Water Culture technology offer more nutrients, residue-free produce, enhanced freshness, and shelf life
• With women farmers comprising over 50% of its growing regions across India, Origin Fresh is supported by a network of more than 10,000 micro-farmers and maintains less than 5% wastage across its operations.

PUNE: Origin Fresh, India’s pioneering premium fresh produce brand, has expanded into West India with the launch of its first store in Koregaon Park, Pune. The launch marks a significant milestone for the Bengaluru-headquartered company, which operates an omnichannel model comprising physical stores, its own app and website, and quick commerce platforms.

The choice of Koregaon Park reflects Origin Fresh’s focus on serving consumers who place a premium on quality, freshness, and conscious food choices. Known for its vibrant lifestyle, global outlook, and evolving food culture, the neighbourhood presents a strong strategic fit for the brand’s quality-first approach to fresh produce retail.

The new store offers over 250+ SKUs of fruits, vegetables, and daily essentials, including more than 150+ speciality and exotic varieties sourced through domestic and international farmer partners. The assortment includes Korean Pears, Japanese Sun Fuji Apples, Cotton Candy Grapes, Yellow Dragon Fruit, and hydroponically grown lettuces, catering to growing demand for global flavours, healthier lifestyles, and ingredient-led food experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Prashanth Vasan, Co-Founder and CEO, Origin Fresh, said, “Pune represents an important milestone in our growth journey. It is a city with a discerning consumer base that values quality, authenticity, and better food choices. Koregaon Park, in particular, embodies the characteristics of the modern Origin Fresh customer, someone who is conscious about what they consume and seeks the very best. Through this launch, we are bringing our expertise in premium assortment and quality commitment closer to households in the city. Pune is the first step in our West India expansion strategy, and we see a significant opportunity to build a strong presence in the region.”

“I wish the entire Origin Fresh team the very best on this exciting new chapter. Having already established a strong presence across Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Chennai, it is wonderful to see them now expand into Pune. I am confident that the people of Pune will appreciate the quality, freshness, and convenience that Origin Fresh brings. It is encouraging to see a brand focused on making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible while supporting the farming community. I look forward to seeing Origin Fresh expand its footprint across Pune and Mumbai and enable many more families to enjoy fresh, responsibly sourced produce,” Shri Ranjit Shrikant Shirole, General Secretary, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), said during the store launch.

Built on a promise of delivering premium fresh produce, Origin Fresh employs a rigorous five-step quality assurance process that spans sourcing, grading, handling, storage, and distribution. The brand also offers hydroponically grown produce cultivated using Deep Water Culture (DWC) technology, enabling residue-free produce with enhanced freshness and longer shelf life.  Complementing the retail experience is the Origin Fresh app, which provides access to fresh, exotic, hydroponic, and everyday produce. The platform also features the brand’s proprietary Ripeness Quotient, allowing customers to select fruits based on their preferred stage of ripeness and consumption timeline. With stores now operational across Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, and Pune, Origin Fresh plans to continue investing in retail expansion in the coming months as well. 

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The event titled ‘Unveiling of 3 Ratnas – Celebrating a Decade of Excellence – Aparna’s Journey as an Author’ was conducted across three cities:

• Pune: 29^th May,2026, at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute
• Mumbai: 30^th May,2026 at the Hall of Culture, Nehru Centre
• Thane: 31^st May,2026 at Hiranandani Estate Clubhouse

All three events were graced by professionals from the corporate world, family & friends as distinguished guests, and eminent speakers. During each event across different cities, in addition to the unveiling of the Second editions of the books, panel discussions were held, offering attendees opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations that extended beyond the written word.

The Chief Guest at the Pune event was Bharat Agarwal, President of Vishwakarma University (VU) and Executive Director of the Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), Pune. The distinguished panelists included C.M Dwivedi (HR Veteran  & Board Director), Vishal Soni (CEO, Vishwakarma Publications), Ashwin Pasricha (CXO Coach (ICF-PCC) and Principal Consultant, Human Network & Associates, Tanveer Shaikh (Chief Creative Director and Founder of Tanveer’s Hair  Academy) (both featured in the book Between U & Me)) and Yogita Vaidya (Founder, Words Worth Literary Consultancy and Editor of the books).

The event at the Nehru Centre on 30th May,2026, was graced by Dr. Shailesh Haribhakti (CA & Independent Director on multiple Boards) as the Guest of Honor. The Thane event at Hiranandani Estate featured N. M. Sharma (Aparna’s father) as the Chief Guest. Professor Vijayan (Dean-HR, WE School, Mumbai), Ms. Vandana Jadhav, a catering entrepreneur featured in Between U & Me, were also panelists in the Thane event. Ashwin Pasricha, Tanveer Shaikh, and Yogita Vaidya served as panelists at all three events. 

“It was a privilege to have such eminent guests and speakers join us at all the 3 events. I am truly humbled by their generous words of appreciation for all three of my 3 Books. Their insights on the topics discussed during the panel discussions were both thought-provoking and enlightening for the audience,” smiled Aparna Sharma.

The panelists contributed to an engaging exchange of ideas, while enthusiastic participation from the audience made all three events highly interactive and insightful. 

Given that all the proceeds from the book sales are directed towards the UDAAN Scholarships and USHA Awards initiated by Aparna Sharma to support the education of the girl child, many attendees eagerly booked their copies for both insightful reading and meaningful gifting.

The three-city launch set the stage for a global celebration of literature, leadership, and social responsibility, reflecting the enduring values that Aparna’s work, books, and initiatives seek to promote. Through her words, professional contributions, and commitment to education, Aparna Sharma continues to inspire meaningful change as an accomplished HR thought leader, demonstrating that knowledge, compassion, and courage have the power to transform lives and communities.

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The new building has been developed to strengthen the school’s academic infrastructure and provide additional learning spaces for students at the Camp campus. The project was undertaken after receiving the required renovation and redevelopment approvals from the Pune Cantonment Board.

The new building was developed with the support of distinguished alumni Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla and Mr. Adar C. Poonawalla, whose continued association with The Bishop’s School has contributed to the institution’s ongoing development.

As part of the ceremony, Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla and Mr. Adar C. Poonawalla were felicitated with silver plaques in recognition of their contribution to the new building and their association with The Bishop’s School by Mr. Rudolf Woodman, President of The Bishop’s Education Society, and the Governing Body Members.

The School has previously dedicated a foot overbridge on its campus in honour of Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla, acknowledging his long-standing connection with the institution and his support for its development.

Founded in 1864, The Bishop’s School has been part of Pune’s educational landscape for more than 160 years. The inauguration of the new building adds to the School’s existing facilities and reflects its continued focus on creating improved academic spaces for students.

The ceremony was attended by members of The Bishop’s Education Society, school leadership, invited dignitaries, alumni, representatives of the Pune Cantonment Board and the Indian Army, PTA members, former staff, well-wishers, students, and staff from the three branches of The Bishop’s School.

The programme included a welcome address by Mr. Shayne McPherson, Principal and Honorary Secretary, followed by a Bible reading, choir performances, a thanksgiving and dedication prayer, and addresses by Mr. Rudolf Woodman, President of The Bishop’s Education Society, and Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla.

The event concluded with the presentation of plaques, a vote of thanks by Ms. Mayura Barsay, Headmistress, Senior School, the unveiling of the new building, and fellowship and high tea.

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This year’s edition offers shoppers a chance to win rewards worth up to ₹1 crore, including a Toyota Hyryder as the bumper prize. Customers spending ₹10,000 and above can participate and become eligible for daily and weekly rewards throughout the campaign period.

Home to leading 300+ global and Indian brands, including Zara, H&M, Armani Exchange, Lifestyle, Diesel, GAS, Lacoste, and Scotch & Soda, Phoenix Avenue of Stars continues to be Pune’s most premium destination for curated retail, entertainment, and leisure. With exciting offers of up to 50% off across participating brands, the festival promises a season of rewarding experiences for Pune and neighbouring cities.

Festival Details:

• Duration: June to August 2026
• Venue: Phoenix Avenue of Stars, Viman Nagar, Pune
• Category: Shopping Festival / Retail & Lifestyle Event
• Participation Criteria: Shop for ₹10,000 and above
• Rewards: Daily and weekly prizes, along with a bumper Toyota Hybrid for top shopper
• Shopper Benefits: Rewards worth up to ₹1 crore across 200+ participating brands
• T&C apply

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Following the overwhelming response received last year, which saw over 5,000 visitors, the exhibition aims to offer an enhanced and intellectually stimulating experience for individuals across all age groups, from children to senior citizens.

The exhibition will feature over 100 puzzle posters, a wide range of hands-on puzzles, optical illusions, and informative displays on renowned personalities and developments in the fields of puzzles, mathematics, and logical thinking. Special sections dedicated to the Rubik’s Cube, Sudoku, and Tangram, along with an interactive Puzzle Treasure Hunt, will further engage visitors.

In addition to the exhibits, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase educational puzzles, brain games, and curated books at discounted rates.

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PUNE: The Phoenix Mills Limited (PML, the Company) has announced the transformation of Phoenix MarketCity Pune into Phoenix Avenue of Stars, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of one of Pune’s most prominent retail and lifestyle assets. The reimagining reflects PML’s broader strategy of continuously upgrading and premiumising its destinations in line with changing consumer aspirations and evolving urban consumption patterns.

Over the years, Phoenix MarketCity Pune has grown into one of the city’s defining retail and leisure hubs, shaping consumer engagement across fashion, dining, and entertainment. The transformation into Phoenix Avenue of Stars marks the next phase of this evolution, anchored by a distinct architectural identity, enhanced customer touchpoints, and premium retail curation aligned with the scale and stature of the asset today.

The new identity draws inspiration from marquee international brands, refined spatial design, immersive, vibrant, and social environments that continue to define Pune’s evolving lifestyle ecosystem. The transformation further strengthens the asset’s position as one of Western India’s leading retail and leisure addresses, attracting shoppers and visitors from across the region.

As part of this transformation, the asset has undergone a comprehensive revamp, including a grand arrival experience, façade enhancement, and several design-led interventions that elevate its overall visual and spatial character. The repositioning also reflects PML’s focus on developing globally benchmarked environments that combine retail, dining, and entertainment within mixed-use urban developments.

Phoenix Avenue of Stars today houses an extensive portfolio of internationally recognised and premium brands, including UNIQLO, Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, Shantanu and Nikhil, Paul’s CafeArmani Exchange, etc., while further strengthening its mix through curated luxury watch and jewellery zones, gourmet dining, and upgraded experiential formats. The asset also recently welcomed Pune’s first IKEA store and is set to introduce global luxury fashion house Coach, Hugo, Swatch, and Lego, further enhancing its premium retail mix.

Beyond retail, Phoenix Avenue of Stars continues to redefine the urban experiences through marquee events, immersive brand engagements, elevated dining, and entertainment initiatives that resonate with the pulse of a rapidly evolving city. The transformation brings together these elements under a more future-forward identity that reflects the asset’s scale, positioning, and long-term growth trajectory.

Commenting on the transformation, Rashmi Sen, Whole Time Director and CEO, Malls, The Phoenix Mills Limited, said: “Phoenix MarketCity Pune has evolved significantly alongside the city’s growth over the years. The transformation into Phoenix Avenue of Stars reflects our continued commitment towards enhancing and premiumising our retail destinations in line with changing consumer aspirations and global benchmarks. With upgraded infrastructure, a stronger design language, an elevated brand portfolio, and differentiated customer engagement, Phoenix Avenue of Stars represents the next chapter in PML’s vision of creating world-class urban retail environments.”

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PUNE: Uber today announced the launch of metro ticketing on the Uber app in Pune, making daily commuting easier and more seamless for Punekars enabled by ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce). Starting today, commuters can plan their metro journeys and purchase QR-based tickets directly within the Uber app without waiting in ticket queues or switching between multiple apps.

Pune is now the fifth Indian city where Uber has rolled out metro ticketing, following launches in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The launch comes at a time when more commuters are increasingly looking for faster, smarter, and more connected ways to move around the city. Now, commuters who book their metro ticket on the Uber app can avail a 50% discount upto ₹ 10 for a limited time period.

During his recent India visit, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi shared that more than 10 million metro rides have already been booked through the Uber app across India, underlining the growing popularity of integrated public transit solutions. Built through ONDC’s interoperable network, these integrations are part of Uber’s broader effort to bring public transport and last-mile mobility together in one seamless experience. Pune commuters can now book metro tickets directly on the Uber app using UPI payments and continue their onward journey using Uber Auto, Bike, Go, and other mobility options.

Neha Kapoor, Head – Strategic Initiatives, Uber India & South Asia, said, “Metro ticketing on Uber is making everyday commuting simpler by bringing public transit and last-mile mobility together in one place. With Pune becoming the fifth city to go live, we’re excited to expand a seamless, end-to-end mobility experience to more riders. More than 10 million metro journeys have already been booked through Uber across India, and we’re seeing strong adoption as commuters increasingly look for faster, more connected ways to move around cities. This is a powerful example of how India’s Digital Public Infrastructure is helping reimagine urban mobility at a population scale.”

Shri Shravan Hardikar (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation, said, “Ticketing integration with Uber will play an important role in improving commuter convenience and encouraging greater adoption of public transport. By enabling metro ticketing directly on the Uber app, we are making travel planning simpler and more accessible for Pune’s commuters.”

Vibhor Jain, MD & CEO, ONDC, said, “Uber’s launch of Pune Metro ticketing, its fifth city in under a year, demonstrates how ONDC’s open network accelerates transit rollout. Pune Metro commuters can now book QR tickets directly in the Uber app, cutting out extra steps and reaching more riders. By linking Pune’s Metro to a national digital transit backbone, ONDC makes journeys seamless while enabling Pune Metro to boost ridership and reduce operational costs. This launch is a major step toward our shared goal of expanding easy, sustainable public transport.”

How to book Pune Metro tickets on the Uber app:

• Open the Uber app
• Select the “Metro” option on the home screen
• Enter your entry and destination stations
• Purchase your QR ticket using UPI
• Scan and ride with ease

Uber continues to explore metro ticketing integrations in more cities across India.

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Empowering the Frontline of Cyber Defense

The specialized training for the officers of the Commissionerate of Police, Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar, focused on the mechanics of crypto-enabled financial crimes and the intricate patterns of modern cyber fraud. Key areas of focus included:

•  VDA Investigative Typologies: Understanding how digital assets move across blockchains.
• Response Mechanisms: Practical approaches to accelerating investigations in a tech-driven financial landscape.
• Collaborative Frameworks: Streamlining the exchange of information between exchanges and investigators.  

A Vision for National Financial Integrity

For CoinDCX, the engagement with the Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar police is not an isolated event, but part of a broader commitment to safeguarding the integrity of India’s financial ecosystem.

“Law Enforcement Agencies are at the forefront of protecting citizens and combating emerging threats in the digital financial ecosystem,” said Sumit Gupta, Co-founder of CoinDCX. “It was a privilege to engage with the dedicated team at the Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate. As the ecosystem evolves, continuous collaboration and knowledge exchange between industry and enforcement agencies becomes increasingly vital. This session is part of our larger, sustained effort to ensure that India’s digital future remains secure and resilient.”

The training was spearheaded by CoinDCX’s core investigative, compliance, and legal experts. The team shared operational insights and real-world investigative perspectives, providing officers with a roadmap for navigating the rapidly changing cybercrime landscape.

Continuous Commitment to Education

CoinDCX remains dedicated to being a proactive partner for LEAs nationwide. Through ongoing education, ecosystem awareness programs, and technical support, the exchange continues to advocate for a collaborative approach to tackling digital financial crime—ensuring that as technology advances, the capabilities of those protecting the public advance alongside it.

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Trustees linked to HGMAT say records show that the land and building at CTS No. 646 belong to their trust. According to them, the HGMAT trustee and members had gone there on a Sunday morning when they got to know that their security guards were being removed from their own building. They say they were denied entry by persons linked to Golden Jubilee Education Trust, GJET, whose property is located next to it.

The FIR, however, records the place of occurrence as Golden Jubilee Education, 647, Bhavani Peth, Kasewadi, Pune, and places the incident at about 8 am on May 3, 2026. There is also a further location question because public references and parts of the complaint narrative point to the premises and open area, which is also in the HGMAE Trust. That difference matters. Was the dispute over access to CTS No. 646, which the HGMAT side says belongs to them? Or did it happen on access and entry into Golden Jubilee Education Trust, GJET, at CTS No. 647?

The second question is about time. According to the FIR, the incident happened on May 3 at about 8 am. However, Mr. Shahid Inamdar of GJET himself did a Facebook Live video at around 11.30 am the same morning, in which he described the incident as something that had happened at night. If one version places the incident in the night and the FIR places it early the next morning, investigators will have to establish which timeline is correct.

The third question is about the material. The FIR says items linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Institute, including partition material, laptops, computers, benches, furniture, and other articles, had been kept or moved in the compound area, and that some articles were taken away. The concerns about some material being removed from the premises. If some material was removed, when and where did that go? The FIR says police help was called by dialing 112, and that police came to the spot. It also says that after the police arrived, some people left.

Then comes the most sensitive part: the medical timeline. Newspaper reports and public discussion have linked the later death of Mr. Shahid Inamdar to the stress of the incident. But in emotionally charged family and institutional disputes, especially after a death, responsible reporting requires every claim to be tested against records, timelines, and medical evidence.

None of this reduces the grief of the death. When contacted, a trust member associated with HGMAT said they were saddened by the loss of Mr. Shahid Inamdar of GJET. They said they have chosen not to go to the media with allegations. According to the trust member, this decision was taken because GJET, though on the other side of the dispute, was a senior member in HGMAE Trust. “If they feel aggrieved, we understand their grief,” the HGMAT trust member said. “The matter is now with the police and the courts. We will clear the Trust name through the legal process.

For now, the Bhavani Peth case remains marked by unanswered questions. Was it CTS No. 646 or 647? Who owned the material? What did the police see when they arrived? And how does the medical timeline actually connect, if at all, to the incident?

Until these questions are answered through property records, tenant documents, police statements, and medical papers, the incident would need to be investigated.

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Jedhe had filed a bail application claiming that he had nothing to do with the sex racket run by Varsha Shirsath, and he had no criminal record. Special Judge and Additional Sessions Judge Kavita D. Shirbhate, however, dismissed the bail plea citing the need for a detailed investigation into the facts that police have found so far.

According to the prosecution, the minor girl came in contact with Varsha Shirsath when the girl was 14 years old, and subsequently Varsha introduced the girl to Anil Jedhe. This duo initially lured the girl with money and then pushed her into prostitution at various lodges in Pune and Chinchwad. The prosecution also submitted that a fake Aadhaar card had been prepared in her name, showing her as an adult.

Current developments suggest the case may extend far beyond the initial arrest because the girl has told police about at least 17 other girls who are stuck in the sex racket, according to the court order. While rejecting the bail, the court cited the need for further investigation into this aspect and noted that the chargesheet had not yet been filed.

Source PR Agency Maharashtra Media

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