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Arpit Jagdish Kabra, a Mumbai based CA, was felicitated with the International Excellence Award 2024 for forensic auditing

CA Arpit Jagdish Kabra, from Mumbai, has been honored with the International Excellence Award 2024 for his significant contributions through forensic auditing. This prestigious award was presented to him at the House of Commons, British Parliament, UK, highlighting the international recognition and impact of his work.

At a young age, Arpit Kabra took on the role of Chairman of the Western India Regional Council (WIRC) of ICAI. His efforts towards the empowerment of women and youth, as well as the projects initiated under his leadership at WIRC, have made him deserving of this honor. Under his leadership, the team at WIRC also created the world record for the largest human mosaic in Mumbai. 

The news of his achievement has brought immense pride to the entire fraternity. His recognition has not only infused new energy into society but has also established his dedication and character as an inspiration for the younger generation. CA Arpit Kabra’s exemplary work has set a new benchmark at both national and international levels, influencing a broad spectrum of people, from common citizens to professional circles. Arpit Kabra has dedicated this achievement to his family and his team at WIRC. He is involved in the popular YouTube podcast Victory Tox, which is aimed at helping MSMEs and entrepreneurs. He also trains young minds through the Instagram channel @arpitkabra25 and the YouTube channel Skills_Arpit. He can be reached through his social media handles.






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by Sameera

Migros Expands Fresh Bread Offerings Across Switzerland Zurich, Switzerland (October 2025) — Switzerland’s retail leader Migros has announced a major revamp of its bakery line, known as Migros Brot, as it doubles down on local sourcing, sustainability, and freshness to compete with rising rivals like Aldi Brot. The move signals Migros’s renewed focus on traditional Swiss craftsmanship, responding to evolving consumer tastes and growing demand for healthier, artisanal bread options. The updated Migros Brot range will include new varieties made from regional grains, organic spelt, and sourdough, as well as gluten-free options. According to a statement from Migros, the bakery revamp aims to “combine Swiss baking traditions with modern nutrition values,” ensuring that customers can enjoy both authenticity and quality at affordable prices. Local Ingredients and Freshness at the Core Migros has long been known for its emphasis on local production, and the new Migros Brot line continues this tradition. The company announced partnerships with several Swiss grain cooperatives to source flour directly from local farms. This initiative not only strengthens the domestic food chain but also reduces the carbon footprint of bread production. A spokesperson for Migros told Nau.ch that the bakery expansion includes over 40 varieties of bread, freshly baked daily in in-store ovens. “Customers are seeking transparency and freshness — they want to know where their food comes from. Migros Brot reflects that,” the spokesperson said. Among the new offerings are the “Bauernbrot Rustikal”, “Bio-Dinkel Kruste”, and “Vollkorn Vitalbrot”, all baked with naturally fermented dough to improve flavor and digestibility. Aldi Brot Competition Heats Up The Swiss bread market has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with Aldi Suisse investing heavily in its Aldi Brot range. Aldi’s strategy focuses on value-for-money and rapid product turnover, offering fresh loaves several times a day at lower price points. However, Migros aims to differentiate itself through quality and heritage rather than price alone. “While Aldi Brot attracts customers through affordability, Migros Brot is winning loyalty through trust, origin, and Swiss craftsmanship,” notes retail analyst Markus Steiner. He adds that bread remains a critical product category in Swiss supermarkets, symbolizing both freshness and brand credibility. “For Swiss consumers, bread is not just food — it’s part of identity. The retailer that best captures that connection stands to benefit.” Focus on Sustainability and Nutrition In line with Migros’s 2025 sustainability goals, the Migros Brot portfolio highlights environmentally responsible production. The company is reducing packaging waste by expanding paper-based wrapping and encouraging customers to use reusable bread bags. Additionally, the bakery team has reduced salt levels and replaced refined flour with whole grains in several products to promote healthier eating. According to Migros, over 60% of its bread varieties now meet Switzerland’s “balanced nutrition” standards. The retailer also introduced a digital traceability feature in select stores, allowing customers to scan a QR code on the bread label to learn about the grain’s origin and the baker who prepared it. Swiss Consumers Welcome the Change Early reactions from shoppers and food critics have been …

by Sameera

Indian Passport Services Provider Faces Major Setback In a significant development, BLS International, the global outsourcing and technology services provider for government and diplomatic missions, has been debarred from participating in Indian government tenders. The decision, reported by Khaleej Times, has created ripples across the travel and visa service sector, as BLS International plays a crucial role in handling passport, visa, and consular services for millions of Indians worldwide. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has reportedly suspended the company’s eligibility to bid for new contracts following concerns raised over procedural issues in service delivery. This marks one of the most impactful regulatory actions in the outsourcing domain in recent years, especially given BLS International’s extensive presence across more than 66 countries. What Triggered the Debarment According to official sources cited by Khaleej Times, the MEA’s decision comes after internal reviews pointed to non-compliance with contractual obligations in certain overseas passport and visa service centers managed by BLS International. While the exact reasons for the debarment have not been publicly disclosed, government officials hinted at administrative lapses and inconsistencies in customer service delivery, including delays and document-handling issues. An official statement from the MEA confirmed that BLS International has been temporarily debarred from bidding for new tenders, though it may continue to manage existing contracts until their term ends or is otherwise terminated by mutual consent. Impact on Passport and Visa Services BLS International is one of the largest global players in the outsourced visa and passport service sector, managing processes for countries including India, Spain, Italy, and Canada. In the UAE alone, the company operates several Indian Passport and Visa Application Centers, assisting tens of thousands of Indian expatriates every month. The debarment has led to concerns among travelers and expatriates about possible disruptions in services. However, officials clarified that existing passport and visa centers will remain operational until further notice, ensuring continuity for applicants currently in process. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have also assured the public that passport renewal, visa, and OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) services will continue without interruption. BLS International’s Response In response to the development, BLS International Services Ltd. issued a statement expressing surprise at the MEA’s decision and confirming that it has sought clarification from the ministry. The company emphasized its long-standing relationship with the Indian government and its track record of managing millions of applications efficiently and securely. BLS International also noted that it adheres to strict data privacy and service protocols and is confident that the issue will be resolved soon. “BLS International remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and compliance. We are actively engaging with the concerned authorities to clarify and resolve the matter at the earliest,” the company said in its official statement. Stock Market Reaction Following the news, BLS International’s share price experienced a sharp decline on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), with the stock dropping over 8% intraday as investors reacted …

by Vivek Kumar

Times Network, India’s premium broadcast network will be hosting the Pickleball Now Grand Prix, a first-of-its-kind premium lifestyle sporting initiative, on 30 August 2025 at GoRally, Whitefield, Bengaluru. More than just a competition, the Grand Prix brings together sport, lifestyle, and community connections in one high-energy showcase. The daylong event will host over 250 registered players and 500+ attendees, with matches played across 7 dedicated courts. Participants will compete for a ₹2 Lakh prize pool, trophies, medals, and recognition for 14 winners and 14 runners-up. The tournament features four competitive categories, designed to engage both intermediate and advanced players Men’s Doubles – Intermediate & Open (Advanced), Women’s Doubles – Intermediate & Open (Advanced), Mixed Doubles – Intermediate & Open (Advanced), Mystery Partner – Intermediate only, adding a fun and unpredictable twist with randomly paired teammates. All matches are affiliated with Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), with official ranking points updated on the platform.  The Pickleball Now Grand Prix has attracted marquee brands across lifestyle, tech, mobility, and consumer categories, underscoring its premium positioning. The event is presented by Hell Energy Drink and driven by MG Motors, with strong support from partners including Skechers (Footwear Partner), Just In Time (Official Timekeeper), Aris Perfumes (Freshness Partner), River Bikes (Ride Mobility Partner), Amity University (University Partner), CoinDCX (Crypto Partner), Radico (Celebration Partner), Zoho (Tech Partner), Acerpure (Lifestyle Partner), Assetz Builders (Realty Partner), Airavat (Equipment Partner), and Stayvista (Luxury Stay Partner). With world-class competition, a vibrant lifestyle showcase, and the support of leading brands, the Pickleball Now Grand Prix is set to redefine the sporting experience in Bengaluru. By blending athletic excellence with premium partnerships and community engagement, the event marks a significant step in positioning pickleball as one of India’s fastest-growing and most aspirational sports.