National News
ASIS Chapter Meet & AGM 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success at Bharat Diamond Bourse
In a vibrant confluence of security, cyber, and risk management professionals, the ASIS International Mumbai Chapter successfully hosted its Annual General Meeting and Chapter Meet 2025 at the prestigious Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai. The event drew an impressive gathering of nearly 130 seasoned experts and rising leaders from across the industry, transforming the iconic venue into a dynamic hub of strategic dialogue, professional camaraderie, and forward-looking governance.

The highlight of the day was the keynote address by the distinguished D. Sivanandhan, former Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, and former Director General of Police, Maharashtra, as well as the founder of the impactful ROTI BANK initiative. Speaking on the critical theme of “Public-Police Partnership: A Strategic Imperative for Crisis Management & Business Continuity,” Sivanandhan delivered a compelling 40-minute presentation that held the audience in rapt attention. With a rare blend of authority, insight, and lived experience, his talk was both mesmerizing and deeply instructive, drawing richly from the core ideas of his recently released book. The hall was so silent during his address that one could hear a pin drop, a testament to the power and relevance of his message on how strong public-police collaboration can transform a metropolis into a safer, more resilient city to live and work in.
Following the keynote, the much-anticipated book launch of “The Brahmastra Unleashed” took center stage, graced by industry stalwarts who formally unveiled the publication. The launch was not just a celebration of authorship but a recognition of a body of work that promises to shape thinking and practice in the security domain for years to come.

Adding further prestige to the occasion,Mehul Shah, Vice President of Bharat Diamond Bourse and Chairman of the Gemmological Institute of India, was present to felicitate Sivanandhan. In his interaction with the media, Shri Shah warmly welcomed all professionals to the BDB, emphasizing that in today’s complex and often unfavourable global environment, the coming together of top security leaders from diverse organizations is a heartening and positive sign.
He remarked, “When the world faces uncertainty, it is reassuring to see leaders gather, share insights, and build connections that strengthen our collective resilience. The Bharat Diamond Bourse is proud to host such a distinguished gathering and stands ready to welcome all professionals who contribute to a safer, more secure society. My best wishes to ASIS International for its elections and for all its efforts to serve the profession and society at large.”
The intellectual momentum continued with a high-impact panel discussion on “Building Resilience & Business Continuity in an Unpredictable World.” Moderated by Col. Sam, the panel featured an esteemed lineup of Col. Manjit Singh, Usha Suryavanshi, Rajesh Shekhawat, and Capt. Shantanu Krishna. The discussion was incisive, practical, and rich with real-world examples, offering valuable frameworks for organizations to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from disruptions in an era of constant change.

In a touching moment of recognition, the ASIS Mumbai Chapter also felicitated Sampat Suryavanshi, a distinguished corporate security professional, for his exceptional contributions and unwavering support during the tragic 26/11 terror attacks, recently being honoured by the National Security Guard at the Gateway of India while commemorating the courage and sacrifices of that harrowing chapter in the city’s history.
Alongside the knowledge sessions, the Mumbai Chapter also conducted its annual elections, which concluded smoothly and democratically. The newly elected office bearers for the year 2026 were warmly welcomed: Rakesh Kherwa as Chapter Chair, Marsh Miranda as Chapter Secretary, and Aabid Khan as Chapter Treasurer. Their election marks a new chapter of leadership, collaboration, and service for the Mumbai Chapter.
As the event drew to a close, the air was charged with optimism, purpose, and a shared sense of mission. In a world where threats are evolving and challenges are multiplying, gatherings like the ASIS Mumbai Chapter Meet & AGM 2025 stand as a powerful reminder that unity, knowledge, and leadership are the true cornerstones of a secure and resilient future. Here’s to many more such moments of connection, learning, and impact.
National News
IAGES Accredited Partner Directory Brings Verified Gold Businesses Together on One Trusted Platform
Hosting More than 700 Accredited Outlets Across 200+ cities, the IAGES Directory Serves as a Bridge Between Consumers Seeking Trustworthy Gold Transactions and Accredited businesses
The Accredited Partner Directory launched by the Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES) in November, 2025 has gained significant momentum among consumers and gold businesses since its inception. This one-stop digital platform now hosts a growing network of over 700 IAGES partner outlets across 200 cities, allowing consumers to find verified, trusted jewellers nearest to them before they step out to buy or exchange gold.
An IAGES verified business follows a stringent code of conduct that mandates accountability, responsibility and ethical conduct across its entire value chain. IAGES’ Accredited Partner Directory offers consumers trust, confidence and peace of mind, allowing them to explore and choose these verified, third-party assessed gold jewellers nearest to them either by brand name, location, or category.
The accredited entities appearing in the directory include strong national, regional and city-based large, medium and small retailers. The directory not only includes verified gold jewellers, but also lists gold refiners, bullion traders, manufacturers and assaying and hallmarking centres and digital gold retailers.
Kaushlendra Sinha, CEO, IAGES, said:

“The growing list of partners in the IAGES Accredited Partner Directory reflects the gold industry’s readiness to adopt transparent and compliant business practices, building consumer confidence and trust while slowly formalising the gold ecosystem in India. We invite all gold businesses to come forward and join the movement to transform India’s gold industry, one accreditation at a time!”
IAGES is currently running a consumer awareness campaign – ‘Before you exchange or buy gold #PehlaCheckIAGES’ to spread the word about the importance of buying gold only from a verified, credible retailer. The successful campaign has reached 50 million+ consumers through online and offline mediums, while the IAGES website is seeing massive hits every day as consumers check the directory to verify a gold business.
Sumeet Deoda, Vice President – Marketing and Communication, IAGES said:
“Clearly, the IAGES Accredited Partner Directory has been much anticipated by consumers, gold jewellers and gold business entities alike! We are happy to finally share this growing database with the world even as we continue to work towards our goal of changing the gold-buying mindset in India as the first, crucial step towards formalising the industry,”

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