Brands
BonV Aero takes flight with defence honours
MUMBAI: When it comes to innovation, this startup isn’t just flying high, it’s soaring into the nation’s defence hall of fame. Odisha-based aerospace firm BonV Aero has clinched the SIDM Champion Award (Special Jury) under technology/product innovation to address defence capabilities gap, a proud recognition of its indigenous advances in aerial systems.
The award was presented by defence minister Rajnath Singh to BonV Aero co-founder and CEO Satyabrata Satapathy, who dedicated the win to the nation and the armed forces. The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) instituted the awards to honour excellence in home-grown defence manufacturing and technology breakthroughs.
BonV Aero’s work in high-altitude, heavy-payload, and autonomous aerial systems has drawn national attention for expanding what unmanned aircraft can achieve in India’s tactical and logistics landscapes. The startup’s indigenous propulsion systems, rugged airframes, and self-flying technologies enable these drones to carry heavy loads, operate independently in complex terrains, and adapt to mission-critical defence operations.
As the only Odisha-based startup to receive this recognition, BonV Aero has put the state’s deep-tech ambitions on the national map. The company’s blend of design precision and operational reliability is creating aerospace solutions that are as strategic as they are self-reliant, aligning seamlessly with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
“This recognition from SIDM and the Ministry of Defence is a proud moment not just for BonV Aero, but for Odisha’s entire innovation community,” said Satyabrata Satapathy, adding that the firm’s mission is to “build systems that perform where it matters most, from high-altitude frontiers to rapid-response tactical environments.”
The awards jury, chaired by Satheesh Reddy, former DRDO chairman and scientific adviser to the Defence Minister, featured a distinguished panel including Prahlada Ramarao (padma shri), air marshal Anil Chopra (retd.), vice admiral S.K.N. Ghormade (retd.), and maj gen P.K. Saini (retd.), among others.
Endorsed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the SIDM Champion Awards continue to highlight the power of collaboration between industry and the armed forces, spotlighting innovation as the new arsenal of modern defence.
With this recognition, BonV Aero has not just lifted off, it’s redefining flight itself, positioning India for a future where indigenous ingenuity leads the way in aerospace and defence technology.
Brands
Akoirah rolls out Diamond Draw campaign across cities for Akshaya Tritiya
Festive offer blends discounts with prize draws to boost jewellery shopping buzz
MUMBAI: Akoirah has launched a festive ‘Diamond Draw’ campaign across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune, aiming to add a dash of excitement to jewellery shopping ahead of Akshaya Tritiya.
Running from April 6 to 19, the limited-period initiative offers customers a chance to win diamond jewellery worth Rs 1.5 lakh with every eligible purchase. Winners will be announced in-store, with one winner selected per outlet, turning a traditional shopping ritual into a more interactive experience.
Alongside the draw, the brand is also offering a flat 20 per cent discount on diamond value during the campaign period, positioning the offer as both celebratory and value-driven.
The move reflects a broader shift in festive retail strategies, where brands are looking beyond straightforward discounts to create more engaging, experience-led campaigns. By linking each purchase to a unique entry in a store-specific draw, the campaign aims to keep participation simple while ensuring fairness across locations.
Speaking on the initiative, Akoirah founder Namita Kothari said the idea was to make festive buying more meaningful and rewarding. She noted that while Akshaya Tritiya remains deeply rooted in tradition, customers today are increasingly seeking memorable shopping experiences alongside value.
The campaign also taps into evolving consumer preferences, with buyers leaning towards lighter, design-led jewellery rather than purely weight-based purchases. This shift has encouraged brands to combine product appeal with experiential elements to drive footfall and engagement.
Backed by digital promotions and in-store activations, the Diamond Draw campaign is expected to build momentum during the festive window. As competition intensifies around key buying occasions, initiatives like these underline how jewellery brands are reimagining the retail experience to keep customers coming back for more than just the sparkle.
