Santonu Goswami, Professor, School of Climate Change and Sustainability, Azim Premji University, Bengaluru

Focusing on near-term projections (2021-2040) the study provides actionable insights for policymakers and local communities, using CMIP6* model projections corrected for regional bias to improve accuracy. The report warns that the window for adaptation is rapidly narrowing as the 1.5°C warming threshold is expected to be reached across India’s administrative regions in the near future. 

“Climate change is not some distant future challenge—it is the reality of today. 2040 is just 14 years away,” said Anurag Behar, CEO, Azim Premji Foundation. “This dataset brings to life the impacts of climate change with much greater immediacy, highlighting how we must restructure our infrastructure and governance to ensure we collectively address this crisis.”
 

The report traces how specific changes—from rising wet-bulb temperatures in Kerala to intensifying monsoons in Maharashtra—are already rendering traditional knowledge systems, like the Nakaih wind calendar, unreliable. It aims to provide the foundational data necessary for local authorities to build district-level resilience.

“The data in this report is a mirror that reflects a reality we can no longer afford to ignore. For decades, we treated climate change as a global abstraction — a problem of polar ice caps and distant centuries. But our findings show that for the Indian coastline, the crisis is hyper-local and immediate. Whether it is the heat stress in Ernakulam or the rising salinity in the Sundarbans, our vulnerability is visible in all aspects of our daily lives. We have a short window of time to move from reactive mitigation to proactive adaptation — we need to craft a future that acknowledges the ecological challenges faced by our nation,” said Harini Nagendra, Director, School of Climate Change and Sustainability, Azim Premji University.

Maharashtra and Gujarat’s coastal regions are entering a period of significant environmental transition, with Suburban Mumbai projected to see summer maximum temperatures rise by 1.3°C, highlighting the growing need for heat-resilient urban planning. This warming is accompanied by a marked intensification of seasonal rainfall; Suburban Mumbai is expected to face almost an additional week (+6 days) of heavy rain, while districts like Surat and Bhavnagar are preparing for Southwest monsoon surges of 23% and 24%, respectively. These shifts are already impacting local livelihoods: for instance, the Koli community in Mumbai reports business losses when unpredictable rain spells disrupt the traditional drying of prawns. By focusing on the immediate 2040 window, the report provides the granular data necessary for the West Coast to safeguard its infrastructure and unique coastal heritage.

Key Findings

• Rising Temperatures: India’s average temperatures are projected to increase by 1.5°C, with approximately 40 coastal districts likely to see summer temperatures rise by over 1°C.

• Dangerous "Wet-Bulb" Heat: Coastal Kerala and Tamil Nadu will experience high summer wet-bulb temperatures, nearing the 31°C- levels considered dangerous for humans.

• Ernakulam Heat Spike: Ernakulam is projected to record the highest increase in maximum summer temperatures projected at +1.3°C among all coastal districts.

• Intensified West Coast Monsoons: Coastal Maharashtra and Gujarat will receive significantly higher rainfall with suburban Mumbai likely to experience nearly an additional week of heavy rain.

• Surat’s Monsoon Surge: Surat is projected to see a substantial 23% increase in Southwest Monsoon compared to historical levels.

• Sea-Level Rise and Erosion: Under moderate emission scenarios (SSP2-4.5)**, global sea levels are projected to rise by 15 cm by 2050, accelerating coastal erosion and creating "ghost villages" in regions like Ganjam, Odisha.

• Cyclone Risk: Rapid acceleration in sea surface temperatures (0.27°C per decade) is increasing the likelihood of intense tropical cyclones.

• Impact on Traditional Livelihoods: In Goa, unseasonal rains are destroying entire salt harvests within hours, while warming seas are pushing fish further offshore, leading to "empty nets" for small-scale fishermen.

• Health and Salinity: In the Sundarbans, rising salinity from frequent embankment breaches is linked to increased skin diseases and menstrual health challenges among women.

About Azim Premji University

Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, was established under the Azim Premji University Act 2010 of the Government of Karnataka. Azim Premji University, Bhopal, was established under the provisions of Madhya Pradesh Niji Vishwa Vidyalaya (Sthapana Avam Sanchalan) Dwitiya Sanshodhan Adhiniyam, 2022. Azim Premji University in Ranchi is being established under the Azim Premji University Act, 2022, enacted by the Government of Jharkhand.
 

Azim Premji Foundation, the sponsoring body, set up all three Universities as fully philanthropic entities, with a clear social purpose of contributing to the realisation of a just, equitable, humane, and sustainable society.
 

Note to Editors:
*CMIP6 (Climate Modeling) CMIP6 is the latest global framework for climate forecasting, combining data from over 30 international laboratories to create the world’s most accurate climate simulations. It allows scientists to "zoom in" on specific districts with much higher resolutions than ever before.
 

** SSP2-4.5 is the "Middle of the Road" scenario that projects climate impacts based on the world’s current trajectory. It is used here to provide a realistic baseline, showing the immediate risks India's coastline faces if global development and carbon emissions continue at their present pace without drastic changes.

A talk show with Sara Sham at Layer’M
 

Recognised as one of Mumbai’s premier institutes for fashion and interior design education, NIF Global Borivali & South Mumbai has consistently focused on nurturing industry-ready talent through experiential learning and practical exposure. With campuses in both Borivali and South Mumbai, the institute has actively created opportunities for students to engage with the professional world through platforms such as Lakmé Fashion Week, Bombay Times Fashion Week, and design competitions including IDAC.
 

The annual showcase Layer’M reflected this vision through an immersive presentation of student-led projects and collections across both disciplines.
 

The Interior Design Exhibition featured thoughtfully designed furniture pieces, detailed 3D models, and academic design portfolios conceptualised by students. The exhibition was reviewed by renowned architects and interior designers, offering students valuable industry feedback and firsthand exposure to professional jury interactions, an important step in understanding practical industry expectations and design thinking.
 

One of the key highlights of the event was an engaging Interior Design Talk Show featuring acclaimed interior designer Sarah Sham. Through her interaction with students, she shared insights into the realities of the design industry, creative processes, and career-building, giving aspiring designers meaningful direction and practical knowledge for their professional journeys ahead.
 

The evening transitioned into a grand Fashion Design showcase, where graduating students presented experimental and innovative collections through a high-energy runway presentation. Featuring nearly 110 garments, the showcase celebrated individuality, craftsmanship, and contemporary design narratives, reflecting the evolving voice of young fashion talent emerging from Mumbai’s design ecosystem.
 

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony honouring distinguished guests, student winners, and graduating designers, celebrating the achievements and creative excellence displayed throughout the festival.
 

With initiatives like Layer’M, NIF Global Borivali & South Mumbai continues to strengthen its commitment towards shaping the next generation of fashion and interior design professionals by combining creativity, industry exposure, and experiential learning under one platform.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nifborivali?igsh=NGxvNHZ6MGtkZG0w
 

About NIF Global Borivali & South Mumbai
NIF Global Borivali & South Mumbai is one of Mumbai’s leading institutes for fashion and interior design education, committed to nurturing creativity, innovation, and industry-ready talent. With campuses in Borivali and South Mumbai, the institute focuses on providing students with practical exposure and real-world opportunities that bridge academics with the professional industry. Through a strong emphasis on experiential learning, industry collaborations, and creative excellence, NIF Global continues to empower and shape the next generation of fashion and interior design professionals.

SAP Learning Hub

To help students gain exposure to this global ecosystem early in their careers, SAP is now offering free access to SAP Learning Hub, student edition for students in India. The platform gives students a great opportunity to explore technology skills that are sought by organizations around the world.
 

In industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, AI-powered SAP software is being used for insights to drive improvement in operations. Several leading IT and consulting firms in India like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra also work extensively with SAP systems.
 

With global investments growing in AI, automation, analytics, and cloud technologies, talent demand is also growing for those familiar with enterprise platforms and processes.
 

“Students often associate technology careers only with coding or software development,” said Tine Vandenbreeden, Global VP SIX Partner Solution Enablement, SAP. “But businesses today need talent that understands digital operations across functions like finance, supply chain, HR, analytics, and customer experience. SAP Learning Hub, student edition gives students an opportunity to explore these business technologies early in their academic journey.”
 

The India-specific student access to SAP Learning Hub is intended to remove financial barriers and connect academic experience to in-demand digital jobs.
 

The platform offers a mix of learning resources, access to a community, real SAP practice systems, expert sessions, and two free SAP Certification exam attempts to support career readiness among learners. Built for students from various streams like commerce, engineering, and management, it introduces how SAP technology is used within business environments.
 

Students have access to role-based SAP Learning Journeys that add practical business context to classroom learning.
 

While students prepare for interviews, placements, and technical skills, they don’t usually get to see business systems used inside large organizations. Through SAP Learning Hub, student edition, SAP is making that experience available to students all over India at zero cost. For many students, this may be their first direct exposure to how large businesses operate behind the scenes.
 

To register for the free SAP Learning Hub, student edition, visit learning.sap.com/free-student-edition.

SEBI’s NISM and Galgotias University join hands to strengthen fintech, capital markets, and industry-aligned financial learning for students
 

Finance, technology, artificial intelligence, analytics, digital payments, and investment platforms are increasingly intersecting across industries and startup ecosystems. Companies today require graduates who understand markets, regulation, financial instruments, investment behaviour, and capital flows alongside technology and business fundamentals.
 

Galgotias University has been strengthening its business, entrepreneurship, and fintech-oriented academic ecosystem through industry-linked programmes, startup engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and applied training initiatives. The University’s School of Business and the Centre for Capital Market Simulation contribute to this focus by creating stronger exposure to financial systems, market behaviour, and investment ecosystems among students. Housed within the School of Finance and Commerce, the Centre features the NSE SMART Lab established in collaboration with NSE Academy, where students engage with capital market concepts, trading environments, and simulation-based financial learning on the NSMART platform through exposure to real-time market scenarios in a risk-free academic setting.
 

The collaboration is expected to benefit students across multiple disciplines including business, commerce, economics, management, engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, and analytics domains. Students building startups or technology-led ventures can particularly benefit from stronger exposure to financial systems, investment structures, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks that influence scalability, fundraising, and long-term business growth.
 

Under the collaboration, students will gain access to NISM certifications, e-learning modules, certification-linked learning pathways, and academic support in areas including securities markets, mutual funds, equity derivatives, investment advisory, merchant banking, portfolio management services, research analysis, securities operations, and risk management.
 

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “Technology and finance are increasingly converging across sectors, whether in digital payments, fintech platforms, investment ecosystems, analytics, or startup environments. Students today require a stronger understanding of financial systems and market structures irrespective of their discipline. A technology founder, for example, may build a strong product but still require deeper understanding of capital markets, investment behaviour, regulatory systems, and financial strategy to scale effectively. Our collaboration with NISM will help students build this exposure through structured certifications, applied learning, and engagement with the financial sector.”
 

Under the understanding, NISM will support participating students and faculty through learning resources, e-learning programmes, faculty development modules, assessment support, and expert engagement opportunities. Faculty development programmes, expert-led sessions, and academic integration support will also form part of the engagement.
 

The collaboration further strengthens Galgotias University’s focus on industry-linked learning, interdisciplinary capability building, and preparing students for opportunities emerging across financial services, fintech, analytics, consulting, investment research, and capital markets.

fischer India is GPTW certified 4th time in a row

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“At Great Place To Work, we believe a great workplace is built through trust, purpose, and a people-first approach. By earning this Certification, fischer India has demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing employee experience and cultivating a culture where people thrive. This milestone celebrates your team’s dedication to creating a workplace that inspires excellence," Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work, India.

Reflecting on this achievement, Mr. Mayank Kalra, Managing Director of fischer India, shared, “We are extremely proud to be recognized as a Great Place To Work Certified organization for the fourth consecutive year. This achievement is far more than a certification — it is a reflection of the strong culture of trust, respect, collaboration, and belonging that our people have built together at fischer India.

At fischer, we believe that sustainable success begins with empowered people. Through initiatives such as the Talent Assessment Centre (TAC), Talent Development Centre (TDC), Product Competence Trainings, and Leadership Development Programs under the fischer India Academy, we continue to invest in creating opportunities for learning, growth, and leadership development across the organization.

This recognition reaffirms our commitment to building a workplace where every employee feels valued, heard, inspired, and proud to contribute. It also strongly reflects the global vision of the fischer Group to nurture people, strengthen leadership, and create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

As our owner, Prof. Klaus Fischer rightly says, ‘Our greatest assets are not our facilities and buildings, but our employees.’ This belief continues to guide us in everything we do.

I sincerely thank our employees, leadership team, Board members, customers, and partners for their trust and support. This achievement belongs to every individual who contributes with passion, dedication, and heart every single day. Together, we are not only building a successful business — we are building a workplace and culture that people are proud to be part of.”

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

fischer Group of Companies
The fischer Group of Companies, headquartered in Waldachtal in Germany’s northern Black Forest, generated sales of 1.05 billion euros in 2025 with a worldwide staff of 4,800 employees. The family-owned company runs 51 operational companies worldwide and exports to about 120 countries. It includes the four divisions fischer fixing systems, fischertechnik, fischer Consulting and fischer Electronic Solutions. 

fischer fixing systems is the technological market leader in key areas of fixing technology. fischer offers products that deliver technical perfection to a wide range of customers, from do-it-yourselfers to tradespeople to key account partners.

With its construction kits, fischertechnik operates across both the toy market and the education sector. As one of the few toy manufacturers, fischertechnik develops and manufactures its products primarily in Germany.

fischer Consulting evolved from the competence developed in the company itself, which includes the fischer ProcessSystem with its central aim of permanent improvement for the ultimate benefit of the customer. fischer Consulting advises small and medium-sized businesses, government agencies and major companies on their path towards lean and efficient processes.

fischer Electronic Solutions develops and manufactures custom electronic solutions for the industrial and medical sectors, with a focus on long-term partnerships and tailor-made, high-quality solutions. As a partner in innovation, fischer Electronic Solutions is breaking new ground together with its customers to build a successful future. Online: www.fischer.group.

fischer Building Materials India Private Limited
Ward No. 76, Unit 101, First Level, No. 3 (Old 4 Prestige Sigma, Vittal Mallya Rd, Richmond Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Vegas Mall Celebrates Sixth Edition of Retailers Reward and Recognition

The event was attended by Vegas Mall's senior leadership, including Directors Kanwal Kumar, Suresh Anand,  Shresth Bansal, Anmol Anand, and Sambhav Chhadha, alongside Harsh Vardhan Bansal, Co-Founder and Director, Unity One and Vegas. Their presence made it clear that Vegas Mall is committed to building bridges that go way beyond mere commercial agreements. It involved assembling the finest brands across the verticals within an environment that blended gratitude and warmth. The brands were appreciated not only for their sales figures but also for their ability to provide an excellent shopping experience to their customers.

Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, says, "Hosting the 6th edition of Retailers Reward and Recognition is a reflection of the relationships we have built and the shared commitment that defines the Vegas Mall community. Our retail partners are not just occupants of space but they are co-creators of the experience that brings shoppers back every week. This evening is our way of pausing to acknowledge that contribution and to reaffirm that their growth and ours are inseparable. As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating an environment where exceptional retail can thrive and where the partnerships we celebrate tonight continue to define what a mall community can achieve together."

The 6th Retailers Reward and Recognition strengthened the bonds within the Vegas Mall retail community, creating an evening of shared pride and renewed momentum. These conversations that have persisted long after the official proceedings have concluded speak volumes about the level of involvement that Vegas Mall has achieved through its relationship with the retailers, one that is founded on mutual respect and shared vision for success.

Dignitaries with graduating students at the iMpower Academy for Skills convocation in Panipat

The prestigious ceremony witnessed the gracious presence of eminent dignitaries including Sh. Mahipal Dhandha Ji, Hon’ble Education Minister, Haryana; Sh. Pawan Jindal Ji, Sarsanghchalak, North Region, RSS; Shri Vijay Ji, Pracharak, RSS; Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, along with respected MLAs, Sarpanches, government officials, employers, industry representatives, community leaders, alumni, trainees, and members of local Panchayats.

The event brought together more than 1000+ individuals, including youth, employers, community institutions, and local governance representatives on a common platform to celebrate the growing impact of skill-led empowerment and livelihood creation across rural Haryana. Representatives from 36 Panchayats of Samalkha participated enthusiastically in the programme, reflecting strong community engagement and collective support towards youth development initiatives.

The Convocation Ceremony highlighted inspiring stories of trainees and alumni who have transformed their lives through vocational training, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial ventures under the Kaushal Sambal Programme. The programme featured cultural performances, alumni success stories, employer interaction sessions, certificate distribution, and the unveiling of the “Vyapower Song,” celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of rural youth.

One of the major highlights of the event was the showcase of 30+ enterprise stalls established by trained alumni of iMpower Academy for Skills, as part of M3M Foundation’s Vyapower Programme, which promotes entrepreneurship and self-reliance among rural youth. The stalls displayed a diverse range of entrepreneurial ventures including handicrafts, beauty services, mehndi art, jute products, and food items, reflecting the confidence and self-reliance nurtured through the Foundation’s skill development initiatives.

The event also witnessed the participation of 20+ employers and industry representatives who engaged with trainees and alumni for placement and recruitment opportunities, creating promising career pathways for rural youth.

The Convocation Ceremony also reflected the larger impact of M3M Foundation’s flagship Kaushal Sambal Programme, which is currently operational across 7 states, 12+ districts, and 353 villages through 19 iMpower Academies and 9 implementing partners. The programme has successfully trained and empowered more than 12,000 youth through skill development and livelihood opportunities across 18 trades, achieving an impressive 76% placement rate while promoting entrepreneurship through 14 enterprise development programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Mahipal Dhandha Ji, Hon’ble Education Minister, Haryana, appreciated the impactful role being played by M3M Foundation in empowering unemployed and underprivileged youth through skill-based education and livelihood initiatives. He stated that such programmes are creating meaningful social transformation by connecting youth with employment and sustainable economic opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Skill development is not merely about providing employment opportunities; it is about building confidence, dignity, and the ability to create a better future. At M3M Foundation, we strongly believe that when youth are empowered with the right skills and opportunities, they become catalysts of transformation not only for themselves but for their families and entire communities.”

The Convocation Ceremony concluded with a strong message of empowerment, entrepreneurship, and collective progress, reaffirming M3M Foundation’s commitment towards building a skilled, confident, and self-reliant India through impactful community-driven initiatives.

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Arihant Academy

The company delivered a strong financial performance in FY26, reporting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 9.11 crores, reflecting a 104.85% year-on-year (YoY) growth compared to Rs. 4.45 crores in FY25. Total Consolidated Revenue for the year increased by 52.57% to Rs. 64.87 crores in FY26, as against Rs. 42.52 crores in FY25. The growth was driven by sustained student enrolments, expansion across new geographies, diversification into career-oriented programs, and continued operational efficiencies.

For Q4FY26, the company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 3.32 crores, registering an 87.28% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth compared to Rs. 1.77 crores in Q3FY26. Total Revenue for the quarter stood at Rs. 16.11 crores, reflecting a 10.78% increase over Rs. 14.54 crores reported in Q3FY26. The quarterly performance highlights the company’s continued momentum, strong academic demand, and improving scalability across its expanding network.

Commenting on the FY26 performance, Mr. Anil Kapasi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Arihant Academy, said, “Since the previous year, we have witnessed strong momentum throughout our organization as a result of the growing trust from our students & parents, expanded academic opportunities available to them, and the steadfast commitment and hard work of our dedicated faculty and operational teams. Our results for this quarter reflect not only healthy growth in various financial and operational areas, but also the scalability of the model we have built over the years.

As we strive to augment our presence and engage deeper with our students and their parents, our main objective is to provide quality educational outcomes while ensuring that we sustainably expand our reach. The visibility we are seeing across our business pipeline and enrolment ecosystem gives us confidence for the coming quarters. We believe our team’s consistent efforts, disciplined execution, and student-centric approach will continue to support our long-term expansion journey.”

In FY26, Arihant Academy expanded its presence across multiple education hubs through strategic centre launches in Nashik (Maharashtra), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), and Rajasthan, where the addition of two new centres increased the total count in the state to five. The company also strengthened its footprint in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with the launch of seven new centres, further enhancing accessibility to quality education for a larger student community.

During the year, Arihant Academy also introduced the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification course in association with NSE Academy, aimed at providing students and professionals with industry-relevant expertise in auditing, compliance, and financial systems. These initiatives reflect the company’s continued focus on expansion, academic innovation, and career-oriented learning opportunities.

About Arihant Academy Limited

Arihant Academy is a premier educational institution specialising in coaching services and comprehensive educational support across Mumbai, Maharashtra. Catering to students from Class 8 to 10 across State Board, ICSE Board, and CBSE Board, we offer tailored programs for students of class 11 & 12, for both Science and Commerce streams. Our expertise extends to preparing students for competitive exams like JEE (Main & Advanced), NEET, MHT-CET, CA, and CS, with a commitment to excellence in every field. Operating through 40+ strategically located coaching centers, we serve approximately 20,000 students, providing them with an integrated learning experience through our hybrid teaching model that combines traditional classroom instruction with digital learning.

Galgotias University Brings One of India’s Leading Newsrooms Closer to Students Through New Partnership with The Hindu Group

The collaboration is designed to connect academic learning with the realities of contemporary journalism through direct engagement with one of India’s most respected media institutions. Under the partnership, students will gain access to internship opportunities with The Hindu’s editorial teams, collaborative publishing opportunities for visual communication projects, curated workshops, field visits, and structured interventions by media professionals. The programme will also provide students with access to The Hindu newspaper, digital platforms, archives, webinars, and special publications to deepen engagement with current affairs, public discourse, and journalistic practice.

The School of Media and Communication Studies at Galgotias University has built a strong focus on practical and industry-oriented media education and has been recognised among the leading private media institutions by India Today for promoting practical and field-based learning. The School combines classroom learning with studio exposure, production-based training, industrial visits, internships, newsroom interaction, masterclasses, and hands-on project work designed to strengthen storytelling, editorial thinking, production capability, and communication skills across evolving media formats.

Its programmes span journalism, digital media, strategic communication, advertising, corporate communication, television and fiction production, transmedia storytelling, communication research, anchoring, media graphics, and visual communication. Students are trained across multidimensional aspects of the media and entertainment industry while being exposed to both theoretical and practical learning environments from the early stages of the programme.

The School also collaborates with the India Today Media Institute (ITMI) for integrated undergraduate, postgraduate, and certification programmes that combine academic learning with professional industry exposure. These programmes include studio-led training, broadcast presentation, visual communication, digital storytelling, and interaction with working media professionals, allowing students to graduate with both academic qualifications and industry-oriented professional certifications.

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “Journalism today demands credibility, editorial judgement, critical thinking, and the ability to engage responsibly with society across rapidly evolving information platforms. The School of Media and Communication Studies at Galgotias University has been making a concerted effort to build a practice-oriented learning ecosystem through studio exposure, industry interaction, field-based learning, and hands-on media training. This collaboration with The Hindu Group will further strengthen that ecosystem by giving students closer exposure to professional newsroom environments, editorial processes, and contemporary journalism practice.”

The initiative will also include quarterly physical and virtual interventions, a certified journalism signature course, and immersive field visits that will allow students to observe newsroom processes, editorial workflows, and media operations more closely. Selected student projects developed under the collaboration may also be showcased through The Hindu’s digital platforms, helping students build professional portfolios and real-world publishing experience.

Haridwar-based social leader and President of the Sistolball Association of Uttarakhand, Poonam Bhagat

The achievement is being seen as a significant moment for Uttarakhand’s sporting community, particularly for athletes participating in emerging sports disciplines that are gradually gaining recognition at national and international levels. Sports enthusiasts and local associations believe such selections can motivate more young players from smaller towns and districts to pursue professional sports opportunities.

Under the leadership of the Cestoball Association of Uttarakhand, several grassroots-level initiatives are being undertaken to identify and support promising talent across the state. The association has been organising training sessions, awareness drives, local competitions, and participation programmes aimed at encouraging youth involvement in sports activities.

Speaking on the development, Poonam Bhagat said, “The youth of Uttarakhand possess immense talent and potential. Providing them with the right exposure, training, and opportunities can help them compete confidently at national and international platforms. Sports also play an important role in building discipline, confidence, and a positive outlook among young people.”

She further stated that emerging sports require greater awareness and institutional support to ensure talented athletes from rural and semi-urban areas receive equal opportunities to grow and represent the country. According to her, sports can serve as an effective medium for youth engagement and social development.

According to association members, the ongoing initiatives led by the Cestoball Association are helping generate awareness about emerging sports among youth in Uttarakhand. Through training camps, participation drives, and grassroots-level outreach programmes, the association aims to encourage greater youth participation in sports and create structured opportunities for talented players from smaller towns and districts.

Local sports supporters and members of the association expressed confidence that more athletes from Uttarakhand would represent India in international championships in the coming years. They believe continued focus on grassroots sports development and athlete support can strengthen Uttarakhand’s presence in emerging sports categories.

The recent international selection of players is being viewed as a positive development for the state’s sports ecosystem and reflects the increasing participation of Uttarakhand youth in competitive sporting platforms beyond mainstream disciplines.

Nicole Junkermann says the future of Indian sport will be built beyond the spotlight

"Everyone is looking at the asset. Not enough people are looking at what sits beneath it. The franchise is the headline. The infrastructure is the business."

Nicole Junkermann has spent the past several years building an investment thesis at what she describes as the infrastructure layer: the technology and platforms that sit beneath consumer-facing industries and determine their long-term economics. Her venture portfolio at NJF Capital, which includes investments in SpaceX, Revolut, Rippling and Groq, reflects a consistent instinct that enabling platforms create more durable value than the companies operating within them. She applies the same logic to sport. And increasingly, she applies it to India.

The pick-and-shovel argument

The analogy she reaches for is the California Gold Rush. The merchants who sold picks and shovels to miners didn't need any particular mine to succeed. They just needed mining to grow.

In sport, the equivalent is the infrastructure layer: broadcast technology, content distribution, fan data platforms, ticketing and payments infrastructure, athlete performance tools, sponsorship measurement systems. None of these require a particular team to win. They benefit when sport as a whole grows. And India's sport is growing.

"The IPL is one of the most valuable sporting properties in the world. Football, kabaddi and volleyball leagues are professionalising. Women's sport is attracting serious attention for the first time. The fan base is young, digitally connected and expanding fast. The infrastructure those leagues need to operate efficiently and grow commercially is being built now. That's the investment moment."

Five categories that matter

Junkermann is precise about where NJF Holdings believes the most durable value in Indian sport will accumulate.

1. Broadcast and content technology: tools that automate highlight production, enable creator partnerships and distribute content efficiently across platforms. Leagues with modern content infrastructure reach more fans at lower cost and build year-round relevance rather than seasonal spikes.

2. Fan data platforms: systems that help leagues understand their audiences directly rather than through intermediaries. The leagues that own fan relationships will have stronger commercial leverage with sponsors and broadcasters as the market matures.

3. Ticketing and payments infrastructure: systems that reduce friction between sport and its audience. India's mobile payments sophistication is a genuine structural advantage that the sports sector hasn't yet fully exploited.

4. Sports performance technology: tools that improve athlete development, reduce injury risk and extend careers. Leagues that invest seriously in athlete welfare produce better sporting products and reduce the roster volatility that undermines competitive consistency.

5. Governance and scheduling systems: the operational infrastructure that allows leagues to run efficiently, maintain competitive integrity and present a consistent product to broadcasters and sponsors. Often invisible. Always foundational.

Why now

Nicole Junkermann identifies three reasons why the infrastructure investment window in Indian sport is open now in a way it won't be indefinitely.

Scale is established but infrastructure isn't. Unlike mature markets such as the Premier League or the NBA, where infrastructure investment requires displacing incumbent systems, India's leagues are building commercial and technological infrastructure largely from scratch. The opportunity set is cleaner and the cost of entry is lower.

The proof of concept exists. Through Gameday's work as the largest shareholder in Italy's Lega Volley Femminile, the infrastructure-layer model has demonstrated what it produces: a league that exceeded 1.4 billion digital views in a single season, became the second most-followed sports league in Italy and surpassed its own audience targets months ahead of schedule. The model isn't theoretical.

The window is time-limited. Markets move from infrastructure deficit to infrastructure saturation faster than most investors expect. The IPL's commercial sophistication today looks nothing like where it started. Other Indian leagues are earlier on that curve.

"The teams that win championships change. The platforms that run the leagues don't. India's sports economy is at the stage where the foundational decisions are being made. That's the moment we find interesting."

Gameday is in active dialogue across India's sports ecosystem and expects to share further details on its market engagement in due course.

About Gameday by NJF Holdings

Gameday by NJF Holdings is a sports investment and strategic platform founded by Nicole Junkermann. Focused on building long-term value across leagues, media and sports technology, its approach centres on structural growth, digital transformation and scalable fan ecosystems.

The platform is the largest shareholder in Italy's professional women's volleyball league, Lega Volley Femminile (LVF), where it is supporting league-level commercial and digital development. Gameday is also the creator of CayoTV, a next-generation sports media platform designed to expand access, engagement and modern distribution for live sport audiences.

For more information, visit gameday.team.

Mythri Kumar, Co-Founder, TimBuckDo, signs an MoU with Karnataka Government’s DCTE in the presence of Hon’ble CM Shri Siddaramaiah

The MoU was presented in the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, marking a significant step toward strengthening the bridge between higher education and the future workforce ecosystem in the state. The initiative was designed to enable students across government and technical colleges in Karnataka to access verified part-time gigs, internships, project-based opportunities, and career development resources through TimbuckDo’s platform.

This collaboration builds upon TimbuckDo’s ongoing commitment to solving one of India’s most pressing youth challenges the gap between academic education and real-world employability. Through the partnership, students will gain access to flexible earning opportunities, practical work exposure, financial literacy resources, and skill-building initiatives designed to prepare them for the evolving demands of the modern workforce and gig economy.

Speaking on the partnership, Mythri Kumar, Founder & CEO of TimbuckDo, said, “India’s students are looking for more than just degrees today they are actively seeking real-world exposure, financial independence, and meaningful career opportunities while they study. Our collaboration with the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, Government of Karnataka, is closely aligned with TimbuckDo’s larger mission of helping students earn, learn and grow through meaningful opportunities. We believe this collaboration can create a scalable and impactful employability ecosystem for the youth of Karnataka.”

Unlike traditional job platforms, TimbuckDo is building a comprehensive ecosystem focused exclusively on students. The platform combines KYC-verified gigs and internships with AI-enabled opportunity matching, curated lifestyle benefits, upskilling resources, and community-driven engagement initiatives. One of its flagship initiatives, the Intrapreneurship Campus Ambassador Program, already spans over 300 colleges and provides students with leadership, sales, and real-world project experience.

The partnership comes at a time when India’s student workforce and gig economy are witnessing rapid growth, with increasing demand for flexible work opportunities and skill-based learning models. By integrating technology, employability, and industry access, the collaboration aims to create stronger career pathways for students across Karnataka’s educational institutions.

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Bengaluru, TimbuckDo has rapidly expanded across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities and is backed by a strong network of prominent investors and venture firms including Nandkishore (Andy) Kalambi, Founder of Kanu Ventures LLC; the Late Mr. Morton Meyerson, Chair at the Morton H Meyerson Family Foundation; Arjun Vaidya, Managing Partner at V3 Ventures and Founder of Dr. Vaidya's; Turbostart Venture Capital Fund; Sandesh Sharda, Angel Investor and Titan on Ideabaaz; Shaili Chopra; Anupam Bansal; Rukam Capital; and Ideabaaz. The company continues to position itself as a leading student empowerment platform focused on enabling financial independence, employability, and future-readiness among India’s youth.

About TimbuckDo

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Bengaluru, TimbuckDo Innovations Pvt Ltd is a student gig and growth platform that empowers India’s youth to earn, learn, and grow. Co-founded by Mythri Kumar and Apoorv Sharma Prasad, the company connects students with verified part-time gigs, internships, and project-based opportunities while also offering financial literacy tools, lifestyle benefits, and upskilling resources. TimbuckDo’s mission is to bridge the gap between education and employability by creating a trusted ecosystem where students gain practical exposure, financial independence, and career readiness during their academic journey.

Students from the university are currently representing India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition in Hong Kong, carrying ideas, products, and ventures that originated inside classrooms, labs, maker spaces, hostels, and collaborative student communities at Galgotias University. Their participation comes amid an incredible wave of student-led achievements emerging from the university ecosystem over the past year, including 18 winners at the global Apple Swift Student Challenge, the launch of 37 live applications on Apple’s iOS ecosystem, and growing engagement with international startup conversations connected to organisations such as Y Combinator.

India First Ambition and National Pride Drive Galgotias University Students onto Global Innovation Platforms

The university’s growing startup ecosystem has also begun translating into tangible market confidence. One of the student-led ventures emerging from the Galgotias ecosystem, Cybergenix, recently secured INR 3 crore in funding. A striking aspect of the story is that one of the co-founders of the startup is just 18 years old, reflecting how early exposure to innovation, mentorship, experimentation, and startup culture is beginning to shape a new generation of young Indian founders far earlier than traditionally expected.

Seen across a single year, these developments begin to reveal how quickly the innovation culture at Galgotias University is evolving, with students increasingly approaching university life as builders, founders, creators, and product thinkers operating with global ambition.

The scale and consistency of success at the Apple Swift Student Challenge offers one of the clearest indicators of the ecosystem now taking shape at Galgotias University. After producing 10 winners in 2025, the university saw that number rise to 18 winners in 2026, suggesting that mentorship, peer learning, experimentation, product thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and technical confidence are beginning to spread organically across the student community.

The momentum is also becoming increasingly visible across the wider campus ecosystem and is no longer confined to one department or one select batch, with students from engineering, artificial intelligence, design, management, and interdisciplinary programmes collaborating to build applications, AI-driven products, startup ventures, and technology solutions connected to healthcare, accessibility, productivity, education, immersive learning, and digital communities. Across Galgotias University, building products, experimenting with ideas, and attempting ambitious work is steadily becoming part of everyday student culture instead of being limited to a handful of prodigious individuals.

More than 135 startups have already emerged from the broader innovation ecosystem at Galgotias University, supported through incubation, mentorship, prototyping support, industry exposure, and the INR 10 crore Galgotias Innovation Fund. The university has simultaneously expanded its technology ecosystem through specialised labs and Centres of Excellence built with organisations including Apple, Intel, Cisco, NVIDIA, Salesforce, Tata Technologies, and Capgemini, alongside high performance computing infrastructure powered by NVIDIA DGX H200 systems.

Perhaps the most important transformation underway is psychological, with a visible shift beginning to emerge in the confidence, ambition, and self-belief with which students approach their university years. Increasingly, students at Galgotias University are treating the campus experience not simply as a pathway to a degree, but as an opportunity to build products, experiment with ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and attempt meaningful work much earlier in life while believing that globally relevant startups and technologies can emerge directly from Indian university campuses. Many now have role models within their own university ecosystem to look up to, including seniors who have built apps, secured international recognition, launched startups, raised funding, and represented India on global platforms, alongside mentors who continue to guide, challenge, support, and push them toward thinking beyond conventional academic pathways.

That confidence was visible during the recent visit of Ramana Ramanathan to Galgotias University, where he interacted with founders behind student-led ventures such as Project Tacto and Tekurious, both currently representing India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition in Hong Kong. Mr. Ramanathan, widely regarded as one of the principal architects behind India’s modern innovation and entrepreneurship movement through the Atal Innovation Mission, appeared particularly struck by the seriousness, clarity, and execution-focused thinking demonstrated by the student teams. Discussions revolved around scalability, deployment challenges, user behaviour, product-market relevance, and real-world application instead of abstract ambition.

Speaking about the emerging ecosystem, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer of Galgotias University, said, “A new generation of young Indians is beginning to believe that they can build for the world directly from India. That confidence matters. At Galgotias University, we are witnessing students move beyond conventional academic boundaries and begin creating products, applications, startups, and technologies with global ambition while still inside the university ecosystem. What is encouraging is that these achievements are no longer isolated success stories. We are now seeing outcomes emerge repeatedly across domains and cohorts, which tells us that a larger culture of innovation, experimentation, ambition, and national confidence is steadily taking shape.”

At Galgotias University, momentum now appears to be compounding through visibility, peer influence, mentorship, experimentation, and repeated student success across platforms. One app launch encourages another student to experiment. One international competition changes how an entire cohort sees its own potential. One startup securing funding changes how young founders perceive risk and possibility.

That confidence is now becoming increasingly visible across the university ecosystem, where more students are beginning to believe that globally relevant products, companies, and technologies can emerge directly from Indian campuses.

Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria championing the values of integrity, respect and inclusion through the global Fair Play movement, reinforcing the spirit of ethical and value-driven sport

The initiative also sought to advance Fair Play education across schools and universities with recommendations for integrating Fair Play into the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Experts also discussed fostering international cooperation and encourage the integration of values such as respect, solidarity and ethical conduct into youth development and community programmes. Further, establishment of a National Fair Play Committee of India to coordinate Fair Play programmes, research, education, and policy advocacy was a key discussion.

The initiative was conceptualised with the support of Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria, Managing Trustee, Cosmo Foundation, who has been actively associated with international Fair Play initiatives. This was then organised in collaboration with the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Sports Foundation and endorsed by the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP). The symposium marked one of the first large-scale World Fair Play Day celebrations in India and aimed to deepen India’s engagement with the global Fair Play movement while encouraging stronger collaboration among educational, sporting and social institutions.

In her special address, Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria, Managing Trustee Cosmo Foundation and Whole-time Director (Corporate Strategy, ESG and CSR), Cosmo First said, “Fair play is a universal language. Fair play is more than a game; it is a way of life. It is not about how you win, but how you play. By promoting values such as dignity, justice, respect and togetherness, we can create a better world not only through sport, but also in everyday life.”

In his keynote speech, Mr Sunil Sabharwal, President of CIFP, acknowledged the contribution of Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria and the invaluable support by Cosmo Foundation towards advancing the Fair Play movement in India and globally. He further emphasised the global responsibility to uphold ethics, integrity and respect in sport, while highlighting the importance of international cooperation in strengthening values-driven sports ecosystems. 

The symposium featured panel discussions on ethics in sports governance, the role of education in fostering sportsmanship, and the cultural significance of Fair Play in building peaceful and inclusive societies. Discussions focused on ethical leadership, transparency and accountability in sport, anti-doping frameworks, value-based education for youth, and the role of traditional sports in promoting community bonding, cultural preservation and social harmony. The event also included a Fair Play Pledge Ceremony and participation from national and international institutions associated with sports, education and Olympic values.

As the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First, Cosmo Foundation works across education, environment and empowerment initiatives, with programmes spanning multiple states and communities across India. Through its support for World Fair Play Day, the Foundation helped strengthen India’s leadership in the global Fair Play movement and reinforced international cooperation for ethical and value-driven sport. The symposium also helped catalyse conversations around expanding Fair Play education and building stronger collaborations among Indian and global institutions working in sports, education and social development.

About Cosmo Foundation
Cosmo Foundation was established in 2008 as the community outreach initiative of the Cosmo First Ltd, the largest manufacturers of BOPP worldwide. The Foundation works closely with less developed communities around its manufacturing units at the Karjan in the Vadodara District and Gangapur in the Chatrapati Sambhajinagar District as well as in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and tribal district Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh. The organization works on several development programs aimed at Computer operation and digital skill building, Foundational Literacy, Numeracy, Life skills and English Communication, health and hygiene, Environment and Empowerment of women.

About Cosmo First Limited
Established in 1981 by Mr Ashok Jaipuria, Cosmo First Limited is an over four-decade-old global conglomerate. Its consumer vertical comprises Cosmo Consumer, which is into Window Films, Paint Protection Films & Ceramic Coatings for automobiles, and Zigly Pet Care, which provides a digital-first omni channel pet care ecosystem. Its industrial vertical includes Cosmo Films for specialty films for packaging, labels, lamination, and industrial applications; Cosmo Speciality Chemicals for coatings, adhesives and masterbatches, and Cosmo Plastech for rigid packaging. With sustainable innovation, development, and research embedded in its core values, Cosmo First serves customers in 100+ countries.

Tide, the UK’s leading business management platform, today announces it has crossed 2 million members globally, with India in particular seeing strong growth. More than 1.1 million small businesses joined Tide in India since the company launched there in December 2022. This makes India Tide’s fastest-growing market by member acquisition.
 

The UK is Tide’s home market, with 900,000 SMEs, 15% market share, and the majority of the company’s revenue. Tide is steadily expanding its presence in Europe, with Germany and France, where the platform is gaining strong traction, thanks to millions of small businesses turning to digital to manage their businesses.
 

In late 2025, Tide received a strategic investment from TPG, a leading global alternative asset manager, valuing the company at $1.5 billion.
 

Oliver Prill, CEO of Tide, said, “We are delighted to be crossing the 2 million member milestone. This number is a testament to the trust that our members place in us in all our markets. Behind every number, there’s a story of a member choosing a simpler, less time-heavy, connected way of managing their business."
 

“This success is also thanks to the passion our teams bring to their role every day. From our world-leading 900-strong product engineering teams, to operations, marketing and support functions; a commitment to excellence and agility has brought us to this point. India’s growth in member numbers is phenomenal, and shows how getting the product-market fit right when considering new markets is crucial. We’ll continue to expand both internationally and provide a richer and more connected product offering, ensuring we focus at all times on our mission to save members time and money.”
 

India: Powering Tide’s global growth story

India has emerged as a key growth engine for Tide, contributing over 1.1 million members to its global base in just over two years since launch. This rapid adoption underscores the scale of opportunity in one of the world’s largest SME ecosystems, with over 72 million registered and an unofficially estimated 140 million informal businesses.
 

Growth in India is being driven not just by metros, but increasingly by tier 2 and 3 cities. Emerging hubs such as Bareilly, Bhopal, Murshidabad, Mysuru, Lucknow and North 24 Parganas are leading the shift, highlighting how entrepreneurial activity is steadily expanding beyond urban centres. This shift reflects a broader movement towards greater financial inclusion and formalisation, as entrepreneurs there look to build more structured, scalable businesses.
 

Tide is playing a key role in this transition by simplifying access to essential services such as Udyam and GST registration and lending — enabling small businesses to build a financial footprint, improve access to credit, and unlock growth opportunities.
 

Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, Tide India, said, “This milestone goes beyond a number, it reflects the strong momentum we are building in India. With over 70% of our members under the age of 35, we are witnessing a new generation of digital-first entrepreneurs shaping the future of business in India. What we are seeing on the ground is a strong shift towards digital adoption and formalisation, especially beyond metros, where access to the right tools can make a meaningful difference. Tide’s growth in India reflects this demand and further underscores our deep connection with the ‘Bharat’ growth story. India is also emerging as a key hub for product innovation at Tide, with solutions built here creating scalable use cases for global markets. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on building intuitive financial and administrative tools that enable MSMEs to operate more efficiently and scale with confidence.”
 

Highlights:

Product pipeline, International expansion and the future

• Product pipeline: Growth is driven by our product offering and relentless ambition to solve SME problems. Tide’s all-in-one business management platform provides members with access to government registrations, time-saving accounting and administrative tools, and integrated team management features. It also offers fixed deposits, affordable credit, seamless payment solutions, bill payments, and website building. Tide’s objective is to deliver integrated solutions that address the core needs of small businesses, from inception to growth.

• UK: More than 900,000 members, and 15% market share, against a backdrop of 5.2m small businesses, make Tide the leading business management platform. The focus is on diversification and connectivity, with products that are admin and business friendly.

• Europe: Bringing the full richness of Tide’s UK platform to each of its international markets over time. Tide is also looking to further expand its presence on the European mainland. Following the entry of Germany the previous year, Tide entered France in late 2025. Tide’s Credit Intermediation is leading initial growth in these two EU markets with over EUR 50 million already disbursed. Tide recently announced the establishment of its European headquarters in Luxembourg.

• AI: Tide is leveraging AI to generate growth in regulated environments, using its large, proprietary SME dataset to gain real-time insights within a strong risk framework. This data advantage enables it to build practical, scalable AI tools that solve everyday small business challenges, such as access to finance.

• Tideans: Strengthening its leadership and OneTeam

• Bernie Miles joined as Chief Data and Technology Officer (CDTO) in 2026, providing a major boost to Tide’s Executive Team. 

• Dan McNally joined as SVP and CEO of Tide Insurance Services in late 2025, to lead its growing global insurance business and advance the next phase of Tide’s expansion into business protection. 

• Marc Lacroix joined as Country Managing Director for France in mid-2025, to launch Tide in France, with a view to building a team on the ground. 

• More than 2,800 employees and rising; largely in the UK; India, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Serbia.

• Women in Business: Dedicated to supporting female-led businesses in the UK and India, with a goal to onboard 700,000 women by the end of 2027 - 200,000 in the UK and 500,000 in India. Two Tide owned reports in India and in the UK in 2025 highlighted the challenges and opportunities for women in business. Women currently account for 22% (more than the national average) of members, the company strongly believes that supporting women business owners is a powerful lever of economic growth.

• Continued commitment to Net Zero: Using carbon removals to match all Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, a practice maintained since 2022. Tide is also firmly on track to reduce CO2e emissions per employee by 90% by 2030, and by doing so to also reduce emissions by revenue by 97%. Tide is now working to make the transition to net zero easier for its members by providing integrated tools and support to help them achieve their goals.
   

About Tide

Launched in 2017, Tide is the leading business management platform in the UK. Tide helps small businesses save time and money by not only offering business accounts and related admin services, but also a comprehensive set of highly usable and connected administrative solutions from invoicing to accounting and adjacent commercial services such as web-site building.
 

Tide has 900,000 SME members in the UK (15% market share) and more than 1.1m SMEs in India. Tide launched in Germany in May 2024 and France in September 2025. Tide has also been recognised with the Great Place to Work certification three years in a row. Tide has been funded by Anthemis, the Apax Digital Funds, Augmentum Fintech, Creandum, Salica Investments, Latitude, LocalGlobe, SBI Group, Speedinvest and TPG, amongst others. 
 

It employs more than 2,800 Tideans worldwide. Tide’s long-term ambition is to be the leading business management platform globally.

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¹Tide is not a bank in India, but a business financial platform. Tide, in the UK is the leading digital platform in business banking services. We believe that a platform approach is the future of business and admin needs, allowing us to offer both financial and admin services to SMEs, saving them time (and money) to allow them to focus on what they love: running their businesses.

Mike Robinson, CEO, British Safety Council, addresses attendees at the International Safety Awards 2026

Of the winners, 86 Indian organisation sites were awarded a Distinction, 127 were awarded a Merit, and 30 were awarded a Pass. The winners span numerous sectors, with significant representation from construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and power and utilities.

Now in their 68th year, the International Safety Awards recognise and celebrate organisations worldwide. During the previous calendar year, they have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the scheme’s independent judges their commitment to preventing workplace injuries and work-related ill health. The awards also acknowledge organisations that have shown commitment to wellbeing and mental health at work. 

In 2026, 851 organisations from across the world won an International Safety Award. Winners were drawn from over 51 countries worldwide. Of these, 230 organisations were awarded a Distinction, 428 were awarded a Merit, and 193 achieved a Pass.

The complete list of winners can be seen here.   

Announcing the winners, Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, said, “A huge well done to all our winners, who have each made significant and continued efforts to protect and improve the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone in their organisations. Every single one of them has dedicated substantial time, resources and commitment to ensuring their work, teams and workplaces remained healthy and safe during 2025. I also thank all organisations who took time to apply for these awards, and to our panel of volunteer judges for adjudicating.”

The list of winners of the International Safety Awards, demonstrates that a significant number of companies in India recognise that effective management of health and safety risks is a business growth enabler, benefiting not just employees, but organisations and wider society.

British Safety Council’s vision is that no one should be injured or made ill through their work, anywhere in the world. Sharing the winners' awards and achievements can inspire other employers everywhere to follow their lead and give workers’ health, safety, and wellbeing the priority it deserves.

The gala dinner event is an opportunity to celebrate the success of all the winners of the International Safety Awards, as it fosters a sense of community and empowers others, creating the momentum that attracts more success.

About British Safety Council

Since its foundation in 1957, the British Safety Council has campaigned tirelessly to protect workers from accidents, hazards, and unsafe conditions, and played a decisive role in the process that has led to the adoption of landmark health and safety legislation in the UK. Its members in more than 60 countries are committed to protecting and improving the wellbeing of workers, believing that a healthy and safe work environment is also good for business.

Paisabazaar, India’s leading financial marketplace and largest free credit score platform, announced the launch of a new integrated brand campaign for the Credit Premier League (CPL) featuring former Indian cricketer and commentator Irfan Pathan.

CPL is Paisabazaar’s marquee initiative aimed at recognising and rewarding consumers with strong credit health

CPL is Paisabazaar’s marquee initiative aimed at recognising and rewarding consumers with strong credit health, while making conversations around credit score more mainstream. Building on Paisabazaar’s decade-long efforts to drive credit awareness through its free credit score initiative, CPL combines engagement, gamification and rewards to encourage consumers to actively track, understand and improve their credit score.

Watch the Campaign: 

• www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL2J51MtgEo

• www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYImmk_eU6Y

The new campaign, featuring Irfan Pathan, uses a fun, high-energy, and engaging creative approach to combine the excitement of cricket with awareness around responsible credit behaviour. It was conceptualised by Magic Circle and shot by Emotion Pictures. The campaign will be amplified through a multi-platform rollout across television, digital and social media.

Speaking on the association, Irfan Pathan said, “Discipline, consistency and performance matter in cricket — and the same goes for your credit score. Excited to collaborate with Paisabazaar on CPL, a unique initiative that combines competition, rewards and awareness to make conversations around credit score more engaging. I loved being part of this fun, high-energy campaign that puts credit health in the spotlight like never before. Hopefully, it encourages more Indians to track, understand and improve a score that truly matters.”

Speaking about the campaign, Santosh Agarwal, CEO, Paisabazaar, said, "At Paisabazaar, our focus has always been on making credit score more accessible and engaging for consumers. With CPL, we bring together the energy of sport, entertainment and rewards to further scale this awareness initiative. Our exciting new collaboration with Irfan Pathan should help us take our campaign up further notches and drive deeper consumer engagement around credit score across the country."

The latest edition of CPL offers rewards bigger than ever before. Individual(s) with the highest credit score in the country will win Rs. 1 lakh, while champions from each state will receive Rs. 10,000 each. In addition, all participants from the winning state — the state with the highest average credit score — will also be rewarded.

Consumers can participate in CPL by checking their free credit score on the Paisabazaar app and platform.

About Paisabazaar

Paisabazaar, a part of PB Fintech (listed since 2021), is India’s largest marketplace for consumer credit and free credit score. Over the last 11 years, Paisabazaar has earned the trust of over 55 million consumers. Paisabazaar has built 65+ partnerships withBanks, NBFCs, and fintechs to offer a broad range of credit products. Paisabazaar is ISO (27001:2013) and PCI DSS certified organisation, with industry-best controls, to safeguard the best interest of consumers.

Thane Institute Inauguration

Established as part of Group Legrand India’s social commitment towards skill development and youth empowerment, the institute aims to strengthen industry-ready technical talent and enhance employability across the electrical and allied technology sectors.

Developed in collaboration with SkillSonics, an NSDC-accredited implementation and knowledge partner, the 8,000 sq. ft. world-class standalone facility has been designed to provide industry-oriented technical training for ITI students, diploma and engineering students, technicians, and electricians. The institute will offer completely free-of-cost training programs with a strong emphasis on practical learning, industry exposure, and employability enhancement aligned to evolving technological and market requirements.

The initiative is expected to train and upskill more than 1,000 students and electricians annually, creating a stronger pipeline of skilled talent for India’s growing infrastructure, energy, and electrical ecosystem. The initiative further strengthens Group Legrand India’s broader CSR framework, which is built on five key pillars: education, healthcare, environment, skill development, and disaster relief; through impactful interventions across communities nationwide.

Speaking on the occasion, Tony Berland, CEO & Managing Director, Group Legrand India, said, “The inauguration of our training centre in Thane marks a significant milestone in Legrand’s journey of empowering youth through skill development and enhancing employability. Through this initiative, we aim to provide accessible, high quality technical education that equips students and electricians with future ready capabilities while contributing meaningfully to India’s skilled workforce development.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, “Maharashtra has been actively focusing on strengthening skill development and creating employment opportunities for youth through industry partnerships and practical learning initiatives. The Legrand Institute for Training & Education aligns well with the State’s vision of building a future-ready skilled workforce and will contribute meaningfully towards Maharashtra’s larger skill development mission and industrial growth.”

Abida Aneez, VP – CSR & Sustainability, Group Legrand India, shared, “The Legrand Institute for Training & Education has been developed as a first-of-its-kind advanced technical training facility with modern labs and the latest technologies in electrical and UPS systems. The customised curriculum, designed jointly by Legrand’s subject matter experts and SkillSonics’ technical specialists, aims to equip students and electricians with practical skills and industry-ready capabilities aligned to current and future technological needs.”

The inauguration of the training centre marks another important step in advancing Group Legrand India’s long-term vision of inclusive growth through accessible skilling and community development.

About Group Legrand India

Legrand is a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures, dedicated to supporting technological, societal, and environmental change around the globe. Legrand’s core purpose is to improve lives by transforming the spaces where people live, work and meet, with electrical and digital infrastructures and connected solutions that are simple, innovative and sustainable.

For over two decades, Group Legrand India has maintained its leadership position in power protection business, utilizing its global expertise to tailor the offering to local market needs. The Group has strategic acquisitions which further solidified its commitment to delivering complete solutions, making it the preferred partner across diverse market segments.

 Group Legrand India has several brands under its umbrella who are leaders in their respective product domain, namely IndoAsian, Numeric, Valrack, Adlec and NetRack. With a diverse workforce of 5000+ employees across India, Group Legrand India has 7 state of the art manufacturing facilities, 3 R&D centres and a wide distribution network with over 870 distribution partners and 19000+ retailers.

Legrand's purpose guides its responsible commitments to a more sustainable world for all. Legrand's CSR commitments actively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the UN for a better and more sustainable future.

Legrand has laid out its CSR /Sustainability commitments in 4 main areas of actions to improve lives:

• Promote diversity and inclusion

• Reduce its carbon footprint

• Develop a circular economy

• Be a responsible business

Legrand has set the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 throughout the Group’s value chain.

Pepe Jeans Wins Big at Images Group PRC Event

The brand secured wins in the following categories:

• Marketing Campaign of the Year for the Pepe Jeans x Social Discovery campaign

• CRM / Loyalty Programme of the Year for its customer engagement and database-driven retail initiatives

The award-winning Pepe Jeans x Social Discovery campaign leveraged Meta Ads to create a more personalised and conversational shopping journey for consumers. The campaign delivered strong business impact through lead generation, customer engagement, and measurable sales conversions, while strengthening the brand’s digital-first retail approach.

In the CRM and loyalty category, the recognition highlighted Pepe Jeans London’s focus on customer retention, database management, and data-led engagement strategies that have contributed to sustained consumer relationships and retail performance.

These recognitions reflect the brand’s continued focus on building meaningful consumer experiences through technology, data intelligence, and integrated omnichannel marketing initiatives.

The Phygital Retail Convention by IMAGES Group is among India’s leading retail industry platforms, bringing together brands, retailers, and industry leaders to recognise innovation across the retail ecosystem.

About Pepe Jeans London
Pepe Jeans London was born on London’s iconic Portobello Road in 1973. Today, over 50 years later, the brand remains devoted to its initial mantra and pledge to create the world’s most exciting denim-led fashion. The diversity and mix of cultures that define the city of London also define the Pepe Jeans personality, providing a constant source of inspiration for the women’s, men’s, and junior collections. Music, Culture, Fashion, London, and Denim, that’s what Pepe Jeans is all about.

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@pepejeansindia
pepejeans.in

VinFast continues to make its mark in India, earning multiple prestigious awards from leading automotive media outlets across the country
 

At the Motoring World Awards 2026, a respected editorial-driven automotive platform in India, VinFast was honoured with the “Disrupter of the Year” award, recognising the company’s bold market entry, differentiated approach to electric mobility, and efforts toward building a comprehensive EV ecosystem in India.
 

The recognition underscores how VinFast has approached India differently from many new entrants in the EV space. Rather than entering the market gradually, the company has simultaneously advanced product launches, manufacturing investments, charging partnerships, retail expansion, after-sales development, and ownership support initiatives. The jury particularly acknowledged VinFast’s willingness to develop vehicles, charging infrastructure, and service capabilities in parallel, reflecting a long-term and execution-driven strategy designed around how electric mobility needs to function at scale in India.
 

Further reinforcing the strength of its product portfolio, the VF 7 secured “Electric SUV of the Year” at the Car India Awards 2026, presented by one of India’s leading automotive magazines, and “EV Car of the Year” at the Innovation Technology and Imaging Awards 2026 by T3, the Indian edition of the globally-recognised UK technology magazine T3.
 

The dual honours for the VF 7 reflect the model’s growing reputation as one of the most compelling premium electric SUVs in the Indian market. Across both awards platforms, the vehicle stood out for combining striking design, refined driving dynamics, advanced safety systems, and a technology-rich cabin experience with strong relevance to Indian driving conditions and ownership expectations.
 

Specifically, at the Car India Awards 2026, the VF 7 was recognised for delivering a notably mature and well-rounded driving experience. The jury highlighted the SUV’s smooth and linear power delivery, intuitive ergonomics, and balanced ride quality, while also acknowledging the speed at which VinFast has evolved as a relatively young automaker.
 

The T3 award further reinforced the VF 7’s positioning as a technology-forward premium electric SUV developed with a clear all-electric focus. For the jury, the VF 7 represented not only VinFast’s strong product execution, but also a broader commitment to advancing a sustainable and fully electrified mobility future.
 

Positioned in the premium C-SUV segment, the VF 7 combines VinFast’s “Asymmetric Aerospace” design philosophy with advanced driver assistance technologies, connected features, and comprehensive safety systems. The model, along with the B-SUV VF 6, has also secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, reinforcing VinFast’s emphasis on safety as a core pillar of its product strategy in India. Together, these elements have helped the VF 7 establish a strong product-market fit among Indian consumers seeking premium electric mobility solutions that balance design appeal, technology integration, practicality, and long-term ownership confidence.
 

The recognitions further add to the list of accolades VinFast has received in the Indian market, including “EV Manufacturer of the Year” award at the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026, “Breakthrough Brand of the Year” at the Car&Bike Awards 2026, along with product honours such as “EV SUV of the Year – Editor’s Choice” for the VF 7 at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026 and “Value for Money Car of the Year” for the VF 6 at the Autocar India Awards 2026, reflecting continued positive evaluation from industry experts toward the company’s product direction and long-term investment strategy.
 

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “These recognitions reflect the positive response to VinFast’s vision and product strategy in India. Being named ‘Disrupter of the Year’ acknowledges our bold approach to accelerating EV adoption, while the VF 7’s recognition as ‘Electric SUV of the Year’ and ‘EV Car of the Year’ reinforces our focus on delivering world-class electric vehicles for Indian consumers. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to building a strong EV ecosystem and seamless ownership experience.”
 

Mr. Pablo Chaterji, Executive Editor, Motoring World, added, “VinFast has arrived in India with the kind of determination that often takes established players years to develop. There's a full product lineup, aggressive pricing and a long-term commitment to the market. Its ecosystem—vehicles, charging infrastructure, and service network developed in parallel—reflects an OEM that has carefully studied electric mobility. Its intent is serious and bold, and everything it has done so far is worth paying attention to.”
 

Mr. Aspi Bhathena, Editor, Car India, added, “What struck me immediately after getting into the car and driving it is how smooth and linear the power delivery is. The interior is simple but well laid-out and the ergonomics are excellent. VinFast may have only started making cars less than a decade ago, but its learning curve is commendable. It has done its homework and has made driving its EVs as safe, relaxing and enjoyable as possible.”
 

Mr. Girish Mallya, Editor, T3, added, “VinFast’s VF 7 winning the EV Car of the Year at the T3 India Technology Awards 2026 is a powerful validation of their bold, uncompromising vision. As one of the world’s few pure-play EV manufacturers that has completely abandoned ICE technology, VinFast channels 100% of its focus, innovation, and resources into electric vehicles. This win celebrates not just engineering excellence but a genuine commitment to a sustainable, all-electric future.”
 

In 2026, VinFast continued to strengthen its momentum in India through rapid portfolio expansion and long-term ecosystem development. Following the launch of the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, both awarded 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, the company further expanded into the electric MPV segment with the premium 7-seat VF MPV 7. VinFast also introduced a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the ownership experience, including assured resale programmes guaranteeing up to 90% vehicle value, free EV charging through V-Green-operated stations until March 2029, industry-leading warranty coverage, accessible financing solutions with local partners, and a rapidly expanding retail, after-sales, and service network across key regions in India.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 
 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
 

Learn more at vinfastauto.in.

Divyansh Kumar Mishra and Prakhar Kumar Singh of Galgotias University secure INR 3 crore investment commitment for CyberGenix, their AI and cybersecurity startup

The startup has been founded by Divyansh Kumar Mishra from the Class of 2026, currently pursuing a Diploma in Computer Science Engineering, and Prakhar Kumar Singh from the Class of 2029, currently pursuing B.Tech Computer Science Engineering with specialisation in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.

The investment follows the successful completion of the startup’s due diligence process, with the Share Subscription Agreement currently under execution.

Speaking about the vision behind Cybergenix, Divyansh Kumar Mishra said, “Working across Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, automation, and intelligent digital systems, Cybergenix is developing a context-driven AI ecosystem designed to address limitations increasingly visible across current AI infrastructure. While AI adoption has accelerated rapidly, many existing systems continue to operate as fragmented tools with limited contextual understanding, weak personalization, and inadequate integration between intelligence, automation, and security systems.”

Highlighting the technology architecture being developed at Cybergenix, Prakhar Kumar Singh said, “We are building an integrated architecture combining large language models, self-learning engines, automation frameworks, cybersecurity systems, and digital twin technology to create adaptive and behaviour-aware AI infrastructure capable of understanding workflows, user intent, and operational environments in real time.”

Among the technologies under development is a system-level AI assistant capable of interacting with applications, files, workflows, and operating environments through contextual intelligence and voice interaction. The startup is also developing digital twin systems capable of creating intelligent virtual representations of users for workflow execution, meetings, task management, and decision support. Additional capabilities include self-learning behavioural adaptation, emotion-aware interaction, cross-platform automation, voice and vision interfaces, and cybersecurity-first deployment infrastructure.

The startup has also received support through IIT Ropar’s iHub AWaDH, IIT Ropar under North Sprint Edition at Galgotias Ideathon 2025 and has been recognised through platforms including Smart India Hackathon, Eureka and multiple technology and innovation communities.

Commenting on the investment, angel investor Mr. Adil Jamal said, “A lot of young founders today are building applications on top of existing AI systems. What interested us here was that Divyansh and Prakhar were thinking much deeper about infrastructure, behaviour, automation, security, and how these systems interact in real environments. They are attempting something technically demanding and they have shown unusual persistence and clarity for founders at this stage.”

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said, “Student-led ventures are beginning to emerge from a much larger innovation and technology ecosystem taking shape across the university. Student teams from Galgotias University have recently been selected to represent India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition in Hong Kong, students from the university have developed live applications on Apple iOS, and several students have gained recognition through global technology and innovation platforms. The ability of students at such an early stage to attract a funding commitment of this scale also points to the growing seriousness with which young founders are approaching technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Students today are getting exposure to startup building, product development, Artificial Intelligence, app ecosystems, and interdisciplinary collaboration much earlier. Access to advanced infrastructure such as the NVIDIA DGX H200 high performance computing ecosystem is also enabling students to work on AI systems and computational problems that require serious computing capability. Over time, these environments begin creating the confidence to attempt ambitious ideas and build beyond classroom assignments.”

The founders say their long-term vision is to build an integrated AI ecosystem combining Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, automation, and digital identity into a single intelligent platform capable of delivering highly personalised and autonomous interaction systems.

Across the Galgotias University campus, students are increasingly building products, experimenting with emerging technologies, engaging with investors, and developing deployable systems alongside their academic programmes. Startups like Cybergenix reflect how the university’s innovation, incubation, and high-performance technology ecosystem is beginning to translate into real ventures, products, and funding outcomes.

WirtschaftsWoche, founded in 1926 and celebrating its centenary this year, is Germany’s largest weekly business publication, widely read by senior executives, institutional investors and corporate decision-makers across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Its annual ‘Best Stocks in the World’ analysis is one of the most widely cited rankings of listed companies in the German-speaking region.

The independent study evaluated more than 2,000 listed companies across 35 industries worldwide. Over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, TVS Motor Company delivered an average annual Total Shareholder Return of approximately 51 per cent — the highest in its global category, ahead of established peers from Japan, China, the United States, and India.

According to the analysis, TVS Motor’s performance was driven primarily by strong revenue growth (22 percentage points) and a premium market valuation (18 percentage points), complemented by improving profitability and continuous strengthening of the balance sheet. Notably, this profile aligns closely with the criteria the study identifies for resilient companies — profitable, growth-oriented, and financially disciplined, with reserves to withstand volatile market conditions.

Professor Sir Ralf Speth, Chief Mentor, TVS Motor Company, comments, “This recognition by WirtschaftsWoche and BCG is the result of the consistent implementation of Chairman Sudarshan Venu’s clear strategic vision. His passion for the company, deep understanding of markets and customers, openness to new technology, and attentiveness to the workforce create a values-based environment in which creativity and performance can flourish. Equally exemplary is the strong commitment to social responsibility.

With this mindset - the ‘TVS Way’ - and under outstanding corporate leadership, the TVS team wins numerous international awards year after year, including accolades for environmental stewardship and exceptional product quality. TVS is synonymous with quality and a strong commitment to the environment, rooted in the skill of its people and built on manufacturing excellence. In symbiosis with this commitment, the company continues to advance energy‑efficient solutions and strengthen its leadership in electric mobility.

Under TVS Motor Company’s ownership, Norton’s global resurgence is now clear. This storied and deeply revered brand is once again delivering a compelling combination of technology, design integrity and dynamism. I am confident TVS Motor Company is strongly positioned for the future - delivering sustainable growth, strengthening global competitiveness and creating long-term shareholder value - recognition goes to the whole TVS team for their hard work and commitment."

In its most recent financial year (2025–26), TVS Motor Company has built further on this momentum, recording its highest-ever annual sales of 5.89 million units, a 24 per cent increase year-on-year, with international business growing 33 per cent across more than 90 markets. Revenue grew 30 per cent year-on-year to Rs. 47,270 crore, with operating PBT up 40 per cent to Rs. 4,975 crore and operating EBITDA margin improving 60 basis points to 12.9 per cent.

About TVS Motor Company

TVS Motor Company (BSE:532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR), part of TVS VENU, is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in India and Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of trust, value, and passion for customers, it takes pride in making internationally accepted products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. TVS Motor is the only two-wheeler company to have won the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for four consecutive years. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 90 countries in which we operate. 

For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com  

Parimatch Launches Exclusive IPL Mid-season Review with Eoin Morgan & Jonty Rhodes

Watching the Game Beyond the Scoreboard

What defines “Jonty & Eoin: Exclusive Indian T20 League Review” is its focus on expert interpretation over speculation. In a space often driven by odds and surface-level opinions, Parimatch positions this exclusive Indian T20 League mid-season review as a destination for deeper cricket intelligence. Fans who want to understand the game in depth will find this video compelling.

Rather than relying on blind luck, the Indian T20 League review is designed to help fans turn expert analysis into deeper understanding of match dynamics. Exclusive Review  is now available on official Parimatch platforms. Search “Jonty & Eoin: Exclusive” on YouTube to watch the full review and explore expert Indian T20 League predictions firsthand.

Why the Giants Are Struggling

Morgan’s analysis of Mumbai’s season highlights one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. “The one thing I’ve got completely wrong is how the Mumbai Indians were going to play… on paper they are as strong as anybody, but all of their senior players have underperformed,” he says.

Rhodes identifies a deeper structural issue in Chennai’s performances, pointing to a lack of leadership presence typically associated with MS Dhoni. “It’s almost as if the glue that was required to bring a team together just hasn’t been in existence,” he adds.

Young Talent on the Big Stage

The review also touches on rising young stars and the unusual pace at which they are breaking through. Morgan highlights 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Morgan reacts with admiration: “He’s an incredible young talent… only 15 now, which is just ridiculous… I can’t wait for the call that comes through saying he can’t play today because he forgot to submit his homework, he’s in detention!”

What Fans Don’t Always See

Beyond predictions, the review also looks at the less visible side of the game. Rhodes explains why even simple-looking catches are anything but easy in modern cricket. “There’s no such thing as an easy catch,” he says. Morgan also talks about player workload, travel, and recovery, and how it affects performance across a long season.

Follow along to compare your own predictions with Eoin Morgan and Jonty Rhodes — and see how expert insight can reshape the way you read the game.

Two student-led teams from Galgotias University will represent India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition 2026 in Hong Kong with education-tech innovations

The two teams are working on different but equally relevant problems within education technology, one exploring how Virtual Reality can make complex concepts easier to experience and understand, and the other attempting to make coding education more accessible for visually impaired learners through tactile interaction systems. Their selection also comes at a relevant juncture when the global education technology market is seeing growing interest in immersive learning and accessibility-focused innovation.

Startup Tekurious Pvt. Limited includes Akash Kumar, a third-year B.Tech Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) student from the Class of 2027, Yash Vardhan, a third-year B.Sc. (Hons.) Microbiology student from the Class of 2026 at the School of Biosciences and Technology, and Anoop Maurya, a fourth-year B.Tech Artificial Intelligence & Data Science student from the Batch of 2022–2026 at Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology. The startup is building a Virtual Reality-enabled immersive learning platform designed to help students understand complex academic concepts through interactive simulations rather than passive textbook instruction.

Speaking about the journey behind the idea, Akash Kumar shared that the startup began with a simple belief that students understand concepts far better when they can experience them rather than memorise them. He added that representing their work at EDVentures in Hong Kong gives the team an opportunity to showcase how immersive learning technologies can improve engagement and accessibility across classrooms.

Project TACTO comprises Gaurang Pant, a third-year B.Tech Computer Science Engineering student from the Class of 2027, Shristi Mandoliya, a second-year B.Tech Computer Science Engineering (Data Science) student from the Class of 2028, and Kavya Singh, a third-year BBA Financial Investment Analysis student from the Batch of 2023–2026 at the School of Finance & Commerce, Galgotias University. The team is developing a tactile hardware-based coding system for visually impaired learners, translating abstract programming logic into physical interaction through modular blocks supported by sensing technologies and real-time audio feedback.

Sharing the experience behind building Project TACTO, Gaurang Pant said the idea emerged from conversations around how visually impaired learners often face barriers in coding education because of screen-dependent interfaces. He noted that presenting the project at EDVentures would allow the team to engage with educators and innovators working toward more inclusive models of programming education.

The EDVentures Competition will bring together student innovation teams from leading institutions including Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education Singapore, King Saud University, East China Normal University, Universitas Indonesia, and Ajman University, placing the Galgotias teams alongside a wider Asian network of young founders building technology-led responses to how people learn, access knowledge, and experience education.

Speaking on the opportunity, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said, “As internationalisation becomes an increasing area of focus for the University, opportunities such as EDVentures allow our students to engage with global educators, researchers, and student founders working on similar challenges. When students begin building solutions for real learning problems and present them on international platforms, it reflects the confidence they are developing as innovators and problem-solvers with relevance beyond their immediate surroundings.”

Highlighting the importance of global exposure for emerging founders, Rachit Mathur, entrepreneur and mentor to students at the Galgotias Incubation Centre, said “Exposure to a global platform like EDVentures allows student founders to test their ideas in diverse academic environments and learn from different perspectives. This year’s SDG-4 theme has encouraged teams to connect inclusive education goals with emerging technologies such as AI and immersive learning systems. Experiences like this help young founders refine solutions into scalable innovations.”

Galgotias has been steadily expanding its startup and innovation ecosystem through industry-linked Centres of Excellence, advanced technology labs, and structured incubation support for student founders. The university has incubated more than 135 startups so far and has established the INR 10 crore Galgotias Innovation Fund to support emerging student-led ventures.

Galgotias University has also developed specialised labs and Centres of Excellence in collaboration with organisations including Intel, Cisco, Apple, Salesforce, Tata Technologies, and Capgemini, alongside a high-performance computing ecosystem powered by the NVIDIA DGX H200, giving students access to industry-grade infrastructure and emerging technology platforms. Reflecting the expanding culture of applied innovation on campus, 34 student-developed applications are currently live on the Apple App Store, while 18 Galgotias students were selected among the global winners of the Apple Swift Student Challenge.

Both teams are currently undergoing structured mentoring support as part of their preparation for participation in the global competition. The participation of both teams reflects how student-led innovation at Galgotias University is increasingly moving beyond classroom projects into globally relevant problem-solving around accessibility, immersive learning, and the future of education technology.

KCG College of Technology and Urbaser Sumeet signed an MoU to promote sustainability and waste management initiatives for students in Chennai

The collaboration aims to create a long-term industry-integrated sustainability model that will actively engage students in solving real-world urban environmental challenges in Chennai.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at the KCG campus in the presence of Mr Albert Gleiser Ignacio, Managing Director; Mr S. Shankar, Zonal Manager; Ms Komal Gotham Chand, Head – IEC; and Mr Vignesh, Manager – IEC, representing Sumeet Urban Services, alongside Dr Annie Jacob, Director, and Dr G. Prabhakaran, Principal In-Charge of KCG College of Technology. The event also saw the participation of faculty members, Heads of Departments, students, and institutional representatives.

The partnership will focus on sustainability initiatives, waste management awareness, green innovation, social responsibility, and practical exposure for students in environmental systems and urban sanitation management.

As part of the initiative, students are expected to participate in clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, sustainability workshops, internships, innovation challenges, and field-level waste management activities over the coming academic cycles.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anand Jacob Varghese, Chairman, Hindustan Group of Institutions, emphasised the importance of developing civic consciousness and environmental responsibility among students from an early stage.

“Engineering education today must go beyond laboratories and classrooms. When our students walk alongside conservancy workers, manage waste drives, and design recycling solutions for their own city, they are not just learning — they are becoming the kind of engineers and citizens Chennai needs. This partnership with Urbaser Sumeet is a step towards making that the norm, not the exception,” said Dr Anand Jacob Varghese.

He noted that institutions must play an active role in nurturing socially responsible engineers and innovators capable of contributing to sustainable urban development.

Dr Annie Jacob, Director, KCG College of Technology, highlighted the role played by Urbaser Sumeet in Chennai’s conservancy and sanitation ecosystem and expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to meaningful student-led environmental engagement programmes.

“Urbaser Sumeet manages one of Chennai’s most critical urban services, and having that expertise embedded into our campus programmes is a significant advantage for our students. From internships in waste vehicle operations to the Edubridge initiative for conservancy workers’ children, this collaboration is built around real impact — not just awareness,” said Dr Annie Jacob.

She further noted that the collaboration will help bridge classroom learning with practical environmental problem-solving through direct industry exposure and community participation.

Under the MoU, students of KCG College of Technology will participate in clean-up campaigns, awareness drives, workshops, and internships related to waste management systems and vehicle operations.

The collaboration will also include hackathons, innovation challenges, practical training sessions, and professional certification opportunities focused on environmental sustainability and circular economy practices.

The partnership is also expected to encourage research-oriented projects in areas such as waste segregation, recycling systems, circular economy models, and smart urban sustainability solutions.

One of the major initiatives under the collaboration is “Edubridge,” a programme aimed at supporting the education and empowerment of children of conservancy workers.

The initiative also seeks to create stronger community engagement and social inclusion by recognising and supporting the families of frontline sanitation workers.

Urbaser Sumeet will additionally serve as the hygiene partner for major institutional events at KCG and will demonstrate best practices in source segregation, solid waste management, and urban cleanliness systems.

Mr Albert Gleiser Ignacio, Managing Director, Urbaser Sumeet, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to collaborative environmental action.

“We operate on the ground every day across Chennai’s neighbourhoods, and we know that lasting change in how a city handles its waste begins with how the next generation thinks about it. Partnering with KCG gives us the opportunity to bring that ground reality into an academic setting and build a pipeline of professionals who are genuinely invested in sustainable urban systems,” said Mr Albert Gleiser Ignacio.

The collaboration promotes the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) and aims to foster environmentally conscious practices among students and the larger academic community.

Both organisations also expressed their commitment to building a scalable and replicable model for sustainable campus-community partnerships in the future.

Ajitesh Korupolu, CEO and founder of ASBL in a panel discussion at Way2News conclave

During a panel discussion on economy and business strategies, ASBL Founder and CEO, Ajitesh Korupolu, shared a highly optimistic vision for the city, praising the Way2News team for hosting the event and highlighting why Hyderabad is uniquely positioned for greatness. Korupolu further emphasized the immense multiplier effect of the sector, noting that real estate drives the entire economy forward through its linkages with over 250 ancillary industries including cement, steel, logistics, and retail, while acting as India's second-largest employer. "Hyderabad is one of the rarest cities in India because we don't depend on just one industry," Korupolu noted during the panel. "We have IT, pharma, aerospace, defense tech, and data centers. In fact, 47% of all new Global Capability Centers (GCCs) coming to India are choosing Hyderabad. With the government’s excellent model of building infrastructure first and allowing development to follow, Hyderabad is well on its way to becoming the deep tech capital of India."

He highlighted that the growth in Hyderabad's suburban and outer areas is a great example of smart planning. The government builds consistent infrastructure first, and there is plenty of land and water available. By introducing policies gradually instead of all at once, the state avoids sudden market shocks, creating a stable, long-term environment where both builders and home buyers can thrive.

This forward-thinking perspective aligns perfectly with why ASBL, a prominent real estate developer in Hyderabad, received the decade's top innovation title. The company was recognized for its work in changing how homes are designed, built, and managed. In a traditional real estate landscape, developers often operate in a blind spot, severely lacking the data and consumer insights needed to actually improve the living experience. Recognizing this critical gap, ASBL shifted the paradigm by operating less like a conventional builder and more like a technology company that happens to do real estate. By embedding technology into every single stage of the process, the company captures vital data that allows them to address current pain points and proactively design spaces so that future residents don't face these everyday problems. This customer-first mindset, backed by heavy use of data and artificial intelligence (AI), is precisely what earned them the decade’s top innovation title.

ASBL collects and analyzes data to understand the real daily challenges people face and use those insights to design layouts that genuinely make life easier. To tackle the construction problems, they created a "Digital Twin" system where every building is mapped out digitally first, allowing teams to assign tasks clearly and upload proof of work in real-time to keep construction fast, on time, and high quality. Finally, they ensure a smooth buying and living experience by completely digitizing the paperwork process, making it incredibly simple for anyone, including NRIs living abroad, to buy a home without endless physical visits. Once residents move in, they use the Homes by ASBL app to effortlessly manage daily chores, book amenities, and raise service requests.

This tech-forward strategy is already working at a massive scale. ASBL is currently operating 10 million square feet of space, with another 10 million square feet already in the pipeline, deeply focusing on the growth of Hyderabad. By bringing both cutting-edge technology to construction and thought leadership to the state's economic conversations, ASBL's prominent presence at the conclave proved exactly why they are leading the way in shaping how the city lives and grows.

For more information, please visit: asbl.in.

Vivek Dube interacted with students at the Galgotias Dialogue Series, where young minds engage with leaders, thinkers, and changemakers

Organised by Galgotias Career Connect, a student-led club focused on industry interaction, leadership engagement, and career awareness, the session was held as part of the Galgotias Dialogue Series, a platform through which students engage with distinguished thinkers, policymakers, public leaders, entrepreneurs, administrators, and professionals from diverse fields to develop broader perspectives beyond classroom learning. The interaction witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across disciplines and evolved into a candid exchange shaped by questions, reflections, and experiences from Shri Dube’s distinguished four-decade-long career in public service.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Vivek Dube spoke about the evolution of policing in India, tracing developments from the Police Act introduced after 1857 to the transition from the Imperial Police to the Indian Police Service. He explained the role of the police in maintaining law and order, legal procedures related to crime investigation, and the challenges involved in crowd management and public safety in a complex and rapidly changing society.

He also reflected on the broader justice ecosystem, describing police, judiciary, and prisons as three interconnected pillars that must function with fairness and accountability to uphold justice while protecting innocent citizens. The discussion further touched upon terrorism, national security, leadership under pressure, and the importance of honesty and integrity in both professional and personal life.

The session became especially engaging during the interactive segment where students asked questions on leadership, UPSC preparation, motivation, emotional resilience, and balancing personal emotions with professional duty. Responding to these questions, Shri Dube advised students to recognise their strengths, remain disciplined, and pursue excellence with determination rather than becoming distracted by criticism or external validation. He also emphasised the importance of physical fitness, mental well-being, and time management in sustaining long-term professional success.

During his interaction, Shri Vivek Dube expressed appreciation for the sprawling campus and academic ecosystem being developed at Galgotias University and said he was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm, curiosity, and active participation of students during the session. He noted that institutions play an important role not only in imparting technical education but also in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders through conversations around ethics, leadership, governance, and public service.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO Galgotias University said, “At Galgotias University, we believe students must engage not only with technology and professional education but also with larger questions of leadership, ethics, governance, and nation building. The Galgotias Dialogue Series has been envisioned as a platform where students interact with distinguished thinkers and practitioners from diverse walks of life and gain perspectives that help shape them into more aware, responsible, and future-ready individuals.”

The session concluded with an inspiring message centred on integrity, perseverance, self-belief, and purposeful leadership. Shri Vivek Dube was felicitated by Mr. Saksham Saxena and the Vice Presidents in recognition of his interaction and contribution. The event ended on a motivating and reflective note, leaving students with valuable insights into leadership, public service, and personal growth.

Sapna Bhambani, Senior Vice President of Operations and Country Lead, TaskUs India and Rohit Kapoor, Vice President, Human Resources, TaskUs India at the Times Business Awards 2026
 

Organized by The Times Group, the awards celebrate organizations that are redefining business excellence through innovation, leadership and impact across industries. The recognition highlights TaskUs’ continued focus on helping global brands navigate rapidly evolving customer expectations through intelligent, agile and scalable digital solutions.
 

As businesses increasingly embrace AI to drive efficiency and transformation, customer experience has emerged as a key differentiator. TaskUs has remained focused on combining advanced technologies with human expertise to deliver high-value support across trust and safety, digital customer experience and AI operations. The company’s approach reflects a broader industry shift towards AI-enabled service models that prioritize both innovation and responsible execution.
 

The recognition also reinforces India’s growing role in the future of AI-powered business services. With a strong talent ecosystem and expanding digital capabilities across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, India continues to emerge as a strategic hub for next-generation customer experience and operational excellence.
 

Commenting on the recognition, Sapna Bhambani, Senior Vice President of Operations and Country Lead, TaskUs India said, “This recognition reflects the momentum of an industry that is rapidly evolving through AI and innovation. At TaskUs, we believe the future of customer experience and complex business operations will be shaped by organizations that can successfully combine technology with human insight and empathy. As businesses adapt to changing customer expectations and increasing digital complexity, our focus remains on building agile, intelligent and people-centric solutions that create meaningful impact for clients across the world. We remain committed to driving innovation responsibly while continuing to invest in talent, capability and growth across India.”
 

About TaskUs
TaskUs (Nasdaq: TASK) delivers outsourced digital services that power the companies shaping the future. By combining specialized human talent and intelligent technology, we solve complex operational challenges for global category leaders within AI, autonomous vehicles (AV), robotics, social media, financial services, healthcare, and beyond. We enable our clients to elevate their customer experience, protect their platforms, and grow their brands.

For more information, visit www.taskus.com.

Nicole Junkermann points to Italian volleyball as a model for scaling women’s sport in India

The league had the same players, the same clubs and the same sporting product it had always had. What changed was the infrastructure around it.

For Nicole Junkermann, founder of Gameday by NJF Holdings and the driving force behind LVF's commercial transformation, those numbers are not primarily a story about Italian volleyball. They're a template. And the market she thinks they apply to most directly is India.

"LVF had world-class athletes, genuine fan interest and a product that could stand up against anything in European sport. What it didn't have was the commercial and digital machinery to capture that value. The gap between what the league was worth and what it was earning was enormous. That gap is what we invested in. India has versions of that gap in almost every women's sport it plays."

What the transformation looked like

Gameday became LVF's largest shareholder under a ten-year partnership structure, establishing a joint venture, Spike Media, to manage the league's full rights package. It deployed a technology stack designed to turn passive fan attention into measurable commercial output: content automation reduced the cost and turnaround time of highlight production; a content distribution platform enabled the league to push footage and branded assets directly to clubs, athletes and sponsors; AI-powered analytics tracked how content travelled across the global social media landscape, giving sponsors precise data on what their investment generated.

The results arrived faster than the league's own targets. LVF had set a goal of reaching one billion views across the full season. It surpassed that figure during the regular season alone, months ahead of schedule.

The Coppa Italia Final 4 illustrated what that infrastructure makes possible in practice. The event drew more than 25,000 spectators, a record for a volleyball event in Italy, supported by 38 days of pre-event social content and six embedded content creators. It was built as entertainment, not just sport.

The Indian parallel

India's women's sport landscape shares the structural characteristics that defined LVF before Gameday's involvement: genuine sporting quality, real audience interest and commercial infrastructure that hasn't kept pace with either.

The Women's Premier League offered a glimpse of what price discovery looks like when it arrives quickly. The inaugural season's media rights valuation surprised most observers. Franchise prices followed. The entry window for low-cost exposure to Indian women's cricket closed faster than anyone expected.

Other women's sports are earlier on the same curve. Women's kabaddi, volleyball and football each have growing audiences, committed athletes and leagues that have not yet built the commercial infrastructure to monetise what they have. The sporting foundations are there. The gap between what these leagues are worth and what they're earning is, in several cases, as wide as LVF's was before 2024.

"The economic case for women's sport has never been a values argument. It's a pricing argument. You invest before price discovery has happened, before sponsorship rates catch up with audience size, before media rights reflect actual demand. In Italy, that window is closing. In India, across several sports, it's still open."

Why the model travels

The LVF transformation wasn't dependent on Italian volleyball having unique characteristics. It was dependent on a gap between product quality and commercial capture, and on the existence of an audience that was reachable through modern digital channels.

India's women's sport market has both. What it additionally has is scale that Italy can't match: the world's largest young population, mobile-first consumption as the overwhelming default and a creator economy of enormous reach.

New leagues in India also have a structural advantage that LVF didn't: they can be designed correctly from the outset. Mobile-first fan engagement, creator partnerships and direct-to-consumer access as the architecture from day one, rather than retrofitted onto legacy broadcast structures built for a different era.

The LVF numbers are a proof of concept. The question for India's women's sport is not whether the model works. It's which leagues move first.

About Gameday by NJF Holdings

Gameday by NJF Holdings is a sports investment and strategic platform founded by Nicole Junkermann. Focused on building long-term value across leagues, media and sports technology, its approach centres on structural growth, digital transformation and scalable fan ecosystems.

The platform is the largest shareholder in Italy's professional women's volleyball league, Lega Volley Femminile (LVF), where it is supporting league-level commercial and digital development. Gameday is also the creator of CayoTV, a next-generation sports media platform designed to expand access, engagement and modern distribution for live sport audiences.

For more information, visit gameday.team.

Skip the guesswork and let GoCredit AI map out your personalized, high-impact path to an excellent credit score

Today, that changes.

GoCredit’s deep-tech research division TARA AI Labs has released BASIC — Behavioural Analytics for Score Improvement in Credit. It is an AI engine built to do something no Indian credit tool has done before: read your actual credit report and tell you, specifically, what to do next. Not generic tips. A personal plan, built from your own credit data, that shows exactly which actions will move your score, by how much, and in what order.

The full framework is published as a research paper at taralabs.ai/paper/basic-paper. To our knowledge, it is the first research paper in India to treat credit score improvement as its own machine learning problem. The paper introduces a new field of study — Behavioural Credit Analytics — focused on turning AI insight into measurable consumer benefit.

The 300 Million Indians the System Forgot
India has over 300 million credit-active consumers. Most of them sit in the middle. Not chronic defaulters. Not prime borrowers. They sit in a near-prime band where a 50-point swing in their credit score is the difference between a loan at 12% and a loan at 22%. The difference between approval and rejection. The difference between buying a two-wheeler this month or waiting another year.

These are gig workers in Bengaluru. Self-employed shopkeepers in Indore. Salaried professionals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities whose financial lives don’t fit the templates that credit scoring models were built for. They check their score every month on an app. They see the number. They feel the weight of it. And they have nowhere to turn for a real plan.

“Credit scores answer one question well — where are you? They were never designed to answer the next one: how do you move? We see this every day. People come to us with scores of 580, 620, 650 — not because they’re irresponsible, but because nobody has shown them how to move. Until BASIC, nobody was giving these borrowers a real, personalised plan to fix their financial future. That’s what we set out to change,” said  Anupam Acharya, Co-founder and CEO of GoCredit.

What’s Different About BASIC
Until now, an Indian consumer with a low credit score had three options. Generic advice from public websites. Paid credit counsellors who couldn’t see their actual report. Rule-based simulators that gave the same answer to everyone, regardless of profile.

None of these produced a real, personal plan. None of them could tell a specific borrower with a specific credit profile what to do, in what order, to gain the most points in the least time. That is what BASIC does — and as far as we know, no one has done it before in India.

So what makes BASIC work? Most credit models look only at where you are today. BASIC looks at where you are, where you’ve been, and how fast you’re moving — for every part of your credit profile. Trained on the credit histories of more than a million Indian borrowers over four years, BASIC can predict your next-month credit score with an average error of just 16 points. On the 300–900 credit score scale, that is under 2.2% off. Standard deep-learning models trained on the same data are about four times less accurate.

“A credit score isn't just where you are today - it's where you're heading. Most score simulators miss this: they look at your current credit attributes in isolation, when bureau algorithms are actually responding to how those attributes are changing over time. We trained BASIC on the rate of change alongside the current value, which is the temporal structure the bureaus actually reward. That's why the recommendations move scores instead of just describing them,” said Pranav Murali, Co-founder and Lead AI Engineer at GoCredit.

Already Used by Over 2 Lakh Indians
This is not a research preview. BASIC is already live on the GoCredit Android app, where it powers a feature called Credit Score Boost — used by over 2 lakh Indians so far.

Among the 50,000 monthly active paying subscribers, 10,000 — one in five — have improved their credit scores by 50 points or more within two months of actively following BASIC’s recommendations.

For these 10,000 borrowers, that 50-point gain is not abstract. For someone near the prime threshold, it can be the difference between a loan rejection and an approval. It can mean an EMI at 12% instead of 22%. For many, it is the first time their credit score has moved in their favour in years — and the first time anyone has shown them how to make it happen.

“We meet borrowers every day who tell us they’ve been trying to fix their score for two or three years and getting nowhere. Two months later they show us their app and the number has moved up by 60, 70, 80 points. That moment — when a borrower realises they’re not stuck, that the system isn’t a black box anymore — that’s why we built this,” said Anupam Acharya, Co-founder and CEO of GoCredit.

Now Opening to Lenders: The ScoreBoost API
TARA AI Labs is also announcing today that the same engine is now available to financial institutions through the ScoreBoost API. The API is live with select pilot partners.

For the first time, a lender selling a loan, credit card, or BNPL product can show a borrower — right at the point of sale — how that product will affect their credit score over the next 6 to 12 months. A consumer comparing two credit cards can see, before signing up, which one is more likely to help their score and which one might hurt it. A lender offering a secured loan can show the borrower exactly how the product fits into their improvement journey.

“Indian lenders today sell loans without showing customers the consequence on their credit profile. That information asymmetry has been one of the most under-discussed problems in retail lending. ScoreBoost API closes it. A lender can integrate our engine and tell a borrower: here is what this product will do to your credit score. It changes the conversation from ‘do you qualify?’ to ‘is this the right product for where you’re trying to go?,” said Shubham Arawkar, Co-founder and CTO of GoCredit.

ScoreBoost API is currently in pilot with select NBFCs and digital lending platforms. Broader availability will be announced later in 2026.

Privacy and Regulatory Architecture
BASIC works only on consumer-consented credit data, accessed through official APIs under the consumer-initiated credit information report framework of the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005. All data handling also complies with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. No bank account access, no SMS reading, no invasive data collection — by design.

BASIC is deployed strictly as a consumer-facing advisory system. Its outputs are not routed — through any production pathway — into GoCredit’s lending decisions, underwriting models, or partner lenders’ scoring engines. The advisory model and the lending stack are operationally separated systems.

“A model trained to help consumers improve their scores shouldn’t simultaneously be used to judge them. We enforce that separation operationally — BASIC’s outputs have no production pathway into any lending decision engine, ours or anyone else’s,” said Shubham Arawkar, Co-founder and CTO of GoCredit.

Availability

• Credit Score Boost is available now on the GoCredit Android app at INR 199/month.

• ScoreBoost API is in pilot with select financial institutions; institutional partners can request access at research@taralabs.ai.

• The full BASIC research paper is available at taralabs.ai/paper/basic-paper.

About TARA AI Labs
TARA AI Labs is the deep-tech research division of GoCredit, focused on responsible AI for credit and financial empowerment in emerging markets. The lab publishes research on credit modelling, applied AI on financial data, and consumer-centric AI design. taralabs.ai.

About GoCredit
GoCredit is an AI-powered personal finance platform helping Indians access credit and improve their financial health, with over INR 120 crore in loan disbursals facilitated across 50+ RBI-regulated lending partners. gocredit.money.

Ampere Magnus G Max by Greaves Electric Mobility wins ‘Family Scooter of the Year’ at Times Drive Auto Summit and Awards 2026

Product development at Greaves Electric Mobility is rooted in delivering a balance of performance, technology and everyday usability. The latest award reinforces this ethos, with the Magnus G Max, launched in January 2026 as the newest addition to the Ampere Magnus portfolio - positioned as a next-generation family electric scooter, offering certified range of 142 kms, LFP battery technology for enhanced safety and durability, spacious 33L boot space, and a comfortable riding experience tailored for Indian road conditions.

Commenting on the milestone and recognition, Mr. Vikas Singh, Managing Director, Greaves Electric Mobility said, “We are honoured to receive the ‘Family Scooter of the Year’ award for our Ampere Magnus G Max. At Greaves Electric Mobility, we build for real India - practical, safe, durable and dependable products that fit seamlessly into the lives of Indian families. The Magnus G Max reflects this vision, combining technology and user-centric design, built for real-world performance. With a family-friendly price point, we are committed to democratise access to electric mobility, with dependable product offerings for customers across the country. The strong market reception of Magnus G-Max has only deepened our conviction in this direction - validating that customers are ready to embrace electric mobility when it is built around their real needs.”

The Ampere Magnus G Max is built on a dual-frame chassis engineered for stability and long-term durability, making it a dependable companion for India's varied roads. Powering it is IP67-rated water resistant, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, with a class-leading 5-year / 75,000 km warranty, built to go the distance. Three premium dual-tone colours: Matcha Green, Monsoon Blue and Cinnamon Copper, paired with gold-finish badging and a digital display, give the Magnus G Max a contemporary edge that's as aspirational as it is practical.

Key Features of the Ampere Magnus G Max include:

• 3 kWh LFP battery with 5 Years/75,000 Kms battery warranty

• Over 142 km Certified Range

• 33-litre under-seat boot designed for daily storage needs

• Hub motor with Eco, City, and Reverse riding modes

• Top speed of up to 65 kmph for urban commuting

• Hydraulic telescopic front suspension and dual rear shock absorbers

• 3.5-inch LCD digital cluster with USB charging port

• LED headlamp and indicators with optional connected features via TCU

This latest recognition comes on the back of the Magnus Grand E2W scooter receiving the Electric Scooter of the Year 2026 award by Bike India. The four consecutive industry recognitions across Nexus, Magnus Grand and now for Magnus G Max - affirms GEML’s strength and consistency across product innovation pipeline.

Ampere the E2W brand, continues to enhance Greaves Electric Mobility’s vision to democratise sustainable mobility and expand India’s electric mobility adoption by offering products designed to address the real-world needs of Indian riders.

About Greaves Cotton Limited

Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), also known as Greaves, is a diversified, multi-product, multi-fuel, and multi-location engineering company with a legacy of 165 years and strong brand trust. Originally renowned for its single-cylinder diesel engines, Greaves has transformed into a fuel-agnostic, end-to-end mobility solutions provider, driven by the purpose of "Empowering Lives”. The Company is enabling a sustainable transition to green mobility and aims to touch a billion lives by 2030. Greaves is building a digitally integrated ecosystem that connects consumers, business partners, and service providers across the entire mobility value chain.

Through its five independent business units—Greaves Engineering, Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd., Greaves Retail, Greaves Finance Ltd., and Greaves Technologies Ltd.—Greaves combines agility with strategic focus, delivering innovation and enhancing accessibility for consumers. With significant investments in technology and human capital, the Company is positioned to lead in India’s EV and sustainable mobility markets. The Company remains committed to sustainable growth and economic progress, making it a trusted partner in shaping the future of mobility in India.

For more information, visit- www.greavescotton.com

About Greaves Electric Mobility Limited

Greaves Electric Mobility Limited (GEML), the electric mobility business of Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), is one of the first companies in India to focus on the evolving market of electric vehicles (“EV”) and has been among the frontrunners at driving EV adoption in the country*. With over 17 years of experience designing and manufacturing electric vehicles*, GEML serves both the electric 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segments. GEML along with its subsidiaries, operates three manufacturing plants located in Hyderabad, Noida, and Ranipet. The company supports its network through 400 dealer touchpoints across India, thereby aiming minimal downtime and enhanced customer experience. GEML holds 8 India Book of Records** and 1 Asia Book of Records** titles, reflecting its focus on technology and design led innovative & durable mobility solutions. Subsidiaries MLR Auto Limited and Bestway Agencies Private Limited help extend GEML’s market presence. Committed to affordability and sustainability, GEML provides clean mobility solutions contributing to India’s shift toward electric transportation.

Mr. Alexander George Muthoot, Joint Managing Director, Muthoot Finance
 

This continued recognition reflects Muthoot Finance’s strong legacy of trust, customer-first approach, and consistent focus on delivering reliable, transparent, and accessible financial solutions to millions of customers across India. As India’s largest gold loan NBFC, the company has built deep-rooted relationships across urban and rural markets, supported by its extensive consolidated branch network of over 7,500 branches and presence across 29 states and union territories, reinforcing its position as a dependable and widely accessible financial partner. The company now serves over 2.5 lakh customers every day across India, reflecting its deep reach and strong trust among households.

Commenting on the achievement, Alexander George Muthoot, Joint Managing Director, Muthoot Finance, said, "Being recognised as India’s most trusted financial services brand for the 10th consecutive year is a matter of immense pride and responsibility for us. This milestone is a reflection of the unwavering trust our customers have placed in us across generations, and it inspires us to continue raising the bar in everything we do. At Muthoot Finance, trust is not just a value, but the foundation of our business. We have consistently focused on delivering transparent, customer-centric financial solutions while embracing innovation to meet evolving customer needs. As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening this trust, expanding access to credit, and empowering individuals and businesses across India to achieve their financial goals."

As a pioneer in formalising the gold loan segment in India, Muthoot Finance has played a pivotal role in transforming gold loans from an informal borrowing option into a structured, transparent, and widely accepted financial product. This recognition further reinforces how gold loans are increasingly being perceived as a smart, reliable, and trustworthy credit solution, particularly for households seeking quick and secure access to funds.

Muthoot Finance has also been certified as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years by the Great Place to Work Institute, reflecting its sustained focus on employee wellbeing, a culture of trust, and a supportive, people-first work environment. The company was also recently recognised among the Top 50 India’s Best Workplaces™ in BFSI 2026 by Great Place to Work.

Muthoot Finance, which recently completed 15 years since its IPO, is also the first listed company from Kerala to cross a market capitalisation of Rs. 1 lakh crore and is a constituent of the NIFTY Next 50. The company is also classified as an Upper Layer NBFC. In addition, Muthoot Finance has undertaken extensive initiatives in CSR, and ISR, investing approximately Rs. 500 crore since 2014 and impacting over 5 million lives across India.

Muthoot Finance’s sustained leadership in the TRA Brand Trust rankings underscores its ability to build long-term relationships with customers by combining trust with service excellence and innovation. The recognition also highlights the company’s continued efforts in strengthening its brand equity while adapting to changing customer expectations and market dynamics.

Innovation, entrepreneurship, and young problem-solvers take centre stage as Ramanan Ramanathan engages with students at Galgotias University

Ramanan Ramanathan, First Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Government of India, and Mission Governing Board Member, IndiaAI Mission, Government of India, delivered a session at Galgotias University on the theme “From Campus Innovation to Nation Building: Role of Startups and Young Entrepreneurs in India@2047.”

The session explored the growing role of universities in nurturing entrepreneurial thinking, startup culture, innovation-driven learning, research orientation, and technology-enabled problem solving among young people. Addressing students, faculty members, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs, Mr. Ramanathan spoke about how campus-based innovation ecosystems can help transform ideas into scalable ventures capable of contributing to employment generation, economic growth, and national development.

Appreciating the growing startup and innovation culture at Galgotias University, Mr. Ramanathan highlighted the importance of creating environments where students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, build, and engage with real-world challenges from an early stage. He also spoke about the importance of curiosity, resilience, interdisciplinary thinking, and technology-led problem solving as India prepares for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, deep technology, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.

The interaction encouraged students to think beyond conventional career pathways and engage more actively with innovation, product development, startup ecosystems, and emerging technologies. Discussions during the session also explored how young entrepreneurs and campus-led innovation can contribute meaningfully to India’s long-term development aspirations and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Universities today must help young people become creators, innovators, and problem solvers rather than only degree holders. While we continue to support students in building successful careers, we also want to empower them to become job creators, entrepreneurs, and builders of new ideas. Over the past few years, we have focused on creating an ecosystem that gives students access to emerging technologies, advanced labs, mentorship, industry exposure, startup support, and funding opportunities. Much of the innovation and energy we are witnessing today is now being driven by students themselves.”

Through such engagements, Galgotias University continues to strengthen its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through incubation support, mentorship, industry collaboration, startup engagement, research initiatives, and student-led innovation platforms. The University has been steadily expanding opportunities for students to build products, startups, and technology-driven solutions capable of creating meaningful social and economic impact.

GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026 winner Rouble Nagi meets His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace

Over the past two decades, Rouble has established more than 800 learning centres across over 100 marginalised communities in India, transforming abandoned walls into interactive murals that have helped bring more than one million children into formal education.

Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, the Global Teacher Prize, and GEMS Education

She attended the Buckingham Palace event alongside education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, the Global Teacher Prize, and GEMS Education. 

Rouble Nagi, winner of the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026, said, “It was an honour to meet His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. I’m deeply grateful to Sunny Varkey and the Varkey Foundation for their unwavering support of education and for creating platforms like the Global Teacher Prize that shine a light on teachers around the world. This recognition is not just for me, but for the children, young people, and communities we continue to work with every day across India.”
 

Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, the Global Teacher Prize, and GEMS Education, said, “We are immensely proud to see Rouble recognised at Buckingham Palace and honoured to meet His Majesty King Charles III. Rouble’s story is a powerful reminder that teachers have the ability to change lives, strengthen communities, and shape a better future for generations to come.”

Central to Rouble’s work is her innovative concept of “Living Walls of Learning.” She transforms abandoned walls into open-air, interactive murals that teach literacy, numeracy, science, hygiene, history, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. These murals are not decorative artworks, but open-air classrooms that draw children into learning, engage parents, and turn entire neighbourhoods into partners in education.

Rouble travels extensively across India, working directly with children in the learning centres and mentoring the teachers who lead them. She has recruited and trained more than 600 volunteer and paid educators, creating a scalable model that meets children where they are – academically, socially, and economically.  

Her classrooms often operate in the most challenging conditions, shaped by poverty, child labour, early marriage, irregular attendance, and a lack of basic infrastructure. Rather than seeing these realities as barriers, Rouble designs education around real life: flexible schedules for working children, hands-on learning using recycled materials, and practical skills that demonstrate immediate value to families. As a result, her programmes have reduced dropout rates by more than 50% and significantly improved long-term school retention. 

The Global Teacher Prize, Global Schools Prize and Global Student Prize, also founded by Sunny Varkey, form a powerful trilogy that celebrates educators, learners, and schools as institutions of innovation and change. Together, the three prizes help spark a 360-degree conversation about what it takes to deliver the best possible education, equipping children to face the future with confidence – while rethinking the future of learning for generations to come. 

The move signals Gameday's view that India's sports economy has reached an inflection point: audiences are large and growing, commercial interest is rising, but the data and technology infrastructure that converts fan attention into durable commercial value has not kept pace.
 

Nicole Junkermann: India’s sports future will be built on data, technology and audience infrastructure
 

"India generates some of the most intense sports consumption data in the world. The problem is that most of it disappears. Every match watched, every highlight shared, every fantasy team assembled produces a signal. But across India's sports ecosystem, those signals are fragmented, undercaptured and largely invisible to the leagues and investors who could use them most."
 

Gameday's platform approach, developed through its partnership with Lega Volley Femminile in Italy, centres on building what Nicole Junkermann describes as the infrastructure layer beneath sport: content automation, audience analytics, fan identity platforms, direct engagement tools and modern sponsorship measurement systems.
 

At LVF, Europe's leading women's volleyball league, the platform has supported a significant expansion in digital reach, content output and commercial partnerships since Gameday became the league's largest shareholder. The approach is now being applied to new markets, with India identified as the most significant near-term opportunity.
 

The data infrastructure gap

Junkermann argues that the gap between India's sporting ambition and its data infrastructure represents one of the most addressable structural problems in the country's sports economy.
 

The Indian Premier League consistently ranks among the most-watched sporting events globally. Football, kabaddi, volleyball and women's sport are adding new audiences at pace. Internet users are expected to exceed 900m within the next few years, with mobile-first consumption as the default across the country.
 

But the commercial infrastructure to capture, structure and monetise that audience behaviour is underdeveloped relative to the size of the opportunity.
 

"Compare what India's leagues have built to what the NFL, NBA and Premier League have developed over time. Their competitive advantages today aren't primarily about the sport. They're about the sophistication of the systems beneath it: personalisation engines, loyalty platforms, second-screen experiences, sponsorship measurement tools built on years of granular audience data. India can build those systems. It doesn't have legacy infrastructure to protect, which means it can build the right ones from scratch."
 

Leagues as data platforms

Gameday's approach treats leagues as data platforms rather than sports administrators. The commercial implications are significant: leagues that understand their audiences directly, rather than through intermediaries, can price sponsorship more accurately, distribute content more efficiently and build year-round fan relationships rather than seasonal spikes.
 

For India's growing portfolio of professional leagues, that shift in approach could materially change the long-term economics of the sector.
 

Gameday will share further details on its India market plans, including specific league and technology partnerships, in the coming months.

About Gameday by NJF Holdings

Gameday by NJF Holdings is a sports investment and strategic platform founded by Nicole Junkermann. Focused on building long-term value across leagues, media and sports technology, its approach centres on structural growth, digital transformation and scalable fan ecosystems.
 

Gameday is the largest shareholder in Italy's professional women's volleyball league, Lega Volley Femminile (LVF), where it is supporting league-level commercial and digital development.
 

For more information, visit gameday.team.

It Is True That the Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree; At Galgotias University, 18 Students Have Swiftly Won Apple’s Swift Student Challenge

The achievement signals how students at the University are increasingly participating in global technology platforms while building products and applications during their academic journey.

The winning projects span areas including healthcare accessibility, mobility, communication, learning assistance, wellness, gaming, and productivity. Applications such as Motion Canvas, Dyslexia Lens, Better Speak, Sense Shade, Derma Sync, QuickMath AR, and Let’sGo demonstrate how students are using technology to address practical and everyday challenges.

The achievement also points to the scale of the Apple iOS ecosystem that has evolved at Galgotias University over the past few years. The University currently has 34 student-built applications live on the Apple App Store across areas such as accessibility, healthcare, AI-powered productivity, mobility, and education technology.

Several students have also emerged as repeat winners at the Swift Student Challenge, including Harshit Gupta and Abu Shahma Ansari, both of whom secured recognition for the second consecutive year.

Dr Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said “The confidence with which our students are approaching product-building and technology development while still in university is incredible. Many of these students come from middle-class and Tier-2 or Tier-3 backgrounds, and they are now building applications and participating in global technology ecosystems at a very early stage of their careers. This is the kind of exposure, mentoring, and experimentation that students increasingly expect from higher education institutions.”

The achievement comes alongside growing recognition for the University in technology and computer science education. Galgotias University was recently ranked in the 601-650 global band for Computer Science and Information Systems in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, while also being ranked 11th among private universities in India and 30th among all universities in the country in the subject area.

In the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, Galgotias University has been placed 27th among private universities in India, underlining the University's growing academic profile and rising visibility in the higher education landscape.

The Apple ecosystem at Galgotias University has been supported through industry-linked learning environments, app development initiatives, mentoring support, hackathons, and product-building exposure that allow students to move beyond theoretical learning into real-world application development.

The 18 winners from Galgotias University include students from Computer Science Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, AI-ML, and Gaming Technology programmes, with projects ranging from accessibility tools and educational applications to AI-assisted wellness and mobility platforms.

TRA’s Brand Trust Report

The recognition highlights Versuni India’s consistent focus on delivering reliable, high-performance, and consumer-centric products tailored to the evolving needs of Indian households. Known for combining innovation with everyday convenience, the brand continues to strengthen its position across categories through quality-driven solutions and customer-first experiences.

The TRA ranking reflects the confidence consumers place in Versuni India’s portfolio of irons and tower fans, categories that have witnessed increasing demand for durability, efficiency, and smart functionality. Industry experts acknowledge the brand’s ability to blend technology, design, and accessibility while catering to consumers across metro as well as emerging markets.

Over the years, Versuni India has focused on building deeper consumer engagement through innovation-led products, robust distribution, and strong after-sales support. The recognition further underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing everyday living through trusted and meaningful home appliance solutions.

Commenting on the achievement, Pooja Baid, Chief Marketing Officer said, “Being recognized among India’s Most Trusted Irons & Tower Fans brands is a proud milestone for us. Consumer trust remains at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition motivates us to continue delivering products that combine innovation, quality, and reliability for Indian consumers.”

The recognition in TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2026 further strengthens Versuni India’s position as a trusted player in the consumer home appliances space and reinforces its commitment to driving innovation and value for customers across the country.

About Versuni
Versuni’s purpose is turning houses into homes. As a house of home appliances brands, Versuni markets: Philips, Philips Baristina, Philips Walita, Preethi, Senseo, L’OR Barista, Saeco, and Gaggia. With more than 900 patents to its name, Versuni’s portfolio spans coffee and kitchen appliances, garment care, climate care, and floor care. Philips, Saeco and Gaggia products are sold under trademark license from Koninklijke Philips N.V. Products under the Philips brand include the Airfryer, Espresso Machine with LatteGo, Handheld Steamer, Air Purifier and AquaTrio Cordless Vacuum. Versuni is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with innovation, manufacturing, and commercial centers across the globe and a footprint in over 100 countries.

Amity University Online, India’s first and leading online university, has successfully concluded the first edition of the Amity Online National Scholarship Aptitude Test (AONSAT) 2026, which has emerged as India’s largest online scholarship admission test for online degree programs initiated by any university. The nationwide initiative witnessed an overwhelming response from aspiring undergraduate and postgraduate learners seeking flexible, accessible, and merit-driven higher education opportunities.

AONSAT celebrated academic excellence nationwide, awarding merit-based scholarships to 12 top-performing undergraduate and postgraduate students

AONSAT 2026 witnessed participation from learners across India - from Andaman C Nicobar Islands to Tripura, from Ludhiana to Kochi - showcasing the truly national reach of online higher education. The test recorded registrations from over 495 cities including metropolitan cities, Tier 2 C Tier 3 cities, and upcountry regions. Thousands of learners have successfully qualified through the test and have already begun their practice preparation, further reflecting the increasing acceptance and aspiration towards online higher education among India’s youth.

The inaugural edition of AONSAT recognized and rewarded academic excellence at a national scale, with 12 outstanding winners across undergraduate and postgraduate categories receiving merit-based scholarships. The winners represent a diverse mix of learners from different educational, cultural, and regional backgrounds across India, further reinforcing the growing inclusivity, accessibility, and nationwide reach of digitally enabled higher education. Through its merit-led scholarship framework, AONSAT aims to make quality higher education more accessible and create meaningful opportunities for aspiring learners across the country.

Abhishek Kushwaha, PG Topper s 100% Scholarship Recipient, said, “AONSAT has created an incredible opportunity for learners like me who aspire to pursue quality higher education from a reputed institution. Winning a 100% scholarship from Amity University Online has strengthened my confidence and given me a strong foundation to pursue my professional goals.”

Speaking on the overwhelming response, Ajit Chauhan, Chairman, Amity University Online, said, “AONSAT 2026 reflects the evolving aspirations of India’s youth, who are increasingly seeking flexible, future-ready, and globally relevant higher education opportunities. At Amity University Online, we believe that quality education should not be limited by geography or financial barriers. Through initiatives like AONSAT, we are creating a transparent and merit-driven ecosystem that empowers learners and contributes towards building a stronger knowledge economy for the nation. As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, online education will play a transformative role in expanding access, nurturing talent at scale, and positioning India as a global education hub for the future. Such initiatives will also play an important role in supporting India’s National Education Policy vision of achieving a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035.”

Raushan Kumar, UG Topper s 100% Scholarship Recipient, Said, “For many students like me, quality higher education from a reputed university often feels like a distant dream. AONSAT has changed that by creating a platform where talent and dedication are truly recognized. Receiving a 100% scholarship from Amity University Online has given me the confidence to pursue my goals with a larger vision and prepare myself for opportunities in a globally connected world. I believe initiatives like AONSAT can inspire and empower thousands of young learners across India to aspire for world-class education and a better future.”

India is currently at a crucial stage in its journey to expand access to higher education, with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aiming to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) from the current 28% to 50% by 2035. Scalable and digitally enabled initiatives like AONSAT can play a transformative role by expanding access and identifying deserving learners on a large scale. Industry and policy reports indicate that India may require nearly 86 million higher education enrolments by 2035 to meet this vision, making scalable digital learning models and scholarship-led initiatives increasingly important for the future of education.

Building on the tremendous response to the inaugural edition, Amity University Online has announced that the second edition of AONSAT will be announced soon, further strengthening its mission to make quality higher education more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for learners across India.

The initiative reflects Amity University Online’s larger vision of enabling education without boundaries through technology-enabled learning models, scholarship support, and scalable digital education platforms. As India moves towards a knowledge-driven economy, initiatives such as AONSAT are expected to play an important role in increasing educational participation, creating awareness around online higher education, and enabling social mobility at scale.

Chitkara University hosts CAN 2026, Conference on Artificial Intelligence to shape the future of technology, research, and industry
 

Launched in 2017, ICAN has steadily evolved into one of Chitkara University’s flagship engineering conferences, recognised for its international participation, academic collaborations, and reputed publication partnerships. ICAN 2026 marked a significant milestone in the conference series with Artificial Intelligence emerging as the central focus across discussions on AI-driven computing systems, intelligent analytics, and advanced networked infrastructures.
 

The conference received 858 research paper submissions across three tracks from 16 countries including India, USA, Japan, Finland, Singapore, Malaysia, Egypt, Indonesia, and several others. Following a rigorous peer-review process, 220 papers were shortlisted for presentation across 36 technical sessions. More than 300 delegates from leading academic institutions, research organisations, and industry bodies participated in the conference from India and overseas.
 

Further strengthening the conference’s international academic standing, Springer Nature served as the publication partner for ICAN 2026. Authors of presented papers will also have the opportunity to submit extended versions of their research work to Springer Nature journals.
 

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sudatta Kar, VP and Head of Engineering, Capgemini Engineering, India, spoke on “Building AI Native Systems for a World in Constant Change,” highlighting the increasing need for adaptive and intelligent technological ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.
 

Another keynote session was delivered by Dr. Sudarsun Santhiappan, who addressed the audience on “How Should Students Become Ready for Facing AI as an Assistant, as a Partner, and as a Competitor?” His session focused on how students and future professionals can prepare themselves to work alongside rapidly evolving AI technologies.
 

The conference also featured sessions by distinguished experts including Dr. Pao-Ann Hsiung and Mr. Kundan Das, who shared insights on emerging developments in Artificial Intelligence, computing, and advanced technologies.
 

In her message for ICAN 2026, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-Founder, Chitkara University, reiterated the University’s commitment to advancing AI-focused education, interdisciplinary research, innovation-led learning, and meaningful industry collaboration. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Madhu Chitkara said, “Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology of the future; it is shaping the present across every domain of human progress. Through platforms like ICAN 2026, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for researchers, educators, industry leaders, and students to collaborate, innovate, and contribute towards building intelligent, sustainable, and future-ready technological ecosystems.”
 

ICAN 2026 further reinforced Chitkara University’s growing role in advancing research, innovation, and international academic collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
 

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India's leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.
 

The University's academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally.
 

For more information, please visit www.chitkara.edu.in.

Bhavesh Goswami - Founder & CEO - CloudThat 

This recognition highlights CloudThat’s continued focus on training excellence, learner impact, and consistent delivery quality across its global trainer community.
 

CloudThat secures the highest representation on Microsoft’s Global Top 100 Certified Trainers (MCTs) list

Microsoft annually releases the Global Top 100 MCTs list to recognize outstanding trainers who demonstrate excellence in delivering Microsoft technologies, driving learner impact, and maintaining consistently high-quality training standards across the global ecosystem. The MCT Quality Awards highlight trainers who go beyond certification to create meaningful and measurable learning outcomes.

CloudThat has built a strong ecosystem of trainers who deliver high-impact learning across geographies, industries, and emerging technology domains such as cloud, data, and AI. This achievement reflects not only individual excellence but also the organization’s commitment to developing and enabling high-quality trainers at scale.

“Being in Microsoft’s global top 100 MCTs is incredibly hard, but having the highest number of trainers on that list, accounting for nearly 10% globally, is a truly proud moment for us and a testament to the team’s consistent excellence,” said Bhavesh Goswami, CEO and Founder at CloudThat.

As global demand for skills in cloud computing, data, and AI continues to accelerate, CloudThat remains focused on bridging the global talent gap by empowering professionals, enterprises, and academic institutions. The company also continues to nurture future trainers through initiatives such as its Microsoft-authorized MCT Readiness Program (MCTRC).

This milestone, coupled with its recognition as Microsoft Partner of the Year 2024, further strengthens CloudThat’s position as a trusted global partner in technology training and a key contributor to the evolving digital skilling ecosystem.

About CloudThat
CloudThat is a global tech and AI training and consulting company founded in 2012, headquartered in Bengaluru, with offices in the UK, USA, and Bangladesh. As an AWS Advanced Tier Training Partner, Microsoft Solutions Partner, and Google Cloud Platform Partner, it has trained over 1.1 million professionals across 2000+ cloud and AI certifications.

In 2025, CloudThat became the first company worldwide to win partner awards from AWS, Microsoft, and Google in the same year. It has earned three consecutive AWS APJ Partner of the Year Awards (2023–2025), the Microsoft Training Services Partner of the Year Award (2024), and 14 industry awards in nine years.

The company holds 7 AWS Competencies and 19 AWS Service Delivery Programs and has delivered 750+ consulting projects for 850+ organizations across 30+ countries in Cloud Tech, Data Platforms, DevOps, IoT, AI/ML, and GenAI. CloudThat has some of the highest numbers of Microsoft Certified Trainers in the Global Top 100 for two consecutive years, 2025-2026, and, as India's first NVIDIA Education Services Partner, hosts the country's first two NVIDIA-certified trainers.

Applications are now open for the 4th Edition of ARISE Excellence Awards 2026, recognising excellence, innovation and impact in school education across India
 

Guided by ARISE’s motto of Student First, the Awards recognise schools that are going beyond conventional academic outcomes to build resilient learning ecosystems, nurture future-ready learners, strengthen teacher capacity and drive meaningful change within their communities. Over the past three editions, the ARISE Excellence Awards have steadily evolved into a highly regarded benchmark within the K-12 ecosystem, bringing forward inspiring stories of impact and transformation from schools across India.
 

The Awards have witnessed growing participation from both private and government schools, reflecting the silent yet significant shift taking place across India’s school education landscape. From rural and low-resource settings to progressive urban institutions, schools across diverse contexts are increasingly emerging as catalysts of innovation, equity and change, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
 

Instituted as part of ARISE’s Impact Initiatives, the Awards seek to spotlight institutions building future-focused ecosystems through meaningful interventions in areas such as future-ready skills and experiential learning; teacher development; digital transformation and compliance; sports, visual and performing arts; sustainable development goals (SDGs); global impact leadership; and reviving Indian knowledge systems.
 

A defining strength of the ARISE Excellence Awards continues to be its rigorous and transparent evaluation framework. As in previous editions, the Awards will follow a robust two-tier jury process involving eminent experts from academia, governance, public policy and industry, ensuring a holistic assessment lens that combines educational depth with institutional impact. The process will once again be independently tabulated by Ernst & Young (EY), reinforcing the credibility, integrity, and transparency associated with the Awards.
 

The Awards aim not only to recognise excellence, but also to document and amplify scalable practices that can meaningfully contribute to the future of school education in India.
 

Speaking on the launch of the Awards, Ms Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI, said, “The ARISE Excellence Awards have steadily established themselves as a credible platform for recognising excellence and innovation in school education. The strength of the initiative lies in its rigorous evaluation process, diverse jury representation, and focus on identifying scalable models that can inspire the broader education ecosystem. FICCI is pleased to continue supporting an initiative that brings together schools, educators, and institutions committed to strengthening the future of education in India.”
 

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Dr Arunabh Singh, President, ARISE, said, “Schools today are navigating a rapidly evolving educational landscape shaped by technology, changing learner expectations, future skills, and the need for more inclusive and holistic learning environments. Through the ARISE Excellence Awards, we aim to recognise schools that are responding to these shifts with innovation, intent, and measurable impact. It is especially encouraging to see growing participation from government schools, many of which are leading transformative work in their communities as the Awards are ultimately about celebrating practices that place students meaningfully at the centre of educational change.”
 

The Awards will culminate with the announcement of winners at ARISE Annual School Education Conference on September 25–26, 2026, bringing together school leaders, policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders from across the country.
 

Applications for the ARISE Excellence Awards 2026 are now open at: awards.ariseedu.in.
 

The last date for submission of applications is 30 June 2026.

About FICCI
Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest Apex business organisation in India. Its history is closely interwoven with India's struggle for independence, its industrialization, and its emergence as one of the most rapidly growing global economies. A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India's business and industry. It serves its members from the Indian private and public corporate sectors and multinational companies, drawing its strength from diverse regional chambers of commerce and industry across states, reaching out to over 2,50,000 companies.

About ARISE
Founded and Incubated in Year 2016 under FICCI, ARISE is a not-for-profit, independent industry Chamber body focused on advancing K-12 education in India through research backed strategic interventions in policy & regulatory framework. The body also serves as a platform for school founders and educators to share best practices, record learnings, build sustainable knowledge ecosystems and come together to drive a common purpose for Nation building through school education.

Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, and others from REVA University during the announcement of new academic initiatives in AI, Semiconductors, EVs & Aerospace
 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, REVA University, said, “India today is standing at the threshold of a major technological and industrial transformation. While industries such as semiconductors, aerospace, electric mobility, automation, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing are expanding rapidly, there continues to be a significant talent deficit in these sectors. At REVA University, we see this not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to prepare the next generation of future-ready professionals."
 

Dr. M. Dhanamjaya, Registrar, REVA University, spoke about the University’s strong academic ecosystem and well-equipped hostel facilities that offer students a safe, comfortable, and “home away from home” environment.

Dr. Shubha A, Dean, REVA Business School and Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies highlighted REVA University’s innovative, industry-relevant, and future-focused curriculum. She said the University follows a multidisciplinary approach across 21 schools with in-house curriculum designed through strong academic and industry inputs.
 

Gaurav Yadav, Director Admissions stated that REVA University is steadily moving beyond multidisciplinary education towards a transdisciplinary learning model by integrating AI, innovation, research, and interdisciplinary learning across disciplines.
 

Among the major initiatives showcased were DivyaSree-supported Centres of Excellence focused on sustainable infrastructure, smart technologies, advanced manufacturing, urban innovation, and 3D printing. The University also highlighted future-focused programmes in Mechatronics Engineering and Aerospace Engineering with practical exposure in AI, robotics, UAVs, automation, avionics, intelligent mobility, and aerospace technologies.
 

REVA University highlighted that the future is not “Core versus AI,” but “Core with AI,” with Artificial Intelligence being integrated across disciplines including engineering, management, commerce, healthcare, media, and applied sciences to prepare students for an AI-enabled future. The University also showcased its industry-oriented B.Com in Corporate Finance and Analytics integrated with US-CMA, designed to equip students with expertise in finance, analytics, strategic decision-making, and global career readiness.
 

REVA University further emphasised the growing importance of the School of Performing Arts and Indic Studies in preserving India’s artistic heritage, and the School of Geopolitics and Public Policy in nurturing globally aware policy thinkers. The University also talked about scholarships across merit, sports, NCC, defence, differently abled, sibling, referral, and staff categories.
 

The University additionally announced that student cricketer Macneil Hadley Noronha has been selected for the Chennai Super Kings squad.

(L-R) Major General TPS Waraich, Renu Puri, Gulshan Kaur, Anju Mehta, Naomi Atkins, and Sourav Roy at Career Compass

Presented by Testler (educational consultancy), Tutela (test prepexperts), and TRINITi, the conclave brought together school principals, education leaders, career counsellors, and industry experts to discuss how students can be better prepared for a rapidly changing future shaped by Artificial Intelligence, global education pathways, and emerging careers.

The event featured thought-provoking panel discussions, focusing on how schools can nurture career clarity beyond marks, and how skill development must now take priority over traditional resume-building. The event was attended by pioneer of leading educational institutes in Chandigarh.

A key highlight of the conclave was an engaging Fireside Chat with Manish Pandey, Co-Founder and CEO of BeerBiceps Media, who shared insights on youth mindset, digital careers, and the importance of self-awareness in navigating modern career journeys.

The conclave was further honoured by the presence of dignitaries like Mr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Regional Officer, CBSE, Chandigarh, whose participation reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts between institutions and the education ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Ankur Malhotra, Founder Director, TRINITi, said, “Career Compass is not just an event, but a step towards a necessary conversation. Students today are surrounded by options but still lack direction. Our goal is to bridge this gap by bringing schools, counsellors, and industry voices on one platform to build a future where career clarity is a part of mainstream education.”

Nagina Bains, Director, Testler, added, “The biggest challenge today is not a lack of opportunities, but a lack of personalized guidance. Every child has a unique potential, and career counselling must be treated as a structured roadmap, not a last-minute decision. Career Compass is a step towards making that roadmap accessible, practical, and globally aligned.”

Srinjay Ray, Director & Partner, Tutela, shared, “The future belongs to students who are not only academically capable, but strategically prepared. Global admissions and test readiness are evolving rapidly, and students need mentorship that is hyper-personalised, data-driven, and skill-focused. Platforms like Career Compass help schools and students understand what global readiness truly means today.”

Educationist Renu Puri stressed the need to balance technological advancement with human values. She said that while Artificial Intelligence has made information more accessible, qualities such as empathy, individuality, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness continue to remain central to holistic development.

Adding to the discussion, Gen Waraich reflected on the changing dynamics of parenting and education, observing that emotional support systems for children have weakened over time and require renewed focus both at home and within educational institutions.

The conclave concluded with a collective call for stronger collaboration between schools, counsellors, institutions, and industry stakeholders to build a more student-centric, skill-oriented, and future-ready career guidance ecosystem in India.

CS Academy Achieves Exceptional Grade 12 Board Results

The school recorded an impressive overall average of 85.5%, with students across both Science and Commerce streams delivering commendable results. This year’s performance was marked by a significant number of centums across subjects, demonstrating both academic consistency and subject mastery.

Raghav emerged as the school topper in the Commerce stream with an exceptional score of 493/500. In the Science stream, Vikram S secured 485/500, while Prahadeeshwaran followed closely with 484/500.

Subject-wise achievements were equally remarkable. Mathematics recorded 2 centums, while Chemistry, Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, and Food, Nutrition C Dietetics each saw students achieve perfect scores. Data Science stood out as a major highlight this year, with 19 students securing centums in the subject, reflecting growing student proficiency in emerging and technology-oriented domains.

Speaking on the achievement, the school leadership expressed pride in the students’ commitment and perseverance throughout the academic year. Ms. Smitha Baburaj, Principal – CBSE, shared, “These results reflect the discipline, determination, and consistent effort demonstrated by our students throughout the year. It is encouraging to see students excel across streams and subjects while maintaining a genuine enthusiasm for learning. We are proud of every student who has contributed to this achievement.”

The management also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the teaching faculty and parents in shaping the students’ success. “Academic excellence is always the outcome of a strong collaborative ecosystem. The dedication shown by our teachers, the trust extended by parents, and the resilience displayed by our students have collectively made this accomplishment possible,” the leadership noted.

Reflecting on his achievement, Commerce topper Raghav expressed gratitude to his teachers and school for their constant support and encouragement throughout his academic journey. He credited the school’s positive learning environment and consistent guidance for helping him stay motivated, disciplined, and focused on excellence.

At CS Academy, the focus continues to remain on creating future-ready learners through a balanced approach that integrates academic rigor, innovation, and holistic development. The Grade 12 Board Examination results for 2025–26 stand as yet another milestone in the institution’s journey of nurturing excellence and lifelong learning.

To know more about CS Academy, visit: www.csacoimbatore.com.

M3M Foundation’s Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan Conferred with CSR Person of the Year 2026 at India CSR Leadership Summit
 

The recognition celebrates Dr. Mahajan’s leadership in advancing corporate social responsibility as a powerful instrument for inclusive development and sustainable change. Under his guidance, M3M Foundation has implemented impactful initiatives across education, healthcare, women empowerment, skill development, livelihood generation, and environmental sustainability, placing communities at the centre of every intervention.
 

Held under the theme “CSR, Sustainability and ESG for Viksit Bharat 2047,” the summit brought together prominent voices from industry, academia, governance, and the development sector to deliberate on the future of responsible business and its role in shaping a developed and sustainable India.
 

As part of the summit, Dr. Mahajan also participated in a panel discussion on measuring social impact through CSR alongside Dr. Sarita Subramaniam and Kumod Kumar. Sharing insights from M3M Foundation’s on- ground experience, he highlighted the importance of community-led approaches in strengthening climate resilience, advancing sustainability, and contributing to India’s long-term net-zero aspirations.
 

The summit offered a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav inspired participants with her extraordinary journey of grassroots transformation, while Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, Chairman of the National Sustainability Reporting and Disclosure Standards Committee, BIS, shared his perspectives on CSR 2.0 and accountable development models for Viksit Bharat 2047.
 

Industry leaders Sunil Ramdas, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Vivek Agrawal discussed industrial sustainability and ESG integration in the steel and power sectors. Additional insights on the evolution of CSR from philanthropy to strategic nation-building were shared by Dr. Neepa S, Rishikesh Sharma, Nrusingh Prasad Mohapatra, Meherram Gadekar, Anubhav Saxena, and Mayank Tomer.
 

The award marks a significant milestone in M3M Foundation’s journey and reinforces its commitment to building resilient communities and creating sustainable impact through partnerships, innovation, and people- centric development.
 

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation- building.

Vice Chancellor of Sushant University, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Ranjan with Piyush Nangru, Founder of Vedam School of Technology

The Gurugram campus will offer a four-year undergraduate programme in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, where students will study under Vedam’s industry-driven academic model while earning a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree from Sushant University, a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited institution.

Speaking on the collaboration, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Ranjan, Vice Chancellor of Sushant University, Gurugram, said, “Sushant University continues to invest in building an education ecosystem centred on technology and innovation. Through this partnership with Vedam, we are enabling students to explore, build, and engage with cutting-edge technologies in a structured academic environment.”
 

The partnership brings together Sushant University’s academic foundation and Vedam’s industry-led learning model, with a shared focus on making engineering education more practical, application-driven, and aligned with how technology is evolving in the real world. By combining academic structure with hands-on learning, the collaboration aims to create an environment where students don’t just study concepts, but actively apply them in real-world contexts from an early stage.

“We chose Gurgaon for a reason, it’s where the best tech opportunities already exist. At the Vedam Gurgaon campus, students don’t just prepare for top companies, they grow right next to them,” said Piyush Nangru, Founder, Vedam School of Technology. With Gurugram, we’re placing students right in the middle of an active tech ecosystem, where they don’t just study concepts, but see how those concepts are applied in real companies, on real problems, every single day. Our goal is simple — to build engineers who can contribute from day one, not just graduate with a degree.

Vedam’s expansion into Gurugram is a strategic step aligned with its focus on industry proximity. The city is part of the Delhi-NCR corridor, home to over 10,000 startups, 600+ MNCs, and a significant concentration of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). According to industry reports, India had over 1,580 GCCs as of FY2023, with NCR emerging as a key hub. For students, this means greater exposure to real-world problem environments and closer access to companies shaping modern engineering work.

At the core of Vedam’s offering is an AI-first, build-oriented curriculum designed to move beyond theoretical learning. Students begin hands-on work from the first year, with a strong emphasis on real-world systems, open-source contributions, and problem-solving across domains such as AI/ML, cybersecurity, NLP, blockchain, robotics, and DevOps.

The team behind Vedam comes with a proven placement expertise of 7+ years of experience in higher education, upskilled 20,000+ students & has a 1000+ strong hiring partners network. Last year more than 1000 students were placed across. 

The curriculum is designed and led by Subhesh Kumar (Head of Academics at Vedam), a former Google engineer and a five-star coder from Delhi Technological University. The academic team at Vedam have mentored over 5,000 students and got them selected to top tech companies like Google, Amazon and Atlassian. The learning model includes regular project reviews, one-on-one mentorship, and structured guidance to ensure consistent skill development.

This approach is already translating into early outcomes. In the first year itself, 8+ students have secured paid internships. Some students have also started building real-world credibility at a global level — Mohammad Sharief has earned over Rs. 4.5 lakh through bug bounties on platforms like HackerOne, while Krishiv secured a Rs. 2.7 lakh LFX mentorship with The Linux Foundation. Notably, all of this has been achieved within the first year of the programme.

Students at the Gurugram campus will benefit from Sushant University’s infrastructure, including modern lecture theatres, computer labs, a networked library, high-speed internet, amphitheatre and auditorium spaces, along with sports facilities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, cricket nets, and a football ground. This is complemented by Vedam’s build-focused ecosystem, which includes innovation labs, coding clubs, collaborative workspaces, and dedicated doubt-solving environments designed to support continuous learning and experimentation.

Vedam’s expansion is backed by early outcomes from its Pune campus and students have also engaged directly with industry leaders through mentorship and visiting faculty sessions, working on real-world AI products and systems.

For students exploring a future in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Gurugram campus brings together Vedam’s application-driven learning model with the advantages of studying in one of India’s most active technology ecosystems. More information is available on Vedam School of Technology’s official website www.vedam.org.

Admissions for the Vedam Gurugram campus are now open. Entry is through VSAT — a national-level online assessment — followed by a personal interview and counselling. Only the top 5% earn a place.

Vedam isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who are ready to build, push limits, and lead in the age of AI.

Akkodis recognized in HFS Horizons Agentic Services, 2026 report

The report positions Akkodis as an Enterprise Innovator, citing its strengths in delivering agentic services grounded in strong data foundations and governed execution. HFS Research notes Akkodis' ability to support enterprise-level transformation, helping organizations scale agentic AI across core workflows while maintaining governance, traceability and operational control, with demonstrated production deployments and measurable business outcomes.

From agentic AI pilots to enterprise production
Agentic AI represents a shift from AI-assisted productivity to autonomous, goal-driven execution embedded into end-to-end workflows. While adoption is accelerating, many enterprises continue to struggle to scale beyond pilots due to challenges related to data readiness, governance, trust and accountability. The HFS Horizons: Agentic Services, 2026 report examines which service providers are closing this gap by moving agentic AI from experimentation into enterprise production.

In its assessment, HFS Research highlights Akkodis' focus on governance, data foundations and execution at scale, emphasizing several strengths:

• Governed agentic services with measurable impact - Akkodis delivers agentic services that embed governed AI agents into enterprise workflows, improving employee engagement, productivity, and business performance with measurable P&L impact.

• Platform-anchored delivery and adoption at scale - AI-Core, Akkodis' industrial AI and agent orchestration platform, together with a productized data architecture, enable context-aware agent execution across enterprise environments, supporting production-scale use cases backed by global AI labs and structured adoption programs.

• Data-led architecture with enterprise governance - Akkodis' data-led agentic architecture is operationalized through a structured, multi-phase data pipeline with built-in governance gates, run-time approvals, auditability, and ROI-led use-case prioritization.

• Services-as-Software progression - Akkodis is shifting toward Services-as-Software, citing autonomous, reusable agentic components that reduce execution time, increase throughput and accelerate delivery without scaling delivery effort.

Demonstrated outcomes cited by HFS Research
HFS Research highlights production-level outcomes delivered through Akkodis' agentic services, underscoring the real-world impact of governed agentic execution. In the public sector, the report cites Akkodis' work with an Australian education authority where specialized AI agents cut lesson-plan creation time by 50-60%, reducing administrative effort and enabling educators to focus on higher-value work. In manufacturing, HFS points to deployments where Akkodis' agentic intelligence helped a global client reduce take-back orders by 20-30%, cut scrap by 30-40%, and achieve greater than 90% forecasting accuracy, driving meaningful gains in efficiency, quality and decision-making at scale.

"We're proud to be recognized by HFS Research as an Enterprise Innovator in agentic services," said Jo Debecker, President & CEO of Akkodis. "As organizations move from AI experimentation to real execution, the challenge isn't ambition - it's delivering agentic AI that can run reliably in production.

At Akkodis, we focus on engineering-led, governed execution that helps enterprises scale agentic AI responsibly across core workflows with trust, accountability and measurable impact."

"Akkodis brings a distinctive engineering-led approach to agentic services, combining deep technical expertise with industry knowledge to embed intelligent agents into complex product and operational environments, enabling enterprises to move from experimentation to scalable, real-world AI impact," said David Cushman, Executive Research Leader, HFS.

Media contacts
Anne Friedrich
SVP, Global Head of Communications, Akkodis
M. +4915174633470
E. anne.friedrich@adeccogroup.com

Lisa Bushka
VP, External Communications, Akkodis
M. +18604630770
E. lisa.bushka@adeccogroup.com

About Akkodis
Akkodis is a global digital engineering consulting company that enables organizations to innovate and accelerate by applying technology to redefine how processes and products are developed, powered and optimized. With deep expertise across AI, data, cloud, edge and software engineering, we offer best-in-class technology consultancy. Through our strong, scalable delivery models and specialized talent, we provide end-to-end solutions, from strategy and consulting through implementation. Our commitment to Akkodis Intelligence helps businesses connect the exponential power of technology with the irreplaceable strengths of human thinking and collaboration. Part of the Adecco Group and headquartered in Switzerland, Akkodis brings together 40,000 engineers and digital experts in over 30 countries, with services that span Consulting, Solutions and Academy. With deep experience across the world's major industries, Akkodis empowers businesses to solve complex challenges and achieve sustainable impact. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X

About the Adecco Group
The Adecco Group is the world's leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.com

About HFS
HFS Research is a leading research and advisory authority on enterprise transformation, serving Fortune 500 companies with fearless insights and actionable strategies. With unparalleled access to Global 2000 executives and deep expertise in AI, automation, and digital business models, HFS empowers organizations to make confident decisions that create sustainable competitive advantage. For more information, visit www.hfsresearch.com.

DCDC Kidney Care receiving AACI Accreditation

The accreditation was awarded following a comprehensive evaluation of the centre’s clinical protocols, patient safety standards, infection prevention and control measures, dialysis care processes, staff competency, quality management systems, operational workflows, and continuous quality improvement mechanisms. The recognition highlights DCDC Kidney Care’s commitment to delivering internationally benchmarked renal care through advanced dialysis technology, standardized treatment protocols, and a strong patient-centric approach.

Aseem Garg, Founder, DCDC Kidney Care, said, “This achievement is a proud milestone not only for DCDC Kidney Care but also for India’s standalone dialysis ecosystem. “It reflects our unwavering commitment towards clinical excellence, patient safety, and globally benchmarked quality care. We remain focused on expanding access to affordable, high-quality dialysis services through technology integration, workforce development, and our growing network across India. This recognition supports our long-term goal of bolstering the nation's dialysis infrastructure via workforce development, technological integration, quality-driven systems, and scalable service delivery models. As we continue to raise standards for patient experience, safety, and infection control throughout our network, we are dedicated to broadening our reach through both public-private partnerships and freestanding centers.”

This global AACI accreditation for the Badarpur centre reinforces DCDC Kidney Care’s position as one of India’s leading dialysis networks and underscores its role in making advanced, affordable renal care accessible across the country. Building on its expanding footprint of centres operated through both standalone clinics and public–private partnerships, DCDC Kidney Care will continue to invest in technology, training, and quality systems that improve clinical outcomes and enhance the overall experience for patients and their families.

Through its growing network of facilities, technology-enabled monitoring systems, and organized worker training programs, the company has consistently concentrated on enhancing accessibility to reasonably priced dialysis care throughout the years, that offers both enhanced patient satisfaction and clinical excellence.

About DCDC Health Services Pvt. Ltd. (DCDC)
DCDC is a leading operator of dialysis centers across India, working through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models with state governments to provide treatment for economically disadvantaged populations. With over 250 centers nationwide — including PPP clinics, standalone centers, and units within private hospitals — DCDC continues to expand its reach every year.

A pioneer in quality dialysis delivery, DCDC is India’s first organization to receive NABH accreditation for both standalone and PPP dialysis centers, reaffirming its commitment to safe, accessible, and patient-centric care.

From left: Harshit Agarwal, Founding Director; Ashish Munjal, Founder; and Navdeep Sandhu, Head of Academics, at Alta School of Technology’s leadership announcement
 

With grit and extensive experience across technology, learning ecosystems, and academic strategy, Navdeep aims to advance its mission of developing engineers equipped to solve real-world problems through hands-on, innovation-driven education.
 

Navdeep’s attitude of always being a learner first is aligned with the new role of building dynamic academic strategy, curriculum development, faculty alignment, and learner experience initiatives. He will collaborate closely with leadership and product teams to enhance the program's AI-first curriculum, ensuring students receive practical exposure aligned with evolving industry demands.
 

Navdeep Sandhu was the co-founder of Pepcoding, where he helped create structured outcomes-focused programming education models for aspiring software engineers. His career also includes key roles at Scaler, Coding Ninjas, and EY, where he gained deep expertise in curriculum design, engineering education, learner engagement, and academic operations at scale. He brings over a decade of experience across the edtech and technology ecosystem, with a track record of building scalable learning systems and industry-aligned academic programs.
 

The program is steadily strengthening its academic leadership, building a modern learning ecosystem rooted in AI-focused education, real-world projects, mentorship, and practical problem-solving
 

Ashish Munjal, Founder of Alta School of Technology, commented, “Alta’s mission is to build engineers who can think critically, build confidently, and adapt continuously in an AI-first world. Navdeep brings a rare combination of academic vision and outcome-driven execution, with a proven track record of designing programs that deliver not just meaningful learning experiences, but strong placement outcomes at scale. That makes him the right leader to shape and drive Alta’s academic vision as we grow.”
 

Harshit Agarwal, Founding Director at Alta School of Technology, said, "Navdeep Sandhu's arrival marks a pivotal moment for Alta. Having transformed learning in his previous roles, he brings battle-tested expertise in crafting curricula that turn novices into industry-ready engineers from day one. With Navdeep leading academics, we're accelerating our mission to make every Alta student code like a pro and solve real AI challenges that companies crave."
 

Navdeep Sandhu shared, “What attracted me to Alta was its willingness to rethink engineering education from first principles for the AI era. In a world where AI increasingly writes, reads, and reviews code, the real challenge is designing learning experiences that prepare students to think critically, solve problems, and build with technology not just code.”
 

This appointment underscores Alta School of Technology's commitment to academic excellence, innovation-driven learning, and building an education ecosystem that's truly future-ready.

About ALTA School of Technology
ALTA School of Technology is an AI-first computer science program redefining higher education through a skill-first approach. It integrates academic learning with hands-on experience, access to industry tools, and mentorship from experienced professionals. Students do coding from day one, preparing them for dynamic careers. This AI-first computer science program emphasizes innovation, employability, and practical knowledge to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.

Galgotias University’s initiative strengthens rural healthcare services and improves access to rehabilitation support

The initiative has been undertaken in coordination with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Community Health Centre Dadha. As part of the collaboration, the University is supporting the strengthening of the physiotherapy and rehabilitation unit at the Centre through the provision of modern therapy and rehabilitation equipment, trained physiotherapy support, and operational assistance aimed at improving patient care delivery.

The support includes equipment and rehabilitation infrastructure such as cervical traction systems, gait training support equipment, therapeutic exercise systems, shortwave diathermy, TENS and IFT systems, walkers, shoulder wheels, pulleys, and related physiotherapy support infrastructure. The University will also support trained manpower and associated operational requirements for the functioning of the rehabilitation unit.

The collaboration is also expected to contribute towards broader healthcare systems strengthening at the Centre, including support for healthcare outreach, preventive health engagement, patient support services, quality assurance processes, and community-centred healthcare activities. The initiative aims to improve access to rehabilitation and physiotherapy care closer to people’s homes, reducing the burden on patients who otherwise need to travel significant distances for treatment and follow-up care.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Access to healthcare remains one of the most important social challenges across many communities, particularly where rehabilitation and preventive care infrastructure is limited. Universities today have a larger responsibility beyond classrooms and campuses. Institutions with academic expertise, healthcare capability, and social commitment must actively contribute towards strengthening public systems that directly impact people’s lives. Our support towards Community Health Centre Dadha is an effort in that direction, where institutional resources and expertise can help strengthen healthcare access, rehabilitation support, and community health delivery for people who need it the most.”

The initiative is in sync with Galgotias University’s continued engagement with efforts focused on societal impact, public systems strengthening, and community-centred development across healthcare, education, innovation, and social outreach.

Anand Balaji, Co-founder and CEO, Xflow 

This solution allows stable-native platforms and cross-border payment providers to offer stablecoin acceptance as a payment method for their customers without the platforms or their customers holding, managing, or taking custody of stablecoins. The stablecoin leg stays entirely outside India. Only fiat enters India, via an AD Category I bank, with full compliance documentation.

A growing set of global businesses are making payments in stablecoins. For Indian MSMEs, service exporters, SaaS companies, this has created a barrier as there is no compliant mechanism to accept stablecoin payments for trade transactions and bring them into India. Xflow has heard directly from Indian businesses that have lost customers because of this gap. To address this, Xflow has partnered with overseas licensed player to accept and off-ramp stablecoins on behalf of Indian businesses, entirely outside India, and then bring the resulting funds into India through traditional, regulated fiat rails. 

"Indian businesses should not be losing business because their international customers want to pay in stablecoins. Building a seamless & compliant money-movement infrastructure for exporters is exactly what Xflow is here to do. We are quite excited about this release and have initially rolled this out to select platforms, giving their users the best of both worlds by supporting stablecoin transactions compliantly," — Anand Balaji, Co-Founder, Xflow.

Platforms that already offer stablecoin wallets to customers - enabling them to receive payments from end-users - can now compliantly bring those payments into India. Xflow's cross-border stack handles the entire off-ramp and settlement flow, so platforms can offer their customers a complete stablecoin-to-INR solution without building compliance infrastructure themselves. Xflow will soon roll this pilot out to all stable native platforms.

About XFlow
The 21st century world of international commerce is hobbled by a 20th century experience for cross border payments. XFlow is a financial services and infrastructure company that wants to dramatically upgrade the cross border payments experience for businesses of all sizes - from freelancers to mid-market enterprises and all the way to large platform enterprises servicing millions of customers. XFlow’s name reflects its mission - cross-border payments that flow smoothly and transparently. XFlow is built and run by payments industry veterans, Anand Balaji and Ashwin Bhatnagar, bringing together deep payment industry experience and rich technology domain expertise. XFlow enjoys solid financial footing and is funded by leading international investors, including Lightspeed, General Catalyst and Stripe.

For more information, visit: www.xflowpay.com

Galgotias University was amongst the select institutions recognised by L&T EduTech with the prestigious Blue Chip Partner Award during NEXUS 2026 in Mumbai

The summit brought together more than 65 universities and colleges from across the country along with academic leaders and industry experts, with selected institutional collaborations being recognised by L&T EduTech for their contribution towards industry-integrated learning and applied skilling.

Galgotias University was among the select institutions honoured during the summit for its growing focus on application-oriented education, industry immersion, and experiential learning ecosystems aligned with evolving workforce and technology landscapes.

NEXUS 2026 served as a platform for discussions around the future of higher education, engineering education, skilling at scale, and the increasing importance of embedding practical and industry-led learning into mainstream academic programmes.

The recognition also reflects the expanding collaboration between Galgotias University and L&T EduTech across multiple initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industrial environments.

One of the major milestones of this collaboration has been the establishment of the Advanced EV Centre of Excellence by L&T EduTech and Galgotias University, focused on preparing students for the rapidly evolving electric mobility ecosystem through advanced infrastructure, hands-on exposure, and industry-aligned technical learning.

The first-of-its-kind facility by L&T EduTech will add to a growing ecosystem of industry-aligned laboratories and Centres of Excellence already operational at Galgotias University, including advanced facilities and collaborative ecosystems developed with organisations such as Intel, Apple, Cisco, Salesforce, Tata Technologies, Capgemini, and other leading technology and engineering partners across domains including AI, supercomputing, iOS development, cybersecurity, smart manufacturing, and digital engineering.

In addition, 336 students from Galgotias University are currently undergoing four-year industry-integrated learning pathways across advanced domains including AI-enabled manufacturing, semiconductor technologies, Industrial IoT, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure systems, applied data science, and digital engineering through programmes delivered in collaboration with L&T EduTech.

A key feature of the model is continuous semester-wise industry immersion, where students engage directly with industry experts through applied projects, guided assignments, simulations, and real-world technology exposure integrated within the academic journey itself. The approach reflects a broader shift towards “train before hire” ecosystems that equip students with practical understanding, technical confidence, and workplace readiness much earlier in their university life.

Speaking on the recognition, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Industry exposure cannot remain an optional layer added at the end of a degree. It has to become part of how students learn from the very beginning. Our collaboration with L&T EduTech is helping students engage with real technologies, real engineering systems, and practical problem solving in a far more immersive manner.

This recognition is meaningful because it acknowledges a shared effort towards building learning ecosystems that are deeply connected with the realities of industry, innovation, and technological change. We are grateful to L&T EduTech for this partnership and for creating opportunities that allow students to graduate with stronger practical capability, confidence, and industry readiness.”

The recognition at NEXUS 2026 further strengthens Galgotias University’s position as an institution focused on applied learning, industry collaboration, innovation-led education, and future-oriented student development.

During the Inaugural Session of TRANSLATE 2026

Supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the symposium brought together scientists, clinicians, medtech startups, healthcare innovators, and industry leaders to explore how emerging biomedical technologies can evolve into scalable, clinically relevant, and industry-ready healthcare solutions.

At a time when healthcare systems are increasingly demanding patient-centric, technology-driven solutions, the conference highlighted the growing importance of translational research and deeper collaboration among academia, hospitals, startups, and industry. Experts at the symposium emphasised that many of the most impactful healthcare breakthroughs today emerge through interdisciplinary collaboration that connects scientific discovery with clinical and commercial application.

Inaugurating the conference, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, said, “Artificial Intelligence is transforming research and healthcare at an unprecedented pace, but meaningful innovation will ultimately depend on how effectively we translate knowledge into real patient impact. Platforms like TRANSLATE 2026 reflect MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to building stronger collaborations between academia, clinicians, and industry to accelerate healthcare innovation."

The symposium featured discussions on several emerging areas shaping the future of healthcare innovation, including advanced biomaterials, regenerative medicine, 3D and 4D bioprinting, tissue engineering, infection-resistant medical surfaces, and translational medical devices. Sessions explored how next-generation biomaterials and regenerative technologies are creating new possibilities in implant technologies, regenerative therapies, and biomedical devices designed for improved patient outcomes.

Industry and startup participation formed a key highlight of the event, with entrepreneurs and innovators sharing insights into the challenges of translating healthcare technologies from research environments into commercially viable and clinically deployable solutions. Discussions also focused on scaling indigenous medtech innovation, strengthening healthcare manufacturing ecosystems, and improving pathways for clinical adoption.

Speaking about the significance of the symposium, Prof. Jyothi Prasanna, Director, MIRM, said, “TRANSLATE 2026 was envisioned as a platform to bring together researchers, clinicians, innovators, and industry leaders to collectively address how scientific discoveries can be translated into meaningful patient impact. The future of regenerative medicine and biomaterials research lies in interdisciplinary collaborations that can accelerate clinically relevant and socially impactful healthcare solutions."

By bringing together voices from science, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship, TRANSLATE 2026 reinforced MAHE Bengaluru’s growing role in advancing translational biomedical research and supporting India’s emerging ambitions in medtech, regenerative medicine, and healthcare innovation.

Young minds learning, growing, and building a brighter future at Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled

Started in 1988, Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled is a free residential school initiated for visually challenged girls. The school operates under “Child centric project” and is supported by ‘Department of the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens’ Karnataka State. In the academic year 2017-2018 the school has received award of Best Service Organization in disabled sector from the Empowerment of Differently abled and senior citizen on the World Disability Day.

What started with two students is now a huge residential school that is changing the life of hundreds of visually impaired girls. It not only provides a safe haven and quality education, but also helps in holistic development and prepares students to live a life with dignity outside the school. Extra-curricular activities like dance, yoga workshops, bird watching, singing competition, vocational training, self-defence, skill marshal arts class and for low vision students exclusive basic tailoring course etc. are a part and parcel of life at RMSD. The school follows the state syllabus learning through Braille system taught by highly qualified teachers and imparts technology upgradation basic & computer skills.

It also provides parent counselling and organizes house-to-house visits to bring about awareness on the importance of educating and opportunities to visually impaired girls. Also, the all-round excellent performance of the students is a proof to the dedication and high-quality service rendered by the teachers and staff of RMSD.

About Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled (RMSD)

Ranga Rao Memorial School for Disabled (RMSD) is a free residential school for visually challenged girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them confidence to be responsible for themselves. It is the only school in the Karnataka State exclusive to the Girls, the current strength of the school is 96, with a committed set of teachers and Ranga family members serving them for the last 37 years. Students who passed out from the school are today working at various institutions and leading their life with dignity which stands testimonial to the noble cause initiated by the NR group.

Over the last 37 years, RMSD has transformed the lives of countless visually impaired girls by focusing on holistic development, inclusive learning practices, and access to advanced digital tools.

RMSD, a free residential school for visually impaired girls from Grade 1 to Grade 10, functions under the ‘Child-Centric Project’ supported by the Department of the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Karnataka State. The school not only offers education, but also provides lodging, boarding, and healthcare facilities. It was established in 1988 to empower visually impaired girls in and around Mysuru through education and vocational training. Additionally, it equips students with life skills, music, dance, and basic cooking training.

Zeel, a Divine Child School student, has been ranked as one of the five toppers in Mumbai.
 

Zeel Bhavesh Dholakiya
 

Commenting on her achievement, Mr. Umesh Pangam, Co-founder & Chairman of Arihant Academy said, “Zeel has been an extremely sincere, disciplined, and focused student throughout her academic journey. The score is certainly impressive, but what I liked the most is her calm and consistent approach to preparation. I am privileged that Arihant Academy has been a part of her journey where we wish her all the best for the future and applaud her for her phenomenal achievement.”
 

Zeel Bhavesh Dholakia said, “I am also extremely thankful to my teachers and Arihant Academy. Since I had dance classes and performances, there were times when I missed lectures. But the teachers were always very understanding and supportive. They would arrange separate lectures for me so that I would not miss out on studies. That care and support meant a lot to me during my SSC journey.”
 

Arihant Academy works closely with students through regular mentoring, personalized academic guidance, structured revision planning, and mock tests, while also helping them manage exam stress and build confidence during their preparation journey.
 

The academy also added that Zeel’s success should serve as an inspiration to students all over Maharashtra and it also clarifies the quintessential value of consistent and planned preparation combined with an efficient academic support system which is prevalent at Arihant Academy.
 

Student Details

• Name: Zeel Bhavesh Dholakiya

• Score: 500/500 (100%)

• School: Divine Child School, Mumbai, Maharashtra

• Coaching Institute: Arihant Academy
   

Arihant Academy
Arihant Academy Limited is one of Mumbai’s most trusted and established coaching institutions, delivering structured academic excellence for over 27 years. Catering to students from Class 8 to 10 (State Board, ICSE, and CBSE) and offering specialised programs for Class 11 & 12 (Science and Commerce streams), the academy provides a strong academic foundation aligned with board and competitive requirements. The institution offers comprehensive preparation for national and state-level competitive examinations including JEE (Main & Advanced), NEET, MHT-CET, CA, and CS, along with its industry-oriented FinTech Analytics Program conducted in collaboration with NSE Academy. With a robust network of 40+ strategically located centres, a thriving community of 12,000+ students, and a legacy built on result-driven methodologies, Arihant Academy Limited delivers an integrated learning experience. Its structured hybrid model seamlessly blends classroom teaching with academic support tools and performance tracking systems, ensuring consistent progress, clarity of concepts, and measurable outcomes for every student.

A glimpse of the Manthan Class of 2026

Students from the cohort have received offers from leading global universities such as Carnegie Mellon University, Emory University, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Imperial College London, and the University of Texas at Austin, among others.

Collectively, the batch has been awarded scholarships exceeding ₹7 crore, reflecting both academic strength and the depth of student profiles.

Part of a Larger Pattern

These results are a continuation of Manthan’s established approach to university readiness, one that focuses on long-term development rather than last-minute preparation.

Students have pursued diverse academic pathways across Computer Science, Business and Finance, Economics, Psychology, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Creative Arts, supported by programmes that encourage exploration, depth, and clarity over time.

“We don’t approach university placements as a short-term goal. Our focus is on helping students build direction over several years, because when clarity comes early, it changes both the quality of their choices and the opportunities they attract,” said Surjeet Singh, Principal, Manthan School.

Driven by Structured Future Pathways Support

At the core of this consistency is Manthan’s Future Pathways programme, led by Sowmya Katanguri and the Future Pathways team, which supports students through every stage of their journey, from early exploration to university applications.

Career awareness begins in the middle years, while senior school students engage in one-on-one counselling, weekly planning sessions, and structured application guidance. Students are also supported in building strong profiles through academics, co-curricular engagement, and leadership opportunities.

“Students who develop clarity about their interests early are able to approach applications with far greater confidence and direction,” said Sowmya, Future Pathways Lead at Manthan School.

Manthan’s Future Pathways Festival brings universities directly to students and families, enabling early and meaningful engagement. In the 2025–26 edition, the school hosted 35+ Indian universities and 80+ international institutions, allowing students to explore courses, admission processes, scholarships, and campus life through direct interaction. These experiences help students make informed, confident decisions—often well before the application cycle begins.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

As part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP) group, a global community of 110+ schools across 26 countries, Manthan students gain access to a wide range of opportunities—from global competitions and social impact projects to learning collaborations with peers around the world.

These experiences help students build a strong, well-rounded portfolio, positioning them competitively for admission to leading universities globally.

Student Voice

Aanya, who will be heading to UCLA, received multiple offers across leading universities including the University of Minnesota, Indiana University (Kelley School of Business), University of Washington (Purple & Gold Scholarship), UC Davis (Regents Scholarship), UC Santa Barbara, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and UC San Diego.

“Spending 14 years of my education at Manthan has been incredibly rewarding. With the support of my teachers and fellow students, I have learnt countless lessons academically, socially, and personally. The school’s guidance and resources during the application process encouraged me to be focused and prepared during an important transition phase of my life while remaining confident in my capabilities. Moving forward, I am grateful to be entering university with a strong educational foundation and values shaped by school faculty and the peers who have grown up with me at Manthan.”

From Early Years to University

Manthan School continues to expand its Future Pathways framework across grades, introducing structured guidance from the early years through to senior school. Students are supported through career exploration, subject selection, and university planning with personalised counselling and active parent engagement.

This year, the programme extends further with the introduction of the framework at the primary level, focusing on Self-Leadership, Cognitive Thinking, and Global Awareness.

The school will host its next Future Pathways Festivals on 8 August 2026 (International Edition) and 24 October 2026 (India Edition).

For more information about Manthan School, please contact 8455297919 / 7032817080 or visit www.manthanschool.org

Lamp lighting and Opening Ceremony of UNFOLD 2026
 

In attendance were prominent voices from the worlds of fashion, architecture, design, media and business, including Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI); celebrated fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani; Vimarsh Razdan, Co-Founder & CEO of Underneat; architect and computational design pioneer Sushant Verma of rat[LAB]; documentary filmmaker Faiza Khan; art director Mainak Das; Raunaq Singh, AVP Creative Design at Naukri.com; Urvashi Gupta, Head of Account Management, South Asia at WGSN; photographer and visual storyteller Charudutt Chitrak; and noted architect Ashok B Lall, among others.
 

The event marked the inauguration of UNFOLD 2026 with the lamp lighting and the opening of the graduate exhibition, bringing together interdisciplinary projects across design, fashion, communication, business strategy, spatial experiences and emerging technologies. Through campaigns, films and design interventions, architectural project installations and fashion collections graduating students explored themes of sustainability, social impact, innovation, craft, urban futures and experiential storytelling.
 

Congratulating the graduating batch, Dr Jitin Chadha, Pro Chancellor, UDIT, acknowledged the significance of industry-integrated learning and socially conscious creative practice in shaping future-ready professionals. “UNFOLD has always been a very special event for us. It reflects the journey of our students, the mentorship of our faculty and the collaborative culture we continue to build at UDIT. Every year, it is inspiring to see young designers and innovators engage with real-world challenges through creativity, technology and human-centred thinking,” he said.
 

The 8th edition of the Graduate Show also featured a series of industry-led panel discussions and interactive sessions across Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Communication, Communication Design and Fashion Business Management, offering graduating students valuable insights into contemporary industry practices. These sessions encouraged students to critically engage with industry realities and understand the importance of adaptability, research-driven thinking and socially conscious creative practice in today’s industry.
 

Industry experts and creative leaders from across disciplines engaged closely with students enabling graduating students to gain practical perspectives on the evolving expectations of the global design and fashion industries. The interactions further reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-integrated learning within contemporary creative education.
 

Another important segment of the show was the award ceremonies across departments, recognising outstanding graduate works. Selected graduating students were honoured for projects spanning communication campaigns, animation films, spatial interventions, sustainable fashion solutions, branding systems, UX/UI experiences, retail concepts, and business-driven design strategies. The awards acknowledged projects that responded thoughtfully to contemporary cultural, social, technological and environmental challenges while reflecting strong interdisciplinary learning and industry relevance.
 

By bringing together emerging talent, academicians, and creative leaders on a shared platform, UNFOLD 2026 highlighted the growing intersections between design, business, technology, and culture while reflecting UDIT’s continued emphasis on interdisciplinary and industry-engaged learning.
 

About UDIT
UDIT—the University of Design, Innovation and Technology—is India’s first university built for creators, located in Gurugram. Emerging from over a decade of studio-led learning at IIAD, it brings together design, technology and management within a unified, practice-led framework. The School of Design offers programmes in Visual Communication, Fashion, Product and Interior Design. The School of Management focuses on Fashion & Luxury Business Management and Technology Business Management. UDIT represents a fundamental reimagination of higher education, where students create the products, companies and solutions the world will need tomorrow.

The launch addresses a long-standing gap in the education system. Research indicates that 75% of brain development occurs by age 2 and 90% by age 6, yet structured education in India typically begins only after this critical window. Early learning also receives just 2–3% of total education funding, leaving parents with limited, often ineffective options.

Existing alternatives such as playschools, online classes, and physical learning centres - fall short in different ways. Playschools often function as daycares with inconsistent curriculum delivery, online programs rely on screen exposure that experts discourage for young children, and physical centres struggle to deliver personalization at scale. Prodigy Pathway is designed to bridge this gap through a home-based, deeply personalized learning model.

At the core of Prodigy Pathway is a simple but powerful approach: bringing structured early education directly into the child’s home. RS-certified Prodigy Coaches conduct 45–60 minute sessions, complete with all materials and activities. Each session is dynamically tailored by an AI engine that adapts to the child’s age, milestones, and developmental trajectory, while remaining aligned to a structured curriculum framework.

In contrast to the broader EdTech ecosystem, Prodigy Pathway takes a deliberately contrarian stance: no screens, no testing, and no pressure. The model emphasizes process-led development, where outcomes emerge naturally through consistent, joyful engagement rather than performance-driven metrics.

Early adoption has shown strong traction in the Mumbai pilot market, with 15x revenue growth over seven months — despite deliberately limited enrolment slots each month. Raising Superstars brings a strong pedigree of documented outcomes, with 1,000+ long-form parent testimonials capturing results such as early reading (as young as age 3), bilingual speech development, photographic memory in toddlers, strong socio-emotional skills, and enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Beyond child development, the initiative also creates a significant social impact opportunity. Raising Superstars plans to recruit, train, and certify 2,000+ women as Prodigy Coaches across 15+ cities, enabling large-scale employment while maintaining high standards of delivery.

Mr. Raghav Himatsingka, CEO & Co-founder of Raising Superstars

“The first six years of a child’s life are the most important of their entire existence and we’ve been leaving them to chance. Prodigy Pathway changes that. We’re bringing the world’s topmost early childhood curriculum directly into homes, powered by AI, delivered by remarkable humans — with zero screens and zero pressure,” said Raghav Himatsingka, Co-founder & CEO, Raising Superstars.

Currently piloted in Mumbai, Prodigy Pathway aims to expand to 15+ cities across India, with a target of reaching 18,000+ active children and delivering over 1 million sessions annually within the next three years, powered by AI-driven scheduling and logistics. With Prodigy Pathway, Raising Superstars is not just launching a new program, it is introducing a new category of early education: one that is personalized, home-based, human-led, and built for the most critical years of life.

About Raising Superstars

Raising Superstars is a Mumbai-based early childhood education company on a mission to unlock the extraordinary potential in every child aged 0–6 — before the brain’s critical learning window closes forever. With over 500,000 families across 150+ countries, it is a globally recognized company in the early years space. The company is a Shark Tank India deal winner, and ranked #4 in TIME’s Global EdTech list (2024).

Lt General KJS Dhillon interacts with students and NCC cadets of Galgotias University, appreciating their curiosity and orientation towards nation building

During the session, Lt General Dhillon shared perspectives from his decades of service in the Indian Army, including his experience in high-pressure operational environments and leadership roles across some of the country’s most strategically significant regions. Drawing from real-life situations, he spoke about decision making under uncertainty, discipline, teamwork, technological transformation in warfare, and the importance of preparing young people to navigate an increasingly complex global environment.
 

The interaction saw active participation from students across disciplines including engineering, law, management, liberal arts, and media studies, with discussions ranging from artificial intelligence in defence systems and cybersecurity to ethics, national preparedness, misinformation, and leadership in times of crisis.
 

Lt General Dhillon appreciated the energy, discipline, and engagement of the students during the interaction and remarked that he was particularly impressed by the conduct and preparedness displayed across the University community. He also specially acknowledged the Guard of Honour accorded to him by the NCC wing of Galgotias University, appreciating the discipline, coordination, and professionalism demonstrated by the cadets. Reflecting on his interaction with the students, Lt General Dhillon remarked that the warmth, discipline, curiosity, and sense of purpose he witnessed on campus had deeply impressed him and that he was leaving Galgotias University as “a better person” after engaging with the University community.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Leadership today is being shaped in an environment defined by technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and rapidly changing societal realities. Interactions with leaders such as Lt General KJS Dhillon give students an opportunity to engage directly with experiences that go far beyond textbooks and classrooms. Universities must create spaces where young people can understand the realities of leadership, resilience, responsibility, and national service in a deeper and more informed manner.”
 

Lt General Dhillon also interacted with members of the University leadership and discussed the growing importance of interdisciplinary learning, emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, and the role educational institutions can play in preparing future-ready leaders.
 

Galgotias University has been consistently strengthening its engagement with distinguished leaders from defence, governance, industry, entrepreneurship, technology, and public policy to expose students to real-world perspectives and contemporary challenges shaping India and the world.
 

The session concluded with an extended interaction and question-answer session where students engaged with Lt General Dhillon on leadership journeys, military strategy, personal discipline, and the evolving role of India in a changing global landscape.

Rear Admiral GK Garg (Retd.) engaged with students at Galgotias University on geopolitics, maritime security, global trade, and leadership in an increasingly uncertain world

The interaction, organised by the School of Aviation, Logistics and Tourism Management (SALTM), brought together students and faculty members for discussions on some of the most pressing geopolitical and economic developments influencing the world today. The session explored how ongoing tensions across West Asia and other regions are impacting global shipping corridors, logistics ecosystems, energy movement, international commerce, and supply chain resilience.

Rear Admiral Garg spoke extensively about the strategic importance of critical maritime routes including the Strait of Hormuz and examined how disruptions across these corridors directly influence global trade flows, economic stability, logistics planning, and business continuity across nations. He also discussed the evolving role of India and the Indian Navy in maintaining maritime security and safeguarding strategic trade interests in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

Students from across different schools and programmes actively engaged in discussions around strategic resilience, global trade dependencies, maritime logistics, risk management, and the growing intersection between geopolitics and business decision making. The dialogue encouraged students to think beyond conventional management frameworks and understand how international political developments increasingly shape industries, markets, and economic systems.

During his visit, Rear Admiral Garg appreciated the scale, infrastructure, academic environment, and overall learning ecosystem at Galgotias University. Reflecting on his interaction with students and his experience on campus, he remarked that the University was comparable with some of the finest national as well as international institutions he had visited during his extensive engagement with academic institutions. He further appreciated the energy, organisation, facilities, discipline, and student engagement visible across the campus.

Capt. Vaibhav Goutham Suresh, Director, School of Aviation, Logistics and Tourism Management, contributed academic and industry perspectives during the interaction and highlighted the importance of exposing students to contemporary geopolitical and economic realities that are increasingly shaping global industries and careers.

The session formed part of Galgotias University’s continuing efforts to connect classroom learning with real world global developments by enabling students to engage directly with distinguished leaders from strategic affairs, defence, public policy, and industry. Through such dialogues, the University continues to encourage interdisciplinary thinking, strategic awareness, and deeper engagement with the global realities students will navigate as future professionals and leaders.

Bhartendu Singh (second from left), CMO of VinFast India, receives an award from the organizers of the Times Drive Auto Summit and Awards 2026

Hosted by Times Network, the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards is a flagship industry platform that convenes policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to shape conversations around the future of mobility. The platform also honours excellence across the automotive sector, recognising organisations that are driving innovation, sustainability, and next-generation mobility solutions.

At the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026, the “EV Manufacturer of the Year” title was awarded to VinFast, which has demonstrated a clear market presence, a consistent product strategy, and a meaningful contribution to the advancement of electric mobility. VinFast’s recognition reflects its focused approach to building a relevant product lineup while investing in long-term ecosystem development in India.

The recognition further adds to the list of accolades VinFast has received in the Indian market, including “EV Champion of the Year” at the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards 2026, “Breakthrough Brand of the Year” at the Car&Bike Awards 2026, along with product honours such as “EV SUV of the Year – Editor’s Choice” for the VF 7 at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026 and “Value for Money Car of the Year” for the VF 6 at the Autocar India Awards 2026, reflecting continued positive evaluation from industry experts toward the company’s product direction and long-term investment strategy.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “The recognition as ‘EV Manufacturer of the Year’ comes as a strong affirmation that we are on the right path in India, guided by a focused and long-term approach. Our effort has been towards simplifying EV adoption by combining relevant products with strong ownership support and long-term value. As we move ahead, we aim to make electric mobility a natural and practical choice for Indian consumers.”

Mr. Manav Sinha, Editor, Times Drive, added, “VinFast has entered the Indian EV space with remarkable clarity, confidence and ambition. From its product strategy and local manufacturing commitment to its focus on charging support, ownership peace of mind and customer-first initiatives, the brand is building more than just electric vehicles - it is building an ecosystem. At Times Drive, we believe VinFast’s aggressive and future-ready approach has made a strong impact on India’s EV landscape, making it a deserving winner of the EV Maker of the Year award.”

In 2026, VinFast continues to build strong momentum in the Indian EV market. Following the launch of the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, both of which have secured 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, VinFast has strengthened its presence across key regions. The company has further expanded its portfolio with the introduction of the VF MPV 7, marking its entry into the electric MPV segment and reinforcing its focus on family-oriented mobility solutions.

Alongside the portfolio expansion, VinFast is enhancing the ownership experience through initiatives such as assured resale, structured buyback programmes, and comprehensive after-sales support. The company is also rapidly building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem that integrates manufacturing, retail, financial solutions, charging infrastructure, and after-sales services, ensuring a seamless customer experience through close collaboration with local partners. In parallel, VinFast continues to advance its broader commitment to sustainability through initiatives like the Seeds of Change programme, through which every VinFast test drive contributes to tree plantation and meal support for underserved children across India.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

Participants of the Faculty Development Program organised by Manipal University Jaipur

The programme was designed to equip educators with innovative pedagogical approaches, learner-centric teaching practices, and transformative strategies for higher education in an increasingly technology-driven academic landscape.

The FDP brought together faculty members from diverse disciplines for an enriching and engaging learning experience focused on reimagining higher education teaching in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and technology-driven environment.

A key driving force behind the conceptualisation and design of the programme was Prof. Aravind Chinchure, whose academic vision and insights, in collaboration with the leadership of Manipal University Jaipur, played a significant role in shaping the FDP into a meaningful initiative centred on teaching excellence, innovation, and transformative learning.

The programme commenced with an inspiring inaugural address by Prof. Rajan Saxena, Former Vice Chancellor of SVKM’s NMIMS, Mumbai. Speaking on transformational leadership in higher education, he emphasised the evolving role of educators in nurturing critical thinking, multidisciplinary learning, innovation, and technology-enabled education to prepare students for future challenges.

On the second day, Prof. Arun Sreekumar from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad conducted an interactive session on the Case Method of Teaching. Through engaging discussions and practical illustrations, he demonstrated how real-world scenarios and case-based pedagogy can enhance classroom learning while strengthening students’ analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.

Day three featured a session by Prof. Veena Vohra, Professor at the School of Business Management, NMIMS Mumbai, on Experiential Learning. She highlighted the importance of active participation, reflective learning, and immersive educational experiences in fostering deeper student engagement and conceptual understanding.

The fourth day focused on emerging dimensions of education, including the neuroscience of learning and the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence in academia. Prof. Sophia Gaikwad, Head of the Symbiosis Teaching Learning Resource Centre at Symbiosis International University, Pune, shared valuable learner-centric teaching insights based on how students process, retain, and apply knowledge effectively. The sessions also featured Prof. Shailesh Kumar, Chief Data Scientist at Jio and Dean at Jio Institute, who explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in education and discussed how AI-driven innovations are reshaping teaching methodologies, academic research, and institutional practices.

The FDP concluded with an insightful session by Prof. N. Jayasankaran, Former Vice-Chancellor of Kanchi University and Director General of Bharathidasan Institute of Management, on “How to Become a Masterful Teacher.” Drawing from his extensive academic and leadership experience, he shared perspectives on reflective practice, continuous professional growth, effective communication, and meaningful student engagement.

The valedictory ceremony included certificate distribution, reflective learning activities, the launch of Faculty Learning Circles, and the TEC Teaching Pledge Ceremony, reaffirming Manipal University Jaipur’s commitment to continuous teaching excellence and collaborative faculty development.

The Faculty Development Programme successfully created a vibrant platform for dialogue, innovation, reflection, and peer learning, leaving participants with renewed purpose and actionable strategies to transform classrooms into spaces of inspired, meaningful, and future-ready learning.

Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost, MUJ and Dr. Vijaylaxmi Sharma, Director, MUJ Teacher Empowerment Centre played a pivotal role in organising and successfully executing the Faculty Development Programme.

About Manipal University Jaipur

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) is a NAAC A+ accredited leading institution of higher education known for its commitment to quality teaching, research, and innovation. With a strong focus on holistic development and global exposure, MUJ continues to be a preferred choice for students across the country and beyond.

For more details, please visit the official website of Manipal University Jaipur: jaipur.manipal.edu

Galgotias University has built a thriving iOS ecosystem with 34 apps live on the Apple App Store across AI, healthcare, education, and social impact themes

This progress draws from Galgotias University’s continued investment in state-of-the-art facilities, cutting edge laboratories, and immersive learning environments where students are encouraged to move beyond classroom theory and create products with real world relevance. Supported by faculty mentors and industry-guided learning, students are developing the confidence to explore ideas, solve problems, and transform concepts into usable digital products.

The University’s iOS Student Developer Program provides structured exposure to Swift programming, UI/UX design, product development, testing, deployment, and user-centred thinking. Through hands-on learning and collaborative projects, students gain capabilities aligned with contemporary industry expectations.

Students have developed applications across a wide range of categories including education, accessibility, wellbeing, productivity, lifestyle, and utility. Many of these apps also carry a strong social purpose, addressing everyday challenges and creating meaningful user experiences.

With 34 apps already live on the Apple App Store, several more student-built products are in different stages of development, testing, and launch readiness.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “Technology education must lead to actionable solutions that are oriented towards solving real world problems. We are proud that our students are building products that can be used by people beyond the campus. This milestone reflects the imagination, discipline, and ambition of our students, supported by mentors and an ecosystem that encourages experimentation and execution.”

Faculty mentors at Galgotias University work closely with students through the development journey, helping them refine ideas, strengthen execution, understand user needs, and navigate the path from prototype to launch. This culture of mentorship has helped create a vibrant innovation ecosystem on campus.

Another reflection of the strength and growing success of this ecosystem is the achievement of 18 students from Galgotias University winning the Apple Swift Student Challenge 2026, the highest from any private university in India. Their applications, developed across areas such as accessibility, healthcare, education, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, highlight the increasing ability of students to build globally relevant and socially impactful technology solutions.

Galgotias University has been steadily strengthening its focus on future-oriented domains including app development, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, robotics, data science, and digital product innovation. The growth of the iOS Student Developer Program forms an important part of that broader institutional vision.

With more products currently in the pipeline, students continue to expand the University’s digital innovation footprint through practical, market-ready, and socially relevant applications.

GREMI becomes Gujarat’s first AICTE-approved institute exclusively dedicated to real estate education and leadership development

At a time when India’s urban landscape is expanding at an unprecedented pace, the real estate sector is undergoing a shift towards greater scale, complexity, and accountability. Yet, the availability of structured, industry-aligned education in real estate development and management has remained limited. GREMI has been conceptualised to bridge this gap by building a formal, multidisciplinary talent pipeline equipped to navigate the evolving demands of urban development.

Envisioned as part of the company’s broader commitment to contribute to the sector beyond development through education and long-term capability building, GREMI is associated by Mahamati Skill and Education Foundation (MSEF), a not-for-profit organisation established under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, envisioned by Mr. Shekhar Patel, Director of Ganesh Housing Limited, National President of CREDAI. MSEF operates independently and undertakes its initiatives through funding support received from associated entities and family trusts.

The institute will operate from the GREMI City Campus, at Million Minds Tech City, enabling a strong integration between academic learning and industry exposure. The institute’s academic framework is designed to integrate key facets of the built environment, including development, finance, urban planning, governance, and technology. This approach reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of real estate, where decision-making requires cross-functional expertise and strategic thinking.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Shekhar Patel, Director of Ganesh Housing Limited, National President of CREDAI, said, “India’s real estate sector is entering a phase where the expectations from urban development are far more nuanced and future-focused. GREMI has been envisioned as a platform that nurtures professionals who can respond to this shift with both technical depth and a broader understanding of the ecosystem. Receiving AICTE approval is a significant milestone as we work towards building an institution that is relevant, rigorous, and globally aligned.”

Adding perspective on the institute’s vision, Dr. Anil Kashyap, Former Chancellor of NICMAR University and now Director General and CEO, GREMI, said, “Real estate education in India has largely remained unstructured despite the sector’s scale and importance. With GREMI, we aim to mainstream real estate education and position it as a credible and aspirational career choice for the younger generation, while also creating a strong foundation for research, innovation and policy engagement in the built environment. Our goal is not just to create industry-ready talent, but also to contribute to research, policy dialogue, and innovation in the built environment.”

GREMI’s flagship Postgraduate Certificate (PGCM) in Real Estate Development and Management will be introduced with its Founding Cohort of 2026, comprising approximately 70 students. In parallel, GREMI has applied to UGC to grant a Deemed University status and establish a 100-acre integrated teaching, research and residential leadership campus that will serve as a long-term centre of excellence for real estate education, research and innovation.

With its focus on building capability, encouraging responsible leadership and supporting the future of urban development, GREMI represents a meaningful step towards strengthening the academic foundation of India’s real estate sector.

About Ganesh Real Estate Management Institute (GREMI)
Ganesh Real Estate Management Institute (GREMI) has been established to build a structured education ecosystem for India’s real estate and built environment sector. Focused on real estate education, leadership development, and industry-oriented research, GREMI seeks to bridge the gap between academic understanding and the evolving needs of urban development. The institution has received approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), becoming Gujarat’s first AICTE-approved institution exclusively dedicated to the real estate sector. Established as part of the broader vision of Ganesh Housing Limited, GREMI is designed to create future-ready professionals with multidisciplinary capabilities across planning, finance, execution, governance and technology. 

About Mahamati Skill and Education Foundation (MSEF) 
Mahamati Skill and Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Under the leadership of Director Shekhar Patel and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anil Kashyap, the Foundation is steadfastly committed to advancing holistic educational development and delivering professional skill-building programs tailored to bridge the employment gap. Ganesh Real Estate Management Institute (GREMI) is an initiative of Mahamati Skill and Education Foundation for imparting specialist real estate management education programs approved by AICTE. The Institute campus is based in Million Minds Tech Park to run the programs initially. As a long-term vision, GREMI will have its own sprawling campus of 100 Acres in Ahmedabad to transform it into a specialist hub of Real Estate Management lifecycle. Through its philanthropic initiatives, Mahamati Skill and Education Foundation endeavours to foster career readiness, enhance socioeconomic mobility, and create meaningful, lasting impact in the communities it serves.

About Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited
Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited, headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, stands as a pioneering force in India's real estate sector with over six decades of excellence. The company made history as one of the first real estate developers to be listed on both the NSE and BSE, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and financial governance.

The company has demonstrated remarkable growth, having completed over 22 million square feet of development while maintaining an impressive 35 million square feet of ongoing projects. Their diverse portfolio encompasses Grade A+ commercial spaces, luxury residential properties, villas, industrial hubs, and data centres. Their commitment to quality is validated by their ISO 9001:2015 certification. Ganesh Housing’s diverse portfolio also features signature developments such as Ganesh Genesis and Maple Tree Garden Homes, reflecting the company’s commitment to quality, comfort, and value. Beyond real estate, Ganesh Housing is committed to social responsibility through initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, ensuring a positive community impact alongside business growth.

(L-R): Mr. Ravi Chandran. C, Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev, Mr. Alexander Dodonov, Dr. Berezhanskiy Pavel Viacheslavovich

Spot admissions for MBBS and other programs can be made at the fair, which is scheduled to take place also in many locations in Tamil Nadu. It will be held between 10 am and 5 pm in Madurai on May 12 at Hotel Royal Court; Trichy on May 13 at Hotel Femina; Salem on May 14 at GRT Hotel Zibe; and Coimbatore on May 15 at The Grand Regent Hotel. There is no entry fee for the fair. For details about the programs and fair, students can call: 9282 221 221.

The MBBS courses in Russia are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. As the courses are highly-subsidised by the government, they are also the most affordable, with the total fee, starting from as low as Rs. 3.5 lakh per annum.

Indian students who have cleared National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and who have a minimum of 50% marks in the relevant core subjects/degrees (in the case of SC/ST and OBC students, the minimum marks is only 40%), can apply for MBBS courses in Russia. Tamil medium students can also apply. There are no pre-qualifying exams like CET, IELTS, etc. for admissions to universities in Russia.

The education fair 2026 also features the participation of science, technology, and engineering education institutions that offer programs in emerging and cutting-edge domains such as bio-technology, artificial intelligence, and data science. The universities participating in the Education Fair include: Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd;

National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow; Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad; Kazan State Medical University, Kazan; North Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol; Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow; and Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow.

The press meet, organised to announce the launch of the fair, was addressed by Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev, Consul General, Consulate General the Russian Federation in Chennai, South India, Mr. Alexander Dodonov, Vice Consul & Director, Russian House, Chennai, Dr. Berezhanskiy Pavel Viacheslavovich, Professor, N.F.Filatov Of The Sechenov’s University and Mr. Ravi Chandran. C, Managing Director, Study Abroad Educational Consultants, the authorised Indian representative for Russian Universities.

In his address, Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev said, “Russian universities have a long-standing reputation of providing high-quality medical education in the world. Students from India have been admitted to Russian universities for the last 60 years. Russia continues to be the top choice for Indian students seeking medical education abroad, as Russian universities proactively adhere to the changing norms and guidelines of India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) to ensure that their MBBS programs are well recognised in India. Every year thousands of Indian students step into Russia to get prestigious, globally recognised and affordable education. With a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and advanced facilities, Russian universities offer a robust learning environment for Indian students pursuing medical education in the country.”

Talking about scholarship programs, Mr. Alexander Dodonov said, “As in the past, the Russian Government's annual 100% scholarship programs will award grants to more than 200 Indian students this year as well. This will enable them to pursue Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist, and Postgraduate Programs in Russia's leading universities free of cost. The cost of higher education is relatively cheaper because it is highly subsidised by the Government of the Russian Federation. Our universities also provide assistance as many have special adaptation programs and support systems for Indian students.”

Mr. Ravi Chandran commented that, “There are more than 300,000 international students from 200 different countries enrolled in the 600-odd government universities across Russia. By and large, medicine is the most popular area of study among Indian students who choose to pursue their higher education in Russia. Currently, there are about 25,000 Indian students studying medicine in about 30 Russian universities that offer M.D, a degree equivalent to MBBS in India. All the Russian universities adhere to NMC guidelines - including the latest one issued by it in November, 2021 relating to the duration of the MBB program and internship, curriculum, medium of instruction (English), among others. The institutions have made sure that the safety of Indian students and their education are not impacted by the external geopolitical situations.”

“Moreover eight weeks of intense training offered every year by Academy for Foreign Medical Graduates, Delhi, from second year of study to final year is a promising feature that guarantees increase in pass percentage of students,” he added.

For more details and spot admissions students can attend All India Russian Education Fair 2026. They can furnish valid credentials supporting their eligibility to pursue Bachelor’s / Post-graduate degree programs for 2026-27 academic year, scheduled to start from September, 2026.

While AI is already reshaping how content is produced, distributed and consumed, the core of sport remains fundamentally human. Live competition, physical performance and unscripted outcomes are not easily replicated or automated.

Nicole Junkermann - the magic of sport can’t be replaced by an algorithm

According to Nicole Junkermann, founder of Gameday by NJF Holdings, this gives sport a unique position in the emerging AI economy.

“AI can enhance sport, analyse it and distribute it,” she says. “But it can’t replace it. The unpredictability of human competition is exactly what makes it valuable.”

This dynamic is becoming increasingly relevant in India, where sport is undergoing rapid commercial and cultural expansion.

Cricket remains dominant, with the Indian Premier League now one of the most valuable sports properties in the world. But growth is no longer limited to a single discipline. Football, kabaddi, badminton and women’s sport are all attracting rising audiences, investment and media attention.

At the same time, India is one of the most digitally connected markets globally. Hundreds of millions of fans consume sport through mobile devices, social platforms and streaming services. This creates a powerful intersection between technology and live content.

AI is accelerating that shift.

From personalised highlights and real-time analytics to fan engagement tools and data-driven sponsorship models, AI is transforming the way sport is experienced and monetised. But crucially, it is doing so without displacing the underlying product. Instead, it is amplifying it.

“Sport is becoming a kind of anchor asset in a digital world,” Junkermann says. “As more content becomes synthetic or automated, authentic live experiences become more valuable, not less.”

India is particularly well positioned to capitalise on this trend.

The country combines scale, passion and a young, mobile-first audience. Leagues such as the IPL and Pro Kabaddi League have already demonstrated how sport can be packaged, distributed and monetised in new ways. The next phase will involve deeper integration of technology to expand reach and engagement further.

This includes direct-to-consumer platforms, athlete-led content, creator partnerships and new commercial models built around data and personalisation.

It also includes the rise of women’s sport, which remains underpenetrated but is growing rapidly, both in India and globally. As investment increases, these leagues have the potential to scale quickly in a digital-first environment.

The broader implication is that sport is not being disrupted by AI in the same way as other sectors. It is being revalued.

In a world where algorithms can generate text, images and even video, the scarcity of genuine, unscripted human performance becomes more pronounced. That scarcity underpins long-term economic value.

“AI will change almost every industry,” Nicole Junkermann, who was born in 1980, adds. “But sport isn’t just content. It’s competition, identity and emotion. Those are much harder to automate.”

For India’s investors, media companies and policymakers, the opportunity is clear. By combining technological innovation with strong underlying sports assets, the country can build a more resilient and globally competitive sports ecosystem.

In the age of AI, that may prove to be a decisive advantage.

About Gameday by NJF Holdings

Gameday by NJF Holdings is a sports investment and strategic platform founded by Nicole Junkermann, born in 1980. Focused on building long-term value across leagues, media and sports technology, Gameday’s approach centres on structural growth, digital transformation and scalable fan ecosystems.

The platform is the largest shareholder in Italy’s professional women’s volleyball league, Lega Volley Femminile (LVF), where it is supporting league-level commercial and digital development. Gameday by NJF Holdings is also behind Cayo TV, a next-generation sports media platform designed to expand access, engagement and modern distribution for live sport audiences.

For more information visit: gameday.team

Professor Sindhwani joins Galgotias University from Indian School of Business, where she held leadership responsibilities as Associate Dean for Advanced Management Programmes and Executive Director of the Centre for Learning and Management Practice. She is also on the Board of Advisers for Jose Rizal University, Philippines.
 

Professor Sindhwani, joining from ISB, will strengthen academic excellence, research, innovation, and global learner opportunities at Galgotias University
 

She brings more than two decades of professional experience spanning academia and the corporate sector, with work exposure across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Over the years, she has contributed to executive learning programmes for leading global organisations including Google, Goldman Sachs, Walmart, Novartis, and Accenture.

Professor Sindhwani received her PhD in Corporate Strategy and Corporate Citizenship from Alliance Manchester Business School and her MSc from London School of Economics and Political Science.

Her research interests lie at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and society, with a focus on how organisations design and implement strategy in volatile and complex environments. She is also the author of several books on leadership, management, decision-making, and strategy.

As Provost, Professor Sindhwani will work closely with the University leadership on academic quality, research culture, faculty development, curriculum advancement, student outcomes, and interdisciplinary opportunities across schools and programmes.

Speaking on her new role, Professor Saumya Sindhwani said, “Galgotias University has built impressive momentum and scale. I look forward to working with faculty, students, and colleagues to further strengthen academic quality, research, innovation, and opportunities for learners.”

Galgotias University has earned recognition in respected global assessments including QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education. The University today has a growing presence across engineering, management, law, health sciences, media, hospitality, and emerging technology disciplines. Professor Sindhwani’s appointment comes as the University enters its next phase of academic growth, deeper research engagement, and broader international outreach.

Top: The Jawa 42 Bobber; Bottom: Nivedita Matta, Brand Lead, Jawa, Classic Legends, receives the award from Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari

Since its launch in September 2022, the Jawa 42 Bobber has stood apart with a design that is unapologetically singular. Low-slung and built around a floating single seat, the motorcycle introduced a silhouette that felt closer to a custom build than a production machine. Its long wheelbase, wide rear tyre, and sculpted stance have made it one of the most recognisable motorcycles on Indian roads today.

The award acknowledges not just the Bobber’s design, but the thinking behind it. Built on a design-first engineering approach, the motorcycle reimagines the classic bobber form with modern precision. From its premium chrome finishes in variants such as Chrome Red and Black Mirror to details like diamond-cut alloy wheels and minimalist bodywork, every element contributes to a cohesive visual identity that is both contemporary and rooted.

Anupam Thareja, Co-founder, Classic Legends, said, “This recognition reaffirms our belief that design, when led with intent, can shape culture. Honest and intentional design creates an unmistakable presence and becomes a way for people to express who they are. The 42 Bobber was built to challenge conventions in how motorcycles look and feel. It was never designed to do everything, but what it has to say about individuality is unforgettable. That is what resonates with our riders. It invites them to breathe, wander, and take the longer road.”

Beyond design, the Jawa 42 Bobber has built a strong cultural presence. It has been embraced by riders who value individuality and expression, including cricketers MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad, reinforcing its position as a cross-generational style marker. A darling of content creators, a fixture on lifestyle platforms, and a natural on city streets, the 42 Bobber has long outgrown its identity as a motorcycle to become an iconic cultural statement.

Powered by a 334cc liquid-cooled engine delivering 29.9 PS and 30 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox and assist and slipper clutch, the Jawa 42 Bobber blends performance with ease of ride. Modern features such as a digital console, full LED lighting, USB charging, and dual-channel ABS ensure that the motorcycle’s contemporary appeal extends beyond design.

From its debut to the introduction of new variants like Chrome Red, the Jawa 42 Bobber has consistently expanded its visual vocabulary while staying true to its core identity of a bold, minimal, and expressive machine.

The recognition from Times Drive’s audience as ‘Style Icon of the Year’ reinforces the Jawa 42 Bobber’s position as a cultural marker for riders who choose individuality over convention.

The motorcycle is backed by the company’s segment-first Customer Assurance Programme, designed to support long-term ownership with reliability and peace of mind, including:

• 4-year/50,000-km standard warranty

• Extended warranty options up to 6 years

• One year of roadside assistance

• Support across 400+ sales and service touchpoints nationwide.

About Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd.

Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. was founded with a vision to reintroduce iconic motorcycle brands in India & international markets. The company currently boasts an elaborate portfolio constituting Jawa, Yezdi & BSA marquee brands. It aims to bring consumers a quintessential motorcycling lifestyle experience by co-creating exciting product and service offerings within its motorcycling ecosystem and bringing back renewed fervour into the performance-classic motorcycle market.

Soma Mandal, regional winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards in the South Asia region

Soma is one of nine regional winners of the global Cambridge competition that celebrates the achievements of teachers around the world. As a regional winner, Soma will win £500 worth of books for her class, a trophy, and receive publicity for herself and her school during the coming year. She will also appear on a ‘Thank you’ page at the front of a range of new Cambridge textbooks, available to the public from November 2026.

With over 10 years’ teaching experience, Soma is dedicated to positioning climate education at the heart of student learning. A master's graduate in environmental science, she developed a climate-focused curriculum at her school, GD Goenka Public School, Delhi, in which she inspires students to emerge as confident agents of climate action and sustainable change.

Soma said, “This recognition belongs to my students, whose commitment to climate action inspires me every time I step into the classroom. This award strengthens my resolve to embed climate education throughout learning, making sustainability tangible and connected to real challenges. I believe that when we equip young minds to respond to the climate crisis, they discover they have agency and voice. My students have shown me they are ready to act... Our role is simply to create the space and support for them to do so.”

Global winner voting

The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards highlights the important role that teachers play in shaping the lives of their learners and preparing them for the world beyond school. It gives students, parents and peers the chance to nominate a current primary or secondary teacher for outstanding commitment to their students’ education. By going to dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/vote, the public can now vote for Soma, or another of the nine regional winners to become the overall, global winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2026. The deadline to vote is 13:30 (IST) on 13 May 2026 and the winner will be announced on 2 June 2026.

The 2026 competition received over 12,000 nominations for teachers in 126 different countries around the world. Nominations not only thanked teachers for the hard work they put into teaching, but also for all the extra things they do to ensure their students are happy and healthy.

Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge said, “We believe education is key to tackling the climate crisis, and so it is inspiring to see Soma exemplify that belief so strongly through her teaching. By creating safe, inspiring spaces where learners explore climate challenges and develop practical solutions, she is empowering young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to be ready for the world. That impact is exactly what this award celebrates. I congratulate all of our winners on their accomplishments, which inspire us at Cambridge, and I am sure will stand as inspiration for teachers worldwide.”

About Cambridge

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge. Our International Education group works with over 10,000 schools in 160 countries to provide education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world. We offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19 (the Cambridge Pathway), informed by research, experience, and listening to educators. With internationally recognised qualifications (such as Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level), high-quality resources, comprehensive teaching support and continuing professional development, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Pulkit Khanna, Dean, JIBS, and Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Founder, Cheistha Kochhar Foundation. This collaboration marks the beginning of a shared commitment to leveraging behavioural science for scalable social impact, leadership development and community engagement.
 

Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar and Ms. Pulkit Khanna, Dean (JIBS), signs a MoU at O.P. Jindal Global University

The partnership aims to bridge academic research with practical implementation by designing interventions that are evidence-based, context-sensitive and outcome-driven. By combining academic rigour with on-ground experience, both institutions seek to create meaningful frameworks that can address complex societal challenges and enable sustainable impact.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, father of the Late Cheistha Kochhar, reflected on her vision and legacy, and emphasized the role of Nudge practice in shaping inclusive development pathways.
 

Gen. Kochhar remarked, “This partnership is deeply aligned with the vision of Late Cheistha Kochhar, who was among the early pioneers of Nudge Practice in India. By bringing together academic excellence and real-world application, we aim to design interventions that are not only evidence-based but also socially relevant and scalable. Through this collaboration with JIBS, we look forward to nurturing future leaders and translating nudge-based behavioural insights into meaningful impact on the ground.”
 

Prashant Gautam, Cheistha’s Husband, also highlighted the growing relevance of nudge theory and behavioural science as powerful tools for designing effective social interventions and influencing public policy outcomes.

Dr. Pulkit Khanna, Dean, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, expressed appreciation for the collaboration and noted that such partnerships play a vital role in strengthening the application of behavioural science for societal benefit. She conveyed confidence that the initiative would foster meaningful research, practical interventions and long-term impact across diverse communities.
 

The event brought together academia, practitioners and stakeholders for an engaging exchange of ideas, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and impact.
 

The program concluded with awards ceremony, including the presentation of Cheistha Kochhar Rolling Trophy to the winning participants from Christ University, NCR Delhi for their project "GreenCart Default,” a behavioural intervention designed to make sustainable choices easier on quick e-commerce platforms.

Justice Sanjay Karol, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Justice Hiten Venegavkar, Governor of Maharashtra Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Nilesh Tribhuvann - President, AILF at the Legal Era event

The landmark edition brought together leading members of the judiciary, the Bar, corporate legal leadership, and policymakers, reflecting the growing importance of institutional collaboration in shaping a globally competitive Indian legal ecosystem.

The proceedings were digitally inaugurated by His Excellency Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra. The event was graced by Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Judges of the Supreme Court of India, along with Shri Nilesh Tribhuvann, President, AILF, and other distinguished members of the legal community.

The awards were adjudicated by a distinguished jury led by Justice Dipak Misra, Former Chief Justice of India, along with Justice B.N. Srikrishna, Justice Arjan Sikri, and Justice Deepak Verma, Former Judges of the Supreme Court of India, supported by eminent senior counsels and general counsels.

Awards were presented across key categories including Best Law Firm of the Year (Practice Focus), Best In-House Team of the Year, Best Individual Lawyer of the Year, and the Premier League, recognising excellence, innovation, and leadership across the legal sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Nilesh Tribhuvann, President, AILF, said, "AILF is privileged to stand with Legal Era on its 15th edition. With the institutional support of the Department of Legal Affairs, Government of India, this evening reflects exactly the kind of collaboration the Indian legal profession needs — between media, the Government, and the organised Bar — to take its rightful place on the global stage."

Ms. Aakriti Raizada, Founder, Legal Era, said, "What began as a vision to create awareness has today become a platform that unites the legal community. These fifteen years have been a journey of collaboration — with the judiciary, with our law firms, with the corporate legal community, and now with institutions like AILF and the Government of India standing alongside us. The Indian Legal Awards belong to the entire profession, and we are deeply grateful to every partner who has helped us reach this milestone."

This year’s edition also underscored the increasing alignment between the legal profession and India’s broader economic and policy priorities. With growing cross-border transactions, regulatory complexity, and sectoral transformation, the role of legal institutions is becoming central to enabling business confidence, investment flows, and governance standards.

The collaboration between the Association of Indian Law Firms, Legal Era and the Department of Legal Affairs reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the institutional framework of the profession and positioning India as a globally competitive legal market

About Legal Era – Legal Media Group

Legal Era – Legal Media Group is India's leading legal media institution, with a fifteen-year legacy of recognising excellence and shaping conversations across the Indian legal profession.

About the Association of Indian Law Firms (AILF)

AILF is the apex institutional body of India's organised legal profession, established to give the country's law firms a unified national voice on policy, standards, and global engagement.

Future-ready in progress

The Gap We All Acknowledge, but Rarely Address Well
India produces millions of graduates each year. Yet employers keep pointing to the same issue: A degree doesn’t necessarily translate into workplace readiness.

Students often struggle with:

• Communication

• Financial awareness

• Workplace expectations

• Work stress and pressure

This programme didn’t sidestep the problem - it went straight at it.

Not just training. Preparation for real life.
What set the programme apart was its emphasis on application over theory. It did not treat employability as a checklist; it approached it as a mindset, preparing students not just to secure jobs, but to handle them effectively. 

Less lecturing. More doing - role plays, discussions, real-world scenarios.

Students engaged in:

• Stress management through breathing, meditation, and mindfulness

• Professional communication and interpersonal skills

• Workplace discipline and productivity

• Basics of banking, insurance, and financial planning

• Sales, negotiation, and relationship management

Small Programme. Real Reach.
The target was 400 students. The outcome: 370 trained in Tamil Nadu, and 31 in Karnataka. One striking detail: 67% of participants were women, reflecting strong female participation in skill-building initiatives.

Students came from diverse academic backgrounds - BBA, B.Com, BA, and BSc - but shared a common need: clarity and confidence about stepping into the workforce.

What Actually Changed
The numbers matter. The shifts matter more.

Students reported:

• Greater confidence in speaking and presenting

• A clearer understanding of money and financial planning

• Enhanced resilience (stress management) through simple, proven breathing techniques 

• Increased self-awareness and discipline

• A realistic view of workplace expectations

• For someone stepping into their first job, that’s transformative.

• Working within constraints

Looking Ahead
As India continues to grapple with the employability gap, scalable, focused interventions like this offer a way forward. Because bridging the gap between education and employment doesn’t always require reinventing the system. Sometimes, it just means preparing people better for the world they’re about to enter.

About The Art of Living Social Projects 
Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects operates across India in collaboration with the Government of India, leading corporates, and local communities. The organisation undertakes large-scale initiatives in water conservation, natural farming, afforestation, environmental protection, free education, women’s empowerment, and rural development, among other focus areas. 

To learn more about these initiatives or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India

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Fashion Future Forward 2.0 at Chitkara University. Students explore Sustainable Fashion practices with top Fashion Brands and their Leaders

The conclave featured an accomplished lineup of speakers including Amit Vijaya (Designer, Artist, Curator, Amrich), Anjali Patel Mehta (Founder & Creative Director, Verandah), Ankur Srivastava (Chief Merchandising Officer, Nicobar), Darshana Gajare (Head of Sustainability, Lakmé Fashion Week), and Vivek Karunakaran (Founder & Creative Head, Vivek Karunakaran). Each speaker shared insights from their professional journey, highlighting industry challenges, creative processes, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing fashion ecosystem.

The sessions explored key themes such as sustainable fashion practices, brand development, design innovation, merchandising strategies, and the role of storytelling in shaping strong fashion identities. Students engaged in interactive discussions, asked questions, and reflected on how classroom learning connects with real-world industry expectations. The open dialogue format helped bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice.

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, shared, “Events like Fashion Future Forward 2.0 are essential in shaping confident and industry-ready designers. When students interact directly with experienced professionals, they gain clarity, perspective, and inspiration to think beyond the classroom and build meaningful careers in design and fashion.”

The event concluded with strong appreciation from students and faculty alike, reinforcing the importance of continuous industry engagement. Fashion Future Forward 2.0 once again highlighted Chitkara University’s commitment to connecting education with real-world practice and preparing students for global opportunities in the creative industry.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India's leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.

The University's academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally.

For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in.

Eugenix Hair Sciences Founder & Chairman, Dr. Pradeep Sethi receives the certificate from World Records Book of India in presence of renowned actor and Eugenix client Surendra Pal Singh

This recognition marks a defining milestone for Eugenix Hair Sciences, as the brand not only set a new global benchmark but also received on-ground acknowledgment from World Records book of India officials. 

The record was set during a hair transplant procedure involving veteran actor known for his work in Shaktimaan and Mahabharat, Surendra Pal Singh, who underwent a hair transplant procedure starting from May 29, 2025, where a total of 11,423 grafts were completed over a single sitting spanning two weeks. This case represents one of the most extensive procedures of its kind. The certification recognizes the clinic’s precision, innovation, and scale, reinforcing its position as a leader in hair transplant excellence in India and placing it among the world’s most remarkable achievements.

The official record presentation was conducted at Eugenix Hair Sciences’ Mumbai Clinic on 25th April 2026 by the officials.

Speaking about his experience, Surendra Pal Singh said, “For me, this was not just about hair, it was about feeling like myself again. I’ve seen a real change in how people respond to me; many even say that they see the younger Surendra Pal again. I thank Dr. Pradeep Sethi and Dr. Arika Bansal for their support. My only advice to anyone considering a hair transplant is this: if you decide to go ahead, do it once but do it right. Choose a qualified doctor who will prioritize your safety, care, and long-term results.”

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Pradeep Sethi, Co-founder and Chairman, Eugenix Hair Sciences shared, “This milestone reflects a significant advancement in the science and scalability of modern hair restoration. At Eugenix, our focus has always been on expanding clinical boundaries responsibly, through precise donor management, refined extraction techniques, and a deep understanding of aesthetic reconstruction.

This recognition reinforces our belief that India is not only participating in global medical innovation, but is increasingly setting its benchmarks.”

Dr. Arika Bansal, Co-founder, Eugenix Hair Sciences added, “Procedures of this scale require far more than technical capability—they demand meticulous planning, disciplined execution, and an unwavering focus on patient comfort at every step. At Eugenix, our approach has always been deeply patient-centric—prioritizing long-term outcomes, donor area preservation, and consistency across every stage of the procedure.”

Senior Adjudicator & Speaker Representative, Lakshay Deep Mishra from the World Records Book of India added, “At the World Records Book of India, every recognition is grounded in rigorous validation, authenticity, and measurable excellence. The achievement by Eugenix Hair Sciences, completing 11,423 grafts in a single hair transplant sitting, stands as a remarkable demonstration of clinical precision, endurance, and innovation in modern medical science.

After a thorough on-ground evaluation and verification process, we are pleased to formally recognize this as a record-setting accomplishment. This milestone not only pushes the boundaries of what is possible in hair restoration but also sets a new benchmark for medical excellence from India on a global stage.”

The detailed case study is available on the company’s website: eugenixhairsciences.com/norwood-class-7/surendra-pal/

A video testimonial from the patient can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxSI8SOYhyU 

About Eugenix Hair Sciences
Eugenix Hair Sciences is a globally recognized and highly trusted hair restoration brand in India, known for its advanced, science-led solutions. Founded by renowned surgeons Dr. Pradeep Sethi and Dr. Arika Bansal, distinguished AIIMS alumni with 30+ years of combined experience in hair restoration, Eugenix brings together clinical excellence, ethical practice, and global standards under one roof.

At Eugenix, hair restoration goes beyond routine transplantation. It is a centre of excellence where even the most complex and advanced cases of baldness are treated with precision and consistency. Pioneered at Eugenix, the Direct Hair Transplant (DHT) technology represents a significant advancement over conventional FUE, delivering superior graft survival which combined with the focus on artistic precision at Eugenix, leads to a significantly higher quality of hair transplants. This seamless integration of science and artistry has ushered in a new era of hair restoration, firmly positioning Eugenix at the forefront of the field.

With over 20,000 successful procedures and 55 million grafts implanted, treating cases ranging from early-stage thinning to advanced Grade 6/7 baldness, Eugenix has built a reputation firmly rooted in results, trust, and transparency. The organisation’s consistently high patient satisfaction is driven by stringent medical protocols, a patient-first approach, personalised treatment plans, and a culture of continuous innovation.

Eugenix offers a comprehensive portfolio of advanced hair restoration services for both men and women, including hair transplantation, hairline reconstruction, beard and eyebrow restoration, corrective procedures, and specialised treatments such as Afro and body hair transplants. Across all services, the highest standards of quality and safety are ensured through ultramodern facilities, highly trained clinical teams, and an uncompromising focus on clinical excellence.

With its headquarters in India and a rapidly growing international clientele, Eugenix Hair Sciences continues to expand its clinical footprint while consistently advancing its technological capabilities. The organisation has successfully restored hairlines for hundreds of patients across India and globally, including prominent personalities from the film and television industry, as well as international cricketers, musicians, and singers, Eugenix Hair Sciences has also been a strong advocate of ethical medical practices in the hair restoration industry. The brand is widely respected for its transparent consultation process, honest graft estimation, and realistic outcome setting, which has helped build long- term trust among patients worldwide. Every procedure at Eugenix is led and supervised by experienced doctors, ensuring medical accountability at every stage of treatment.

In remarkable display of academic brilliance, a Chandigarh University student, Sarvesh Gupta, has made history by securing All India Rank (AIR) 1 in IIT JAM 2026 (Physics), one of India’s most competitive postgraduate entrance examinations in which over 12,000 candidates appeared for admission to Master of Science, Ph D and other post-graduate programs at 22 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

Chandigarh University Vice Chancellor & other Officials felicitating Sarvesh Gupta for topping IIT JAM 2026 (Physics) Exam with All India Rank 1

Reflecting exceptional conceptual mastery in Physics, Sarvesh Gupta - a final-year student of B Sc (Hons.) Physics program at Chandigarh University who hails from Nepal – also qualified two other prestigious national-level examinations including Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Graduate School (TIFR GS) exam which draws 20,000 to 25,000 applicants and IUCAA National Admission Test (INAT-2026) conducted by Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune for M Sc (Physics with Astrophysics) programme admissions-2026.

“I am really pleased to have cleared all these three national level competitive examinations. But since I want to do research in Theoratical Physics and become a scientist, I have opted for Integrated Ph.D. (I-Ph.D.) programme in Theoretical Physics from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai for which 22 students have been selected. As a Chandigarh University student, I had the opportunity to visit TIFR Mumbai for a Ideathon competition through the IEEE Student Chapter at CU where we got the 1st prize. I saw the research labs and infrastructure there during this visit, so it’s dream come true for me to get an opportunity to study at TIFR. Students receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 25,000 for the first year and the fellowship is enhanced to Rs 37,000 per month (further raised to Rs 42,000 after registration for PhD) at the end of the first year, upon satisfactory performance under TIFR GS,”.

Joined CU’s B Sc (Hons) Physics program in 2023

Son of a government school teacher father and homemaker mother in Nepal, Sarvesh’s academic journey at Chandigarh University began in 2023 when he took admission in B Sc (Hons) Physics program after completing his Class XII education at Budhanilkantha School in Kathmandu.

“When I was exploring options for higher education after Class XII, one of my cousin brothers, who had studied mechanical engineering at Chandigarh University, suggested me to take admission at CU for world-class quality education. Then I did some research about the CU and really liked everything being offered here. As CU also provides scholarships to meritorious students to pursue our academic dreams and goals, it was an easy decision for me to take admission at Chandigarh University. I got 50 % scholarship at CU which made my education very affordable for my parents,” Sarvesh, a resident of Vishnupura village in Nepal’s Lumbini who has three siblings (two sisters and a brother), said.

CU’s Learning Environment & Support to Excel in Academics

On his time at Chandigarh University, Sarvesh said, “I have always been a physics student with a deep curiosity about how the universe works — and more importantly, how the ideas behind it evolved. But my vision cleared after coming to Chandigarh University. Professors in our department are very approachable and we can reach out to them for any assistance —whether it’s a doubt, a discussion, or even if you need personal guidance—not just regarding academics. The research labs and libraries are also excellent at Chandigarh University. This fostered an environment where I could focus on my studies and concentrate on my goals. I knew there was always someone there to assist me with whatever came up, the Chandigarh University provided me great environment and support to excel in academics and pursue my dreams.”

“In fact, it’s my teachers here who motivated me to prepare for competitive examinations and provided the right guidance and all help for competitive test preparations. My teacher went extra mile for helping in clearing the all three competitive examinations by arranging even mock interview sessions which led to a significant improvement in my performance. So I had interest in physics, but I needed specific guidance for pursuing research. This is the kind of direction one ideally needs to find their path was somewhat lacking, but this is something I found here at Chandigarh University,” he added.

Preparation Strategy: Stick to Fixed Routine

“When preparing for competitive examinations, one need to adhere to a strict, fixed routine in order to avoid distractions. I confined my daily routine into manageable time slots for studies. For instance, I would wake up in the morning and head straight to the gym. After an hour-long workout, I would return and attend a few lectures for about an hour while sitting comfortably. Then I will get ready for classes at the University. Once back from University, my priority was to practice questions for about one-and-half-hour or however much time I could spare solely to solving practice problems. After that, I would do whatever I felt like doing—watching videos, hanging out with friends, or just chatting. My roommates and I used to talk the most during our meals. In fact, we would often spend an hour and a half to two hours just eating—chatting away, watching videos, or doing whatever else came to mind. So, while distractions were certainly there, they were successfully managed because I stuck to my schedule. I studied during my designated study hours, and then, during the time allotted for leisure, I simply relaxed and enjoyed myself,”.

World-Class Quality Education Across Streams

Congratulating Sarvesh Gupta for his exceptional achievement, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University, Deepinder Singh Sandhu said, “Demonstrating exceptional conceptual mastery in Physics Sarvesh Gupta secured All India Rank 1 in IIT JAM 2026 among thousands of aspirants nationwide. As Physics is one of the most sought-after subjects in this exam, the achievement reflects his dedication, perseverance and commitment to academic excellence. Sarvesh’s success also highlights the research-oriented academic environment at Chandigarh University which has led to six students from CU’s Physics department qualifying IIT JAM 2026. This outstanding accomplishment shows the learning environment nurtured at Chandigarh University to shape the path of our students, support their ambitions, and empower them to achieve incredible milestones with focused learning and expert mentorship.”

“Chandigarh University is providing world-class education by providing scientifically designed and industry-collaborative progams to our students. Chandigarh University’s global rankings are testament of the quality of our education across streams, be it science, engineering, business management or humanities. Chandigarh University has yet again continued its remarkable rise in the QS World University Rankings by Subjects 2026 by securing a place among world’s top 300 Universities in three key subjects including Computer Science and Information Systems, Electrical-Electronics Engineering and Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering. By securing Rankings in 11 Subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subjects-2026, Chandigarh University now rank among world’s top 1 % universities. As a research-intensive university, Chandigarh University fosters innovation and allotted a budget of Rs 15 crore this year for research-intensive education of its students. Chandigarh University boasts over 17000 research publications and over 5000 patents filed by students and faculty. The university supports innovation through 30 industry-sponsored advanced research labs and 32 Centers of Excellence (COEs) partnered with companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Hyundai, Tech Mahindra, Capgemini, and IBM for providing hands-on training to our students which make them future ready.”

Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in.

Upgrade your skills, upgrade your future! EasyShiksha helps you climb to better roles and bigger opportunities

In response to this accelerating shift, EasyShiksha, a digital learning and career development platform, is enabling working professionals to future-proof their careers through flexible, industry-aligned upskilling programs designed to support promotions, career transitions, and access to higher-paying roles.

With organizations rapidly adopting AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making, the gap between existing workforce skills and evolving job requirements continues to widen. Professionals who fail to reskill risk stagnation, while those who actively upskill are increasingly moving into higher responsibility and better compensated roles.

“In this environment, career growth is no longer defined by experience alone—it is defined by the ability to continuously learn, adapt, and apply new skills in real-world scenarios.” said a Deepti Barman_Head of Partnerships at EasyShiksha.
 

Bridging the Gap Between Jobs and High-Growth Careers

EasyShiksha’s programs are designed specifically for working professionals aiming to move up the career ladder or transition into high-demand roles. Key focus areas include:

• AI & Digital Upskilling – Practical training on AI tools, automation, data literacy, and productivity enhancement platforms

• Career Acceleration Programs – Skills aligned with promotion pathways and high-growth job roles across industries

• Leadership & Business Skills – Training in communication, decision-making, team management, and strategic thinking

• Job-Relevant Learning – Hands-on projects, case-based learning, and certifications focused on employability outcomes

From Job Stability to Skill-Driven Growth

As the job market continues to evolve, the definition of career security is shifting from role-based stability to skill-based adaptability. EasyShiksha aims to help professionals build long-term career resilience by equipping them with in-demand skills that align with the future of work.

Through its structured learning pathways, EasyShiksha is positioning itself as a career growth enabler for professionals seeking to stay relevant, advance faster, and unlock high-paying opportunities in an AI-first economy.

About EasyShiksha

EasyShiksha is a comprehensive online education platform offering courses, internships, certifications, and career-focused programs for students and professionals. With a strong focus on accessibility, affordability, and industry relevance, EasyShiksha is committed to transforming learning into measurable career growth.

Empowering students with smart study strategies and goal-oriented learning for academic success

The initiative comes at a time when India’s coaching-driven ecosystem is placing increasing strain on students. Studies indicate that over 80% of students experience exam-related stress, while a significant proportion report burnout due to long study hours and the need to manage both school and external coaching. In many cases, students spend 6 - 8 additional hours daily in coaching, leading to fatigue reduced retention and limited time for rest or extracurricular development.

AIRRP addresses this challenge by integrating structured preparation within the school timetable itself. By reducing dependence on external coaching, the program enables a more streamlined learning schedule helping students improve conceptual clarity, maintain consistency and avoid fragmented study routines.

The program offers curated study material, regular assessments and continuous mentorship within the school environment ensuring that preparation becomes part of everyday learning rather than an added burden.

Commenting on the launch, *Neeraj Kansal Founder & CEO of Crack Academy* said, “Students today are managing multiple academic demands, often at the cost of their well-being. AIRRP is designed to simplify this journey by bringing preparation into the school system itself. When learning is integrated and structured, students are able to focus better, reduce stress, and achieve more consistent results.”

With this rollout, Crack Academy aims to promote a more balanced and sustainable approach to education one that prioritises efficiency, accessibility and student well-being alongside academic success.

In collaboration with US-based global tech giant Microsoft, Chandigarh University has launched of its Online MCA Degree program with Microsoft Certifications from the upcoming academic session 2026-26 beginning July this year. 

Prof. (Dr.) Raviraja N. Seetharam, Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University, with Joel Ganesan of Microsoft at the Online MCA launch with Microsoft certifications

The launch of this Online MCA Degree program in Bengaluru was graced by Joel Ganesan, Microsoft, Vice Chancellor Chandigarh University Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Seetharam and Dr Gurpreet Singh, Director CU Online.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University said Chandigarh University is committed to offering learner-centric, globally relevant, and industry-aligned programmes that prepare our students for emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

“Underscoring Chandigarh University’s focus on future-ready education, the newly upgraded Online MCA programme with Microsoft Certifications has been designed to create future-ready technology professionals by combining academic excellence with globally recognized industry certifications. “A total of six Microsoft Certifications have been embedded into the Online MCA curriculum. These Microsoft Certifications include Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900), Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), GitHub Foundation & Copilot (GH-900 & GH-300), Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300), Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) and Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104). These Microsoft Certifications in AI, ML, Cloud Computing and emerging technologies will boost employability of Chandigarh University Online students. With the integration of Microsoft certifications, learners will gain cutting-edge expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Software Development, Data Analytics, and IT Administration,” he said.

Dr Gurpreet Singh, Director CU Online said the integration of Microsoft certifications into the MCA curriculum will significantly enhance employability, practical skills, and global career opportunities for learners across India and beyond. “As it is very important for students to learn the new skills which are there in the market specially AI, Machine Learning and Cloud Computing, this collaboration between the Microsoft and Chandigarh University would help all the CU Online students become more employable and industry ready with Microsoft certifications. This launch of Online MCA Degree program with Microsoft Certifications further strengthens Chandigarh University Online’s vision of delivering flexible, accessible, and career-focused higher education that enables learners to Move Up in Life and Career,” he said. 

Dr Gurpreet Singh said since continuous learning is required for staying relevant in today's workforce, Chandigarh University Online offers a total of ten programs, including three undergraduate (UG) and seven postgraduate (PG) programs, for working professionals and remote students. While three UG degree program including Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Arts (BA - Journalism and Mass Communication) and seven post graduate programs including Master of Arts (MA - Journalism and Mass Communication), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Science (Data Science), Master of Arts (Economics), Master of Arts (English), Master of Business Administration.

Meanwhile, Chandigarh University Online has entered into a collaboration with between CU Online and Internshala, India’s number 1 career platform trusted by over 4 lakh companies which offer more than 120,000 paid internships, jobs, online trainings and placement courses. The collaboration was formally unveiled by Chandigarh University Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Seetharam and Rachita Chanana, Placement Lead, Internshala, in Bengaluru. 

“These partnerships aim to enhance career readiness by providing Chandigarh University Online students with access to industry-relevant opportunities and practical exposure. Today, learning goes beyond degrees-it is about enabling learners to stay relevant, adaptable, and future-ready. Through collaborations with organizations like Internshala and Microsoft, we are creating pathways that empower our students to truly move up in their careers," Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Seetharam said. 

About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in.

The INR 10 Crore Galgotias Innovation Fund will further strengthen the already vibrant startup ecosystem that has nurtured 135 startups so far
 

The fund adds an investment layer to a wider innovation platform already developed at Galgotias University, where students and founders have access to industry-integrated centres, incubation support, mentorship, corporate partnerships, prototyping infrastructure featuring best-in-class equipment and state-of-the-art hardware, and multiple specialised labs that support product development and innovation.
 

The existing startup ecosystem at the University is already vibrant, with founders making a strong mark. Galgotias Incubation Centre for Research Innovation Startups & Entrepreneurs (GICRISE) has supported 135 startups so far, of which 30 are already generating revenue, providing clear evidence of the tangible outcomes being created within the University’s innovation ecosystem.
 

Across its campus, the University has established specialised centres spanning supercomputing and advanced AI research, semiconductor research, drone intelligence and simulation, design thinking and augmented reality, electric mobility, embedded systems, data analytics, advanced instrumentation, and 3D printing and systems engineering. Industry-linked facilities developed with partners such as HP, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, Microchip, Tableau AI, and L&T support hands-on learning and experimentation.
 

This ecosystem is designed to help founders move from ideation to prototyping, technical validation, pilot deployment, and market readiness. Startups selected under GIF are expected to receive access not only to capital, but also to mentor sessions, faculty expertise, go-to-market strategy support, investor connects, assistance in client acquisition, product refinement support, and structured guidance aimed at helping them build globally competitive companies from the campus itself.
 

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer of Galgotias University, said, “Innovation grows fastest when talent, technology, mentorship, and capital work together. At Galgotias University, we are creating pathways where students can transform ideas into working products and promising ventures into scalable enterprises. The Galgotias Innovation Fund has been created to accelerate that journey.”
 

The fund will support ventures across artificial intelligence, health technology, education technology, sustainability, mobility, robotics, fintech, consumer products, advanced manufacturing, and digital services.
 

“Galgotias University is setting a strong benchmark by launching the Galgotias Innovation Fund, a forward looking initiative that can significantly accelerate student led entrepreneurship. For young founders, timely access to funding and mentorship is often the catalyst that transforms promising ideas into successful ventures. It is inspiring to see the University create an ecosystem where innovation is encouraged and actively enabled through meaningful support,” said Mr. Rachit Mathur, Founder and CEO of Shiftz, an AI-enabled new-age recruitment platform, author of two books, and mentor to students at the Galgotias Incubation Centre.
 

Galgotias University is amongst the leading private universities in the country, with a substantial student and faculty community across diverse disciplines. The University continues to deepen its focus on entrepreneurship, applied learning, industry engagement, and technology-led innovation.

Dr. Niti Nipun Sharma, President Manipal University Jaipur addressing the gathering on the Founder's Day celebration

A visionary who believed that education is not a privilege, but a powerful force for change. He built more than institutions; he built hope, opportunity, and a future for generations. His unwavering commitment to accessible, quality education continues to echo in every classroom, every aspiration, and every success story shaped under his legacy.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Niti Nipun Sharma, President, Manipal University Jaipur said that “Reflecting on Dr. TMA Pai’s extraordinary journey, we realize that his vision was never limited to his era, it was envisioned for the future we continue to build today. His principles of excellence, inclusivity, and service remain a constant source of inspiration, urging us to strive higher, do better, and contribute meaningfully. At Manipal University Jaipur, we go beyond remembrance, we actively carry his vision forward through every step we take, every aspiration we nurture, and every life we aim to transform.”

On this occasion Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) has announced the introduction of a range of new undergraduate and postgraduate programs for the upcoming academic session 2026–27. These programs have been thoughtfully designed in response to the evolving demands of various industry sectors and aim to equip students with future-ready skills and knowledge.

In line with emerging global and national trends, MUJ continues to strengthen its academic portfolio by offering innovative and interdisciplinary programs. Prospective students applying in the current admission cycle will have the opportunity to enrol in these newly introduced courses.

Newly Introduced Programs:

• B. Tech in Fashion Technology

• MBA in Real Estate Management

• M. Tech in Computational Biology

• MSc in Mathematics and Computing

• B.Sc. (Honours with Research) in Physics / Chemistry / Mathematics – Dual Degree Program (in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, Australia)

These programs are designed to provide a strong blend of theoretical knowledge, practical exposure, and research-oriented learning. The dual degree program offers international exposure and opportunities for students to gain global academic experience.

The programs have been developed in consultation with industry experts and academicians to ensure alignment with current and future workforce requirements. The Key highlights of the programs include Industry-aligned and contemporary curriculum, Research-driven and experiential learning approach, Internship and strong placement opportunities, Guidance from experienced faculty and global collaborations.

The launch of an exclusive Dual Degree Program in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, Australia offers a B.Sc. (Honours with Research) in Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics from Manipal University Jaipur and Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, Australia and is designed to provide students with valuable international exposure, global academic experience, and enhanced research opportunities.

Admissions for the upcoming academic session are now open. Interested candidates may visit the official website or contact the admissions office for further details.

About Manipal University Jaipur

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) is a NAAC A+ accredited leading institution of higher education known for its commitment to quality teaching, research, and innovation. With a strong focus on holistic development and global exposure, MUJ continues to be a preferred choice for students across the country and beyond.

For more details, please visit the official website of Manipal University Jaipur: jaipur.manipal.edu

SRM AP leadership unveils brochures for AI-integrated M.Sc. Economics and M.Sc. Psychology programmes

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SRM AP, emphasised the growing importance of integrating domain knowledge with emerging technologies. “The future belongs to those who can combine strong domain expertise with AI capabilities. Whether in economics or psychology, understanding the discipline alone is no longer enough students must also be equipped to apply AI tools for analysis, prediction, and decision-making. At SRM AP, we are among the first to bring this level of integration into postgraduate education, preparing students to address real-world challenges and future uncertainties.”

Prof. Vishnupad, Dean, Easwari School of Liberal Arts, highlighted the distinct approach of the programmes. “AI is often treated as an add-on in many programmes, but at ESLA, it is deeply interwoven into the curriculum. These programmes are designed such that AI organically complements and enhances disciplinary learning. This is also a significant milestone for us, as these are the first postgraduate programmes offered by the School, reflecting our commitment to innovation in higher education.”

The M.Sc. Economics programme combines strong economic theory with AI-driven tools to address complex global challenges. Among the first of its kind in India, it integrates policy frameworks, data science, and computational methods to generate real-world insights. Students can specialise in Finance and Data Science or Development and Policy, with an optional dissertation pathway for those inclined toward research and academia, explained Dr Boddu Srujana, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics.

The M.Sc. Psychology programme is a research-intensive degree designed to meet the growing demand for skilled psychologists in technology-enabled environments. It blends core psychological science with AI-based applications across mental health, organisational, and educational domains. With a focus on experiential learning, the curriculum includes advanced research methods, psychometric assessment, machine learning-assisted analysis, and simulation-based intervention planning. Bridge courses are offered for non-psychology students to ensure foundational readiness, as elucidated Dr Ayesha Parveen Haroon, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Psychology.

These programmes offer flexible pathways, including 1-year tracks for students with four-year undergraduate degrees and 2-year tracks for those with three-year degrees. Open to graduates from diverse academic backgrounds including B. Tech (CSE and others).

Prof. Y Siva Sankar, Director Admissions, Prof. Vandana Swami, Associate Dean, Easwari School of Liberal Arts, Prof. Parag Jayant Waknis, Professor, Department of Economics, Dr Ubaid Mushtaq, Assistant Professor & Head of the Department, Department of Economics, Pankaj Belwariar, Director Communications, were present during the launch event.

These programmes aim to develop future-ready economists and psychologists who are scientifically grounded, analytically strong, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to research, industry, and society.

Visit to URSC by Sapthagiri NPS University Faculty and Students
 

During the visit, students gained insights into satellite design, development, and testing processes carried out at URSC, one of India’s important centers for satellite technology under ISRO. Experts at the facility explained various subsystems of satellites, including communication modules, power systems, and payload integration. The sessions also highlighted India’s achievements in space missions and advancements in indigenous technology.

The industrial visit was conducted over two days, allowing students to interact with scientists and engineers, observe advanced laboratories, and understand the importance of precision and innovation in space research. This experience significantly contributed to developing their technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and awareness of career opportunities in the aerospace sector. Overall, the visit proved to be highly informative and inspiring, reinforcing Sapthagiri NPS University's commitment to experiential learning and industry engagement.

The event, attended by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and senior Union Ministers, served as a global stage for the rich culinary heritage of Rajasthan.
 

Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma at Rashtrapati Bhavan with the Dignitaries
 

The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi added significant weight to the evening. While savouring the traditional delicacies, the Prime Minister personally appreciated Dr. Chef Saurabh’s craftsmanship, remarking: “It was a wonderful Rajasthani meal experience.”
 

Deepti Umashankar, Secretary to the President of India congratulated Dr. Chef Saurabh on representing Rajasthan’s culinary legacy at such a prestigious international platform. Additionally, Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor noted that the vegetarian spread was "exceptionally delicious," highlighting the chef's ability to elevate traditional flavours to world-class standards.
 

Dr. Chef Saurabh, alongside the Executive Chef of Rashtrapati Bhavan Chef Mukesh Kumar, designed a menu that functioned as a gastronomic map of Rajasthan. The "Royal Platters" featured a sophisticated fusion of traditional recipes from Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, and Jaipur, blending royal kitchen secrets with contemporary presentation.
 

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Chef Saurabh credited Manipal University Jaipur for providing him with an environment of professional freedom and encouragement. He emphasized that the University’s unwavering support played a pivotal role in enabling him to pursue his passion and achieve this significant recognition. He described the opportunity to represent Rajasthan’s culinary traditions at such a high-profile event as a defining moment in his career.
 

“This achievement is the culmination of years of dedicated research and my deep-rooted passion for my mother cuisine. I dedicate this honour to my family and to Manipal University Jaipur, whose belief in my potential gave me the wings to achieve this milestone,” said Dr. Sharma.
 

The accomplishment has brought great pride to the MUJ community. The University leadership, including Dr. Niti Nipun Sharma, President; Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar, Pro-President; Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar; and Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost, Dr. Brajesh Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Management, Commerce and Arts extended their heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Sharma. They lauded his achievement as a historic moment that underscores the University’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
 

Dr. Sharma’s feat not only highlights his individual brilliance but also reinforces Manipal University Jaipur’s growing stature as a hub of talent and global recognition. His success stands as an inspiration for aspiring chefs and students, reflecting how dedication, institutional support, and cultural pride can create impactful global narratives.

Research Quality emerged as a notable strength for Galgotias University in the 2026 THE Rankings, reflecting stronger scholarly output and growing research impact

Out of more than 1,300 universities across India, only 128 institutions have been featured in the latest edition of the rankings. Galgotias University is among this select group and has been placed 27th among private universities in India, underlining the University’s growing academic profile and rising visibility in the higher education landscape.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings evaluate institutions across a range of performance indicators including teaching quality, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry engagement. In the 2026 edition, Research Quality has emerged as a notable area of strength for Galgotias University, indicating stronger scholarly output, increasing academic visibility, and growing research impact.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “This ranking is not just a milestone for us as a university, it is a celebration of every student who dared to dream, every parent who believed in those dreams, and every Indian who takes pride in our journey. This is not just Galgotias moment, but more than that, it is a powerful reminder that this is India’s time to rise and to lead.”

Galgotias University has built a strong and dynamic research ecosystem and has secured a total of 31 patents, reflecting its growing focus on innovation and intellectual property creation. Its Scopus publication profile demonstrates significant scholarly strength with over 8,500 indexed documents, more than 65,500 citations, and an impressive h-index of 94, underscoring both the quality and impact of its research output.

Further enhancing its global standing, seven faculty members have been ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists, highlighting exceptional research contributions. In addition, the University has secured 15 government-funded research projects with total external funding of about INR 1.70 crore from prestigious agencies such as ICSSR, ANRF, CSIR, SERB, DHR, IUAC, and IIT Bombay TIH Foundation, demonstrating strong research capability, competitive grant success, and increasing recognition from leading national funding bodies.

The latest recognition adds to the University’s broader momentum in international rankings and follows its performance in the QS Subject Rankings for Computer Science, where Galgotias University was ranked 11th among private universities in India. Together, these recognitions indicate the growing reputation of the University for academic quality, innovation-led learning, and future-oriented education.

Galgotias University has continued to expand multidisciplinary programmes, strengthen research capability, deepen industry partnerships, and create international opportunities for students. The University has also invested in technology-enabled learning systems, innovation ecosystems, and career-focused academic pathways designed to prepare students for emerging opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

As it continues to invest in faculty quality, research depth, global engagement, and student outcomes, Galgotias University is steadily building the profile of a contemporary institution aligned with the aspirations of a new generation of learners.

JBCN International School, Oshiwara, Welcomes Gregor Norman Alexander Polson as The New Head Of School

With over 25 years of experience in education, Mr Polson brings with him extensive global exposure and a strong track record across leading IB and British curriculum schools in Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as the Director of Schools at Riyadh Schools Group/Misk Foundation, Saudi Arabia, where he successfully led strategic planning initiatives, accreditation processes, and community engagement efforts.

Mr Polson began his educational journey at The Regent’s International School, Thailand, and has since held a wide range of leadership positions across the world, from Chemistry Teacher to Director of Pastoral Care, Secondary Coordinator to Head of School. Over the years, he has been associated with reputed institutions such as Changzhou Trina International School, China; One World International School; The Mackay School, Chile; and Lagos Preparatory & Secondary School, Nigeria.

Across these roles, he has led strategic planning, budgeting, recruitment, curriculum development, campus redevelopment, and institutional marketing. He has also built a strong reputation for founding schools, securing accreditations, driving growth, and creating inclusive, high-performing school cultures. A strong advocate for learner well-being and all-round development, Mr Polson is known for creating learning environments where curiosity is encouraged, independent thinking is valued, and every learner is supported to reach their full potential.

He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies from University of Bath, a BSc (Hons) in Applied Chemistry from Robert Gordon University, and a Diploma in Education (International Schools) from Oxford Brookes University.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Gregor Polson to lead JBCN International School, Oshiwara. His rich global experience, deep understanding of international curricula, and commitment to building inclusive, high-performing school communities make him an exceptional fit for our ethos. At JBCN, we have always believed in nurturing curious, confident changemakers, and with Mr. Polson’s visionary leadership, we are confident that we will remain committed to strengthening our culture of excellence, innovation, and holistic development. We look forward to this exciting new chapter under his guidance,” said Mr Kunal Dalal, Managing Director, JBCN Education.

“I am delighted to join JBCN International School, Oshiwara, a community that is deeply committed to nurturing curiosity, character, and a lifelong love for learning. What resonated with me most is JBCN’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, future-ready learners through a balance of academic rigour and holistic development. I look forward to working closely with our learners educators, and parents to build on this strong foundation and foster an environment where every learner feels supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their full potential,” said Mr Gregor Norman Alexander Polson, Head of School, JBCN International School, Oshiwara.

With his rich international experience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to holistic education, Mr Polson is well positioned to lead JBCN Oshiwara into its next chapter. Under his leadership, the school will continue to strengthen its focus on academic excellence, learner well-being, and nurturing future-ready changemakers.

WE-AI Concludes First Maiden Phase of Workshops and Seminars Across Kashmir

Founded by Taleyn Tatheer Khan and co-founded by Aiza Naveed Shah under the mentorship of Priyanka Bharghav from Admit Kard, the initiative reached multiple educational institutions, including Kashmir Harvard, Green Valley Educational Institute, Presentation Convent School, Crescent Public School, SRM Welkin School Sopore, Birla Open Minds International School, and GD Goenka Public School.

Over the course of five days, the club engaged students through a series of structured sessions focused on Artificial Intelligence, engineering fundamentals, and the role of women in technology-driven fields. The workshops were designed not only to introduce technical concepts but also to cultivate confidence, leadership, and a spirit of inquiry among participants.

Unlike conventional classroom learning, the WE-AI sessions emphasized interactive engagement, including live demonstrations, idea discussions, and problem-solving exercises. Students were encouraged to explore how AI can be applied to real-life challenges, particularly in areas that impact society at large.

“The completion of this first phase is just the beginning. Our goal is to build a sustained ecosystem where students—especially young women—feel empowered to lead in technology and innovation,” said Taleyn Tatheer Khan.

“We wanted to move beyond awareness and create actual engagement. Seeing students actively participate and express curiosity about AI has been the most rewarding outcome,” added Aiza Naveed Shah.

Mentor Priyanka Bharghav noted that early exposure to emerging technologies plays a crucial role in shaping future-ready students and bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity.

The successful conclusion of this phase signals the emergence of WE-AI as a youth-driven movement with long-term vision, with plans already underway for advanced workshops, mentorship programs, and student-led innovation projects in the next phase.

L to R: Rudra JS, Insiya M. Dhorajiwala and Reshma J display their medals after their achievement at the IndiaSkills Competition 2025-26

The achievement journey spanned multiple stages, with all participating DOT students successfully clearing TN Skills, a state-level initiative led by the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation. The cohort went on to secure 2 Gold Medals and 1 Bronze Medal at the TN Skills Regional Competition, followed by a Gold Medal at the IndiaSkills National Competition.

At TN Skills, Reshma J and Rudra JS were awarded Rs. 25,000 each, while Insiya M Dhorajiwala received Rs. 10,000. The awards were presented by Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu recognising their performance at the state level and encouraging young talent to pursue excellence in skill-based domains.

At the IndiaSkills Regional Competition, Reshma J secured a Gold Medal in Digital Interactive Media, and Rudra JS won Gold in Industrial Design Technology. Insiya M Dhorajiwala earned a Bronze Medal in Graphic Design Technology. Continuing this performance at the national level, Reshma J secured the Gold Medal in Digital Interactive Media at the IndiaSkills National Competition and has qualified to represent India at the prestigious WorldSkills Competition.

The multi-stage competition framework from TN Skills to IndiaSkills regionals and nationals tested students across concept development, technical execution, and presentation, requiring them to perform in time-bound, high-pressure environments aligned with industry standards. Participants were evaluated on their ability to translate ideas into practical solutions, demonstrate precision in execution, and present their work effectively to expert juries.

The competitions also provided students with exposure to real-world problems, encouraging them to think critically, innovate, and adapt to evolving design challenges. From ideation and prototyping to final execution, each stage demanded a high level of discipline, creativity, and technical proficiency.

Faculty members at DOT School of Design played a key role throughout the journey, supporting students with structured training, technical mentorship, mock evaluations, and continuous feedback to ensure competition readiness at every stage. The institution’s focus on hands-on learning and industry-aligned training enabled students to approach each level with confidence.

In his comments, Dr AR R Raammnath, Chairman of DOT School of Design, said, “Our goal is to create an environment where students can apply their learning beyond the classroom. Platforms like TN Skills and IndiaSkills provide the right exposure for them to test their abilities, understand industry expectations, and grow into confident professionals ready for global opportunities.”

Mr Rizvi, Vice President - Strategy at DOT School of Design, added, “This achievement reflects a consistent progression across stages and the ability of our students to perform under competitive conditions. Our focus has been on preparing students holistically so they can adapt, execute, and present their ideas effectively at every level.”

Sharing her experience, Reshma J said, “Each stage challenged me to improve and perform better. Winning at the national level and moving on to WorldSkills is a proud milestone in my journey.” Rudra JS and Insiya M Dhorajiwala highlighted the learning and exposure gained through the competitions.

With strong performances across TN Skills and IndiaSkills and a pathway to WorldSkills, DOT School of Design continues to enable students to translate their skills into impactful achievements on national and global platforms. As Chennai's pioneering exclusive design college, it offers regular and global programs in Fashion Design, Communication Design, Industrial Design and Interior Design. With industry-expert faculties, DOT commits to hands-on projects, competitions, and pathways like WorldSkills equipping students to thrive in the creative industry.

Anant National University Hosts Open House 2026, Offering Aspiring Designers an Immersive Introduction to Design Education
 

Attended by more than 300 students and parents, the Open House offered students a first-hand understanding of design education at Anant. Through 50+ hands-on workshops by more than 30 Anant faculty, studio walkthroughs and engagement with faculty and current students, participants experienced how ideas evolve and how concepts lead into prototypes and solutions using real-world contexts.
 

Talking about the Open House, Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, shared, “Open House is our way of opening up the Anant campus in its entirety to students so they can experience, first-hand, what we do and how we do it. As design continues to emerge as a key driver of India’s economic growth, it is important that students understand it not as a narrow discipline, but as a broad-ranging way of practical thinking and problem-solving. Initiatives like this help build that clarity.”
 

At the core of this initiative is Anant’s approach to providing world-class design education that integrates design with technology, sustainability and interdisciplinary thinking, enabling students to engage meaningfully with the complexities of the contemporary world. Open House offered an early glimpse into this approach, enabling participants to understand how thoughtful design education leads to diverse and meaningful career pathways.
 

Access to quality design education was another critical dimension of this initiative. As design is being recognised as a serious and impactful discipline, a wider pool of talent seeks formal education in this field. By opening the campus to students from varied geographies and backgrounds, Anant aims to foster a learning ecosystem enriched by diversity of thought, experience and perspective, an essential condition for innovation within the design discipline.
 

Open House 2026 highlights the importance of experiential learning in promoting informed academic choices. By creating a platform that encourages exploration, critical engagement and reflection, Anant continues to support aspiring designers in developing a deeper, more grounded understanding of design.
 

Through initiatives like Open House, Anant National University continues to enable informed decision-making among aspiring students while advancing a design education ecosystem that is rigorous, inclusive and aligned with the evolving needs of society.

About Anant National University

Anant National University, India’s premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. Anant follows the DesignX pedagogy, where ‘X’ is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions.
 

Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset.
 

Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating’ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.

More than 100 top HR leaders from leading companies convened at Galgotias University’s annual Human Capital Symposium

The participants included CHROs, Vice Presidents, Talent Heads, and senior professionals from sectors such as financial services, technology, IT services, artificial intelligence, consulting, manufacturing, and digital enterprises, further strengthening industry relations and partnerships with Galgotias University. The symposium created a valuable interface between industry leaders, university leadership, faculty, and students, reinforcing the university’s consistent placement performance and strong recruiter engagement.

Panel discussions examined some of the most relevant workforce questions facing graduates and employers today, including whether artificial intelligence will replace jobs or redesign them, the balance between technical and human capabilities, student readiness for workplace feedback and rejection, and the growing move from degree-based hiring to skills-first recruitment.

The symposium comes alongside strong placement outcomes at Galgotias University, which has secured more than 4,700 placement offers for the Batch of 2026. Recruiters include Infosys, Capgemini, Cognizant, Accenture, EY, and several other leading organisations. Multiple students have secured offers ranging from INR 15 lakh to INR 26.6 lakh per annum.

The University has also recorded more than 80 dream offers across the Big 4 firms including Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, reflecting sustained demand for Galgotias talent across leading employers.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer of Galgotias University said, “Top HR leaders at this year’s symposium gave our students and faculty direct access and advantage to real-time hiring priorities, industry insights, and evolving skill demands. This deep industry integration keeps Galgotias University’s curriculum aligned with employer needs, strengthens career readiness, and powers one of the strongest placement records in the country, with consistently higher and better outcomes year after year."

The University’s Career Planning and Development Division played an instrumental role in conceptualising and executing the symposium, while continuing to build strong recruiter relationships and career pathways for students across disciplines.

Parisamvad 3.0 further strengthened Galgotias University’s position as an institution closely connected with industry and focused on preparing graduates for evolving professional environments.

Celebrating brilliance, dedication, and the spirit of innovation at the 10th Research Excellence Awards held at Chitkara University

The awards recognised excellence in research publications, patents, sponsored research funding, technical consultancy, and academic event leadership. The initiative reflects the University’s continued focus on strengthening its research ecosystem and promoting innovation-led education.

This ecosystem is supported by dedicated research centres, industry collaborations, access to advanced laboratories, and a strong emphasis on mentorship, enabling faculty and scholars to pursue meaningful, application-oriented research that addresses real-world challenges.

The event was attended by Ravin Nair, Managing Director, QS I-GAUGE, and Cyril Benz, Associate Director, Client Partnerships, QS I-GAUGE, highlighting the importance of global quality benchmarks in higher education and research.

This year saw a significant rise in awardees, indicating the growing scale and impact of research activities at the University. The increase reflects a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge creation.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Madhu Chitkara said, “At Chitkara University, research is not just an academic pursuit; it is a powerful tool to solve real-world challenges and create meaningful impact. The growing number of awardees this year reflects the passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our academic community. As we celebrate the tenth edition of the Research Excellence Awards, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing an environment where innovation thrives, and ideas translate into outcomes that benefit society.”

The Research Excellence Awards 2026 reinforce Chitkara University’s position as a leading research-driven university in India, contributing to global knowledge, innovation, and societal progress.

About Chitkara University
Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India's leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.

The University's academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally.

For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in.

Paisabazaar, India’s leading financial marketplace and free credit score platform, is strengthening its phygital strategy with a focussed expansion into South India. Paisabazaar will open retail stores across the region, with the first store coming up in Chennai’s T Nagar, one of the busiest commercial hubs, in the first week of May. This will be followed by two stores in Mount Road and Velachery in Chennai.

The expansion of its physical stores is in line with Paisabazaar’s focus on reaching new consumers—particularly small business owners, a credit-starved segment—and enabling easier access to credit. In the next phase, Paisabazaar will enter the Bengaluru market with three stores.

Paisabazaar is building its offline expansion in South India on the success of its retail stores in Delhi-NCR which it opened last year. Paisabazaar plans to open 100 stores across key markets including Mumbai, Delhi/NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major metros across India.

Santosh Agarwal, CEO, Paisabazaar, said, “As a platform, we have served consumers across 860 cities across India. With our expansion of retail stores, we aim to extend this reach through a physical presence as well—especially for consumers who are less comfortable navigating digital journeys and value expert guidance. Our stores will play a key role in providing that support while retaining the transparency and choice of our platform.”

These retail stores offer consumers a personalised experience to help them access the right products and best offers, across business loans, personal loans, home loans and credit cards along with expert advice to help strengthen credit profiles.

“For first-time borrowers, an in-person experience provides reassurance and confidence. This is especially important for products like home loans and business loans, where the processes are more complex and documentation is heavier. Our phygital model is designed to provide this balance — offering speed and choice digitally, plus trust and guidance physically. We see this as a catalyst for bringing more Indians into the ambit of formal credit,” Santosh Agarwal said.

Additionally, Udyam registration, GST registration, and GST filing services will also be available across all these retail stores. These services are aimed at self-employed individuals, who often face challenges arising from inadequate documentation, insufficient financial records, and limited familiarity with digital channels.
 

About Paisabazaar
Paisabazaar, a part of PB Fintech (listed since 2021), is India’s largest marketplace for consumer credit and free credit score. Over the last 11 years, Paisabazaar has earned the trust of over 55 million consumers. Paisabazaar has built 65+ partnerships withBanks, NBFCs, and fintechs to offer a broad range of credit products. Paisabazaar is ISO (27001:2013) and PCI DSS certified organisation, with industry-best controls, to safeguard the best interest of consumers.

Bisleri Champions Hydration at TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026

To ensure a world-class experience, Bisleri deploys 8 hydration stations and innovative Mist Zones at the Manekshaw Parade Ground finish area, providing runners with an essential cooling relief during the final stretch on Cubbon Road. Hydration support will be comprehensive across all categories, including the Open 10K, Senior Citizen Run, and the 4.2km Majja Run.

Commenting on the association, Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International, said, “The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is a spectacular celebration of the city’s athletic and community spirit. Our long-standing collaboration with Procam International is a cornerstone of our commitment to championing hydration at the largest participative sport spectacle in the country. We are also thrilled to have Prakash Padukone and Anisha Padukone headlining our presence.”

Mr.Vivek Singh, Jt.MD. Procam International, “Our journey with Bisleri has been instrumental in shaping the TCS World 10K Bengaluru into a world-class event. Hydration is the backbone of any race, and having a partner that understands the technical demands of elite athletes while celebrating the spirit of the running community is invaluable. This year, having legends like Prakash Padukone and Anisha Padukone join the fold further elevates the event, making it a true celebration of fitness and endurance for the city.”

Mr. Prakash Padukone, Athlete, “The TCS World 10K Bengaluru continues to inspire with its spirit of resilience and community. Hydration remains key to every athlete’s performance, and Bisleri has truly elevated the experience with its seamless support. The Limited Edition bottles are a fitting tribute to our marathon icons and their legacy.”

Ms. Anisha Padukone, Mental Health Advocate & Fitness Enthusiast, “Fitness is as much about mental resilience as it is about physical endurance, and the TCS World 10K is the ultimate celebration of that balance. It is inspiring to see the Bengaluru community come together in such a positive and high-spirited way. I am happy to be part of this journey with Bisleri, ensuring that every runner is empowered and hydrated as they push their limits and celebrate their personal milestones."

Sustainability remains at the heart of this partnership through Bisleri’s ‘Greener Promise’ initiative. The event will showcase benches made from recycled plastic at key rest spots, serving as a tangible reminder of the brand’s commitment to responsible living and a circular economy. Additionally, celebrating the athletic spirit of the city, Bisleri launched Limited Edition bottles featuring iconic marathoners, Soniya, Abhishek Pal and Harmanjot Singh.

From ensuring peak performance through hydration to leading environmental action, Bisleri continues to champion both the runner and the planet.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd
With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

(L–R): Bharat Kumar Kandukuri, Srinivas Moramchetty, Ali Kasmani, Paresh Prabhakar, Puja Tomar, Saina Nehwal, Saurav Ghosal and Pavit Singh at Folium by Sumadhura launch, Bengaluru

The other dignitaries who graced the grand unveil included Paresh Prabhakar, Tiger Shroff’s mentor & Business Head at Matrix Dance Academy, Ali Kasmani, Head of Operations, Michael Phelps Swimming along with Mr. Srinivas Moramchetty, Director- Sales & Marketing, Sumadhura Group, Mr. Bharat Kumar Kandukuri, Director, Sumadhura Group and Pavit Singh, Founder, Ileseum Clubs.

Adding an unforgettable experiential layer to the evening, the event featured exclusive celebrity-led activities, where residents won a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience immersive sessions with sports legends at their respective branded academies within the clubhouse. Participants stepped onto the court with Saina Nehwal for an interactive badminton session, rallied with Saurav Ghosal on the squash court, engaged in an energizing MMA session led by Puja Tomar, and joined high-energy, professionally guided dance sessions conducted by Matrix Dance Academy—adding a dynamic layer of creativity, movement, and engagement to the experience.

The event drew an impressive turnout of 1000+ participants including residents and lifestyle enthusiasts, reflecting strong interest in this pioneering concept.

With this collaboration at Folium by Sumadhura, world-class academies such as Michael Phelps Swimming, UFC FIT, Saurav Ghosal Squash, and Matrix Dance Academy are entering Bengaluru, bringing global-standard lifestyle experiences to the city. Additionally, Badminton Pros is launching its first-ever residential community academy in Bengaluru at Folium.

Commenting on this momentous occasion, Mr. Srinivas Moramchetty, Director-Sales & Marketing, Sumadhura Group said, “Folium is one of our signature developments, and this Branded Clubhouse reflects how we are reimagining urban living in Bengaluru. In a city shaped by long commutes and traffic, access to quality lifestyle experiences is often limited. With this initiative, Sumadhura has redefined and elevated urban lifestyles by bringing professionally managed, world-class sports, fitness, recreation, and wellness experiences directly into residents’ everyday lives, bringing in global experiences to one’s doorstep, eliminating the need to travel, and giving time back to what truly matters. For us, curating Bengaluru and Hyderabad’s first residential Branded Clubhouse goes far beyond convenience; it reflects a conscious effort to elevate lifestyle standards, enabling healthier routines, nurturing talent, and fostering stronger community connections. We have gone above and beyond to deliver a future-ready lifestyle that is active, seamless, and truly world-class for our customers.”

Expressing enthusiasm, Saina Nehwal, Co-Founder of Badminton Pros Academy said, ”Partnering with Folium to bring my badminton academy into a branded residential clubhouse alongside other iconic academies is a very special opportunity. In a city like Bengaluru, where badminton is deeply loved and part of the sporting culture, this initiative feels especially meaningful. It allows residents to access structured coaching, professional training, and best mentorship within their own community, bringing the sport closer to everyday life. This can help nurture young talent, encourage more families to take up badminton, and strengthen the city’s already vibrant sporting ecosystem, shaping India’s next generation of badminton champions and elevating the country’s presence on the global stage. I am happy to be part of a vision that makes world-class badminton a natural part of daily living.”

Managed by Ileseum Clubs - one of India’s fastest growing lifestyle delivery companies, the Branded Clubhouse at Folium is not just an amenity—it is a fully integrated, professionally curated lifestyle ecosystem. Through strategic collaborations with six globally recognized academies at Folium, residents gain unparalleled access to world-class training, featuring global, Olympic-level methodologies, thoughtfully designed programs, and immersive experiences delivered in association with distinguished academies such as:

• Badminton Pros by Saina Nehwal

• Saurav Ghosal Squash

• UFC FIT

• Matrix Dance Academy

• Michael Phelps Swimming

• Mahesh Bhupathi Tennis Academies

With Ileseum Clubs overseeing program design, global partnerships, certified coach onboarding, and day-to-day operations, the Branded Clubhouse at Folium benefits from strong operational and experiential support. This ensures seamless, year-round engagement that sustains wellness routines, skill development, and continuous talent progression for residents.

Sumadhura Group plans to integrate Branded Clubhouses across select upcoming marquee residential projects in Bengaluru.

About Sumadhura Group

With three decades of legacy, Sumadhura Group is known for its prime locations, ahead-of-time delivery, high quality, and smart design in residential, commercial and warehousing projects, catering to a cross-section of home buyers and business entities in the real estate landscape of South India.

Sumadhura’s unique customer-centric approach and commitment to delivering excellence and superior products have earned the company-wide recognition as a credible and reliable entity in the industry, across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The brand promise of “Foundation of Happiness” mirrors the group’s commitment to becoming the very foundation upon which happiness is built.

With over 56 projects delivered, spanning over 17 million square feet, and over 40 million square feet in the pipeline, Sumadhura has emerged as a prominent brand in the fast-evolving market of developers. Evolving beyond residential developments, the group has expanded its portfolio into commercial, warehousing, co-living, and other real estate verticals to cater to diverse customer needs.

Dignitaries present in the lamp lighting ceremony of EKAM 2026 at Manipal University Jaipur

A total of 497 students enrolled this academic year in various online programmes including MBA, MCA, BCA, BBA, BCom, MCom, MA-JMC, M.Sc. Mathematics, and MA Economics, participated in the one-day annual event. Designed as an interactive platform, Ekam aims to foster collaboration, networking, and holistic development among online learners.

The programme commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. The occasion was graced by Dr. N. N. Sharma, President, MUJ; Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar; Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost; Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadapa, Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE); and Mr. Ambrish Sinha, CEO, UNext Learning Pvt. Ltd., along with the first registered learner for the event.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadapa expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of students and described Ekam as a significant milestone in the online learning journey. He highlighted that the event provides learners with an opportunity to experience the university environment firsthand while gaining fresh perspectives beyond virtual classrooms.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. N. N. Sharma, President, Manipal University Jaipur announced new initiatives for online students, including a Campus Immersion Program and Research Mentorship. These initiatives aim to enhance students’ academic exposure, strengthen research capabilities, and provide practical learning opportunities. He also emphasised on the opportunity for the learners in the campus immersion program in the world class Bloomberg lab here in the MUJ campus. Dr. Sharma said that the online learners are an integral part of Manipal fraternity.

The event featured a range of activities that encouraged interaction and creativity. Students and faculty members showcased their talents through music, dance, theatre, and poetry performances, creating an engaging and inclusive atmosphere. Participants also engaged in meaningful face-to-face discussions with faculty, enriching their academic journey.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Kasinathan S, Deputy Director, CDOE, who expressed gratitude to all participants and dignitaries for making the programme a success.

To know more about Manipal University Jaipur please visit: www.jaipur.manipal.edu.

Blue Blocks Montessori School students and founder Pavan Goyal at ISRO Mission Control during the PSLV-C62launch of their student-built satellite, January 2026

Co-founders Pavan Goyal and Munira Hussain will lead an official breakout session at the congress on May 3rd — the same day that Dr. Adele Diamond (Canada Research Chair Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, University of British Columbia) delivers her keynote address. The congress also features Dr. Gabor Maté (Order of Canada, New York Times bestselling author of The Myth of Normal) as opening keynote and workshop leader, Dr. Angeline Stoll Lillard (Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia; author of Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius), and AMI President Professor Alain Tschudin (UNESCO Gandhi-Montessori-Luthuli Chair on Education for Peace, Stellenbosch University).

Blue Blocks Montessori School is the only school from India represented as speakers at this congress, one of only two Indian voices at a global gathering spanning speakers from over 15 countries.

Official Breakout: Montessori and Innovation: A Design Thinking Workshop for a Changing World
On May 3rd, 2026, from 12:00 to 13:00, Pavan Goyal and Munira Hussain will lead the session ‘Montessori and Innovation: A Design Thinking Workshop for a Changing World’ — confirmed on the official AMI Congress programme at montessoricongress2026.org/program. The session is listed alongside breakout sessions by Junnifa Uzodike and Simone Davies (co-authors of The Montessori Baby and The Montessori Child, translated into over 30 languages).

The session combines a presentation on how Montessori pedagogy builds innovative capacity across the developmental continuum with a hands-on Design Thinking workshop where educators and students practise together as active collaborators. Participants — both adults and young learners — work through empathy, ideation, and prototyping in real time.

The session draws on Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute’s 19-year longitudinal data panel of 1,047 Indian children across the AMI Montessori continuum from birth to 18 years — the only data panel of its kind in India. The pre-registration for this congress presentation is published with open access on OSF (DOI: 10.5281/OSF.IO/ST9H2).

“The session demonstrates the Blue Blocks approach in real time,” said Pavan Goyal. “Children are not just capable of learning — they are capable of designing, constructing, creating, innovating, and inventing. Not someday. While still at school.”

Blue Blocks Adolescents at the Congress
Blue Blocks adolescents will also be present at the congress, sharing the story of SBB-1 — the CubeSat satellite payload designed and built entirely by school-age students at Blue Blocks — alongside presentations by adolescents from Montessori schools worldwide.

SBB-1 received formal authorization from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Department of Space, Government of India, under reference PMA/IN-SPACe/AUTH/2026/115 — the first such authorization issued for a payload whose primary engineering authorship sat with school-age learners. The payload was integrated with ISRO’s PSLV-C62 launch vehicle. The launch experienced an anomaly during the ascent phase on January 12, 2026, and the payload was lost along with the rest of the manifested cargo, through no fault in the SBB-1 hardware, which had completed its full qualification campaign.

Blue Blocks treated the loss not as a programme failure but as a documented research protocol. Three independent observation streams were active across the build and launch period: the engineering record, the learner-development record tracking how adolescents processed a public and irreversible loss, and the programme-level record. Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute holds the position — explicitly and on the record — that an educational programme whose outcomes are inadmissible to failure cannot be a serious vehicle for adolescent development.

At the congress, Blue Blocks formally announces SBB-2 — the second-generation student-built satellite payload. SBB-2 will be designed by the next adolescent cohort, with SBB-1 alumni serving as mentors and reviewers. Three methodological improvements distinguish SBB-2: an external academic partner involved from the concept phase, a pre-registered observation protocol with an external co-investigator, and an independently auditable data pipeline for any on-orbit data received.

The student presentation also highlights additional innovation outcomes: five patents filed by school-age children in drone design, dedicated to Dr. Maria Montessori on her 150th birthday, and ongoing work in biomimicry, space education, and autonomous vehicle systems — all designed and built by students within the AMI Erdkinder framework.

“These are not students presenting a school project,” said Munira Hussain. “They are the engineers who designed, prototyped, tested, and built a satellite payload that received formal authorization from the Government of India. They are presenting their own work, in their own words, to the world’s foremost Montessori community.”

About Blue Blocks Montessori School
Blue Blocks Montessori School, established in 2005 in Hyderabad (Gachibowli and Tellapur campuses), offers a Montessori continuum from birth to age 18 with the highest concentration of AMI-trained guides of any school in India. Founder Pavan Goyal holds AMI international diplomas at all four developmental levels (0–3, 3–6, 6–12, and 12–18) — the first person globally to hold this combination. Co-founder Munira Hussain is an AMI Auxiliary Trainer holding AMI diplomas for the 3–6 and 6–12 levels. Together, they have over 19 years of experience and have worked with more than 45,000 parents worldwide.

Blue Blocks is listed on the Association Montessori Internationale website — the only school to receive a hyperlinked listing. Pavan Goyal serves as a Trustee of the Indian Montessori Foundation (IMF) and leads the AMI Bold Goal Movement’s research initiative.

About Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute
Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute is India’s only K–12 institution functioning as an independent research publisher. The institute has published 30+ open-access research records on Zenodo, OSF, SSRN, and Harvard Dataverse, and maintains a longitudinal observational data panel spanning 19 years and 1,047 Indian children across the full AMI developmental continuum — the only data panel of its kind in India.

The institute’s recent work includes the only empirical study globally documenting how Indian children in a non-conflict nation processed the Iran crisis of 2026, and prior international presentations at the Nobel Peace Centre, Oslo (MONISC 2026) and TEDxHyderabad 2026. Pavan Goyal and Munira Hussain co-authored the book Lining the Nest.

SIMATS Breaks Into Asia’s Top Tier: Research Impact Drives Growth

Benchmarking Against Asia’s Best: A Standout in Research Impact
While many legacy institutions rely on historical prestige, SIMATS’ performance is driven by contemporary academic strength, particularly in research influence, with a research quality score of 90.7 that places it in a rarefied bracket of Asian universities demonstrating near-elite citation impact, often rivaling and exceeding far older institutions. Its international outlook score of 71.8 reflects strong global engagement, cross-border collaborations, and international academic visibility, while an overall score of 52.0, securing Rank 128 in Asia among nearly 1,000 universities, highlights balanced excellence across teaching, research, and industry engagement.

A Data-Driven Disruption in Asian Higher Education
The THE framework evaluates universities across 18 calibrated performance indicators, making this achievement statistically robust and globally comparable. SIMATS’ exceptional research quality score underscores high citation density per publication, the global relevance of its research outputs, and strong recognition within the international academic community, positioning the institution alongside top-tier Asian research universities as a serious contender rather than merely an emerging player.

Outpacing the Conventional Growth Curve
SIMATS represents a new model of institutional excellence in Asia through rapid yet structured academic scaling, the translation of research output into real-world impact, and the integration of multidisciplinary domains such as health sciences, engineering, and technology into a unified research ecosystem. Unlike institutions that have evolved over centuries, SIMATS demonstrates how strategic focus and execution can accelerate growth without compromising quality or credibility.

Strategic Positioning: From Participant to Contender
The university is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a high-performing national institution into a globally competitive Asian university, shifting from volume-driven output to impact-driven research leadership, and expanding from regional engagement to strong international academic integration.

Leadership Perspective
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SIMATS, stated, “Our focus has never been on incremental progress—it has been on building an institution that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in Asia. This ranking validates that approach. We are not benchmarking ourselves locally; we are benchmarking globally—and delivering.”

The Road Ahead
 Building on this strong foundation, SIMATS is strategically advancing toward a Top 100 position in Asia, expanding global research collaborations and high-impact co-authored publications, strengthening innovation ecosystems connecting academia, healthcare, and industry, and scaling AI-driven academic and research infrastructure.

About SIMATS
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, is a leading multidisciplinary university recognized for high-impact research, innovation-driven education, and global engagement. With a clear vision to redefine academic excellence in Asia, SIMATS continues to emerge as a next-generation global university.

Viknesh Jain & Abhishek Jain with the Euronics Team at ECCL Season 3

At a time when the popularity of the Indian Premier League has reinforced cricket’s ability to bring people together across cities, industries and communities, corporate cricket leagues are emerging as a new way for brands and businesses to create stronger employee engagement and industry relationships. In India, cricket has increasingly moved beyond being just a sport to becoming a platform for connection, identity and shared experiences, and ECCL reflects that same shift within the corporate ecosystem.

The Mumbai leg marked the culmination of the multi-city tournament, featuring 24 teams competing across 23 matches. Over the season, ECCL saw participation from companies spanning real estate, architecture, design and allied corporate sectors, with 20 to 50 organisations participating in each city edition. Leading brands such as K Raheja Corp, Sobha Limited, CBRE, Prestige Group, Colliers, Knight Frank, Cushman & Wakefield and Space Matrix were among the participants.

Moving beyond conventional networking formats such as meetings, exhibitions and conferences, ECCL is positioned as a sport-led platform that enables professionals to build relationships outside formal business settings. By bringing teams together on the field rather than across boardrooms, the initiative creates a more informal and collaborative environment for engagement across the ecosystem.

Delhi NCR saw the highest participation with 48 teams, where Design Forum International emerged as champions and Proion Consultants finished as runners-up. In Bengaluru, Team Zyeta secured the title, with Team CBRE as runners-up, while Hyderabad hosted 16 teams, with RK Interiors CFS (India) Pvt Ltd emerging as champions and Interia finishing as runners-up. The Mumbai finale saw Architect Hafeez Contractor crowned champions, with HOSMAC India Pvt. Ltd. finishing as runners-up.

Speaking on the conclusion of Season 3, Viknesh Jain said: “Cricket has always had a unique ability to bring people together in India and the IPL has shown how the sport can create a sense of community, identity and engagement far beyond the game itself. ECCL brings that same spirit into the corporate world. What started as a cricket tournament has steadily evolved into a platform where professionals step away from formal roles, connect more openly and build stronger business relationships. The scale we are seeing today, with participation from over 200 companies across four cities, reflects a growing need for more human, experience-led ways of building business ecosystems.”

Abhishek Jain added: “What makes ECCL work is the shift in context. When architects, developers, consultants and corporate teams come together on the field, conversations change and hierarchies dissolve. It creates a more natural way for people to connect, which is often difficult to achieve in formal business environments. Increasingly, brands are recognising that cricket can be a powerful platform not only for visibility, but also for building stronger communities within and around their organisations.”

Over three seasons, ECCL has steadily evolved into a platform that brings together diverse industry voices through shared experiences, reinforcing Euronics’ focus on building communities alongside its core business.

Campus Activewear Certified as India’s Top Employer for 2026 by Top Employers Institute

Active in 131 countries/regions, Top Employers Institute is a global authority in HR certification, benchmarking and advisory. Its program evaluates organization’s through a comprehensive HR Best Practices Survey across key domains such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing. Campus Activewear’s top ranking reflects its ability to build a workplace where employees can thrive, innovate, and grow, guided by its core values of Creativity, Agility, Massively Enterprising, Positivity, Unrelenting Customer Centricity, and Success as a shared journey.

The certification follows a comprehensive evaluation process, including surveys, validation, and independent audits, reinforcing the company’s alignment with global HR standards. It also highlights Campus Activewear’s continued focus on fostering a conducive, people-centric work environment as it scales its presence across India.

Commenting on the recognition Nikhil Aggarwal, Whole time Director and CEO, Campus Activewear said, “Being recognized as one of the Top Employer in India is a milestone that belongs to every member of the Campus family. Our growth as a brand is intrinsically linked to the growth of our people. We remain committed to evolving our workplace with agility and positivity, ensuring that Campus remains a place where talent is nurtured and collective milestones are celebrated. This certification validates our efforts to build a culture where every individual feels empowered to take ownership and think big.”

Speaking on this, Alka Monga, AVP – HR, Campus Activewear, said, “This recognition reaffirms our belief that when individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered, they bring their best selves to work every day. At Campus, we strive to create an environment where people are encouraged to take initiative, think boldly, and make meaningful contributions. When our people feel connected and inspired, it not only strengthens our culture but also fuels stronger outcomes for the organisation.”

Since its inception, Campus has consistently invested in building robust HR frameworks, fostering a culture of innovation, and prioritizing employee wellbeing across all levels. This accreditation further strengthens its position as a leader in the athleisure footwear segment and reinforces its role as a forward-looking player in the Indian retail industry, with Campus Activewear continuing to drive growth by balancing operational excellence with a strong commitment to its people.

About Campus Activewear Ltd.

Campus is one of India’s largest sports and athleisure footwear brands in terms of value and volume in Fiscal 2021. In 2005, Mr. Hari Krishan Agarwal, with his acumen, skill, and innovative thinking, started a never-to-end revolution in the footwear industry with Campus Activewear. Today, the flagship brand ‘’Campus’’ has emerged as one of India’s biggest domestic sports and athleisure footwear brands, offering a diverse product portfolio for the entire family. With the changing market dynamics, Campus has sustained its focus on product design and innovation by facilitating access to the latest global trends and styles through a fashion-forward approach. With over 23,000 retail touchpoints, over 300+ company exclusive outlets, a website (campusshoes.com), and being one of the top brands available on e-commerce portals, Campus has secured its pan India presence while capturing the imagination of millions of people across Omni-channel platforms. The brand offers multiple choices across styles, colour palettes, price points, and an attractive product value proposition making Campus, an aspirational brand, especially for young adults, everyday performers, and fashionistas. Strengthening the brand's leadership position in India, Campus was listed on NSE and BSE in May 2022.

India’s modern history has been shaped by transformative revolutions in self-sufficiency, led by visionary leaders. The Green Revolution in India of the 1960s turned the nation from food-deficit to food-secure—averting famine and ensuring grain stability. This was followed by the White Revolution in India of the 1970s, which made India the world’s largest milk producer, uplifting millions of farmers and building one of the strongest cooperative movements the world has seen.
 

Today, India proudly witnesses the rise of a new movement—the Aged spirit Revolution—driven by Mr. Jagdale. For over 25 years, he has, quite literally, carried the Indian aged spirit category on his shoulders—both witnessing and driving its evolution from the very first case sold to an industry that now stands at nearly 7 lakh cases in the luxury category, translating to a value of ~Rs. 1,000 crore— is a testament to his vision and perseverance.
 

At a time when India was scarcely considered in the global aged spirit conversation, Rakshit Jagdale dared to challenge convention. Armed with conviction and guided by the legacy of his father, Neelakanta Rao Jagdale, he posed a question that would redefine an industry: “How do we elevate what my fellow Indians consume?”
 

With this singular objective, the rise of Rakshit N Jagdale reads less like a corporate journey and more like the forging of a national industry against the currents of global skepticism. In the early years, when the very idea of an Indian aged spirit was met with doubt, his efforts took on the character of quiet defiance—carrying samples across continents, engaging skeptics, and insisting that India could stand shoulder to shoulder with the traditional aged spirit capitals of the world.
 

Under his stewardship, Amrut Distilleries evolved from a pioneering outlier into a standard-bearer for an entire category. Its expanding portfolio, global footprint, and steady accumulation of international honours became, in effect, the scaffolding upon which the Indian aged spirit industry would rise. What began as a singular pursuit gradually transformed into a broader movement—one that inspired distillers across the country to reimagine both ambition and craft.
 

It was Rakshit Jagdale who revealed India’s true potential to the global spirits industry. Where fellow distillers once saw only scale, he demonstrated quality and acceptability —prompting global players to enter the Indian aged spirit space and accelerate the journey of premiumization across the category.
 

From the fields that fed the nation, to the dairies that nourished it—and now to the distilleries shaping its global identity—India’s journey has been one of reinvention. Within this arc, Rakshit Jagdale stands as the principal architect of India’s aged spirit renaissance— one who gave the category global credibility and a distinctly Indian voice

About Amrut Distilleries

Amrut Distilleries founded in 1948 by the late Mr. Radhakrishna Jagdale in Bangalore, India, is part of the NR Jagdale group. Amrut has grown into one of Karnataka's leading industrial firms, boasting 1,600 employees and significant financial success. 
 

Ujjwal Pratap joins Galgotias University to lead strategic communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement

In his new role at the University, Pratap will lead strategic communications, media relations, thought leadership initiatives, internal communication systems, and brand-building efforts across key stakeholder groups including students, parents, faculty, recruiters, regulators, and global partners.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University  said, “As a young university, we have made steady progress and evolved to be amongst the leading private universities in the country, with a substantial student and faculty community across diverse disciplines. The University is entering a new phase marked by sharper academic ambition, wider external engagement, and increased national visibility. Pratap brings valuable experience across institutions and international organisations, and his appointment will help strengthen how we communicate our academic excellence, research outcomes, institutional progress, strategic priorities, and public purpose.”

Speaking on his appointment, Ujjwal Pratap said, “Galgotias University stands at an important juncture in its evolution, with growing academic scale, wider recognition, and expanding ambitions. My endeavour will be to build a communications architecture that is contemporary and keeps the information needs of our stakeholders at its centre, while ensuring that the achievements, ideas, and aspirations of the University are articulated with consistency and substance.”

Pratap brings more than two decades of national and international experience across higher education, financial services, consulting, business intelligence, and corporate communications. In his most recent role, he served as Director of Branding and Communications at Ahmedabad University, where he led institutional brand strategy, media engagement, thought leadership, admissions communications, digital positioning, and strategic campaigns.

Earlier in his career, he held strategic roles at leading international organisations such as The Bank of New York Mellon and Teleperformance. He has also worked with Bain & Company, one of the world’s leading management consulting firms, on engagement with international media across North America, South East Asia, and EMEA, as well as executive communication and leadership engagement initiatives. Across these assignments, he has worked on executive visibility, media relations, market intelligence, stakeholder communications, and reputation management.

He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication, earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science from University of Delhi, completed an executive education program in finance from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, and also holds an LLB degree.

The appointment comes as Galgotias University continues to expand its academic footprint, deepen industry and global partnerships, and build greater visibility for its work across teaching, research, innovation, and student outcomes.

Students at Supercharge ’26, Powered by Apple, held at Chitkara University

Building on the success of previous editions, Supercharge ’26 brought together students from Computer Science & Engineering programmes in a dynamic learning environment focused on exploration, creation, and hands-on application. The event enabled participants to engage directly with Apple technologies, interact with industry experts, and translate ideas into real-world solutions.

The experience was anchored in three core pillars: “Develop the Future” plenary sessions, hands-on workshops to create app prototypes, and spotlight sessions exploring the capabilities of Mac. Industry experts and keynote speakers from Apple and the technology ecosystem shared insights on iOS innovation, emerging digital skills, and the evolving global tech landscape.

Workshops offered immersive exposure to macOS and iOS development, encouraging participants to build functional prototypes and transform concepts into working applications. Spotlight sessions highlighted the role of Mac in enhancing creativity, productivity, and innovation for learners in modern digital environments.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Madhu Chitkara stated, “Supercharge ’26 exemplified our commitment to bridging classroom learning with industry expectations. By integrating students with experts and advanced tools, we created a platform where ideas transform into impactful solutions for real-world challenges.”

Supercharge ’26 continues to strengthen the collaboration between academia and industry, empowering learners with practical skills, creative confidence, and the ability to innovate for the future of technology.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India's leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.

The University's academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally.

For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in.

According to Nicole Junkermann, founder of Gameday by NJF Holdings, the most significant long-term opportunities may lie beyond individual teams and headline franchise valuations, and instead in the strength of leagues themselves.
 

Nicole Junkermann: The Future of Sport Will Be Built at League Level
 

India’s success in cricket has already demonstrated the power of league-based sport at scale. From franchise models and media rights to sponsorship, digital engagement and fan loyalty, cricket has shown how professionally structured competitions can create enormous enterprise value.

But Nicole Junkermann believes that story is only the beginning.

“What cricket has proven in India is that sport, when organised well, can become a powerful economic platform,” said Nicole Junkermann. “The next opportunity is to apply those lessons across a broader sporting ecosystem.”

As India’s sports economy expands across media, technology, infrastructure and fan engagement, she believes the next wave of value creation will come from stronger league ecosystems built for scale, consistency and modern audiences.

India has already demonstrated what is possible when sport meets ambition, entrepreneurship and digital adoption. Large audiences, strong brand engagement and mobile-first consumption have helped create one of the world’s most dynamic markets for live sport.

But the opportunity now extends beyond cricket alone.

Across football, volleyball, kabaddi, women’s sport and emerging formats, India has the foundations to build multiple high-growth properties over the coming decade.

Nicole Junkermann said markets that invest early in league structures, technology platforms and fan ecosystems are likely to be best placed as the sector matures.

“When leagues invest in common capabilities - media production, scheduling, governance systems, data infrastructure and direct fan relationships - they become stronger commercial platforms,” she said. “That benefits teams, athletes, sponsors, broadcasters and supporters alike.”

The comments come at a time of rising international interest in India’s consumer economy and digital entertainment sector. With a young population, growing disposable income and deep digital habits, India is increasingly viewed as a market where sport can scale rapidly and sustainably.

She also highlighted women’s sport as a major growth area, where professional league models can accelerate participation, visibility and long-term sponsorship demand.

“The future of sport will belong to markets that think beyond the next season,” said Junkermann. “India has the talent, the audience and the ambition to build platforms with global relevance.”

Through Gameday by NJF Holdings, Nicole Junkermann has backed a long-term approach to sport focused on structural growth, digital transformation and league-level value creation across international markets.

As India’s sports ecosystem continues to evolve, attention is increasingly turning to what comes next.

About Gameday by NJF Holdings
Gameday by NJF Holdings is a sports investment and strategic platform founded by Nicole Junkermann, focused on building long-term value across leagues, media and sports technology. Its approach centres on structural growth, digital transformation and scalable fan ecosystems.

The platform is the largest shareholder in Italy’s professional women’s volleyball league, Lega Volley Femminile (LVF), where it is supporting league-level commercial and digital development. Gameday by NJF Holdings is also behind Cayo TV, a next-generation sports media platform designed to expand access, engagement and modern distribution for live sport audiences.

For more information visit: www.njfsportsandmedia.com.

Rahat Shuja and Khushi Kumari of Galgotias University, winners of the Verdict National Debate Competition at Cognizance 2026, IIT Roorkee

Rahat Shuja, a third year B.Tech student in Electronics and Communication Engineering with specialisation in AI and Machine Learning, and Khushi Kumari, a first year MCA student with specialisation in AI and Machine Learning, emerged winners against participants from leading universities and institutions across India.

“Being able to attend an important event like Cognizance at IIT Roorkee itself was a significant opportunity for us. Having the freedom to participate across multiple areas, along with the encouragement and support of our faculty, made the experience even more meaningful. Winning the competition is, in many ways, a byproduct of the exposure and support we receive, which enables us to compete with outstanding students from across the country. At times, it still feels surreal,” said Rahat Shuja.

Their success demonstrated critical thinking, multidisciplinary perspective, the ability to evaluate competing viewpoints, confidence under pressure, and the skill to present reasoned arguments with conviction. These capabilities are increasingly valued across business, public life, entrepreneurship, research, and leadership roles.

“Representing Galgotias University alongside my teammate Rahat at the Senate Hall of IIT Roorkee was an unforgettable experience. Our objective was to compete at the highest level and present our arguments with clarity, precision, and confidence. Debating demands psychological strength as well as logic, and at Cognizance we remained focused, composed, and strategic throughout. Securing the championship for Galgotias University at Verdict is deeply meaningful for us. It reflects the value of preparation, teamwork, and the confidence that comes from sharpening one’s thinking. We are proud of the result and grateful for the opportunity,” said Khushi Kumari.

As technology drives paradigm shift in industries and automates routine processes, organisations are placing greater emphasis on graduates who can understand complexity, exercise sound judgment, collaborate across teams, communicate clearly, and articulate credible solutions to difficult problems.

Universities therefore have a larger responsibility in the present era. Academic depth remains essential, while critical thinking, communication, adaptability, ethical reasoning, and composure in unfamiliar situations have become equally relevant.

At Galgotias University, student development is approached through this broader lens. Academic programmes provide disciplinary rigour, while debates, innovation challenges, research forums, entrepreneurship platforms, cultural activities, and industry engagement help students strengthen judgement, initiative, voice, and confidence.

The accomplishment of Rahat Shuja and Khushi Kumari illustrates the value of that environment. Their achievement demonstrates that student success is increasingly dependent on opportunities that extend beyond the classroom preparing them for a dynamic world.

Galgotias University extends its appreciation to the organisers of Cognizance 2026 at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee for creating a national platform that celebrates intellect, dialogue, and competitive excellence.

David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center

Positioned as one of the most ambitious and prestigious global awards ever created, the AMARA Hall of Fame Awards is designed to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Global Indian Icons and International visionaries: bringing together the crème de la crème and the true “Who’s Who” across a variety of genres—under one roof.

This unprecedented platform will honor excellence across a powerful and diverse spectrum of categories including Cinema, Music, Fashion, Business, Technology, Sports, Comedy, Media, Literature, Medicine, Culinary Arts, Philanthropy & Social Impact.

The event promises an unparalleled evening of grandeur, influence and cultural significance, featuring spectacular world-class Bollywood and Hollywood performances, cutting-edge production and an atmosphere and ambiance that rivals the most celebrated global award shows.

With a multi-million strong global audience across broadcast, digital and social platforms, the AMARA Hall of Fame Awards is poised to deliver exceptional international visibility and engagement attracting an elite audience of global leaders, celebrities, innovators, investors and other influential personalities.

A select circle of global leaders, leading brands, distinguished individuals, businesses, corporations and high-net-worth individuals are being invited to align with, participate in and explore sponsorship opportunities at the AMARA Hall of Fame Awards at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center. A platform that promises to deliver multi-million eyeball visibility at the highest level and unparalleled prestigious elite association and powerful global impact.

With a multi-million strong global audience across television, digital and social platforms this event is expected to attract an elite gathering of global leaders, CEOs, founders, celebrities, investors and cultural icons: reinforcing its position as a premier international convergence of influence and excellence. An unprecedented gathering of 50 global icons under one roof—never done before—imagine the privilege of being part of such a rare and extraordinary moment.

Mr. Kamal Dandona, Chairman of the AMARA Hall of Fame Awards, stated, “The AMARA Hall of Fame Awards is far more than an event—it is the birth of a global institution. For the first time, we are bringing together icons, leaders, and visionaries from across the world on one stage in a way that has never been done before, creating a defining moment that will redefine how excellence is celebrated globally.”

The platform is supported by a distinguished Advisory Council of globally respected leaders, visionaries and industry experts across multiple disciplines.

The AMARA Hall of Fame Awards is expected to become a Flagship Global Institution, celebrating excellence while strengthening the cultural and professional bridge between India, the United States and the rest of the world.

A word about the promoters behind the Amara Hall of Fame Awards. This event is produced by the same creators of some of the most successful international award’s events held prior to AMARA, which brought together global superstars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Michael Jackson, Amitabh Bachchan, Bradley Cooper, Richard Gere, Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Sharon Stone, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, and the late Rajesh Khanna, among many others. We have a proven legacy of delivering world-class, star-studded global events spanning several decades.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind concept: bringing together global icons on one stage, something we’ve never seen before!

Follow the AMARA Hall of Fame Awards on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates. This is just the beginning—many more global icons, stars, and performers will be announced as the journey unfolds.

Dreamtime Learning elevates Sudip Saha from Chief Business Officer to Co-Founder, marking a shift from building systems to shaping the brand's global growth journey

Backed by Gruhas, the investment vehicle of Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai, Dreamtime Learning operates a curriculum backed by brain and behavioural science across an online school, micro-school campuses, a partner school network, and a dedicated Southeast Asia entity. The organisation currently serves 2,000+ enrolled learners through its online school, runs two micro-school campuses in Pune and Hyderabad, and operates 80+ partner schools across India, Malaysia, Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia through its “Powered by Dreamtime Learning” programme.

Sudip joined right before the beginning in 2023 with a mandate to translate Dreamtime’s educational vision into scalable formats with measurable impact across geographies. Over three years, he drove enrollment growth in the online school to 2,000+ active learners, expanded the partner school network across five international markets, and operationalised two micro-school campuses as a proof-of-concept for a format the organisation plans to scale to additional cities. He led the incorporation and go-to-market for Dreamtime Learning Asia in Malaysia, structuring it as a standalone entity with locally accredited curriculum pathways, independent partnerships, and its own growth targets for the Southeast Asian market.

As Co-Founder, Sudip Saha takes co-ownership of Dreamtime Learning’s next chapter: where the organisation expands, which markets it bets on, and how it builds the infrastructure to support a fundamentally different model of schooling at scale. The elevation marks a shift from execution to ownership.

Reflecting on his transition, Lina Ashar, Founder of Dreamtime Learning, said, “Sudip has been central to how we’ve grown across markets and formats, and more importantly, how we think about the future of schooling. As we scale Dreamtime globally, his role becomes even more critical in building the systems and models that will define our next phase. This elevation recognises both his contribution and the role he will continue to play in what comes next.”

The elevation acknowledges Sudip’s role in translating Dreamtime Learning’s vision into a scalable, global model.

Speaking about his journey at Dreamtime Learning, Sudip Saha, Co-Founder, said, “Lina had a vision for what schooling could truly look like, one grounded in how children actually learn, not how systems have always run. From the moment I encountered that vision, I knew it was worth building for. My role has been to take everything she has imagined and find the ways to make it real: the schools, the partnerships, the markets, the models. Three years in, we have only just started.”

As Dreamtime Learning enters its next phase, this transition reflects a broader shift in how education is being built for scale today. With Sudip Saha as Co-Founder, the organisation is set to play a more active role in shaping the future of globally connected learning models.

About Dreamtime Learning

Dreamtime Learning is a Conscious Learning Ecosystem with a futuristic curriculum grounded in brain and behavioural science, founded by Lina Ashar and backed by Gruhas (Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai). The ecosystem operates a global online school with 2,000+ learners, two micro-school campuses in Pune and Hyderabad, a partner school network of 80+ schools across India, Malaysia, Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and Dreamtime Learning Asia, its flagship school in Malaysia.

Amity Students Secure Offers from Top Global Universities
 

Reflecting this commitment, over 25 students from Amity International School, Vasundhara Sector 6; Amity Global School, Gurugram; Amity Global School, Noida; Amity International School, Gurugram Sector 46; Amity International School, Pushp Vihar, and more have secured admissions to leading global institutions for the Class of 2026.
 

Among the notable achievers, Aryan Mittal, Arush Gupta, Avni Dobriyal, Manya Agarwal, Utkarsh Govil, Samriddhi Fogat, Khevna Pankaj, Palak Chopra, Ishita Jain, Saanvi Lamba, Krishiv Sharma, Eashaan Yadav, Anwesha Sinha, Sanvi Chauhan, Riya Sharma, Aditi Mehra, Karan Verma, Harshprit Kaur, Samriddhi Jain, Aarav Chandel, Akshar Yadav, Ira Deva, Jashraaj Sahoo, Pritish Malhotra, Dev Gupta, Nitiya Chaudhary, Swastik Seth, Anushree KhandelwalYuvika Satija, Samara Chauhan, Sanjana Chauhan, and Samaya Chauhan have received offers from top global universities including Stanford University, University of Cambridge, University of Pennsylvania (Penn), The Wharton School, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), New York University, King’s College London, Imperial College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, University of Warwick, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of Washington, Boston University, Rutgers University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, University of California San Diego, and Vanderbilt University, among many other prestigious institutions worldwide.