BriBooks Honours India’s Best Young Authors and Schools at the National Awards & Exhibition 2025–26

The landmark ceremony recognised India's most gifted young authors, honoured schools fostering literary excellence, and reinforced BriBooks' position as the world's largest book writing platform for school students — a platform that has now inspired over 1.4 million students across 32+ countries to write, publish, and share their stories with the world.

A Celebration Graced by India's Distinguished Leaders

The ceremony brought together an extraordinary gathering of luminaries who lent the event their presence, prestige, and personal conviction in India's young authors:

• Hon'ble Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi — Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Government of India

• Dr. Deepa Malik — Padma Shri Awardee and Former President, Paralympic Committee of India

• Mr. Bhavin Shah — CEO, Education World

• Shri Anish Gawande — Celebrated youth leader and author

• Shri Pankaj Pachauri — Founder & Editor-in-Chief, GoNews

Ami Dror, Founder & President of BriBooks, addressed the audience through a heartfelt video message – applauding the dedication of every young author and reaffirming BriBooks' unwavering commitment to nurturing India's next generation of storytellers.

Recognising India's Best Schools as Literary Leaders

Schools from across India were honoured for cultivating a culture where creativity and storytelling thrive — not as extracurricular afterthoughts, but as core expressions of academic identity.

• India’s Best School Chain Award: Army Welfare Education Society (137 schools, 2.3 lakh students)

• India’s No. 1 Literary Leader: Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School, Puducherry

Other top literary institutions included: Shree Niketan (Rajajipuram), City Montessori School - Aliganj (Lucknow), Amrishbhai R Patel School, and Amalorpavam Lourds Academy (Puducherry).

India's Top 10 Jury Award Winners – NYAF 2025–26

The Jury Awards celebrated extraordinary originality, narrative depth, and storytelling craft. A distinguished panel evaluated each work for its literary merit, thematic richness, and the maturity of voice – recognising young authors who wrote with a purpose far beyond their years.

1. Abhiram Sai Chimmili — The Clock of Consequence

2. Devisha Shrivastava — The Signal of Unity

3. Prisha Singh — Swapped

4. Ahana Ray — Cell City and the Secret Code

5. Suchismita Dasgupta — The Pages in Between

6. Mansi Thapa — When Silence Stays

7. Umdah Beg — The Bloom That Broke the Law

8. S Monika — Echoes Beyond Time

9. Drishyaa Gupta — Finding Muffin

10. Priyanshi Popat — When the Time Breaks

Abhiram Sai Chimmili was crowned India’s No. 1 Jury Award Winner, setting a benchmark for literary excellence among young writers.

India's Top 10 Best-Selling Young Authors — NYAF 2025–26

The Best-Selling Author Awards recognised young writers whose stories not only achieved literary merit but resonated powerfully with readers — a rare combination of creative craft and authentic audience connection.

1. Ahaana Changrani — Magicella’s Marine Voyage

2. Rudra Bhangdiya — The Trip to Dubai

3. Abhiraj Shee — The Tale of Jaxon and Elara

4. Nishtha Pal — Good Has Triumphed Over Evil

5. Darsh Devendra Makhija — The Wizard’s Parfait

6. Kshipra Moreker — Marine Biology to Regenerate

7. Hasini Polu — When the Silence Screamed

8. Arjun Rathore — The Secret Bridge

9. Amayra Agrawal — Interesting Stories by Amayra

10. Gianna Narula — Star Adventures

Summer Book Writing Festival 2025 — Creativity Without Boundaries

The SBWF 2025 Awards & Exhibition Ceremony celebrated students who transformed their summer vacation into a season of authorship — proving that imagination, when given direction, needs no classroom.

• India’s No. 1 Jury Choice Award Winner: Namrata Chambyal (Dearest Maisy From The Chasm)

• India’s No. 1 Best-Selling Author: Kshipra Moreker (Beti Padhao)

The event concluded with a powerful fireside chat featuring Jury Winners and Best-Selling Authors — sharing their personal journeys through storytelling, the discipline of writing, and the transformative experience of seeing their words in print. Their insights offered a living proof of what BriBooks enables: young people who don't just consume stories, but create them.

In Their Own Words

"When children are given the opportunity to write, publish, and share their stories, they don't just become authors — they become creators of the future." - Ami Dror, Founder & President, BriBooks

About BriBooks

BriBooks is the world's largest book writing platform for school students, with a mission to turn every child into a published author. Operating across 32+ countries, BriBooks provides students with the tools, mentorship, and publishing infrastructure to write, design, and launch their own original books. Through its flagship programmes — the National Young Authors' Fair (NYAF) and the Summer Book Writing Festival (SBWF) — BriBooks has become the most celebrated youth authorship movement in India, empowering over 1.4 million students. 

Website: www.bribooks.com.

An evening of vision and style with Sunil Sethi, Malaika Arora, and Sharad Maheshwari, Chairman of SM Group Nexbrands

The evening featured engaging discussions led by some of India’s most respected voices in business and leadership. A key highlight was the fireside chat on “Building Brands That Endure: Trust, Legacy & Leadership in India 2030,” with Dr. Mukesh and Dr. Akshay Batra, who shared insights on building enduring brands rooted in trust and legacy. Another defining moment was the presence of Sonu Sood, who, ahead of World Health Day (April 7), announced his initiative “Ab Rukna Nahi” to enable free knee replacement surgeries for those in need, reinforcing his commitment to meaningful social impact.

Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Agarwal, Whole Time Director, Kamdhenu Ltd, said, “The India 2030 Leadership Conclave serves as a powerful platform that brings together visionary leaders and change-makers shaping the future of India. It is inspiring to witness such diverse voices come together to drive conversations around innovation, leadership, and long-term impact.”

Commenting on the success of the conclave, Chandrika Maheshwari, Founder – India 2030 Leadership Conclave & Director, NexBrands Inc, and Saurav Dasgupta, Co-founder – India 2030 Leadership Conclave & CEO, NexBrands Inc, said, “The India 2030 Leadership Conclave was envisioned as a platform to bring together voices that are not just shaping industries, but defining the future of India. With every edition, our focus has been to create meaningful dialogue, recognise impactful leadership, and build a community that drives innovation with purpose. The overwhelming response to the 9th edition reinforces our belief that conversations around trust, innovation, and long-term impact are more relevant than ever as we move towards the next decade.”

The conclave honoured a diverse set of achievers across industries, recognising excellence, innovation, and impact:

• Gaur Gopal Das – Transformational Thought Leader of the Year

• Radhika Madan – Breakthrough Performer of the Year

• Sunny Leone – Brand Builder of the Year (Lifestyle & Beauty)

• Malaika Arora – Dynamic Business & Entertainment Icon

• Manoj Bajpayee – The Acting Virtuoso Award

• Ridhi Dogra – Power Achiever (OTT)

• Amol Parashar – OTT Disruptor of the Year

• Boman Irani – Change Maker of Indian Cinema

• Nushrratt Bharuccha – OTT Impactful Performer

• Pragya Kapoor – Purpose Driven Producer of the Year

• Kriti Kharbanda – Breakthrough OTT Performance (Rana Naidu 2)

• Mona Singh – Versatility Icon (OTT)

• Dino Morea – Wellness Icon of the Year

• Nawazuddin Siddiqui – Power Packed Performer (Cinema)

• Shehnaaz Gill – People’s Choice Icon

• Avneet Kaur – Gen Z Icon (Female)

• Shantanu Maheshwari – Gen Z Icon (Male)

• Rohini Iyer – Disruptive Entrepreneur of the Year

• Sonu Sood – Social Impact Leader of the Year

• Raashii Khanna – Excellence Across Cinema

• Krishna Shroff – Digital Fitness Influencer

Full Award Winners List: India 2030 Leadership Conclave Winners

Further strengthening its scale and visibility, the conclave is an initiative by NexBrands Inc, under the aegis of Brand Vision, powered by Kamdhenu Nxt, Luxury Partner, Mercedes-Benz Landmark, Outdoor Partner, Art Media, and Supported by People Who Matter, adding to the prestige and stature of the platform. With Times Now as the official telecast partner and IndiaTimes as the digital partner, the event witnessed strong amplification across broadcast and digital platforms.

With a compelling mix of insightful conversations, impactful announcements, and a stellar line-up of award winners, the India 2030 Leadership Conclave 2026 successfully reinforced its position as a definitive platform celebrating leadership, innovation, and the future of brands in India.

Ranked among 134 Pacific-region companies recognized for exceptional growth, CoreStack achieved a 97% two-year revenue growth rate - outpacing the regional median of 94 percent. This recognition is a direct reflection of CoreStack's expanding footprint, deepening customer trust, and its accelerating momentum as enterprises worldwide increasingly turn to its Agentic Governance OS to manage the growing complexity of cloud, SaaS, and AI-driven environments.

"It is indeed an honor to make Inc.'s list of fastest-growing companies 4 years in a row," says CoreStack's CEO, Ezhilarasan (Ez) Natarajan. "This recognition reflects our robust growth and the transformative value our Agentic Governance OS delivers to customers and partners. Our 97% two-year growth is a testament to our clients' trust and the innovation driving our platform forward. And this milestone comes at a pivotal moment, marked by our landmark acquisition of BetterCloud, opening a new chapter in unified enterprise governance."

Between 2022 and 2024, these 134 private companies had a median growth rate of 94 percent; by 2024, they'd also added 7,503 jobs and $2.5 billion to the region's economy.

"The honorees on this year's Inc. Regionals list achieved exceptional growth at a time when the odds were against them. Amid inflation, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing economic uncertainty, they didn't just persevere - they innovated, adapted, and thrived. Their resilience made them standouts in their industries and true growth engines in their regions," said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.

About CoreStack

CoreStack is the leading Agentic Governance OS for FinOps, security, and compliance in the AI-accelerated enterprise. It enables organizations to achieve Velocity with Control by continuously and intelligently governing cost, risk, compliance, and operations across cloud, SaaS, and AI-driven systems - operating at machine speed so enterprises can scale faster without increasing risk or cost. Trusted by over 1,000 global enterprises and partners across 40+ countries, CoreStack governs more than $3B in annual cloud consumption and is a Microsoft Azure (Legacy) Gold Partner, AWS Technology Partner with Cloud Operations Competency, Oracle Cloud Build Partner, and Google Cloud Build Partner.

Learn more at www.corestack.com.

About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company.

For more information, visit www.inc.com.

Aparajith Ramnath, Associate Professor, Ahmedabad University awarded the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2026

The award recognises Professor Ramnath’s work in illuminating the life and legacy of one of India’s most influential engineers and situating it within the broader historical and social context of nation-building. The jury acknowledged the book for its depth of research and its ability to expand public understanding of India’s institutional and technological history, an area often overlooked in mainstream discourse.

In this biography, Professor Ramnath examines the life and legacy of engineer, administrator, and statesman M. Visvesvaraya, whose enduring influence is reflected in the celebration of his birth anniversary as Engineers’ Day. The book explores how Visvesvaraya rose to prominence through his engineering accomplishments and broader contributions to governance, policy, and nation-building.

Situating his life within a wider historical and social context, the book traces the aptitudes, experiences, and historical contexts that shaped an individual whose influence extended well beyond engineering. It presents a layered understanding of how technical expertise, administrative vision, and historical circumstance converged to shape one of modern India’s most influential figures.

Built on over seven years of meticulous archival research, the book draws on letters, technical papers, newspapers, and institutional records from India and abroad. It shows how M. Visvesvaraya helped shape not just physical infrastructure, but also the administrative and intellectual frameworks of a young nation. It places his work within the political and economic changes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This approach provides readers with a nuanced understanding of how technical expertise and governance intersect.

The Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards honour the literary and scholarly strength of Engineering a Nation and its contribution to understanding the intersections of engineering, governance, and modern Indian history. The timing of the recognition is particularly significant. As India sharpens its focus on infrastructure, innovation, and state capacity, revisiting the legacy of M. Visvesvaraya offers a valuable perspective.

Professor Ramnath’s win stands as a reminder that deeply researched non-fiction continues to play a critical role in shaping how India understands its past and imagines its future. For Ahmedabad University, the award means more than an individual achievement. It reflects the University’s broader vision towards enabling interdisciplinary scholarship that speaks beyond academia and contributes meaningfully to public conversations.

About Ahmedabad University
Ahmedabad University is a leading private, non-profit research university offering students a liberal education focused on interdisciplinary learning, practice orientation, and research thinking.

The University has been

• Recognised by the Government of Gujarat as a Centre of Excellence.

• Accredited with 'A' grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

• Awarded Leadership and Management Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025.

• Awarded a 5-star rating, the highest awarded in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) for 2021-22 and 2023-24, by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), Department of Education, Government of Gujarat.

• Awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award for Excellence 2024 for its University Centre.

• Awarded a 'Platinum Rating' by the Indian Green Building Council for sustainability and green practices.

• Recognised by the UGC under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, becoming one of the very few private research universities to have been awarded this recognition for select research universities.

• Recognised as a Highly Commended University for Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2023.

• Awarded the AACSB’s Innovations That Inspire Award 2023 for its Foundation Programme.

• Awarded Gold Rating by the Indian Green Building Council for achieving the Green Building Standards at its University Centre.

The University, established in 2009, is rooted in the vision of one of India’s finest educational foundations, the Ahmedabad Education Society, which was founded in 1935 by nationalist leaders. Programmes at the University range from bachelors to doctoral levels in humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and management through its 4 Schools and 10 Centres: 

Amrut Mody School of Management | Bagchi School of Public Health | School of Arts and Sciences | School of Engineering and Applied Science | Ahmedabad Design Lab | Centre for Heritage Management | Centre for Learning Futures | Global Centre for Environment and Energy | International Centre for Space and Cosmology | Sahyog: Centre for Promoting Health | Stepwell Centre for Asian Futures | The Climate Institute | The Institute of Manufacturing and Economy | VentureStudio

An urban university, Ahmedabad promotes independent-mindedness and diversity across all dimensions of its activity and helps students mature into critical thinkers who are analytically equipped, practically oriented, and contextually aware global citizens. The University provides a contemporary educational framework that brings liberal arts, sciences, and the professions to engage together in creating new knowledge for addressing complex challenges of the society and in offering majors that merge the boundaries of disciplines to prepare students for the new economy.

Indo-French Business Awards 2026 spotlight Indo-French innovation, excellence, and strategic collaboration

Held under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, the evening honoured excellence across key sectors, including innovation, energy, healthcare, food and beverage, luxury, manufacturing, digital transformation, and sustainability.

Bringing together over 150 senior industry leaders, CEOs, CXOs, diplomats, and senior business executives, the event celebrated the shared vision, growth, and collaborative spirit that continue to define the Indo-French business landscape.

This year witnessed over 95 nominations from across India and France, with the highest participation in the ‘French Group of the Year’ category, showcasing the growing depth of Indo-French economic engagement and the increasing momentum of cross-partnerships between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, remarked, “At a time when innovation is becoming the cornerstone of sustainable growth, it is encouraging to see companies and business leaders from both countries driving meaningful progress across sectors. As we celebrate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, these achievements reflect our shared ambition to deepen collaboration in technology, industry, and sustainable development.”

Ms Payal S. Kanwar, Director General of IFCCI, added, “These awards celebrate not only excellence, but also the growing strength of Indo-French synergies. Over the past eight years, the Indo-French Business Awards have evolved into a premier platform for recognising excellence in Indo-French cooperation and honouring the outstanding achievements of French and Indian companies and individuals. These collaborations are poised to deepen further, driving new breakthroughs and strengthening industrial partnerships across sectors.”

Winners of Indo-French Business Awards 2026 are as follows:

1. French Group of the Year -  Air Liquide India Pvt. Ltd.

2. Indo-French Innovation Partnership of the Year - ENGIE India Pvt. Ltd.

3. Entrepreneur of the Year - Monique Patisserie LLP

4. SME of the Year - Nutrivita Foods Private Limited

5. Jury Special - Schneider Electric India

6. Choose France – Best Indian Investment in France - Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

7. La French Tech India - H Company

8. Personality of the Year - Leena Nair CBE, Global Chief Executive Officer, Chanel

9. CSR Project of the Year - STMicroelectronics Foundation India (Project: Digital Unify)

Winners of Grand Prix VIE Awards 2026 are as follows:

Organised by Business France, these awards honour outstanding young professionals working in India through the Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) programme.

1. Prix du Leadership “Chalo, Let’s Go !" - Alice Robichet, V.I.E at Santos

2. Prix France–India Bridge - Léo Castaing, V.I.E at Thales

3. Grand Prix V.I.E/ V.I.A Inde – Jugaad ~ Innovation - Clara Feuvrier, V.I.E at MBDA

These recognitions further reinforce IFCCI’s role as a catalyst for bilateral collaboration and a promoter of excellence in Indo-French business development.

The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it aligns with the ongoing India-France Year of Innovation 2026, a landmark initiative dedicated to deepening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and transformative industries.

At the recently concluded AI Impact Summit hosted by India in February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the immense potential for collaboration between India and France in the field of innovation, further strengthening the foundation for future partnerships and joint breakthroughs.

About the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI)

The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) is the most active bilateral chamber promoting economic and commercial relations between India and France since 1977. Representing over 800 member companies and a strong network of institutional partners and industry stakeholders, IFCCI plays a pivotal role in fostering trade, investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships across sectors.

Visit: www.ifcci.org.in.

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore 

“Congratulations to the Class of 2026 at the 51st Convocation of IIM Bangalore. As you enter a rapidly evolving business environment, remember that lasting success is built through consistent choices, not just moments of acceleration. The real test of leadership lies in balancing short-term performance with long-term value creation. It is possible to have it all, but not always at the same time – prioritization and resilience act as the key. I wish you the wisdom to play the long game and create meaningful, enduring impact”, said Chief Guest Ms Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Life, during her special address at IIM Bangalore’s Convocation ceremony, this evening. 

Ms Padalkar explained the graduating students that life should go beyond the fast pace of the sprint to make way for a more resilient and enduring marathon. She explained that institutions and careers are not built in sprints but through a process of evolution of a long distance race, with doses of energy, ambition, confidence and courage, and that leadership was about integrating multiple lenses. She also emphasized on the importance of precision meeting persuasion, trust built over years and slowing down to accelerate, to have sustainable careers. 

Ms Padalkar also shared that three key decisions proved to be the turning points in her own life – choosing finance as her career, returning to India to build a life in the financial capital Mumbai, and choosing the life partner that she did. 

Ms Vibha Padalkar advised the students that the ability to anticipate, discipline to pause and wisdom to choose deliberately, will stand them in good stead in the long run. “IIMB has honed your decision making skills. So, as you enter a new phase of your lives, remember that you need to run fast when it matters, slow down when it counts and stay in the long race.”

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore hosted its 51st Convocation on 27th March 2026. A total of 785 students from various programmes graduated, this evening. Degrees were awarded to the students of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme and the MBA programmes – the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM), Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP), Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) and Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). Students of the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) received the Master of Management Studies (Public Policy) degree. One PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research, while gold medals were awarded for Best All Round Performance, First Rank and Second Rank.

The students graduated from the prestigious institution this year in the presence of the Chief Guest, Board Members, Director-in-charge, Deans, faculty, alumni and staff of the Institute, alongside proud smiles and loud cheers from their families.

Gold medallists and PhD award winner: This year, a total of nine students have won gold medals. Moreover, a PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research.

In the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) 2024-2026, Manasi Anju Mertia is the First Rank Holder, while Dhvit Jayen Mehta is the Second Rank Holder. 

Mayur Dattatray Khule is the Gold Medallist for Best All Round Performance for Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026 combined.

For the Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026, Bharat Mundra is the First Rank Holder.

In Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) 2025-2026, Aysha Shaba PP is the First Rank Holder and Rajasilpi SP is the Best All Round Performer.

In Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) 2024-2026, Lakshmi R is the First Rank Holder, while Biswaranjan Mishra is the Best All Round Performer.

In the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM), Anirudh has won the gold medal for Best Academic Performance.

The Institute Research Award 2026 was won by Divya Dwivedi, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student of the Information Systems area of the graduating batch. The award seeks to inspire the school’s Doctoral students to achieve greater heights in terms of research quality and productivity.

Address by Prof. Malavika R Harita, Member, IIMB Board of Governors
The day’s events also included an inspiring address by Prof. Malavika R. Harita, Founder & CEO, Brand Circle, and Member, IIMB Board of Governors. She made mention of IIMB’s new Centres such as the Centre for Digital Public Goods as well as the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, the newly set up IIMB Development Foundation – the Institute’s fundraising and development arm, and the Institute’s collaborations with leading national and global organizations which play a significant role in enhancing the Institute’s reputation. She also highlighted IIMB’s achievements in terms of placements and the Institute’s position in prestigious national as well as global rankings.

“Be focussed on gaining knowledge, stay authentic, relevant and original, and create the impact you want to”, she advised the budding managers and entrepreneurs.”

Director’s address
Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIM Bangalore, highlighted some of the achievements of the Institute as well as of faculty, students and alumni, and shared details on IIMB’s programmes, centres, events, digital learning initiatives, rankings, placements, entrepreneurship, and more. 

“With a vision to elevate undergraduate education in India with the same academic rigour that defines our postgraduate offerings, we introduced two undergraduate offerings: BSc Honors in Economics, and BSc Honors in Data Science.”

While sharing his message, Prof. Dinesh Kumar commended the Institute for its initiatives on sustainability, inclusivity as well as nation building, apart from academics and research. “The Office of Diversity and Inclusion convened important conversations on accessibility and universal design, and student-led efforts play an important role in our outreach.”

“Sustainability remains our key priority. We released our Sustainability Report on World Environment Day and introduced a new core course on Responsible Business and Sustainability. These efforts were accompanied by practical steps toward greener campus operations, including the introduction of an EV fleet on campus, donated by the PGP 1998 batch. IIM Bangalore won the Award for Excellence in Biodiversity Management and the Award for Excellence in Social Welfare and Community Services, at the ELCITA Sustainability Awards 2025.”

He also congratulated IIMB’s incubation centre, NSRCEL, on completing 25 years of supporting entrepreneurs in November last year. 

Prof. Dinesh Kumar also shared three Zen stories to emphasize on the importance of mindfulness to the graduating students. “The destination is not so important, but the journey is, and the journey has to be full of happiness. Be compassionate, which again is necessary to make life happier. Also, make integrity your life motto. These three elements will go a long may in making your lives happier.”

“Consider IIMB to be your home – come back, share your life stories and be an inspiration to the entire country.”

As the graduating students get a step closer to their dreams – with new beginnings, hopes and possibilities in the horizon – the campus today was witness to moments full of emotional farewells, group photos, selfies and other celebrations.

SPJ True Realtyy partners with Jindal Steel & Power Ltd to implement a steel-led construction framework for its Gurugram commercial project, Vedatam

Structural steel construction is increasingly preferred in commercial developments for its high strength-to-weight ratio and superior load-bearing capacity. Its prefabricated components enable faster on-site assembly, significantly reducing construction timelines without compromising quality. While it may involve higher upfront costs than conventional methods, it delivers long-term value through enhanced durability, precision, and lifecycle performance, strengthening stakeholder confidence. Additionally, steel aligns with sustainability goals, making it well-suited for next-generation urban infrastructure.

To execute this vision, SPJ True Realtyy has awarded the structural steel contract to Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL), a company known for its expertise in structural steel developments and engineering precision. The structural framework for the project is scheduled for completion within 17 months, commencing May 1, 2026.

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, said, “At SPJ Group, we are consciously moving towards construction methodologies that deliver both speed and structural robustness. For Vedatam, adopting a steel-led development approach allows us to significantly compress timelines while maintaining a high degree of precision and quality. Structural steel also enables better design adaptability and long-term durability, which are critical in today’s commercial real estate landscape. Our partnership with JSPL brings together material expertise and execution strength, helping us deliver a development that is both future-ready and fundamentally resilient.”

In a market like Gurugram, where speed-to-market, efficiency, and lifecycle performance are becoming key differentiators, this partnership reflects a broader evolution in how commercial assets are being designed and delivered.

The development is expected to emerge as a prominent commercial address in Sector 14, benefiting from strong connectivity and established urban infrastructure, while also setting a benchmark in construction efficiency through its steel-led framework.

BPTP Recognised as ‘IGBC Green Crusader’ at IGBC Greentech Summit 2026

The recognition marks BPTP’s successful registration of its projects — Green Oaks Commercial 1 & 2, District Walk D, and Club 81 — under the prestigious IGBC Green Building Rating System, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainable and future-ready development.

The summit brought together stakeholders from the construction, real estate, and climate-tech sectors to discuss developments in the climate-tech ecosystem.

Commenting on the recognition, Manik Malik, CEO & President, BPTP Limited, said, "We acknowledge the recognition by IGBC for our projects registered under the Green Building Rating System. BPTP has incorporated sustainability-related features in select developments, in accordance with applicable standards. This recognition pertains to the registration of these projects under the IGBC Green Building Rating System."

The IGBC Green Building Rating System provides a structured framework for evaluating projects on defined sustainability parameters, including resource efficiency and environmental considerations. The registration of BPTP's projects under this framework indicates that these projects have been submitted for evaluation under the IGBC Green Building Rating System.

About BPTP
BPTP Limited is a real estate developers with over two decades of operations in the Delhi-NCR region. The company has delivered numerous residential and commercial projects across multiple locations in NCR, including residential group housing, plotted developments, commercial developments and integrated townships.

SOLIZE PARTNERS India achieves ISO/ IEC 27001:2022 ISMS certification

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is the current international standard for establishing, implementing, and continually improving an Information Security Management System. The certification validates that SOLIZE has implemented a structured and risk-based approach to safeguarding client data, intellectual property, engineering designs, digital assets, confidential business information, and internal operational systems.

As engineering and manufacturing industries become increasingly digital and interconnected, data protection has become a critical priority. Most engineering and industrial programs today involve distributed teams, cloud-based platforms, and cross-border collaboration. In such an environment, strong cybersecurity practices are essential to protect product designs, proprietary technologies, and strategic business information.

With this certification, SOLIZE ensures robust access controls, continuous risk monitoring, defined incident response mechanisms, and business continuity planning. The company has also established clear policies, regular internal audits, employee awareness programs, and structured governance frameworks to strengthen information security at every level of the organization.

The certification further strengthens SOLIZE’s commitment to its work with OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and enterprises across automotive, manufacturing, industrial, aerospace, defense, transportation, and technology sectors. Many global clients operate under strict international security compliance requirements, and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification provides assurance that their data is handled with the highest level of protection and responsibility.

“Information security is fundamental to modern engineering collaboration,” said V.S. Mahadevan, CEO & Director, SOLIZE PARTNERS India. “Achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification validates our commitment to protecting client intellectual property through structured and process-driven operations. As digital transformation accelerates, strong governance and secure systems are essential to building long-term trust.”

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification represents an ongoing commitment. SOLIZE will continue to review, monitor, and improve its security practices to address evolving cyber threats and regulatory expectations. By aligning with global best practices, the company reinforces its focus on operational excellence, compliance, and trusted engineering partnerships.

About SOLIZE PARTNERS India Pvt. Ltd.

SOLIZE PARTNERS India, a key entity of the SOLIZE Group, provides engineering and technology services across transportation, aerospace and defense, and other manufacturing and industrial sectors. The company supports enterprise-level digital transformation through the design and delivery of efficient, future-ready, end-to-end engineering solutions, anchored by secure and globally aligned practices.

For more information, please visit www.solizepartners.in or contact Archana (archana.bh@solize.com).

These recognitions highlight Galgotias University’s strong focus on teaching excellence, research impact, internationalization, industry integration, and innovation driven learning, shaping globally competent graduates ready for the challenges of the future.

Magic Bus India Foundation Earns Great Place To Work
 

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.

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

Speaking about the recognition, Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation, said, “Being certified as a Great Place to Work® for the sixth consecutive year is a significant milestone for Magic Bus. It reflects the strong culture we have built and the commitment of our people, who bring our purpose to life every single day. This recognition is a testament to the passion, resilience, and belief of our teams in creating opportunities for young people from underserved communities. Their dedication enables us to equip youth with the skills, confidence, and pathways to sustainable livelihoods, helping them transform their futures and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.”

Monika Bawa, CHRO, Magic Bus India Foundation, added, “We are proud to receive this recognition, which reflects the strong culture and shared values that define Magic Bus. Our people are at the heart of our work, and we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and well-being. By investing in our teams and enabling them to grow, we empower them to drive meaningful impact and advance our mission of transforming young lives.”

By placing people at the centre of its approach, Magic Bus continues to strengthen a culture that encourages purpose-driven work, professional growth, and shared success. This recognition underscores the organisation’s ongoing efforts to create a workplace where teams are inspired to collaborate, innovate, and drive lasting social impact.

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.
 

About Magic Bus India Foundation

Magic Bus India Foundation is one of India’s leading NGOs in education and skilling. Over the past 27 years, the organisation has expanded its reach and impact across the country through innovative, inclusive, and gender-responsive programmes.

With a strong focus on school-to-work transition, Magic Bus enables adolescents and youth from underserved communities to build the life and employability skills needed to break cycles of poverty and empower future generations. Magic Bus is also empowering women aged 25 years and above, in peri-urban and rural areas, to enable their economic and financial independence.

Through its Adolescent Programme, Magic Bus equips adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with life skills and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), reaching over 38 lakh adolescents. The programme is implemented across 22 states and Union Territories and is strengthened through partnerships with 11 state governments and NITI Aayog, with interventions across nearly 30% of India’s aspirational blocks. Girls account for 52% of participants.

The Livelihood Programme empowers youth aged 18 to 25 years by equipping them with life and employability skills. Since 2015, over 7.15 lakh youth have been skilled, with 80% placed in sustainable jobs. Young women constitute 60% of participants, reflecting a continued focus on gender equity.

The Rural Livelihood Programme empowers women by strengthening life skills, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. The programme has supported over 2000 women across seven states to establish and sustain enterprises and move towards financial independence.

For more information, visit www.magicbus.org.

About Great Place To Work®
Backed by 30 years of data, Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Through its proprietary For All™ Model and Trust Index™ Survey, it gives organizations the recognition and tools to create a consistently positive employee experience. Its mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all, driving business growth, improving lives, and empowering communities. Through globally recognized and coveted Great Place To Work Certification™ and highly competitive Best Workplaces™ Lists, Great Place To Work enables employers to attract and retain talent, benchmark company culture, and increase revenue. Its platform enables leaders to truly capture, analyze and understand the experience of every employee, and compare outcomes with data collected from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries worldwide. 

Follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.greatplacetowork.in.

Glow by Kirtilals honoured with ‘Emerging Brand of the Year’ at Retail Jeweller Circle of Excellence South 2026, The award was presented to Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals

The award was presented to Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals, and Raghunath, AVP, Kirtilals by Amit Pratihari of Gemological Institute of America and Samit Bhatta of Retail Jeweller India, recognising Glow by Kirtilals for its remarkable growth trajectory, design innovation, and strong resonance with the evolving aspirations of modern consumers.

Since its inception, Glow by Kirtilals has carved a distinct identity in the lightweight, everyday natural diamond jewellery segment—offering designs that seamlessly blend contemporary aesthetics with fine craftsmanship. The brand’s focus on accessibility, versatility, and design-forward collections has enabled it to build a deep and growing connection with young, style-conscious audiences.

Demonstrating consistent expansion, Glow by Kirtilals currently operates nine stores across key cities in South India. Strengthening its retail footprint further, the brand is set to launch new stores in Madurai and Chennai (Adyar), reinforcing its commitment to bringing modern diamond jewellery closer to its customers.

This recognition marks a significant milestone in Glow by Kirtilals’ growth journey. It underscores the brand’s dedication to innovation, customer-centric experiences, and delivering refined, accessible luxury. As Glow continues to evolve, it remains focused on redefining everyday elegance for a new generation—while upholding the legacy of trust and craftsmanship synonymous with Kirtilals.

Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, has been certified Water Positive by GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), a joint initiative of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, and TERI. The certification records a Water Positivity Index of 1.80 positioning DS Group amongst a select few corporates in India with such a high score. This significant achievement follows a rigorous water assessment process conducted over a two-and-a-half-year period across its business units across 30 locations in India.

Mr. Sanjay Seth, VP and CEO of GRIHA Council and Senior Director at TERI and Mr. Rajiv Kumar Vice Chairman DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group)

The interventions created a storage potential of 66 Lakh KL and this recognition marks a significant milestone in DS Group’s journey towards sustainable business practices and reflects its commitment to responsible water stewardship across its value chain. The business units of DS Group include Mouth Freshener Division, Food and Beverage, Hospitality and Agriculture. It is a comprehensive approach that blends community-focused CSR interventions with in-house operational efficiencies across its business units. This net-positive balance is enabled through an integrated approach that combines rainwater harvesting structures, wastewater reuse, recharge wells, water-efficient fixtures, and ecological restoration measures. Together, the interventions not only reduce freshwater dependency across DS Group operations but also strengthen water security in communities through large-scale conservation projects.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group said, “The whole world is moving rapidly towards sustainability, with global water demand projected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030. Recognizing this challenge, water stewardship has become a critical global priority. DS Group has been taking decisive steps to manage water responsibly across its operations and communities, ensuring efficiency, conservation, and replenishment. Our efforts resonate strongly with the global dialogue shaping up for COP30, where water security and climate resilience are expected to take centre stage. By embedding water-positive practices into our business and community initiatives, DS Group contributes meaningfully to the larger sustainability agenda that India is aiming for, demonstrating how businesses can play a pivotal role in shaping a water-secure future.” 

He further added, “We view sustainability not as a project but as a permanent responsibility. Guided by our philosophy of ‘Create What is Worth Creating’, DS Group will continue work to restore, replenish and build resilience for our people and the generations to come.”

“Water stewardship is central to building climate-resilient and sustainable businesses. By achieving Water Positive certification under GRIHA’s Decarbonizing Habitat Programme, the DS Group has set a strong benchmark for industry leadership in responsible resource management. GRIHA’s Water Positive Certification is a statement of intent of responsibility and vision. Through this certification, the DS Group has set an impactful example that sustainability, productivity and profitability can go hand in hand” said Sanjay Seth, VP and CEO GRIHA Council, and Senior Director, TERI. He further added, “The role of corporate environmental leadership is crucial for advancing sustainable development. Industries can demonstrate and lead with purpose, paving the way for a resilient, responsible and sustainable future. At GRIHA, we believe such efforts play a critical role in ensuring the balance between economic growth and ecological preservation.”

DS Group’s water positivity effort is a collective journey, with employees driving conservation projects, suppliers adopting water-efficient practices, and customers encouraged towards responsible consumption. Together, this shared responsibility ensures that the DS Group’s commitment to water stewardship creates lasting impact for both communities and ecosystems.

The Water Positive Certification adds to DS Group’s ongoing sustainability journey, where initiatives in water, livelihood, agriculture, energy efficiency and community development are being aligned with measurable outcomes. DS Group continues to integrate conservation and responsible resource use into its operations and CSR programs, with the goal of building resilience and supporting long-term environmental balance.

About GRIHA Council
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) was established in 2007 as a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, and TERI. It provides a comprehensive framework for holistically assessing the environmental performance of buildings over its entire lifecycle. GRIHA is recognized as an indigenous green building rating system in India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the UNFCCC. The GRIHA rating system has garnered accolades for its focus on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainable site planning. It holistically evaluates the environmental performance of buildings against certain nationally accepted benchmarks, thereby providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a ‘green building’. Developed exclusively in the context of Indian climate and construction practices, GRIHA works on the principle “What gets measured, gets managed". The GRIHA rating variants developed for diverse building typologies assess existing infrastructure and help 'design and evaluate' new buildings, thereby facilitating in reduction of carbon and environmental footprint from the built environment.

About DS Group
The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a one of the leading FMCG conglomerates and a Multi-Business Corporation with a strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. It has an extensive and diverse portfolio with presence in Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Mouth Freshener, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail businesses, and other investments. Catch, Pulse, Pass Pass, Silver Pearls, Ksheer, Rajnigandha, Ovino, L’Opera, Le Marche, Birthright, LuvIt, Chingles, Golmol, Namah are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today.

As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC. 

HDFC Life recognised in the 'Leadership' category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard, assessed by Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS)
 

This milestone reflects HDFC Life's continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and exemplary Corporate Governance practices. The recognition in the ‘Leadership’ category marks a significant milestone for Corporate Governance in HDFC Life as the Company completes 25 years of its journey.

Speaking on the recognition, Narendra Gangan, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, HDFC Life, commented, "We are truly honoured to be recognised in the 'Leadership' category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard. It reflects the collective effort of every individual at HDFC Life to uphold the highest standards of Corporate Governance. For us, Corporate Governance is not merely a compliance obligation rather it is a core value that shapes every decision we make. This recognition inspires us to hold ourselves to an even higher standard as we continue to serve millions of Indian families."

The Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard framework was developed jointly by IFC, BSE, and IiAS. It is anchored in the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance and has been in use since 2015. The assessment covers BSE 100 companies and is widely regarded as a benchmark for governance excellence in India.

ad:tech Honours 2026 spotlights AI, data, and creativity driving the next wave of marketing transformation
 

Presented in continued association with the International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter, the 2026 edition of the ad:tech Honours also welcomed Huella as a new partner, marking its first year of participation. Huella’s involvement further strengthens the platform’s commitment to celebrating marketing innovation, with selected winners receiving NEXad advertising credits to amplify their stories on Connected TV through interactive, high-impact formats.
 

The ad:tech Honours were introduced last year at ad:tech New Delhi, with the inaugural ceremony held on March 6 at Yashobhoomi. The initiative marked one of the industry’s first large-scale recognitions dedicated specifically to the use of technology in marketing and its growing influence on the way brands connect with audiences.
 

Industry leaders, technology pioneers, and marketing innovators gathered once again this year for the second edition on March 17, reaffirming the awards’ growing significance as a platform that celebrates the engines powering modern marketing.
 

For more than 15 years, ad:tech New Delhi has been at the forefront of conversations around digital transformation in marketing. With the introduction of the Honours, the platform expanded its mission beyond dialogue, creating a stage to recognise leaders who are applying technology to elevate brand storytelling, optimise customer journeys, and deliver measurable business impact.
 

Building on the success of its debut year, ad:tech Honours 2026 expanded from 8 to 22 categories, reflecting the rapid evolution of the marketing technology ecosystem and the growing convergence of creativity, data, and artificial intelligence.
 

The newly introduced categories include:

• Affiliate & Partner Marketing

• AI & Creative Automation – AI-Driven Dynamic Creative Optimisation

• AI & Creative Automation – Creative AI Collaboration

• AI Conversation Agents

• AI in Marketing – Predictive AI

• Commerce & Retail Tech – Immersive Retail Tech

• GenAI in Marketing – GenAI-Led Creative

• Influencer Management

• Influencer Marketing – Influencer Measurement & Analytics

• Marketing Automation – Omnichannel Marketing Automation

• OTT Innovation

• Performance Marketing – Search, SEO, and Performance Marketing

• Programmatic & Emerging Media – Connected TV Advertising

• Programmatic & Emerging Media – Interactive DOOH

• Social Media – Community & UGC Engagement

• Innovation
   

These categories recognise the growing spectrum of technological innovation shaping marketing today, from AI-driven creativity and predictive intelligence to immersive retail technologies, next-generation programmatic media, and data-led influencer ecosystems.
 

Jaswant Singh, Country Managing Director of ad:tech India, highlighted that collaborations with IAA and Huella have played a key role in elevating industry standards, reflecting the remarkable momentum within the ecosystem. “Technology from Generative AI driving unprecedented innovation to data powering smarter decision-making is central to the impact we’re seeing across the industry,” he noted.
 

As advertising continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the ad:tech Honours provide a platform to recognise the visionaries and innovators who are not just adapting to change but actively shaping the industry’s next frontier.
 

Neena Dasgupta, IAA Mancom Member and CEO & Founder of The Salt Inc. Consulting, opened the awards night with powerful words: “Awards are not just about the technology itself, they celebrate the people, the creativity, and the relentless effort behind it. Bringing IAA and ad:tech together allows us to honor both innovation and the brilliant minds making it possible.”
 

By celebrating the technologies and leaders powering this transformation, ad:tech Honours 2026 reinforces the industry’s commitment to innovation, measurable impact, and the future of marketing.
 

About ad:tech
ad:tech New Delhi is part of the Comexposium Group, one of the world’s leading event organisers, hosting 150+ B2C and B2B events across industries including IT, security, digital, high-tech, and more. Comexposium operates in 23+ global economic growth zones, bringing together over 3.5 million visitors and 48,000 exhibitors worldwide.

About the International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter

The International Advertising Association is the world’s only globally-focused integrated advertising trade association with membership representing Advertising agencies and the Media. The IAA comprises Corporate Members, Organisational Members, Educational Affiliates, as well as 56 Chapters with individual members and young professionals from 76 countries including the top 10 economies in the world. lAA is over 80 years’ old and is headquartered in New York.

Membership to the Indian Chapter of IAA is by invitation only and IAA has very senior marketing, advertising and media professionals as it members. IAA in India is seen as the most active chapter by IAA Global. IAA India is well-recognised for some of its marquee events like the IAA Leadership Awards, IAA Olive Crown Awards, IndIAA Awards, IAA Voice of Change, IAA TechPulse, IAA Debates, IAA Conversations, IAA Young Turks Forum and an array of IAA Knowledge Seminars, Webinars, Workshops, Conclaves etc.
 

For more information, visit newdelhi.ad-tech.com.

Download List of Winners I Honours Awards 2026
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1-BZmt3ytJUfVjkm6mmzR3P5EN9U8xxvEfFYNuW8Uq6E/htmlview

Rituraj Singh (second from the left), Deputy CEO of Sales and Network Development at VinFast India, received the award from Jagran Hi-tech organizing committee

At the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards 2026, VinFast was honoured with the “EV Champion of the Year” award, recognising the company’s strong entry into the Indian electric mobility landscape and its long-term vision for building a comprehensive EV ecosystem in the country. The award acknowledges VinFast’s investments in manufacturing, product development and local partnerships aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric mobility in India.

Arunodoy Das (center), Deputy CEO of Sales at VinFast India, receives the award from the organizers of the Car&Bike Awards 2026

Meanwhile, VinFast was named “Breakthrough Brand of the Year” at the Car&Bike Awards 2026, recognising the company’s rapid global expansion and bold commitment to an all-electric future. The jury highlighted VinFast’s fast-growing international footprint and its strategy of building a global brand around electric mobility.

The newest accolades bring VinFast’s total number of awards in the Indian market to more than 20 in just over a year, reflecting strong recognition from industry experts for both brand stature and product quality. Previously, VinFast was named “Investor of the Year” by Nanayam Vikatan magazine and “New Entrant of the Year” at the FASTER Awards 2026, while its communications team also received the “Communications Team of the Year 2026” title. The VF 7 was honored as “Electric SUV of the Year” at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026, while the VF 6 won “Value for Money Car of the Year” at the Autocar India Awards 2026.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “We are honoured to receive these recognitions from the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards and Car&Bike Awards. Being named EV Champion of the Year and Breakthrough Brand of the Year reflect the growing confidence of industry experts and consumers in VinFast’s vision for electric mobility in India. As we continue to strengthen our presence in India, we remain focused on delivering innovative, high-quality electric vehicles while contributing to the development of a robust ecosystem that supports the country’s transition to sustainable mobility.”

Mr. Arjit Garg, Editor, Jagran Hi-tech, said, “At Jagran EVolution Bharat EV Conclave & Awards, we celebrate and recognise the rapidly growing EV ecosystem in India. This year was particularly special, with multiple innovations, new products, and strong global participation in the sector. One notable example is VinFast, which has not only chosen to enter the Indian market but has also committed to setting up local manufacturing, aligning strongly with the Make in India vision. For this reason, we honoured VinFast with the 'EV Champion of the Year' award, a well-deserved recognition for a brand that is bringing world-class electric vehicles to India while also contributing to job creation and strengthening the country’s EV manufacturing ecosystem.”

Mr. Girish Karkera, Editor in Chief, Car&Bike, said, “It is always tough for a new automotive brand to find a firm footing in a new country with established rivals. VinFast has been able to not only launch relevant products for India but did it in record time by industry standards. The brand has managed to reach out to its focus audiences in a remarkably simple but effective way.”

VinFast continues to strengthen its comprehensive EV ecosystem in the Indian market, spanning manufacturing, retail, charging infrastructure, and after-sales services. Following the launch of the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, both of which secured 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, the company has introduced a range of ownership-focused programmes, including assured resale, structured buyback options, and an industry-first vehicle exchange programme that allows customers to trade in existing internal combustion engine vehicles for a new VinFast electric SUV.

To further improve accessibility to electric mobility, VinFast is expanding initiatives that enhance both affordability and convenience. The company recently announced the extension of its free EV charging programme at charging stations developed and operated by V-Green until March 31, 2029. VinFast has also rolled out the “Trade Gas for Electric” programme across Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines from March 11 to March 31, 2026, offering an additional 3% incentive on VinFast electric cars and 5% on VinFast electric motorcycles for customers switching from gasoline vehicles.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making electric mobility more accessible to everyone. VinFast’s current product portfolio includes a wide range of electric SUVs, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric buses.

VinFast is entering its next phase of growth by rapidly expanding its global distribution and dealer network while strengthening manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on key markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

EAAA India Alternatives Limited (formerly known as Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors Limited) is one of the leading, multi-strategy alternatives asset management platforms in India, in terms of assets under management (Source: CARE Report). With more than 15 years of experience of managing both institutional and private patient capital, EAAA Alternatives focuses on providing income and yield solutions to a diverse base of global and domestic clients.

The IVCA Alternate Capital Excellence Awards 2026 were presented at the 15th edition of the IVCA Conclave, organised by India's apex body for the alternate capital sector, the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA). The awards recognise firms that have demonstrated exceptional results in performance, fundraising, exits, impact investing, and sector-specific strategies across the alternative capital ecosystem.

EAAA Alternatives first launched its Infrastructure Yield Strategy in 2018 while the second series of Infrastructure Yield raised more than INR 8000 crore in 2024. 

Infrastructure Yield strategy focuses on investing in quality operating infrastructure assets with strong counterparties, long residual life, and high EBITDA margins, with the ability to generate stable, predictable yields alongside potential for long-term capital appreciation for investors. The sub-vertical involves the aggregation of assets, improving their performance, and exiting the portfolio to achieve higher valuations through InvITs or sale to strategic investors. 

With a consistent track record and institutional depth, EAAA’s fee-paying AUM of INR41,920 crore is distributed between Real Assets (52%) and Private Credit (46%).

About EAAA Alternatives
EAAA Alternatives is one of the leading, multi-strategy asset management alternatives platforms in India, in terms of assets under management (Source: CARE Report) with more than 15 years of experience of managing long term patient capital. With an AUM of INR 68,175 crore the platform focuses on providing income and yield solutions to its diverse global and domestic investor base through its key business verticals including Real Assets and Private Credit. 

Since FY21, EAAA Alternatives has cumulatively raised over INR 46,000 crore, deployed approximately INR 36,000 crore, and achieved realisations of nearly INR 38,000 crore, demonstrating its ability to effectively deploy and recycle capital across alternative investment strategies.

The firm currently serves around 5,500 unique clients globally and in India, including over 1,000 repeat clients, with ~55% of its AUM coming from clients in India.

EAAA Alternatives has offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, GIFT City and Singapore and on ground coverage through partners and relationship managers covering North America, Europe, Middle East, Japan, Australia and South Korea.
 

All figures as of December 31, 2025

The Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation (SJF) hosted the third edition of the Medical & Healthcare Excellence Awards, which also marks the birth centenary of the Late Shri Sitaram Jaipuria, recognizing outstanding medical professionals for their transformative contributions to healthcare and patient care across India. Awards totalling INR 90 lakhs were presented to distinguished doctors whose work continues to strengthen India’s healthcare ecosystem and inspire the medical community.

Winners of the healthcare awards along with Governing Council and Jury of Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation

The awards ceremony was held in New Delhi as part of the SJF Scientific Symposium and Awards Program. The day-long symposium, organized to commemorate the Birth Centenary of Late Shri Sitaram Jaipuria, brought together leading voices from the medical fraternity for discussions and knowledge exchange on the theme “Obesity, Diabetes, and Other Cardiometabolic Diseases.”

Hosted by Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation and Chaired by Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman, SJF and Chairman & Managing Director, Cosmo First Ltd., the event brought together eminent doctors, researchers, and healthcare leaders to deliberate on emerging challenges and innovations in healthcare. The evening concluded with the Medical & Healthcare Excellence Awards ceremony, celebrating individuals whose dedication and leadership are shaping the future of healthcare in India and beyond.

Instituted to recognize exceptional achievements in medicine and healthcare, the awards honour professionals who have demonstrated excellence across areas such as clinical practice, medical research, rural healthcare delivery, public health leadership, and specialised treatment advancements. The initiative reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to acknowledging individuals who have devoted their lives to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman, Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation and Chairman & Managing Director, Cosmo First Ltd., said, “Guided by the humanitarian values of my father, Shri Sitaram Jaipuria, we are glad to recognize the extraordinary contributions of members of the medical community. The doctors being felicitated today have dedicated their lives to advancing healthcare and improving the lives of countless individuals. Their sheer commitment, compassion, and pursuit of excellence truly reflect the noble spirit of the medical profession.”

Awards totalling Ninety Lakhs Rupees were conferred across various categories: 

• INR 50 Lakhs for Excellence in Medicine and Healthcare Award

  • Prof. (Dr) Vinod K. Paul – Member (Health), NITI Aayog, and Former Professor & Head of Paediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi

• INR 10 Lakhs for Emerging Young Leader in Medicine and Healthcare Award

  • Dr Sahajal Dhooria – Additional Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

• INR 10 Lakhs for Exemplary Leadership in Rural Medicine and Healthcare Award

  • Dr Himmatrao Saluba Bawaskar – Medical Director, Bawaskar Hospital & Clinical Research Centre, Mahad, Maharashtra

  • Dr Sadanand Dagadu Raut – Consultant Physician & Director, Vighnahar Nursing Home, Narayangaon, Maharashtra

• INR 10 Lakhs for Smt. Gayatri Jaipuria Women’s Medicine and Healthcare Excellence Award

  • Dr Thara Rangaswamy – Co-founder & Vice-chairperson, Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai

• INR 10 Lakhs for Shri Ashwini Kumar Award for Healthcare Excellence in Diabetes and Obesity Care

  • Dr V. Mohan – Chairman, Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre & The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai

“Through the Medical & Healthcare Excellence Awards, we express our sincere appreciation to these healthcare professionals who tirelessly serve the society, often placing the well-being of others above their own. This recognition stands as a tribute to their dedication and a reminder that their invaluable service to humanity is deeply respected and acknowledged,” Jaipuria added.

The third edition drew attention with 476 entries and 233 applications, demonstrating commitment to recognizing exceptional contributions. The event also featured a special session titled “Celebrating Excellence: Featuring Previous Edition Awardees,” where distinguished doctors including Prof. (Dr) Raman Krishna Kumar, Dr Ashish Satav, Prof. (Dr) Jeyaraj Durai Pandian, and Prof. (Dr) Pratibha Singhi from earlier editions reflected on their journeys in advancing healthcare and highlighted the evolving challenges and opportunities in the medical and healthcare field.

SrijanShakti Awards 2026 Honour Women Shaping India’s Design and Creative Future

Instituted as a national platform to recognise women whose work is redefining entrepreneurship, industry innovation and social impact through design, the awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate how creativity can drive meaningful change across sectors.

Now in its third edition, the SrijanShakti Awards have emerged as a credible national initiative spotlighting women who are reshaping how India creates, builds and innovates. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Shyama Rath, Member Secretary, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) as the Chief Guest, along with Dr. Ashish Mohan, Executive Director & Head – Technology, Research, AI, Space, Innovation-IP, Robotics and Advisory Design at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as the Guest of Honour.

The winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished national jury comprising eminent leaders from India’s design, cultural and policy ecosystem. The jury included Rathi Vinay Jha, founder of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT); Puneeta Roy, cultural curator and co-founder of Teamwork Arts; Varun Jain, Managing Trustee of the Sanskriti Foundation; and Sandhya Raman, co-founder of the award-winning design studio DESMANIA.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, World University of Design, said, “The SrijanShakti Awards were instituted to recognise women whose creativity does more than produce remarkable work. It changes conversations, builds institutions and creates pathways for others. While women have always played a central role in India’s creative traditions; from crafts and textiles to contemporary design; their contributions often remain less visible in the public imagination. SrijanShakti seeks to bring these inspiring journeys into the spotlight.”

SrijanShakti Awards 2026 Winners are

Design Entrepreneur of the Year

Kanika Seth – Founder, 2626 Creative Studio and Say It With a Pin

Creative Innovation Champion

Shivani Mehta – Founder, Daakroom and Creative Director, bioQ and Kabir for Kids

Social Impact Catalyst

Meghna Joshi – Founder, SWAN Livelihood

The awards recognise women whose work goes beyond creative excellence to influence industries, strengthen communities and build new pathways within India’s evolving design ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shyama Rath, Member Secretary, AICTE, emphasised the importance of recognising women’s leadership in creative and innovation-driven sectors.

“Women today are playing a defining role in shaping India’s innovation and creative industries. Platforms such as the SrijanShakti Awards not only celebrate achievement but also inspire young women to pursue leadership across design, technology and entrepreneurship.”

The ceremony also featured inspiring talks by the awardees and invited designers, who shared their personal journeys, challenges and experiences with students and young designers offering insights into the realities of building creative careers and enterprises.

Instituted by the World University of Design, the SrijanShakti Awards aim to amplify stories of women whose work bridges creativity, enterprise and social purpose. By recognising leaders across entrepreneurship, innovation and community impact, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of designers, innovators and changemakers in India.

BPTP Receives ‘Iconic Project - Commercial’ Recognition at ET Real Estate Conclave & Awards 2026

BPTP’s commercial development, Capital City, Sector 94, Noida, recognised for its scale and integrated master planning, along with planned business infrastructure. Conceived as a mixed-use commercial development, Capital City reflects contemporary workspace design and urban commercial infrastructure, and incorporates elements aligned with sustainability considerations. The recognition reflects BPTP’s development approach focused on integrated commercial projects.

Commenting on the recognition, Manik Malik, CEO & President, BPTP Limited, said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition at the ET Real Estate Conclave & Awards 2026. This acknowledgement reflects the efforts of our team, partners and customers associated with the Capital City project. At BPTP, our focus remains on delivering commercial developments with integrated planning and functional design. This recognition encourages us to maintain our focus on execution, quality, and stakeholder engagement.”

The ET Real Estate Conclave & Awards is an industry forum that recognises real estate projects and stakeholders across multiple categories. The 2026 edition brought together developers, architects, and industry participants to discuss trends and developments in urban real estate.

About BPTP

BPTP Limited is a real estate developers with over two decades of operations in the Delhi-NCR region. The company has delivered numerous residential and commercial projects across multiple locations in NCR, including residential group housing, plotted developments, commercial developments and integrated townships.

• Serving over 13 million customers with a distribution footprint covering over 18,600  of India’s PIN codes (as of March 31, 2025)

• Reflects the company’s focus on leveraging technology and AI integration alongside organisational capability and talent development

As artificial intelligence and advanced analytics reshape credit decisioning across India’s lending ecosystem, financial institutions are now increasingly combining advanced analytics with organisational capability to deliver faster credit access and scalable growth.

Reflecting this shift, Hero FinCorp Limited, an Indian Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), has received two industry recognitions for its tech-led lending architecture and organisational practices.

The company has been awarded Best Digital Strategy Delivering Business Value (MSME Lending) at the 3rd Annual NBFC & Fintech Excellence Awards 2026, held in Mumbai. In addition, Hero FinCorp also received recognition for Significant Achievement in HR Excellence at the 16th CII National HR Excellence Awards 2026.

Introducing Project Dhruv Tara
At the core of Hero FinCorp’s digital lending evolution is Project Dhruv Tara, the company’s AI-led lending architecture designed with the aim to strengthen credit decisioning, reduce cyclical exposure and improve portfolio predictability.

Drawing on a combination of diverse datasets, and advanced analytics, Project Dhruv Tara enables the company to evaluate credit opportunities more holistically and identify higher quality borrowers on a segment-level.

By strengthening decision intelligence across the credit lifecycle, the initiative supports Hero FinCorp in building a more predictable and resilient loan portfolio, with the aim to enable  faster and more seamless credit access for customers.

AI-Led Decision Intelligence
Hero FinCorp’s technology architecture integrates underwriting intelligence, advanced analytics, and data-driven customer insights with the aim to strengthen credit governance and improve decision accuracy.

These capabilities allow the company to better understand borrower behaviour, evaluate risk across multiple dimensions, and tailor credit offerings in a disciplined and scalable manner.

This technology-led approach also enables faster loan assessments, streamlined onboarding, and improved operational efficiency, delivering a smoother borrowing experience for customers.

With over 13 million customers and a distribution footprint spanning over 18,600 of India’s PIN codes (as of March 31, 2026), Hero FinCorp is leveraging technology and AI integration with an aim to enable scalable credit deployment across urban, semi-urban, and emerging MSME clusters.

Building Organisational Capability
Alongside its investments in tech-led AI-based models, Hero FinCorp continues to work towards strengthening organisational capability through structured talent management and leadership development initiatives.

The recognition at the CII National HR Excellence Awards 2026 reflects the company’s focus on human potential initiatives that support its evolving technology-enabled operating model.

Commenting on the recognition, Ms. Priya Kashyap, Chief Operating Officer & Chief of Staff, Hero FinCorp, said: “At Hero FinCorp, we see data intelligence and advanced analytics as a key strategy towards building a resilient and responsible lending institution. Project Dhruv Tara represents an important step in this journey, enabling us to combine diverse data signals with technology-led decisioning to strengthen credit quality and improve the speed of credit delivery. Equally important is building the organisational capability required to sustain this transformation. The recognition for HR excellence reflects our continued focus on developing and retaining top talent that can support long-term growth in an evolving financial services landscape.”

These recognitions underscore Hero FinCorp’s ongoing efforts to strengthen both its lending intelligence and human potential as the financial services sector increasingly adopts data-driven operating models.

Project Dhruv Tara serves as a strategic anchor for Hero FinCorp’s AI-led lending journey, guiding the company’s efforts to deliver responsible credit access.

About Hero FinCorp
Hero FinCorp is an Indian Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) offering a diversified portfolio of lending solutions across Retail, MSME, and Corporate segments. Its product suite includes two-wheeler, car, home, and personal loans, along with business, SME, and corporate financing.

The company has built an extensive national presence covering 18,600+ of India’s PIN codes, supported by a network of 4,200+ touchpoints. This wide distribution net enables Hero FinCorp to deliver financing solutions across 2,000+ cities, towns, and villages across India.

Having served over 13 million customers, Hero FinCorp operates on an AI-led architecture that integrates underwriting, analytics, and marketing capabilities across the credit lifecycle. This technology backbone enables faster underwriting, lean operating model, and credit delivery at scale.

As part of the Hero Group, Hero FinCorp draws on a legacy of trust, integrity, and long-term institution-building envisioned by the Hero Group’s Founder, Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, while advancing responsible lending and building a future-ready financial services platform.

(All data as of March 31, 2025)

IVCA Alternate Capital Excellence Awards 2026 Honour Value Creation Across India’s Private Capital Ecosystem
 

The winners were selected by an independent jury comprising Shri UK Sinha, Former Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI); Smt. Nivruti Rai, Managing Director and CEO, Invest India; Luis Miranda, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Indian School of Public Policy; Manish Sabharwal, Chairman and Co-Founder, TeamLease Services; Cate Ambrose, CEO and Board Member, Global Private Capital Association; Vivek Pandit, Senior Partner, McKinsey; and Mohit Dhawan, President, Hero Enterprise.
 

Commenting on this flagship segment of the IVCA Conclave, Rajat Tandon, President, IVCA, said, “The IVCA Alternate Capital Excellence Awards honour the top performers shaping India’s private capital ecosystem with vision, resilience, and innovation. The year 2025–26 marked a pivotal period, defined by strong performance, adaptability, and a clear focus on long-term value creation. By recognising excellence across fundraising, performance, and returns, the Awards underscore the industry’s growing capital-raising strength, sustained investor confidence, and successful exits, reinforcing India’s emergence as a global leader in fund management.”
 

Nominees were evaluated across performance metrics, governance standards, sustainability integration, and broader ecosystem contribution, ensuring rigorous and credible selection. The honours were presented in collaboration with Praxis Global Alliance as the Awards Partner, and Cactus Partners and UTI Alternatives as the IVCA Alternate Capital Excellence Award Partners.
 

The IVCA Alternate Capital Excellence Awards 2026 were presented across the following categories:
 

Performance-based Awards

These categories recognised excellence in capital mobilisation, exit execution, portfolio management, and consistent performance across market cycles.
 

• Best International Fundraise: Private Equity – ChrysCapital

• Best All-Market LP Fundraise: Private Equity – Motilal Oswal Alternates Private Equity Fund

• Best Domestic Fundraise: Private Equity – TVS Capital Funds

• Best International Fundraise: Venture Capital – Nexus Venture Partners

• Best Domestic Fundraise: Venture Capital – A91 Partners

• Best Exit: International Venture Capital – Accel

• Best Exit: Domestic Venture Capital – Peak XV Partners

• Best Exit: International Private Equity – Blackstone

• Best Exit: Domestic Private Equity – Kedaara Capital

• Best Performance: Private Credit Funds – Neo Asset Management

• Best Performance: Venture Debt Funds – Alteria Capital

• Best Performance: Real Estate Funds – Motilal Oswal Alternates Real Estate Fund

• Best Performance: Infrastructure Funds – EAAA Alternatives

• Best Performance: New Fund Entry – PixelSky Capital

• Consistent Social Impact Champion Award – Chiratae Ventures

• Consistent Climate Impact Champion Award – Blume Ventures

• Women First Award – 3one4 Capital
   

The IVCA Alternate Capital Excellence Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding contributions to India’s alternative investment ecosystem, recognising firms and individuals whose leadership, innovation, and strategic vision are shaping the country’s private capital landscape. The awards underscore IVCA’s continued commitment to fostering collaboration across investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for alternative capital.

About IVCA
The Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) is a not-for-profit, apex industry body promoting the alternate capital industry and fostering a vibrant investing ecosystem in India. IVCA is committed to supporting the ecosystem by facilitating advocacy discussions with the Government of India, policymakers, and regulators, resulting in the rise of entrepreneurial activity, innovation, and job creation in India and contributing towards the development of India as a leading fund management hub. IVCA represents 500+ funds with a combined AUM of over $350 billion. Our members are the most active domestic and global VCs, PEs, funds for infrastructure, real estate, credit funds, limited partners, investment companies, family offices, corporate VCs, and knowledge partners. These funds invest in emerging companies, venture growth, buyout, special situations, distressed assets, and credit and venture debt, among others.

The evening brought together the biggest names from the world of entertainment and digital media. The ceremony was graced by high-profile personalities including Hina Khan, Kusha Kapila, Sanjana Sanghi, Sona Mohapatra, Sonnalli Seygall, and Sumukhi Suresh, who stood as a testament to the growing synergy between traditional stardom and digital influence.

A Distinguished Jury

The "Jury Choice" winners were selected after a rigorous deliberation process by an esteemed panel of industry veterans. The jury featured:

• Divya Dutta (National Award-winning Actor & Author)

• Rasika Dugal (Versatile Actor known for Mirzapur & Delhi Crime)

• Shweta Tripathi Sharma (Acclaimed Actor and digital pioneer)

• Anup Soni (Renowned Actor and Anchor)

"To witness so many creators through the jury process was a reminder that creation is a reflection of who we are," said Shweta Tripathi Sharma. Rasika Dugal added, "I was particularly moved by the 'Breaking the Bias' category; the courage and honesty of these women are truly inspiring."

Celebrating the Winners

The awards followed a dual-winner format—Jury Choice and Popular Choice (voted for by millions of fans nationwide)—covering over 20 diverse categories.

Check out the full winners list here - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/women/voices-of-power/times-entertainments-power-creator-awards-womens-edition-complete-winners-list-palak-muchhal-ira-khan-and-more-honored/articleshow/129344078.cms

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviours proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation. The certification is awarded to organizations that meet rigorous standards in trust, respect, credibility, fairness, and pride as reported by employees.
 

"Earning the Great Place To Work Certification™ is a milestone that reflects our unwavering dedication to establishing a gold standard in employee practices," said the Aayush Raj, Chief of Staff at Rodic Consultants.
 

"We have always believed that exceptional work emerges from environments where people feel valued, heard, and supported. This recognition validates our commitment to best employee practices not as policies on paper, but as lived experiences. When employees tell us they feel respected, when they say leadership is accessible, when they confirm that fairness is not just promised but practiced, that's when we know we are building something meaningful. For Rodic, this certification is a commitment to continue evolving a workplace where every individual is empowered to realize their full potential,” added Aayush.
 

Reinforcing its commitment to performance-driven workplace culture, Rodic is strengthening its people strategy in line with its AI-first vision through accelerated upskilling initiatives. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Rodic AI Challenge, which encourages employees to develop AI-driven solutions for infrastructure challenges from predictive maintenance algorithms to project management optimization tools. These initiatives reflect Rodic's commitment to continuous learning, digital transformation, and empowering its people to lead change in an increasingly technology-driven infrastructure sector.
 

Over the last 25 years, Rodic has continuously focused on employee engagement through programs including the Rodic Balance initiative, which incorporates sports and wellness programs, learning and development opportunities, transparent communication channels, and comprehensive health benefits fostering a workplace built on trust, collaboration, and employee empowerment.

MET Trustee Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal being honoured with the Distinguished Academic Leadership Award at the Valedictory Ceremony of the 5th CiiA Innovation Awards

This accolade recognises individuals who have exhibited exemplary and remarkable performance in strengthening educational ecosystems and developing and enhancing innovations to ensure institutions sufficiently meet the needs arising in society over time. The honour was presented to Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal by the event’s Chief Guest, Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan, Advisor & Professor of Eminence, Reliance Jio University, Mumbai, during the Innovation Award Ceremony.
 

As a Member of the Legislative Council of Maharashtra and a prominent figure in public life, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal, has been instrumental in activities that foster excellence in all walks of life in the domains of education, society, and culture. Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal remains focused on inculcating his philosophy of leading institutions towards becoming places of the future with academic rigour and applicability to the real world at large. He brings together public service and educational leadership, ensuring that institutions under his stewardship remain socially oriented and globally aligned.

At MET, Mumbai, his leadership has been instrumental in strengthening institutional governance mechanisms, driving academic innovation and facilitate a greater intersection of learning and industries. His vision of experiential learning, real-world relevance, and strong academic values continues to shape MET’s approach to curriculum, faculty engagement, and student preparedness.

Under his guidance, MET has expanded programmes across diverse fields such as Management, Media, Pharmacy, Information Technology, International Studies, and K–12 education through MET Rishikul Vidyalaya - continuing the legacy established by Founder Chairman Mr. Chaggan Bhujbal in 1989.
 

Reflecting on the recognition, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal said, “Innovation has been central to MET since its inception. We have always focused on research, industry engagement, and building future-ready leaders. I am honoured to receive this award and grateful for the collective efforts of everyone who shares this vision.”

The Distinguished Academic Leadership Award stands as a testament to leadership that goes beyond administration—one that builds systems, empowers people, and shapes institutions to serve society with purpose and impact.

B.V. Naidu,Chairman,KDEM, was felicitated with the prestigious IESA Sarabhai Award at the IESA Vision Summit 2026 for his continued contributions to India’s ESDM ecosystem

Named in honour of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space programme,’IESA Sarabhai Award’ is among the industry’s highest recognitions, celebrating leaders whose institution-building vision and long-term impact have elevated India’s standing in the global electronics and semiconductor value chain. Conferring this honour upon Mr. B.V. Naidu, is a reflection of a career that has, quite literally, architected the digital destiny of a nation. 

"This recognition belongs to the countless innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and ecosystem builders who have worked together to shape Karnataka's technology leadership. Our collective mission has always been to build globally competitive tech clusters, strengthen digital capabilities across the state, and ensure Karnataka remains at the forefront of India's innovation-led growth. I remain committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers, and institutions that will define India's digital future,” said, Mr. B.V. Naidu, Chairman, KDEM. 

“Mr. Naidu didn't just witness India's digital transformation, he architected it. From strengthening institutional frameworks to fostering deeper industry-government collaboration, his work has helped create a stronger foundation for design-led innovation and manufacturing growth in the country. His contributions to the ESDM sector and national electronics policy have laid a foundation that generations of innovators will build upon. IESA is proud to have been associated with Mr. Naidu and is honoured to confer this award upon him, a recognition that is as much a celebration of his legacy as it is an inspiration for the journey ahead.” said, Ashok Chandak, President and CEO, IESA. 

"On behalf of the entire KDEM family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. B.V. Naidu on receiving the IESA Sarabhai Award, a recognition that could not be more deserved. Working alongside him has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional journey. Mr. Naidu does not simply lead, he elevates everyone around him. As a mentor and institution-builder, he has consistently encouraged industry and policymakers to move beyond services-led scale toward design ownership, manufacturing depth, talent scaling, tech cluster developments, and global competitiveness. Every milestone we celebrate at KDEM bears his imprint, his strategic clarity, his unwavering belief in Karnataka's potential beyond Bengaluru, and his tireless championing of the next generation of technology leaders. This award honours a vision that continues to shape India’s digital future,” said, Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM).

The IESA Sarabhai Award adds to a distinguished can of recognition for Mr. Naidu. He has previously received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the TiE Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, NASSCOM “Pioneer Persons” award and most recently, the inaugural STPI Commendation Award at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, bestowed in recognition of his decades-long leadership in building Karnataka's global technology prominence. Each honour further reaffirms that Mr. Naidu is among the rarest of leaders, those whose contributions outlast the moment and define the era. 

About KDEM
Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) is a Section 8 not-for-profit organization acting as a knowledge bridge between the Government of Karnataka and the technology industry. Designed to accelerate the state’s IT, BT, and S&T sectors, KDEM champions strategic investments, research-driven opportunities, global promotions, and targeted policy advocacy all in support of contributing US$300 billion to India's $1 trillion digital economy vision. Through its ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative, KDEM empowers emerging tech clusters like Mangaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi HDB, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Kalaburgi, enabling organic growth and attracting investments for startups and enterprises. With over 28 companies already thriving in cluster cities, 9,000+ new jobs created, and ambitious goals such as 10,000 startups by 2030, KDEM is shaping the future workforce and driving inclusive innovation across Karnataka. With overall vision to make Brand Karnataka stronger & more powerful on the global tech & innovation map. 

The winners of the PATWA International Travel Awards 2026

The awards ceremony followed the PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit on ‘The Future of Tourism’ which brought together an influential line-up of global tourism ministers as speakers, from Grenada, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Botswana and Jamaica. Discussions centred on sustainability, innovation and the future of global travel, with particular emphasis on navigating geopolitical conflicts, climate change and evolving environmental challenges shaping the industry.

This year’s Partner Destinations were Grenada, Bahamas and Goa, with Aeropuertos Argentina serving as Event Partner.

Now in its 26th year, the PATWA International Travel Awards are widely regarded as among the travel industry’s most respected, authentic and coveted honours. The awards recognise excellence across governments, destinations, aviation, hospitality, tourism boards, travel technology companies and industry leaders worldwide.

The highlight of the awards was the Excellence in Governance category, recognising ministers and elected representatives whose policies and leadership have significantly advanced sustainable tourism development.

Yatan Ahluwalia, Secretary General of PATWA delivered the welcome address stating, “At a time when travel is being reshaped by global conflicts, sustainability, innovation, resilience and renewed purpose, recognising leadership and excellence across regions is more important than ever.”

Founded in 1999, the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) is an international professional media organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable growth across the travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors worldwide. PATWA is an Affiliate Member of UN Tourism.

Quotes on the Awards

Yatan Ahluwalia, Secretary General: “The PATWA International Travel Awards stand as a benchmark of global excellence in travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality. This year, the jury undertook a rigorous evaluation of over 550 nominations, ultimately selecting just 80 awardees — an achievement that underscores the distinction and credibility of these honours. The winners represent the very best in leadership, innovation and commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism development across regions.”

Pulkit Sharma, Director – Operations & Features Editor:“Beyond destinations and institutions, the PATWA awards honour the dedication of industry leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals whose vision and leadership continue to elevate standards in hospitality, aviation, travel technology and tourism services. Recognising such excellence not only celebrates achievement but also sets benchmarks for the industry worldwide.”

The 2026 winners:

Destination

Destination of the Year – Vibrant Beaches: Nassau & Paradise Island, Destination of the Year – Natural Attractions: Republic of Armenia, Destination of the Year – Diverse Experiences: Federative Republic of Brasil, Destination of the Year – Earthly Experiences: Kingdom of Bhutan, Destination of the Year – Rejuvenation: Goa, Destination of the Year – Diverse Island Experiences: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Destination of the Year – Adventure Experiences: Republic of Ecuador, Destination of the Year – Diverse Landscapes: Republic of Angola, Destination of the Year – Lifetime Experiences: The Bahamas, Destination of the Year – Vibrant Island Experiences: Republic of Fiji, Destination of the Year – Thrilling Experiences, Republic of Botswana, Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders: Republic of Zimbabwe, Destination of the Year – Caribbean Experiences: Grenada, Destination of the Year – Beach Experiences: Mauritius and Destination of the Year – Worldwide: Jamaica.

Culture

Best Cultural Festival – Festa Junina: Federative Republic of Brasil.

Hospitality

Best MICE Venue (The Caribbean): Montego Bay Convention Centre, Jamaica, Best All-Inclusive Resort (The Caribbean): Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada, Best Boutique Hotels – Authentic Experiences (The Caribbean): S Hotels, Jamaica, Best Hotels (South India): GRT Hotels & Resorts, Best Retreat – Wellness (India): Kairali, Best Hotels – Lifestyle Experiences (South Asia): Hilton, Best Hotels – Service Excellence: Taj Hotels.

Aviation

Best Company – Airport Hospitality Services (India): Encalm Hospitality, Best Company – Airport Management (South America): Aeropuertos Argentina, Best Airport (Asia): Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok, Best Airport (South Pacific Islands): Nadi International Airport, Fiji, Best Airport – Innovation (Middle East) Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Best Airline of the Year (The Caribbean): Sunrise Airways, Best Airline of the Year – Regional (The Caribbean): InterCaribbean Airways, Best Airline of the Year – Service Excellence (Asia): Thai Airways International.

Organisational Excellence

Best Organisation – Tourism Development (Asia): India Tourism Development Corporation, Best Organisation – Travel Trade Fair & Events: Messe Berlin.

Travel Services

Best Company – Travel Services (Subcontinent Region): Sita, Best Communications Agency – Travel & Tourism: FINN Partners, Best Platform – Regenerative Tourism: Travelware, Best Port – Cruise Liners (The Caribbean): The WICO Dock, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Individual Excellence – Tourism (Patwa Gold Awards)

Excellence in Ecological Tourism (Himalayan Region): Mr. Damcho Rinzin, Excellence in Tourism (Subcontinent Region): Mr. Dipak Deva, Excellence in Destination Management (Europe): Ms. Alessandra Priante, Excellence in Destination Promotions (The Caribbean): Ms. Joy Jibrilu, Excellence in Destination Management (The Caribbean): Ms. Latia Duncombe, Excellence in Destination Development (The Caribbean): Ms. Stacey Liburd, Tourism Legacy: Mr. Alain St. Ange and Lifetime Achievement – Tourism: Sir Baltron Bethel.

Individual Excellence – Hospitality (Patwa Gold Awards)

Excellence in MICE Hospitality (The Caribbean): Ms. Mureen James, Excellence in Hospitality Innovation (Jamaica): Mr. Christopher Issa, Woman of the Year – Hospitality (The Caribbean): Ms. Janelle M. Hopkin, Excellence in Operations – Hospitality (India): Mr. Satyajeet Krishnan, Excellence in Management – People & Culture: Hospitality (India) – Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Excellence in Innovation – Commercial – Hospitality (India): Mr. Parveen Chander, Excellence in Wellness – Hospitality (India): Mr. Abhilash K. Ramesh, Excellence in Hospitality Innovation (India): Mr. Vikram Cotah and Excellence in Leadership – Hospitality (South Asia): Mr. Zubin Saxena.

Individual Excellence – Aviation (Patwa Gold Awards)

Person of the Year – Airlines (Asia): Mr. Chai Eamsiri, Excellence in Airline Leadership (The Caribbean): Mr. Philippe Bayard, Excellence in Airline Operations (The Caribbean): Mr. Trevor Sadler, Excellence in Leadership – Airports (Asia): Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong, Excellence in Leadership – Airports (South Pacific Islands): Mr. Mesake Nawari, Excellence in Innovation – Airports (Middle East): Mr. Manish Seth and Excellence in Innovation – Airports (South America): Mr. Daniel Ketchibachian.

Individual Excellence – Travel Services (Patwa Gold Awards)

Excellence in Airport Hospitality Services: Mr. Vikas Sharma, Excellence in Tourism PR & Communications: Ms. Debbie Flynn, Excellence in Innovation – Tech Regenerative Tourism: Mr. Michele Zavoli and Best New CEO – Ports (Worldwide): Mr. Joseph B. Boschulte.

Individual Excellence – Organisations (Patwa Gold Awards)

Excellence in Tourism Development (Asia): Ms. Mugdha Sinha and Excellence in Leadership – Trade Fairs: Dr. Mario Tobias.

Excellence In Governance

Excellence in Governance – Destination Management (Caucasus Region): H.E. Lusine Gevorgyan (Republic of Armenia), Tourism Minister of the Year – Inclusive Growth: H.E. Mateo Julián Estrella Durán (Republic of Ecuador), Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainable Development: H.E. Adrian A. Thomas (Grenada), Tourism Minister of the Year – Nature Conservation: H.E. Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi (Republic of Botswana), Tourism Minister of the Year – Innovation (Asia): H.E. Rohan Khaunte (Goa), Tourism Minister of the Year – Resurrection: H.E. Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel (Republic of Angola), Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainability: H.E. Chester Cooper (The Bahamas), Tourism Minister of the Year – Heritage Conservation: H.E. Diya Kumari (Rajasthan), Tourism Minister of the Year (Oceania Region): H.E. Viliame R. Gavoka (Republic of Fiji), Tourism Minister of the Year (Africa): H.E. Barbara Rwodzi (Republic of Zimbabwe), Tourism Minister of the Year (Indian Ocean Region): H.E. Christian Harold Richard Duval (Republic of Mauritius) and Tourism Minister of the Year (Worldwide) H.E. Edmund Bartlett (Jamaica).

Switrus Holidays Honoured by Jungfrau Railways for Serving 3000+ Travellers

The achievement makes Switrus one of the highest-contributing Indian tour operators to Switzerland’s iconic alpine tourism sector and has earned the company formal recognition as an Official Partner for promoting Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, one of Europe’s most visited mountain destinations.

A Record Year for Indian Tourism to Switzerland

Within just the first year of collaboration, Switrus successfully operated large-scale Europe group tours, sending more than 3,000 Indian tourists to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.

This milestone highlights the rapidly growing demand for Switzerland tour packages from India and reinforces India’s importance as a key source market for Swiss tourism.

Europe-Only Specialist with Weekly Departures to EUROPE

Founded in India in 2013, Switrus Holidays has built its brand exclusively around Europe group tours. The company is currently operating weekly scheduled Europe departures from India, reflecting operational scale, structured planning, and destination specialization.

Unlike general outbound travel companies offering multiple global destinations, Switrus focuses solely on Europe, positioning itself as a dedicated Europe tour operator from India.

Strengthened Presence with Germany Office

As part of its international expansion strategy, the company has established Switrus Holidays GmbH in Germany to strengthen its European base operations.

The Germany presence enables:

• Direct coordination with European suppliers

• Improved service standards

• Better pricing control

• Stronger on-ground support for Indian travellers

This operational structure provides Switrus with a strategic advantage in managing large-scale Switzerland and Europe group tours.

Strengthening India–Switzerland Tourism Relations

The recognition from Jungfrau Railways reflects India’s growing contribution to Swiss tourism and marks a defining moment for Indian outbound travel brands expanding their global footprint.

With over 13 years of experience and a rapidly expanding pan-India presence with offices in Delhi, Maharashtra , Gujarat, West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Kerala,   Switrus Holidays continues to play a significant role in driving Indian tourism to Europe.

Tapan Ghosh (third from the right), CEO of VinFast India, received the award from the organizers of the FASTER Awards 2026

As one of the industry’s most respected accolades, the FASTER Awards recognize outstanding achievements in vehicle performance, design, and technology, along with brand contributions to the green mobility transition in India. VinFast made a distinct impression through its strong commitment to the market, highlighted by the development of a modern manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, accompanied by a clear localization roadmap and a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem. These efforts have enabled the company to build solid trust with local consumers within a short period of market presence.

VinFast’s impact as a new entrant was also recognized in communications, with the company receiving the “Communications Team of the Year 2026” title at this year’s FASTER Awards. The organizers noted that VinFast implemented a structured and consistent communications strategy, helping the brand stand out in a highly competitive and discerning market such as India.

The double win at the FASTER Awards brings VinFast’s total number of awards in the Indian market to nearly 20, reflecting strong recognition from industry experts for both brand stature and product quality. Previously, VinFast was named “Investor of the Year” by Nanayam Vikatan magazine and received the “EV Manufacturer of the Year” title at the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards 2025. The VF 7 was honored as “Electric SUV of the Year” at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026, while the VF 6 won “Value for Money Car of the Year” at the Autocar India Awards 2026.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “We are thrilled to receive the New Entrant of the Year at the FASTER Awards 2026. This recognition is deeply meaningful for VinFast because it reflects the philosophy behind our India strategy. It reflects our dedication to crafting electric vehicles that offer unmatched value, safety, and practicality for Indian families. More importantly, it strengthens our mission to contribute meaningfully to India’s transition towards sustainable mobility.”

Mr. Amit Chhangani, Chairman, FASTER Awards, added, “The FASTER New Entrant of the Year Award is not given for ambition. It is given for execution. Executing in India, a market that is geographically vast, culturally layered, and deeply loyal to its existing brands, is not for the faint-hearted. VinFast arrived with a manufacturing commitment, a localisation strategy, and the patience to build trust before demanding it. That is precisely what this award recognises.”

VinFast India continues to strengthen its product and market momentum in the Indian EV landscape. Since launching the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, both of which recently secured 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, VinFast India has strengthened its market presence across key regions. Building on this foundation, VinFast has introduced programmes aimed at improving ownership experience, including assured resale and structured buyback options for VF 6 and VF 7 customers, and is rapidly growing its retail footprint through new showrooms and service partnerships nationwide.

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

Tapan Ghosh (third from the right), CEO of VinFast India, received the award from the organizers of the FASTER Awards 2026

As one of the industry’s most respected accolades, the FASTER Awards recognize outstanding achievements in vehicle performance, design, and technology, along with brand contributions to the green mobility transition in India. VinFast made a distinct impression through its strong commitment to the market, highlighted by the development of a modern manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, accompanied by a clear localization roadmap and a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem. These efforts have enabled the company to build solid trust with local consumers within a short period of market presence.

VinFast’s impact as a new entrant was also recognized in communications, with the company receiving the “Communications Team of the Year 2026” title at this year’s FASTER Awards. The organizers noted that VinFast implemented a structured and consistent communications strategy, helping the brand stand out in a highly competitive and discerning market such as India.

The double win at the FASTER Awards brings VinFast’s total number of awards in the Indian market to nearly 20, reflecting strong recognition from industry experts for both brand stature and product quality. Previously, VinFast was named “Investor of the Year” by Nanayam Vikatan magazine and received the “EV Manufacturer of the Year” title at the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards 2025. The VF 7 was honored as “Electric SUV of the Year” at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026, while the VF 6 won “Value for Money Car of the Year” at the Autocar India Awards 2026.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “We are thrilled to receive the New Entrant of the Year at the FASTER Awards 2026. This recognition is deeply meaningful for VinFast because it reflects the philosophy behind our India strategy. It reflects our dedication to crafting electric vehicles that offer unmatched value, safety, and practicality for Indian families. More importantly, it strengthens our mission to contribute meaningfully to India’s transition towards sustainable mobility.”

Mr. Amit Chhangani, Chairman, FASTER Awards, added, “The FASTER New Entrant of the Year Award is not given for ambition. It is given for execution. Executing in India, a market that is geographically vast, culturally layered, and deeply loyal to its existing brands, is not for the faint-hearted. VinFast arrived with a manufacturing commitment, a localisation strategy, and the patience to build trust before demanding it. That is precisely what this award recognises.”

VinFast India continues to strengthen its product and market momentum in the Indian EV landscape. Since launching the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, both of which recently secured 5-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, VinFast India has strengthened its market presence across key regions. Building on this foundation, VinFast has introduced programmes aimed at improving ownership experience, including assured resale and structured buyback options for VF 6 and VF 7 customers, and is rapidly growing its retail footprint through new showrooms and service partnerships nationwide.

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

AONMeetings: Unlimited meetings, No time limits

“This recognition from G2 validates what thousands of businesses already know — AONMeetings delivers enterprise-grade video conferencing at a price that works for everyone,” said Dwight Reed, CEO and Founder of AONMeetings. “Being recognized specifically in Asia Pacific and Asia Regional reports as we launch in India is a powerful signal that our platform resonates with teams across the region.”

G2 Spring 2026 Recognition Highlights

AONMeetings earned placement across the following G2 Spring 2026 report categories:

Video Conferencing

• Asia Pacific Regional Grid® Report

• Asia Regional Grid® Report

• Small-Business Asia Regional Grid® Report

• Small-Business Asia Pacific Regional Grid® Report

• Small-Business Grid® Report

• Grid® Report

• Relationship Index, Results Index & Usability Index — All Sizes

• EMEA and Europe Regional Grid® Reports

Webinar

• Grid® Report for Webinar

• Small-Business Grid® Report for Webinar

• Relationship Index, Results Index & Usability Index

• EMEA Regional Grid® Report

Virtual Event Platforms

• Grid® Report for Virtual Event Platforms

• Small-Business Grid® Report

• Europe & EMEA Regional Grid® Reports

Expanding Access Across India

AONMeetings launched its dedicated India platform at India.AONMeetings.com in early 2026, offering localized pricing starting at Rs. 179/user/month with UPI, Paytm, and major debit/credit card payment support. The platform requires no software downloads and operates entirely in the browser, making it accessible to businesses, clinics, schools, and organizations across India regardless of device or internet speed.

India pricing plans are designed to deliver significant savings over incumbent platforms like Zoom:

• Starter: Rs. 179/user/month — up to 10 participants

• Professional: Rs. 359/user/month — up to 25 participants

• Business: Rs. 629/user/month — up to 100 participants

• Enterprise: Rs. 1,522/user/month — up to 250 participants

All plans include HIPAA-compliant security, unlimited meeting time, webinars, and session recording at no additional cost.

“India’s 63 million small businesses and massive healthcare and education sectors deserve world-class video conferencing without world-class price tags,” Reed added. “Our G2 recognition across Asia Pacific gives Indian buyers independent, third-party confidence that AONMeetings is a proven, trusted platform.”

About AONMeetings

AONMeetings is a HIPAA-compliant, browser-based video conferencing platform founded in 2020 and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. The platform serves over 1,000 businesses worldwide across healthcare, education, business, and religious organizations, offering video conferencing, webinars, and virtual events starting at $3.99/month. AONMeetings’ India platform is available at India.AONMeetings.com.

Technovation Awards 2026 at the IESA Vision Summit celebrated innovation across Start-Ups, MSME, Enterprise, and Skilling categories
 

Congratulating to this year’s Technovation Award winners for their exceptional contributions to strengthening India’s semiconductor and electronics ecosystem, Mr. Ashok Chandak, President, IESA said, “The winners achievements represent the innovation depth, entrepreneurial spirit, and execution excellence that are shaping India’s technology future. By spotlighting excellence across the semiconductor and ESDM value chain, these awards continue to set new benchmarks for technology leadership and ecosystem impact in India.”
 

“Over the years, the Technovation Awards have evolved in step with the rapid transformation of India’s electronics and semiconductor landscape. The categories now span Startups, MSMEs, Enterprise & Services, Techno-Visionary Leaders, and Skilling & Academia — reflecting the full spectrum of innovation, manufacturing strength, global delivery capability, and talent development that defines our ecosystem,” he added.
 

The 2026 edition of the awards was supported by Applied Materials and Infineon which underscored strong industry backing for innovation and ecosystem development.
 

At the IESA Vision Summit 2026, the prestigious Technovation Awards recognised outstanding leaders and innovators :

• Dr. Sarabhai Award presented to Mr. B. V. Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), in recognition of his distinguished contributions spanning over three decades to the advancement of innovation, skill development, policy formulation, and industry growth — and his instrumental role in building a robust ESDM ecosystem that has firmly established Brand India on the global stage.

• Distinguished category the TechnoVisionary Awards, honoured Shri Amitesh Kumar Sinha, CEO, India Semiconductor Mission and Additional Secretary MeitY (TechnoVisionary – Public Service); Mr. Swapnil Jain, Co-Founder, Ather Energy (TechnoVisionary – Industry); and Dr. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT Bangalore (Techno Mentor).

• Technovation Awards, chosen through nominations and evaluated by a jury panel recognised Mr. Rajesh N. Gupta, CEO, MOSart Semiconductors (Start-up – Electronics); Mr. Dipanjan Gope, CEO, SimYog Technology (Start-up – Semiconductor); Mr. Sairanjan Mishra, CEO, H2LOOP AI Pvt. Ltd. (Start-up – IP); Mr. Ashutosh Shrikant Bhabhe, Director & CEO, IN14Silicon Solutions (Start-up – Services); Mr. Basavaraj Nagaraju, CEO, RV-SKILLS Center for Emerging Technologies (Skilling – Finishing School); Prof. Sanket Goel, Birla Chair Professor & Head, CREST, BITS Pilani (Skilling – University); Mr. Abhra Bagchi, CMO, FermionIC Design Pvt. Ltd. (MSME/SME – Semiconductor Products & IP Development); Mr. Taninder Sijher, VP Engineering, Sandisk India Device Design Centre (Enterprise – Multinational); and Dr. G. Sivakumar, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NAL (Enterprise – India);
   

“As the country’s semiconductor market is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030, the Technovation Awards play a critical role in recognising those translating policy vision into a tangible industry impact. We are so much prouder in celebrating innovation, design excellence, ecosystem leadership, and talent development, the awards reinforce India’s journey toward becoming a globally competitive semiconductor and electronics powerhouse,” Mr. Ashok Chandak further added.
 

Instituted in 2008 by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association, the awards have grown into one of the most respected honours celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformative contributions across India’s semiconductor and electronics ecosystem.
 

About IESA
IESA is India's premier industry body for ESDM & Intelligent Electronics. Our main objective is to establish India as a leading global hub for electronics manufacturing and design. We work with government ministries, industry players, and academic institutions to facilitate the comprehensive implementation of the Program for Development of Semiconductor and Display Ecosystem. Our team of renowned experts in semiconductor and display technologies is committed to promoting technology solutions that positively impact the lives of 1.3 billion Indians.
 

For more information, visit: www.iesaonline.org | www.iesa-visionsummit.com.

Chennai Institute of Technology's ALL-GIRLS  team wins at DeepTech Hackathon, takes home Rs. 1,00,000

A Platform Built for the Next Generation of Innovators

India has earned global recognition for its deep semiconductor design talent. As the nation now accelerates toward chip manufacturing, the imperative is clear — India must expand its capabilities across the entire semiconductor value chain to build a truly self-reliant ecosystem.

The IESA Vision Summit 2026 concluded with the DeepTech Hackathon Grand Finale, spotlighting cutting-edge semiconductor talent and Edge AI innovation

The ‘DeepTech Hackathon’ was conceived as a high-impact platform to catalyse this transition — identifying, nurturing, and fast-tracking breakthrough innovations and cultivating a future-ready talent pipeline in India. Bringing together some of India’s brightest engineering minds, the hackathon challenged participants to develop cutting-edge solutions leveraging AI-enabled EDA workflows for “Edge AI based Defect Classification System for Semiconductor Images”, reinforcing India’s readiness for design-led manufacturing and deep-tech leadership.  

The competition drew exceptional engagement from the country's engineering community, attracting 911 teams across 359 colleges — culminating in 532 high-quality idea submissions that underwent a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process. The Grand Finale, held at the IESA Vision Summit 2026 — the most influential gathering of India's electronics and semiconductor leadership — brought together 10 finalist teams who had successfully navigated rigorous qualification rounds, mentorship sessions, and technical evaluations conducted in collaboration with industry experts from GlobalFoundries and NXP Semiconductors.

Commenting on the Mega Finale, Mr. Ashok Chandak, President, IESA and SEMI India, said, “India’s semiconductor ecosystem is at a decisive inflection point. While the India Semiconductor Mission is unlocking unprecedented investments, the true multiplier lies in talent and deep-tech innovation. This Hackathon showcases the depth of India’s semiconductor capability and the power of young engineers to solve complex challenges.”

“The momentum in AI and semiconductors is inseparable. As we build next-generation chips, we must also build responsible, human-centric AI systems aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of MANAV — ethical, inclusive, and globally competitive. Today’s winners are not just award recipients; they represent the new face of India’s design and technology leadership. We congratulate them and thank our partners who are nurturing this innovation ecosystem that will power India’s next wave of startups, IP creation, and global impact.” Chandak added.

“GF is committed to building differentiated solutions for the semiconductor industry and our customers. Our leading foundry presence in India enables us to contribute towards building a strong tech ecosystem with our industry partners and educational institutes. The hackathon at the IESA Vision summit is a perfect platform for young talent to nurture industry-ready skills while solving real world problems using semiconductor chip design, manufacturing and AI techniques. It is inspiring to see the critical thinking, curiosity and depth of technical knowledge demonstrated by the students. I look forward to welcoming this talent to the growing semiconductor ecosystem in India and GF in particular in the coming years,” said, Jitendra Chaddah (JC), Vice President and India Country Head, GlobalFoundries.

Hitesh Garg, Vice President and India Managing Director, NXP Semiconductors added, “The DeepTech Hackathon comes at a pivotal moment as India accelerates its semiconductor and AI ambitions. This initiative reflects the kind of industry–academia collaboration that is essential to building India’s next wave of deep‑tech and manufacturing innovation. What stands out in this challenge—bringing together defect detection, Edge AI, and real fab‑level problem‑solving—is how closely it mirrors the demands of modern intelligent manufacturing. At NXP, we are proud to support platforms that strengthen India’s semiconductor and AI capabilities, especially as the industry faces a growing need for system design engineers who can integrate hardware, software, and AI into scalable, real‑world solutions. The ingenuity and technical depth demonstrated by these young engineers reaffirm that India is not just participating in the global shift toward advanced AI‑driven systems, but is strongly positioned to lead it.”

The Winners

Each winning team demonstrated exceptional command of AI enabled semiconductor design principles, systems thinking, and solution viability. A distinguished panel of jury shortlisted the top three winners at the Mega Finale — with the top spot claimed by an all-girls team from Chennai Institute of Technology.

Winning team – Chennai Institute of Technology, honored with prize money of Rs. 1,00,000

1st Runner-Up- Ramco Institute of Technology, honored with prize money of Rs. 60,000

2nd Runner-Up- IIT Indore, honored with prize money of Rs. 40,000. 

Now in its 10th edition, the prestigious study reflects the voices of over three lakh employees across the country and celebrates organisations that have built exceptional workplace cultures for both frontline and corporate teams. Nykaa’s inclusion in the Top 15 reinforces its continued focus on creating an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered.
 

Nykaa Retail Beauty Ranked Among India's Top 15 Best Workplaces in Retail 2026

This recognition holds special meaning as it is rooted in employee feedback. Through the Great Place To Work® Trust Index™ Survey, Nykaa’s retail workforce shared insights into their everyday experience across stores and corporate functions. The findings highlight strong levels of trust in leadership, pride in work, and a deep sense of belonging within teams.

At the heart of Nykaa Retail Beauty’s culture is a simple belief: when employees thrive, customers feel it. Across its growing network of stores, teams are supported with clear processes, safe work environments, collaborative leadership, and opportunities to grow. Employees expressed pride in delivering exceptional customer experiences and in representing a brand that champions authenticity and inclusion.
 

Great Place To Work® evaluates over 2,200 organisations in India annually, making the Top 15 ranking in retail is a significant benchmark of workplace excellence within the retail sector. The study recognises companies that go beyond policies and truly embed trust, fairness, and camaraderie into daily operations.

For Nykaa, this milestone builds on last year’s Great Place To Work® Certification and reflects the brand’s sustained investment in people and culture. As the company continues to expand its omnichannel footprint, it remains committed to nurturing a workplace where frontline beauty advisors, store managers, and corporate teams feel equally inspired and supported. Guided by its vision to bring inspiration and joy to people everywhere, every day, Nykaa believes that a joyful customer journey begins with a motivated and confident employee. Being named among India’s Top 15 Best Workplaces in Retail 2026 marks an important chapter in that journey, as Nykaa continues to strengthen its culture and build for long-term growth.

With Mukesh Gulati, ED FMC; Rakesh Rewari, Jury Member BMO Awards; Asim Sharma, WWF India; Padma Shri Nila Madhab Panda; Dr Nidhi Pundhir, HCLTech & HCLFoundation
 

A defining highlight of this year’s Awards was its design as a carbon-neutral programme, reflecting a conscious commitment to minimising environmental impact and embedding sustainability into practice. Sunkonnect partnered as the Carbon Neutral Partner, while WWF India supported the initiative as Knowledge Partner, reinforcing the programme’s focus on climate responsibility and green transition.
 

Focus on Green Finance and Responsible Growth

The inaugural session set the tone for the day’s deliberations. Delivering the welcome address, Shri Ajay Shankar, Chairman, Foundation for MSME Clusters, emphasised the evolving developmental role of BMOs in strengthening sustainable MSME ecosystems.

He stated, “MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy and a major driver of employment. Collaboration among MSMEs, think tanks, NGOs, and policymakers can reshape India’s growth trajectory. With some of the world’s most affordable green energy and growing certification of green electricity, Indian MSMEs have a strong opportunity to access global markets, particularly in the European Union. India has the potential to emerge as the Green Factory of the World.”
 

Offering an international perspective, Smt. Smita Singh, Senior Programme Manager, Cooperation Section, European Union Delegation to India, highlighted EU–India collaboration in climate finance, clean energy transition, and sustainable industrial development.
 

From the industry viewpoint, Smt. Amita Sarkar, Deputy Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) shared insights on enabling green finance adoption within industry ecosystems.
 

Addressing financial system readiness, Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, Chairman & Managing Director, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Ministry of MSME, Government of India, emphasised strengthening financial systems to meet sustainability imperatives across MSME supply chains.
 

Shri Arun Kumar Shrivastava, Former Member, Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority, further stressed the need for innovative financing mechanisms, infrastructure support, and capacity-building initiatives to help MSMEs transition toward sustainability.
 

Delivering the inaugural address, Chief Guest Shri Dhiraj Mathur, Former IAS Officer and Senior Advisor – Strategy, Public Policy & Green Growth, highlighted the importance of cluster-led MSME development and accessible green finance, “India hosts the world’s largest MSME ecosystem, contributing nearly one-third of the national GDP. To remain globally competitive, sustainability must translate into investment and innovation. Green finance must be affordable, simplified, and accessible, especially for cluster-based MSMEs that drive employment and exports.”

Launch of Panipat Recycled Textile Cluster Study

A major highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of the Diagnostic Study Report of the Panipat Recycled Textile Cluster, prepared by FMC in collaboration with Reverse Resources and SUSTENT Consulting, supported by Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Danida).
 

The study presents actionable recommendations on circular economy integration, traceability systems, resource efficiency, decarbonisation pathways, operational improvements for textile MSMEs, and enhanced access to green financing opportunities — aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of India’s textile recycling sector.

Technical Sessions and Industry Dialogues

A high-level panel discussion titled “Unlocking Green Finance for India’s MSMEs” examined challenges in defining, measuring, and scaling green finance. The session was curated and moderated by Shri Anand P. Srivastava, Senior Consultant & Advisor, FMC, and featured experts including:

• Shri Ajay Kumar Kapur, Board of Trustees, FMC

• Dr. Pawan Singh, Chairman, Amphi Green Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and former MD & CEO, PTC India Financial Services

• Shri Saurabh Bansal, Geography Head – North, Commercial Banking Group, Axis Bank

• Shri Nilotpal Pathak, Partner, Sagacia Growth Partners LLP

• Shri Satyaki Rastogi, Chief General Manager, SIDBI
   

The panel highlighted the importance of developing structured green finance taxonomies, strengthening lender–industry coordination, and improving MSME awareness on sustainability-linked finance.
 

An Information Session on Resource Efficiency and Traceability for Enterprises featured Smt. Ina Bahuguna, Traceability & Circularity Expert, and Shri Rajat Batra, CEO, SUSTENT Consulting, who shared practical tools, use cases, and strategies for sustainable industrial transition.
 

The Green Finance Pitch Clinic created direct interaction between MSMEs, BMOs, and financial institutions. Participating experts included:

• Shri Vinit Gupta, – North & East India, HSBC Business Banking

• Shri Saurabh Bansal, Axis Bank

• Shri Rohit Kumar Sikkewal, General Manager, Sunkonnect
   

The event also hosted exhibitions showcasing financial products, innovative technologies, cluster success stories, and digital market tools supporting MSME growth.

Celebrating Champions of Responsible Enterprise

The Awards & Closing Ceremony recognised Business Membership Organisations and enterprises demonstrating excellence in environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusive development.
 

Chief Guest Shri Manoj Tiwari, Member of Parliament, felicitated the awardees and remarked, “MSMEs remain the backbone of India’s economy and a powerful driver of employment and inclusive growth. Sustainability initiatives must be practical and aligned with industry realities, supported by stronger coordination between government, industry bodies, and financial institutions.”
 

Distinguished dignitaries present on the dais included:

• Padma Shri Nila Madhab Panda, National Award-winning filmmaker and sustainability advocate

• Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, SVP Global CSR, HCLTech & Director, HCL Foundation

• Shri Asim Sharma, Senior Expert & Lead – Sustainable Finance, WWF India

• Shri Rakesh Rewari, Jury Member and Former Deputy Managing Director, SIDBI
  ​

Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Shri Mukesh Gulati, Executive Director, FMC, said, “The strength of this platform lies in collaboration. When BMOs, policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners work together, sustainability becomes achievable and scalable. FMC remains committed to building resilient clusters where responsible practices translate into competitiveness, livelihoods, and long-term economic transformation.”
 

The ceremony also marked the launch of the “Super 16” publication, documenting inspiring case studies of organisations promoting sustainable practices across India’s MSME clusters.

A Growing National Platform for Responsible Business

Since its inception in 2015, the Responsible BMO Awards have emerged as India’s first dedicated platform recognising BMOs promoting responsible business practices among MSMEs. The initiative continues to foster peer learning, institutional collaboration, and innovation toward sustainable economic development.
 

The central message emerging from this year’s conference was clear:
 

Sustainable MSME growth requires alignment between policy, finance, industry action, and institutional collaboration — transforming responsibility into long-term competitiveness.
 

About FMC
The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) works to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusive growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises through cluster development, policy advocacy, capacity building, sustainability initiatives, and market linkages.

Winners of the Seventh “TRT World Citizen Awards” Announced

To date, 31 individuals from 17 different countries have been honored with the TRT World Citizen Awards. The seventh edition of the ceremony was held in Istanbul on February 13 with the participation of Emine Erdogan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Emine Erdogan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stated that the TRT World Citizen Awards is a highly valuable Project

Emine Erdogan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was the guest of honor at the TRT World Citizen Awards and delivered the opening remarks, stated that since 2017, the TRT World Citizen Awards have been a highly valuable project drawing attention to global issues and raising awareness. She expressed that the initiative brings together hearts that stand against injustice wherever it occurs in the world, defend human dignity, and strive to make life more beautiful, and emphasized that this initiative is also a strong reflection of TRT’s broadcasting policy, which never ceases to focus on the truth and stands by the truth under all circumstances.

Following the speeches, Sobacı presented Emine Erdogan with a design inscribed with a verse as a commemorative gift.

Head of Communications Duran emphasized the importance of a fair narrative framework

Speaking at the TRT World Citizen Awards ceremony, Presidential Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran stated that severe humanitarian problems coexist simultaneously with high levels of prosperity in the world.

Thanking TRT for its role in public broadcasting, Duran noted that, as the Directorate of Communications, they are engaged in efforts to articulate Türkiye’s honorable and virtuous stance, challenge injustices, and produce alternative discourses and narratives. Emphasizing the need for a fair narrative framework to emerge, Duran stated that they are striving to achieve this goal.

Director General of TRT Sobacı Stated That TRT Will Strive to Make People’s Stories Visible

Delivering the opening speech of the ceremony, Director General of TRT Mehmet Zahid Sobacı stated that the TRT World Citizen Awards serve as a platform where positive ideas, actions, and courageous hearts are honored. He noted that this platform enables many individuals who take action for humanity to be recognized more closely and to inspire others.

Saying that Türkiye continues its efforts under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Sobacı emphasized that, as Türkiye’s public broadcaster, TRT works with all its strength toward this cause. Sobacı underlined that, as the TRT family, they will strive to make the stories of those who uphold this claim visible and their voices heard.

Awards Presented to the Winners 

The “World Citizen of the Year” award was presented to Yahya Barzaq, who had been working as a newborn photographer in Gaza and began practicing war photography during the Israel war in order to convey to the world everything that was taking place, and who lost his life in Israeli attacks on September 30, 2025. Barzaq’s award was received by his mother, Yousra Barzaq, from Emine Erdogan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The “Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented to Italian architect Raul Pantaleo, who approaches architecture not merely as a field of aesthetic production but as a tool of solidarity and recovery developed in response to social inequalities.

In the “Communicator” category, Ibtihal Aboussaad and Vaniya Agrawal were honored for taking a clear stance regarding the ethical responsibilities of artificial intelligence applications in the technology sector. The “Youth” award was presented to Nigerian environmental activist Amara Nwuneli.

The “Educator” award was presented by TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı to Rudayna Abdo, who has made digital education accessible for refugee and disadvantaged children.

The “Accessibility” award was presented to Joohi Tahir, who has created lasting transformation in the field of inclusivity and accessibility within Muslim communities. 

DRIVING EXCELLENCE: Team members at Azuga’s Bengaluru Global Centre of Excellence, the company was recently recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the second consecutive year
 

The strength of this certification lies in a high-trust environment that Fatimazahra Howes, Managing Director at Azuga, describes as the “heartbeat” of their global innovation. According to Howes, “Winning this recognition twice in a row is a testament to the consistency of our mission. Our Bengaluru teams are the centre of innovation and development for Azuga, where the technology powering the future of road safety and fleet efficiency is built. This certification belongs to our team members who solve the world’s most complex mobility challenges every day.”
 

Cecilia Clech, Head of HR, Azuga echoes this vision, “The talent and passion of our Bengaluru team are fundamental to our success as a global leader in mobility. Achieving this certification for the second year in a row highlights the culture we’ve built. By cultivating an environment where our India hub acts as the nerve centre for R&D, we are delivering the cutting-edge solutions that our customers rely on worldwide.”
 

Azuga India has always been the global tech heart of the company since its inception, proving world-class innovation and delivering products and solutions for the world. Recognizing these founding principles as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the second-year running reflects the passion of a team that has successfully blended Silicon Valley agility with the 100-year legacy and stability of Bridgestone.
 

The link between employee engagement and customer success remains a core pillar of the company's value proposition. Kunal Sarkar, President - Sales, Support, and Operations-Azuga (India) says, “For our customers, our internal culture is their greatest competitive advantage. When a client sees a significant reduction in driving citations or vehicle wear-and-tear, they are witnessing the direct output of a stable, high-trust workforce.”
 

This internal synergy translates directly into market-leading results, where the team develops high-performance ROI and safety tools that have been proven to reduce road accidents by a notable 38%. Simultaneously, the hub acts as the primary architect for state government agencies implementing complex Road Usage Charging (RUC) and emissions testing programs. The team also provides the foundational data infrastructure for insurance companies looking to roll out next-generation, usage-based insurance (UBI) models that reward safe driving behaviour.
 

Ashwini Shankarappa, Director-Human Resources, Azuga states that, “At Azuga, we have always championed a people-first culture, recognizing that culture is a daily commitment rather than a one-time project. We know that great workplace is not built overnight, and this year’s recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects our focus on holistic employee well-being and our commitment to nurturing talent through extensive mentorship programs. Maintaining such a high-impact environment two years in a row demonstrates a values-driven, high-performance model; it proves that when we prioritize our people’s professional growth and personal health, they feel empowered to build world-class solutions through open communication and mutual respect.” 
 

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.

WE’RE HIRING!

Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Write to us - BMS-Azuga_HR@bridgestone.com

About Azuga

Azuga, Bridgestone is globally trusted fleet management solution, provides innovative end-to-end solutions for commercial fleets, government agencies, insurance companies and automotive industry suppliers through an integrated approach of hardware technology, fleet management applications, driver gamification, video telematics, and data analytics. The award-winning Azuga Fleet solution powers over 14,000 commercial fleets, from small to large enterprise.
 

About Great Place to Work Certification™

Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified.
 

About Great Place To Work®

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

Building on SICPA’s proven experience in deploying secure T&T systems for excisable products and leveraging Cartor’s advanced security printing capabilities, the consortium will deliver a robust solution combining banknote-grade security features with state-of-the-art digital systems to effectively combat the illicit trade of vape products.

SICPA secures major European award for UK Vaping Duty Stamps Program

The solution will enable HMRC to support excise duty collection, enhance market compliance, protect consumers, and further strengthen its fight against illicit trade.

Following a multistage procurement process launched by HMRC in July 2025, the consortium was appointed upon detailed assessment of technical and financial submissions. The project will run for an initial five-year term, with an option for a further one-year extension. The system will be implemented in phases, beginning with a transitional duty stamp from April 2026, followed by an enhanced stamp supported by a full track and trace solution from October 2026.

Cartor will be responsible for the printing of tax stamps with the provision of core security features. SICPA will complement these with additional material and digital security features that further reinforce the system’s robustness, while also managing tax stamp coding and the track and trace software solutions. Its role also includes managing stakeholder and product registration, tax stamp ordering and payments processes, as well as data collection and compliance monitoring for HMRC across the vape products supply chain. SICPA’s advanced digital market intelligence capabilities will further enable the identification of suspicious patterns and potential fraud hotspots, while audit devices for enforcement authorities and consumer verification applications will support in tackling fraud and fakes.

“We are glad to support His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in its mission to secure the market against illicit trade, building on decades of experience in excisable products secure traceability systems and the successes of our program throughout the world,” said Philippe Amon, Chairman and CEO of SICPA.

“Cartor is proud to work alongside SICPA to deliver this important program for HMRC,” said Andrew Brigham, Cartor’s Managing Director. “By combining our complementary strengths, this partnership delivers a trusted solution for our customer and the UK vapes market, while supporting the UK’s efforts to protect both public revenues and consumers.”

About SICPA
Established in 1927, SICPA is a Swiss private technology company that supports the effective governance and long-term prosperity of nations.

SICPA sets the pulse of sovereignty, enabling governments to protect their citizens, sovereign assets, and economies. Best known for securing the majority of the world’s banknotes, SICPA operates across five continents. Today, our platform for sovereignty delivers integrated solutions safeguarding revenue mobilisation, natural resources, health, and brand protection as well as digital sovereignty and secure public services. www.sicpa.com.

About Spectra Systems Corporation
Spectra Systems is a global provider of advanced authentication, brand protection, and secure transaction technologies. Cartor Security Printers is a part of Spectra Systems and a leading European security printing and brand protection specialist, supporting governments and brand owners with high-security solutions designed to protect revenues and combat illicit trade. Together, they deliver proven overt and covert security features for excise applications, tax stamps and regulated markets worldwide. www.spsy.com, www.cartor.com.

Dr. Hemraj Bhai Shah, founder of the Maharashtra–Gujarati Mandal

Based on the life of Dr. Hemraj Bhai Shah, founder of the Maharashtra–Gujarati Mandal, the documentary earned widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. The festival featured participation from filmmakers representing over sixty countries, making the recognition particularly significant.

Dr. Shah’s life reflects an inspiring journey from the deserts of Kutch to Mumbai, where he made notable contributions across social service, education, journalism, and public life.

The film has been co-directed by Saraswatichandra Acharya. Additionally, a stage play titled “Hemudada,” inspired by Dr. Shah’s life, is set to be staged soon. Written by Vasant Mara and Kavan Savla, the production will be performed five times over the next two months. Senior journalist Kishor Vyas has also written about the documentary’s artistic significance, while theatre enthusiasts can look forward to performances celebrating Kutch’s rich cultural heritage as part of the programme.

Dr. Hemraj Shah is also the founder of Navneet Bhavan, a seven-storey institution established as a major contribution to community service. Renowned for his impactful work across multiple fields, Dr. Shah’s remarkable life has now been brought to the screen through this documentary directed by Manisha Sharma and Saraswatichandra Acharya, which was officially screened in New Delhi as part of the festival showcase.

The rating, which is  based on the audited financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025, was evaluated under D&B's globally recognized Impact Report framework. The '5A' component signifies the highest tier of tangible net worth among rated entities, while the composite appraisal score of '1' denotes the strongest level of overall creditworthiness,  encompassing financial condition, trade reference history, legal structure, management experience, and absence of adverse listings.

"This rating is an independent, third-party validation of the financial discipline and operational rigour that Zen Technologies has built over decades. It strengthens our credibility with global defence procurement agencies, international partners, and investors as we pursue our next phase of growth," said Ashok Atluri, Chairman & Managing Director, Zen Technologies Limited.

The D&B 5A1 rating is particularly significant as Zen Technologies continues its strategic expansion across three key verticals: defence training simulators, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), and autonomous defence platforms. With a consolidated order book exceeding ₹1,400 crores, an IP portfolio of over 200 patents, and customers including the Indian Armed Forces and international defence organisations, the company is positioned at the forefront of India's indigenisation drive under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

The rating further reinforces Zen Technologies' standing as it pursues strategic partnerships, international market entry including NATO member nations, and continued investment in AI-driven product development,  all of which demand the highest standards of institutional credibility and financial soundness.

About Zen Technologies Limited
Zen Technologies Limited is a publicly listed defence technology company headquartered in Hyderabad, India. The company specialises in training simulators, Counter-UAS systems, drones, and automated defence systems, holding over 200 patents and serving the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary organisations, and international defence customers. Zen Technologies is listed on the NSE and BSE.

About the D&B Rating
A Dun & Bradstreet Rating consists of two components: Financial Strength (an indication of tangible net worth) and Composite Appraisal (an overall evaluation of creditworthiness). The 5A1 rating — the highest possible — reflects the strongest tier of net worth and a 'Strong' composite appraisal. D-U-N-S® Number: 65-007-8822.

Dsclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations. Actual results may differ materially. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The D&B Rating is assigned as of the date of evaluation and is subject to change. Please refer to the full D&B Impact Report for complete details.

(4th to 6th from left) Urvashi Patole - Partner, WingManX; Krithika Sane Co-Founder WingManX; Nilesh Sane Founder and CEO, WingManX with jury members at WingManX Awards 2025-2026

The awards were presented in the presence of Mr. Anil Valiv, Regional Transport Officer, and Colonel Arun Dattaji Patole (Retd.), Indian Army Veteran, alongside an esteemed jury comprising respected contributors from the motorcycling, safety, and community ecosystem including Harjeet Singh Makkar, Lt. Col. Sohan Roy, Kalyanaraman Venkatesan, Akhtar Shaikh, Sonia Jain, Sachin Chavan, Atharva Mandke, among other prominent names.

An evening dedicated to recognising the individuals and communities shaping India’s motorcycling culture through responsibility, leadership, and consistent contribution, WingMan X Awards brought together riders, community leaders, industry partners, and distinguished guests from across the country. The invite-only awards night marked one of India’s first large-scale recognition platforms focused entirely on rider-led communities and grassroots contributors within the motorcycling ecosystem, honouring riders and official clubs whose impact often happens away from the spotlight but remains central to the strength of the riding community.

Nilesh Sane, Founder and CEO of WingManX, stated, “When I started riding, it wasn’t about finding the biggest group. It was about finding the right people to ride with, people you could trust on the road, especially with safety at the forefront. WingManX began with that simple intent. Today riders across India are connected on one platform where identity, trust, and reputation matter. Every kilometre becomes a credential, and every ride builds credibility."

"These awards recognise the riders and communities who quietly set better standards for everyone. We are honoured to launch the first-of-its-kind awards that honour the motorcycling culture of India.”

Co-founder Dr. Sahil Trimbake highlighted the importance of community as the foundation of motorcycling culture stating, “Community is not about numbers, it is about behaviour. Strong communities help riders learn better habits, promote safety, and create accountability."

"Through track days, meetups, ride academies, and collaborations across cities, we’ve seen riders come together not just to ride, but to grow together. These awards celebrate that collective effort and I congratulate every winner and participant.”

The awards followed a structured evaluation process designed to ensure credibility and fairness. Nominations were reviewed by a selection committee, followed by public voting and independent jury evaluation, with final results determined through a 50:50 combined scoring model.

Urvashi Patole, Partner at WingManX, explained the intent behind the awards and stated, “We wanted recognition to feel earned. Riders know when something is genuine and when it isn’t. These awards celebrate consistency, responsibility, and contribution, not just visibility. The goal was to acknowledge people who strengthen the ecosystem often without seeking attention.”

Jury member WingMan X Lt. Col. Sohan Roy, emphasised the significance of such recognition platforms, noting, “These kinds of community awards are important because they recognise individuals who often remain unspoken of, the pillars and backbones who quietly hold communities together and shape riding culture through responsibility and commitment.”

The Award Categories and Winners are as follows
Individual Categories:

• Shreyash Wagh – The Ultimate WingMan Award

• Hardeep Singh – Mentor of the Year Award

• Sami Sayyed – Nomadic Soul Award

• Baljeet Singh Kochhar – Long Haul Legends Award

• Sahan Singh Kochhar – Rising Star Award

• Banny Raiyani – Ride Architect Award

• Jyotiprakash Deka – Soul Rider Award

• Rajat Gawarle – Guardian Rider Award

• Dr. Mohanraj Shankar – Pillar of the Community Award

• Mohua Polley – She Rides Free Award

• Shatabdi Samanta – Track Titan Award

• Hrishikesh Shrikant Mandke – Stunt Ace Award

• Kapil Jain – Community Creator Award

• Priyanka Barua – Digital Pulse Award

Club Categories:

• RE650 Owners Group – Club of the Year Award

• Throttle Trekkers Biking Community – Soul Club Award

• Biker Babes – Women Power Collective Award

• Da Pune Vstrom Crew – Safety-First Club Award

• Mhow Riders Club – Most Active Riding Club Award

• Detour India – Best Club Event of the Year Award

Industry Support
The WingManX Awards were supported by ecosystem partners aligned with rider safety and community growth. DSG joined as Gear Partner, 100kmph as Apparel Partner, Vredestein Tyres as Grip Partner, BluArmor as Communication Systems Partner, and Ashok Travel World as Travel Partner, with additional support from UKIIYO, Diva Pageants, Wildfit Pune and partner brands.

Envisioned as an annual property, the WingManX Awards aim to continue recognising riders and communities shaping India’s evolving motorcycling culture. As the evening concluded with winners, jury members, and riders sharing the same stage, one idea stood clear, motorcycling in India is no longer just about machines or miles, but about people, trust, and the communities that bring riders together.

To download WingMan X app, please tap the below link
IOS – www.apps.apple.com/in/app/wingmanx/id6479581088
Android – www.play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wingmanx.mobile

About WingManX
Launched in 2024, WingManX has grown rapidly, crossing 80,000 app downloads and bringing together over 600 riding communities nationwide. The platform enables riders to discover rides, build reputation, and engage with communities through shared experiences and structured interaction.

Over the past year, WingManX has supported rider meetups, moderator sessions, training programs, and community-led initiatives across India, reinforcing the idea that motorcycling culture grows strongest when riders invest in each other.

Celebrating the people behind the progress, Unitile proudly marks its Top 30 Best Workplaces™ recognition for the second consecutive year

The recognition reflects the Group’s continued focus on building high-performing, people-centric manufacturing environments across the building materials sector, spanning raised access flooring, structural solutions, and acoustic systems through its portfolio brands - Unitile, UFlex, and UniAcoustic.

In the building materials industry, manufacturing excellence is defined not only by output and scale, but by safety discipline, process reliability, quality consistency, and workforce capability. Workplace culture in this sector is shaped daily on the shop floor, through adherence to safety protocols, ownership of quality, and the confidence employees have to suggest and drive improvements.

With over three decades of experience in building materials manufacturing, Unitile and its group companies have scaled operations while making sustained investments in automation, modern manufacturing systems, and workforce capability development. As production becomes increasingly technology-driven, equal emphasis is placed on enabling employees to grow alongside these advancements through structured training, hands-on learning, and clearly defined career pathways. This ensures that automation strengthens operational capability while creating long-term opportunities for people.

Safety and quality remain non-negotiable across all manufacturing facilities. Employees across functions actively participate in safety audits, quality reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives, reinforcing a culture of shared accountability and operational discipline. These practices are critical in building materials manufacturing, where precision, consistency, and risk mitigation directly impact project outcomes and customer trust.

Commenting on the recognition, Idris Rajkotwala, Executive Director, Unitile said, “This recognition holds special value because it is based on feedback from our people. In manufacturing, trust is built through everyday actions - safe working environments, fairness, opportunities to learn, and respect for every role on the shop floor. As we continue to expand and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies across our brands, developing our people remains fundamental to how we operate.”

Employee feedback plays a central role in shaping workplace practices across the Group. In manufacturing-led organisations, engaged teams directly influence safety outcomes, product quality, delivery reliability, and operational efficiency. Listening to employees ensures that cultural improvements translate into tangible performance improvements on the shop floor.

As a building materials solutions manufacturer deeply embedded in its local ecosystems, Unitile and its group companies also contribute to employment generation and skill development in the regions surrounding their facilities. By offering stable employment, structured training programs, and long-term growth opportunities, the Group supports local upliftment while building a skilled and future-ready manufacturing workforce.

As the Group continues its growth journey across Unitile, UFlex, and UniAcoustic, the focus remains on building future-ready manufacturing organisations that balance scale, efficiency, and technology with strong values and respect for people. The continued recognition from Great Place To Work® India reinforces the Group’s position as an employer of choice within the Indian building materials manufacturing sector.

About Unitile

With over three decades of experience, Unitile is India’s number one raised access floor brand and a leading manufacturer in the building materials sector. The company is known for its engineering-led approach, disciplined manufacturing practices, and consistent execution across large-scale projects.

Unitile operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with a strong focus on quality, safety, automation, and workforce capability, ensuring reliability at scale for data centres, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects across India.

Recognised among India’s Best Workplaces™ in Manufacturing – Mid-Size Top 30 by Great Place To Work® India for the second consecutive year, Unitile’s people-first culture underpins its manufacturing excellence and long-term customer trust.

For more information, please visit: www.unitileindia.com

Contact

steffi.m@united-group.in

+91 77770 31920

Chennai’s be positive 24 Crowned ‘Best Design Agency’ & ‘Best Healthcare Agency’ at BIG BANG AWARDS 2025
 

‘be positive 24’ bagged a whopping 6 Gold, 7 Silver and 3 Bronze awards for its work on brands like VBJ Jewellery, GRAVA Business Park, ASSANA Colorectal Clinic, TURAKHIA Opticians, THE WORLD RESIDENCES, NSL Luxe Developers and ARTEMIS Luxury Kitchens amongst others.

Organised by the Advertising Club Bangalore, this is the 41st edition of the BIG BANG AWARDS with over 650 entries from about 150 agencies and production houses.

Speaking on the win, Abhishek D Shah, founder and managing director, be positive 24 commented “This is our 20th year of operations and we have begun the year with a BIG BANG. We won 62 national and international awards in 2025, and 2026 has already delivered 16 metals in just 5 weeks. These consistent victories feel doubly good, because the juries have validated campaigns that have also performed extremely well in the real markets. This inspires us to further raise the bar of innovation and creative disruption within the team.”

About be positive 24 Innovation Design

The agency offers strategy and management consulting, branding and marketing services, and film and photography production. Its clientele includes Vummudi Bangaru Jewellery, Assana Colorectal Clinic, Taj Brand Residences, Siemens Gamesa, DRA Developers, My Home Group among other clients. With over 40 global clients, be positive 24 has so far won more than 175 national and international awards and is widely recognised for its cutting-edge strategy and creative excellence. Its recent campaign for Assana Colorectal & Gut Clinic earned international acclaim, hailed by marketing and healthcare experts as a master class in branding.

For more details, please visit: www.bepositive24.com.

The Nation’s Largest & Most Influential Collections Platform

And behind this powerful platform stands The Brainalytics — the unique organisers and creators of the Bharat Collection Summit, known for building industry-defining forums that go beyond events to shape national conversations.

A Sector at a Critical Turning Point

Collections in India is undergoing a structural shift.

Regulations are tightening.
Borrower awareness is increasing.
Technology is transforming recovery frameworks.
Reputation risk is under sharper scrutiny than ever before.

Collections is no longer a recovery back-office—it is a strategic driver of portfolio health, compliance credibility, and long-term customer trust.

This transformation demands more than routine discussions. It calls for direction, alignment, and bold leadership.

That’s exactly what the Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026 delivers.

More Than a Summit. A Strategic Platform.

After two transformative editions, the Summit returns stronger than ever, bringing together India’s most influential voices across:

• Banks & NBFCs

• Fintech lenders

• ARCs

• Digital collections platforms

• Legal & compliance experts

• Risk, analytics, and operations leaders

This is not a generic conference. It is a curated ecosystem conversation—one that connects policy with practice, data with decisions, and compliance with customer empathy.

From regulatory frameworks to AI-driven recovery engines, from field force transformation to omnichannel borrower engagement—the platform addresses the full spectrum of modern collections.

Building the Future of Responsible Collections — Our Ecosystem Partners

At the Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026, collaboration is not an afterthought — it is the foundation.

As India’s only platform spanning the entire collections value chain, the Summit is powered by a distinguished network of ecosystem partners who bring innovation, regulatory depth, operational excellence, and technological advancement to the forefront of responsible recovery.

Powered by Trusted Leaders

Presenting Partner

DPDzero 
India's only AI-led, empathy-first, end to end Collections Platform"

Co-Presenting Partner

Resollect
The Recovery Infrastructure for India’s Secured Credit Market

Gold & Strategic Partners

Credresolv – Gold & Flag Partner
Championing performance-driven recovery with strong compliance frameworks.

Rezolv – Gold Partner
An AI-first, end to end debt collections platform.

Digitide – Gold Partner
Enabling digital transformation across modern recovery infrastructures.

Nucleus Software – Gold Partner
Powering Intelligent Collections. From Detecting Early Delinquency to Advanced Collections Strategies.

CreditNirvana– Silver Partner
Bringing AI-powered collections intelligence to enhance recovery efficiency.

Presolv360 – Silver Partner
Advancing digital dispute resolution and structured engagement platforms.

AI & Technology Partner

Word Work AI – AI Partner
Leveraging compliant artificial intelligence to transform borrower communication and recovery outcomes.

Business Development Partners

Collekt – Business Development Partner
Facilitating growth and strategic recovery partnerships.

Cleartouch – Business Development Partner
Enhancing debt collection experience.

Exhibit Partners

Dista – Exhibit Partner
Location-first Unified Debt Collection CRM

 Neowise (a Decentro company) – Exhibit Partner
Full stack AI powered platform for debt collections.

Convin – Exhibit Partner
Optimising borrower conversations through conversation intelligence.

Wevaad – Exhibit Partner
Empowering legal collections. WeVaad hai? Toh, WeVaad hai!.

Inclusion & Governance Partners

Vindhya – Inclusion & Impact Partner
Promoting inclusive workforce solutions in collections operations.

FACE – SRO-FT Partner
Strengthening governance standards and responsible lending frameworks across fintech.

Media Partners

Bharat CXO – Media Partner
Amplifying leadership perspectives across the financial ecosystem.

News Patrolling – Media Partner
Delivering impactful coverage across business and policy domains.

Asia Business Outlook – Media Partner
Showcasing industry transformation stories to a global audience.

A Collective Commitment to Responsible Growth

The Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026 is more than a gathering of industry leaders — it is a collaborative movement.

With the strength of our ecosystem partners, we are not just discussing the future of collections — we are building it.

Date: 18 February 2026
Venue: The Lalit, Mumbai
Register Now: thebharatcollectionsummit.com.

BPTP Capital City Recognized as 'Iconic Brand of the Year - Commercial' at Realty+ India Brand Leadership (IBL) Conclave & Awards 2026

BPTP Capital City, located in Sector 94, Noida, is a landmark mixed-use development offering Grade-A office spaces with a strong emphasis on sustainable design. The project holds IGBC and LEED Platinum certifications and has achieved WELL Core Platinum Certification, the highest level under the WELL Building Standard. BPTP Capital City brings together premium offices, curated retail, F&B destinations, and thoughtfully designed public areas within a single integrated ecosystem. The project is designed around sustainability, operational efficiency, and user experience, supported by energy-efficient systems, smart water management, green mobility features, and people-centric open spaces.

The award underscores the project’s evolution as a recognizable commercial brand built on planning depth, design quality, connectivity advantage, and institutional-grade infrastructure.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Manik Malik, CEO & President, BPTP said, “We are honoured to receive the ‘Iconic Brand of the Year – Commercial’ recognition for BPTP Capital City at the Realty+ IBL Awards 2026. This acknowledgement reflects the project’s vision, design integrity, and long-term positioning as a next-generation commercial hub. Our focus has been on creating a future-ready business ecosystem that combines sustainability, accessibility, and high-quality workspaces. We thank the industry jury for this recognition and remain committed to setting higher benchmarks in commercial real estate.”

The Realty+ India Brand Leadership Conclave & Awards brings together leading developers, brands, and decision-makers from across the country, spotlighting projects that are shaping India’s real estate landscape through innovation, performance, and brand trust.

About BPTP
BPTP is one of India’s most trusted and leading real estate developers, with a strong presence in the Delhi-NCR region. The company has delivered over 25,000 units, as well as numerous landmark residential and commercial projects that blend cutting-edge design, modern architecture, and sustainable living solutions. Known for its innovative and customer-centric approach, BPTP continues to redefine urban luxury through future-first development, premium amenities, and a commitment to excellence, transparency, and elegant, efficient living.

JBCN Education reaffirms its reputation as a premier workplace with Great Place to Work certification for three consecutive years

The certification assesses a range of critical parameters, and JBCN Education emerged strongly in the following areas i.e. strong physical safety practices and compliance, gender fairness, celebration of special events and the welcoming onboarding experience. This reflects JBCN Education’s deep commitment to creating a safe, fair, inclusive, and people-first workplace culture—right from onboarding to everyday experiences.

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

“Being certified as a Great Place to Work for the third consecutive year is a meaningful validation of the culture we have consciously nurtured at JBCN Education,” said Mr. Kunal Dalal, Managing Director, JBCN Education. “This recognition reflects the trust our team places in the organisation and reinforces our belief that a strong, people-first culture is foundational to excellence across our work and impact. We are committed to creating an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow, both professionally and personally. I am deeply grateful to our teams for their dedication, collaboration, and shared commitment to making JBCN a place where people truly enjoy coming to work.”

What sets JBCN Education apart is the approach of prioritizing open communication, continuous learning, and holistic well-being, and creating an environment where individuals can thrive and excel. JBCN Education focuses on innovation, collaboration, and mutual growth to transform the workplace into a community that celebrates achievements, encourages creativity, and values every voice. This unique approach has not only empowered the employees but also inspired them to bring their best to work every single day.

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.

The Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation announced the awardees for the 29th Mahaveer Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and institutions for their selfless service in the fields of Non-Violence & Vegetarianism, Education, Medicine, and Community & Social Service.

L-R: NIRMAN Odisha; Sangkhumi Bualchhuak Mizoram; Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation - Karnataka; CORD - Himachal Pradesh; Sarhad - Maharashtra

The awardees for the 29th Mahaveer Awards are: Sarhad, Maharashtra - Non-Violence & Vegetarianism; CORD, Himachal Pradesh - Education; Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Karnataka - Medicine; Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak, Mizoram - Community & Social Service; and NIRMAN, Odisha - Community & Social Service.

Sarhad works to promote peace and non-violence in conflict-prone regions through cultural dialogue and youth engagement. CORD empowers marginalised communities, especially women and persons with disabilities, through education and rural development initiatives. Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation provides accessible cancer care through its hospitals and outreach programmes in Karnataka and Odisha. Smt. Sangkhumi Bualchhuak of Mizoram has dedicated decades to advancing women’s rights and community welfare. NIRMAN works with tribal communities in Odisha to strengthen livelihoods, women-led institutions, and food security.

Instituted to honour exemplary humanitarian efforts, the Mahaveer Awards are presented annually to individuals and organisations that have made sustained contributions towards the welfare of the underprivileged and the weaker sections of society. Each Mahaveer Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, along with a commendatory citation and a memento.

With the selection of the 2026 awardees, the total number of Mahaveer Award recipients has now reached 101, covering 26 States and 2 Union Territories. So far, 96 awardees have been honoured prior to this edition. Over the years, the Mahaveer Awards have been presented by eminent personalities including the President of India, Vice President of India, Governors, Chief Ministers, and Union Ministers at formal functions.

For the 29th Mahaveer Awards, 267 nominations received from across the country were carefully evaluated by an eminent Selection Jury, headed by Justice Shri M. N. Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India. The members of the Selection Jury include Acharya Shri Chandanaji Maharaj, Eminent Sanyasini; Dr. Justice Shri D. Y. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India; Shri S.Gurumurthy-Part time Director RBI and Editor Thuglak, Prof B.M. Hegde Chairman Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Mangalore Kendra,  Shri T. S. Krishnamurthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India; Shri D. R. Mehta, I.A.S. (Retd.), Former Chairman, SEBI; Shri Prabhat Kumar, I.A.S. (Retd.), Former Cabinet Secretary, Government of India; and Justice Shri G. S. Singhvi, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India.

In his comments, Shri Sugalchand Jain, Founder, Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, said, “We believe that individuals and organisations dedicated to non-violence & vegetarianism, education, medicine, and community & social service play a vital role in the holistic development of our nation. For nearly three decades, through the Mahaveer Awards, we have been recognising the extraordinary contributions of such changemakers who work tirelessly for the welfare of society. We are honoured to recognise the awardees of the 29th edition whose inspiring efforts continue to uplift the underprivileged and promote compassion and social harmony. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to them and express our gratitude to the esteemed jury members for their thoughtful and meticulous selection process.”

The Foundation has also invited nominations for the 30th Mahaveer Awards from individuals and institutions engaged in selfless service in the four award categories. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website: www.bmfawards.org. 

JBCN International Schools Rank Among Top Five in India at Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards

A standout highlight of the 2024–25 results is Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics, where JBCN learners secured the highest number of Mathematics awards in Mumbai, across both International Mathematics and Mathematics (w/o Coursework)—reflecting strong conceptual depth and academic rigour across advanced levels of the Cambridge curriculum.

Learners also achieved top global scores in IGCSE Global Perspectives and AS Level Sociology, Digital Media and Design, underscoring JBCN’s commitment to holistic, future-ready education. The learners were supported by the deep expertise of our seasoned teachers, including trained Cambridge examiners and team leaders.

The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards programme celebrates the success of learners taking Cambridge examinations in over 40 countries around the world. The winning students excelled in Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level examinations.

“These achievements reflect our learners’ discipline, subject expertise, and consistency, supported by strong academic mentoring,” said Mr. Kunal Dalal, Managing Director, JBCN International Schools. “At JBCN, we remain committed to nurturing confident learners who perform at global benchmarks with purpose and excellence.”

Mr Vinay Sharma, SVP and Regional Director, South Asia for International Education at Cambridge said, "Congratulations to Cambridge learners and teachers at JBCN International School who have worked so hard to achieve tremendous success in Cambridge exams. With these Cambridge qualifications, students are well prepared for their next steps and all the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. I wish you all the very best for the future."

JBCN International Schools extend heartfelt congratulations to their learners, educators, and parents—partners in a shared journey of aiming high and achieving global excellence.

Ampere Enters Asia Book of Records - Navigates 70-hairpin bends of Kolli Hills, TN

The record attempt was conducted on January 7^th, 2026, with the ride commencing at 7:00 am and successfully completed in 22 minutes 10 seconds. The ascent was undertaken using GEML’s Ampere Nexus, from Belukurichi to the summit of Kolli Hills. Officials from the Asia Book of Records officially validated and confirmed the success on the same day.

With its 70 hairpin bends, this challenging route showcased and proved Greaves Electric Mobility’s “Built for Bharat” engineering prowess, where vehicles are designed, developed, and validated for India’s diverse and often challenging riding conditions. From steep gradients and broken hill roads to sharp turns and sustained load cycles, GEML’s electric two-wheelers are engineered to handle the toughest terrains the country has to offer.

Taking cognizance of the latest achievement, Mr Vikas Singh, Managing Director, Greaves Electric Mobility said, “India’s riding conditions are among the most demanding in the world, and our approach has always been to engineer electric vehicles that are built for Bharat, not just for ideal test environments. The Kolli Hills ascent is a real-world validation of that philosophy. The Ampere Nexus combines safe and durable LFP battery technology with a robust dual-frame chassis that is designed to handle steep gradients, repeated cornering, and sustained load conditions. Achievements like this reaffirm our focus on building electric mobility solutions that can perform reliably across tough terrains.”

The Ampere Nexus achieved this success due to its LFP battery and high tensile steel chassis which provides durability for every condition, work together on demanding terrain. The battery is built to stay stable in a wide range of conditions, operating from –40°C to 60°C, and continues to deliver usable power during long uphill stretches, repeated braking, and changes in load. The warranty offered on the battery reflects the confidence in how it performs over extended everyday use rather than short tests. Ampere Nexus’s advanced motor and software deliver instant torque for climbs, regenerative braking for descents, and traction control for slippery slopes - ensuring smooth, efficient performance across every terrain.

The high strength steel chassis adds to this by keeping the vehicle balanced and predictable, especially while negotiating continuous hairpin bends. With a motor tuned for sustained output and braking that responds consistently, the Nexus remains manageable even on steep climbs. These aspects have been observed over multiple endurance runs and record attempts, and the Kolli Hills ascent serves as another real-world example of how the scooter holds up under demanding conditions.

The recognition by the Asia Book of Records is a first for Greaves Electric Mobility, reinforcing its commitment for India-built products which can cater to the world. With a market presence in Nepal and developing presence in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Africa, this recognition validates the brand’s endurance, capability and durability.

Furthermore, it reinforces the company’s belief that adoption is driven by real-world experience. As electric two-wheelers move beyond city limits, this milestone demonstrates that vehicles engineered for Indian roads are capable of performing consistently even in demanding and rugged terrain. Built to outlast, outperform and outshine, Greaves Electric Mobility’s products continue to prove their capability across conditions that reflect how India truly rides.

More information: Link

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** 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.

'MUJ Online's 5th Convocation: Celebrating Excellence in Digital Learning"  for dissemination

Recognizing the achievements of 9,043 graduates from across 28 states and 6 Union Territories in India, spanning 27 countries globally, MUJ Online reaffirmed its commitment to empowering learners beyond geographical and professional boundaries. Of these, 1531 graduates attended the ceremony in person, while the remaining learners were awarded their degrees in absentia. 

Graduates from various disciplines, including bachelor’s programs like BCom, BBA, BCA, and master’s programs like MCom, MBA, MCA, and MAJMC, successfully completed their degrees through MUJ's comprehensive online learning platform. This year’s graduates ranged from first-generation learners to business leaders and IT professionals, showcasing how MUJ Online has supported learners in aligning academic excellence with career growth and lifelong learning.

Visionary Leadership Inspiring Future Success
The convocation was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Haribhau Bagde, Hon'ble Governor of Rajasthan, who served as the Chief Guest. The ceremony commenced with Dr. N N Sharma, President, MUJ, declaring the convocation open, followed by a warm welcome address by Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar, Pro President, MUJ. 

Dr. N N Sharma, President, MUJ, presented a comprehensive overview of the university and its expanding digital education ecosystem, highlighting MUJ's commitment to delivering world-class education through the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE). He said, “MUJ Online offers research guidance to its online learners and encourages them to publish in Scopus-indexed journals through dedicated incentives. We also provide one-week campus immersion program via Bloomberg Market Concepts and Computer-Integrated Tech, which makes us stand out from other universities providing campus experience for online learners.”

In his convocation address, Shri Haribhau Bagde, Hon'ble Governor of Rajasthan, underscored the need to integrate India’s traditional education system with contemporary educational practices. He noted that the National Education Policy places special focus on preserving and promoting Indian languages and heritage, as well as encouraging education in the mother tongue. He further emphasized the role of education in eradicating poverty and highlighted the responsibility of youth in nation-building to make India a developed nation by 2047.

The governor said, “Online education is the need of the hour and essential for lifelong learning, as it enables learners to access education anytime, anywhere, while also making it more affordable and accessible.”

Mr. Ambrish Sinha, CEO, UNext Learning, also graced the occasion as a Guest of Honour.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost, Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadapa, Director, CDOE, Dr. Dasari Nagaraju, CoE, and other senior leadership.

About MUJ Online
Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), established in 2011, is a NAAC A+ accredited, multidisciplinary university that aims at providing quality education in the online landscape. The online degrees offered by MUJ are UGC-entitled and recognized at par with on-campus degrees. The university offers live classes conducted by expert faculty members at convenient times, to suit the schedules of diverse learners. 

MUJ’s online learners are also offered placement assistance in the form of skill assessments & enhancement, industry-readiness sessions, resume building, and virtual placement drives.  

MUJ currently offers 9 degree programs in an online mode and caters to 1,50,000+ online learners from 60+ nationalities and from 1500+ towns & cities across India.  

About Online Manipal
Online Manipal is the digital home of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), and Sikkim Manipal University (SMU). These three Manipal universities, accredited with NAAC A++ and NAAC A+, offer UGC-entitled online degrees equivalent to on-campus programs. 

Since its inception in 2021, Online Manipal has empowered over 1,60,000 learners to realize their potential by providing them with accessible, affordable & industry-relevant degrees and new-age certifications in a 100% online mode. 

Online Manipal’s integrated learning platform gives access to extensive e-learning material, recorded sessions, webinars, doubt clearing sessions, quizzes, assignments, and more. 

To know more, visit www.onlinemanipal.com

The Top Employers Institute Certification is awarded following a rigorous assessment through its globally recognised HR Best Practices Survey, which evaluates organisations across six core domains and 20 people practice areas, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Well-being, and Diversity & Inclusion.

Over the last several years, Ecolab India has deliberately built a multi-layered capability ecosystem spanning its core business operations, GBS+ (Global Business Services) and the Ecolab Digital Center (EDC). Together, these platforms form a strategic growth engine for the company, combining deep domain expertise with digital, analytics, engineering, and global delivery capabilities. This integrated ecosystem enables Ecolab to innovate at scale, respond faster to customer needs across industries, and develop future-ready roles for India’s high-potential professional workforce, positioning the country as a critical hub in Ecolab’s global operating model.

“This recognition is a powerful validation of our journey in India and our unwavering belief that our people are at the centre of our success,” said Manish Khandelwal, Managing Director, Ecolab India. “As India continues to emerge as a global growth engine, Ecolab is proud to build a workplace that reflects the country’s talent, resilience, and ambition. Being recognised again as a Top Employer reinforces our commitment to invest in our associates, our culture, and the communities we serve. Our continued growth depends on fostering a workplace that is welcoming, equitable, and inclusive, where every associate has the opportunity to progress, and every voice is valued”, he added.

Ecolab’s people strategy in India is closely aligned to its global purpose of protecting what is vital. Our people remain at the core of all we do. Ecolab is committed to cultivating a workplace where every employee is valued, empowered, and motivated to excel.

“Being named a Top Employer for the third year in a row is a recognition of the strong culture our teams have built together,” said Sherry Mathew, Country HR Director, Ecolab India “It reflects our continued focus on employee wellbeing, learning, safety, diversity, and leadership capability. More importantly, it affirms our belief that when people thrive, organisations perform better and communities grow stronger.”

Globally, the Top Employers Institute is the authority on recognising excellence in people practices. With over 30 years of experience, the Institute has certified more than 2,300 organisations across 121 countries and regions, positively impacting the lives of over 12 million employees worldwide.

This milestone reinforces Ecolab’s position as an Employer of Choice in India and its role as a trusted partner to customers, communities, and employees as the country continues its growth journey.

About Ecolab
A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on more than a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $16 billion, employs approximately 48,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, high tech, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets.
 

For more information, please visit www.ecolab.com.
 

Follow us on LinkedIn @Ecolab, Instagram @Ecolab_Inc and Facebook @Ecolab.

The Institute of Manufacturing and Economy: Rethinking Manufacturing of the Future

These imperatives formed the backdrop to the R&D Conclave on the Changing Nature of Innovation, held at Ahmedabad University in collaboration with the Centre for Technology, Innovation and Economic Research (CTIER). The Conclave brought together perspectives from national research and funding institutions, government, industry, and academia, including participation from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Centre for Sustainable Energy and Mobility (C-SEM) and industry leaders from Tata Chemicals, Pidilite Industries Limited, and NXP Semiconductors.

In his keynote address at the conclave, Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer of ANRF, spoke about the various mechanisms being put in place to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia in advanced manufacturing. He also emphasised the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex technological and manufacturing challenges, and the need to align research, talent development, and industrial capability building.

On the sidelines of the Conclave, Ahmedabad University announced the setting up of the Institute of Manufacturing and Economy to rethink the future of manufacturing in relation to innovation, productivity, and economic strategy.

The transformation of manufacturing demands advances in materials, processes, and digital manufacturing, alongside stronger linkages between small and large firms and better coordination across supply chains. It also requires new approaches to talent development and to research, both managerial and technological, to enhance productivity and innovation.

Conceived in response, the Institute of Manufacturing and Economy brings together scientists, engineers, economists, managers, social scientists, policymakers, and industry practitioners, and treats manufacturing as a cross-disciplinary challenge spanning engineering, management, public policy, economics, and science, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with industry and government.

“Manufacturing challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Envisioned as a leading global centre for research, education, innovation, and industrial problem-solving, the Institute recognises that productivity, technology adoption, research translation, workforce readiness, and supply chain coordination require integrated perspectives and sustained collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers,” said Professor Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor of Ahmedabad University. Through sustained engagement with firms and industrial clusters, the Institute aims to translate research into solutions relevant to manufacturing practice while developing a distinct and informed point of view on Indian manufacturing.

According to Professor Sunil Kale, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and Co-Director of the Institute, strengthening manufacturing requires close engagement with firms alongside a deep understanding of industrial policy, labour capabilities, productivity, and innovation systems. Advanced manufacturing will require systems integration that brings AI into various production domains. The Institute is planned to work closely with manufacturing industry in India.

The Institute’s activities will include new product and process optimisation, executive education programmes, manufacturing clinics for SMEs, publishing policy and competitiveness reports, and the biannual Stepwell Manufacturing and Economy Dialogue. It will also support postgraduate education at Ahmedabad University in areas such as composites, microelectronics and semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, 3D printing and operations management, alongside initiatives that support startups in advanced manufacturing.

The Institute draws on the breadth and depth of facilities at Ahmedabad University, including cutting-edge laboratories, fabrication and prototyping shops, The Learning Factory, VentureStudio, Tinkerers’ Laboratory, High Performance Computing infrastructure, Bloomberg Laboratory and incubation and research infrastructure. These facilities will support collaborative research, prototyping, testing, and training in partnership with industry. Through its integrated approach to research, education, and industry collaboration, the Institute of Manufacturing and Economy seeks to contribute to India’s transition towards a high-productivity, innovation-driven manufacturing ecosystem.

About Ahmedabad University

Ahmedabad University is a leading private, non-profit research university offering students a liberal education focused on interdisciplinary learning, practice orientation, and research thinking.

The University has been

• Recognised by the Government of Gujarat as a Centre of Excellence. 

• Accredited with 'A' grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

• Awarded Leadership and Management Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025.

• Awarded a 5-star rating, the highest awarded in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) for 2021-22 and 2023-24, by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), Department of Education, Government of Gujarat.

• Awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award for Excellence 2024 for our University Centre.

• Awarded a 'Platinum Rating' by the Indian Green Building Council for sustainability and green practices.

• Recognised by the UGC under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, becoming one of the very few private research universities to have been awarded this recognition for select research universities.

• Recognised as a Highly Commended University for Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2023.

• Awarded the AACSB’s Innovations That Inspire Award 2023 for its Foundation Programme.

• Awarded Gold Rating by the Indian Green Building Council for achieving the Green Building Standards at our University Centre. 

The University, established in 2009, is rooted in the vision of one of India’s finest educational foundations, the Ahmedabad Education Society, which was founded in 1935 by nationalist leaders. Programmes at the University range from bachelors to doctoral levels in humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and management through its 14 Schools and Centres: 

Amrut Mody School of Management | Bagchi School of Public Health | School of Arts and Sciences | School of Engineering and Applied Science | Ahmedabad Design Lab | Centre for Heritage Management | Centre for Learning Futures | Global Centre for Environment and Energy | International Centre for Space and Cosmology | Sahyog: Centre for Promoting Health | Stepwell Centre for Asian Futures | The Climate Institute | The Institute of Manufacturing and Economy | VentureStudio

An urban university, Ahmedabad promotes independent-mindedness and diversity across all dimensions of its activity and helps students mature into critical thinkers who are analytically equipped, practically oriented, and contextually aware global citizens. The University provides a contemporary educational framework that brings liberal arts, sciences, and the professions to engage together in creating new knowledge for addressing complex challenges of the society and in offering majors that merge the boundaries of disciplines to prepare students for the new economy.

The Shikshagraha awardees with the jury members at their felicitation at InvokED 5.0, 2026 

Instituted by The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), the Shikshagraha Awards recognise leaders working both within and beyond formal education systems who are addressing systemic challenges from the ground up. Each award includes a monetary grant disbursed over two years, a trophy and certificate of excellence, structured mentorship, national visibility across Shikshagraha platforms, and opportunities to engage with policymakers, funders and peer networks. The awards are designed not only to recognise excellence, but to help practitioner-led solutions travel further and influence system-level change.

Shikshagraha Awardees 2026
Batskhem Thabah (Meghalaya) — Revitalised a near-abandoned village school into a thriving, community-run learning hub by rebuilding community trust and embedding indigenous knowledge into everyday classroom practice.

Kumari Guddi (Bihar) — A state-level educator advancing adolescent empowerment through menstrual health education, child protection initiatives, disaster preparedness and inclusive, activity-based learning models across schools.

Nellori Subrahmanyam (Andhra Pradesh) — Reimagined rote science instruction through inquiry-led, hands-on pedagogy, reaching thousands of rural students and strengthening scientific thinking and real-world problem-solving.

SD Shibulal, Co-founder of SFPI and Co-founder and Former CEO, Infosys, said, “The Shikshagraha Awards do more than recognise individual excellence; they invest in it. By combining recognition with mentorship and sustained support, we aim to build a pipeline of leaders whose ideas and evidence can reshape education systems for millions of children.”

Strategic partnership with Childaid Network Foundation
Shikshagraha also announced a strategic partnership with the Childaid Network Foundation, a trust-based philanthropic network that has worked across India’s North East since 2006. Childaid’s two decades of local experience through its partners, working with 1,600 government schools and reaching roughly 200,000 children, will be combined with Shikshagraha’s national convening power to mobilise partners, resources and government relationships toward an ambitious shared goal of scaling impact to two million children.

Martin Kasper, Founder & President, Childaid Network Foundation, said, “Partnering with Shikshagraha is a strategic inflection point for Childaid Network Foundation. We hope that together we can leverage the advanced education networks and policy advocacy to help translate our twenty years of local learning in North East India into scale, mobilising partners, resources and government engagement to reach two million children.”

InvokED 2026: A convening for collective leadership
The Shikshagraha Awards were a central highlight of InvokED 2026, a global dialogue on education leadership that convenes policymakers, practitioners, international partners, philanthropists and young leaders to exchange evidence, surface practice-led solutions, and catalyse collective action towards education equity. The convening is designed to bridge the gap between system-level thinking and classroom realities through a mix of plenaries, fireside conversations, curated “braindates”, dialogue corners, and hands-on practice showcases.

Key sessions and themes at InvokED 2026 included:

• Fireside Chat — “Leadership in the New Age”: Wendy Kopp, CEO & Co-founder, Teach For All, in conversation with Shabnam Sinha, on evolving leadership models, networked collaboration and the relationship between global strategy and grassroots practice.

• Systemic leadership and teacher agency: Panels and showcases exploring how district and school leaders can enable teacher-led innovation and meaningful community partnerships.

• 21st Century Skills in the Classroom: Learning experiences that can enable students to drive their own learning, with a focus on practices that develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, key skills for the 21st century

• Technology and evidence in action: “Brain Dates” and panels examining how AI-enabled tools and data systems can support, rather than displace, grassroots pedagogy.

• Vision for a Billion Futures: Insights from across the Global South, focused on accelerating large-scale education improvement for a billion learners.

InvokED’s format intentionally blends storytelling with evidence, pairing short, practice-rich showcases with closed-door roundtables where state officials and frontline educators explore pathways to scale. This approach helps surface implementable insights while building the relationships required to translate ideas into policy action and funding priorities.

InvokED 2026 brought together senior leaders from government, philanthropy and global education networks, including officials from the Department of School Education & Literacy and the Department of Higher Education, international education practitioners, and members of the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives. 

About ShikshaLokam
ShikshaLokam is an NGO founded under the aegis of The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives. The organisation works to restore the agency of education leaders in the K-12 public education ecosystem. By doing so, leaders’ ability to continuously improve is enhanced, they are able to solve the school improvement challenges on their own, and the vision of all our children getting access to quality education as a fundamental right, will be realised. 

As an education leadership catalyst, the organisation co-creates education leadership missions, and builds open-source digital capabilities to enable leaders, along with the government and civil society. ShikshaLokam is a co-builder of the Shikshagraha people’s movement, which aims to bring the government, the CSO, and the community together to improve all 1 million public schools in India. Every year, the organisation spotlights education leadership at InvokED – a global dialogue, and through the Shikshagraha Awards which honour exceptional leaders in education. 

Today, in eight plus years, ShikshaLokam has co-created continuous learning and improvement programs and solutions, impacting more than 450,000 lakhs leaders across 27 States & UTs, with 19L+ micro-improvements triggered by education leaders to enable enriching learning experiences for children. 

In Jan 2023, ShikshaLokam received The Collective Social Innovation Award 2023 by The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, a sister organisation of World Economic Forum, for catalysing collective action to enable systemic education transformation in the Punjab state.

Learn more at shikshalokam.org

Mr. Tapan Ghosh (center), CEO of VinFast India, received the award from Mr. Cyrus Dhabhar, Managing Editor at Exhibit Group & BBC TopGear India

The BBC TopGear India Awards is a prestigious annual awards program organized by BBC TopGear India magazine, one of India’s leading automotive publications and globally-recognized platform that celebrate best vehicles, innovations, and automotive excellence from the preceding year. Considered industry benchmarks, this award influences consumer perception and reinforces brand credibility for the models and manufacturers recognised.

This year, the VinFast VF 7 impressed the jury with its market-focused approach to product development for India, where consumers increasingly prioritise long-term value, running costs and safety. The VF 7 was recognised as a model that meets these expectations effectively, while still standing out with high standards of design, technology, features, and performance.

The VF 7, positioned in the premium C-SUV segment, stands out with a striking exterior and breakthrough design based on the “Asymmetric Aerospace” philosophy. It offers a combination of premium design, modern technology, robust safety features, and performance. The VF 7 recently received a 5-star BNCAP safety rating, further reinforcing VinFast’s commitment to making safety one of the core pillars of its brand in India. With its distinctive presence and strong value proposition, the VF 7 is poised to make a clear mark in India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle landscape.

The award at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026 represents an important milestone for the VF 7 and adds to VinFast’s growing list of achievements as the brand expands across international markets. It also reflects VinFast’s consistent strategy of making premium electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of customers.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer of VinFast India, stated, “We are excited to win the ‘EV SUV of the year’ Award at BBC TopGear India Awards 2026 as it is an incredible milestone for VinFast. This is clear proof that we are on the right track with our strategy of delivering accessible, value-driven premium electric vehicles that combine distinctive design, exhilarating performance, and top-tier safety. It inspires us to keep raising the bar as we bring modern, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions to Indian customers.”

Mr. Ramesh Somani, Founder, Chief Editor at Exhibit Group & BBC TopGear India, said, “On the eve of the 6th Edition of the BBC TopGear India Awards, we celebrate the machines and the minds shaping the future of mobility in India. From performance to innovation and sustainability, this year’s winners have raised the bar higher than ever. The VF 7 represents the kind of thoughtful, no-compromise electric SUV that buyers are looking for today, which is why it earns our EV SUV of the Year – Editors’ Choice.” 

With a well-defined investment strategy, VinFast is gradually building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem in India that integrates manufacturing, financial solutions, charging infrastructure, and after-sales services to ensure a seamless electric vehicle ownership experience for customers. Guided by a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, and with products such as the VF 7, VinFast continues to advance its mission to accelerate the transition to green mobility in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets.

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

Manthan students Hansini and Ishan earn national recognition at the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards, receiving Top in the Country honours

In the March 2025 examination series, Hansini (A Level) was awarded Outstanding Performance in Economics, a subject that demands not only conceptual understanding but strong analytical thinking and clarity of expression.

Continuing this success, Ishan (A Level) received the Exceptional Achievement Award in Chemistry in the March 2025 examination series. He was also recognised for his performance in Economics in the November 2024 examinations, highlighting his ability to excel across disciplines.

At Manthan, such outcomes are shaped over time. Students are encouraged to engage deeply with subjects, ask questions, test ideas, and refine their thinking through regular feedback and close academic guidance. This approach allows learners to move beyond rote preparation and develop confidence in applying concepts, an ability that is reflected in results at the highest level.

Reflecting on her experience, Hansini shared, “Manthan School has consistently provided a nurturing environment that supported both my academic and personal growth. I am especially grateful to my economics teachers, who constantly pushed me to strive for excellence in Economics and played a significant role in shaping my passion for the subject. Their guidance and belief in me have had a lasting impact on my learning journey and aspirations.”

According to Surjeet Singh, Principal at Manthan School, a strong focus on academic foundations is key to sustained success.

"We prioritise deep understanding through structured planning, regular academic reviews, and individual mentoring. When students consistently feel both supported and challenged, excellence follows,” he said.

This approach has led to consistent and measurable academic outcomes over the years. At the secondary level, a majority of Manthan’s learners regularly achieve top grades, with over 60% of Grade 10 students securing the top two grades (A and A) across subjects*, and more than 30% scoring above 90%. At the senior secondary level, 30% of Grade 12 students have achieved scores of 85% and above in their board examinations.

At earlier stages as well, Manthan students continue to perform above international averages in the Cambridge Primary and Secondary Checkpoint assessments in English, Mathematics, and Science, reflecting strong foundations built from the primary years onwards.

Congratulating the students and their families, Pratibha Gupta, Teacher Leader for High School, acknowledged the collective effort behind the achievement. “Hansini and Ishan’s success is a result of their dedication, the support of their parents, and the commitment of our teachers. It is moments like these that reaffirm Manthan’s belief in sustained, meaningful learning,” she said.

As Manthan celebrates yet another year of recognition at the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards, the school continues to focus on what matters most, creating the right environment, process, and guidance that allow students to excel with confidence and purpose.

To know more, visit www.manthanschool.org

Mr. Albinder Dhindsa, Founder & CEO, Blinkit, was adjudicated the Digital Person of the Year at the 16th India Digital Awards

The India Digital Awards recognised outstanding achievements across various categories and subcategories, honouring individuals and organisations making a significant impact in the digital domain.

Among the Special Category winners, Mr. Albinder Dhindsa, Founder & CEO, Blinkit, was adjudicated the Digital Person of the Year. The award recognises his visionary leadership and transformative contribution to India’s quick commerce and digital retail landscape, redefining consumer convenience through technology-driven innovation.

The award for Digital Startup of the Year was conferred upon Sarvam AI, in recognition of its pioneering work in the field of artificial intelligence. The startup has demonstrated remarkable innovation, strong execution, and the potential to shape the future of AI-led solutions from India for the world.

WPP won the award for the Digital Agency of the Year – Gold, followed by BigTrunk Communications with Silver and CollabX with Bronze.

For a complete list of the IDA 2026 categories and winners please visit the India Digital Awards 2026 website at www.ida.iamaiawards.in/IDA2026.

About India Digital Awards
Started in 2009, the annual India Digital Awards (IDA) celebrate organizations, teams, and practitioners who have delivered exemplary business outcomes using digital as a medium. IDA stands as India’s most esteemed recognition in the digital domain - a true symbol of innovation and excellence.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia (right), received the Nanayam Vikatan Business Star Award from Mr. Murugandam, Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu

As part of the Business Star Awards organized by the business magazine Nanayam Vikatan, the Investor of the Year title was presented to VinFast in recognition of its long-term, landmark investment commitment to India’s green mobility ecosystem, with a key focus on its electric vehicle manufacturing complex project in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

This investment impressed the jury by demonstrating strong execution capability, strategic clarity, and VinFast’s confidence in India’s manufacturing potential. At the same time, the project helps drive the formation of a new industrial corridor, create jobs, and develop the supplier ecosystem in southern Tamil Nadu, in line with the Make in India initiative and global sustainable development goals.

At the same time, the VinFast VF 7 received the Urban Electric Vehicle of the Year award at the Motor Vikatan Awards 2026, an annual event hosted by the automotive magazine Motor Vikatan. The award reflects positive recognition from industry experts for the electric SUV developed by VinFast to suit urban traffic conditions in India, offering a balance of design, performance, safety standards, and comfort, thereby affirming the company’s product capability and localization strategy in this market.

Nanayam Vikatan and Motor Vikatan are both part of Vikatan Group, a leading magazine ecosystem in South India established in 1926. With strong credibility, a long history, and a large readership, Vikatan awards are regarded as an influential benchmark for the business community, investors, and consumers in the region.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Asia, said, “Being recognized in two important award categories demonstrates how VinFast is steadily building its position in India, not only through long term investment commitments but also through products developed to match local conditions and user needs. This recognition provides further momentum for us to accelerate implementation, expand the electric vehicle ecosystem, and maintain a long term partnership with the Indian market.”

Mr. B. Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer of Vikatan Group, shared, “VinFast India represents the new-age investor—bold in vision, swift in execution, and deeply aligned with India’s growth story. By unravelling the true potential of the port city of Thoothukudi, VinFast India has helped create a conducive industrial ecosystem, played a positive role in employment generation, and restored the city’s importance on India’s manufacturing map. Their investment is not just capital at work, but confidence in India’s future.”

Recognition from Vikatan Group further extends the series of achievements VinFast has received in India in recent years, reflecting the convergence of its investment strategy, local manufacturing capability, and electrified product portfolio, which are gradually establishing a strong brand position in the world’s third-largest automotive market.

After just one year of presence, VinFast has steadily made its mark in India’s electric vehicle market through a long term development strategy, a premium product portfolio, and the establishment of a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem covering manufacturing, retail, charging infrastructure, and after sales services. With a firm commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and a user centric approach, VinFast continues to contribute to the transition toward green mobility and the long-term growth of India’s automotive industry.

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

The comprehensive industry evaluation assessed leading technology providers across five critical performance dimensions: breadth and coverage of analytical solutions, market impact, computational infrastructure capabilities, strategic alignment, and innovation in analytical environments. Wibmo's ranking reflects the company's strong performance in delivering advanced security and analytics solutions that address critical challenges in retail banking.

"At Wibmo, we've always believed that the best solutions emerge from truly understanding our partners' challenges – whether that's enhancing trust, streamlining digital experiences, or strengthening security frameworks," said Shailesh Paul, CEO at Wibmo. "Being recognized amongst the global top-50 reinforces our commitment to building technology that enables our banking partners to grow and serve their customers better. As the industry embraces ever-increasing digitization and AI, we're excited to continue co-creating solutions that make complex payment ecosystems reliable and secure.”

The ranking evaluation encompassed multiple functional domains crucial to modern banking operations, including retail credit analytics, fraud and risk management systems, customer behaviour analytics, AI-driven decisioning platforms, and financial optimization tools. Wibmo's inclusion highlights the company's expertise in developing solutions that address the evolving needs of digital-first banking environments. Wibmo proudly collaborates with 200+ banks across 30+ countries.

Key areas where Wibmo demonstrated excellence include:

Advanced Analytics Infrastructure: Robust computational frameworks supporting machine learning and statistical modelling

Innovation in Banking Solutions: Development of next-generation analytical platforms that address complex challenges in payments security, banking operations, and intelligent decisioning

Strategic Market Positioning: Strong alignment between technological capabilities and market needs

Comprehensive Platform Coverage: Broad functionality addressing multiple aspects of payments and banking security, operations, and growth

The retail banking analytics sector represents a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market space, with increasing demand for sophisticated solutions that can handle real-time decision-making, fraud prevention, and customer personalization. Financial institutions are increasingly seeking partners who can provide integrated analytics platforms that combine multiple functional capabilities within unified technological ecosystems.

Wibmo's recognition comes at a time when retail banking institutions are prioritizing investments in advanced analytics to enhance customer experiences, optimize risk management, and improve operational efficiency. The company's solutions enable banks to leverage data-driven insights for credit decisions, fraud detection, customer acquisition strategies, and pricing optimization.

The ranking methodology employed rigorous evaluation criteria, with emphasis placed on vendors demonstrating broader platform capabilities, foundational innovation in analytics tools, sophisticated decisioning frameworks, and effective ecosystem integration strategies. Companies were scored based on their contributions to advancing the retail banking analytics industry and their ability to deliver comprehensive solutions addressing multiple banking functions.

About the Ranking

The Retail Banking Analytics 50 represents an authoritative assessment of solution providers serving the retail banking analytics market. The evaluation process considers factors including technological innovation, market impact, platform comprehensiveness, and strategic positioning within the evolving financial services landscape.

Read Report

About Wibmo | PayU

Wibmo, a PayU company, operates across entities in India, the US, and Indonesia. As a global full-stack PayTech company and an industry leader in payment security and digital payments in emerging markets, Wibmo stands out for its innovation and impact.

In addition to being India’s largest authentication service provider in one of the leading digital payment markets globally, Wibmo offers comprehensive fraud and risk management solutions, digital financial services, prepaid solutions, and a broad range of merchant-acquiring services.

Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director, Avtar Career Creators, launching the BCWI 2026 in Gurgaon
 

Speaking at the leadership summit, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director of Avtar, said, “Workplaces will continue to evolve, and organizations will always debate what to prioritize. But there is one non-negotiable truth: Strong performance and stability come only when employees are engaged and customers believe in the organization. Neither is possible without inclusion & belonging. Gender inclusion, in particular, is a decisive performance lever. And today, women’s participation is also a global and national priority. With the Global Gender Parity Sprint accelerating action towards 2030, and India’s 2047 goal of 70% women’s participation promising a $14 trillion economic upside, inclusion is a macro-economic imperative. This is where BCWI plays a critical role. BCWI offers a rigorous, data-backed benchmark that helps organizations build inclusion that lasts, anchored in leadership ownership, pay equity, safe workplaces, flexibility, and fair career progression. I encourage organizations of every size to benchmark with BCWI, learn from corporate India’s most effective practices and be recognized among the country’s most inclusive employers.”

Dr Saundarya Rajesh also unveiled a new benchmark – the Avtar & Seramount ‘Best Places for Workplace Wellness’, recognizing the growing importance of well-being in today’s workplaces. The study will evaluate organizations across areas such as built-in work flexibility, comprehensive wellness benefits, inclusive and equitable practices, data-led decision-making and a strong focus on continuous improvement.

The event convened senior leaders and decision-makers from benchmark-setting companies including CBRE, EY India, IBM, IHG Hotels & Resorts, R1 RCM, Sun Life Global Solutions, Teleperformance and Wipro for high-impact conversations on what sets leading organizations apart, the future of inclusion, and the business outcomes of building equitable, high-trust workplaces. This pivotal leadership summit also featured a path-breaking ‘Solutions Clinic’ that explored the tangible advantages of rigorous benchmarking, along with a key segment that spotlighted the principle-led articulation of the BCWI framework.

Over the last decade, BCWI has documented measurable progress in women’s workplace outcomes across participating organisations. Women’s representation in the workforce among the ‘Best’ companies has grown from 25% in 2016 to 35.7% in 2025, reflecting sustained efforts to strengthen hiring, retention, and advancement. At the leadership level, the benchmark recorded a rise in women’s C-suite representation to 20%, up from 13% in 2016, reinforcing the increasing emphasis on building stronger, more equitable leadership pathways.

Participation in the Avtar & Seramount benchmarking studies is free. Register here:
www.avtarcc.com/enrich/best-companies-for-women-in-india-bcwi/

About Avtar

Avtar Career Creators, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of India’s leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the country’s largest provider of second career opportunities for women.

An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtar’s biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies – the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI are India’s largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other underrepresented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, India’s first job portal for underrepresented professionals.

A snapshot of Avtar’s work in the last 25 years:

• Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organizations

• Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations

• Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com

• Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs

• Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women

• Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT)

• Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women

For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Straits Times & INSEAD in Singapore in 2022. In 2025, Avtar won the Times Business Awards and was recognized as the ‘Leading Women’s Employment Organization’.

To know more, visit www.avtarcc.com | www.myavtar.com.

Happiest Diagnostics, a unit of Happiest Health, has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

From inception, Happiest Diagnostics designed, commissioned, and operated its laboratories in alignment with NABL guidelines, enabling a smooth and structured accreditation process. The organisation places a strong emphasis on accuracy, reproducibility, and traceability across its diagnostic services, with an uncompromised focus on clinical quality.

Speaking on the broader vision, Mr. Ashok Soota, Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer, Happiest Health, said, “Our vision is to build a future-ready diagnostics platform governed by strong quality systems, capable of handling complex biological data, and scalable for advanced testing needs. This milestone strengthens our foundation to systematically expand into molecular, genomic, and preventive diagnostics, supporting how medicine will increasingly be practiced over the next decade.”

NABL accreditation provides a strong foundation for the continued expansion of the company’s accredited test menu and supports its progressive move into advanced diagnostics, including molecular and genomic testing. The diagnostic roadmap is aligned with preventive, predictive, and personalised healthcare needs, with an emphasis on introducing rare and clinically significant tests that remain under-available in routine diagnostic settings.

Mr. Davis Karedan, Co-Chairman & COO, Happiest Health, added, “For us, NABL accreditation is not just a regulatory milestone—it directly impacts the Atithi experience. It assures patients and clinicians that every report is built on rigor, consistency, and trust. As diagnostics becomes central to clinical decision-making, our focus is on delivering an experience that is accurate, transparent, and dependable at every touchpoint—from sample collection to interpretation. This accreditation reinforces our commitment to making advanced diagnostics both clinically reliable and patient-centric.”

While the current NABL accreditation marks an important milestone, Happiest Diagnostics is concurrently building a large reference laboratory that will significantly expand its accredited test portfolio—nearly tripling its current offerings—while enabling advanced and specialised testing capabilities. The reference lab is envisioned as a central hub for quality, standardisation, and complex diagnostics, supporting the organisation’s next phase of growth across molecular, genomic, and data-intensive testing.

As part of its advanced diagnostics portfolio, Happiest Diagnostics has also introduced Gut Microbiome Testing, leveraging high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics to analyse over 5 GB of microbial genomic data per sample. This data-intensive test provides clinically relevant insights into digestive health, metabolic balance, immune modulation, and overall wellness, reinforcing the organisation’s focus on preventive, predictive, and personalised diagnostics.

Dr. Bikash Kumar Chaudhury, CEO & Senior Vice President, Happiest Diagnostics said “Diagnostics today plays a central role in clinical decision-making across prevention, diagnosis, and long-term care. Receiving NABL accreditation validates the strength of our quality and clinical frameworks, reinforcing confidence in the accuracy and reliability of our reports. This milestone supports the expansion of our clinical offerings, particularly in advanced and data-intensive diagnostics, while ensuring complex biological data is governed responsibly. Our focus remains on delivering clinically actionable insights that enable early intervention and support personalised, preventive healthcare."

Looking ahead, Happiest Diagnostics plans continued investments in automation, quality systems, and advanced diagnostics, with a long-term aspiration to build a future-ready, clinically rigorous, and nationally trusted diagnostic ecosystem.

About Happiest Health
Happiest Health is an integrated “Wellness Enterprise” promoted by Ashok Soota. We are committed to improving health through better knowledge, state-of-the-art diagnostics, wellness centers, and clinics in a unique away-from-the-hospital model.

The business divisions of Happiest Health comprise Knowledge, Diagnostics, Healthcare Services and Wellness. The Knowledge business is already a global leader by virtue of its much-acclaimed Happiest Health magazine, free daily Healthzine, podcasts, videos, and impactful health summits. Diagnostics provides routine blood tests and specialized tests in Bangalore.

The Healthcare services (HCS) business specializes in multiple disciplines. We currently offer Dental and Orthopedic services. We will soon offer ENT, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, Obesity & Weight management, Urology, and other disciplines.

The Wellness business too has a range of clinics including Ayurveda, Mental health, Body Dynamics, and Physiotherapy. 

Our mission at Happiest Health is to inspire everyone to “embrace wellness” as a way of life.

Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal

The inclusion of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, places it among a select group of 120 globally reputed medical schools from countries such as Australia, Ireland, Malaysia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The SMC occasionally reviews overseas medical qualifications to ensure that training standards are comparable with those in Singapore. The assessment considers factors such as academic quality, language of instruction, clinical exposure, and graduates' performance in professional practice. The announcement follows SMC’s review of the list of registrable medical qualifications to ensure that foreign-trained medical doctors applying to practice in Singapore have received education and training comparable with Singapore’s medical schools.

Hailing the recognition Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, said, “As the longest‑serving official of MAHE, I am proud to see KMC Manipal recognized by the Singapore Medical Council. This milestone reflects our enduring commitment to excellence and honors the vision of our founder, Dr. TMA Pai, whose legacy continues to guide us.”

Welcoming the announcement, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “This recognition by the Singapore Medical Council is a moment of pride for Manipal Academy of Higher Education and a strong validation of the academic rigor, clinical depth, and global relevance of KMC, Manipal. This achievement not only elevates the international stature of KMC but also opens new global pathways for our graduates. It reaffirms our mission to produce competent, ethical, and globally competitive medical professionals who can serve healthcare systems across borders."

Celebrating this milestone, Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE, said, “ "This recognition by the Singapore Medical Council is a proud moment for KMC Manipal and for India. Being the only Indian medical school to be included among the newly recognised institutions underscores the strength of our academic framework, clinical training standards, and global relevance. It reflects decades of commitment to excellence in medical education and reinforces KMC’s standing as a trusted institution on the world stage."

From 2026 onwards, aspiring medical students may apply to KMC Manipal with the assurance that the MBBS qualification is recognised for medical registration in Singapore. Graduates from KMC Manipal, irrespective of nationality and year of graduation, will be eligible to seek registration with SMC, subject to fulfilling regulatory and supervisory requirements. This milestone further strengthens MAHE’s international footprint and reaffirms its role in shaping globally competent healthcare professionals.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

A Milestone Powered by Trust, Collaboration, and Our People — Great Place to Work® Certified

The Great Place to Work® Certification is regarded as a benchmark for workplace excellence and is awarded through a rigorous, employee-led assessment of trust, fairness, respect, and pride. Securing this recognition for the fourth consecutive year reflects RIA Advisory’s ability to sustain a culture where people feel valued, engaged, and empowered.

“At RIA Advisory, our people are not just part of the business—they are the business,” said Saket Pabby, Founder and CEO of RIA Advisory. “This recognition belongs to every team member who brings curiosity, integrity, and purpose to their work each day. Sustaining this certification year after year tells us that our culture is not aspirational—it’s lived.”

“Our growth journey has always been guided by a simple belief: when people thrive, organizations excel,” added Rama Thirumalaiswamy, CHRO, RIA Advisory. “Being recognized for the fourth consecutive year validates the trust our teams place in us and strengthens our resolve to keep raising the bar.”

Echoing these sentiments, Country Head – India, Sameer Deo, stated: “People have been RIA Advisory’s core strength since inception. This Great Place to Work certification reflects the trust our employees place in our start-up mindset—where ideas are valued, and people are encouraged to challenge themselves.”

The certification reflects RIA Advisory’s focus on building an organization where performance, accountability, and employee experience progress together, strengthening its position as both a trusted partner to clients and an employer of choice within the global advisory ecosystem.

About RIA Advisory
Founded in 2016, RIA Advisory is a global business and technology advisory consulting firm specializing in revenue management and billing solutions for Financial Services, Utilities, Healthcare, the Public Sector, Capital Markets, Exchanges, and Insurance. The firm supports enterprise clients through strategic consulting, technology implementation, and business transformation, with a focus on modernizing pricing, billing, and customer care systems.

RIA expanded its global footprint in 2022 through the integration of TMG Consulting and today employs over 1,000 professionals worldwide. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, RIA operates across the U.K., Canada, India, the Philippines, Australia, Mexico, and South Africa, delivering scalable, ROI-driven solutions to clients globally.

About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, helping organizations identify, create, and sustain high-trust, high-performance workplaces through data-driven insights and employee feedback.

Mr. Arunodoy Das, Deputy CEO of VinFast India - Sales received the award from Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Hon. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India

The Auto9 Awards is an annual awards program organized by TV9 Network to honor outstanding achievements in the automotive and mobility industry in India, as well as vehicles launched in 2025. With an evaluation process based on real world testing, technical data, and insights from a multidisciplinary panel of experts, the awards provide a comprehensive perspective on product quality, usability, and market impact.

This year, the “New Entrant of the Year” award at the Auto9 Awards 2026 was presented to a brand that demonstrated a clear market presence and created a strong impression within a short period after entering the market, through its product strategy, execution capabilities, and alignment with local consumer needs. In addition, the “Value for Money Car of the Year” award recognized the outstanding value proposition of the all-electric B-SUV VF 6, highlighting its balance between price, features, and cost of ownership, and reflecting VinFast’s role and contribution at both brand and product levels in the overall development of India’s EV industry.

The recognition at the Auto9 Awards 2026 further adds to the list of accolades VinFast has received in the Indian market, reflecting the positive attention and evaluation from industry experts toward the company’s product development direction and long-term investment strategy.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer of VinFast India, stated, “The double honor at the Auto9 Awards 2026 is a meaningful recognition of our efforts in India. This award reflects VinFast’s long-term approach to the market, combined with a strong focus on real world consumer needs, while reinforcing our commitment to sustainable investment in India.”

Mr. Nand Kumar, Editor - Auto, TV9 Network, said, “VinFast’s product strategy reflects a clear intent to address different segments of the EV market. The VF 6 stood out for offering a well-balanced package strong on features, sensible on pricing, and practical for everyday use which made it a natural choice for our Value for Money Award. At the same time, VinFast’s entry as a new brand has been both credible and promising, earning it the New Entrant Award. These awards reflect the strength of VinFast’s early product lineup for the Indian market.”

After just one year of presence, VinFast has gradually established its footprint in India’s electric vehicle market through a long-term development strategy and a premium product portfolio. The company is 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.

With a consistent focus on innovation, sustainable development, and a user-centric approach, VinFast continues to advance its mission of accelerating the transition to green mobility while making a positive contribution to the long-term development of India’s automotive industry.

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.  

AdvantageClub.ai Launches 4th Edition of 100 Most Admired Women Awards 2026

The MAW Awards celebrate women across industries who are driving innovation in HR practices, championing inclusive workplace cultures, and leading impactful initiatives that elevate employee experience, well-being, talent development, and organisational transformation.

Nominations for the 2026 Most Admired Women (MAW) Awards are now live and will remain open until February 15, 2026. Celebrating excellence across four distinct categories- Leaders, Pioneers, Champions, and Achievers—the award invites women HR professionals to submit nominations immediately via a short nomination form. Peer nominations are also active, encouraging the community to recognise professionals making a meaningful impact in the HR ecosystem.

Building on the success of its three previous editions, the MAW Awards continue to spotlight global women HR leaders whose visionary influence spans organisations of every scale. In an era marked by rapid digital transformation and evolving work models, the awards highlight the pivotal role women play in driving organisational success and building future-ready workplaces.

The previous edition of the MAW Awards featured winners from leading organisations, including Concentrix, HCL, Hexaware, Tech Mahindra, Teleperformance & more. By honouring these professionals, the awards reflect a shift toward more inclusive, high-impact HR practices. These leaders are not merely managing talent; they are architecting organisational change and fostering resilience across some of the world’s most influential enterprises.

Commenting on the launch, Smiti Bhatt Deorah, COO and Co-founder of AdvantageClub.ai, said, “We are proud to invite nominations for the fourth edition of the MAW Awards to honour women HR leaders who are empowering workforces, nurturing talent, and innovating for a better world of work. These awards are more than recognition; they celebrate the courage, creativity, and commitment that inspire the HR community and beyond.”

The nomination process is currently open to women HR professionals across all sectors, including startups, mid-sized organisations, and global enterprises. Each submission will undergo rigorous evaluation by a distinguished jury panel, with a focus on leadership impact, pioneering innovation, employee-centric initiatives, and sustained contributions to the HR profession.

Key Dates:

• Nomination Deadline: February 15, 2026

• Final winners announced: March 8, 2026

The MAW Awards serve as a platform to recognise, inspire, and celebrate women whose contributions are profoundly shaping the future of work. To submit a nomination today, visit: (maw.advantageclub.ai/awards_nominate)

About AdvantageClub.ai
AdvantageClub.ai is a global AI-powered employee engagement, rewards, and wellness platform with offerings like rewards & recognition, wellness solutions including OPD plans, Annual health checkup, wellness challenges, sales incentive automation, flexible benefits, surveys, moments that matter, and communities on a single platform. It provides end-to-end solutions to facilitate employee engagement by digitizing the company’s R&R policies, allowing them to drive better employee retention and happiness. AdvantageClub.ai has over 15 million users, with presence in over 100+ countries, 1200+ clients, and 10,000+ brand options. Established in 2016, AdvantageClub.ai is the brainchild of UCLA postgraduates, Sourabh Deorah and Smiti Bhatt Deorah, who identified employee engagement as a space to create disruption using AI, data mining, and analytics. Headquartered in San Francisco, AdvantageClub.ai has an impressive client portfolio featuring Air India, Biocon, Concentrix, HCL, Hexaware, L&T, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, Teleperformance, and many more.

Bisleri & Chennai Institute of Technology Created a Guiness World Record

The initiative was aimed at creating a powerful visual symbol of collective responsibility towards recycling and sustainability, reinforcing the importance of circular economy practices through large scale public participation.

Formation of the Largest Human Recycling Logo

Reaffirming the brand’s continued commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director - Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, commented, “This Guinness World Record achievement showcases the collective effort and dedication of the student community. It reflects our belief in driving meaningful change through collaboration and youth participation, while inspiring behavioural change around recycling and responsible plastic use.”

Guinness World Record received by Bisleri & Chennai Institute of Technology for Forming the World's Largest Human Recycling Logo

Speaking on the historic record, Mr P. Sriram, Chairman, Chennai Institute of Technology said, “It is an extremely proud moment not just for the college but for Chennai city as well. The initiative aligns strongly with the institution’s focus on sustainability, student engagement and social responsibility, while offering students an opportunity to be part of a globally recognized environmental movement.”

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.

The largest convergence of India’s collections ecosystem—one platform, unmatched scale, decisive impact

Collections in India is at a turning point.

As regulations tighten, borrower expectations rise, and technology reshapes recovery models, the industry needs more than conversations—it needs clear direction and collective leadership.

That’s where the Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026 returns.

After two transformative editions, India’s most influential collections platform is back to set the agenda for responsible, compliant, and future-ready collections—bringing together the leaders who don’t just adapt to change, but drive it.

Power-Packed Keynotes & Thought Leadership

The Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026 features an elite lineup of India’s most influential financial leaders and fintech innovators, delivering insights that matter.

Keynote Speaker

Prashant Mehra

Group Head – Retail Portfolio Management & Fraud Control, HDFC Bank

Featured Industry Leaders

• Rakesh Sharma – Head of Collections, Fibe (formerly EarlySalary)

• Rajaram Manian – Chief Risk Officer, Tyger Capital (formerly Adani Capital)

• Sushant Kumar – Head, Collections & Resolutions, ICICI Home Finance Company Limited

• Vivek Katyayan – COO, Kissht

• Debashish Mohanty – SVP & Head, Collection Strategy, Kotak Mahindra Bank

• Sanju Mangrulkar – Head, Credit Monitoring & Policy, Central Bank of India

• Chandrasekhar Das – VP, Collection Strategy & Analytics, YES Bank

• Ananth Shroff - Founder & CEO ,DPDzero

• Abhishek Rao - Founder, Resollect

• Sonali Jindal - Founder, Rezolv

• Karan Mehta - Co-Founder, Rezolv

• …and many more leaders shaping the future of collections in India

Building the Future of Responsible Collections — Our Ecosystem Partners

Powered by trusted partners driving innovation and credibility:

• DPDzero – Presenting Partner

• Resollect – Co-Presenting Partner

• Rezolv – Gold Partner

• Credit Nirvana – Silver Partner

• Dista – Exhibit Partner

• Neowise (a Decentro company) – Exhibit Partner

• Wevaad – Exhibit Partner 

• FACE – SRO-FT Partner

• Bharat CXO, News Patrolling, Asia Business Outlook – Media Partners

What’s on the Agenda?

High-impact keynotes and expert-led panels will deep-dive into:

• AI & analytics-led transformation in collections

• Regulatory compliance, governance & risk frameworks

• Borrower experience, ethical recovery & trust-building

Every session is designed to deliver practical insights, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies for today’s fast-evolving collections environment.

**The Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2026 isn’t just an event—

it’s where India’s collections industry sets its direction for the future.**

Date: 18 February 2026
Venue: The Lalit, Mumbai
Register Now: www.thebharatcollectionsummit.com.

Mr. Bakul Limbasiya, Founder of Bhathwari Technologies

This recognition is especially significant as it not only celebrates Limbasiya’s personal achievements but also marks an important milestone for the lab-grown diamond industry in India. Historically, the APO National Award has been presented to distinguished leaders such as Mr. Anil Naik of Larsen & Turbo and Dr. Verghese Kurien, underscoring its stature and legacy in honouring visionaries who have made transformative contributions to India’s industrial landscape. The inclusion of the lab-grown diamond sector among its awardees signals a strong acknowledgment of the industry’s growing strategic and economic relevance.

A pioneer in the global lab-grown diamond (LGD) sector, Bakul Limbasiya has been associated with the industry since 1998 and is credited with producing India’s first-ever lab grown diamond in 2004. His early involvement and pioneering breakthroughs laid the foundation for what has today become a globally competitive, technology-driven Indian LGD ecosystem.

Through his work, Limbasiya has played a central role in shaping India’s position as a global hub for lab-grown diamonds, championing technology-driven manufacturing, responsible practices, and export-led growth. His efforts have contributed to enhancing productivity standards within the industry, promoting innovation in diamond growing and processing technologies, and strengthening India’s reputation in sustainable diamond production in line with the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Speaking on receiving the award, Bakul Limbasiya said, “This honour goes beyond individual recognition; it is a validation of India’s lab-grown diamond community that is redefining the future of the diamond industry. Our sector stands at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and value creation, and India is uniquely placed to lead this global shift.”

The award highlights the wider transformation underway in the diamond ecosystem, where lab-grown diamonds are emerging as an engine of employment, export growth, and technological advancement, while offering a sustainable alternative to traditionally mined diamonds.

The APO National Award serves as a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to productivity excellence and its leadership in new-age manufacturing sectors.

About BTPL

Bhathwari Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (BTPL), based in Surat, is one of the world’s leading producers of lab-grown CVD diamond reactors and advanced technologies for lab-grown diamonds. The company has a strong focus on innovation and continuous development of cutting-edge CVD plasma technology, playing a significant role in strengthening India’s leadership in sustainable diamond production. BTPL has remained instrumental in shaping the LGD sector in India and has led the sector through its strategic investment in Limelight Diamonds, India’s largest lab grown diamond jewellery brand, further reinforcing its commitment to building a robust, integrated and future forward lab grown diamond ecosystem in India.

Shri. N.V.Nagasubramaniam, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra is presenting awards to Smt. Meena Subramanian (3rd from left) & Dr. Soumya (4th from left)

Srimathi Meena Subramanian was honoured and recognised for her exceptional contribution to Carnatic music along with Dr.Soumya at the inauguration of “29th Pongal Music Festival” in Coimbatore. The award recognizes her outstanding contribution to Carnatic music through her mellifluous renditions, imparting Carnatic music to a large student community to preserve Carnatic music for the future, producing special features like Tirupavai, Tiruvambavai, music workshops, lecture-demonstrations, scholarly work, and collaborations with legendary musicians. Meena Subramanian was renowned in Coimbatore and Kongunadu as one of the senior disciples of her Guru Sangeetha Kalanidhi M L Vasanthakumari and bringing the ‘MLV bani’ to Coimbatore. 

Smt. Meena Subramanian

The award was presented by Sri. N. V. Nagasubramaniam, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra. He said in the past 50 years Smt. Meena Subramanian’s contribution to Carnatic music has been phenomenal. Her unique and incredible voice and her clear diction, knowledge of Tamil and Sanskrit are her assets and she has carved a niche for herself from a very young age. He emphasised this award and also recognised her effort in perpetuating Carnatic music in Kongunadu through her music and building a strong student community to preserve Carnatic music for the future.

She has several awards to her credit.

About Meena Subramanian:
Smt. Meena Subramanian is a highly regarded Carnatic Musician from Coimbatore. With an initial training in vocal music from Sri Ramakrishnan, and later with the popular Kannan brothers of Coimbatore, she honed her expertise further under the tutelage of Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. M.L.Vasanthakumari, and remained her senior disciple, performing several concerts across the globe with her Guru as well as on her own.

She is an ‘A’- grade artiste of the All India Radio. Her melodious voice, imaginative alapanas, and exemplary command over laya helped her carve a special place in the field of Carnatic music. She has performed in all major sabhas like the Music Academy, Madras, Krishna Ganga Sabha, Mylapore fine Arts, Shanmugananda Sabha, all over the world including in USA, Europe, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Australia. She has accompanied Dr.MLV in her concerts in London at the Royal Albert Hall.

Meena Subramanian graduated from Queen Mary's College, Chennai, and holds a postgraduate degree in Carnatic Music from Mother Teresa University. She served as a staff artiste of the All India Radio, Coimbatore, from 1985 to 2001. She is a recipient of several awards and honours. She is a well-known Guru who has stewarded many budding musicians.

Amit Jhingran - MD & CEO, SBI Life, Nupur Jhingran, Avik Agrawal, Mandira Bedi, Sumonto Chattopadhyay, Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communications and CSR, SBI Life

The Grand Finale, hosted by Indian actor, fashion designer and television presenter Ms. Mandira Bedi, witnessed an engaging face-off among the country’s top young spellers, who advanced through multiple competitive rounds testing spelling accuracy, vocabulary, and presence of mind. Kushagra Pandey, age 13 years from The Millennium School, Lucknow, was declared the First Runner-Up, while Jasmine Jonwal, age 13 years from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Pratap Nagar, Jaipur, secured the Second Runner-Up position. All the finalists demonstrated strong language skills and consistency throughout the competition.

As the National winner, Avik Agrawal was awarded a cash prize of INR 1,00,000, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Disneyland, Hong Kong, as a recognition for his performance and progression through the competition.

This year’s edition was anchored around the theme ‘Bee Spellionaire’, which positions knowledge and language skills as a form of long-term value for young learners. The concept underscores the role of spelling and vocabulary in building confidence, clarity of expression, and critical thinking among students. Through this initiative, SBI Life continues to provide structured platforms that encourages learning beyond classrooms and supports the holistic development of our future leaders.

Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communications and CSR at SBI Life Insurance, said, “The theme of SBI Life Spell Bee, ‘Bee Spellionaire’, reflects our endeavour to create intellectual wealth for our future leaders by enriching their vocabulary and introducing them to new words that expand knowledge and sharpen articulation. This growing richness of language fosters confidence and clarity, empowering young Spellionaires to express their thoughts and vision, to carve a better future for themselves and the nation. At SBI Life, we describe this spirit of progress as ‘Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye’.

He further added, “Platforms such as the SBI Life Spell Bee engage young learners by nurturing curiosity, competence and confidence - qualities that are fundamental to building a confident nation. We are humbled by the enthusiastic nationwide participation in the 15^th edition of SBI Life Spell Bee, the promising performances offer a glimpse into the potential of our enterprising future leaders.”

Avik Agrawal, ‘Spell Master of India’ -SBI Life Spell Bee Season 15, said, “It was enriching to meet so many children from across the country, and I have learnt a lot from this experience. I am grateful to the organizers for giving me this opportunity and platform”.

Commenting on the Grand Finale, Mr. Yatish Mehrishi, CEO, Entertainment Network (India) Limited, said, “Season 15 of Spell Bee showcased some of the country’s finest young spellers. The new gamified format and engaging finale experiences helped us connect more deeply with students. It is encouraging to see the continued support of schools, parents, teachers and students in making Spell Bee India’s largest spelling competition. Mirchi remains committed to enriching the lives of students through experiential properties like Spell Bee.”

SBI Life Spell Bee witnessed participation from students across multiple cities and schools, with the competition conducted through several stages including school-level, city-level, regional, and national rounds. The National Grand Finale was aired on Jiostar and simulcast on Nickelodeon, Nick HD+ and Sonic, extending the reach of the initiative to audiences across the country.

About SBI Life Insurance

SBI Life Insurance (‘SBI Life’ / ‘The Company’), one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, was incorporated in October 2000 and is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001.

Serving millions of families across India, SBI Life’s diverse range of products caters to individuals as well as group customers through Protection, Pension, Savings and Health solutions.

Driven by ‘Customer-First’ approach, SBI Life places great emphasis on maintaining world-class operating efficiency and providing hassle-free claim settlement experience to its customers by following high ethical standards of service. Additionally, SBI Life is committed to enhance digital experiences for its customers, distributors and employees alike.

SBI Life strives to make insurance accessible to all, with its extensive presence across the country through its 1,154 offices, 28,534 employees, a large and productive network of about 268,792 agents, 73 corporate agents and 9 bancassurance partners with more than 40,000 partner branches, 149 brokers and other insurance marketing firms.

In addition to doing what’s right for the customers, the company is also committed to provide a healthy and flexible work environment for its employees to excel personally and professionally.

SBI Life strongly encourages a culture of giving back to the society and has made substantial contribution in the areas of child education, healthcare, disaster relief and environmental upgrade. In 2024-25, the Company touched over 53,000 direct beneficiaries through various CSR interventions.

Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange ('BSE') and the National Stock Exchange ('NSE'), the company has an authorized capital of Rs. 20.0 billion and a paid-up capital of Rs. 10.0 billion. The AuM is Rs. 4,814.6 billion.

For more information, please visit our website-www.sbilife.co.in and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

(Numbers & data mentioned above are for the period ended September 30, 2025)

Now in its third edition, SrijanShakti has emerged as one of India’s most credible platforms recognising women who are redefining design, innovation, entrepreneurship and social impact. The awards honour women whose work is shaping how India creates, builds and expresses itself - from startups and industry transformation to community empowerment and cultural leadership.
 

Winners of SrijanShakti Awards 2025 by World University of Design
 

From fashion and architecture to digital design, crafts, sustainability, technology and social innovation, SrijanShakti celebrates women whose ideas are both creative and transformative.
 

The 2026 awards will recognise outstanding women across three national categories:

• Design Entrepreneur of the Year Award - for women who have built high-impact, design-led enterprises and created new opportunities through creativity.

• Industry Innovation Champion Award - for women driving transformative change through design, technology and systems thinking.

• Social Impact Catalyst Award - for women leveraging design to address critical social challenges and empower communities.
   

“SrijanShakti was created to bring these stories to the national stage, to ensure their leadership, courage and imagination receive the recognition they truly deserve,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor.
 

The winners will be selected by a national jury comprising leaders from design, industry, academia and cultural institutions. The awards will be presented in March 2026 during Indian Women in Design, a national platform celebrating women, leadership and the creative economy.
 

Nominations are now open nationwide. Individuals, organisations and institutions are invited to nominate outstanding women whose work reflects creative excellence and social impact.
 

Apply Nominations through: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbNDLRYQmBpY.

Achieving LEED Gold certification for 20-year-old operational assets underscores RMZ’s sustained commitment to responsible asset management, operational excellence, and continuous environmental performance improvement. The certification reflects the successful implementation of targeted initiatives focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, and enhanced building operations.

The milestone was enabled through a series of progressive interventions, including chiller replacement projects, water conservation programmes, system modifications, and energy optimisation measures, delivered through close collaboration with multiple stakeholders. These enhancements were instrumental in meeting the rigorous performance benchmarks required for LEED certification and reflect RMZ’s long-term, lifecycle-driven approach to sustainability.

Commenting on the achievement, Joseph T. Akkarakalam, Managing Director – RMZ Real Estate Partners, RMZ Office, said, “Securing LEED Gold certification for RMZ Millenia Towers B and C is a testament of our long-term approach to asset stewardship. Sustainability at RMZ is not a one-time milestone but an ongoing commitment embedded into how we operate, upgrade, and future-proof our buildings. Elevating a two-decade-old property to meet global green building standards reflects our focus on operational excellence, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility, while continuing to deliver high-quality environments for our occupiers.”

“The work of innovative building projects like RMZ Millenia Towers B & C is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way our buildings are built, designed and operated,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “Buildings that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, reducing operating costs and conserving resources while prioritizing sustainable practices and human health. Because of RMZ Millenia Towers B & C, we are increasing the number of green buildings and getting closer to USGBC’s goal to outpace conventional buildings, while being environmentally and socially responsible and improving quality of life for generations to come.”

The LEED Gold Certification of RMZ Millenia Towers B and C further strengthens RMZ’s portfolio of sustainable assets and reinforces its leadership in creating future-ready, high-performance workplaces aligned with global ESG standards.

About RMZ 

RMZ, one of the world’s largest privately-owned alternative asset owners, are long-term value investors with a legacy of excellence. RMZ is committed to delivering sustainable returns while shaping the future of real assets. Transforming India’s landscape across real estate, infrastructure, and emerging growth sectors, we are contributing to the nation’s economic development. Shaping Tomorrow, Today. 

Real Assets: A Vision for Sustainable Growth 

Structured around essential real assets, RMZ emphasizes expansion through strategic partnerships and a disciplined approach to risk management, delivering transformational growth while mitigating risks through geographic and sector diversification. 

Real Estate: A Diverse Portfolio across Key Sectors 

RMZ’s real estate investments encompass a wide range of sectors, including Commercial Real Estate, Industrial and Logistics, Business and Leisure Hotels and  and Retail. This diversity allows RMZ to focus on scaling businesses and enhancing value through operational improvements and strategic investments. 

Infrastructure: Building Foundations for the Future 

RMZ’s infrastructure portfolio will encompass critical assets such as Healthcare and Digital Infrastructure. By prioritizing investments in these areas, RMZ supports the foundations of a sustainable global economy, with a focus on sectors poised for growth and long-term impact. The firm champions responsible and sustainable investment practices that create positive social impact and generate lasting stakeholder value. 

About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to transforming how buildings and communities are designed, built and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable and resilient places that advance human and environmental wellbeing. USGBC leads market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities.

For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Distinguished awardees honoured at the Manipal Groups' New Year Awards 2026 ceremony, held on 10 January in Manipal

The event was graced by Dr H S Ballal, President-AGE and Pro Chancellor MAHE, Mrs Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust, Dr Ranjan R Pai, Chairman, MEMG, Bengaluru, President, MAHE Trust, and Registrar, AGE; Shri T Satish U Pai, Executive Chairman, Manipal Media Network Ltd and Vice President, AGE; and Shri T Sachin Pai, Trustee, Dr. TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal. Their presence underscored the continued commitment of the Manipal institutions to recognizing excellence and societal impact.

The eminent personalities for New Year awards 2026 were: Shri K Jayaprakash Hegde, Former Minister Ports and Fisheries, Government of Karnataka, Shri K Lakshminarayanan, Former Executive Director, Canara Bank, Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President, Thumbay Group, UAE, Mrs Vinaya Prasad, Indian Cine Artist, and Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM, (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE.

Addressing the occasion, Dr H S Ballal, President-AGE and Pro Chancellor MAHE, said, “It is with immense pride that we gather once again to celebrate excellence and recognise individuals whose contributions have enriched our society in meaningful ways. At MAHE, we believe that recognizing such excellence goes beyond mere acknowledgment as it strengthens the cultural and intellectual fabric of our society. Their journeys inspire us to continue fostering an environment where creativity, scholarship, and social responsibility thrive together. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients and thank them for being the torchbearers of positive change."

Expressing his gratitude on receiving the award, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM, (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “As I reflect on this honour, I am reminded that education is, at its core, a collective endeavour. No achievement in this field belongs to one person alone. It is the result of the shared commitment of countless individuals, faculty members whose teaching inspires, researchers who push the boundaries of knowledge, staff who ensure the seamless functioning of our campuses, students whose curiosity fuels innovation, and partners who believe deeply in our mission. I accept this award on behalf of the entire MAHE community, whose tireless efforts make recognitions such as this possible.”

Shri K Jayaprakash Hegde, Former Minister Ports and Fisheries, Government of Karnataka, said he was extremely humbled on receiving the award and emphasized “Appointed by the Government of Karnataka, I was entrusted with the responsibility to oversee social inclusion initiatives and classification reforms. In this role, I sought to modernize representation frameworks and address long-standing social inequities within our state. One moment that stands out is submitting Karnataka’s first report advocating the inclusion of orphans for reservation- ensuring that children without families or communities would not be left behind and could compete on a fair footing with their peers.”

Shri K Lakshminarayanan, Former Executive Director, Canara Bank, went down the memory lane and shared “I had the opportunity to meet Shri T A Pai when he was the head of the Canara Industrial and Banking Syndicate, with Dr TMA Pai as the chairman of the Board of Bank. As my boss was on a tour, I took care of Sri Pai’s requirement. After which, I received an offer letter, and I joined Shri Pai in his bank. Initially, I was not familiar with local languages and conversed in English, which later got down to broken Kannada, and local people were kind enough to accept me as such. During the time, the bank expanded its services to overseas and I got the opportunity to learn banking practices from Germany, and in subsequent years when the bank opted to operate from London, I was managing the branch for some time. After satisfying years, the Government of the day chose to appoint me as the Executive Director of the Syndicate Bank and subsequently the Executive Director of the Canara Bank.”

Conveying her happiness after accepting the award, Mrs Vinaya Prasad, Indian Cine Artist, said, “My artistic journey has taken me across many film industries—Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu—and each phase has taught me invaluable lessons in sincerity, discipline, and dedication. Cinema has a way of shaping one’s understanding of people, emotions, and society. Udupi has always been a place where learning and art walk hand in hand, and MAHE has amplified that tradition on a global scale. I express my heartfelt appreciation and admiration for this special recognition.”

Honored by the recognition Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder & President, Thumbay Group, UAE expressed his gratitude “This recognition of bestowing me the New Year Award for 2026 is not only a personal honor but also a testament to the collective vision, relentless dedication, and unwavering commitment of the entire Thumbay Group team—especially our healthcare, education, and research professionals—who work tirelessly every day to advance human well-being and knowledge across the UAE and beyond. My journey in building institutions that bridge healthcare, education, and community service has always been inspired by the same values that define MAHE: excellence, innovation, compassion, and a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education and healing.”

The event was concluded with a sincere vote of thanks by Dr. (Cdr) Anil Rana, Director, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, acknowledging the overwhelming participation and support for the entire community.

Mr. Apoorv Bajaj, Trustee, Bajaj Foundation felicitate the Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha along with Mr. Uday Shankar Singh, CEO, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra
 

Bajaj Foundation was felicitated for its exemplary contribution to the successful organisation of Heritage Fest 2025, as well as for its impactful initiatives in natural farming, water conservation and management, education, and livelihood promotion. The award on behalf of the Foundation was received by Mr. Apoorv Nayan Bajaj, Trustee, and Mr. Mahendra Phate, Programme Manager, Bajaj Foundation.
 

Vishwa Yuvak Kendra was recognised for its consistent and impactful role in youth development, national integration, capacity building of civil society organisations (CSOs), and nation-building. The award was received by Mr. Uday Shankar Singh, Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Mukta Bhardwaj, Programme Officer. For decades, VYK has been implementing residential training programmes, digital learning initiatives, youth leadership development, women empowerment activities, and national-level collaborations, benefiting lakhs of young people across the country.
 

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Chief Minister appreciated the contributions of both institutions and stated that organisations such as these play a vital role in strengthening youth potential, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering communities that are key pillars of national progress.
 

The awards were presented during an international programme organised by Yuva Vikas Kendra, Tripura during the week-long Heritage Fest 2025 that brought together the young volunteers of culture and heritage from various neighbouring countries like, Nepal, Srilanka and others. Click to watch a short video on the Instagram handle of @bajajgroupofficial www.instagram.com/reel/DTZNlOrjItE/?igsh=MTdhMmp4a3JjYWc0Yg==
 

The recognition bestowed upon Bajaj Foundation and Vishwa Yuvak Kendra upon this international platform, stands as an official acknowledgement of the vision, dedication, and grassroots impact of Bajaj Foundation and Vishwa Yuvak Kendra.
 

Bajaj Foundation is committed to nation building through inclusive and sustainable rural development in Wardha district of Maharashtra, Sikar district of Rajasthan and Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Through its integrated interventions in last 2 decades, the Foundation has rejuvenated 245 rivers and constructed 130 check dams, enabling irrigation across 3.5 lakh acres of farmland. It has trained 1.25 lakh farmers in natural farming practices, making 1.6 lakh acres chemical-free, and strengthened livelihoods through 4,500+ women self-help groups benefitting 56,000 families. By imparting skill development training to over 9,000 rural youth and women, promoting 6,000 biogas plants and 4,000 solar units, and establishing 30 Farmer Producer Companies (FPOs), Bajaj Foundation continues to lay a strong foundation for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, empowering the youth and rural communities to achieve long-term self-reliance and prosperity.
 

On the occasion, both Bajaj Foundation and Vishwa Yuval Kendra reiterated their commitment to further strengthening their initiatives in the larger interest of society and the nation.

Shri Naresh Kaushal, Editor of Dainik Tribune, Honoured with the Highest Award of the Bharat Scouts and Guides - ‘Silver Elephant Award’

This prestigious award was presented by the Hon’ble Governor, Shri Ramen Deka, who was the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Jamboree. Shri Naresh Kaushal was honoured for his lifelong dedication to the Scout–Guide Movement, his significant contribution to youth character building, and his role in promoting the values of service, discipline, and nation-building through journalism.

It is noteworthy that Shri Naresh Kaushal’s association with the Scout–Guide Movement spans more than six decades. In 1964, he participated as a Scout in the Fourth National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides held at Allahabad. At that time, his childhood friend and renowned film actor Late Shri Om Puri ji was also present. This early exposure proved to be a defining influence in his life, deeply embedding the values of service, discipline, and patriotism in his personality.

On receiving this highest honour at the First National Rover–Ranger Jamboree, Balod, Dr Anil Jain, President, The Bharat Scouts and Guides, and Dr K. K. Khandelwal, Chief National Commissioner, The Bharat Scouts and Guides, congratulated Shri Naresh Kaushal and extended their best wishes.

After receiving the award, Shri Naresh Kaushal took the General Salute at the National Jamboree and jointly unfurled the Jamboree Flag along with Dr K. K. Khandelwal. This moment became a proud and inspiring chapter in the history of the Jamboree.

During the Jamboree, Shri Naresh Kaushal interacted with Rovers and Rangers from across the country, including participants from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh, among other states and Union Territories. He described scouting as a powerful medium for good citizenship, leadership development, and nation-building, and encouraged the youth to recognise their responsibilities towards society.

On this occasion, he particularly appreciated activities related to environmental protection, disaster management, and first aid, describing them as essential services in the present times. Shri Kaushal also visited various camps and sub-camps and stayed in a tent amidst nature, spending time with nearly 15,000 Rovers and Rangers representing 54 States, Union Territories, Railway Zones, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Sangathan (NVS).

The Bharat Scouts and Guides expressed confidence that this highest honour bestowed upon Shri Naresh Kaushal not only recognises his outstanding contribution but will also serve as a strong source of inspiration for youth across the nation to move forward on the path of service, discipline, leadership, and patriotism.

Spread Design and Innovation wins the Red Dot 2025 for brand design & identity, for its compelling work on brand, communication and experience design for ICB (Indian Craft Brewery)

Spread has received this global recognition for its compelling and ingenious work on brand, communication, and experience design for ICB Indian Craft Brewery, a Bengaluru-based microbrewery that reimagines India’s ancient brewing traditions through a contemporary, globally relevant design lens.

Spread, founded in 2015 is an imagination ecosystem and platform partnering with leaders in industry, academia and governance. With a legacy of three decades, as three avatars and three successful design and innovation enterprises with a hefty portfolio of transformational projects, including reimagining the strategy, brand and experience of three airports in the nation. Now a decade into its third avatar, Spread continues to design, build and spread bold ideas, demonstrating that design is the new strategy and experience is the next currency.

The Red Dot recognition arrives at a defining moment in Spread’s journey - marking not just an award win, but a milestone that reflects ten years of design-led impact rooted deeply in Indian culture.

Spread’s award-winning brand strategy, identity and experience for ICB is a bold and revolutionary experiment that elevates Indian design onto the global stage. Often described as the “Oscars of Design,” the Red Dot Design Award underscores that Indian design is no longer merely participating in global creative conversations, but confidently leading them with imagination, scale, and purpose. For over 60 years, Red Dot has honoured excellence in design and innovation worldwide, making the accolade a respected international seal of quality.

The ICB brand experience is a richly layered sensory journey rooted in Indic culture, interpreted through a contemporary design vocabulary. Drawing inspiration from Indus Valley brewing traditions dating back to 1500 BC, alongside regional practices such as millet beers from the Northeast and palm nectar ferments from the South, the brand reclaims India’s forgotten brewing heritage. Visual identity elements inspired by Indic seals and the Vari symbol — representing unbroken journeys of sustenance and community - shape a sanctuary of craft and culture, interspersed with spaces that embody abundance, storytelling, and positive hedonism.

As part of this immersive experience, Spread has created Varg, a custom Indic-inspired typeface rooted in the language of ancient seal, along with Beeroglyphs — contemporary illustrations that transform forgotten traditions into modern design codes. Together, these elements form a distinctive, globally resonant design language that is unapologetically Indian at its core.

Reflecting on the milestone, Ms. Sonia Manchanda, Founding Partner, Spread Design and Innovation, said, “At Spread, we believe that design is reimagination, rooted in who we are, yet bold enough to shape what’s next. The Indian Craft Brewery project is not just about building a brand; it is about decolonising our minds, reimagining culture, reviving roots, and showing the world with Indian pride that Indian craft and design can be world-class. Winning the Red Dot Award as we complete ten years is both an honour and a reminder that Indic imagination has the power to inspire globally.”

Commenting on Spread’s ten-year journey, Mr. Girish Raj Nair, Founding Partner, Spread Design and Innovation, said, “We were fortunate to have designed businesses / systems in modern retail, private education, modern healthcare…for that matter even positioning millets as Next Gen Smart Food, all of which grew exponentially. Ten years as Spread as we are resetting ourselves for the 10X mandate.”

As Spread enters its tenth year, the Red Dot recognition stands as more than an accolade. It is a reaffirmation of the agency’s belief that Indian culture is one of the world’s richest open sources for original, meaningful design — and proof that Indian design can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best globally.

About Spread Design and Innovation
Founded in 2015 in Bengaluru, India, Spread Design and Innovation is a proud member of the World Design Organisation (WDO). As a radical business and creative consulting organisation, Spread, an imagination ecosystem, creates imagination properties…bold, future-facing ideas that bridge the physical and digital, the cultural and the contemporary. Spread’s work spans education, health, public infrastructure, policy and governance, retail, hospitality, and culture. Catalysing design to transform growth outcomes.

Spread redefines design as sense giving and value creation. As Spread marks ten years of catalysing positive change through design, the Red Dot Award serves as a rediscovery of Indic roots for India and the world, and a powerful statement of what imagination-led Indian design can achieve on the global stage.

About the Red Dot Design Award
The Red Dot Design Award is one of the most prestigious design competitions in the world. Since its inception in 1955, its international jury of experts has recognised outstanding design across disciplines. The award is presented in three categories: Product Design, Brands & Communication Design, and Design Concept. Today, the Red Dot is globally recognised as a seal of outstanding design quality.

For more information: www.red-dot.org/award

Dr. Nomal Chandra Borah receiving the ANEI Lifetime Achievement Award from Ms. Loni Borpatra Gohain (Government of Assam) in the presence of Prof. Ashok Puranik (AIIMS Guwahati)

About IAN and Its Lifetime Achievement Award
The Indian Academy of Neurology, the apex national body of neurologists, is responsible for advancing neurological science, research, education, and clinical standards in India. The IAN Lifetime Achievement Award recognises neurologists who have contributed exceptionally to the growth and excellence of neurology in the country.

IAN praised Dr. Borah’s “awe-inspiring life story of grit, determination, and service,” noting how he rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most respected neurologists. The citation highlights his integrity, self-belief, and perseverance in establishing Northeast India’s first comprehensive neuroscience centre, expanding neurological services to previously unreached populations, and starting DNB Neurology training in the region.

IAN further commended his extensive research, prolific publications, and his stature as a mentor and social entrepreneur — calling his journey “monumental for the State and the Nation, and an inspiration for the younger generation to emulate.”

About ANEI and Its Lifetime Achievement Award
The Association of Nurse Executive (India) is the country’s premier professional body representing senior nursing leaders, educators, and administrators. ANEI works towards strengthening nursing governance, promoting professional excellence, and shaping policies that uplift India’s nursing workforce.

The ANEI Lifetime Achievement Award is among the highest honours in Indian nursing leadership, presented to individuals whose vision and lifelong service have deeply influenced nursing practice and healthcare delivery nationwide.

In its citation, ANEI lauded Dr. Borah as a “visionary neurologist and dedicated social reformer”, highlighting his pioneering initiatives — including GNRC Medireach, Swasthyamitra, and the Universal Health Mission — which have expanded preventive and affordable healthcare to rural and underserved populations. The association also acknowledged his role in establishing the Asian Institute of Nursing Education (2004), now a respected centre for nursing education and leadership in India. 

Dr. Borah’s Response
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Borah said, “These recognitions belong to my patients and their family members, colleagues, mentors, students, and the GNRC family. I remain committed to making healthcare more ethical, equitable, and accessible for all.”

About GNRC Hospitals
GNRC Hospitals, founded by Dr Nomal Chandra Borah in 1985, is a leading chain of tertiary care super-specialty hospitals in Assam and West Bengal, offering nearly 1,000 beds. With state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centric approach, GNRC delivers comprehensive and compassionate healthcare. Its ground-breaking Affordable Health Mission has earned global recognition, including a Harvard School of Public Health case study and coverage in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia. GNRC’s community health initiative, Swasthyamitra, and its integrated care model have also been featured in international journals and presented at global forums such as the 8th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR 2024).

Committed to research, education, and clinical excellence, GNRC continues to shape the healthcare landscape of Northeast India.

For more, visit: www.gnrchospitals.com.

Brandon Hall Group Gold Award

SmartWinnr and HDFC Life were jointly recognized for their collaborative implementation of an advanced digital learning and performance enablement platform aimed at the field force for training and coaching. The solution enables continuous learning, faster skill acquisition, and measurable performance improvements through personalized, data-driven coaching.

“This recognition is very special for us because it reflects the real impact our platform is creating on the ground. Working closely with the HDFC Life team, we focused on building learning experiences for their sales teams in everyday customer conversations. Winning a Gold award reinforces our belief that meaningful learning, when backed by the right technology, can drive strong business outcomes,” said Annie Banik, Co-Founder & CEO at SmartWinnr.

The recognition reflects the growing importance of purpose-built learning technologies that are closely aligned with real business needs across large, distributed sales teams.

“The Excellence in Technology Awards celebrate the most forward-thinking innovations shaping the future of learning, talent, and human capital management. This year’s winners exemplify how technology can unlock new possibilities—improving performance, enabling smarter decision-making, and transforming how organizations support and develop their people,” said Rachel Cooke, Brandon Hall Group Chief Operating Officer and leader of the Excellence Awards program.

Entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts, and executives based upon these criteria: fit the need, program design, functionality, innovation, and overall measurable benefits.

“We are delighted to receive this global recognition in partnership with SmartWinnr. This award validates our continued focus on strengthening our sales teams through innovative learning technologies that directly enhance productivity and customer engagement,” said Chandrani Chatterjee, Executive Vice President and Head - Learning & Development at HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd.

Excellence Award winners are scheduled to be honored at Brandon Hall Group's HCM Excellence Conference, February 9–12, 2026, at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Florida. Select winners will also serve as presenters in breakout sessions, sharing their leading practices during the conference.

“Our Technology Awards are built on a rigorous evaluation framework that measures true innovation, functional excellence, and quantifiable business impact. The solution providers and organizations recognized this year reflect the highest standards in the industry, demonstrating how technology can accelerate capability, efficiency, and results,” said Mike Cooke, Brandon Hall Group Chief Executive Officer.

The award further highlights how focused innovation in learning technology is helping large organizations build stronger, more agile sales teams in an evolving market environment.

About SmartWinnr
SmartWinnr provides AI-powered sales enablement solutions that help organizations drive peak performance through continuous learning reinforcement, gamification and role-play simulations. The platform ensures consistent messaging across all organizational levels while giving leadership real-time visibility into field performance.

For more information: www.smartwinnr.com.

About Brandon Hall Group™ 
Brandon Hall Group™ is the home of the HCM Excellence Awards® - the most prestigious and sought-after awards in Human Capital Management. For over 30 years, these awards have set the gold standard in recognizing organizations for innovative and effective HCM practices across Learning and Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Human Resources, Sales Performance, and Technology.

Known as the "Academy Awards of Human Capital Management," the awards programs attract entrants from leading corporations worldwide, as well as mid-market and smaller firms. With over 150 categories, the awards shine a spotlight on the most innovative and effective organizational achievements and the solution providers who power them.

Brandon Hall Group™, don't just celebrate excellence - it provides a platform for sharing best practices that drive the industry forward. The awards program is a cornerstone of the mission to empower excellence in organizations around the world and advance the HCM profession as a whole.

Join the ranks of the most innovative and effective organizations in HCM. The Brandon Hall Group™ HCM Excellence Awards® - where excellence is recognized, celebrated, and shared.

KSFE Dividend Presentation: Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal receiving the Rs. 70 crore dividend for FY 2024-25 from KSFE Chairman K. Varadarajan and MD Dr. S.K. Sanil

Recognized nationally for Excellence in MSME Financing and Leadership in Financial Inclusion, KSFE is now pivoting from a regional powerhouse to a national pillar of trusted finance.

“The achievement of KSFE is not just a success for Kerala, but a resilient model for the entire country. At a time when many financial institutions have faltered due to policy flaws, KSFE has proven that a public sector entity, rooted in transparency and public trust, can become a national leader in the financial sector,” stated Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal.

The "Mission One Crore" Surge

Entering 2026, KSFE has officially activated "Mission One Crore." With a current base of 6 million customers, the institution is aggressively expanding its digital footprint and physical presence to reach 10 million customers across India.

Why KSFE is Winning the Trust War:

• While the private NBFC sector faces volatility, KSFE’s "State-Backed" model has become a safe haven for Non Resident Keralalits

• Hyper-Growth: Business volume doubled from Rs. 50,000 Cr to Rs. 100,000 Cr in just 48 months.

• Fiscal Strength: A net profit of Rs. 512 Crore (FY24-25) with Rs. 8,925 Crore in fixed deposits safely held in the state treasury.

• Social Impact: Unlike private lenders, KSFE returned Rs. 504 Crore to the public through interest waivers and contributed Rs. 920 Crore to state development projects.

Innovation for the New-Age Indian

The 2026 strategy is anchored by two flagship initiatives:

The Fraternity Fund: Rebranding the traditional "Chitty" for Gen Z and Millennials as a peer-to-peer savings-cum-credit tool for high-end education and home-building.

Digital First: The KSFE Power App is now processing thousands of transactions daily from the Malayali diaspora and young professionals in metros like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi.

"KSFE is no longer a Kerala-only secret. We are India’s answer to sustainable, ethical finance. Our win at the BW Emerging Business Awards proves that our model of 'People over Profits' is what India wants in 2026," says Dr. S. K. Sanil, Managing Director, KSFE.

About KSFE

KSFE is a 100% Kerala Government-owned financial institution. Since 1969, it has provided a transparent and secure alternative to private money lenders, now operating 683 branches with a business volume exceeding Rs. 1 Trillion.

Karan Thapar, Chairman, and Parag Satpute, MD & Group CEO, Greaves Cotton Limited, receiving the Award during the 25th edition of ICSI National Awards for Excellence in Corporate Governance
 

For the 2025 edition, the Jury was chaired by Hon’ble Dr. Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India, and comprised eminent leaders from the fields of law, finance, governance and public policy. The Jury conducted a rigorous multi-stage evaluation based on disclosures, governance structures, ethical conduct and long-term value creation for stakeholders.
 

Karan Thapar, Chairman, Greaves Cotton Limited, who also addressed the gathering at the awards ceremony, said, “Corporate governance is fundamentally about trust, the trust of investors, employees, customers, and society at large. While markets may reward performance in the short term, it is governance that sustains confidence over time. This recognition from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India reaffirms our Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership. As one of India’s long-standing engineering companies, strong governance will continue to underpin our growth and preserve the trust we have built over generations.”
 

At the ceremony in Delhi, the ICSI also recognised Atindra Basu, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Greaves Cotton, with the Governance Professional of the Year award. The ICSI National Awards for Excellence in Corporate Governance are among India’s most respected corporate honours, celebrating organisations that demonstrate exemplary governance practices. Winners are selected each year through an independent, merit-based assessment conducted by a distinguished jury panel.

About Greaves Cotton Limited
With a legacy of over 165 years, Greaves Cotton Limited is a diversified, future-ready engineering company delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to customers across key sectors. Renowned for its precision engineering and technology leadership, the Company’s growth strategy is anchored on three core dimensions: accelerating its core businesses, building new muscle onto the core, and expanding into new horizons across Energy Solutions, Mobility Solutions, and Industrial Solutions.

As one of India’s largest manufacturers of single-cylinder diesel engines, and a pioneer in introducing them for microcar applications in the European market, Greaves continues to reinforce its commitment to accessible, efficient, and reliable mobility. The Company also has a longstanding association with the Indian armed forces, with its products supporting a range of defence and naval applications, embodying its role in industrial advancement and nation-building. Guided by its purpose of ‘Empowering Lives’, Greaves is committed to providing reliable products, sustainable technology, and customer-centric solutions. With its strong engineering foundation and continuous innovation, the Company aims to enable people, businesses, and communities to progress with confidence in a future rooted in engineering excellence and driven by efficient energy.

The investee companies of Greaves include Greaves Electric Mobility Limited (GEML) with its diverse portfolio of electric 2 & 3 wheelers for passenger and cargo mobility, and Greaves Finance Limited (GFL) with ev.fin, a 100% EV focused NBFC that leverages cutting-edge technology to offer customised financing options & seamless buying experience. Both these businesses play a significant role in accelerating EV adoption in India.

For more information, visit www.greavescotton.com.

Panasonic leadership during Ignition 3.0, reinforcing commitment to co-creating scalable, tech-driven solutions for India’s residential ecosystem

Anchored in the theme “Residential Business Challenges,” this edition of Ignition spotlighted innovations that enhance modern living through smart technologies, sustainable practices, personal wellness, connected devices, and community-focused solutions.

IGNITE winner solutions in brief:

• Red Health - Operates a technology-led platform offering integrated emergency response services covering "first minute to last mile.

• Respirer Living Sciences - Develops IoT-enabled energy recovery ventilators that maintain healthy indoor air without wasting energy

Organized in partnership with Beyond Next Ventures, Panasonic Ignition attracted strong interest from India’s startup ecosystem, receiving 113 applications from early to mid-stage ventures across the country. Following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, 11 promising startups were selected for a three-month cohort, where they participated in curated masterclasses, received mentoring from Panasonic and Beyond Next Ventures, refined their business models, strengthened product strategy, and underwent technology validation with industry experts.

Mr. Tadashi Chiba, MD & CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India, stated, “India is now the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, expanding rapidly at 12–15% each year. This momentum inspires us to deepen our commitment to co-creating meaningful solutions. Our philosophy, ‘Create Today, Enrich Tomorrow’ reminds us that innovation must serve a larger purpose, that is, improving the quality of life and contributing to an ideal society. The third edition of Panasonic Ignition embodies this belief, showcasing responsible, future-ready innovations that are poised to transform how people experience their homes and communities.”

With India’s residential landscape undergoing rapid transformation, Panasonic remains committed to collaborating with agile, forward-looking innovators. The insights and solutions emerging from this cohort will guide future product development, shape strategic partnerships, and enable market-ready innovations—all aligned with Panasonic’s long-term vision of delivering homes that are safer, smarter, more efficient, and truly enriching for customers across India.

Mr. Kunio Gohara, Chief Transformation Officer (CTRO) and Head of the CVC Office, Panasonic Corporation, said, “The Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund (PKVF) views India as one of the most important innovation ecosystems in the world. With Ignition’s third cohort, we see a new generation of startups building category-defining technologies in safety, wellness, energy, and community living. For us, Ignition is not only an accelerator—it is a strategic investment pipeline. As a CVC, we are committed to identifying founders who can become long-term partners in Panasonic’s global transformation. We will continue to explore investment opportunities in high-potential Indian startups and co-create solutions that can scale across markets and shape the future of residential living.”

Mr. Manish Misra, Chief Innovation Officer, Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), added, “At Panasonic, innovation is not just a function—it is how we create meaningful value for every resident we serve. Ignition 3.0 has shown the power of co-creating with startups to solve the rapidly evolving needs of Indian households. This year’s winners, Red Health and Respirer Living Sciences , embody the next generation of scalable, human-centric residential solutions. Their work reinforces our belief that collaborative innovation is the fastest path to building safer, healthier, and smarter homes for India."

Mr. Tsuyoshi Ito, President & CEO, Beyond Next Ventures, iterates, “Panasonic Ignition 3.0 has unearthed groundbreaking solutions that promise to make our homes safer, healthier, and more comfortable. We extend our heartiest congratulations to the winners, whose innovations in residential technology will continue to set a new benchmark. Through our partnership with Panasonic, we are excited for these startups to serve millions of households and communities worldwide. At Beyond Next Ventures, we are dedicated to empowering Indian entrepreneurs to expand their horizons through global partnerships.”

Alongside the IGNITE winners, Panasonic also recognized the ACCELERATE award winners —Ambiator, Biomoneta, Cantata, Kubo Care for their high-impact potential. These startups will work with Panasonic on pilot deployments and explore opportunities for mid-term strategic partnerships.

These solutions represent the next frontier of smart, sustainable, and human-centric technologies designed to elevate the residential and consumer lifestyle experience in India.

Panasonic Ignition has evolved from a focused startup accelerator into one of India’s most forward-looking open innovation platforms, now dedicated to solving large-scale, future-of-living challenges. From early cohorts focused on B2B energy management and consumer lifestyle solutions, Ignition 3.0 has matured into addressing system-level challenges across residential living, spanning safety, wellness, energy efficiency, and community infrastructure. Over three years, it has engaged with 700+ startups and forged deep partnerships with 46+ startups to build, validate, and scale real-world solutions.

About the Panasonic Group

Founded in 1918, and today a global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, devices, B2B solutions and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022 with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 8,458.2 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2025.

To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: holdings.panasonic/global

About Beyond Next Ventures

Beyond Next Ventures is a leading DeepTech venture capital firm with a decade-long legacy of building and scaling science-driven startups that solve real-world challenges. Headquartered in Japan and expanding its presence in India, the firm is distinguished by its unique operator-first DNA, global market access, and deep cross-border networks spanning Japan, the U.S., and India. The firm is currently launching its first India-focused fund (USD 30–50 million), aiming to be the preferred partner for early-stage DeepTech startups and institutional LPs seeking high-impact, high-return investments. The firm is deeply committed to a future where science meets scale for global good. Beyond Next Ventures does this by investing in startups solving societal challenges in health, climate, and digital infrastructure, and where impact and returns are inherently synergistic.

To learn more about Beyond Next Ventures, please visit: beyondnextventures.com

Twin Brothers-Parv Jain AIR 2 and ARGh Jain AIR 8 CLAT 2026

Students of LegalEdge - Delhi, the twins’ achievement stands out not only for the ranks they have secured, but for the clarity and discipline with which they pursued law as a first-choice career. At a time when many students remain uncertain about professional pathways after Class 10, Parv and Argh made an early, conscious decision to prepare for CLAT and committed themselves to a structured, long-term preparation plan.

Enrolled in LegalEdge Delhi’s two-year offline classroom programme at South Extension, the brothers followed nearly identical academic routines - attending the same classes, learning under the same mentors, and engaging in daily discussions to refine concepts across legal aptitude, logical reasoning, and quantitative techniques. Their parallel journey culminated in two Top-10 ranks, a rare outcome in the highly competitive CLAT ecosystem.

“Preparing together helped us stay consistent and grounded. Whenever one of us felt stuck, the other stepped in - and the structured mentoring at LegalEdge ensured we were always moving in the right direction,” the twins shared.

Their parents described the moment as deeply emotional. “Seeing both our sons choose the same path and succeed through discipline and sustained effort has been incredibly fulfilling,” they said.

Faculty members at LegalEdge Delhi describe Parv and Argh as disciplined, curious learners who trusted the process. “CLAT preparation is a marathon. When students commit early and stay consistent, results follow,” senior mentors noted.

“At LegalEdge Delhi & Gurugram, our focus has never been only on ranks, but on the journey of every student and the trust every parent places in us. We consciously work towards creating the right academic environment - one that combines structure, mentorship, emotional support, and consistency. When students feel guided and confident, outcomes follow naturally. Our student-to-selection ratio of nearly 4:1 is a reflection of this sustained, student-first approach rather than a numbers-driven mindset,” said Vikaas Wahi, Director, LegalEdge Delhi & Gurugram.

With Parv Jain (AIR 2) and Argh Jain (AIR 8) now set to join National Law University, Bengaluru, their story reflects how the right academic platform, combined with clarity of purpose and mentorship, can turn aspiration into achievement.

LegalEdge’s CLAT 2026 results from its Delhi centres (South Extension, Connaught Place, Pitampura and Dwarka) and Gurugram centres (Sector 14 and Nirvana) reflect this trend, with students securing four Top 10 ranks and fourteen Top 100 ranks, and over 300 expected NLU selections. The centres have earlier produced AIR 1 in CLAT 2025 and CLAT 2022, underscoring sustained academic consistency.

About Toprankers

Founded in 2016, Toprankers is a leading Indian EdTech platform focused on career counselling and entrance exam preparation for pathways beyond engineering and medicine. Its mission is to create awareness, access, and higher success rates for high-potential careers after Class 12 across Law, Management, Design, Humanities, Commerce, and Judiciary. LegalEdge was founded by Harsh Gagrani, along with Karan Mehta and Gaurav Goel, and is recognized for its classroom-led and mentorship-driven approach. Toprankers runs 50+ centres across India, teaching 20,000+ classroom students and serving 30,000+ learners overall, while operating India’s most-searched non-STEM test-prep platform, with 1.5M monthly users and 20M+ page views across Law, Management, and Design & Architecture.

Website: www.toprankers.com.

Team Matter at CII Industrial Intellectual Property Awards 2025

The recognition reinforces MATTER’s position as one of the most innovation-led players in India’s electric two-wheeler ecosystem. To date, the company has filed 400+ patent applications, with 96 patents granted, and is on track to cross 100 granted patents in the near future. The awards were presented at CII’s annual Industrial IP Awards ceremony, which celebrates organisations demonstrating sustained innovation, original engineering, and a long-term commitment to intellectual property development.

MATTER’s IP portfolio spans core electric vehicle technologies and advanced manufacturing processes developed specifically for Indian operating conditions. Key areas of innovation include powertrain cooling systems engineered for high thermal loads, gearbox technologies that enabled the world’s first electric motorcycle with a manual transmission, onboard charging solutions, advanced battery management systems, and automation-driven manufacturing technologies. These innovations form the technological backbone of MATTER’s flagship product, AERA, and its broader product roadmap.

This marks MATTER MOTOR WORKS’ second consecutive recognition by CII. In 2024, the company received the CII Industrial IP Award for its growing patent portfolio, underscoring its long-term strategy of building original, in-house technology rather than relying on adapted or licensed solutions. The continued recognition reflects MATTER’s philosophy of embedding IP creation directly into product design, engineering, and manufacturing decisions.

Commenting on the achievement, Mohal Lalbhai, Founder and Group CEO, said, “Every patent represents years of hands-on problem-solving—testing, learning from failures, and engineering for real Indian road and climate conditions. We have always believed that if you are building in India, you must engineer from the ground up. This recognition reaffirms that conviction.”

Kumar Prasad Telikepalli, Founder and Group CTO, said, “At MATTER, innovation means taking ideas all the way—from concept to scalable, real-world solutions. Our IP journey is about enabling original thinking while staying grounded in product and business realities, so strong ideas translate into strong products and sustainable value.”

Arun Pratap Singh, Founder and Group COO, added, “Our focus has never been on patent numbers alone. Each patent is tied to a real engineering challenge encountered while building the motorcycle or scaling manufacturing. As we grow, our IP strategy will continue to be driven by long-term product thinking and real-world impact.”

As MATTER MOTOR WORKS continues to scale its manufacturing capabilities and expand its electric mobility portfolio, the company remains committed to strengthening its intellectual property foundation as a core pillar of long-term growth—anchored in in-house development, manufacturability, and technologies built for Indian usage conditions.

About MATTER MOTOR WORKS
MATTER is an innovation-first electric vehicle and energy solutions company committed to redefining mobility and energy access. With deep vertical integration and in-house development across powertrains, battery systems, electronics, and connected technologies, MATTER is building solutions that are bold, simple, smart, and driven by customer obsession. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, India, MATTER’s mission is to drive the adoption of clean energy through products and platforms that empower users and enable a sustainable future.

Sonata’s Gold Collection wins the Good Design Award 2025 — a milestone international honour that recognises the brand’s timeless design language and modern innovation

The Good Design Award is one of the world’s most respected global design programmes, recognising products that demonstrate excellence in design, innovation, form, and function. Sonata received the award in the Product Design Category for Timepieces, placing it alongside globally renowned brands. For Sonata, this milestone represents a significant step in an international stage and strengthens its commitment to delivering strong design value at scale.

The Sonata Gold Collection stood out for its ability to translate gold into a contemporary design language. The men’s watch features a black dial paired with gold toned hands and an embedded coin, creating a clear and distinctive visual identity. At the centre of the design is a certified 22K gold plated coin weighing 0.15 gm, set directly into the dial. With ridged edges, a dish shaped profile, and an engraved 22K marking, the coin becomes the defining design element of the watch. Fluid lugs and leaf shaped hands reference classical watchmaking, while a textured leather strap completes the form. The women’s variant applies the same design principles in a slimmer case, ensuring balance, proportion, and elegance.

Commenting on the achievement, Ranjani Krishnaswamy, CMO – Analog watches said, “The Good Design award reflects Sonata’s audacious step into aspirational, Design-led product lines. The Gold collection marks a defining milestone for the brand - crossing it’s highest-ever price point for the first time, anchored in deep consumer trust. In India, gold is a powerful symbol of authenticity and trust, and for us it represents purity of thought and intent. Crafting a certified 22K gold coin into a contemporary watch came from placing the Indian consumer and their enduring affinity for gold at the very centre of our design thinking.” 

By centring the design on material authenticity and form, the collection delivers a strong visual statement while remaining accessible. Priced at INR 5,995, it demonstrates how thoughtful design and meaningful material use can coexist at an attainable price point.

About Sonata
Sonata, the largest-selling watch brand in India from Titan Company Ltd., a TATA group company, has built its reputation on delivering great quality and outstanding value for its customers. The brand enjoys a robust annual sales volume of over 5 million watches, supported by a strong retail network of over 8,000 dealers nationwide. Every Sonata watch is a purchase backed by the TATA promise of excellence.

Team UniAcoustic receiving the Most Innovative Products Award at FOAID 2025

The FOAID recognition reflects direct appreciation from the architecture and interior design community. UniAcoustic’s showcase drew strong engagement from leading architects, designers, consultants, and industry stalwarts — many of whom personally visited the booth to experience the products, material innovations, and design language firsthand.

What set UniAcoustic apart was not just performance, but the introduction of acoustic designs the industry has not seen before — solutions that challenge the traditional perception of acoustics as purely functional elements. The brand’s systems were widely appreciated for their ability to seamlessly integrate into architectural narratives, offering visual richness, depth, and material expression without revealing their acoustic core.

A central reason for this distinction lies in UniAcoustic’s patented Virtual Material Technology (VMT), which enables hyper-realistic, lifelike surface expressions on high-performance acoustic substrates. VMT allows designers to achieve the visual richness of natural and architectural materials while eliminating the instability, maintenance challenges, and environmental impact associated with conventional finishes — making it a sustainable alternative to material-heavy design approaches.

Sustainability remains a key pillar of UniAcoustic’s innovation philosophy. The brand’s products are engineered to reduce material waste, extend lifecycle performance, and support healthier indoor environments through low-emission surfaces. All systems comply with stringent global standards including EPD Certification, ISO 354, ISO 11654, EN 13501-1, ASTM E84, and E1/VOC, ensuring alignment with WELL, LEED, and IGBC frameworks.

The award also recognises UniAcoustic’s solutions-led approach, where acoustics are not treated as afterthoughts but as integral components of spatial design — whether for workplaces, hospitality environments, retail spaces, educational institutions, residential projects, or large public buildings. With sound absorption values reaching NRC 0.95, the brand delivers performance that is both measurable and experiential.

In India, UniAcoustic’s innovative acoustic systems have already been deployed across several landmark projects for leading organisations including HDFC, SwissRe, Avalara, IBM, Coco-Cola, AstraZeneca, Accenture, NPCI etc reflecting strong client confidence in the brand’s design-led and performance-driven approach.

“Receiving this recognition at FOAID — a platform defined by design leadership — is especially meaningful,” said Mr. Shabir Rajkotwala, Managing Director, UniAcoustic. “It reflects how the industry is responding to acoustic solutions that are expressive, responsible, and genuinely innovative. Our focus remains on empowering architects and designers with materials that expand creative freedom while meeting the highest performance and sustainability benchmarks.”

As part of a Great Place to Work®–certified organisation, UniAcoustic also reflects a culture rooted in people-centric values, long-term thinking, and continuous improvement — principles that directly influence how its products are conceived, engineered, and delivered.

With sustained recognition across two of India’s most influential design platforms, UniAcoustic continues to set new benchmarks for what acoustic products can be — visually, technically, and responsibly — shaping more human-centric, high-performing, and future-ready environments across India and beyond.

About UniAcoustic
UniAcoustic is shaping a new direction for acoustic design in India with its commitment to design-first thinking, sustainability, and patented next-generation technologies. Through its strategic collaboration with Vicoustic, the brand brings globally recognised expertise to introduce unique, never-seen-before acoustic solutions tailored for modern Indian spaces. With strong technical support, customisation capabilities, and a solutions-led approach, UniAcoustic delivers high-performance systems that enhance comfort, aesthetics, and overall spatial experience—offering architects and designers a refined balance of functional excellence and visual sophistication.

The Filmfare stage at the PCA stadium in Mohali came alive on Sunday as Sartaaj delivered the only full-hour live performance of the evening. While other artistes entertained the audience with brief acts, Sartaaj took the gathering on a musical journey, blending Punjabi folk songs with contemporary music.

His performance stood out not only for its melodies, but also for the emotions and storytelling that went with it, spreading the message of positivity and reflection. Known for his global fan base, sold-out concerts and powerful presence on the social media as well, Sartaaj has once again reaffirmed his place as a leading Punjabi singer with this award.

With his unique ability to blend authentic Punjabi folk traditions, poetic narratives and contemporary melodies, Sartaaj created an atmosphere that transcended age and gender. His songs, celebrated worldwide for their depth and positivity, turned the Filmfare stage into a space for reflection. The audience responded with equal vigour with a sea of applause.

“Music is not just for entertainment. It is meant to elevate the soul and bring people together. I am grateful to the audience and organisers of the Filmfare event for allowing me to share a full hour of melodies that celebrate love, heritage and positivity,” said Sartaaj, whose artistry bridges tradition and modernity, after his performance.

BEST FILM

ARDAAS SARBAT DE BHALE DI

BEST DIRECTOR

AMAR HUNDAL (WARNING 2)

BEST FILM (CRITICS')

BIBI RAJNI (AMAR HUNDAL)
SHAYAR (UDAY PRATAP SINGH)

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE (MALE)

AMRINDER GILL (MITTRAN DA CHALLEYA TRUCK NI)

BEST ACTOR (CRITICS')

JAGJEET SANDHU (OYE BHOLE OYE)

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE (FEMALE)

NEERU BAJWA (SHAYAR)

BEST ACTRESS (CRITICS')

ROOPI GILL (BIBI RAJNI)

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE (MALE)

GURPREET GHUGGI (ARDAAS SARBAT DE BHALE DI)
HARDIP GILL (MITTRAN DA CHALLEYA TRUCK NI)

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE (FEMALE)

NIRMAL RISHI (JATT NUU CHUDAIL TAKRI)

BEST MUSIC ALBUM

SHAYAR (BEAT MINISTER, GAGZ MUSIC, GURMOH)

BEST LYRICS

HARMANJEET- PARINDEY (JATT NU CHUDAIL TAKRI)

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE)

SATINDER SARTAAJ- BHULLIYE KIVE'N (SHAYAR)

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (FEMALE)

JYOTI NOORAN- BIBI RAJNI (NAGRI NAGRI)

BEST STORY

BALDEV GILL & AMAR HUNDAL (BIBI RAJNI)

BEST SCREENPLAY

GIPPY GREWAL (ARDAAS SARBAT DE BHALE DI)

BEST DIALOGUE

BALDEV GILL (BIBI RAJNI)

BEST BACKGROUND SCORE

DIPESH VARMA (BIBI RAJNI)

BEST SOUND DESIGN

PARIKSHIT LALVANI & KUNAL MEHTA (WARNING 2)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

BALJIT SINGH DEO (BIBI RAJNI)

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

VIJAY DULGUCH (BIBI RAJNI)

BEST EDITING

MANISH MORE (JATT & JULIET 3)

BEST COSTUME

SNEHA KUMAR (BIBI RAJNI)

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

TUSHAR KALIA- LEHNGA (JATT & JULIET 3)

BEST ACTION

SIRAJ SAYED (WARNING 2)

BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR

BALRAJ SYAL (APNE GHAR BEGANE)
HAPPY RODE (RODE COLLEGE)

BEST DEBUT MALE