Swiggy (NSE: SWIGGY/BSE: 544285), India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, announced the winners of the third edition of the Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026, following a month of unprecedented nationwide participation. The awards recorded 1.3 crore+ votes from 6.43 lakh unique users, marking a 2.2X jump over last year, making it the biggest edition till date.

Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 Winner Announcement

Spanning 160+ cities, 110 categories, and 15,000 winning brands, this year’s awards celebrated the best across food delivery and dineout experiences. The scale of engagement was driven by 43.8 lakh users sharing voting links, with participation from 25K new-to-platform users. This year’s Swiggy Restaurant Awards focused on deeper relevance with regional categories and city-level inputs. 

Biryani emerged as the most popular category with 7.02 lakh votes, followed by Pizza, North Indian, Burger, and Chinese. The 2026 edition also expanded into new and trend-led categories including EatRight, Corporate/Desk Eats, and Trending Dish Families such as Pasta, Arabic cuisine, Cheesecake, Mandi, and Grills & Shawaya. Regional depth was further strengthened with categories like Naati Style Biryani, Rayalaseema cuisine, South Indian tiffins, and Marathi food, making the awards more locally relevant than ever.

Food Delivery Favorites

• Biryani - Behrouz Biryani, Bikkgane Biryani, Biryani By Kilo, Charcoal Eats - Biryani & Beyond

• Pizza -  Domino's Pizza, Pizza Hut, La Pino'z Pizza

• North Indian - BOX8 - Desi Meals, LunchBox, The Good Bowl

• Burger - McDonald's, Burger King, KFC

• Chinese - Wow! Momo, Chinese Wok, Chowman

• Cakes & Desserts - The Belgian Waffle Co., Harley's Fine Baking, Theobroma, Bakingo

• South Indian - A2B - Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Sagar Ratna, Hotel Saravana Bhavan

• Indian Sweets - Bikanervala, Haldiram's Restaurant, Kanti Sweets

• Ice Cream - Baskin Robbins - Ice Cream Desserts, NIC Ice Creams, Natural Ice Cream

• EatRight - The Protein Project, Eatfit, GetAWay-Ice Creams & Desserts

Swiggy Dineout Champions

• Cafes - Harley's Fine Baking, Cafeteria & Co., Cafe Niloufer

• Fine Dining - Lazeez Affaire, One8 Commune, Burma Burma

• Casual Dining - Barbeque Nation, OG By the Lake, Chowman

• North Indian - Punjab Grill, Kake Di Hatti,The Nawaabs

• Bars & Lounges - Lord of the Drinks, Punjab Grill, Antera Kitchen And Bar

• Insta Worthy - Lord of the Drinks, Gladia Brewery & Kitchen, Nusa Tropical Brew Villa

• Pure Veg Places - Maini's Green Leaf, Vega Pure Vegetarian, Parampara - Flavours of India

• Late Night Spots - Bastian At The Top, Cling Lounge & Bar, Kasso

• Rooftop Places - Roots, LMNOQ, Habitat Cafe

• Biryani Places - Sharief Bhai Biriyani, Meghana Foods - Kanakapura Road, Oudh 1590

Commenting on the awards, Sidharth Bhakoo, Chief Business Officer, Swiggy Food Marketplace, said “At Swiggy, we recognize that food is at the heart of every celebration, uniting traditions and people across the country. The Swiggy Restaurant Awards were created to honor the visionary chefs and innovators who strive to deliver world-class experiences every single day. This year, with a staggering 1.3 crore votes, we’ve seen not only a deep loyalty to local favorites but also a clear shift toward mindful, convenience-led, and occasion-driven dining. Huge congratulations to all the winners who continue to redefine India’s culinary landscape.”

Added Swapnil Bajpai, Senior Vice President, Sales, Swiggy Dineout said, “The Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 reflect the powerful role of consumer choice in reshaping India’s dining landscape—a perfect harmony of national scale and deep regional resonance. This series is more than a celebration of culinary excellence- it is a tribute to the evolving tastes of millions. I extend my heartiest congratulations to the winners across India who continue to set the benchmark for truly memorable dining experiences.”

About Swiggy

Swiggy is India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, catering to millions of consumers each month. Founded in 2014, its mission is to elevate the quality of life for the urban consumer by offering unparalleled convenience, enabled by over 6.9 lakh delivery partners. With an extensive footprint in food delivery, Swiggy Food collaborates with over 2.6 lakh restaurants across 720+ cities. Instamart, its quick commerce platform operating in 131cities, delivers groceries and other essentials across 20+ categories. Fueled by a commitment to innovation, Swiggy continually incubates and integrates new services like Swiggy Dineout and Swiggy Scenes into its multi-service app as well as creating standalone offerings like Toing and Crew for opening up new market segments. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and Swiggy One, the country’s only membership program offering benefits across food, quick commerce and dining out, Swiggy aims to provide a superior experience to its users.

For more details, please visit our website: www.swiggy.com/corporate.

Hon’ble Governor of Punjab Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria honours Dolphin PG College student Nancy Sharma (BSc Operation Theatre Tech 2021-24) with gold medal at MRS-PTU convocation

It was a moment of immense pride and celebration for the Management, Academic Leadership, Faculty, Students, and Parents as 19 students were conferred Gold Medals while 19 students received Silver Medals for their outstanding academic achievements in university examinations conducted from 2020 to 2025. Among these students, 4 belong to department of forensic science, 02 optometry, 04 MLS, 03 Operation theatre technology, 03 CCT, 04 Microbiology, 05 Radiology, 05 AT & OTT, 02 Dialysis Technology, 02 Clinical Embryology, 02 Medical Laboratory Technology, and 02 belong to Department of Agriculture.

Meritorious students of Dolphin PG College who received awards at the MRS-PTU convocation

This remarkable feat once again establishes Dolphin PG College among the finest institutions of higher learning in the region.

The convocation ceremony was graced by Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, who attended as the Chief Guest. In his inspiring address, he encouraged students to contribute actively towards nation-building by excelling in futuristic domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Green Energy, and Space Technology. He urged the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers and to transform knowledge into impactful real-world solutions.

The distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Vivek Partap Singh, IAS Principal Secretary, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor MRSPTU, Shri Susheel Mittal. Member BOG, & Vice-Chancellor PTU, Kapurthala, Dr Gurinder Pal Singh, Registrar MRS- PTU Bathinda and Shri Monnesh Kumar IAS , Director Technical Education and Industrial training, Punjab.

This historic success reflects the institution’s unwavering commitment to quality education, disciplined learning, innovation, and the tireless dedication of its highly qualified faculty. The consistent placement of students in university merit positions highlights the academic culture nurtured at Dolphin PG College.

The Management of the college congratulated all medal winners and appreciated the sincere efforts of teachers, mentors, and parents whose guidance played a vital role in shaping this success story.

Er.Vibhav Mittal ,Vice Chairman Dolphin PG College stated that such landmark achievements inspire the entire student fraternity to dream bigger, work harder, and uphold the proud traditions of the institution.

The event was led by Principal, Dr. Manu Jain, who congratulated the medal winners and appreciated the consistent efforts of the faculty members in guiding students towards academic success.

Dr. Malkit Singh, Dean Academics also expressed pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “Securing 38 university medals is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and academic culture fostered at our institution. We remain committed to providing quality education and empowering our students to excel in every sphere.”

The campus resonated with joy, pride, and celebration as students, faculty, and staff rejoiced over this phenomenal accomplishment. With excellence as its hallmark, Dolphin PG College continues to move forward with confidence, innovation, and dedication in the field of higher education.

About Dolphin PG College
Dolphin PG College, is located near Mohali at Chunni Kalan. Dolphin PG College is a premier institution committed to providing high-quality education in the fields of science, agriculture, and life sciences. Affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala / MRS-PTU Bathinda, the college is duly recognized by University Grant Commission (UGC) & is also NAAC accredited. The college emphasizes a balanced approach to learning-fostering intellectual growth alongside personal and professional development. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, a dynamic learning environment, and a dedicated faculty, Dolphin PG College prepares students to become responsible global citizens and leaders of tomorrow. 

For more information pls visit : dolphinlifesciences.com

From L to R: Ms. Chandrika Maheshwari, Founder, India 2030 Leadership Conclave & Director, NexBrands Inc; Shri Pratap Sarnaik, Transport Minister, Maharashtra; Mr. Sharad Maheshwari, Chairman, NexBrands Inc.

The conclave featured high-impact leadership discussions addressing capital formation, execution at scale, leadership development, and inclusive urban growth. A panel discussion titled “Building Bharat@Scale: Powering India’s Growth Story”, moderated by Sumiit Lakhutia, brought together Ishita Agarwal, Suresh Kumar Goyal, Lata Vasisht, and Dhruv Maheshwari to examine India’s next phase of growth led by emerging urban centres, industrial clusters, infrastructure development, and private-sector execution. The conclave also featured expert addresses by Ashish Kumar Chauhan on “Capital as a Nation-Building Force”, Gaur Gopal Das on “Leading with Purpose: India’s Journey to 2030”, Sudhakar Rao on “Building India’s Leadership Capital”, and Abhishek Kapoor on “Executing at Scale: Building for India’s Next Urban Markets”.

The conclave also featured a compelling fireside chat with Dr. Mukesh Batra and Dr. Akshay Batra on the theme “Building Brands That Endure: Trust, Legacy and Leadership in India 2030.” The conversation explored how purpose-driven leadership, long-term vision, and unwavering consumer trust are shaping Indian brands that transcend generations, reinforcing the importance of ethical growth and institutional credibility in India’s evolving business landscape.

Adding to the platform’s national relevance, a fireside chat with Sonu Sood titled “Stardom to Service: Leadership through Social Impact” marked a defining moment of the evening. Coinciding with World Health Day (April 7), Sonu Sood announced his nationwide initiative “Ab Rukna Nahi”, aimed at enabling free knee replacement surgeries for those in need, reinforcing the conclave’s ability to translate dialogue into meaningful social action.

Through its flagship recognition, The Extraordinaire, the India 2030 Leadership Conclave honoured organisations and leaders across industries for excellence, innovation, and long-term impact. The awardees included:

• Stryder Cycle Pvt Ltd – Popular Choice: Lifestyle Mobility

• Rakesh Kaul, Livpure Pvt Ltd – Most Powerful CEO: Consumer Appliances

• Dr Lal PathLabs – Most Trusted Brand: Diagnostics

• Schott Poonawalla – Iconic Brand of the Decade: Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

• ICICI Prudential AMC – Most Trusted Brand: Asset Management

• Muthoot Microfin Ltd – Sustainability Excellence: Responsible Finance & ESG Leadership

• Dr Batra’s Positive Healthcare Pvt Ltd – Most Trusted Brand: Healthcare

• My Home Constructions Pvt Ltd – Iconic Brand of the Decade: Real Estate

• Nutriorg – Most Trusted Brand: Health & Wellness

• Niranjan Hiranandani, Hiranandani Group – Most Powerful Business Icon – Real Estate

• Dr. Murtaza Khorakiwala, Wockhardt Ltd – Business Leadership Award: Healthcare Innovation

• Reliance Retail – Global Brand of the Year: Retail & Consumer Commerce

• Dr. Snehal Pinto, Ryan Group of Institutions – Visionary Leader of the Year: Education

• Ashish Kumar Chauhan, National Stock Exchange of India Ltd – Most Powerful CEO: Financial Services & Capital Markets 

• Timken India Ltd – Most Trusted Company: Industrial Manufacturing

• Sanjay Koul, Timken India Ltd - Most Powerful CEO, Manufacturing

• Mercedes-Benz, Landmark Cars, Mumbai – Pioneers of Luxury

• Lata Vasisht, Aadhya Airtek – Leading Ladies of Influence: Sustainable Industrial Solutions

• The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education – Most Trusted Brand: Education

• Krafton India – Iconic Innovator: Gaming & Digital Entertainment

• Sambhv Steel Tubes Ltd – Fastest Growing Brand: Steel Manufacturing

• Oddy Uniwraps – Most Trusted Brand: Office Supplies & Workplace Solutions

• Consulting Engineers Group Ltd – Most Trusted Brand: Infrastructure & Engineering Consultancy

• Tata CliQ Luxury – Kings of Luxury: Digital Retail

• TPV Technology India Pvt Ltd – Emerging CEO of the Year: Consumer Technology (Sajeev Rajasekharan)

• Sangreen Future Renewables – Iconic Innovator: Renewable Energy & Sustainability

• Kamdhenu Ltd – Most Trusted Brand: Infrastructure & Building Materials

• Table & Twist – Emerging Brand: Home Décor

• Setco Auto System Pvt Ltd – Most Popular Brand: Automotive Engineering & Components

• Swalay – Emerging Brand: Music & Digital Content Distribution

• Funride Toys – Emerging Brand: Toys & Recreational Products

• Khushi Advertising Ideas – Most Trusted Brand: OOH Advertising & Media

• Art Media Ads – Most Trusted Brand: Outdoor Media & Brand Communications

• Amulya Mica – Fastest Growing Brand: Building Materials Interior Solutions

• ESDS Software Solution – Iconic Innovators - Developing Enlight AIOps & Other Products.

• Vijayanand Choudhury, Shreetech Data – Transformative Leader of the Year: Manufacturing

• Aartivijay Gupta – Resort Wear Designer

Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Agarwal, Whole Time Director, Kamdhenu Ltd, said, “The India 2030 Leadership Conclave serves as a powerful platform bringing together visionary leaders shaping India’s future. It is encouraging to see focused 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, along with Saurav Dasgupta, Co-founder – India 2030 Leadership Conclave & CEO, NexBrands Inc, said, “India 2030 was envisioned as a national platform that recognises institutions and leaders shaping India’s future through trust, execution, and impact. Each edition strengthens our commitment to meaningful dialogue and credible recognition.”

The India 2030 Leadership Conclave is an initiative by NexBrands Inc under the aegis of Brand Vision Summit, powered by Kamdhenu Ltd, with Mercedes-Benz Landmark Cars as the Luxury Partner, Art Media Ads as the Outdoor Partner, Khushi Advertising Ideas as the Integrated OOH Partner and supported by People Who Matter. With Times Now as the official telecast partner and IndiaTimes as the digital entertainment partner, the conclave witnessed strong amplification across national broadcast and digital platforms.

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.

The White Gold management team shares a proud moment ahead of handing over cars to top performers

The event marked a significant milestone for White Gold, which has grown into one of Bengaluru’s most recognised brands through the collective effort, discipline, and dedication of its people. More than an annual rewards and recognition celebration, White Gold Excellence Night stood as a powerful reflection of the organisation’s belief in valuing individuals who contribute consistently and grow alongside the company.

At a time when much of the corporate conversation is centred on layoffs, restructuring, and workforce uncertainty, White Gold’s gesture sends a strong and hopeful message to employees and the wider business community. In recognising and rewarding loyalty in such a meaningful manner, the company has reinforced the importance of long term commitment and people first values in building enduring enterprises.

In what the company sees as one of the first initiatives of its kind by a South Indian company, White Gold’s decision to reward employees with cars highlights a rare and inspiring approach to employee recognition. The move reflects the belief that traditional companies can continue to lead with gratitude, responsibility, and faith in their people, even in an evolving and often unpredictable employment environment.

The evening also reflected the emotional depth of the White Gold journey. As the company looked back on its growth, it celebrated not just employees, but the shared milestones, trust, and relationships that have helped build the organisation. While White Gold has welcomed many new faces over the years, the event paid tribute to those who stood by the company through its defining moments and helped strengthen it from within.

The awardees represented a wide cross section of the organisation, including professionals from administration, finance, gold processing, sales, branch management, and support services. Among those recognised were Mr. Jiju Kochappan, Administration Manager; Mr. Suresh K Sebastian, Gold Processing Manager; Mr. Augustine Kumar, Senior Finance Manager; Mr. Anand R, Sales Manager; Mr. Praveen N, Sales Manager; Mr. Haribabu J, Chauffeur; Mr. Bharath Kumar R, Senior Branch Manager; and Mr. Manoj B, Senior Branch Manager, along with other deserving awardees whose loyalty and performance have left a lasting impact on the organisation.

A particularly meaningful moment of the evening was the recognition of Mr. Haribabu J, Chauffeur, whose honour symbolised one of the strongest values White Gold wanted to celebrate. His recognition showed that at White Gold, value is not defined by designation alone. It is defined by loyalty, trust, consistency, and the quiet strength with which a person serves the organisation every single day. Having been a part of the company’s journey since 2013, Mr. Haribabu has represented dependability and dedication in its truest form. By honouring him alongside managers and senior leaders, White Gold sent a clear message that contribution matters more than title, and that loyalty remains one of the highest values an organisation can uphold.

Each honouree was celebrated not only for professional achievement, but also for embodying the values that White Gold stands for, including discipline, responsibility, humility, and a deep sense of ownership. Their contributions, whether visible on the front lines or behind the scenes, have played a defining role in the company’s continued progress and success.

For White Gold, the cars symbolised far more than rewards. They represented appreciation, trust, and a legacy of mutual growth between the company and its people. The evening served as a reminder that when organisations invest in loyalty and recognise sincere effort, they create a culture that inspires others to remain committed and strive for excellence.

The message from White Gold Excellence Night was simple and powerful: stay committed, work hard, and value will follow. In honouring its employees so visibly and generously, White Gold has not only celebrated achievement but also kept alive an important belief in today’s business environment: that companies can still reward loyalty, uphold traditional values, and offer hope through meaningful recognition.

About White Gold

White Gold is one of South India's most trusted gold buying brands, built on a foundation of teamwork, transparency, and long-term commitment. With 100+ branches across Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, White Gold has grown into a strong and reliable presence in the industry.

White Gold is the only organised player in the gold buying space and is committed to creating a trusted ecosystem that enables customers to make informed financial decisions and sell their gold with dignity.

White Gold

With public voting playing a key role, Kiddopia encourages parents and educators to participate; every vote counts. Check here

India's homegrown brand nominated for International Award

Named the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, the Webby Awards were established in 1996 and are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). The awards celebrate excellence across digital platforms, including apps, websites, video, advertising, and innovation. A unique highlight of the awards is the People’s Voice Award, where users and fans play a crucial role by voting for their favorite nominees. A Webby nomination places Kiddopia among the world’s most impactful and innovative digital experiences.

“We are incredibly proud to be nominated for the Webby Awards,” said a spokesperson for Kiddopia. “This recognition is a testament to our mission to create meaningful, engaging, and safe learning experiences for children worldwide. Every vote from our community brings us one step closer to this global honor.”

Kiddopia has consistently been recognised for its immersive and skill-building ecosystem designed for preschoolers. From language and numeracy to creativity, problem-solving, and STEM concepts, the app continues to offer world-class foundational learning and redefine early childhood education through play.

Voting is now open and will close on 16 April 2026. Supporters can help Kiddopia secure a People’s Voice win by casting their vote on the official Webby Awards website.

Vote now and be a part of Kiddopia’s global milestone.

About the Webby Awards

The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organisation honouring excellence on the Internet, including websites and mobile sites; video; advertising, media & PR; apps & software; social; games; podcasts; creators, and AI. Established in 1996, the awards received over 13,000 entries from more than 70 countries this year. Sponsors and partners of the Webby Awards include Adobe, WP Engine, Meltwater, Patreon, NAACP, KPMG, Wall Street Journal, Deadline, AdAge, TechCrunch, The Hollywood Reporter, SXSW, Scalable, and The Society of Digital Agencies.

About Kiddopia

Kiddopia is an award-winning early learning app that offers a holistic blend of academic and creative activities for preschoolers. Crafted for children aged 2-7, it is trusted by parents and educators worldwide. COPPA-certified by kidSAFE, it also commands industry-leading engagement and retention numbers. It even has an animated web show to its name. The preschool app teaches a variety of skills, including improvisational thinking, motor skills, and self-expression, through interactive gameplay. Kiddopia has perfected a learning process that’s natural and intuitive, so preschoolers continually develop, learn, and come back for more!

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.

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.

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.

120 companies emerge as winners based on 19 lakh employee reviews across 16 categories

In its fifth edition, ABECA 2026 honours 120 companies across 16 categories, based on 19 lakh reviews submitted by employees. The awards are built entirely on feedback from employees who worked in these organisations during the calendar year 2025, making them a credible reflection of workplace experience and employee sentiment at scale.

What sets ABECA apart is its employee-first and transparent approach. Companies do not apply or pay to participate, and there is no jury involved. Winners are determined solely based on authentic employee reviews shared on AmbitionBox, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to real, unbiased workplace insights.

This year’s winners represent a diverse mix of organisations across company sizes and industries, from large enterprises to emerging tech startups, highlighting workplaces that have consistently earned high ratings from their employees.

“The fifth edition of ABECA is a celebration of employee voice at scale. What makes these awards truly special is their democratic nature, real employees sharing real experiences. That’s what makes ABECA India’s most honest and trusted employee choice awards,” said Mayur Mundada, Founder & Business Head, AmbitionBox.

Here’s a snapshot of the winners across key categories:

• Top-Rated Mega Companies (50,001+ employees): 13 winners, including Jio, Mahindra & Mahindra, Sodexo, Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank

• Top-Rated Large Companies (10,001–50,000 employees): 20 winners, including Equitas Small Finance Bank, Piramal Finance, Hindalco Industries, JLL

• Top-Rated Mid-Sized Companies (200–10,000 employees): 20 winners, including HCL Healthcare, Motilal Oswal Private Wealth Management, Learning Routes, Universal Sompo General Insurance

• Top-Rated Tech Start-ups: RevFin, Planet Spark, Zetwerk

• Top-Rated Companies for Women: 13 winners, including IBM, CGI Group, Optum Global Solutions, ITC Infotech, Schneider Electric

In addition, awards were announced across key industries, including Energy & Power, Pharma, Financial Services, Banking, Retail, Construction, Internet/Product, IT/ITES, Automobile, Consumer Electronics, and FMCG, recognising top-rated companies within each sector.

ABECA 2026 follows a rigorous and transparent methodology. Companies are evaluated based on qualifying reviews submitted by current and former employees between January 1 and December 31, 2025. A proprietary algorithm factors in both the number of reviews and overall ratings, ensuring that only companies with consistent and credible employee feedback make it to the final list.

With over 1.5 crore registered users, 95 lakh reviews, and 4 crore salary insights, AmbitionBox continues to enable job seekers to make informed career decisions while helping organisations strengthen their employer brand through authentic employee feedback.

Explore the full ABECA 2026 winners list on AmbitionBox.

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.

Every beauty lover has that one product they can’t stop recommending. The foundation that never fails, the moisturiser that saves their skin, the lipstick they’ve bought in every shade. The Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards are back for its third edition, giving beauty enthusiasts across India the chance to champion exactly those favourites. What started as a celebration of consumer-loved beauty has quickly grown into one of the most influential moments in India’s beauty calendar. Across its first two editions alone, the awards have seen over 2.6 lakhs votes, proving just how powerful the voice of the beauty consumer truly is.
 

Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards 2026
 

At its heart, the awards are built on a simple idea that has long defined Nykaa: that the people who use beauty every day should help decide what the best of it really looks like. Once again, Nykaa is putting the power of choice directly in the hands of consumers, celebrating the brands that have earned their trust and admiration. From global icons to homegrown innovators, the awards spotlight the products that have not only delivered exceptional results but also secured pride of place on vanities across the country. The Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards are not just about recognising success. They are a tribute to the consumers whose choices continue to shape India’s fast-evolving beauty landscape.
 

For over a decade, Nykaa has played a defining role in transforming how India discovers and experiences beauty, empowering consumers through authentic experiences, expert-led education, and immersive content. The Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards extend that legacy by creating a platform where the community can champion the brands they love most. This year marks an exciting evolution for the awards. For the first time, the honours will be presented across two distinct recognitions: Consumer Choice Awards, determined entirely by public votes, and Jury Honours, selected by an esteemed panel of industry experts and beauty professionals. The awards have also grown significantly in scale. What began with 42 categories in its inaugural edition has now expanded to 60 categories, reflecting the remarkable growth and diversity of India’s beauty industry today.

Commenting on the announcement, Anchit Nayar, Executive Director and CEO, Nykaa Beauty, said, “The Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards have become one of the most loved and influential initiatives in India’s beauty calendar. From the very beginning, Nykaa has pioneered industry-first programs that put consumers at the heart of everything we do, and these awards are a perfect example.
 

The first two editions of NBIB were a huge success, driven by the overwhelming support and engagement of our community. What began as a way for consumers to celebrate the products they love has now evolved into a landmark platform that recognises favourites, breakthrough products, and the global and homegrown brands setting new benchmarks in India’s beauty landscape.
 

With the introduction of distinct Consumer Choice Awards and Jury Honours this year, we are recognising both the voice of millions of consumers and the perspective of industry experts. These awards go beyond recognition - they reflect the rituals, preferences, and passions that define how India experiences beauty. We’re thrilled to see this next chapter unfold as the community continues to champion the products they truly love.”
 

What’s New at NBIB 2026

Reflecting the continued growth and diversification of India’s beauty landscape, the third edition of the Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards expands to 60 categories across Skincare, Makeup, Haircare, Fragrances, and Bath & Body.
 

Among the highlights this year is the introduction of Most Loved Gifting Brand, a category that celebrates the brand consumers most often turn to when choosing beauty as a thoughtful gift. The awards also continue to spotlight the trends defining modern beauty culture through returning categories such as Viral Products and Viral New Korean Beauty, which recognise products that have captured widespread consumer attention and reflect the growing influence of K-beauty in India. Meanwhile, the Impact Award honours brands making meaningful strides toward sustainability and responsible practices, recognising the increasing importance of conscious beauty among today’s consumers.
 

Enhancing the experience for voters, NBIB 2026 will also introduce a discover-to-purchase feature, allowing consumers to seamlessly explore and shop nominated products while casting their votes. By bringing discovery, participation, and shopping together in a single journey, the awards continue to evolve into a dynamic platform that celebrates not only the best in beauty, but also the consumers and trends shaping the future of the industry.
 

Beauty’s Sharpest Eyes: Meet the NBIB 2026 Jury

The Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards 2026 bring together an influential jury that represents the many voices shaping beauty today from industry experts and creators to editors and cultural tastemakers. Each member of the panel brings a distinct perspective on what defines true excellence in beauty, ensuring that the Jury Honours recognise products that stand out not only for performance, but also for innovation, cultural relevance, and impact.
 

This year’s jury includes Nykaa’s brand icon Sharvari; celebrity makeup artist Elton Fernandez; makeup artist, educator and founder of Mokae Beauty Sandhya Shekhar; hair expert Hiral Bhatia; dermatologist Dr. Aanchal Panth (MBBS, MD); founder of NAKED Coffee and luxury content creator Radhika Seth; creator Ankush Bahuguna; beauty creator and Forbes Top Digital Influencer Tarini Peshawaria; and Nandini Bhalla, Editor at The Word Magazine.
 

Bringing together expertise across artistry, dermatology, editorial insight, and digital culture, the jury ensures that the NBIB 2026 Jury Honours spotlight the products and brands setting new benchmarks for beauty in India.
 

How to Cast Your Vote

Voting for the Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards 2026 opens today and will remain live until June 2026. During this period, beauty enthusiasts across the country can champion the products they truly swear by, casting their votes across categories spanning skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrances, and bath and body.
 

Once voting concludes, the shortlisted nominees will be evaluated by the NBIB jury, ensuring that the final winners reflect both overwhelming consumer love and expert insight. The winners of the Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards 2026 will be revealed in June 2026.
 

Adding to the excitement, participants who cast their votes will also stand a chance to win a bumper prize, making the experience even more rewarding for the beauty community that brings the awards to life.

Click here to cast your vote: www.nykaa.com/nykaabestinbeauty2026-voting/lp
 

Powering the Next Chapter of Beauty in India

Over the past decade, Nykaa has helped reshape how India discovers and experiences beauty, bringing together the world’s most loved global brands and the country’s most exciting homegrown innovators on one platform. Today, with a community of over 42 million customers, Nykaa continues to play a defining role in driving discovery, setting trends, and expanding access to the very best the beauty industry has to offer.
 

The Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards are a natural extension of this vision. By placing consumer voices at the centre of the conversation, the awards celebrate the products that have earned genuine loyalty while spotlighting the innovation and creativity shaping the future of beauty.
 

As the awards grow in scale and participation each year, they continue to reflect the vibrant, ever-evolving relationship between brands and the community that champions them.
 

Before we meet the next winners, let’s rewind to the ones you made icons - meet the 82 winners you crowned as your ultimate favourites of 2025. You can also add them to your cart now - www.nykaa.com/nykaabestinbeauty2025-winners/lp
 

Appendix* - Click HERE to check out the nominations for Nykaa Best In Beauty Awards 2026

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.

Galgotias University has steadily evolved over the years as a growing contributor to technology-focused education in India, and its recent recognition in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026 by subject (Computer Science and Information Systems) reflects this ongoing journey. The ranking is not just a milestone, but a result of decades of consistent effort toward building a strong academic and research ecosystem.

Galgotias University recognized in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

In the 2026 rankings, Galgotias University has been placed in the 601–650 band globally for Computer Science and Information Systems. Within India, it is ranked 11th among private universities and 30th among government and Private universities in India in this subject area. These outcomes indicate gradual progress and a strengthening presence in the national and global academic landscape.

This recognition has been shaped by a sustained focus on academic quality, industry-aligned curriculum design, and a Student Centered Active Learning Ecosystem. Over the years, the university has worked to expand its capabilities in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering, aligning its programs with evolving industry and societal needs.

The achievement also reflects the collective efforts of faculty, students, and institutional partners and industry collaborations in nurturing an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. With the global demand for technology talent continuing to grow, Galgotias University aims to further build on this foundation and contribute meaningfully to the development of a future-ready workforce and India’s knowledge economy.

This ranking by subject makes the Galgotias University’s Computer Science and Information Systems the no 2nd ranked amongst private universities in Uttar Pradesh which is not only an achievement for Galgotias University but also a matter of pride for the state of Uttar Pradesh, which is becoming a Global knowledge Destination. Uttar Pradesh is not only attracting world class universities but is also set to open one of Asia’s largest airports in Jewar (close to Galgotias University) set to be inaugurated soon. The Noida International Airport will be a big factor in boosting the industry ecosystem, and will create several jobs in the area.

Mr Suneel Galgotia said, “Being recognized in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Computer Science and Information Systems is a meaningful moment for Galgotias University. More than the recognition, it reflects the journey and the efforts that have shaped it over the years. This is not the outcome of a single milestone, but the result of a sustained commitment to building a strong quality academic ecosystem.”

Dr Dhruv Galgotia said, “This recognition is a reflection of the collective commitment of our students, faculty, and researchers. It has been built over years through consistent effort, quiet perseverance, and a shared belief in doing meaningful work. While we take pride in this moment, we remain grounded in the understanding that this is only a step in a much larger journey. There is still much to accomplish, and Galgotias University will continue striving to improve, and contribute with purpose.”

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is among the world’s leading universities in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS Rankings) and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings.

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities, this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education. Galgotias has also been accredited with NAAC A+ grade in its very first cycle, achieving these milestones in a record time of just 14 years.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This recognition reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic landscape and reflects its consistent progress across global higher education benchmarks.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. N K Gaur Registrar

Galgotias University registrar@galgotiasuniversity.edu.in

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.

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).

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

Piramal Realty receives the OHSSAI HSE Excellence & ESG Global Award by the OHSSAI Foundation
 

Across its portfolio, the company has institutionalised robust site safety audits, structured workforce training programmes, environmental impact monitoring and transparent compliance systems to ensure that operational discipline matches architectural ambition. The awarded developments include:
 

• Piramal Aranya - Byculla, home to India’s second tallest delivered residential tower, overlooking the expansive Rani Baug Botanical Gardens and the Arabian Sea.

• Piramal Mahalaxmi, offering panoramic views of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and redefining elevated urban living in South Mumbai.

• Piramal Revanta - Mulund, premium residences overlooking Mumbai’s largest green cover, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

• Piramal Vaikunth – Thane, a large-scale integrated delivered township that houses the city’s first ISKCON temple within a gated residential community.
   

Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Abhijeet Maheshwari, CEO, Piramal Realty, said, “This recognition is a strong validation of the systems and culture we have consciously built. At Piramal Realty, safety and sustainability are embedded within the DNA of our development philosophy. As the built environment grows in scale and complexity, our responsibility grows with it. Our approach integrates health, safety and ESG standards into every layer of project planning and delivery, ensuring that excellence is measured not just by design & delivery, but also by the integrity of how we build.”
 

Further, this recognition aligns closely with Piramal Realty’s corporate philosophy of ‘Design-Led, Delivery-Focused’. While the philosophy underscores thoughtful design and timely execution, it equally reflects the company’s commitment to delivering projects where safety, sustainability and governance standards are not just promised, but fully implemented on ground.
 

As regulatory expectations and stakeholder scrutiny around ESG continue to intensify across India’s real estate sector, Piramal Realty’s multi-project recognition signals a clear intent: safety and sustainability are not peripheral commitments, but measurable standards embedded into the core of its development lifecycle. With this achievement, Piramal Realty further strengthens its position as a responsible developer committed to building not just landmark addresses, but resilient, compliant and future-ready communities.

About Piramal Realty
Founded in 2012, Piramal Realty, the real estate development arm of Piramal Group is one of India’s leading developers with ~12 Mn. sq. ft. of residential real estate under development in and around Mumbai. Piramal Realty aims to set a gold standard in design, quality, safety, and customer centricity in both residential and commercial real estate. Piramal Realty’s innovative developments not only capture a cutting-edge and contemporary ethos but also aim to adopt a more intuitive interpretation of luxury. This distinctive approach celebrates the harmonious integration of nature, greenery, spaciousness, natural light, ventilation and the inherent connection with biophilia encapsulating the essence of community living.
 

For media enquiries, please contact: prl@adfactorspr.com

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

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, felicitated by Yogeshwar Dutt at his Wrestling Academy, alongside Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan and esteemed coaches, as the championship officially begins with young wrestlers stepping onto the mat

Organised under the inspiring theme “Mitti Se Olympics Medal Tak,” the national championship witnessed the participation of 550+ Under-20 wrestlers from across the country, including 25+ international-level wrestlers. The tournament brought together participants from 8+ states, representing 50+ akhadas and wrestling academies, providing a strong national platform for emerging talent to showcase their skill, determination and competitive spirit.

The two-day championship was hosted at the Yogeshwar Dutt Wrestling Academy, founded by Olympic medalist Yogeshwar Dutt, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between India’s traditional wrestling culture and the country’s aspirations for global sporting excellence. Speaking on the occasion, Yogeshwar Dutt said that the true strength of Indian wrestling lies in the soil of villages and the traditions of akhadas, and when young athletes receive the right guidance, training and opportunities, they emerge as champions who bring glory to the nation on international platforms.

During the event, a Girls’ Hostel at the Yogeshwar Dutt Sports Academy was also inaugurated with the support of M3M Foundation, marking an important step towards strengthening sports infrastructure and enabling more young female athletes to access safe and professional training facilities.

The championship featured intense bouts across several categories. Competitions were organised in Under-20 (Boys) and Under-23 (Girls) divisions, along with an Open Weight Category.

In the Under-20 (Boys) division, matches were held across 50 kg, 57 kg, 65 kg, 74 kg, 85 kg and 92 kg weight categories, while the Under-23 (Girls) division featured competitions in 50 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg and +65 kg weight categories. Outstanding performers across all categories were felicitated for their remarkable achievements.

Wrestlers securing first, second, third and fourth positions in various weight categories were awarded cash prizes in recognition of their hard work, discipline and sporting excellence.

The event was graced by several eminent personalities from the sports fraternity and public life, including Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation and medalist at the International Kettlebell Lifting World Championship, former Member of Parliament and former President of the Wrestling Federation of India Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Olympic silver medalist wrestler Ravi Dahiya, President of the Wrestling Federation of India Shri Sanjay Singh, and legendary wrestling coach Mahabali Satpal.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Payal Kanodia said, “Being a sportsperson myself, I understand the dedication, discipline and resilience it takes to excel in competitive sports. At M3M Foundation, we firmly believe that India’s future Olympic champions will emerge from our villages and akhadas. Through initiatives like the M3M Foundation Gold Cup, we aim to provide young athletes with the right platforms to showcase their talent and aspire for excellence at national and international levels.”

Shri Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh noted that India has a proud and historic wrestling tradition, and even today many of the country’s finest wrestlers emerge from grassroots akhadas. He added that national-level competitions like this provide young athletes with an invaluable competitive platform and help prepare them for global sporting arenas such as the Olympics.

The championship was organised under M3M Foundation’s ‘Lakshya’ programme, an initiative aimed at empowering talented youth in sports, visual arts and performing arts by providing opportunities, mentorship and platforms to realise their full potential.

Through initiatives like the M3M Foundation Gold Cup, the foundation continues to strengthen grassroots sports development and inspire young athletes to dream bigger-contributing to India’s long-term vision of producing world-class athletes and future Olympic medalists.

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

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.

Swiggy (Swiggy Ltd, NSE: SWIGGY / BSE: 544285), India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, today announced the third season of Swiggy Restaurant Awards. The annual awards have been designed to recognize and celebrate the best restaurants across India. Voting for the awards will be open till March 27, 2026, on the Swiggy app. The winners will be determined solely via public voting and will be announced on March 28, 2026. This year’s edition is bigger than ever, expanding its footprint to 160+ cities, with 11000, nominated brands competing across a diverse set of categories.

Swiggy Rx Awards Third Edition

The Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 aims to honor the restaurants and chefs who continue to raise the bar for culinary excellence across the country. From iconic neighborhood favorites to trending global cuisine hotspots, the awards celebrate those who have defined India’s food landscape over the past year.

Some of the key award categories include popular core categories like

• Best in North Indian

• Best in Biryani

• Best in Pizza

In addition to this, it will include Spotlight categories like 

• Best Local Gems

• Best Newcomers

• Best in Global Flavours (Korean, Mexican, Japanese)

• Best Regional Favourites (including Best in Andhra, Best in Goan cuisine, Best in Assamese cuisine and more)

The Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 will also see the launch of a number of new and trending categories including

• Best in Coffee & Tea (including trending beverages like Boba and Matcha)

• Best in Trending Dish Families (Mandi, Pasta, Arabic cuisine)

• Best EatRight Brands

• Best Corporate / DeskEats Brands 

Some of the participating cities for the Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 include  Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Coimbatore, Goa, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ranchi, Varanasi, Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Guwahati, Jalandhar, Kanpur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mysore, Nagpur, Patna, Pondicherry, Surat, Udaipur, Vijayawada, Agartala, Ahmedabad and many more.

Adding to the excitement, customers can Vote & Win up to INR 600 Swiggy Cash plus exclusive coupons. Users can also share their voting link with friends and earn additional rewards, unlocking up to INR 600 in Swiggy Cash through participation.

Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2026 is more than just an awards initiative — it’s a grand tribute to India’s rich and evolving food culture. By voting and sharing, users play a key role in recognising and honouring the best in the business — while earning exciting rewards along the way.

For more details, please visit our website: www.swiggy.com/corporate.

100 Most Admired Women Awards by AdvantageClub.ai

The annual recognition celebrates women who are redefining the future of work through visionary leadership, innovative HR strategies, and a deep commitment to building inclusive, people-first organizations. These leaders have played a pivotal role in shaping modern workplaces by championing employee engagement, well-being, and progressive talent practices.
 

In its fourth edition this year, the Most Admired Women Awards (MAW) has emerged as a prominent global platform to spotlight women leaders who are making a lasting impact in the HR ecosystem. The initiative by AdvantageClub.ai continues to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who are influencing how organizations approach culture, leadership, and workforce transformation.
 

This year, the jury received over 500 nominations from across the globe, including entries from the United States, India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe regions, reflecting the growing global influence of women in HR leadership roles.
 

The nominations underwent a rigorous evaluation process by an esteemed all-women jury panel, including industry leaders Liza Haskell - Former Chief Administrative Officer - Tide , Mahira Al Raisi - Chief People Officer - Sohar International, Nerissa (Carbonell) Berba - EVP/Chief People Officer - Security Bank Corporation , Vasumathi Parthasarathy - Global Head of Performance Management and Employee Recognition - Tata Consultancy Services, and Smiti Bhatt Deorah - COO and Co-Founder - AdvantageClub.ai.
 

Smiti Bhatt Deorah, Co-founder & COO, AdvantageClub.ai, said, “These inspiring women leaders are not just shaping HR strategies but are redefining how organizations build cultures of trust, recognition, and belonging. At AdvantageClub.ai, we believe that recognizing leaders who drive meaningful workplace transformation is critical to inspiring the next generation of HR professionals. The MAW Awards celebrate the resilience, innovation, and leadership that these women bring to the future of work.”
 

The MAW Awards 2026 recognized winners across four categories: Leaders, Pioneers, Achievers, and Champions, highlighting professionals at different stages of their leadership journeys who have made a significant impact within their organizations and the broader HR community.

Leaders: Anuradha Chaudhary, Arshiya Singh, Belle Cañafranca, Damini Thakur, Emilyn Doria, Iris Czarina G. Era, Jennifer Jude Mattos, Jyotsana Saxena, Loly Vadassery, Maninder Kapoor Puri, Margy Mommertz, Mary Margaret Tan, Meenu Gupta, Neetu Wadhawan, Preeti Kannan, Preeti Toshniwal, Rishu Sharma, Sangeeta Sagar, Sarah Samuel, Sharon B. Villalon, Shefali Tomar, Shweta Shetty, Sonam Solanki, Sumitra Krishnamurthy, Sunny Singh.

Pioneers: Akanksha Singh, Akona Makoboka, Ankita Anushree, Arpita Poojary, Charumathi V, Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, Divya Seth Sharma, Dr. Arushi Grover, Dr. Dina Elwan, Fikile Nyakale, Gunjan Saini, Lipika Verma, Loanette Boshoff, Manvi Singh, Merlin Sunitha Philip, Nidhi Chaudhary, Nisha Roslin Johny, Paridhi Raut, Rukmini Divakar, Shoma Bose Balkrishna Singh, Shreya Swamy, Smita Nagpal, Sneha Agarwal Marodia, Tanushri Nair, Wendi Ellis.

Achievers: Amanpreet Kaur, Anumeha Asthana, Anupama Pillai, Apoorva Agarwal, Ashwini Kanade, Bandaru Venkata Deepthi Yadav, Darlene Anne Bilicario, Dhara Shah, Divya Gupta, Foram Patel, Jayati Mahajan, Jessica Cicily James, Juveriya Khan, Maria Evangeline Veloso, Mariam Hamdan Alrayssi, Mary Jeraldine Kavitha, Mieke Janse van Rensburg, Priscilla Pereira, Ramona Roberts, Ramsy Shika, Resham Thakkar, Shraddha Singh, Sneha Gupta, Varnika Bansal, Yara Mohamed Amr.
 

Champions: Anagha Gaonkar, Anshu Sharma, Arati Kedia, Deepshikha Rajawat, Diana Marbun, Fernanda Herrera Roman, Geeta Mani, Ginalyn Amparado, Jinia Chanda, Kavita Chaturvedi, Kelly Campbell, Lorraine Bryant, Mais Mustafa Muhammad Qawasmeh, Mamta, Nalini Matavalam, Payal Chatterjee, Prerna S., Sint Sint Aung, Staci Dodson, Taghreed Ali Alotaibi, Tanaya Sen Verma, Tina Mahtani-Hanspal, Urmil Shekhawat, Valerie W. Naidoo, Yauwana Mezhiselvan.
 

The complete list of winners can be accessed here: maw.advantageclub.ai/maw_winners_2026

Through the Most Admired Women Awards, AdvantageClub.ai continues to recognize the women transforming workplaces through progressive policies, inclusive leadership, and a strong focus on employee experience. Their contributions are shaping how organizations globally approach talent management, employee well-being, and workplace culture.

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.

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.

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.

• 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)

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.

Vice-President, VELS Group of Companies & Director ,VELS Jollywood Studios & Adventures Ms. Kushmitha Ganesh, honored the women employees for their record-setting achievement in the Karnataka Book of Records

As part of the special celebration held on March 5, 2026, the entire park operations were managed exclusively by female staff members for a continuous duration of four hours, demonstrating exceptional leadership, teamwork, coordination, and operational excellence. From ride operations and guest services to technical support, administration, and safety management, every department of the park was efficiently handled by women employees.

This inspiring initiative highlights the organization’s strong commitment to women empowerment, gender equality, and leadership opportunities for women across all professional domains. The successful execution of the operations reflected the capability, confidence, and professionalism of the women workforce at the park.

Following the verification and assessment of the attempt, Mir Sameem Raza, President of the Karnataka Book of Records, officially announced that the achievement has been successfully registered as an official record. He congratulated the management and the dedicated women staff of VELS Jollywood Studios & Adventures for setting an inspiring example of empowerment and inclusivity.

Speaking on the occasion, he stated that this record attempt reflects the growing strength and leadership of women in professional spaces and serves as an inspiration for organizations across the state to promote equal opportunities and recognition for women.

The achievement marks a proud milestone not only for the amusement park but also for the broader movement toward recognizing women’s leadership and contribution in operational and management roles.

The event was graced by KPCC Spokesperson Mrs. Kusuma Hanumantharayappa, Bidadi Town Panchayat Chief Officer Mrs. Meenakshi M, and Kannada film actress Diya Palakkal as the chief guests.

The program was successfully organized under the leadership of Vice-President, VELS Group of Companies & Director ,VELS Jollywood Studios & Adventures Ms. Kushmitha Ganesh, honored the women employees for their record-setting achievement in the Karnataka Book of Records. Also the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from staff members, guests, and well-wishers who celebrated this historic moment and applauded the dedication and spirit of the women workforce.

This record now stands as a symbol of empowerment and progress, reinforcing the message that women can successfully lead and manage every aspect of organizational operations with excellence.

About Jollywood

Jollywood is a film studio and entertainment theme park located near Bengaluru, currently managed by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, the founder of the Vels Group of Institutions. Relaunched around 2023, Jollywood functions as a combined film production hub and tourist entertainment destination, offering film shooting floors, ready-made movie sets, and facilities for films, television shows, and advertisements. It also features theme park attractions such as adventure rides, water activities, and themed zones including a Titanic set, dinosaur park, haunted house, and event spaces for visitors. The project aims to support filmmakers from industries such as Sandalwood, Kollywood, and other Indian cinemas by providing cost-effective shooting infrastructure while simultaneously promoting tourism and entertainment near Bengaluru.

For more details please visit www.jollywood.co.in.

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.

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.

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).

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. 

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

Eminent scientists were honoured at the VELS National Scitech Awards 2026 by Dr.Preethaa Ganesh Vice President Vels Group of Institutions

Instituted to honour excellence in science and research at the national level, the awards celebrated distinguished scientists whose work has significantly advanced innovation, sustainability, healthcare, coastal management, and national development.

National Science Day is observed annually on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Nobel Laureate Sir C. V. Raman a landmark scientific breakthrough that placed India firmly on the global research map.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice-President of the VELS Group of Institutions, described science as the backbone of national progress and emphasized the need to cultivate a strong culture of inquiry, innovation, and responsibility among the youth.

She highlighted VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) for its robust research ecosystem and its recognition as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). She also noted the university’s active collaborations with over 100 industry partners, strengthening academia - industry integration and research-driven innovation.

Dr. Preethaa Ganesh further underscored the pivotal role of the VELS Innovation Council in advancing research commercialization, facilitating patents and intellectual property rights (IPR), and promoting women-led entrepreneurship. She reiterated the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation, startup incubation, and industry-relevant research that contributes to national development and global competitiveness.

The distinguished awardees of the VELS National Scitech Awards 2026 included:

• Dr. Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director, National Institute of Ocean Technology

• Dr. G. Senthil Vel, Director, National Institute of Siddha

• Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation

• Dr. Ramesh L. Gardas, Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Madras

• Dr. V. Deepak Samuel, Scientist-E, National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management

Each awardee received a citation, a commemorative memento, and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh in recognition of their exemplary contributions to their respective fields.

Through the VELS National Scitech Awards, VISTAS continues to strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem by recognising excellence, encouraging research leadership, and fostering innovation-driven nation building. The celebration reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing impactful research and inspiring the next generation of scientists to contribute meaningfully to society and sustainable development
 

About VELS University
VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) continues to be recognised as one of the best deemed university in Chennai, distinguished by its prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category I status.

Home to over 20,000 students and supported by a dedicated faculty strength of 1,220 members, VISTAS offers more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Management, Law, Mass Communication, Maritime Studies, Aviation, Physiotherapy, and Computing Sciences, among others.

With its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development, VISTAS remains a premier destination for quality higher education in India.

For more details kindly visit www.vistas.ac.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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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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.