National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR), India’s premier institution for Built Environment, Infrastructure, Real Estate, and Project Management (CRIP) education, hosted the Grand Finale of the inaugural Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge 2025-26 in JW Marriot Mumbai. The event, India’s premier innovation challenge for Civil Engineering, Architecture and Core Engineering students, was graced by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The occasion brought together young innovators, industry leaders, academicians, and policymakers to celebrate student-led innovation for the future of India’s infrastructure.
 

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, felicitating winners of the Inaugural Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge 2025-26 Grand Finale organised by NICMAR
 

Launched in December 2025, the Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge is NICMAR’s flagship nationwide innovation platform designed to encourage students to develop practical solutions for the country’s evolving infrastructure and built environment needs. Supported by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the inaugural edition engaged over 20,000 students from more than 500 institutions across the country. Following college-level rounds, city competitions across 11 cities and three regional finales, the top three teams advanced to the National Grand Finale.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, said, “For futuristic development, futuristic research is paramount and our young talented engineers are very capable of this; and NICMAR has done good work in this area & through Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge. Students and institutions should constantly focus on need based research that’s required to reduce cost of construction without compromising on quality of construction. Using technology, cost effective solutions can be made that can help reduce imports in the sector. Today, there’s immense scope for pre-cast and tunnelling in India. In line with the ongoing infrastructure developments and requirements, NICMAR should design pre-cast compound wall – one that’s the need of the hour. I would like to congratulate all the students for their research and invaluable contribution.”

The Grand Finale witnessed participation from regional winning teams representing IIT Delhi, Maturi Venkata Subba Rao Engineering College and Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering. Following a rigorous evaluation by an eminent jury comprising industry leaders and academicians, Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering bagged the winners title of the inaugural edition of Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge. The winning team received a Global Infrastructure Excellence Tour along with the overall prize pool worth INR 30 lakh.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman of the Board of Trustee’s and Board of Governors of National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR), said, “As India enters one of the most crucial infrastructure development phases, our greatest asset will not only be capital or technology, but also the quality of our talent. NICMAR’s, Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge is an initiative to transform students from learners into problem solvers by exposing them to real-world infrastructure challenges and encouraging interdisciplinary innovation. At NICMAR, we strongly believe that the nation can only be as strong as the people who build it.”

Alongside the competition, NICMAR hosted the Industry-Academia Conclave, bringing together leading industry professionals, academicians, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of India’s infrastructure ecosystem. The conclave featured insightful discussions on strengthening the collaboration between academia and industry, accelerating technology adoption, and promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure. It also reiterated the importance of building a future-ready talent pipeline to support India’s infrastructure ambitions and the evolving needs of the Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Project Management (CRIP) sector.

“The Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge also exemplifies NICMAR’s commitment to strengthening the connection between academia and industry. By creating opportunities for students to engage with real-world challenges and interact with industry leaders, we are nurturing future professionals who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to India’s infrastructure and urban development journey,” added Mr. Gulabchand.

With the successful completion of its inaugural edition, the Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge has established itself as a national platform nurturing innovation, strengthening industry-academia collaboration and empowering the next generation of infrastructure leaders to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

About NICMAR
Established in 1983, NICMAR is an autonomous, non-governmental, not-for-profit and India’s only premier CRIP (Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Project) dedicated education institute. Backed by some of the largest and leading construction companies, NICMAR is recognised for academic excellence, industry relevance, and strong placement outcomes, with four campuses in Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. The Institute is recognised globally for its contributions to the built environment.
 

For more information, please visit www.nicmar.ac.in.

VinFast's ecosystem strategy offers a glimpse into the next phase of electric mobility

For more than a century, industrial revolutions have rarely been driven by products alone. Detroit did not become the world's automotive capital simply because a single brand built a better car. Silicon Valley's success cannot be explained by any single tech company alone, nor did Shenzhen's transformation from a fishing village into a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse happen because of a single company. In almost every case, leadership emerged because manufacturers were surrounded by networks of suppliers, infrastructure, financing, research institutions and skilled talent that reinforced one another.

The same phenomenon appears to be happening in the electric vehicle industry. Over the past decade, conversation has largely centered on battery technology, driving range and vehicle performance. While those innovations remain essential, they are no longer sufficient to guarantee success in the next growth phase. As EVs move beyond early adopters into the mainstream, consumers are looking for something more, namely the confidence knowing they can charge conveniently, access reliable aftersales support, finance their purchase affordably and continue using their vehicles with minimal disruption for years to come.

“It is not only about selling cars. It is also about building the infrastructure those cars require and addressing customer concerns, from charging and aftersales to resale value and ownership confidence,” said Rishav Kumar Choudhary, Managing Director of JP Emobility India, back in May.

The competitive battleground is shifting
In 2025, the global EV market continues to grow despite slower demand in several mature markets. According to the latest report by the International Energy Agency, more than 20 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide last year, representing a quarter of all new passenger vehicle sales. This represents 20% growth from 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year in which annual electric car sales increased by about 3.5 million.

Yet as electric vehicles become more widespread, the mainstream consumers still have persistent concerns about the technology and worry about the potential lifestyle compromises they may have to make. Industry surveys consistently show that many consumers remain concerned about practical ownership issues such as charging infrastructure, charging time, driving range and long-term reliability.

The change in consumer base is prompting manufacturers to think differently. Pure-play EV brands are already investing across multiple parts of the EV value chain rather than focusing exclusively on manufacturing, expanding into other parts of the ownership experience by producing their own batteries, building proprietary charging networks and developing software capabilities. Meanwhile, traditional automakers have accelerated partnerships with charging operators and software providers as they recognize that customer experience increasingly extends beyond the showroom.

These developments reflect a broader reality that in many ways, the competitive battleground is shifting from the vehicle itself to the ecosystem that supports it, including charging, aftersales service, financing and even mobility services.

Think of it as a version of the so-called "network effect," Every improvement in one area reduces friction elsewhere. A denser charging network makes consumers less anxious about range. Better service infrastructure increases confidence in long-term ownership.

Attractive financing lowers the barrier to switching from an internal combustion engine vehicle, while large commercial fleets place more EVs on the road and make electric mobility familiar to millions of people who may eventually become private buyers themselves.

That ecosystem thinking is perhaps clearest in Vietnam, where the country's leading EV maker, VinFast, has taken a broad approach to supporting electric mobility. Backed by the nation's largest private conglomerate, VinFast has worked with Vingroup- and founder-affiliated companies to gradually build a broader electric mobility ecosystem.

For example, charging infrastructure built by V-Green, the global charging company owned by VinFast’s billionaire founder Pham Nhat Vuong, addresses concerns about convenience. The company is developing a charging network of roughly 150,000 charging ports nationwide, averaging around 3.5 kilometers between charging stations in urban areas and approximately 65 kilometers across 106 national highways and expressways.

Taxi fleets operated by the ride-hailing arm Green SM, also under Vuong, allow consumers to experience EVs, specifically VinFast's, before purchasing one themselves. Electric buses made by VinFast is being deployed as public transport, helping normalize electric mobility in everyday life, while Vingroup's investments in other fields, such as robotics through VinRobotics and VinDynamics, strengthen long-term competitiveness by future-proofing production efficiency and technological capabilities. 

While each business has its own commercial objectives, together they address different barriers that have historically slowed EV adoption. And rather than asking customers to adapt to electric mobility, the ecosystem attempts to make electric mobility adapt to customers.

The strategy has contributed to VinFast's rapid expansion since its inception in 2017. The company delivered nearly 197,000 electric vehicles globally in 2025, more than doubling deliveries from the previous year, while continuing to expand manufacturing capacity and overseas operations, including in India. As of May this year, it had been Vietnam's best-selling automotive brand for 20 consecutive months.

Lessons for the next phase of EV adoption
The importance of ecosystems may become even more pronounced in emerging markets, where the EV transition is still in its early stages.

In India, four-wheeler EV sales grew by 75% year on year in 2025 to reach 165,000 units, accounting for nearly 4% of total passenger vehicle sales. Although passenger EV penetration remains relatively modest compared with China, parts of Europe, and even Vietnam and Thailand, the market is expanding steadily as government incentives, new product launches and charging investments gather pace. In May, for the first time, EV penetration across India's automobile market crossed 11%, while the country is expected to welcome 16 new electrified passenger vehicle models over the next nine months, compared with just seven internal combustion vehicles.

Virtually every major automaker in India has announced ambitious electrification plans, yet long-term success is unlikely to depend solely on product specifications. Building consumer confidence will require parallel investments in charging infrastructure, financing, aftersales service, local supply chains and manufacturing.

VinFast's own expansion into India reflects this broader philosophy. Alongside its manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, the company has expanded its dealership network, partnered with financial institutions, developed third-party service partnerships and worked with V-Green to support charging infrastructure. According to company plans, its Indian network is expected to grow to 75 showrooms and more than 230 dedicated service stations, complementing investments in manufacturing and product localization.

Of course, building such a comprehensive ecosystem from the ground up takes time, but the broader direction across the industry is becoming increasingly clear. Manufacturers are no longer competing, nor should they compete, solely on a single aspect. If history offers one lesson, it is that the companies most likely to shape the future are those that build product ecosystems that make the ownership journey effortless.

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 EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast's product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The company's Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a USD 500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

Save big on Ai+ Smartphones and AIoT this GOAT Sale only on Flipkart | Early Access from 3rd July | Sale Opens 4th July

The Ai+ Pulse 2 has been developed for consumers looking for a reliable everyday smartphone experience. The smartphone features a 6.745-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Unisoc T7250 octa-core processor, a 50MP AI rear camera, an 8MP front camera, a 6000mAh battery with 18W fast charging, and Android 16-based NxtQuantum OS. Available with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, expandable up to 1TB, it also comes with IP64-rated dust and water resistance and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Commenting on the announcement, Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said "As our product portfolio continues to expand, our focus is on ensuring that more consumers are able to experience the Ai+ ecosystem across smartphones and connected devices. The Flipkart GOAT Sale allows us to do that through the biggest-ever offer on the Pulse 2, alongside attractive pricing across the Nova Series and our AIoT portfolio. We remain committed to delivering products that combine dependable performance, clean software and meaningful value across every price segment."

Alongside the Pulse 2, consumers can also avail offers across the Nova Series, including the Nova 2, Nova 2 Neo, Nova 2 Pro and Nova 2 Ultra. Developed to cater to a wide spectrum of consumers, from first-time 5G smartphone users to those seeking a more performance-oriented smartphone experience, the lineup combines dependable hardware with Android 16-based NxtQuantum OS to deliver clean software, reliable performance and long-lasting battery life across different price segments.

The Flipkart GOAT Sale will also feature offers across Ai+ AIoT portfolio, including the NovaWatch Active, NovaWatch Kids 4G, NovaWatch Rotatecam 4G goes on sale for the first time during Flipkart GOAT Sale, Wearbuds, NovaPods Go and the Pulse Tab, giving consumers access to Ai+ connected ecosystem across wearables, audio products and tablets.

During the Flipkart GOAT Sale, the Ai+ Pulse 2 will be available at its biggest-ever price of INR 8,999, while the Nova Series will start at INR 10,999, with the Nova 2, Nova 2 Neo, Nova 2 Pro and Nova 2 Ultra available at INR 10,999, INR 12,999, INR 14,999 and INR 16,999, respectively. The Ai+ Flip will also be available at a special price of INR 29,999.

Across the AIoT portfolio, the NovaWatch Active will be available at INR 1,499, NovaWatch Kids 4G at INR 3,149, NovaWatch Rotatecam 4G at INR 4,499, Wearbuds at INR 4,199, NovaPods Go at INR 699, and the Pulse Tab at INR 12,999, with applicable bank and exchange offers on select products.

About Ai+ Smartphone
Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India's first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company's Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India's next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

About NxtQuantum Shift Technologies
 NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India's first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is authored in India and globally competitive.

Marwari Catalysts Group to Build Elara Healthcare as a Future-Ready Mother and Child Care Network

Moving from an IVF-industry-focused approach to a broader mother and child care vision, Elara Healthcare aims to build an integrated healthcare ecosystem covering women's wellness, fertility and infertility care, pregnancy support, mother and child health, nutrition guidance, preventive care, wellness programs and patient education. IVF and infertility services will continue to remain a key vertical within the platform, while the overall focus will expand towards complete care for women, mothers and children.

As part of its future expansion roadmap, Marwari Catalysts Group plans to develop Elara Healthcare across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal, followed by proposed international opportunities in Africa and Gulf. These expansion plans are future-oriented and will be executed in phases through collaborations with hospitals, healthcare professionals, wellness partners, doctors and strategic institutions.

The vision behind Elara Healthcare is to create a trusted mother and child care network that combines clinical excellence with affordability, compassion, preventive healthcare, technology-enabled systems and standardized delivery. The platform will focus on serving Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where access to organized mother and child healthcare, fertility care and women's wellness services remains limited or fragmented.

To strengthen its mother and child healthcare ecosystem, Elara Healthcare has signed MoUs with Nuskha Kitchen and Hobfit for the betterment of women's health, mother and child wellness, yoga, exercise, nutrition and proper diet support. These collaborations are aimed at building a holistic care model where medical services are supported by lifestyle, diet, fitness and wellness interventions.

Speaking about the vision, Sushil Sharma, Founder & CEO of Marwari Catalysts Group, Executive Director, BRICS CCI, Convenor, ESC Rajasthan Chapter and also Co-Chair Startup Vertical, Rotary District 3053 (2026–27) said, "Marwari Catalysts has always believed that impactful and globally scalable businesses can emerge from Tier-II and Tier-III India. Through Elara Healthcare, we are building a future-ready mother and child care platform that will include fertility, IVF and infertility care as part of a much larger healthcare vision. Our focus is to create an affordable, trusted and standardized healthcare brand for women, mothers, children and families. Rajasthan will be a key starting market, and we plan to expand across Haryana, Punjab, Himachal and, in the future, explore Africa and Gulf and BRICS Countries as international opportunities."

He further added that the Venture Studio Model enables Marwari Catalysts Group to support founders with strategic leadership, operational expertise, branding, fundraising and access to national and international networks, helping healthcare ventures scale faster while maintaining quality, governance and patient trust.

Dr. Renu Sharma, Founder & Director of Elara Healthcare, said the objective is to build a holistic healthcare platform for women and families, "During my years of working in fertility and women's healthcare, I realised that families in smaller cities need much more than only IVF treatment. They need guidance, ethical medical care, emotional support, nutrition, wellness, preventive care and reliable mother and child healthcare services closer to home. Elara Healthcare is being designed with this broader vision. IVF and infertility services will remain an important part of our work, but our larger focus will be on complete women, mother and child care."

She added that the organisation will continue to invest in experienced medical professionals, fertility specialists, embryologists, mother and child healthcare experts, wellness partners, technology systems and continuous training to maintain consistent standards across every future centre and collaboration.

Gajendra Singh, Director of Elara Healthcare, said the expansion strategy will focus on building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem rather than only increasing the number of centres, "Healthcare expansion requires strong systems, quality assurance and operational excellence. Elara Healthcare will be built on standardized processes, technology-enabled monitoring, patient-centric services and transparent governance. Our aim is to create a trusted network that supports women, mothers, children and families through every stage of care."

Supporting Elara Healthcare's future growth is an experienced ecosystem of healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, strategic investors and global business leaders. Among them is Vijendra Singh, a globally experienced technology executive, strategic investor and mentor whose expertise in digital transformation, business scaling and organizational leadership will contribute to the platform's long-term growth.

The initiative further strengthens Marwari Catalysts Group's healthcare portfolio, which already includes ventures such as Sarathi Healthcare, Nuskha Kitchen and One Dose. Through Elara Healthcare, the Group aims to build a wider healthcare platform that solves real-world challenges for women and families while creating sustainable economic and social impact.

Looking ahead, Marwari Catalysts Group plans to collaborate with leading doctors, mother and child hospitals, fertility specialists, wellness partners, healthcare institutions and strategic partners to accelerate Elara Healthcare's future expansion. The proposed international roadmap covering South Africa and Dubai also reflects the Group's ambition to build an Indian healthcare brand with global relevance.

With Rajasthan marking an important beginning and future expansion planned across Haryana, Punjab, Himachal, South Africa and Dubai, Elara Healthcare is envisioned as a trusted mother and child care network that brings together medical care, wellness, nutrition, fertility services and compassionate patient support under one platform.

About Marwari Catalysts Group

Marwari Catalysts Group is one of India's leading startup ecosystem builders, with a portfolio of more than 100 startups across healthcare, technology, consumer, manufacturing and sustainability sectors. Through its Venture Studio Model, the Group partners with visionary founders by providing strategic guidance, operational expertise, branding, fundraising support and access to national and global markets. The Group remains committed to building scalable ventures from Tier-II and Tier-III India that create lasting economic and social impact Local to Global.

boltt x Flipkart

The move marks a significant milestone in Fire-Boltt's evolution from a wearables leader into a broader consumer technology company. Drawing on years of consumer insights and category expertise, the brand is now bringing its consumer-first approach into smartphones, a category that sits at the center of everyday digital experiences. Manufactured in India and designed for Indian consumers, boltt reflects Fire-Boltt's commitment to local manufacturing while combining its deep understanding of the market with Flipkart's extensive reach to bring its smartphone portfolio to consumers across the country. 

The upcoming boltt smartphone portfolio will span both 4G and 5G affordable devices across the Evo and Ace series, built around the principles of reliability, innovation, and accessibility. Designed for the realities of modern India, the portfolio is intended to address the evolving expectations of users through thoughtful design, dependable performance, and features that deliver everyday value. 

Speaking on the announcement, Arnav Kishore, Founder & CEO, boltt, said, “Over the years, millions of consumers have welcomed Fire-Boltt into their daily lives, helping us build one of India's largest connected consumer ecosystems. boltt is the next chapter in that journey. Smartphones sit at the heart of how people connect, create, learn, and aspire today, and we believe there is a significant opportunity for a homegrown brand that truly understands Indian consumers. With boltt, we are bringing together our consumer insights, technology expertise, and commitment to India to create smartphone experiences that are designed for the country and built for its future.”

 
Commenting on this, Mukund Kedia, Senior Director, Flipkart said, ‘‘Flipkart is deeply committed to make premium smartphone experiences accessible to every consumer across metros and non-metros. With Flipkart’s large distribution scale and reach, coupled with boltt’s portfolio of 4G and 5G devices designed for everyday realities, consumers across the country can now enjoy smartphones that combine durability, performance, and innovation. “

With deep penetration across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, a robust logistics network, and a strong track record in driving smartphone adoption, Flipkart will play a pivotal role in supporting boltt’s nationwide rollout. Further details regarding the boltt smartphone portfolio will be announced in the coming weeks. 

About boltt 
boltt is a homegrown smartphone brand from the house of Fire-boltt, built on the trust of over 4 crore users. Created for India’s evolving digital lifestyle, the brand brings together deep consumer insight and a consumer-first approach to design and innovation. boltt is focused on delivering dependable, relevant smartphone experiences tailored for modern India. 

About Fire-Boltt 
Fire-boltt is India's No. 1 smartwatch brand and one of the country's leading homegrown consumer technology companies. With a growing ecosystem of connected devices and more than 4 crore users, Fire-boltt is committed to creating innovative technology products that are accessible, relevant, and designed for Indian consumers.

Deepak Anand, Co-founder and CEO, Housr
 

The product addresses one of the biggest pain points in rental housing: the security deposit. Tenants typically lock up months of savings when they move in, creating a significant upfront financial burden. With CirclePe's financing layer embedded into Housr's resident management app platform, residents can now skip the large upfront security deposit and instead pay a small monthly amount, making the move-in process more flexible, seamless, and affordable.
 

Commenting on this innovative financing rollout, Deepak Anand, Co-founder and CEO, Housr, said, "Housr has always focused on making premium living more seamless for residents, and this partnership takes that experience a step further. By removing the deposit barrier and enabling seamless tech integration inside our app, we are making move-ins simpler for our customers."
 

India's co-living market is set to grow fivefold to Rs. 200 billion by 2030 according to a report by Colliers - yet it's built on a rental system where a Bengaluru tenant can lock up to Rs. 2 lakh in their security deposit before moving into a single flat, with a similar situation existing across other key metros that are home to India's largest working professional population. As the market continues to evolve, zero-deposit renting helps remove one of the biggest barriers to moving into a new home, creating a more seamless and financially accessible rental experience for residents.
 

With this rollout, Housr is helping bring zero-deposit renting into the mainstream of premium living, making the rental experience more accessible, convenient, and resident-friendly.

Vyomora at Hinjawadi

Conceived around the philosophy of 'The Infinite Way of Life,' Vyomora has been envisioned as a low-density residential community where open spaces, wellness, and everyday convenience come together seamlessly. Phase 1 comprises five residential towers offering 720 thoughtfully designed 2, 3, and 3-BHK duplex residences, with prices starting from INR 84.99 lakhs (all-inclusive).

Strategically located in Hinjawadi, Pune's leading IT and business hub, Vyomora enjoys proximity to leading corporate campuses, including Infosys, Wipro, TCS, HCL Technologies, Persistent Systems, Accenture, Cognizant, Capgemini, Tech Mahindra, and IBM. The development also benefits from strong existing and upcoming infrastructure, with seamless connectivity through the Mumbai–Pune Highway (NH48), the under-construction Metro Line 3 (Hinjawadi–Civil Court), the proposed Ring Road, the Connecting Link Expressway, and the proposed station on the Mumbai–Pune High-Speed Rail corridor.

Spread across approximately 25 acres, Vyomora will feature a grand clubhouse and an extensive suite of lifestyle amenities spanning wellness and fitness (spa & salon, wellness clinics, swimming pool, yoga studio, and fully equipped gymnasium); recreation and entertainment (mini theater, digital dome, karaoke room, video games room, indoor games suite, and cricket simulator); community spaces (large multipurpose halls, creche, indoor kids' play area with brain gym, guest rooms and lounge suites, and senior citizen zone); and dedicated work and learning spaces, including a library and co-working space, creating a holistic living environment for residents across generations.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Sriram Mahadevan, CEO, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, and Managing Director, Joyville by Shapoorji Housing, said, “Hinjawadi has emerged as one of India's most compelling residential destinations, driven by world-class infrastructure, a thriving employment ecosystem, and evolving lifestyle aspirations. Having witnessed the strong response to our earlier projects in this micro-market, we are delighted to introduce Vyomora, our third project in Hinjawadi. More than just a residential development, Vyomora represents our vision of creating future-ready communities that place equal emphasis on thoughtful design, wellness, sustainability, and meaningful human connections. As Pune continues its growth trajectory, we remain committed to delivering developments that enrich everyday living while creating enduring value for our customers.”

Hinjawadi continues to witness robust residential demand, supported by its strong IT ecosystem, expanding social infrastructure, and upcoming connectivity projects such as the Pune Metro and the proposed Ring Road. With excellent access to leading business parks, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and retail destinations, the location has emerged as one of the city's most preferred residential micro-markets.

With Vyomora, SPRE further strengthens its presence in Pune while reaffirming its long-term commitment to developing thoughtfully planned communities that combine engineering excellence, quality construction, and customer-centric innovation. The launch builds on the company's successful presence in Hinjawadi and reflects its continued confidence in the region's long-term growth potential.

About Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE) 
Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a well-regarded, reputed player in the Indian real estate sector owing to its cutting-edge design innovation, construction quality, and architectural excellence. It constitutes a significant segment of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has more than 160 years of legacy that bridges the earliest celebrated structures of India and the modern marvels. SPRE has made inroads into most Indian cities – Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram, Howrah and Kolkata – with a variety of developments, from luxury apartments and opulent residences to aspirational homes for mid-income homebuyers, as well as one of the largest mass housing projects in India.

Women's Wing of the Men's Skincare Janta Party rallied in support, reinforcing the message that every man deserves a simple, effective skincare routine

With the campaign #SkincareKarLeBhai, the initiative encourages men to move beyond basic grooming and adopt science-backed skincare routines, while highlighting the growing need for products specifically designed for men's skin.

Building on this conversation, Fixderma has unveiled FOR MEN, a dermatologist-developed skincare range created to address common skin and scalp concerns such as dullness, tanning, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, excess oil production and dandruff. The launch marks the brand's strategic entry into India's rapidly evolving men's skincare segment, where consumers are increasingly seeking effective, ingredient-led solutions over generic grooming products.

Fixderma's MSJP took its satirical campaign to the streets, sparking conversations around men's skincare and encouraging men to move beyond soap to a dedicated skincare routine

The FOR MEN portfolio includes a Brightening Face Wash, Brightening Face Moisturizer, Brightening Face Serum, Brightening Face Mask, Brightening Sunscreen SPF 50+ and an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Formulated with clinically backed ingredients such as White Tomato Extract, Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil, the range is designed to deliver targeted care through simple, everyday routines.

Commenting on the launch, Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-Founder, Fixderma & FCL, said, " The conversation around men's personal care has evolved significantly over the years, but skincare continues to be one of the most underserved categories. Today's consumers are looking for solutions that are simple, effective and backed by dermatological science rather than generic grooming products. With FOR MEN, we are bringing Fixderma's clinical expertise to a dedicated range that addresses the unique needs of men's skin and scalp. Through the MSJP campaign, we also want to normalise skincare for men and encourage them to view healthy skin as an essential part of everyday self-care, not an occasional indulgence."

Anurag Mehrotra, Chairman and Co-Founder, Fixderma, said, "Men's skincare is no longer a niche category, it is emerging as one of the most significant growth opportunities in the beauty and personal care industry. As consumer awareness continues to evolve, we see a clear shift towards dermatologist-backed, efficacy-driven solutions over conventional grooming products. With FOR MEN, we are expanding our portfolio to serve this evolving demand while staying true to our commitment of making science-led skincare more accessible. The Men's Skincare Janta Party campaign reflects our belief that meaningful consumer conversations can be sparked through relevant cultural moments, helping normalise skincare as an essential part of every man's daily routine."

With this launch, Fixderma aims to strengthen its presence in the men's skincare segment while continuing its mission of making dermatologist-developed, science-backed skincare more accessible to a new generation of consumers.

The FOR MEN range will be available on Fixderma's website, leading e-commerce platforms and retail outlets across India.

Campaign Links: 

• www.instagram.com/p/DaLdAlFTQrQ

• www.instagram.com/reels/DaK337iy1E

About Fixderma & FCL
Established in 2010, Fixderma is a leading dermatologist-prescribed skincare company known for its innovative approach to skin health. Founded with a clear vision of “Fixing Your Derm,” the brand bridges the gap between prescription-based treatments and over-the-counter cosmetics. Today, Fixderma is trusted by over 15,000 dermatologists and exports to more than 40 countries, offering solutions for concerns such as acne, aging, dryness, and hyperpigmentation.

FCL (Fixderma Cosmetic Laboratories) is a premium dermatologist-prescribed skincare brand by Fixderma, offering science-backed skincare solutions for various skin concerns. Known for its innovative formulations, clinical efficacy and advanced ingredients, FCL combines dermatological expertise with modern skincare technology to deliver effective, safe and result-oriented products for healthy skin.

Shri Tejpal Tanwar, MLA, Gurugram, Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President, M3M Foundation, Shri Narayan Bhadana, Councillor, Health Dept, and village Sarpanch

The recognition was presented during a programme organised by the Health Department in the presence of Shri Tejpal Tanwar, MLA, Gurugram, as the Chief Guest. The event was Englishattended by Shri Lokveer Singh, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Gurugram, Shri Narayan Bhadana, Councillor, Gurugram, doctors, healthcare professionals, frontline health workers, community members and representatives of M3M Foundation.

The Health Department acknowledged the Foundation's continued support in strengthening public healthcare infrastructure and complementing government efforts to improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots. As part of its recent interventions, M3M Foundation renovated the Sub Health Centre, helping create a better-equipped and patient-friendly healthcare facility. The Foundation also distributed nutritional dry ration kits to 90 tuberculosis (TB) patients, supporting their treatment journey and contributing to the collective effort towards a TB-free India.

Further strengthening healthcare services, the Foundation provided essential infrastructure and medical equipment to the health centre, including a freezer, washing machine, almirah, water cooler, haemoglobin analyser, blood pressure monitoring machine, glucometer, height-weight machine and other diagnostic equipment, enabling healthcare professionals to deliver improved patient care.

These interventions have been undertaken through M3M Foundation's flagship Kartavya Programme, which focuses on preventive healthcare, community well-being and occupational health. As part of the initiative, the Foundation has reached over 2 lakh individuals through healthcare interventions and, during 2025-26 alone, organised 102 health camps, benefiting more than 14,280 people through medical consultations, health screening, medicines and preventive healthcare awareness.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Tejpal Tanwar, MLA, Gurugram, said, "Strong healthcare systems are built through collective responsibility. M3M Foundation's contribution towards strengthening health infrastructure and supporting community healthcare reflects the positive impact of partnerships between the government and responsible institutions. On National Doctors' Day, I extend my sincere appreciation to every doctor and healthcare professional for their dedicated service."

Shri Lokveer Singh, Chief Medical Officer, Gurugram, appreciated the Foundation's continued collaboration with the Health Department, said, "Quality healthcare becomes more effective when institutions work together. M3M Foundation has consistently supported the Health Department through infrastructure development, preventive healthcare and community outreach. Such collaborations help us strengthen healthcare services and reach more people."

The Appreciation Letter was received by Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President, M3M Foundation, on behalf of Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation. 

Commenting on the recognition, Dr. Payal Kanodia said, "This recognition is a reminder that meaningful healthcare begins with strong partnerships and reaches its true purpose when quality services become accessible to every community. Through Kartavya, we remain committed to strengthening primary healthcare, promoting preventive care and supporting the public health system. As we move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, healthier communities will be the foundation of a stronger and more resilient nation."

On National Doctors' Day, M3M Foundation also paid tribute to doctors, nurses, frontline health workers and medical professionals whose unwavering commitment continues to strengthen India's healthcare system and improve countless lives.

The recognition further reinforces M3M Foundation's commitment to working alongside the Health Department to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure, expand community health initiatives and improve access to affordable, quality healthcare, contributing to the shared vision of a healthier and Viksit Bharat.
 

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.

New Range of Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machines

With this launch, Intex further expands its washing machine portfolio, complementing its existing and extensive lineup of semi-automatic washing machines available across multiple capacities. The addition of fully automatic models enables the company to cater to varied consumer preferences and household requirements.

The new range includes metal body models FA80MGGL (8 kg, Grey) and FA10MBGL (10 kg, Black), along with the plastic body models FA80PBGL (8 kg, Black) and FA90PGGL (9 kg, Grey).

Built around the philosophy of making household chores smarter and more convenient, the new Intex washing machines feature 10 intelligent wash programs, including Quick Wash, Strong Wash, Soak Wash, Air Dry, Spin Only and Clean Bucket, enabling users to choose settings best suited to their fabric types and washing requirements.

Commenting on the launch, Keshav Bansal, Director, Intex Technologies, said, "Laundry is a daily ritual in Indian households, demanding significant time, water, and effort. Washing needs can vary greatly, from large weekly loads and delicate fabrics to fluctuating water conditions and long operating hours. We have designed our new range of fully automatic washing machines around these realities. Every feature, whether it's the intelligent wash programs, Fuzzy Logic technology or Thermal Overload Protection, has been thoughtfully incorporated to deliver greater convenience and peace of mind. Today’s consumers prioritise value and longevity over just price, and this new range delivers on that expectation."

The new washing machine range incorporates One Touch operation for effortless use and Fuzzy Logic technology that automatically optimises water levels and wash parameters based on the load. Equipped with a 700 RPM spin speed and Air Dry technology, the machines help reduce moisture retention and speed up drying. Other notable features include a stainless steel inner drum for fabric protection, Magic Filter for capturing lint and residue, LED display, child lock, delay wash function, and auto imbalance detection and correction. The metal body variants additionally come with an anti-corrosive rust-free body, while all models feature a hydraulic toughened glass lid for enhanced durability and ease of use.

Both metal and plastic body variants are equipped with T.O.P. (Thermal Overload Protection) Technology, which automatically shuts off operation if the motor temperature exceeds 135°C, helping enhance safety and extend motor life. The new range is backed by an 11-year warranty on the wash motor, offering consumers enhanced reliability and long-term peace of mind.

Engineered to operate efficiently even with low water consumption, the new range combines intelligent technology, durability and everyday convenience to address the evolving needs of urban and semi-urban households.

Manipal University Jaipur Announces Orientation Programme for New Students from July 16 to 18
 

The three-day orientation has been designed to help newly admitted students become familiar with the university's academic environment, campus facilities, student support services, academic regulations, research and innovation ecosystem, and the wide range of opportunities available for their holistic growth and development.
 

Students will receive their individual orientation schedules via email from the Directorate of Admissions, Manipal University Jaipur. The detailed programme schedule for different faculties and disciplines will also be available on the university's official website.
 

This year, Manipal University Jaipur is expecting a footfall of more than 15,000 people including students, parents and guardians from across all States and Union Territories of India, along with several international students. The diverse student community reflects the university's growing national and global reputation as a multidisciplinary institution of higher learning.
 

Manipal University Jaipur offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes through its four academic faculties—Science, Technology & Architecture; Management, Commerce & Arts; Law; and Health Sciences. From engineering, architecture and management to law, journalism, design, humanities, psychology, commerce and basic sciences, the university offers a broad spectrum of programmes aligned with industry needs while fostering innovation, critical thinking and experiential learning.
 

Announcing the Orientation Programme, Dr. Niti Nipun Sharma, President, Manipal University Jaipur, said, "The Orientation Programme is the first step in every student's transformative journey at Manipal University Jaipur. It is designed to make our students feel welcomed, informed and inspired as they begin this exciting new chapter of their lives. We eagerly look forward to welcoming them to our vibrant campus, where they will learn, innovate, discover their potential and build lifelong friendships. I extend my best wishes to every student and their family as they become a part of the MUJ community."
 

The Orientation Programme will include interactions with university leadership, faculty members and student support teams, along with sessions on academics, campus life, innovation, career development, student clubs and other opportunities that define the holistic learning experience at Manipal University Jaipur.
 

With preparations in full swing across the campus, the university looks forward to welcoming its newest students and helping them embark on a rewarding journey of academic excellence, personal growth and professional success.
 

To know more about Manipal University Jaipur please visit jaipur.manipal.edu.

The one-day event will offer a unique opportunity for homebuyers and investors to explore 15 premium residential projects across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Gurugram, and Howrah under one roof. The showcase will feature a diverse portfolio of premium apartments, luxury villas, and strategically located plotted developments, catering to a wide spectrum of homeownership and investment aspirations.

With prices starting from Rs. 60 lakhs*, visitors will have access to exclusive event-only benefits, attractive offers, personalised consultations, and expert guidance from SPRE’s sales and advisory teams, enabling them to compare multiple options and make informed purchase decisions.

Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Rima Kirtikar, Chief Marketing Officer, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, said, "The way homebuyers evaluate real estate today has evolved significantly. They are looking beyond a single city and actively exploring opportunities across multiple markets based on lifestyle preferences, investment potential, and long-term value creation. Through this showcase, we are bringing together some of our finest projects from across India, allowing buyers to experience the breadth of our portfolio in one place. Following the encouraging response in Gurugram, we are excited to bring this platform to Mumbai and help customers discover homes and investment opportunities that best align with their aspirations."

The showcase will enable attendees to gain firsthand insights into some of India's most dynamic real estate markets while interacting directly with SPRE's teams. From urban residences in established micro-markets to emerging investment destinations and lifestyle-led developments, visitors will be able to evaluate multiple opportunities across different asset classes and price segments.

The event further underscores SPRE's pan-India presence and diversified residential portfolio, while reaffirming its commitment to simplifying the home-buying journey through greater transparency, expert guidance, and customer-centric engagement.

By bringing together scale, diversity, and expert guidance, the SPRE Property Expo reinforces the company’s position as a pan-India developer with a robust and well-diversified portfolio catering to a wide spectrum of buyer segments.

About Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a well-regarded, reputed player in the Indian real estate sector owing to its cutting-edge design innovation, construction quality, and architectural excellence. It constitutes a significant segment of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has more than 160 years of legacy that bridges the earliest celebrated structures of India and the modern marvels. SPRE has made inroads into most Indian cities – Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram, Howrah and Kolkata – with a variety of developments, from luxury apartments and opulent residences to aspirational homes for mid-income homebuyers, as well as one of the largest mass housing projects in India.

 Dr. Azad Moopen, Executive Chairman & Mr. Varun Khanna, MD and Group CEO - Aster DM Quality Care Ltd

With a strong footprint across South and Central India, Aster DM Quality Care will have a significant presence in several underpenetrated fast-growing healthcare centres beyond the metros. These centres will play an increasingly important role in the group's long-term strategy to decentralise affordable and advanced healthcare by expanding specialist services, investing in cutting-edge technologies and strengthening centres of excellence closer to where patients live.

Commenting on the Day 1 operations of the merged entity, Dr. Azad Moopen, Executive Chairman, Aster DM Quality Care, said, “The coming together of Aster and Quality Care as a single enterprise marks a defining milestone in our journey to build one of India's most trusted and future-ready healthcare institutions. More than the combination of two healthcare networks, it is the convergence of shared values, clinical excellence, deep medical expertise and an unwavering commitment to patient care. Together, we are creating an institution that is stronger, more resilient and better positioned to address the evolving healthcare needs of India.” 

On the strategic priorities for the combined organization, Mr. Varun Khanna, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Quality Care said, “Aster Quality Care brings together highly complementary institutions, strong clinical ecosystems and teams united by a shared ambition to strengthen healthcare delivery in India. At Aster Quality Care patients and their families will be at the centre of every decision, with digitally enabled solutions and a strong bias for high-quality clinical outcomes. Our immediate focus is disciplined and seamless integration with continuity of patient care. We are committed to ensuring that patients, clinicians, employees and partners experience stability and consistency as we bring together systems, capabilities and best practices across the combined network.”

The combined platform is expected to unlock significant synergies across clinical collaboration, technology adoption, procurement, digital health and operational excellence. Doctors across the network will increasingly collaborate through shared protocols, multidisciplinary case discussions and centres of excellence, enabling patients to benefit from a broader pool of expertise while receiving consistent standards of care across the network.

With 39 hospitals across 28 cities and over 10,600 beds, Aster DM Quality Care is uniquely positioned to expand access to specialist care, advanced treatment and cutting-edge medical technology across India's tier 2 and tier 3 cities including Nagpur, Aurangabad, Vijayawada, Guntur, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Nagercoil, Kolhapur, Kannur, Kasaragod, and Kottakkal, reducing the need for patients to travel to metropolitan centres for complex healthcare. 

This commitment is a reflection of a vision both organizations have consistently pursued over the years - taking advanced healthcare capabilities to emerging cities. From introducing the first LINAC-based radiation therapy system in Nagercoil to expanding robotic surgery programmes across Raipur, Trivandrum, Kolhapur and soon Guntur and Vijayawada – these investments are not only bringing advanced clinical care closer to patients but also supporting the attraction and retention of high-quality clinical talent in non-metro cities. Building on this foundation, the combined entity will accelerate investments in advanced technologies such as Gamma Knife, stereotactic radiosurgery systems (like ZAP), 10 robotic surgical platforms, and other next generation clinical capabilities, while simultaneously making advanced cancer care more accessible through the addition of 12 LINAC-based radiation therapy systems across tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

The group’s combined bed strength is expected to grow to over 15,000 beds over the coming years, helping expand access to affordable care across the country. With more than 45,000 healthcare professionals, the combined entity brings together one of India’s most extensive clinical ecosystems, enabling greater collaboration among doctors, nurses and caregivers while strengthening access to high-quality care across the network. As the network grows, the platform is expected to create thousands of additional employment opportunities for doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals and support staff, further strengthening the healthcare ecosystem in the communities it serves.

About Aster DM Quality Care Limited*
Aster DM Quality Care Limited is one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers, formed through the merger of Aster DM Healthcare Limited and Quality Care India Limited. The merged entity will bring together four leading healthcare brands - Aster DM, CARE Hospitals, Evercare and KIMSHEALTH, creating a scaled and diversified healthcare platform with a network of 39 hospitals across 28 cities and over 10,600 beds. With a strong presence across South and Central India, the merged entity will deliver comprehensive healthcare services spanning primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary care, supported by centres of excellence across key specialties including oncology, cardiac sciences, neurosciences, gastro sciences, orthopaedics, nephrology, organ transplantation, mother and child care, and critical care.

*Name change subject to receipt of Certificate of Incorporation pursuant to the merger. Currently named Aster DM Healthcare Limited.

H40 Gel Legacy

At the core of this evolution lies H40 Gel, a category-defining innovation that has set new standards in tile fixing. Recognised for its superior workability, durability, and multi-purpose application, H40 Gel has established itself as a trusted solution among professionals across diverse project requirements. Its unique gel-technology delivers optimal consistency, total wettability, and enhanced adhesion, making it a benchmark product in modern adhesive systems.

Building on the proven performance of H40 Gel, Kerakoll is now expanding the H40 family with the introduction of H40 Extreme and H40 Tech to the Indian market. These products are engineered to address the increasing complexity of contemporary construction—from large-format installations to high-performance, heavy-duty applications. Designed with advanced formulations, they deliver enhanced strength, precision, and reliability across demanding environments.

As part of its go-to-market approach, H40 Extreme and H40 Tech will be available through select channel partners, ensuring focused expertise and optimal product experience for specialised applications.

Together, the expanded H40 portfolio—comprising H40 Gel, H40 Extreme, and H40 Tech—represents a complete and integrated adhesive system. This comprehensive range is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of substrates, surfaces, and use cases, empowering architects, contractors, and applicators with solutions that deliver consistent performance across varying project needs.

Commenting on the development, Ahzam Javed, Regional Director – Asia Pacific, Kerakoll, said “H40 Gel has been a gamechanger in the adhesive category, redefining expectations around performance and ease of application. With the introduction of H40 Tech and H40 Extreme, we are building on this legacy to bring next-generation solutions to India. Together, the H40 family represents our commitment to innovation, enabling the industry to achieve higher standards of precision, durability, and efficiency.”

With the expanded H40 family, Kerakoll strengthens its leadership in advanced adhesive technology by delivering solutions engineered for evolving construction challenges, precision-led applications, and long-term performance. The company remains focused on shaping the future of construction through reliable, high-quality, and sustainable technologies that address real-world industry needs.
 

Senior Product Manager Kerakoll India, Abisanka Sinha said, “With H40 Tech and H40 Extreme, we are strengthening the H40 portfolio with solutions that respond to the evolving needs of professionals working on increasingly demanding tile and stone applications. At Kerakoll, we believe innovation is meaningful only when it helps people work better, with more confidence, consistency and care. These new additions reflect our commitment to bringing advanced technology, reliable performance and practical site-ready solutions to the Indian market.”

About Kerakoll Group

Kerakoll  Group, established in 1968 in Italy, is a global leader in sustainable building materials, offering innovative solutions that merge high performance with environmental responsibility. With a commitment to green building, Kerakoll provides a comprehensive range of eco-friendly products, including adhesives, grouts, coatings & waterproofing systems. Designed for architects, designers, and builders, Kerakoll’s solutions enhance durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. The brand’s dedication to research, technological innovation, and sustainability has positioned it at the forefront of the construction industry, creating a future where design meets eco-conscious engineering. Head quartered out of Mumbai, Kerakoll India has two main production units based out of Vadodara and Jaipur in addition to multiple manufacturing partners across the country.

YouTube link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Bqx2yF33o&t=33s

Aakash Jain, CFO, Finkurve Financial Services Limited (Arvog)

The capital raised will be utilised to accelerate the Company's growth strategy by expanding its lending business, strengthening its operational footprint, enhancing its technology-driven platform, and deepening its presence across existing and new markets. The investment will also support business expansion, strengthen the Company's capital base, and enable it to serve a larger customer base through innovative and accessible financial solutions.

This investment marks another significant milestone in Finkurve's growth journey and builds on the Company's previous successful fundraises. It reflects continued investor confidence in Finkurve's strong business fundamentals, prudent risk management practices, and long-term growth strategy as the Company continues to scale its operations across India.

Commenting on the development, Aakash Jain, CFO, Finkurve Financial Services Limited (Arvog) stated, "Welcoming an institution of this stature is a strong endorsement of the trust we have built through consistent execution, prudent financial management, and a disciplined approach to lending. It reflects the strength of our platform, underpinned by robust governance, sound risk management, and a long-term value creation mindset."

Further to its previously announced strategic partnership with Godrej Finance Limited (GFL), a subsidiary of Godrej Capital, Finkurve Financial Services Limited has operationalized the co-lending arrangement, enabling both entities to jointly offer gold loan products under the Reserve Bank of India's co-lending framework. 

About Finkurve Financial Services Limited (Arvog)
Finkurve started its gold loan journey in FY21, Finkurve has since served over 50,000 customers through a network of 115+ branches across four states in Southern India. It’s slowly positioning itself as a leading gold loan NBFC. The Company also offers personal loans and SME loans, expanding its financial solutions through partnerships with fintech companies.

With a growing presence across India, Finkurve remains committed to providing accessible, technology-driven financial services to a broad customer base.
 
For more details, please visit www.arvog.com

Jodhpur Emerges as One of India's Fastest Growing Startup Hubs Marwari Catalysts' plays a vital role in this Ecosystem

According to industry estimates and ecosystem stakeholders, startups founded from Jodhpur have collectively attracted investments exceeding Rs. 2,500 crore over the years. With increasing investor confidence, stronger institutional support and expanding access to domestic and international markets, ecosystem leaders believe the city's startup community has the potential to attract Rs. 3,000–5,000 crore in cumulative investments over the coming years, creating thousands of high-quality jobs and contributing significantly to Rajasthan's innovation economy.

Jodhpur Emerges as One of India's Fastest Growing Startup Hubs Marwari Catalysts' plays a vital role in this Ecosystem

Prominent institutions like IIT, NLU, AIIMS, MBM University, Rajasthan Agricultural University, Rajasthan Ayurveda University, FDDI etc are playing a vital role in this eco system. 

Known across the world for its majestic Mehrangarh Fort, rich cultural heritage and thriving handicrafts industry, Jodhpur is now earning recognition for a new identity—that of a rapidly emerging startup and innovation hub. Over the past few years, the Blue City has witnessed an unprecedented rise in entrepreneurial activity, with founders building globally competitive ventures, investors backing local innovation and educational institutions actively supporting research-led entrepreneurship.

The transformation has been driven by a collaborative ecosystem comprising academia, industry, investors, successful entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers. Together, they have created an environment where aspiring founders can access mentorship, incubation, funding, strategic partnerships and global market opportunities without leaving their hometown.

One of the defining milestones in Jodhpur's entrepreneurial journey came nearly six years ago when Marwari Catalysts became one of the pioneering organisations in Rajasthan.

To strengthen startup ecosystem development, laying the foundation for structured incubation, acceleration, mentoring and investor engagement in the region. This early intervention helped infuse a startup culture in Jodhpur and encouraged a new generation of young innovators to pursue entrepreneurship as a career.

Over the past six years, Marwari Catalysts has incubated, accelerated, mentored And supported more than 200 startups, providing them access to investors, experienced mentors, corporates, government initiatives and international business opportunities. Many of these ventures have successfully scaled their operations, generated employment and expanded beyond India.

Recognising that entrepreneurship flourishes through collaboration, Marwari Catalysts also established Startup Club Jodhpur, a community platform dedicated to aspiring founders, students and innovators. The club has organised eight founder meet-and-greet preincubation sessions, bringing together more than 500+ entrepreneurs for expert talks, networking opportunities, mentorship interactions and startup pitch presentations. The initiative has become an important platform for exchanging ideas, discovering opportunities and inspiring young entrepreneurs to launch new ventures.

Today, Jodhpur's entrepreneurial landscape spans a wide spectrum of sectors including education, healthcare, financial services, artificial intelligence, climate technology, enterprise software, manufacturing, consumer brands and media. The city's success is reflected in the growing number of startups and enterprises that have built nationally and internationally recognised businesses from Jodhpur.

Speaking about the city's transformation, Sushil Sharma, Chairman, Marwari Catalysts Group, Executive Director, BRICS CCI, Convenor, ESC Rajasthan Chapter and also Co-Chair Startup Vertical, Rotary District 3053 (2026–27) said, "Six years ago, very few people associated Jodhpur with startups. Today, the city has become a vibrant centre of entrepreneurship where founders are building companies that are solving real-world problems and attracting national as well as international attention. Our association with Startup India, the development of Startup Club Jodhpur and our continuous efforts to connect founders with investors, mentors and global markets have helped create an ecosystem where innovation can flourish. We believe the next decade belongs to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, and Jodhpur is well positioned to become one of India's leading startup destinations."

Gaurav Parulkar, CEO, IIT Jodhpur Technology Innovation and Start-up Center (IITJ-TISC), said, "The success of any startup ecosystem depends on strong collaboration between academia, research, innovators and industry. Jodhpur has made significant progress in this direction. Organisations like Marwari Catalysts have played an important role in bridging innovators with mentors, investors and markets, enabling startups to commercialise technologies and build sustainable businesses."

Professor (Dr.) Govind Sahay Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Dr. S.N. Rajasthan Ayurveda University, said, "Innovation today extends beyond information technology. Healthcare, Ayurveda, biotechnology and wellness are witnessing rapid entrepreneurial growth. The evolving startup ecosystem in Jodhpur is encouraging researchers, students and professionals to transform scientific knowledge into impactful enterprises. Such collaborations are essential for creating sustainable economic development while preserving India's traditional knowledge systems."

Vipul Kochar, President, MBM Alumni Association, said, "Jodhpur has always produced outstanding engineers, technologists and professionals. What has changed over the past few years is the availability of an ecosystem that empowers them to become entrepreneurs. The combined efforts of educational institutions, alumni networks, investors and organisations like Marwari Catalysts have created an environment where young innovators have the confidence and support to build companies from Rajasthan with global aspirations."

Industry experts believe Jodhpur's remarkable entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the immense potential of India's Tier-II and Tier-III cities. With continued collaboration between academia, government, investors, industry and ecosystem enablers, the city is steadily emerging as one of North-West India's most influential innovation centres.

As India enters the next phase of its startup revolution, Jodhpur is increasingly being recognised as a model for regional innovation-led development—showing how visionary leadership, institutional collaboration and community-driven entrepreneurship can transform a heritage city into a globally connected startup hub.

Mr Deepak Chaudhary, Chairperson, Urban Tots
 

Among them is Urban Tots, an Indian toy manufacturing company that has rapidly expanded its operations over the past five years. Operating from a 350,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, the company currently employs more than 450 people and manufactures a wide range of toys for the domestic market.
 

The company's origins trace back to an observation made by entrepreneur Deepak Chaudhary, who noticed that the toys in his children's collection were predominantly imported and carried labels from other countries. The realization highlighted India's dependence on imported toys and eventually led to the establishment of Urban Tots.
 

Unlike many businesses that entered the category through imports, Urban Tots chose to invest in domestic manufacturing. Its manufacturing journey formally began with the Bhoomi Poojan of its facility on 14 August 2021. Developing large-scale production capabilities required investments in advanced machinery, workforce development and technical expertise.
 

To strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, the company's founding team studied production technologies and factory operations in China before adapting those learnings to establish a modern manufacturing ecosystem in India focused on efficiency, precision and scalability.
 

Today, the facility operates with automated conveyor systems, Poka-Yoke quality mechanisms and production processes designed to reduce defects while ensuring consistent quality. Products are manufactured in compliance with internationally recognised safety standards, including EN71 and BIS certifications.
 

The company has also integrated sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices into its operations, focusing on reducing waste while improving productivity.
 

Urban Tots initially entered the market with role-play trolley products before expanding into multiple categories. The company is now a manufacturer of ride-on and battery-operated toys, including electric cars and tractors, along with infant products, sensory toys and educational learning kits aimed at supporting early childhood development.
 

Alongside manufacturing expansion, the company has developed a nationwide distribution network comprising thousands of dealers and retailers and has established its presence across major online marketplaces. In addition to its own consumer brand, Urban Tots also manufactures products for several established companies, supplying toys that reach households across India under different labels.
 

Industry observers note that India's toy sector is entering a critical phase of growth. Increased domestic manufacturing capacity, stronger quality regulations and changing consumer preferences are gradually reshaping an industry that was once heavily dependent on imports.
 

The sector's development aligns with broader changes taking place across India's manufacturing landscape, where improving infrastructure, policy support and technology adoption are encouraging companies to compete in international markets while serving growing domestic demand.
 

According to Deepak Chaudhary, India's strengths position it well for global competitiveness in toy manufacturing.
 

"India has every ingredient required to become a global toy manufacturing hub—entrepreneurship, engineering talent, manufacturing capability and an enormous domestic market. The next step is to build products that are recognised worldwide not because they are made in India, but because they represent quality, innovation and trust."
 

Urban Tots' growth reflects a wider trend of manufacturing-led expansion within the toy industry, where long-term investments in infrastructure, technology and workforce development are becoming increasingly important.
 

As India seeks to strengthen its position in global supply chains, companies such as Urban Tots are contributing to the country's efforts to transition from a major toy import market to a competitive manufacturing and export destination.
 

About Urban Tots
Urban Tots is an Indian toy manufacturing company headquartered in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Operating from a 350,000-square-foot integrated manufacturing facility, the company designs and manufactures ride-on toys, battery-operated vehicles, educational toys, infant products and sensory toys. With a workforce of more than 450 employees, a nationwide distribution network and partnerships with leading retailers and brands, Urban Tots is committed to establishing India as a globally competitive hub for toy manufacturing through innovation, quality and sustainable manufacturing.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides Joins Nikhil Kamath on WTF Podcast
 

Christodoulides argues that Cyprus’s defining fact is geography — a country sitting at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East, the Gulf and Africa, which he says shaped his decision to study in the United States and his read of India as a natural partner. Asked what it would take to run his country the way a chief executive runs a company, he points to two commitments he treats as non-negotiable regardless of a citizen’s income or location — equal access to education and equal access to healthcare — and says that, not election wins, is how he measures whether he is actually succeeding.
 

His own path into politics ran through diplomacy rather than a party machine — government spokesperson, then Foreign Minister, before becoming President in 2023. He credits that career with a specific discipline: understand what the other side needs before raising what you need.
 

That same instinct for structure over slogan carries into the episode’s central argument: that the international system built after the Second World War no longer reflects the world in 2026. The UN Security Council, he argues, still reflects the great powers of that war rather than today’s — India is now the world’s largest democracy and fourth-largest economy, Brazil plays an increasingly central regional role, and neither holds a permanent seat. The institutions currently governing global affairs, as he puts it, were built for a set of realities that no longer exist.

The same critique extends beyond geopolitics. Christodoulides tells Kamath that if artificial intelligence displaces a large share of today’s workforce, governments may eventually have to nationalise the companies that dominate the technology, or introduce some form of universal basic income — otherwise, he says, people may simply end up “walking into these companies with bricks.” Systems built for one world don’t automatically adjust for the next, and waiting for them to catch up carries a cost.
 

Kamath doesn’t let the argument rest at the level of institutional critique. He raises a recent exchange between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, in which Trump invoked the ancient Greek idea now known as the Thucydides Trap — that wars are rarely caused by bad leaders, but by structure, pride, and the moment a rising power is taken seriously as a challenger to an incumbent one. Christodoulides doesn’t dispute the premise. What he pushes back on is the conclusion: the framework within which states compete, he argues, is what decides whether that competition ends in war or simply in rivalry.
 

His answer centres on India — not primarily for its economic weight, but because he sees it as a rare example of a major power committed to multilateralism without acting unilaterally. Pressed by Kamath on whether reforming institutions can actually change outcomes, Christodoulides proposes starting regionally rather than globally: a new architecture modelled on the 1975 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, linking India, the Gulf, the Middle East and Europe on what he repeatedly calls a positive agenda, built to attract participation rather than isolate any one country. He points to the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, concluded this January and the largest either side has ever signed, as evidence the model already works when the incentives align.
 

Introducing the episode, Kamath said the conversation left him “with more questions than answers,” describing Christodoulides as someone who “made me redefine my idea of what a politician can be”: “Nikos isn’t a politician who knows history. He’s a historian who became the President of the Republic of Cyprus.” On what holding power actually requires, Christodoulides put it simply: “You need to decide without thinking the next elections, but thinking the next generations.”
 

The episode is available now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSB58m7Xwhg
 

About People by WTF
People by WTF is a global podcast platform hosted by Nikhil Kamath, featuring in-depth conversations with leaders across business, policy, technology, culture and academia. The show explores long-term institutional, technological and economic questions shaping global society through candid, high-signal dialogue. Past guests include Elon Musk, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bill Gates, Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty, Martin Escobari, and Ranbir Kapoor.

 From Passive to Play, India's shift to interactive entertainment
 

This shift is transforming the country's gaming landscape. According to Niko Partners, India's gamer base is expected to surpass 700 million gamers by 2028, making it one of the world's fastest-growing gaming markets. At the same time, affordable smartphones, low-cost mobile data, and expanding 5G connectivity have made online multiplayer gaming more accessible than ever before. Together, these factors are reshaping how Indians engage with digital entertainment.
 

Interactive Entertainment is Becoming the New Normal

Over the past decade, India's digital entertainment journey has evolved rapidly. Consumers first embraced video-on-demand platforms, followed by creator-led content on social media. Today, another evolution is underway as users increasingly prefer experiences that encourage participation instead of passive consumption.
 

Interactive entertainment gives users an active role. Rather than simply watching content, people can compete with others, collaborate in real time, and become part of a larger digital community. This growing preference reflects a broader behavioural shift, particularly among younger audiences who increasingly value engagement over observation.
 

As a result, multiplayer gaming has emerged as one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment, offering users an experience that combines competition, communication, and connection.
 

Social Games are Redefining Digital Engagement

The growing popularity of social games reflects changing consumer expectations. Modern users seek entertainment that fits seamlessly into their daily routines while providing meaningful interaction.
 

Unlike traditional single-player experiences, multiplayer free-to-play games create dynamic environments where every session is unique because real players influence every outcome. Features such as live matchmaking, leaderboards, in-game communication, and community-driven experiences have transformed gaming into a highly social activity.
 

The appeal extends beyond competition. Whether reconnecting with friends after work, playing with family members across different cities, or participating in quick multiplayer sessions during a commute, users increasingly view gaming as a way to stay socially connected while being entertained.
 

This evolution has also changed how developers approach game design. Instead of focusing solely on graphics or complex gameplay mechanics, many platforms now prioritise accessibility, shorter play sessions, and seamless multiplayer experiences.
 

Ludo Continues to Find New Life in the Digital Era

Few games illustrate this transformation better than Ludo. For generations, the classic board game has been a staple of Indian households, bringing families and friends together during holidays and social gatherings. Today, digital platforms have successfully adapted that familiar experience for smartphones.
 

The game's simple mechanics, combined with real-time multiplayer functionality, have helped introduce millions of users to online gaming. Because players already understand the rules, they can immediately participate without navigating a steep learning curve.
 

Digital innovation has also expanded the way people experience Ludo. Faster formats, strategy-oriented gameplay, and real-time competition have enabled the game to remain relevant for today's mobile-first generation while preserving the nostalgia that has made it a household favourite for decades.
 

Technology is Fueling India's Social Gaming Growth

India's improving digital infrastructure continues to support the rapid expansion of interactive gaming. Faster internet speeds, lower latency, cloud computing, and widespread smartphone adoption have significantly enhanced multiplayer experiences.
 

The rollout of networks is expected to further improve gameplay quality by reducing lag and enabling smoother real-time interactions. At the same time, artificial intelligence and advanced matchmaking technologies are helping developers deliver more personalised and engaging gaming experiences.
 

These technological advancements are not only improving accessibility but are also encouraging more users from Tier II and Tier III cities to participate in multiplayer gaming, further expanding India's digital entertainment ecosystem.
 

Platforms are Responding to Changing Consumer Preferences

As user expectations evolve, gaming platforms are adapting their offerings to deliver faster, more engaging, and socially connected experiences.
 

Zupee is among the free-to-play platforms reflecting this broader industry trend. By reimagining Ludo through strategy-driven, skill-based formats designed for shorter play sessions, the platform aligns with the growing demand for interactive entertainment that fits modern lifestyles. Rather than replacing a familiar game, such innovations demonstrate how traditional formats can evolve alongside changing consumer behaviour.
 

Looking Ahead

The future of digital entertainment in India is expected to become increasingly interactive. As technology advances and consumer behaviour continues to evolve, multiplayer experiences will likely play a larger role in how people connect, compete, and spend their leisure time.
 

Classic games like Ludo demonstrate that innovation does not always require reinventing familiar experiences. Instead, by combining cultural familiarity with modern technology, they continue to attract new audiences while remaining relevant for existing ones.
 

As India's gaming ecosystem continues to mature, the rise of social games signals more than a technological shift - it reflects changing consumer preferences, evolving entertainment habits, and the growing importance of real-time digital interaction in everyday life.

The recognition marks an important milestone in Ageas Federal Life Insurance's transformational journey, reflecting a deeper, organisation-wide commitment to building an insurance experience defined by customer-centricity, transparency, simplicity and trust. Over the past year, the company has undertaken a series of deliberate steps to reimagine its customer journey, with claims being one of the important touchpoints where that promise is delivered.

Reflecting this commitment, 96.11% of eligible claims were settled within 30 days of receiving complete documentation, while 75% were settled within 7 days. Customers can register claims seamlessly through multiple touchpoints, including the company's website, email, partner bank branches and Ageas Federal Life Insurance offices across the country, ensuring a simple and accessible claims experience.

This performance is part of a broader transformation in customer experience. The company has ranked amongst the Top 10 companies in Customer Experience according to the Hansa Research Life Insurance CuES 2026 report, reflecting the growing trust and confidence policyholders are placing in Ageas Federal Life Insurance's service ethos, underscoring that the transformation is being felt where it matters most: with customers.

Commenting on the achievement, Jude Gomes, Managing Director & CEO, Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said, "Every claim we settle is a promise honored. Over the past year, we have continued to strengthen every aspect of our customer journey by making our claims experience simpler, faster and more transparent. Being recognized as the industry's leader in Individual Claim Settlement Ratio reflects the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our teams to stand by them when they need us the most. As we continue our transformation journey, we remain committed to raising the bar on service excellence and delivering an experience that inspires confidence at every stage."

The recognition reinforces Ageas Federal Life Insurance's ongoing transformation, one centred on building an insurer that is transparent, dependable and genuinely customer-first, and that stands ready to deliver on its commitments at every stage of the policyholder journey.

Vice Chancellor Ch Satish Kumar and SRM AP leadership, along with prestigious research grant recipients

Since January 2026, SRM AP researchers have secured 24 sponsored research projects and consultancy projects worth Rs. 13.71 crores from prestigious funding agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Translational Research Grant, and the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM).

The funded projects span a diverse range of disciplines, including advanced materials & devices, bioscience for human health, waste-to-wealth, and literature and mathematics. The research project on genomic surveillance-driven phage therapy received Rs. 1.76 crores, the highest funding among the projects on the list, while the Indo-French project on plasmid-mediated phage resistance secured Rs. 99.9 lakhs.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch Satish Kumar congratulated the faculty members and research teams for their outstanding achievement in advancing high-quality research. He stated, “The success of our faculty in securing competitive research grants is a testament to the vibrant research culture that we continue to nurture at SRM University-AP. I am confident that these projects will lead to impactful discoveries, strengthen collaborations with leading institutions, create opportunities for our students, and contribute meaningfully to society.” He also encouraged the research cohort to now work towards securing major international research grants.

Deans of the schools of Engineering and Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Business Studies also expressed appreciation to the Principal Investigators, Co-Principal Investigators, and their research cohort for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment that drove this monumental achievement. 

This accomplishment highlights the university’s strong commitment to advancing impactful interdisciplinary research. SRM University-AP remains focused on nurturing a robust research culture, strengthening its research infrastructure and faculty capabilities to pursue funded projects that advance national priorities and global innovation.

Truecaller and Route Mobile Announce Partnership to Strengthen Global Business Messaging

As part of the partnership, Route Mobile will enable access to Truecaller Business Messaging, empowering enterprises to deliver secure, reliable, and trusted communication at scale. Communication is at the core of every business, and this collaboration aims to make customer interactions more seamless, secure, and effective.

Priyam Bose, Global Head, GTM, Truecaller, said, "This partnership marks a significant step in expanding our global footprint by enabling more businesses to connect with their customers through trusted and highly contextual messaging. It will help drive broader platform adoption and create new strategic opportunities to better serve enterprise customers through Route Mobile’s extensive and well-established global network."

Tushar Agnihotri, CEO, Route Mobile, said, "We are delighted to partner with Truecaller to bring advanced business messaging solutions to enterprises globally. By combining our robust CPaaS infrastructure with Truecaller’s extensive user reach and rich media messaging, we are enabling brands to communicate more effectively, build trusted interactions, and engage customers in a more meaningful way. This collaboration supports secure, reliable communication at scale, helping businesses strengthen customer engagement and improve campaign effectiveness."

The partnership aims to enhance user engagement by enabling businesses to reach more than 500 million monthly active users globally on Truecaller with contextual, immersive, rich-media messages that seamlessly integrate images, documents, and videos.

The platform offers both one-way and two-way communication capabilities, with a broad range of functionalities, including verified business messaging, hyperlinks for actionability, smart-priority sticky notifications, and read receipts. These capabilities are designed to help businesses improve customer interactions and engagement.

About Truecaller
Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 500 million active users worldwide, with more than one billion downloads since launch and 68 billion spam and fraud calls identified in 2025 alone. The company is headquartered in Stockholm and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021.

About Proximus Global
Proximus Global, combining the strengths of Telesign, BICS, and Route Mobile, is transforming the future of communications and digital identity. Together, our solutions fuel innovation across the world's largest companies and emerging brands. Our unrivaled global reach empowers businesses to create engaging experiences with built-in fraud protection across the entire customer lifecycle. Our comprehensive suite of solutions – from our super network for voice, messaging, and data, to 5G and IoT; and from verification and intelligence to CPaaS for personalized omnichannel engagement – enables businesses and communities to thrive. Reaching over 5 billion subscribers, securing more than 180 billion transactions annually, and connecting 1,000+ destinations, we honor our commitment to connect, protect, and engage everyone, everywhere. For more information, visit www.proximusglobal.com.

Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, inaugurates MED-AI Summit 2026 at VMCH along with Dr. Sujoy Kar

Held under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder & Chancellor, VISTAS, the three-day international summit brought together leading clinicians, medical researchers, academicians, healthcare professionals, AI experts, technologists, policymakers, and industry leaders from India and abroad to explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the future of healthcare.

The conference served as a global knowledge-sharing platform, focusing on AI-powered diagnostics, digital healthcare, predictive analytics, clinical decision support systems, precision medicine, intelligent medical education, biomedical research, and next-gzzeneration healthcare technologies. Through keynote lectures, scientific sessions, panel discussions, workshops, oral presentations, poster sessions, and networking opportunities, participants gained valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-enabled healthcare.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President – Vels Group of Institutions, with Dr. Sujoy Kar, Chief Medical Information Officer & Vice President, Apollo Hospitals, serving as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sujoy Kar, Chief Medical Information Officer & Vice President, Apollo Hospitals, appreciated the visionary initiatives of Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder & Chancellor, VISTAS, particularly the institution's commitment to providing free medical treatment to nearly 200 villagers in the surrounding communities through its healthcare outreach programmes.

Emphasizing the future of medicine, Dr. Kar remarked that "Doctors must lead Artificial Intelligence, not be led by it." He urged young medical professionals to learn both the language of medicine and the language of AI, enabling them to harness technology responsibly for better patient care.

He further encouraged students and faculty to devote more time to active research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, stating that research will be the driving force behind the next generation of healthcare advancements.

Expressing his enthusiasm for future collaborations, Dr. Kar said, "Apollo Hospitals looks forward to working closely with VELS. Together, we can strengthen research, innovation, and AI-driven healthcare for the benefit of society."

Distinguished dignitaries present included Dr. S. Asokan, Chief Executive Officer, GEM Hospitals, Chennai; Dr. Kumudha Lingaraj, Dean, Vels Medical College & Hospital; Dr. Prince J. Samuel, Vice Principal (Academics); Dr. Maignana Kumar, Vice Principal (Accreditations); and Dr. Vijayashree R., Professor & Head, Department of Pathology and Organizing Chairperson, MED-AI Summit 2026. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from senior faculty members, researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and delegates representing premier institutions across the country.

Adding significant international value to the summit were globally acclaimed experts including Dr. Waqar M. Naqvi, Founder & Research Lead, AD Vivum Education & Research, Doha, Qatar, and Dr. Priyah Prathaban, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Malaysia.

The conference also featured an impressive lineup of distinguished national experts including Dr. T. V. Geetha (Anna University, Chennai), Dr. Kalavathy Moses S. (SIMS Hospital, Chennai), Dr. C. N. Srinivas (Sukraa Software Solutions), Dr. Madhuvanthi Mohan (Rajan Eye Care, Chennai), Dr. S. Asokan (GEM Hospitals), Dr. Sudha Jasmine Rajan (Christian Medical College, Vellore), Dr. D. C. Mathangi (Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai), Dr. S. Rajendiran (Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar), and Mr. Venkata Phanidhar Nelluri, who shared their expertise on AI applications in surgery, pathology, ophthalmology, laboratory medicine, medical education, biomedical research, and critical care.

The summit witnessed exceptional participation throughout all three days. The pre-conference hands-on workshops conducted on 25 June 2026 attracted 333 participants across seven clinical departments, highlighting the growing interest in AI-driven clinical learning.

The scientific conference held on 26 and 27 June 2026 recorded 447 delegates each day, comprising faculty members, undergraduate and postgraduate students, clinicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives from leading medical colleges, hospitals, universities, and research institutions across India.

MED-AI Summit 2026 featured seven pre-conference workshops, nine scientific sessions, the prestigious Velan Oration Lecture, oral and poster presentations, award-winning research paper sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative networking opportunities, making it one of the most comprehensive AI-focused healthcare conferences hosted by a medical institution in the region.

During the conference, speakers emphasized that Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern medicine by improving diagnostic accuracy, strengthening clinical decision-making, enhancing patient outcomes, accelerating medical research, and transforming healthcare delivery. They also underscored the importance of ethical, responsible, and evidence-based integration of AI technologies to complement clinical expertise while maintaining patient safety and trust.

Speaking about the significance of the summit, the organizers reiterated that Vels Medical College & Hospital remains committed to creating an ecosystem that promotes innovation, interdisciplinary research, technology-enabled medical education, and collaborative healthcare solutions. The institution continues to invest in academic excellence while preparing future healthcare professionals to lead in the era of digital medicine and Artificial Intelligence.

MED-AI Summit 2026 stands as yet another milestone in the journey of Vels Medical College & Hospital towards becoming a nationally and internationally recognized centre for medical education, clinical excellence, healthcare innovation, and cutting-edge research. By bringing together globally renowned experts, leading academicians, clinicians, researchers, students, and industry pioneers, the summit has strengthened Vels Medical College & Hospital's reputation as a destination for transformative medical learning and AI-driven healthcare innovation, paving the way for future collaborations that will shape the next generation of intelligent heaalthcare.

For more details please visit : velsmedicalcollege.com.

From L to R: Dr. SHREEVARMA, Founder-Chairman, Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness Pvt. Ltd.; Prof. S. Ponnuaamy, Registrar, SRMIST

The partnership marks a significant milestone in Dr. SHREEVARMA's Vision 2030, a long-term mission to build an integrated healthcare ecosystem where traditional wisdom is strengthened through modern science, innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and community wellness. The collaboration will be spearheaded by the Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM) under the Directorate of Research at SRMIST, bringing together academic excellence and clinical expertise to generate globally relevant scientific evidence for Ayurveda.

Speaking on the occasion, Acharya Dr. SHREEVARMA, Founder-Chairman, Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness Pvt. Ltd., said, "Healthcare is entering a new era where prevention, lifestyle medicine, and scientific validation will play a defining role in improving human health. Ayurveda embodies centuries of knowledge that remains highly relevant today. Our responsibility is to preserve this invaluable heritage while validating it through rigorous scientific research. Our collaboration with SRM Institute of Science and Technology is a significant milestone in Dr. SHREEVARMA's Vision 2030 to build an integrated healthcare ecosystem where research, education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community wellness come together to improve lives and shape a healthier future for generations to come."

Building the Future of Scientific Ayurveda
Driven by the growing global demand for preventive healthcare, personalised medicine, and holistic wellness, Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness has been actively working to bridge the gap between classical Ayurvedic knowledge and modern scientific validation. Through this partnership with SRMIST, the organisation aims to establish a robust research ecosystem that will generate high-quality scientific evidence, strengthen the credibility of Ayurveda, and contribute to its wider global acceptance. The collaboration will focus on preserving the authenticity of traditional Ayurvedic principles while validating their safety, efficacy, and therapeutic value through interdisciplinary scientific research.

Research and Innovation Focus
Under the partnership, Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness and SRMIST will jointly undertake multidisciplinary research in scientific validation of Ayurvedic formulations, phytochemical and analytical research, herbal drug standardisation, product innovation and formulation development, clinical pharmacology, lifestyle medicine, preventive healthcare, healthy ageing and longevity, integrative healthcare models, and clinical documentation for evidence generation.The collaboration will also create opportunities for student internships, doctoral and post-doctoral research, faculty development, professional education, skill development programmes, and industry-academia knowledge exchange, enabling research outcomes to translate into practical healthcare solutions.

Advancing Vision 2030
The collaboration further strengthens Dr. SHREEVARMA's Vision 2030, which seeks to establish a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem encompassing scientific research, integrative clinical care, preventive healthcare, education, herbal innovation, entrepreneurship, and community wellness. By combining Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness' expertise in Ayurveda with SRM Institute of Science and Technology's multidisciplinary research capabilities, the partnership aims to develop globally relevant healthcare solutions while positioning India as a leader in evidence-based Ayurveda and integrative healthcare.

About Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness
Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness is an integrated healthcare organisation dedicated to advancing preventive healthcare through Ayurveda, lifestyle medicine, scientific research, education, and community engagement.

Under Dr. SHREEVARMA's Vision 2030, the organisation is building a multidisciplinary healthcare ecosystem focused on Integrative clinical care, Scientific research, Preventive healthcare, Healthcare education, Community wellness, Herbal product innovation, Healthcare entrepreneurship and Leadership development.

Its key initiatives include ACE Foundation, ACEVEDA, PCR Herbals, and AYUSHPRENEUR, each contributing to research, innovation, education, and the advancement of evidence-based traditional healthcare.

About Acharya Dr. SHREEVARMA
Acharya Dr. SHREEVARMA is an Ayurveda physician, researcher, educator, wellness entrepreneur, and Founder-Chairman of Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness. Through Vision 2030, he is leading initiatives in preventive healthcare, scientific research, healthcare education, wellness entrepreneurship, and community health, with the objective of building sustainable healthcare systems rooted in India's traditional medical heritage.

About SRM Institute of Science and Technology
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) is one of India's leading multidisciplinary universities, recognised for excellence in higher education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.

Through its Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM) under the Directorate of Research, SRMIST is committed to advancing scientific research that integrates traditional systems of medicine with modern healthcare science, supporting innovation and evidence generation in integrative medicine.

Vishal Mega Mart Outlet
 

Mr. Gunender Kapur, MD & CEO of Vishal Mega Mart, stated, “We are pleased to be featured in the 2025 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 List. It reflects the trust that millions of customers across India place in us and the dedication and hard work of thousands of our employees in our stores, warehouses and offices across the country.”
 

The 2025 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list, a collaboration between Axis Bank's Burgundy Private and Hurun India, is a benchmark for corporate success in the Indian economy. It highlights the top 500 most valuable companies in India. Being part of this list puts Vishal Mega Mart among the elite group of companies that are shaping the narrative of India's growth and dynamism.

About Vishal Mega Mart

Vishal Mega Mart Limited is a one stop destination for making aspirations affordable for India’s young and middle-income group customers. The company strives to provide an aspirational range of high-quality fashion, general merchandise and FMCG products at prices that are affordable. The company curates a unique range of merchandise through its portfolio of 26 own brands which contribute to 75% of our revenue.
 

Vishal has a pan-India presence with 800+ stores across 535+ cities. Further, Vishal’s digital quick commerce initiative is now available in more than 500 cities with a registered user base of 14 million.
 

With 169 million customers, Vishal’s loyalty program is India’s largest customer loyalty program and ranks as the 12th largest globally. Vishal Mega Mart has also been featured in the Kantar BrandZ™ 2025 Most Valuable Indian Brands List (Top 100).
 

About Hurun India 500
The Hurun India 500 is an annual ranking published by Hurun India that recognizes India's 500 most valuable companies based on their market capitalization (for listed companies) or estimated valuation (for unlisted companies). The list serves as a benchmark of corporate excellence and reflects the strength, scale and resilience of India's business ecosystem across sectors such as retail, FMCG, technology, financial services, manufacturing, healthcare and consumer businesses.
 

The 2025 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500, published in collaboration with Axis Bank's Burgundy Private, showcases companies that have demonstrated sustained value creation, strong business performance and long-term growth. The ranking highlights organizations that are contributing significantly to India's economic development through innovation, employment generation and expanding consumer access. Being featured in the Hurun India 500 places companies among India's most valuable enterprises and recognizes their role in shaping the country's evolving corporate landscape.
 

The ranking is widely regarded by industry leaders, investors and policymakers as an important indicator of corporate performance and business leadership in India. It provides insights into emerging sectors, evolving consumer trends and the growing influence of Indian enterprises on both domestic and global markets. The annual list also celebrates companies that continue to build enduring brands, strengthen governance practices and drive sustainable growth while contributing meaningfully to India's expanding economy.

SIG Tattva, the Corporate Venture Capital and Innovation arm of Somany Impresa Group, in partnership with Pontaq Ventures, successfully conducted a two-day Founder Immersion & Start-up Workshop on June 24^th & 25^th June, 2026, at the manufacturing facilities of AGI Greenpac Limited, one of the Group companies of Somany Impresa Group and India’s leading glass packaging manufacturer. The program brought together start-up founders, investors, and industry leaders to strengthen collaboration between start-ups and the manufacturing ecosystem through an immersive shop-floor visit on Day 1 and a start-up-focused workshop on Day 2, fostering knowledge exchange, industry insights, and opportunities for innovation-led partnerships.

Founders, industry leaders, investors and mentors come together at India's first Manufacturing-Tech Founder Workshop by SIG Tattva

The workshop brought together 8 carefully selected deep-tech start-up founders from Pontaq’s portfolio for an immersive, outcome-oriented engagement with the manufacturing operations of SIG Tattva and AGI Greenpac.

Unlike conventional start-up showcases or what the industry privately calls ‘innovation theatre’, this was a structured workshopping model: founders walked the shop floor, observed live manufacturing processes firsthand, co-developed solutions alongside department heads, and presented a pilot project to the C-suite for evaluation. This is widely regarded as a first-of-its-kind model for AGI Greenpac and among the few such initiatives in India's manufacturing ecosystem, where a manufacturing company has moved beyond pitch-deck-based start-up engagement to structured, outcome-driven, merit-based collaboration on the factory floor.

The two-day programme was structured for maximum immersion and outcomes. On Day 1, founders participated in introductory sessions with leadership teams from AGI Greenpac, SIG Tattva, and Pontaq, followed by guided factory walkthroughs led by department heads who briefed them on live operational challenges.

The start-up founders then worked independently and collaboratively before presenting their solutions to AGI Greenpac and SIG Tattva’s C-suite. Their presentation was followed by a detailed Q&A to establish the viability of solutions proposed. The programme concluded with the evaluation and awarding of PoC pilot engagements assessed on merit, milestone readiness, and potential for full-scale commercial deployment.

The 8 participating start-ups were shortlisted from a pool of over 20, drawn from Pontaq’s portfolio of approximately 180 start-ups, and selected based on thesis alignment with AGI Greenpac’s manufacturing-tech priorities spanning AI/ML, industrial automation, robotics, energy management, quality inspection, emissions control, supply chain traceability, and cybersecurity.

The participating start-ups and their founders were:

• Novorbis Itus — Harsh Neekhra (Founder & CEO). Patented industrial emission control and pollution reduction systems for manufacturing environments.

• Kredily — Devendra Khandegar (Founder & CEO). AI-driven HRMS platform; brings deep fintech and investment expertise to operational efficiency challenges.

• Cairovision — Vedpal Singh / VP Singh (Founder). AI and computer vision-powered video analytics solutions for industrial sectors including manufacturing, energy, and logistics.

• mSense AI — Surekha Gupta (Co-founder & CBO) and Shiv Shankar Maurya (Co-founder & CEO). AI-powered quality inspection through computer vision and acoustic intelligence for manufacturing lines.

• Maxbyte Technologies — Ramshankar C.S. (Co-founder & CEO). Industry 4.0 and digital transformation solutions covering industrial automation, robotics, and decarbonisation.

• Presage Insights — Atul Sharma (Co-founder). AI and IoT-powered predictive maintenance and asset performance management to reduce industrial downtime.

• Goat Robotics — Muthu Vangaliappan (Co-founder & CEO) and Mugesh S (Co-founder & MD). Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for industrial applications and intralogistics.

• Borlaug Web Services — Ayon Hazra (Founder & CEO). Blockchain-based supply chain transparency, carbon accounting, and sustainability traceability solutions.

The two-day workshop culminated in the awarding of PoC engagements worth INR 75 Lakhs to 5 deep-tech start-ups, spanning AMRs, computer vision, emission control, predictive maintenance, and logistics.

This workshop is the first in what AGI Greenpac and SIG Tattva intend to build as an ongoing, repeatable open innovation programme extending beyond Pontaq to include other leading VC funds.

Shashvat Somany, Founder, SIG Tattva, said, “The future of innovation lies in breaking down the barriers between start-ups and industry. For too long, founders have been expected to solve industrial challenges without direct access to the environments where those challenges exist. My vision is to democratise start-ups access to the shop floor, where the action really takes place. ‘Floor to Future’ is India’s first initiative to create a platform where start-ups, operators, and business leaders collaborate closely. This is the exact kind of structured, outcome-driven collaboration that accelerates successful pilots and drives long-term value creation for both start-ups and corporates. Through this initiative, we aim to bridge that gap by opening up SIG’s manufacturing ecosystem to entrepreneurs.”

Sriharsha Bandaluppi, Head, SIG Tattva, said, " As an operator-led venture platform, our focus is on creating pathways from innovation to implementation. We believe this model can redefine corporate-start-up collaboration—moving away from superficial conversations and pitch decks toward real problem-solving, real pilots, and real outcomes. In the first chapter of 'Floor to Future,' we partnered with Pontaq bringing founders on the shop floor. What differentiated this workshop was the depth of execution, interactions with functional leaders to understand bottlenecks firsthand, and co-created solutions grounded in operational realities. Through this initiative, we aren’t just talking about the future of industry—we are building a repeatable model that transforms innovation from conversation into execution.”

Mr. Rajesh Khosla, CEO, AGI Greenpac Limited, said, "At AGI Greenpac, operational excellence and continuous innovation remain central to our growth strategy. As India’s leading glass packaging manufacturer, we see immense value in bringing external innovation into our manufacturing ecosystem. This workshop provided an opportunity for our teams to engage with entrepreneurs bringing fresh perspectives and emerging technologies to solve real business challenges. We are excited by the quality of ideas generated and look forward to exploring opportunities that can create tangible value for our operations, customers, and industry.”

Mr. Prem Barthasarathy, Founder & Managing Partner, Pontaq VC, said, "Large industrial conglomerates do not look for isolated point solutions; they seek integrated solutions that can improve quality, enhance productivity, increase revenues, and reduce costs across the value chain. Yet, for start-ups, breaking into large enterprises and securing pilot opportunities typically takes between 8 and 18 months. Through 'Floor to Future', we are fundamentally changing this dynamic. By bringing founders directly onto the shop floor alongside operational and business leaders, start-ups gain first-hand insight into real-world challenges while enterprises gain access to cutting-edge innovation. What is particularly exciting is that potential proof-of-concepts emerged within just 48 hours of engagement. This demonstrates that when industry and innovation come together in the right environment, the path from conversation to execution can be dramatically shortened.”

About AGI Greenpac Limited

AGI Greenpac Limited is India's largest manufacturer of container glass and provides a comprehensive portfolio of PET bottles and products, along with anti-counterfeiting security closures. With seven strategically located manufacturing plants across India, the company serves over 500 globally recognized institutional clients.

About SIG Tattva

SIG Tattva, the corporate venture capital arm of Somany Impresa Group, empowers visionary founders and transformative start-ups. Inspired by the Sanskrit word “Tattva” – meaning essence, principle, or fundamental truth – the platform reflects a commitment to truth, excellence, and progress.

Focusing on early-stage ventures in deep-tech manufacturing, enterprise SaaS, clean technologies, next-generation e-commerce, and disruptive product innovations, SIG Tattva goes beyond capital to provide strategic guidance, industry access, and operational expertise. By bridging entrepreneurs with real-world industrial ecosystems, it aims to accelerate breakthrough ideas and strengthen India’s deep-tech innovation landscape.

About Pontaq

Pontaq was established in 2015 as the first India-UK VC fund in history.  Pontaq’s India HQ is in Chennai. Since inception Pontaq has been investing in impactful, scalable, and sustainable technologies that bridge domestic innovation with global opportunities.

Achievements –

• 190+ Investments: Spanning 23 Indian states and 2 UK regions.

• 15+ Multinational Operations: Portfolio start-ups operating in more than one country.

• Extensive IP Portfolio: Nearly 100 patents.

• Job Creation: Over 3,000 jobs created across India and the UK, with more than 10% for women.

• Women Leadership: ~30% of our portfolio start-ups are led by female founders.

Chennaiproperties.com Ushers in a New Era of Digital Real Estate Discovery

Since its launch in 2014, Chennaiproperties.in has helped thousands of home buyers connect with reputed builders and discover residential projects across Chennai. What began as a vision to simplify property discovery in the city has evolved into a leading hyper-local real estate platform trusted by developers, investors, home buyers, and NRIs alike.

The move to Chennaiproperties.com reflects the company's continued commitment to enhancing user experience, strengthening its brand presence, and expanding its reach to a wider audience, particularly the growing global community of Chennai-focused property seekers.

A Decade of Connecting Chennai's Property Ecosystem

Over the years, Chennaiproperties.com has built a strong reputation for offering verified property listings, detailed project information, and localized insights that help buyers make informed real estate decisions.

With Chennai witnessing rapid urban growth, infrastructure development, and increasing interest from both domestic and international investors, the platform has emerged as a trusted digital gateway to the city's real estate market.

Why Home buyers choose Chennaiproperties.com

• Chennai-Centric Expertise

Unlike generic property portals, Chennaiproperties.com is exclusively focused on Chennai and its surrounding growth corridors. This dedicated focus enables the platform to provide deeper market insights and more relevant property options.

• Trusted & Verified Listings

The platform emphasizes quality and authenticity, ensuring that listings are sourced from trusted developers and verified partners, helping users search with greater confidence.

• Hyper-Local Intelligence

Property decisions extend beyond square footage and pricing. Chennaiproperties.com offers valuable neighborhood insights, including information about schools, healthcare facilities, transportation connectivity, shopping destinations, and civic infrastructure.

• Direct Developer Connect

The platform facilitates direct interaction between buyers and developers, enabling faster communication, better transparency, and a more efficient property-buying experience.

• Comprehensive Property Discovery

From affordable housing projects to premium residential developments, users can explore a wide range of options tailored to different budgets and lifestyle requirements.

More Than a Domain Change

The transition to Chennaiproperties.com represents more than a new web address. It signifies the next phase of growth for the platform, with a sharper focus on innovation, user experience, technology integration, and market expansion.

The new domain strengthens the brand's global visibility while creating a foundation for future enhancements that will make property discovery faster, smarter, and more intuitive.

Looking Ahead

As Chennai continues to establish itself as one of India's most dynamic real estate markets, Chennaiproperties.com remains committed to helping home buyers, investors, and developers navigate the market with confidence.

With a stronger digital identity and an ambitious road map ahead, Chennaiproperties.com is poised to play an even larger role in shaping the future of property discovery in Chennai.

Visit: Chennaiproperties.com

Spense Founders and Growthcap Ventures Team, From Left to right - Srinivas Krishnamurthy, Pratekk Agarwaal, Pawan Kumar, Neeti Bokaria Source: Growthcap Ventures (Investors)

GrowthCap Ventures was the first institutional investor in Spense, leading the company's pre-seed round in May 2025, and has continued to back the company as it scales. The follow-on investment reflects GrowthCap's conviction in both the founders and the emerging opportunity to build the infrastructure powering India's next generation of credit.

As India's credit ecosystem evolves beyond unsecured lending, a vast pool of assets—including fixed deposits, mutual funds, equities, invoices and other financial assets—remains underutilised within the formal credit system. Spense enables banks to transform these assets into modern credit products through a bank-native infrastructure layer that integrates seamlessly with existing banking systems.

The company has already partnered with leading institutions to launch secured credit cards and credit lines backed by customer assets. Today, Spense works with seven major banks, powers over 2 lakh active cards, issues more than 40,000 cards every month, and contributes to nearly 8% of India's monthly credit card issuance, underscoring the growing demand for modern asset-backed lending infrastructure.

The fresh capital will be used to deepen banking partnerships, accelerate product development, expand engineering and go-to-market teams, launch Credit Line on UPI (CLOU), and further build the infrastructure and intelligence layer for the future of asset-backed credit.

"India's credit challenge is often viewed as a risk problem. We believe it is fundamentally an infrastructure problem. India does not have a shortage of assets. It has a shortage of infrastructure that can convert those assets into usable credit. We believe the next generation of banking will be built on two foundations: infrastructure that unlocks assets and AI that makes credit intelligent, scalable and accessible. If you have a valuable asset, you should have access to modern credit," Pawan Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, Spense.

"For decades, banks digitized accounts, payments and transactions. The next phase of banking is the digitization of collateral itself," Srinivas Krishnamurthy, Co-founder & CTO, Spense.

"We invested in Spense at the pre-seed stage because we believed asset-backed credit would become one of the defining themes in financial services. Pawan and Srinivas have demonstrated exceptional clarity of vision and execution, building infrastructure that enables banks to unlock liquidity against assets at scale. We're delighted to welcome Arkam Ventures and our fellow investors, and are excited to continue supporting the team as they build the future of banking infrastructure in India," Pratekk Agarwaal, Founder & General Partner, GrowthCap Ventures.

About GrowthCap Ventures

GrowthCap Ventures is an operator-led early-stage venture capital firm focused on backing category-defining startups across FinTech, AI and DeepTech. The firm partners with founders from the earliest stages of company building, often as the first institutional investor, providing not only capital but also hands-on operational support, strategic guidance and access to an extensive network of founders, operators and enterprise partners.

The continued investment in Spense reflects GrowthCap's high-conviction approach of backing exceptional founders early and supporting them through successive stages of growth. As an operator-led fund, GrowthCap works closely with portfolio companies on product strategy, customer introductions, hiring, fundraising and long-term company building.

Spense's successful upround is another example of GrowthCap Ventures' commitment to identifying category leaders early and partnering with founders building the next generation of foundational technology companies from India.

Parimatch Sports Launches “Inside the Game” YouTube Show, Kicking Off with Ritu Phogat

The first episode features wrestler and professional MMA athlete Ritu Phogat, who shares insights into her career path, the values and beliefs that guide her, and her ambitions beyond the sporting arena.

“Every stage of my career has required courage, discipline and a willingness to step into the unknown. It was great to share some of those experiences on Inside the Game and give fans a chance to see a different side of me beyond competition,” said Ritu Phogat.

The episode reveals that Ritu is always ready to embrace a total life pivot. If the right offer comes, she would gladly dive into a completely different industry like Bollywood.

“Fans usually see the performances, the results and the highlights, but there’s much more to every sporting story. With this series, we wanted to create a space for honest conversations, light-hearted moments and stories that fans don't often get to see. Ritu Phogat was the ideal guest to launch the show, as her career, resilience and ambition reflect the qualities that inspire sports fans around the world,” said the Parimatch Sports Press Office.

Watch Inside the Game on the Parimatch Sports YouTube channel for a closer look at her journey. To stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring leading names from the world of sport subscribe to the Parimatch Sports YouTube channel.

From left to right: Adit Bhansali and Aayush Bhansali, Co-Founders of Firefly Diamonds

The milestone follows the recent launch of one of India's largest four-storey lab-grown diamond jewellery stores in Mumbai and marks another step in Firefly's ambition to make premium diamond jewellery more accessible to a new generation of consumers. 

At the heart of Firefly's offering are lab-grown diamonds that are chemically, physically and optically identical to mined diamonds, while offering better brilliance, clarity and colour. Created using advanced technology and renewable energy, these diamonds are certified by the same globally recognised laboratories that certify natural diamonds.

"For three generations, our family has been in the diamond business. What has changed is the customer," said Aayush Bhansali, Co-founder, Firefly Diamonds. "Consumers want exceptional craftsmanship, meaningful design, and a smarter way to own diamonds. Firefly was built to meet that demand. Reaching 10 stores across India is an important milestone, but it's only the beginning as we work towards making world-class diamond jewellery more accessible to a new generation of buyers.”

Every Firefly jewellery piece undergoes a meticulous 20-step production process that takes over 100 hours to complete. Each diamond is set entirely by hand, followed by a rigorous 100-step quality assurance process. Only the top 2% of diamonds are selected, ensuring every piece is crafted to become a lasting heirloom for generations to come.

Firefly further enhances customer experience through a suite of personalised services. Through Firefly Studio, customers can explore more than 50,000 customised ring combinations across diamonds, settings and styles, while Firefly Reserve offers bespoke jewellery creation services that transform personal stories, inspirations and heirlooms into one-of-a-kind pieces. 

The brand's Old Gold Exchange programme offers customers an opportunity to exchange their existing gold jewellery for Firefly store credit and added value, making it easier to upgrade to lab-grown diamond jewellery. As Firefly's lab-grown diamonds are grown in India, every purchase supports domestic manufacturing and craftsmanship, ensuring that more value stays within the country rather than flowing into overseas mining supply chains. Together, the Old Gold Exchange programme and locally grown diamonds offer customers a modern, responsible way to own diamond jewellery while contributing to India's jewellery ecosystem.

In 2025, Firefly secured USD 3 million in funding led by WestBridge Capital, a leading venture capital firm with over USD 8 billion in AUM. The investment will continue to support Firefly Diamonds’ plans to expand its store footprint to 25 stores this year and 60 stores next year, further strengthening its position as one of India's largest lab-grown diamond jewellery brands. As part of this journey, the company is also looking to partner with franchisees who share its vision of bringing premium lab-grown diamond jewellery to customers across the country.

Its portfolio includes many collections, notably, All Ways You, a collection featuring transformable jewellery that transitions seamlessly from everyday wear to evening occasions; Maxim, a contemporary collection created for the growing men's jewellery segment; and the Eden Collection, inspired by lush gardens, transforming freely climbing vines and light-catching leaves into delicate diamond silhouettes that capture nature illuminated. These sit alongside an expanding range of collections designed for versatility, self-expression and everyday celebrations. 

Sustainability remains central to the brand's philosophy. The brand's lab-grown diamonds are created using renewable energy, offering a more environmentally responsible alternative to traditional diamond mining. Extending this commitment beyond its products, Firefly plants a tree in the name of every customer. Through a digital tracking platform, customers can monitor their tree's location, growth, carbon offset and oxygen contribution, creating a tangible environmental legacy linked to every purchase. 

Giving back to society is equally central to Firefly's journey. The brand's co-founders established CADIndia, a non-profit initiative that provides affordable training in CAD software used in jewellery design and manufacturing. The programme has trained hundreds of students from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have gone on to contribute to the jewellery industry, creating a direct link between skill development, employment and craftsmanship.

About Firefly Diamonds
Firefly Diamonds is a modern lab-grown diamond jewellery brand built on a 60-year legacy of craftsmanship. With a focus on sustainability, custom design, and everyday luxury, Firefly offers 100% real, certified diamonds powered by renewable energy, both online and across its stores in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Extending its sustainability-first ethos, Firefly plants a tree in the name of every customer, creating a lasting environmental legacy tied to each jewellery purchase.

For franchisee enquiries, contact us at info@fireflydiamonds.com

Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals; actress Ramya Pandian; and Ms. Hamsapriya, Channel Partner, Glow Adyar, at the inauguration ceremony

Designed for the modern woman, Glow by Kirtilals offers an exquisite range of contemporary natural diamond jewellery that seamlessly blends elegance, versatility, and everyday wearability. With prices starting from Rs. 7,000, the collection is thoughtfully crafted for every occasion—from work and casual outings to celebrations and special moments.

Glow by Kirtilals new showroom at Adyar, 2nd showroom in Chennai

The Adyar showroom showcases an extensive range of rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, and everyday diamond essentials, offering designs that reflect individuality, confidence, and evolving fashion sensibilities. With Glow by Kirtilals, diamonds are no longer reserved for special occasions—they become an effortless part of everyday style.

To celebrate the opening of the Adyar showroom, Glow by Kirtilals is delighted to introduce exclusive launch offers, including Flat 50% off on making charges, Flat 26% off on diamond value, and Rs. 125 extra per gram on the exchange of old gold towards the purchase of finest quality diamond jewellery, making it the perfect time for customers to upgrade to natural diamond jewellery.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals, said, "Chennai has always been an important market for us, and we are delighted to strengthen our presence with our second Glow by Kirtilals showroom in the city. Adyar is home to a vibrant community that appreciates contemporary style while valuing quality and craftsmanship. With Glow, our vision is to make natural diamond jewellery more accessible for the modern woman by offering designs that complement her everyday lifestyle and celebrate her individuality."

Conveniently located at Mid Point, Block B, LB Road, Adyar, the new showroom offers customers an immersive shopping experience with a wide selection of contemporary finest quality natural diamond jewellery. Customers can also explore the collection online at www.glowjewels.com.

About Glow by Kirtilals
Glow by Kirtilals is the Gen Z and millennial take on the legendary Kirtilals legacy, crafting fine jewellery for over 87 years. Glow by Kirtilals has 11 exclusive showrooms across South India. With in-house artistry, manufacturing, and expert craftsmanship, Glow creates natural diamond and gold jewellery designed for everyday confidence, style, and self-expression. 

Commenting on the development, Mr. Sanjay Suri, Managing Director, Morepen Laboratories Limited, said, “This is an important milestone in Morepen’s transition toward long-duration global manufacturing partnerships. Our teams have worked closely with the customer through validation, manufacturing readiness and supply-chain planning. Having started execution of commercial supplies, we are focused on scaling up, expanding capacity and building a stronger CDMO platform across additional customer and product opportunities.” 

Having dispatched the first batch under the CDMO mandate, Morepen expects to scale the program further in the coming quarter, with additional supplies of approximately Rs. 225 crore expected during Q2FY2026-27, subject to customer schedules and regulatory/commercial requirements.

The Company continues to strengthen its manufacturing infrastructure to support larger CDMO opportunities. Total reactor capacity is expected to reach approximately 600 KL by the end of Q2, followed by further expansion toward 800 KL and 1,000 KL in subsequent phases.

The commencement of commercial supplies under this mandate reinforces Morepen’s strategy to build a scalable CDMO platform, deepen customer partnerships and participate in long-duration global manufacturing opportunities.

About Morepen Laboratories Limited
Morepen Laboratories Limited is a pharmaceutical and healthcare company with a presence across APIs, finished formulations, diagnostics and consumer healthcare. The Company continues to strengthen its manufacturing, research and regulatory capabilities to support growth across domestic and international markets.

Safe Harbour Statement
Certain statements in this release concerning future prospects, business plans, expectations and performance may be forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.