May 2026

Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled by the NR Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the NR Group, has started the admission procedure for this year. The school is inviting applications from Visually Impaired students across India for admission in the 2026-27 academic session.   Young minds learning, growing, and building a brighter future at Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled   Started in 1988, Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled is a free residential school initiated for visually challenged girls. The school operates under “Child centric project” and is supported by ‘Department of the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens’ Karnataka State. In the academic year 2017-2018 the school has received award of Best Service Organization in disabled sector from the Empowerment of Differently abled and senior citizen on the World Disability Day.   What started with two students is now a huge residential school that is changing the life of hundreds of visually impaired girls. It not only provides a safe haven and quality education, but also helps in holistic development and prepares students to live a life with dignity outside the school. Extra-curricular activities like dance, yoga workshops, bird watching, singing competition, vocational training, self-defence, skill marshal arts class and for low vision students exclusive basic tailoring course etc. are a part and parcel of life at RMSD. The school follows the state syllabus learning through Braille system taught by highly qualified teachers and imparts technology upgradation basic & computer skills.   It also provides parent counselling and organizes house-to-house visits to bring about awareness on the importance of educating and opportunities to visually impaired girls. Also, the all-round excellent performance of the students is a proof to the dedication and high-quality service rendered by the teachers and staff of RMSD.   About Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled (RMSD) Ranga Rao Memorial School for Disabled (RMSD) is a free residential school for visually challenged girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them confidence to be responsible for themselves. It is the only school in the Karnataka State exclusive to the Girls, the current strength of the school is 96, with a committed set of teachers and Ranga family members serving them for the last 37 years. Students who passed out from the school are today working at various institutions and leading their life with dignity which stands testimonial to the noble cause initiated by the NR group.   Over the last 37 years, RMSD has transformed the lives of countless visually impaired girls by focusing on holistic development, inclusive learning practices, and access to advanced digital tools.   RMSD, a free residential school for visually impaired girls from Grade 1 to Grade 10, functions under the ‘Child-Centric Project’ supported by the Department of the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Karnataka State. The school not only offers education, but also provides lodging, boarding, and healthcare facilities. It was established in 1988 to empower visually impaired girls in and around Mysuru through education and vocational training. Additionally, it equips students with life skills, music, dance, and basic cooking training.

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, has announced a new film featuring Pankaj Tripathi in continuation of its campaign ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’. The film highlights the growing need for health insurance in our daily lives and in these uncertain times.   As part of its ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’ campaign, SBI General Insurance has launched a new film highlighting the importance of health cover for families   India is witnessing a steady rise in lifestyle-related health concerns and medical inflation, increasing the financial burden on households during emergencies. Recent government data released through the National Statistical Office’s (NSO) 80th round health survey showed that an average hospitalisation in the country now leads to an out-of-pocket expenditure of over Rs. 34,000 for households, underlining the significant financial burden medical emergencies can create for families despite growing health insurance penetration.   Featuring Pankaj Tripathi, the film is rooted in the realities of everyday life. It vividly reflects the daily hustle, long commutes, demanding workdays, and sacrifices people make to secure a better future for their families. Through an emotional and relatable narrative, the film reminds viewers that while they work tirelessly for their loved ones, they often overlook a key priority protecting the health and financial well-being of their families and securing the future of those who matter most. The campaign reinforces the importance of choosing trusted and adequate health insurance support during uncertain times.   Speaking on this, Rathin Lahiri, Head – Marketing & CSR, SBI General Insurance said, “Healthcare preparedness today is about more than just owning an insurance policy. For salaried individuals with family responsibilities, setting aside at least 2% of annual income towards insurance can be a prudent step to address changing health needs and rising medical costs. Through our Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa campaign, featuring Pankaj Tripathi as brand ambassador, we wanted to reflect the everyday efforts people make for their loved ones while encouraging a more proactive approach to protecting their family’s health and financial well-being. The campaign underscores the importance of choosing coverage that genuinely supports families during uncertain times.”    Health insurance today is evolving beyond emergency financial support to become an important pillar of long-term healthcare and financial preparedness for families. Planning ahead through adequate health coverage can often help families navigate medical uncertainties more confidently while reducing financial strain during emergencies.   SBI General Insurance continues to offer customer-centric health insurance solutions designed to support individuals and families with comprehensive coverage and flexible benefits. Its recently launched Health Alpha plan offers customisable coverage options, cashless hospitalisation across an extensive hospital network, preventive healthcare benefits, coverage for modern treatments, and seamless claims assistance, helping customers choose protection suited to their evolving healthcare needs.   Below are the links for the video: YouTube: youtu.be/hJEl7oFQqTA?feature=shared LinkedIn:tinyurl.com/rbyrsvvn Instagram:www.instagram.com/reel/DYOijkjtFLy/?igsh=Zjd3cjkweW5ieTg4 Twitter: x.com/sbigeneral/status/2054080811524309221?s=46 Facebook:www.facebook.com/share/r/1H4XS4jStf/?mibextid=wwXIfr   About SBI General Insurance SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India’s most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches.   The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and  innovation.   With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

IIAD/UDIT hosted its annual Graduate Show, UNFOLD 2026, on 9th and 10th May at its New Delhi campus, bringing together leading industry professionals, creative practitioners, distinguished academicians and members of the wider design community to celebrate the graduating batch across multiple disciplines. Showcasing the culmination of students’ academic and creative journeys, the two-day event featured exhibitions, panel discussions, industry interactions, fashion show and award ceremonies across Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Communication, Communication Design, Fashion Business Management, Fashion Design and Foundation Design.   Lamp lighting and Opening Ceremony of UNFOLD 2026   In attendance were prominent voices from the worlds of fashion, architecture, design, media and business, including Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI); celebrated fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani; Vimarsh Razdan, Co-Founder & CEO of Underneat; architect and computational design pioneer Sushant Verma of rat[LAB]; documentary filmmaker Faiza Khan; art director Mainak Das; Raunaq Singh, AVP Creative Design at Naukri.com; Urvashi Gupta, Head of Account Management, South Asia at WGSN; photographer and visual storyteller Charudutt Chitrak; and noted architect Ashok B Lall, among others.   The event marked the inauguration of UNFOLD 2026 with the lamp lighting and the opening of the graduate exhibition, bringing together interdisciplinary projects across design, fashion, communication, business strategy, spatial experiences and emerging technologies. Through campaigns, films and design interventions, architectural project installations and fashion collections graduating students explored themes of sustainability, social impact, innovation, craft, urban futures and experiential storytelling.   Congratulating the graduating batch, Dr Jitin Chadha, Pro Chancellor, UDIT, acknowledged the significance of industry-integrated learning and socially conscious creative practice in shaping future-ready professionals. “UNFOLD has always been a very special event for us. It reflects the journey of our students, the mentorship of our faculty and the collaborative culture we continue to build at UDIT. Every year, it is inspiring to see young designers and innovators engage with real-world challenges through creativity, technology and human-centred thinking,” he said.   The 8th edition of the Graduate Show also featured a series of industry-led panel discussions and interactive sessions across Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Communication, Communication Design and Fashion Business Management, offering graduating students valuable insights into contemporary industry practices. These sessions encouraged students to critically engage with industry realities and understand the importance of adaptability, research-driven thinking and socially conscious creative practice in today’s industry.   Industry experts and creative leaders from across disciplines engaged closely with students enabling graduating students to gain practical perspectives on the evolving expectations of the global design and fashion industries. The interactions further reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-integrated learning within contemporary creative education.   Another important segment of the show was the award ceremonies across departments, recognising outstanding graduate works. Selected graduating students were honoured for projects spanning communication campaigns, animation films, spatial interventions, sustainable fashion solutions, branding systems, UX/UI experiences, retail concepts, and business-driven design strategies. The awards acknowledged projects that responded thoughtfully to contemporary cultural, social, technological and environmental challenges while reflecting strong interdisciplinary learning and industry relevance.   By bringing together emerging talent, academicians, and creative leaders on a shared platform, UNFOLD 2026 highlighted the growing intersections between design, business, technology, and culture while reflecting UDIT’s continued emphasis on interdisciplinary and industry-engaged learning.   About UDIT UDIT—the University of Design, Innovation and Technology—is India’s first university built for creators, located in Gurugram. Emerging from over a decade of studio-led learning at IIAD, it brings together design, technology and management within a unified, practice-led framework. The School of Design offers programmes in Visual Communication, Fashion, Product and Interior Design. The School of Management focuses on Fashion & Luxury Business Management and Technology Business Management. UDIT represents a fundamental reimagination of higher education, where students create the products, companies and solutions the world will need tomorrow.

The Bajaj Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates by market cap at US$ 148 billion, serves 1 in 3 Indian households across automobiles, financial services, consumer electricals and engineering A Century of trust: The Bajaj Group traces its roots to its founder Jamnalal Bajaj, freedom fighter, social reformer, philanthropist, industrialist, and considered the fifth adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi, who set up the Group’s first office in Mumbai (then-Bombay) in 1926.   The Bajaj Group, one of India’s oldest family businesses and among its largest conglomerates by market cap at $USD 148 billion, today commemorated 100 years in business – with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extending his greetings on a milestone that traces India’s own arc – from the freedom movement to its global economic rise.   L to R: Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director, Bajaj Electricals Ltd., Nirav Bajaj, CEO & MD, Bajaj Integrated Health System Pvt. Ltd., Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd., Niraj Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto Ltd.; Chairman & Managing Director, Mukand Ltd., Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman & Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv Ltd.   Founded in 1926 in Mumbai (then-Bombay) by Jamnalal Bajaj, a freedom fighter, social reformer, philanthropist, industrialist and considered the fifth adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi, the Bajaj Group serves one in three Indian households and employs over 130,000 employees.   With over 100 companies, exports to over 100 countries, and an upcoming foray into healthcare, the Bajaj Group has built one of India’s most trusted brands across automobiles, financial services, consumer electronics and engineering. Some of its listed companies include Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Holdings & Investment, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Housing Finance, Bajaj Electricals and Mukand.   In a message to the Bajaj family recognising the Bajaj Group’s contributions to nation-building, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, said, “On the occasion of the centenary of the Bajaj Group, I extend my greetings and best wishes to everyone associated with this milestone. A hundred years is a significant journey for any institution. It reflects not only longevity, but also the ability to adapt to changing times, contribute to economic growth and remain relevant across generations.   “Started under the leadership of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj, the Bajaj Group has been a part of India’s industrial and economic landscape through many phases of our nation’s development. It has grown into a diversified company with operations across various sectors, which serve customers both in India and across the world.   “Over the decades, the Bajaj Group has played an important role in nation-building by creating jobs, fostering innovation and supporting community development. Milestones such as this are an opportunity to reflect on key contributions, as well as to renew commitment towards growth, sustainability and inclusive progress.   “India is moving forward with new aspirations in manufacturing, innovation and global competitiveness. Institutions with deep roots and experience such as the Bajaj Group have an important role to play in shaping the journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.   Greetings to everyone at the Bajaj Group once again on this memorable occasion. I am confident that the years ahead will be about continued progress and meaningful contributions to the nation’s development.”   The Bajaj Group’s social impact efforts, focused on youth skilling and employment, child health, education and protection, have positively impacted the lives of over 10 million beneficiaries.   The centenary celebration at the National Sports Club of India, Mumbai, brought together family members, captains of industry, Union and State Ministers, political leaders, celebrities and partners. The evening traced the family’s journey, from its role in India’s freedom struggle, through the shift from trading to manufacturing and financial services, to new-age technologies that its businesses lead today.     Highlights included addresses by the Bajaj family, a specially composed live performance by Grammy award winner and globally acclaimed composer Ricky Kej and his troupe, the screening of ‘Kathni Karni Eksi’, a film on Jamnalal Bajaj and Mahatma Gandhi, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, and the unveiling of the ‘100 years of Bajaj’ logo.   Speaking on the occasion: Niraj Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto, in his address themed ‘India and Bajaj’, said, “As a family, we thank our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his wishes and encouraging words. The story of Bajaj and the story of India have never really been separate. India’s journey towards self-reliance did not begin recently. It began nearly a century ago — when visionary Indians believed that Bharat must build for itself, produce for itself, and stand on its own feet. One of those pioneers was Jamnalalji — our founder. His philosophy of ‘common good over individual gain’ shaped our decisions across generations. His spouse, Jankideviji Bajaj, was India’s first lady recipient of the Padma Vibhushan. Jamnalalji’s philosophy was taken forward successfully by his sons Kamalnayan Bajaj and Ramkrishna Bajaj, both brought up under the eye of Mahatma Gandhi, during their formative years. Thereafter, Rahul Bajaj, a giant among corporate leaders, established a result oriented yet human, ambitious yet honest, organization. As industries grew and capabilities expanded, one thought remained constant: Build in India. Build for India. And build India.”   Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, in his address themed ‘Globalisation’ said, “What we say and what we do must always be the same. And perhaps that is why the Bajaj journey did not become just a story of growth. It became a story of trust. Today, Bajaj Auto is not just one of India’s largest two-wheeler companies. It is among the top three globally. Our vehicles are sold in over 100 countries in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. The Pulsar brand today stands with global players, not behind them. And when we partnered with KTM, an iconic Austrian motorcycle company — it was not just a business deal. This shows that an Indian company is not just a follower, it is a co-creator of global brands. It also proves that legacy and innovation can walk together. Today’s India does not only participate, but it also competes in the global economy.”

H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, unveiled “Greenz by Danube,” the latest development by Danube Properties, during a major event held at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The launch was attended by Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, along with more than 7,000 investors, business leaders, distinguished guests, and media representatives. The project marks the debut of Danube’s first large-scale integrated master villa community and Dubai’s first fully furnished master villa project.   H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan unveils “Greenz by Danube” at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena alongside Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman, Danube Group H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan stated that the unveiling of “Greenz by Danube Properties” represents an important occasion reflecting the continued success achieved by Danube Group in the United Arab Emirates. He noted that the company has built a strong and productive long-term relationship with Dubai and the UAE through its sustained contributions to the building materials sector and related industries, before expanding into real estate development and community building. He emphasized that the company has grown alongside Dubai itself, adding that companies achieving genuine success in Dubai understand that meaningful development is built upon trust, reliability, and a deep understanding of the needs of residents, investors, families, and communities. He added that the United Arab Emirates has earned a well-established global reputation as a destination where people from around the world come to build, invest, live, work, and create better futures for themselves and their families. He stressed that this remarkable standing has been achieved thanks to the wise leadership and visionary approach of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, who continues to emphasize the importance of building a nation that benefits from global progress, encourages innovation, and provides an outstanding environment in which enterprise and human potential can flourish. He further affirmed that this ambitious national vision is strongly supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, may God preserve him, noting that the UAE continues, under the guidance of its wise leadership, to place people at the center of national development. He explained that cities are judged by the quality of life they offer to their residents, while communities are ultimately judged by the values they nurture, including family cohesion, neighbourly spirit, wellbeing, security, tolerance, and shared responsibility. He said that the launch of “Greenz” represents an occasion to celebrate a vision of modern living shaped by greenery, wellness, family life, comfort, and community spirit. He stressed that real estate development, at its very best, creates places of human connection — places that support families, strengthen communities, and give substance to the promise that the UAE is a country of opportunity, stability, and hope. He also noted that the project reflects confidence in the future of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates and confirms that Dubai and the UAE are places where businesses can flourish, families can thrive, investors can participate in growth, and residents can enjoy a high quality of life. He added that he extends his sincere congratulations to Rizwan Sajan, the leadership team, and all employees of Danube Properties, emphasizing that their long-standing association with Dubai and the UAE represents a distinguished record of commitment and contribution to economic and urban development. He also expressed appreciation to all partners, consultants, designers, contractors, and professionals involved in the project, commending their dedication and efforts in delivering this integrated development. He concluded by affirming that the United Arab Emirates has always believed that development must ultimately serve people first, noting that Danube Properties, through projects such as “Greenz,” has demonstrated this principle in practice. He also extended his best wishes to future residents and investors, expressing his hope that the development will become a place of happiness, security, friendship, and achievement, while adding further beauty and distinction to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. He further expressed confidence that Danube Properties will continue upholding the high standards and principles that have long distinguished its work and achievements. For his part, Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, said, “If you ask me why someone should invest in Greenz by Danube, I’d summarize the answer in five key reasons: prime location, fully furnished homes with Dolce Vita Italian branded interiors, more than 50 amenities and services, easy access to all major destinations in Dubai, and our flexible 1% monthly payment plan.” Located next to Dubai International Academic City and behind Dubai Silicon Oasis, “Greenz by Danube” is Dubai’s first fully furnished master villa community offered with a flexible 1% monthly payment plan. The project enjoys a strategic location within one of Dubai’s fastest-growing residential corridors. The surrounding area is home to more than 100,000 residents, professionals, and entrepreneurs, and will benefit from the upcoming District IO technology hub aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The hub is projected to generate more than 70,000 jobs, further enhancing the area’s appeal for investment and residential living. The development will feature 3- and 4-bedroom townhouses, along with 5-bedroom semi-detached and twin villas. The homes will include modern façades, Dolce Vita finishes, private lifts, sky gardens, and closed kitchens, with handover scheduled for December 2029. Residents will enjoy access to more than 50 amenities and services distributed across five themed leisure zones, including sports courts, beach-inspired spaces, wellness facilities, green landscapes, family zones, a dancing fountain, and a 3.75-kilometre jogging track. The project will also provide buggy transport within the community, in addition to a dedicated shuttle service to the metro station. With prices starting from AED 3.5 million and a flexible 1% monthly payment plan, “Greenz by Danube” offers a compelling residential and investment opportunity for both investors and end-users alike. About Danube Properties Danube Properties, a subsidiary of Danube Group founded by Rizwan Sajan in 1993, is among the UAE’s leading private real estate developers. The

Raising Superstars has announced the launch of Prodigy Pathway, a first-of-its-kind, AI-powered, in-home preschool program designed for children aged 0–6. Combining certified educators, a proprietary curriculum, and AI-driven personalization, the program aims to fundamentally transform early childhood education in India – without screens, pressure, or traditional classroom constraints.   The launch addresses a long-standing gap in the education system. Research indicates that 75% of brain development occurs by age 2 and 90% by age 6, yet structured education in India typically begins only after this critical window. Early learning also receives just 2–3% of total education funding, leaving parents with limited, often ineffective options.   Existing alternatives such as playschools, online classes, and physical learning centres – fall short in different ways. Playschools often function as daycares with inconsistent curriculum delivery, online programs rely on screen exposure that experts discourage for young children, and physical centres struggle to deliver personalization at scale. Prodigy Pathway is designed to bridge this gap through a home-based, deeply personalized learning model.   At the core of Prodigy Pathway is a simple but powerful approach: bringing structured early education directly into the child’s home. RS-certified Prodigy Coaches conduct 45–60 minute sessions, complete with all materials and activities. Each session is dynamically tailored by an AI engine that adapts to the child’s age, milestones, and developmental trajectory, while remaining aligned to a structured curriculum framework.   In contrast to the broader EdTech ecosystem, Prodigy Pathway takes a deliberately contrarian stance: no screens, no testing, and no pressure. The model emphasizes process-led development, where outcomes emerge naturally through consistent, joyful engagement rather than performance-driven metrics.   Early adoption has shown strong traction in the Mumbai pilot market, with 15x revenue growth over seven months — despite deliberately limited enrolment slots each month. Raising Superstars brings a strong pedigree of documented outcomes, with 1,000+ long-form parent testimonials capturing results such as early reading (as young as age 3), bilingual speech development, photographic memory in toddlers, strong socio-emotional skills, and enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.   Beyond child development, the initiative also creates a significant social impact opportunity. Raising Superstars plans to recruit, train, and certify 2,000+ women as Prodigy Coaches across 15+ cities, enabling large-scale employment while maintaining high standards of delivery.   Mr. Raghav Himatsingka, CEO & Co-founder of Raising Superstars   “The first six years of a child’s life are the most important of their entire existence and we’ve been leaving them to chance. Prodigy Pathway changes that. We’re bringing the world’s topmost early childhood curriculum directly into homes, powered by AI, delivered by remarkable humans — with zero screens and zero pressure,” said Raghav Himatsingka, Co-founder & CEO, Raising Superstars.   Currently piloted in Mumbai, Prodigy Pathway aims to expand to 15+ cities across India, with a target of reaching 18,000+ active children and delivering over 1 million sessions annually within the next three years, powered by AI-driven scheduling and logistics. With Prodigy Pathway, Raising Superstars is not just launching a new program, it is introducing a new category of early education: one that is personalized, home-based, human-led, and built for the most critical years of life.   About Raising Superstars Raising Superstars is a Mumbai-based early childhood education company on a mission to unlock the extraordinary potential in every child aged 0–6 — before the brain’s critical learning window closes forever. With over 500,000 families across 150+ countries, it is a globally recognized company in the early years space. The company is a Shark Tank India deal winner, and ranked #4 in TIME’s Global EdTech list (2024).

TRST01, a specialist carbon intelligence and digital MRV firm, today announced a structured three-hub platform designed to mobilise green finance and investment across the next generation of carbon markets. India provides the technology engine, Singapore the global carbon markets gateway, and Dubai the regional deployment and climate intelligence centre.   TRST01 Climate intelligence platform   The announcement coincides with the appointment of Dr. Ivano Iannelli as strategic lead for TRST01’s UAE operations, a climate finance and development economics professional with over two decades of experience across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Dr. Iannelli will lead the development of the Carbon Intelligence discipline from Dubai, through the institutionalisation of purpose-built AI infrastructure, carbon intelligence algorithms, and the TRST01 digital MRV architecture serving Global South sovereign markets at scale. India – Technology Hub: AI-native analytics, digital MRV systems, and the TRST01 blockchain traceability architecture. Enabled by the India-UAE CEPA technology services corridor. Singapore – Green Finance Hub: Structured green finance, ITMO buyer networks, Article 6 transaction mechanisms, and access to global premier capital markets and carbon registry infrastructure. Dubai – Climate Intelligence Hub: Regional deployment centre where technology, finance, and policy converge into Carbon Intelligence products for governments, corporates, and sovereign registries across the Global South. Platform Architecture India (home to TRST01’s core technology capability) provides the engineering foundation for the platform’s AI-native analytics, digital MRV systems, and the TRST01 blockchain traceability architecture. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in force since May 2022, enables technology services flow between the two hubs. Singapore serves as the green finance architecture hub, connecting carbon asset origination to institutional capital and ITMO buyer networks. Dubai functions as the climate intelligence deployment centre, where technology, finance, and policy converge for governments, corporates, and sovereign registries across the Gulf, Africa, and the broader Global South. “The carbon market does not need more brokers. It needs infrastructure: systems that turn raw emission data into auditable, bankable, and policy-aligned assets at the speed Article 6 now demands. The UAE is where technology, finance, and climate policy connect at global scale,” Dr. Ivano Iannelli, Strategic Lead, TRST01 UAE. About Carbon Intelligence TRST01 uses the term “Carbon Intelligence” to describe the convergence of carbon market expertise, AI-native data analytics purpose-built for carbon market applications, digital MRV infrastructure, and institutional policy advisory. The three-hub architecture reflects this model in practice: technology built in India, capital structured in Singapore, intelligence deployed from Dubai. Operational Deployments TRST01 served as technology partner for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s National Digital Carbon Credit Registry, one of two sovereign African registries launched within 72 hours at COP30 in Belém, Brazil in November 2025, built on the TRST01 architecture. TRST01 is also a joint venture partner in Malawi’s emerging carbon credit ecosystem. Both the DRC and Malawi are Global South sovereign markets engaged in active Article 6 implementation, where the TRST01 platform is currently deployed. About TRST01 TRST01 is a global carbon intelligence and digital MRV firm operating across the UAE, India, and Singapore. The firm develops sovereign carbon registries, Article 6 technical advisory services, and AI-native emissions monitoring systems for governments, development finance institutions, and corporate clients, with a focus on Global South sovereign markets. About Carbon Intelligence Carbon Intelligence is the convergence of carbon market expertise, AI-native analytics, digital MRV infrastructure, and institutional policy advisory, enabling governments, corporates, and investors to convert emissions data into auditable, bankable, and policy-aligned assets. TRST01 is establishing Dubai as a dedicated Carbon Intelligence Centre serving the Global South.

Industry watchers argue the two recent statements urging citizens to save fuel, restrict non-essential imports, and promote local consumption should be seen in the backdrop of India’s energy security and economic robustness at a time when uncertainty looms over more western regions facing prolonged uncertainty due to ongoing geopolitical risk currently taking place in West Asia.   India’s energy backbone at work — balancing supply security, economic stability and uninterrupted fuel availability amid a volatile global energy landscape   The world economy was already under strain due to costs when the Ukraine conflict sent crude oil, gas, fertilisers, edible oil, metals, shipping, and food commodity prices skyrocketing. The effects of the ongoing Iran conflict and persisting disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are worsening these pressures further, constraining global supplies and creating extreme volatility across energy and commodity markets.   The reality is that India imports a large chunk of its crude oil, fertilisers, edible oil and more importantly all industrial inputs from the global markets. Higher global prices sharply push up India’s import bill, exerting further pressure on foreign exchange reserves, the rupee, inflation and overall government finances!   Economists note that many important imports for India are purchased largely in US dollars. For example, foreign exchange cannot be created at will like domestic currency. Foreign exchange inflow comes from exports, remittances, services, and investments, and it spends it on imports of crude oil, LNG, fertilisers, electronics, including software packages, in other countries to make up for the shortfall in domestic production against increasing demand resulting from a rising population, together with edible oil/gold. Consequently, during torturous worldwide crises, holding international trade is a strategic priority for economic stability.   In this context, measures to limit unnecessary imports and reduce excess energy consumption are increasingly seen as part of a broader economic resilience strategy.   That push on petrol and diesel consumption can help bring down crude oil imports, while public transport, domestic tourism and made-in-India products will keep economic activity and spending in the country. Likewise, natural farming, ethanol blending, solar pumps, and renewable energy efforts can, over time, gradually reduce reliance on imported fuel and chemicals.   The rationale behind such appeals, analysts note, is the broader theory that millions of small behavioral and consumption changes by citizens can aggregate to create macroeconomic effects at the national level — aiding foreign exchange conservation, reducing inflationary pressures, strengthening domestic industries, and fostering long-term self-reliance amid global disruptions.   India’s three state-run fuel retailers — IOCL, BPCL and HPCL — are also key to maintaining stable domestic petrol and diesel prices amid unprecedented global energy market volatility.   International energy markets continue to feel under immense strain amid persistent threats in and around the Strait of Hormuz — a vital energy artery through which nearly one-fifth of oil trade usually transits. Idle global fuel supplies, freight and marine insurance costs, and refining margins have all been sharply inflated, with the prolonged disruption affecting volatility in the crude and refined fuel markets, according to industry assessments.   India’s fuel supply ecosystem has largely maintained operational continuity under this pressure by bolstering logistics coordination, calibrated inventory management, and supply-chain planning. Domestic retail fuel supplies have been steady, with no major disruptions reported around the top consumption centers.   Industry observers say the current crisis extends well beyond crude oil pricing. Soaring shipping prices, high war-risk insurance premiums, reducing diesel and aviation fuel stocks in Europe and Asia Pacific, longer shipping routes and refinery bottlenecks have come together to cause one of the biggest global energy disruptions in a generation.   Many experts cite their implementation of fuel-rationing systems, advisories to conserve energy, and demand-curtailment mechanisms while taking emergency measures as the reason it doesn’t require such swift decisions, while India has so far been able to maintain more consistent availability and controlled retail pricing for fuel than its counterparts even amid the high global crude price.   Analysts say that initially, when the fallout over Iran first escalated, global expectations were for only a brief disruption. Globally, some governments and energy companies initially tried to bear the additional burden while betting on de-escalation. But now the conflict has lasted longer than expected and has drawn out into a stalemate; the collective weight of high crude prices, higher logistics costs, and higher insurance premiums has added to the pressure.   This pressure, they also point out, is not restricted to simply fuel. Fertiliser prices have been high globally for a few years now, and therefore this is another year when India continues to insulate domestic consumers and farmers from the full impact of sharp increases in international prices.   However, India’s integrated fuel infrastructure — including refineries, coastal terminals, LPG bottling plants, inland depots, and a pipeline network — has emerged as the backbone of resilience amid growing global uncertainty, according to sector experts.   Industry believes that as geopolitical uncertainty continues, India’s energy ecosystem will remain focused on demand security, operational resilience, measured market stability and long-term energy sustainability while simultaneously pushing for enhanced economic resilience and self-reliance at the national level.

In a moment of pride for the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), its Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Anilkumar Gaikwad, has been unanimously elected as the President of the India Chapter of the International Road Federation (IRF).   L to R- SK Suravase CE MSRDC,K K Kapila President,Emeritus IRF- IC,Dr Anilkumar Gaikwad VCMD MSRDC&President IRF-IC,DO Tawade ExMember NHAI,Advisor IRF- IC,Hemant Jagtap OSD MSRDC   Dr. Gaikwad formally assumed charge during the Council Meeting held at India International Centre, New Delhi on 9th May 2026. His tenure will be of two years.   Dr Anilkumar Gaikwad, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)   Further strengthening MSRDC’s representation at the global platform, MSRDC Chief Engineer S.K. Suravase has also been nominated as a Member of the Governing Council of the IRF India Chapter.   Established in 1948 and headquartered in Geneva, the International Road Federation is a non-governmental and non-profit global organisation dedicated to promoting safer roads, sustainable mobility, innovation, and world-class transportation infrastructure. The IRF works with governments, institutions, and industry stakeholders across the world to advance road safety and mobility solutions. Its India Chapter is headquartered in New Delhi.   Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gaikwad said, “It is an honour to lead the IRF India Chapter at a time when India is witnessing transformative growth in transportation infrastructure. I look forward to working with industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to promote safer, smarter and sustainable mobility solutions aligned with global best practices.”   Under Dr. Gaikwad’s leadership, MSRDC has emerged as one of India’s leading infrastructure agencies, spearheading several landmark mobility and connectivity projects in Maharashtra. About Dr. Anilkumar Gaikwad Dr. Anilkumar Baliram Gaikwad is a distinguished civil engineer and public servant with over four decades of exemplary service in transforming Maharashtra’s infrastructure landscape. Currently serving as Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), he leads one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure portfolios.   His leadership has been instrumental in delivering landmark projects that have redefined connectivity in the state. Most notably, he played a pivotal role in the conceptualization, planning, and execution of the Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg — India’s fastest expressway. As Chief Engineer and later Joint Managing Director (Engineering), he oversaw the successful delivery of this 701 km super-communication corridor. featuring 65 flyovers, 24 interchanges, six tunnels, and hundreds of underpasses, completed at record speed. The expressway now serves as a major economic lifeline connecting Mumbai to Nagpur and 24 districts.   With deep experience across the Public Works Department (PWD) and MSRDC, Dr. Gaikwad has held multiple key positions including Secretary (Works), Government of Maharashtra. His contributions extend to iconic projects such as the Bandra-Varsova Sea Link, Thane Creek Bridge III, and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link.   A recipient of the Best Engineer Award from the Governor of Maharashtra (1999) and the Rashtriya Gaurav Puraskar (2005), Dr. Gaikwad is known for his engineering excellence, project management acumen, and commitment to public service. He is an active member of leading professional bodies including the Institution of Engineers (India), Indian Road Congress, Indian Building Congress, and the American Concrete Institute. Passionate about knowledge sharing, he has trained numerous PWD officers and published research on critical infrastructure challenges.