June 8, 2026

Astera Ventures, an India-based advisory firm focused on researching and supporting high-growth emerging companies through strategic consulting and investments, today announced the appointment of Prashant Hoskote as a Non-Executive Director on its Board.   Prashant Hoskote   Hoskote brings over 35 years of expertise in customer experience and quality leadership. His appointment strengthens Astera Ventures’ board at a pivotal moment in its growth as a strategic enabler in the global hospitality sector.   Astera Ventures is a key shareholder in Sunday Proptech, a new-age hospitality owning and operating platform focused on building and scaling hotels under PRISM, parent of OYO, Townhouse, SUNDAY and other brands globally. Sunday Proptech already owns and operates 38 hotels across the US and is focused on rapid expansion across key markets including the US, India and Europe. The platform combines hospitality operations, real estate partnerships and brand-led growth to create high-quality guest experiences at scale.   Commenting on his appointment, Prashant Hoskote said, “I look forward to enabling strong governance and providing the right steer as Astera Ventures grows its portfolio and its key investment Sunday Proptech builds its next phase of growth in global hospitality. Astera Ventures plays an important role in this journey, and I am excited to contribute at the board level.”   Prashant Hoskote currently serves as CEO of PH Factor, a board advisory and organizational excellence consulting practice based in Delhi NCR, and was previously President – Global Engagements at Striking Ideas. Earlier in his career, he served as Senior Director – Quality, Service Excellence, and Innovation at Max India Group, and also held leadership roles at Mashreq Bank (Dubai), Standard Chartered Bank, and the Taj Group of Hotels. He began his career with Qimpro Consultants, the Indian affiliate of Juran Institute Inc., USA.   Prashant has served on the National Board for Quality Promotion at the Quality Council of India, as Vice-Chair of ASQ’s Quality Management Division – Global (Asia and Australia), and as Chairperson of ASQ’s Organizational Excellence Technical Committee. He was named among the “50 Most Talented Quality Professionals” at the World Quality Congress in 2014. He is also a published author and international speaker.

Chennai Plastic Surgery successfully conducted a two-day advanced hands-on workshop on Chest Sculpting in Gynecomastia, bringing together sixteen practicing plastic surgeons, aesthetic surgeons, fellows, and trainees from across Asia and Australia. The intensive academic program focused on the latest techniques in gynecomastia surgery, male chest contouring, body sculpting, energy-based technologies, and aesthetic surgery practice development.   L-R: Dr. Karthik Ramasamy and Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Senior Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals Chennai & Chennai Breast Center   The comprehensive workshop led by Dr. Karthik Ramasamy, Chennai’s renowned Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, provided participants with advanced training in the evaluation and management of gynecomastia across all grades. The academic sessions covered key aspects including patient assessment, gynecomastia grading, surgical planning, liposuction-assisted chest sculpting, gland excision, puffy nipple correction, skin tightening procedures, scar minimization, and advanced male chest contouring techniques.   The distinguished faculty panel, comprising Dr. Venkatramakrishnan, Dr. Sivakumar, Dr. Sasi Kumar Muthu, Dr. TNS, Dr. M.D. Nishar, Dr. Preethy, and members of the Chennai Plastic Surgery team, shared their extensive clinical expertise, refined surgical techniques, and practical insights. The faculty emphasized the importance of achieving a natural masculine chest aesthetic while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, surgical precision, and optimal clinical outcomes in gynecomastia surgery and male chest contouring procedures.   Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Karthik Ramasamy said, “The future of plastic surgery depends on structured training, technology adoption, and hands-on clinical exposure. At Chennai Plastic Surgery, our focus is on advancing gynecomastia surgery, chest sculpting, male chest contouring, and body contouring through live surgical demonstrations and evidence-based learning. Such academic initiatives strengthen surgical decision-making, enhance precision, and improve outcomes in aesthetic surgery practice.”   Beyond Surgery: Integrating Technology, Practice Growth and Next-Generation Plastic Surgery Training Live Surgical Demonstrations and Clinical Learning A major highlight of the workshop was the live surgical demonstration of gynecomastia correction procedures performed on patients with varying grades of the condition. Participants observed real-time operative planning, surgical decision-making, advanced chest sculpting techniques, and management of complex cases, along with interactive case discussions and question-and-answer sessions that enriched the overall learning experience in gynecomastia surgery and male chest contouring.   Technology Integration in Modern Aesthetic Surgery Significant technological value was added through the participation of Mr. Ramamoorthy Sundaram, Managing Director of Spectra, and Mr. Prabakaran, Technical Director of Spectra, who demonstrated advanced energy-based technology devices used in modern aesthetic and surgical procedures.   Participants gained insights into clinical applications, safety protocols, and innovations in energy-based devices, highlighting their role in enhancing surgical precision, improving patient outcomes, and optimizing aesthetic treatment results in body contouring and aesthetic medicine.   Plastic Surgery Practice Building and Growth Strategies The workshop featured dedicated sessions on plastic surgery practice building, covering key areas such as patient communication, ethical marketing, digital branding, online presence, practice management, reputation building, and consistent patient outcomes.   These sessions provided valuable guidance for young surgeons and aesthetic practitioners seeking to establish and expand successful practices in plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine.   Future of Plastic Surgery Training in India Discussions on the future of plastic surgery training in India highlighted the growing importance of structured fellowships, cadaveric workshops, simulation-based learning, international collaborations, and exposure to high surgical volumes.   Experts noted that modern plastic surgery education in India is increasingly aligning with global standards, offering training experiences comparable to leading international programs.   About Chennai Plastic Surgery Chennai Plastic Surgery is a leading centre specializing in plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, gynecomastia surgery, body contouring, facial aesthetics, reconstructive surgery, and advanced aesthetic procedures. The institution is committed to delivering exceptional patient care while actively promoting surgical education, innovation, and professional development through specialized workshops, fellowships, and academic training programs.   To watch the program surf: youtu.be/ZRyCNEVYeXg.

As gold loans continue to gain traction across India as a preferred short-term credit option, Bajaj Finance is making it easier than ever for eligible borrowers to understand who qualifies, what documents are needed, and how the rate of interest against gold loan is determined — before they even step into a branch.   Bajaj Finance Gold Loan     A loan product built for accessibility One of the defining features of a gold loan is how inclusive it is. Unlike personal loans or business loans that require income proof, a strong credit score, or extensive documentation, a gold loan is secured entirely against the value of the borrower’s gold. This makes it accessible to a wide cross-section of Indians — salaried employees, self-employed professionals, and pensioners alike. With Bajaj Finance, eligible borrowers can access loan amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹2 crore, with funds disbursed on the same day in most cases*. Gold loan eligibility criteria The gold loan eligibility criteria set by Bajaj Finance are deliberately straightforward. To qualify, a borrower must be an Indian citizen between the ages of 21 and 80. The gold jewellery or ornaments being pledged must be between 18 and 22 karats in purity. Gold coins of up to 24 karats are also accepted — making this one of the most accessible secured loan products available in the Indian market today. It is worth noting that jewellery with heavy stonework or enamel detailing is valued only on its actual gold content. Borrowers are advised to keep this in mind when estimating their eligible loan amount. Documents required The documentation process is minimal by design. Borrowers are required to submit just one valid KYC document, which may be any of the following — an Aadhaar card, Voter ID, passport, driving licence, NREGA job card, or a letter from the National Population Registeration. Rate of interest against gold loan The rate of interest against gold loan at Bajaj Finance starts from just 9.50% per annum. The applicable rate is influenced by factors such as the loan amount, chosen tenure, and the purity of the gold being pledged. Bajaj Finance evaluates gold using the lower of the previous day’s closing price or the 30-day average closing price published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange — ensuring a fair and stable valuation for the borrower. Repayment is flexible, with borrowers able to pay interest on a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annual basis. The principal is settled at the end of the tenure. Foreclosure is permitted at no additional charge, giving borrowers the freedom to close the loan early if their finances allow. How to apply Borrowers can apply for a Bajaj Finance Gold Loan online through the website or app, or by visiting their nearest branch. The online process involves entering a mobile number, verifying with an OTP, filling in personal details, selecting the nearest branch, and downloading an in-principal eligibility letter. Physical assessment of the gold takes place at the branch, following which funds are typically credited on the same day. T&C Apply.   About Bajaj Finance Limited Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings. For more information, visit www.bajajfinserv.in

The Ramaiah Academy Foundation (RAF) and Dassault Systemes today announced their collaboration aimed at bridging the critical gap between academic research and commercial-scale manufacturing. Central to this collaboration is the establishment of a Deep Science Translational Innovation Complex in Bengaluru, designed to accelerate productization in high-impact sectors including Aerospace & Defense, Healthcare & MedTech, Automotive, and Semiconductors.   MoU exchange between Venkatesh Valluri, Vice Chairman, Ramaiah Academy Foundation, and Deepak N.G., Managing Director–India, Dassault Systemes This collaboration represents a first-of-its-kind model in the region, transitioning beyond a traditional academic arrangement into a fully integrated, go-to-market commercial partnership. It seamlessly leverages Dassault Systemes’ globally recognized 3DEXPERIENCE platform alongside Ramaiah’s deep science expertise and advanced prototyping infrastructure. This synergistic relation between RAF and Dassault Systemes aims to enhance the value for companies focused on enhancing their conceptual research & innovation; skill development of their engineers for newer projects; and acquiring newer talent. “This collaboration represents a paradigm shift in how academia and industry collaborate in India. We are moving beyond transactional skill development into a technology l translation engine,” said Venkatesh Valluri, Vice Chairman, Ramaiah Academy Foundation. “Through the Deep Science translation complex, we are providing an end-to-end value chain, from problem definition and virtual twin simulation to physical lab-scale manufacturing,” Valluri continued. “Our joint vision is to foster national-level ‘projects’ that embody the true spirit of Make-in-India, equipping both our industrial partners and our engineering talent with the world’s most advanced technological tools.” “At Dassault Systemes, we believe that shaping the future of industrial innovation starts with empowering the next generation of engineers and thinkers in the virtual world,” said Deepak NG, Managing Director, India, Dassault Systemes. Our collaboration with the Ramaiah Academy Foundation reflects a shared commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry through platform-driven learning. We aim to foster a culture of sustainable innovation and advanced engineering excellence that will drive India’s high-tech and manufacturing ecosystems forward,” he stated further. The Deep Science translational facility, currently undergoing advanced modifications on the Ramaiah campus in Bengaluru, will house state-of-the-art technical teaching centers, collaborative design spaces, and lab-scale manufacturing zones.  About Ramaiah Academy Foundation The Ramaiah Academy Foundation (RAF), a Section 8 not-for-profit company, is a distinguished institution within the Gokula Education Foundation (Medical) ecosystem, carrying forward the legacy of excellence established by the renowned Ramaiah Group. Committed to fostering innovation, advancing applied sciences, and nurturing future-ready talent, the Foundation serves as a catalyst for transformative education, translational research, and industry collaboration. Founded with a vision to bridge the gap between academic discovery and real-world application, Ramaiah Academy Foundation focuses on creating impactful pathways that connect research, technology, entrepreneurship, and industrial growth. The Foundation actively promotes interdisciplinary learning, deep technology development, and innovation-led ecosystems that address emerging global challenges while contributing to India’s scientific and economic progress. At the heart of its vision is the development of a world-class Translational Innovation Complex, a pioneering initiative designed to accelerate the journey of scientific discoveries from laboratories to large-scale commercial applications. The Complex will function as a robust commercial and innovation engine, addressing one of the most critical challenges in the research ecosystem—the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) gap. By enabling the seamless transition of technologies from proof-of-concept and prototype stages to scalable industrial manufacturing, the Foundation aims to create a sustainable bridge between academia, research institutions, startups, industry partners, and investors. The Translational Innovation Complex will provide an integrated platform for advanced research, product development, prototyping, testing, validation, and commercialization. It will foster collaboration among scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, creating an environment where breakthrough ideas can be transformed into market-ready solutions.   Through this ecosystem, the Foundation seeks to accelerate innovation across strategic sectors including advanced materials, life sciences, healthcare technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductor technologies, sustainable energy, and other deep-tech domains. Ramaiah Academy Foundation is also committed to developing industry-ready talent through specialized education, skill development, and experiential learning initiatives. By combining academic rigor with practical application, the Foundation equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. Its programs are designed in close collaboration with industry stakeholders, ensuring alignment with evolving workforce requirements and global best practices. Guided by the values of excellence, integrity, innovation, and societal impact, the Foundation strives to create meaningful opportunities for researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and industry partners. Through strategic collaborations with leading academic institutions, research organizations, government agencies, and global industry leaders, it aims to establish a vibrant innovation ecosystem that drives technological advancement and economic development. As India continues its journey toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse, Ramaiah Academy Foundation stands poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of research, technology commercialization, and talent development. By transforming ideas into impact and research into real-world solutions, the Foundation is creating a platform where innovation meets industry, knowledge meets opportunity, and vision translates into lasting societal progress.

Galgotias University, in collaboration with L&T EduTech, has launched India’s First Advanced EV Centre of Excellence by L&T EduTech within a university campus to provide students with immersive, industry-grade exposure to next-generation electric mobility technologies and real-world automotive systems.   Students learn with live electric mobility systems, battery modules, and industry-grade EV technologies at the Advanced EV Centre by L&T EduTech at Galgotias University The state-of-the-art facility brings live electric vehicle technologies directly into the academic ecosystem through fully functional electric cars, electric two-wheelers, live battery packs and modules, battery management systems, EV powertrain technologies, charging infrastructure, controllers, motors, diagnostics platforms, and embedded mobility systems. Developed as an experiential learning and applied engineering environment, the Centre enables students to work directly on technologies currently shaping the future of transportation globally. Unlike conventional engineering laboratories that primarily rely on simulation-based learning, the Advanced EV Centre of Excellence allows students to engage hands-on with actual electric mobility platforms and industrial-grade components used across the EV ecosystem. Students will gain practical exposure to EV architecture, battery technologies, charging systems, diagnostics, thermal management, embedded systems, drivetrain integration, power electronics, vehicle communication systems, and sustainable mobility engineering. The collaboration with L&T EduTech integrates industry-aligned curriculum, experiential learning modules, specialised technical training, and application-oriented learning frameworks into the academic environment. The initiative is aimed at strengthening industry readiness and creating a future-ready talent pipeline for India’s rapidly expanding electric mobility and clean transportation sector. Dr Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “The future of engineering education will be shaped by how closely universities integrate learning with real industry systems and emerging technologies. The Advanced EV Centre of Excellence developed with L&T EduTech gives students direct exposure to live electric mobility platforms, battery technologies, diagnostics, and industry-grade infrastructure that are defining the future of transportation globally. As India rapidly expands its electric mobility ecosystem, universities must move beyond conventional classroom models and create immersive, application-oriented environments that prepare students for high-impact innovation, research, and industry leadership.” The collaboration further builds on the growing partnership between Galgotias University and L&T EduTech. Earlier this year, L&T EduTech recognised Galgotias University as a Blue Chip Partner during L&T EduTech NEXUS 2026, acknowledging the University’s strong industry engagement, technology-led learning ecosystem, and continued focus on future-ready engineering education and innovation-driven academic collaboration. The facility strengthens the growing momentum around electric mobility, sustainable transportation, clean energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing. It is expected to support interdisciplinary learning and applied research across engineering, electronics, artificial intelligence, robotics, embedded systems, automotive technologies, and smart mobility solutions. The Centre further expands Galgotias University’s ecosystem of industry-integrated laboratories, advanced technology infrastructure, innovation centres, and experiential learning facilities developed in collaboration with leading industry partners. The University has continued to build capabilities across emerging technology domains including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electric mobility, cybersecurity, immersive technologies, and high-performance computing. With India’s EV market witnessing accelerated growth across automotive manufacturing, battery innovation, charging infrastructure, mobility services, and clean transportation technologies, the Advanced EV Centre of Excellence is expected to create stronger pathways for students towards research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and high-growth careers within the global electric mobility ecosystem. About Galgotias University Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact. In the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 15th among private universities and 43rd among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings. Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,100 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem. To know more, visit us at: www.galgotiasuniversity.edu.in.