August 2026

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GHCL Limited, one of India’s leading chemical companies, to develop a Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)-based solution for real-time monitoring of the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) of carbon-based fuels. Mr Sanjay Gupta, Vice President (Commercial) at GHCL, participated in the discussions with the MAHE team and exchanged the signed MoU with Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE.   MAHE and GHCL Limited exchanged an MoU to collaborate on developing a LIBS-based solution for real-time monitoring of the GCV of carbon-based fuels   The collaboration combines cutting-edge spectroscopy with artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver a rapid, on-site fuel quality assessment system. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial applications by replacing conventional, time-intensive fuel-testing methods with a data-driven solution that enables proactive operational decision-making.   As one of India’s leading chemical manufacturing companies, GHCL relies extensively on carbon-based fuels for energy generation and process heating requirements. Recognising the critical role of fuel quality in operational efficiency and cost competitiveness, GHCL is working towards strengthening its fuel quality assurance through faster and more reliable real-time monitoring systems.   Carbon-based fuels account for a significant share of operational costs in energy-intensive industries. Conventional quality verification relies on laboratory analysis, often resulting in delays that limit timely corrective action. Through this partnership, GHCL Limited and MAHE, Manipal Institute of Applied Physics (MIAP), aim to develop an intelligent monitoring system capable of providing immediate insights into fuel quality at the point of receipt, thereby improving operational efficiency, enhancing quality assurance, and optimising fuel utilisation.   Speaking on the collaboration, Mr Mayuresh Hede, Operations Head, Sutrapada Plant, GHCL Limited, said, “This partnership reflects GHCL’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies that improve operational excellence and sustainability. By integrating real-time analytics into fuel quality management, we aim to strengthen process efficiency while reducing uncertainties associated with conventional testing methods. We believe this initiative has the potential to set new benchmarks for quality assurance in industrial operations.   Commenting on the collaboration, Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “This project exemplifies how academic research can directly address complex industrial challenges. By combining LIBS technology with artificial intelligence and machine learning, we are developing an innovative solution with significant scientific and commercial potential. The collaboration also provides an excellent platform for translational research that can benefit multiple energy-intensive sectors.”   The project is being led on behalf of MAHE by Dr Unnikrishnan V. K. from the Manipal Institute of Applied Physics as the Principal Investigator, and Prof. Karunakar Kotegar, Pro Vice Chancellor – Technology and Science, assured full support from MAHE. Also present during the event were Dr Sajan Daniel George, Director of Manipal Institute of Applied Physics and Dr Harishkumar, Director, Corporate Relations, MAHE   Additionally, the collaboration aims to generate intellectual property and develop scalable technology solutions with commercial potential. Upon successful implementation, the LIBS-based monitoring system could serve as a replicable model for industries that rely on carbon-based fuels, thereby strengthening the innovation ecosystem and demonstrating the value of industry-academia partnerships.   About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.   About GHCL GHCL Limited is the largest manufacturer of soda ash at a single location in the country. Soda Ash (Anhydrous Sodium Carbonate) is a major raw material for the detergent & glass industries and Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda). It is an important raw material for solar glass and lithium batteries as well. The company has a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant of soda ash at Sutrapada, Gujarat with an installed production capacity of 1.2 million tons per annum. Sustainability is a core element of business strategy as defined by the ‘GHCL Way’ with its four pillars, i.e. Responsible Stewardship, Social Inclusiveness, promoting relationships and adding value. GHCL Limited remains committed to working closely with stakeholders for promoting the agenda of sustainability underpinning on the core values of Respect, Trust, Ownership and Integrated Teamwork.

In a groundbreaking move for the Indian smartphone landscape, Ai+ Smartphone has launched Project Trust+, a bold initiative dedicated to creating the country’s safest smartphone ecosystem through long-term community engagement. The company is pledging Rs. 20 crore annually for the next five years, totaling Rs. 100 crore, to invite the tech and developer community to enhance security and foster trust within its devices.   Ai+ Smartphone commits Rs. 100 crore through Project Trust+ to enhance security through community participation Through the initiative, the company is inviting independent researchers to actively test its systems, challenge its security architecture and highlight vulnerabilities that can be addressed before they impact consumers.  Project Trust+ is driven by the belief that security is an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. As digital landscapes become more interconnected, Ai+ emphasizes that building secure smartphones requires collaboration, transparency, and active participation from the community. This initiative aims to go beyond traditional bug bounty programs, fostering an open environment where developers, security researchers, and ethical hackers can collectively contribute to the safety and resilience of Ai+ products. Commenting on the announcement, Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said, “Most companies tell users their devices are secure. We want to prove it. The reality is that no smartphone, no platform, and no technology ecosystem can claim security as a finished destination. It evolves every day. Project Trust+ reflects our belief that trust should be built transparently and collaboratively. We are opening our doors to India’s technology community because we believe the safest products are built not in isolation, but together.” The initiative further strengthens Ai+’s broader philosophy around transparency, privacy, and user ownership, values that also sit at the centre of NxtQuantum OS, the company’s sovereign mobile operating system initiative. With Project Trust+, Ai+ Smartphone aims to shift the conversation around smartphone security from claims and promises to continuous improvement and public accountability. Because when it comes to trust, the work is never complete. To apply for the programme, visit the link in bio on Madhav’s IG handle Project Trust+ Because Trust Is Built Together. 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 Ai+ and 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 designed, engineered and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.  

Debut of Chef’s Grill, an air-conditioned omakase-inspired eight-course dining experience co-curated with the Singapore Chefs’ Association Longstanding fan favourites Craft’ B, Slurp Your Oysters, Jett BBQ and DAMN return alongside 18 new vendors across five zones Marketplace by Indoguna and Sunset Lounge by Asahi introduces premium grilling, golden hour gatherings and new ways to experience the beachfront Beach-front seating and increased sheltered capacity, new ways to settle in and enjoy the festival by the sea First-ever use of solar energy to power the air-conditioned Chef’s Grill pavilion and beachfront festival lighting   Sentosa GrillFest, Singapore’s favourite beachfront cookout supported by Singapore Tourism Board, returns to Siloso Beach for its ninth edition from 23 July to 16 August 2026. Since its debut in 2017, the festival has welcomed close to 800,000 visitors, and this year’s edition is its most ambitious yet. Featuring 42 vendors across five zones, including 18 new names and a host of returning crowd favourites, guests can look forward to bold new flavours, an elevated beachfront atmosphere, and first-ever dining concepts co-curated with the Singapore Chefs’ Association, all in a festival that welcomes guests of every kind, pets included. From the crackle of open flames and the aroma of food fresh off the grill to the anticipation of the first bite by the sea, Sentosa GrillFest 2026 is designed to be a gastronomic feast for all senses.   Sentosa GrillFest 2026   Omakase-Inspired Chef’s Grill Making its debut this year is Chef’s Grill, Sentosa GrillFest’s first-ever eight-course omakase-inspired style beachfront dining experience, created in collaboration with the Singapore Chefs’ Association (SCA). Held in an air-conditioned tent with premium chinaware, the format gives diners a close look at live-fire techniques from a curated roster of Singapore chefs. Three mainstay vendors — Sentosa Golf Club, R&B Grill Bar and ASAP & CO — anchor the experience across all four weekends, while a rotating guest vendor slot brings fresh faces to the menu each week, giving guests a new reason to return every weekend. Chef’s Grill also serves as the closing platform for the inaugural Singapore Chef Festival, organised in partnership with the SCA, marking Sentosa GrillFest’s growing role in Singapore’s culinary calendar. For Chef’s Grill menu and pricing details, refer to www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest. Marketplace by Indoguna Returning in an elevated format this year is Marketplace, developed in collaboration with Indoguna, a leading premium food importer and distributor in Singapore. This year’s edition places a sharper focus on local sourcing and sustainable produce, with a curated selection of ingredients that champions responsible food choices without compromising on quality. Drawing the eyes of all who enter is a central chiller display, where guests can browse and select fresh meats, seafood, vegetables and gourmet items, before watching them cooked-to-order across themed grill and serve stalls. Prepare to be entranced by the theatre of live-fire cooking through grilling, smoking and searing front and centre. A retail section carries artisanal products, sauces, spices and ready-to-cook selections for guests who want to take part of the Sentosa GrillFest experience home. And for those looking to capture the memories, the aura-reading photobooth is the perfect spot to snap share-worthy moments with friends. Sunset Lounge by Asahi As the sun dips below the horizon, the Sunset Lounge by Asahi, sets the scene for golden hour gatherings by the sea. Guests can ease into the evening at this dedicated beachfront bar experience, where the pace slows and the views take centre stage. The lounge is positioned as a standalone wind-down spot between the afternoon and evening sessions with DJ programming, live band performances. For details on programming, refer to www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest. Vendor Line-up for Every Palate Beyond the new concepts, Sentosa GrillFest 2026 brings back three beloved zones: Local Grills, International Grills and Beachside Grills. Local Grills returns with homegrown crowd favourites Slurp Your Oysters and Craft’ B, both longstanding fixtures of Sentosa GrillFest who have grown alongside the festival. Craft’ B, known for their Netflix-featured grass-fed ribeye, returns alongside Slurp Your Oysters, serving freshly shucked oysters sourced directly from Murotsu Bay in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Also back is DAMN, winner of Sentosa GrillFest’s People’s Choice Award in 2025, bringing their signature dry-aged meats. International Grills takes guests on a culinary journey across the globe, from Korean BBQ at Hanok Kimchi, to the bold smoky flavours of BBQ Box. Joining them this year are new entrants Umi Matsuri, bringing the Japanese art of robatayaki grilling to the beachfront, and 8 Degree Taiwanese Bistro, serving up the iconic Taiwanese night market classic (Taiwan sausage with sticky rice). Perched along the waterfront, Beachside Grills serves up open-flame cooking against the backdrop of Siloso Beach. New this year includes vendors such as ChillBro rounding off the meal on a sweet note with grilled banana topped with chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce. Returning favourites include Jett BBQ, beloved for their show-stopping dinosaur ribs, and Smok Hous, known for its Texas-style barbecue. Aside from the food, festivalgoers can look forward to live entertainment throughout the festival. Kicking off the first Sunday on 26 July, ZIP4, a Korean jazz band, will take to the stage at 7pm in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore. The full list of participating vendors can be found here: www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest. Sustainability and Accessibility This year’s edition marks a significant step forward in the festival’s sustainability journey. For the first time, the air-conditioned Chef’s Grill pavilion and beachfront festival lighting will be powered by battery and solar energy, reducing the festival’s reliance on conventional power sources and reducing carbon footprint. Continuing commitments include the reduction of single-use disposables across the festival grounds, with all vendors required to use compostable packaging and cutlery in line with Sentosa’s Disposables Policy. On accessibility, Sentosa GrillFest continues to provide dedicated beach tracks for wheelchair users and families with strollers, with priority seating available for guests with mobility needs throughout the festival grounds. Event details – Sentosa GrillFest 2026 Time: 4.00pm to 10.30pm Venue: Siloso Beachfront Dates: Thu 23, Fri 24, Sat 25, Sun 26 July; Fri 31 July, Sat 1, Sun 2 August; Fri 7, Sat 8,

Every swipe, every review and every vote tells the story of how India shops beauty today. The third edition of the Nykaa Best in Beauty (NBiB) Awards brings that story to life, distilling the choices, aspirations and evolving preferences of millions of beauty consumers into India’s definitive beauty benchmark. More than an annual awards programme, NBiB has grown into one of India’s largest consumer-led beauty awards, offering a definitive pulse on what India is buying, loving and trusting.   Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards 2026   With over 3.2 million votes cast across 60 award categories and 316 nominees spanning makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance, wellness, personal care, bath & body, gifting, and beauty tools, this year’s edition showcased the remarkable breadth and diversity of India’s beauty landscape. The final winners were determined through a combination of consumer participation and evaluation by an esteemed jury, creating a benchmark where consumer conviction meets industry expertise.   Catch all the winners here: Winners   This year’s winners paint a compelling picture of a beauty industry being reshaped by increasingly informed, ingredient-conscious and globally connected consumers. Performance-backed efficacy is redefining purchase decisions, prestige beauty continues its upward trajectory, and homegrown innovators are earning their place alongside global icons. From Best Homegrown Beauty Brand and Cult Classic to Iconic New Launch of the Year, New & Now, and Brand Campaign of the Year, this year’s honours reflect the ideas, innovations and cultural moments that resonated most with India’s beauty consumers.   The panel featured Anchit Nayar, Executive Director & CEO, Nykaa Beauty; Nykaa’s brand icon Sharvari; make-up & hair artist- Elton Fernandez; make-up artist, educator and founder of Mokae Beauty-Sandhya Shekhar; hair expert- Hiral Bhatia; dermatologist- Dr. Aanchal Panth (MBBS, MD); founder of NAKED Coffee and luxury content creator- Radhika Seth; creator- Ankush Bahuguna; beauty creator- Tarini Peshawaria; and Nandini Bhalla, Editor at The Word Magazine.   NBiB 2026 Jury   Commenting on the awards, Anchit Nayar, Executive Director & CEO, Nykaa Beauty, said, “The Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards have evolved into more than an annual celebration of product excellence. It reflects the changing aspirations of India’s beauty consumers and the innovations redefining the industry. This year’s winners show that consumers are rewarding efficacy, authenticity and innovation in equal measure, while homegrown and global brands continue to raise the bar together. We’re proud that NBIB has become a platform where millions of consumers and industry experts collectively define the benchmark for beauty excellence in India.”   What the winners reveal about the next wave in Indian beauty: Efficacy is the new beauty standard: Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer, Sky High Mascara, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser prove consumers are choosing products that consistently deliver results over fleeting trends. K-Beauty continues to dominate: Korean beauty brands emerged as standout winners across multiple categories, with Beauty of Joseon, LANEIGE, COSRX, TIRTIR, and Dr. Althea taking home multiple awards, reinforcing K-Beauty’s growing influence across both skincare and makeup. Healthy skin leads every routine: Barrier-care favourites from CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, TONYMOLY, and Dot & Key reflect the growing focus on ingredient-led, skin-first beauty. Homegrown brands are rewriting the rules of beauty: Kay beauty, Maison Moi, Foxtale, WishCare, and indē wild continue to win alongside global beauty icons, showcasing the strength of Indian innovation. Hybrid beauty is redefining makeup: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Tinted Serum Foundation, Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer, NYX, and e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter highlight the growing demand for makeup that works like skincare. Luxury beauty is becoming increasingly mainstream: From Charlotte Tilbury and NARS to Yves Saint Laurent, Estée Lauder, CHANEL, Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera, Dyson, and Jo Malone London, consumers are increasingly investing in premium beauty experiences.   Discover the complete list of winners on nykaa.com, from breakthrough launches and cult favourites to timeless icons, and shop the products that have earned India’s highest vote of confidence.   With a community of over 60 million consumers, a curated assortment spanning 4,000+ brands and 3 lakh+ products, Nykaa continues to shape how India discovers, experiences and shops beauty. The Nykaa Best in Beauty Awards have become an annual barometer of India’s beauty evolution, capturing not only the products that are loved by consumers, but the ideas and innovations that will define tomorrow.   Explore the full list of winning products and celebrate your favourites and discover some new ones! All award-winning products are available for purchase on Nykaa.com, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the best in beauty as recognized by the most discerning judges & beauty aficionados themselves!   Sub-category Product MAKEUP Blush Nykaa Cosmetics Whipped Blush Pot Blush (Luxury) Pixi By Petra On The Glow Blush Ruby Concealer Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer Eyeliner Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner – Intense Black Eyeshadow Kay Beauty Eyeshadow Palette Foundation L’Oréal Paris Infallible Tinted Serum Foundation Foundation (Luxury) NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation Foundation (Luxury) Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation Highlighter e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter Kajal Renee Cosmetics Midnight Kohl Kajal Lip Gloss Yves Saint Laurent Loveshine Candy Glaze Lip Tint Benefit Cosmetics Lip & Cheek Tint Lip Tint ETUDE Dear Darling Water Gel Lip and Cheek Tint Lipstick Lipstick Kay Beauty Hydra Creme Lipstick Lipstick & Liquid Lipstick (Luxury) M.A.C MACximal Mini Matte Lipstick Lipstick & Liquid Lipstick (Luxury) Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution – Pillow Talk Medium Liquid Lipstick Maybelline New York Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick Mascara Maybelline New York Sky High Mascara Nail Polish Nykaa Cosmetics Creme Nail Enamel Primer e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer Compact & Loose Powder Kay Beauty Setting Loose Powder Compact & Loose Powder (Luxury) Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish – Medium Setting Spray L’Oréal Paris Infallible Setting Spray Skin Tint & Tinted Moisturizer Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer Makeup (Trending) TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Mini Cushion Foundation Makeup (Trending) NYX Professional Makeup Lip I.V. Gloss Stain SKINCARE Ageless Beauty Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Moisturizer Eye Cream Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Face

Bengaluru-based BlueRose Technologies Pvt. Ltd. today unveiled “Diamond,” a next-generation, patent-pending Secure Delivery and Custody System engineered to protect the world’s most sensitive physical information and assets in transit. Named for the hardest and most precious of materials, Diamond is built on an uncompromising promise: from the moment physical materials are sealed inside until the instant they are lawfully accessed, no unauthorized person can breach them, and any attempt to interfere is detected instantly and proven beyond doubt.   Vineet Jain, CEO, BlueRose Technologies   “Every breach in physical custody shares the same root cause—somewhere along the chain, someone gained unauthorized access without immediate detection,” said Vineet Jain, CEO of BlueRose Technologies. “Diamond makes undetected intrusion impossible. It doesn’t just lock high-stakes consignments away; it actively stands guard, enforces multi-factor custody protocols, and reports anomalies in real time. That is the level of assurance secure physical logistics has always required.”   The Core Problem: The Silent Threat in Physical Transport For governments, legal institutions, financial organizations, and regulatory bodies, transporting confidential paper documents and high-value materials remains a critical vulnerability. Traditional chain-of-custody protocols rely heavily on manual processes, padlocks, paper trails, and basic physical seals – leaving a dangerous blind spot where quiet, undetected access or copying can occur during transit. Diamond replaces these passive security measures with an intelligent, active ecosystem that automatically enforces strict rules of custody.   How Diamond Guarantees Secure Physical Delivery Geo-Fenced Locking: Each Diamond unit is programmed with the exact geographic coordinates where it is permitted to unlock. Transported anywhere else, the unit remains immutably sealed, ensuring contents are released exclusively within authorized target locations. Time-Locked Custody: Every unit operates on a precise temporal window. Materials cannot be accessed before the scheduled time, eliminating early-access exposure, and automated tracking flags any failure to open on schedule. Dual-Control Access Control: Unlocking a Diamond container requires two authorized officials acting in tandem, each utilizing cryptographic credentials linked to their personal registered devices. This multi-factor principle eliminates single-point insider threats. Continuous Fleet & Journey Monitoring: From dispatch to final arrival, each unit streams status updates to confirm its location, structural integrity, and route alignment. Every step of the journey is logged for complete end-to-end traceability. Tamper-Proof Hardware Architecture: Should an intruder attempt to force, breach, or interfere with a unit, Diamond permanently records the event in its onboard memory and triggers an immediate alert—even if power or communications are disrupted. When the container arrives, stakeholders know with complete legal certainty whether the seal held unbroken.   Powered by Advanced Security Technologies Diamond brings together an enterprise-grade convergence of hardware, software, satellite positioning, real-time fleet telematics, and tamper-evident sensor systems into a single, field-ready platform.   Built with a multi-layered defense architecture, defeating any single safeguard leaves an intruder facing additional security controls and ensures a permanent digital audit trail. The innovations underlying Diamond rely on patent-pending technology, establishing a new standard for physical information security and verifiable custody.   Universal Applications Across High-Stakes Industries While designed to safeguard the transport of confidential paper records, Diamond’s architecture is purpose-built for any scenario where chain of custody, exact timing, and absolute trust are non-negotiable: Education & Academics: Examination materials, standardized test papers, and confidential university certification evaluations. Legal & Financial: Classified court filings, sensitive merger-and-acquisition documentation, and confidential contracts. Government & Defence: Classified communications, sensitive policy documents, and secure physical keys/credentials. High-Value Assets: Regulated materials, high-worth commodities, and sensitive physical media.   Wherever institutions need to answer “Who opened this, where, and when—and can it be proven?” Diamond provides an undeniable answer.   Availability Diamond is available now for enterprise, institutional, and government partners. To arrange a briefing or a live demonstration, contact BlueRose Technologies via the details below.   BlueRose Technologies Pvt. Ltd.: Ria Jain | email: ria.jain@bluerose-tech.com | Phone: +91 6364 247273   About BlueRose Technologies BlueRose Technologies is a global technology partner for enterprises and governments. We build AI-native applications and agentic systems, deliver and modernize mission-critical enterprise platforms, engineer security end-to-end, and provide purpose-built AI infrastructure and storage—backed by our own AI products. Active across 25+ countries. For more information, please visit www.bluerose-tech.com.

Acclaimed Film Producer, Cultural Diplomat and Indian Army Veteran Captain Rahul Bali delivered a powerful keynote address at the prestigious 2nd National CEO Conclave 2026 held in Bhubaneswar, where he outlined a transformative vision for positioning Odisha as a leading global destination for tourism, culture, film production and the creative economy.   Captain Rahul Bali & Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi   The conclave organised by Interview Times, brought together dignitaries like Honourable Member of Parliament Shri R.N. Behera, CEO of Startup Odisha Sh. S.R. Pradhan IAS, Consul General of India in Auckland Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Mahapatra, CEO of TPCODL Sh. Gajanan S. Kale and Chairman Kiri Industries Sh. Manish Kiri as well as distinguished policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, academicians and business executives from across India to deliberate on Odisha’s growth trajectory and its vision for becoming a developed and globally competitive state.   Addressing the gathering, Captain Rahul Bali presented his keynote titled “Celebrating Odisha – Building a Global Destination Through Culture, Art & Tourism”, highlighting how Odisha’s extraordinary cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, artistic excellence, natural beauty and tourism assets can be strategically leveraged to drive economic growth, investment and international visibility.   Captain Bali commended the Government of Odisha under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi for its commitment towards accelerating economic development, infrastructure creation, tourism promotion and investment attraction.   He also lauded the efforts of Dr. Dibyajit Sahu in making the National CEO Conclave Odisha a distinguished platform for showcasing Odisha’s potential to national and global audiences.   “The National CEO Conclave is a visionary initiative that brings together government, industry and thought leaders to collectively shape the future of Odisha. Such platforms play a vital role in showcasing the state’s immense potential and positioning Odisha as a destination for investment, innovation, tourism and cultural excellence,” said Captain Rahul Bali.   During his keynote address, Captain Bali emphasized that Odisha possesses all the ingredients required to emerge as one of Asia’s most compelling tourism destinations. He said, “Odisha is one of India’s greatest untold stories. The state already possesses world-class heritage, spirituality, culture, art, nature and authentic experiences. The opportunity lies in creating greater visibility, stronger storytelling and impactful global positioning.”   Drawing on his international experience in filmmaking and destination promotion, Captain Rahul Bali highlighted how cinema has become one of the world’s most effective tools for tourism marketing. Citing global examples and his landmark Indo-Vietnam feature film Love in Vietnam, he explained how films, festivals and the creative economy—including media, arts and cultural experiences—can boost tourism, attract investment, generate employment and strengthen a destination’s global brand. “Culture is no longer merely a heritage asset to be preserved. It is economic capital that can create jobs, generate tourism revenues, attract investment and build a strong global identity.”   Captain Rahul Bali further advocated the need to position Odisha as a preferred destination for domestic and international film productions by promoting filmmaker-friendly policies, streamlined permissions and stronger engagement with the global film industry.   He proposed a long-term vision that includes a Global Film Odisha Mission, an internationally recognized Odisha International Film Festival, enhanced destination branding initiatives under an Experience Odisha Campaign and a greater integration of culture, tourism and creative industries into the state’s economic development strategy.   His keynote received an enthusiastic response from visionary business leaders, policymakers and delegates who appreciated the practical roadmap presented by him for leveraging Odisha’s cultural and tourism strengths as engines of economic transformation around the core theme of “Viksit Odisha 2030“ and nation-building.   Meeting with Chief Secretary of Odisha Following his keynote address, Captain Rahul Bali held a meaningful interaction with the Chief Secretary of Odisha, Ms. Anu Garg, IAS, in the presence of the Honourable Consul General of India in Auckland, New Zealand, Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi.   During the interaction, Captain Rahul Bali shared his vision of positioning Odisha as a premier destination for domestic and international film productions, highlighting the role of cinema in promoting tourism and destination branding. He discussed showcasing Odisha’s rich heritage, culture and natural beauty through films and expressed his interest in exploring the state as a location for one of his forthcoming film projects in collaboration with the film industry.   Ms. Anu Garg appreciated the potential of film-led destination promotion and welcomed the exchange of ideas on how the creative industries can contribute to tourism development, investment attraction and economic growth. The discussion reflected a shared interest in exploring opportunities that could further strengthen Odisha’s positioning as an attractive destination for filmmaking, tourism and cultural engagement.   The presence of Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Honourable Consul General of India in Auckland, added an international perspective to the discussions and underscored the growing importance of cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion and creative collaborations in strengthening India’s global outreach.   A Vision for Odisha’s Global Future Concluding his address, Captain Rahul Bali expressed confidence that Odisha is uniquely positioned to emerge as one of India’s leading destinations for tourism, culture, film production and investment.   “Tourism is not built by monuments alone. It is built through stories, experiences, festivals, films and emotional connections. Odisha has all the ingredients necessary to become a globally admired destination. With visionary leadership, strategic collaboration and effective storytelling, the state can create a powerful model of sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Bali.   The keynote and subsequent discussions reinforced the growing recognition of culture, tourism and creative industries as important pillars of economic development and highlighted the significant opportunities that lie ahead for Odisha in the years to come.   About Captain Rahul Bali Captain Rahul Bali is an Indian Army Veteran, Film Producer, Entrepreneur, Festival Curator and Cultural Diplomat. He is the Producer of Love in Vietnam and the upcoming international feature film SILAA, and has played a significant role in strengthening cultural, tourism and economic ties between India and several countries through cinema, festivals and international collaborations.

“The search box is no longer just a container for simple text; it has completely transformed into an intelligent, multimodal, and conversational partner. We are moving from a world of simple keyword queries to a world of rich, conversational intent, where users leverage Google Search as a true partner in discovery and decision making,” said Siddharth Shekhar, Director – Govt. & PSUs, BFSI, Fintech, Education & Auto, Google, at the 20th edition of India’s premier marketing conference, Marketing Conclave (MarCon), organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and powered by Google.   Distinguished industry representatives at the 20th edition of India’s premier marketing conference, Marketing Conclave (MarCon), organised by the IAMAI, powered by Google, in Mumbai “In the emerging agentic era, the marketing opportunity shifts from search visibility to providing the precise answers and context that enable AI agents to act on a consumer’s behalf—always with explicit permission. We are working with the industry to lay the foundation of agentic commerce with open standards like the Universal Commerce Protocol to help brands thrive and build deeper, more valuable customer relationships. As we see, agentic capabilities are redefining how people search, discover, and shop,” he added. AI has become the talking point for the entertainment industry. At a session on ‘The Producer’s Paybook: TV, OTT and What Comes Next’, Goldie Behl, Filmmaker & Founder, Rose Audio Visuals, said, “AI is a tool that will enhance creativity. Ultimately, it will be human intelligence and AI working together. Human intelligence will always be driving storytelling.” Behl further added that AI should be viewed as a creative tool rather than a replacement for writers, while stressing the need for regulations around how AI learns from existing content and intellectual property rights. Behl noted that OTT has undergone its own evolution, with the next wave of opportunities coming from brand-backed storytelling. “But, creators must understand and authentically communicate a brand’s ethos,” he added. The second day of the conference saw participation from notable industry experts, including Prashant Gutch, Head, Search & Shopping, Ads Marketing, Google; Poorva Bhatikar, Industry Head – Mobility, Google; Archit Goyal, Search & Performance Specialist, Google; Aviral Chandra, President Marketing, Shriram General Insurance; Pankaj Sharma, Chief Executive Officer & Director, MGID; Arpit Mankar, Senior Vice President – Head – NonBollywood, Shemaroo Entertainment; Somnath Mukherjee, Head of Programmatic and Performance Marketing, Reliance Retail, and Vinay Bhartia, Director – MEA & West Asia, Semrush, who shared insights on the evolving digital marketing landscape. MarCon featured an expo with participation from more than 30 leading marketing and technology companies. Over two days, the conference witnessed a footfall of more than 2,000.  Among the partners of Marketing Conclave 2026 are Affinity Global Advertising, Consumr.ai, Connect Network, DoubleTick, Google, Helo.ai, mFilterIt, PubLive, Vonage, BC Web Wise, LS Digital, Truecaller, Semrush (An Adobe Company), ORIGIN8, Exotel, Shemaroo and many more. About Internet and Mobile Association of India   The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body with more than 800 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as start-ups. IAMAI has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy. IAMAI advocates free and fair competition, and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers. The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy. Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups and promotion of consumer trust and safety. 

Kauvery Hospital and Chennai International Airport jointly inaugurated the HeartSafe Initiative, with the installation of 13 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across the airport to strengthen its ability to respond swiftly to sudden cardiac emergencies. An AED is a portable, easy-to-use device that analyses the heart’s rhythm and, when necessary, delivers a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.   Kauvery Hospital and Chennai Airport inaugurated the HeartSafe Initiative by commissioning 13 AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) at the airport The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport, and Dr Manivannan Selvaraj – Founder and Managing Director Kauvery Group of Hospitals, along with senior officials from the airport and Kauvery Hospital. Kauvery Hospital has been operating 24×7 emergency medical services at Chennai International Airport through four clinics strategically located at T1 Arrival, T2 Departure, T2 Security Hold Area (SHA), and T4 Arrival. The service is staffed by a dedicated team of 49 healthcare professionals, including emergency physicians, nurses, paramedics and support staff, who provide prompt medical assessment, stabilisation and emergency care to passengers, airport personnel, airline crew and visitors. The clinics are further supported by two fully equipped ambulances stationed at the airside and cityside, ensuring rapid emergency response and timely patient transfer when required. Each clinic manages approximately 80-100 patients a month, bringing the total to an estimated 320-400 patients across all four clinics. These include medical emergencies, onboard in-flight emergencies, walk-in consultations, and patients requiring stabilisation and transfer to higher centres. On average, 5-10 of these patients present with cardiac-related conditions, most commonly chest pain, palpitations and high blood pressure, underscoring the critical need for rapid cardiac response capabilities within the airport environment. The addition of AEDs further strengthens this comprehensive emergency care ecosystem, ensuring that life-saving intervention is available during the critical first few minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest.  Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raja Kishore, Director, Chennai International Airport, said: “Chennai International Airport is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for every passenger, visitor and employee. The installation of the Automated External Defibrillator is an important step towards strengthening our emergency medical preparedness. We appreciate Kauvery Hospital for its continued partnership through the 24×7 airport medical clinics and for extending its expertise to enhance our capability to respond swiftly during medical emergencies. Together, we are creating an airport ecosystem where timely intervention can help save lives.”  Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “In a sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without treatment reduces the chance of survival. When high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is started immediately and an AED is used within the first few minutes, survival rates improve significantly. Through the HeartSafe Initiative, we have installed 13 AEDs to enable faster life-saving intervention.  However, emergency preparedness is about more than just installing AEDs. It requires the right people, the right training and the right systems. At Chennai International Airport, Kauvery Hospital’s 24×7 emergency clinics are staffed by experienced emergency physicians, skilled nurses and trained paramedics, supported by advanced medical equipment. The addition of AEDs further strengthens our emergency response capability, helping create a safer environment where passengers, visitors and airport personnel can be assured of rapid, life-saving care when every second matters.”  The installation of the AED reflects the shared commitment of Chennai International Airport and Kauvery Hospital to creating a safer environment for millions of passengers, employees and visitors who pass through the airport each year. Beyond providing immediate access to advanced emergency equipment, the initiative also underscores the importance of increasing public awareness about recognising cardiac arrest, performing CPR and using an AED until professional medical help arrives. 

Galgotias University has entered into a strategic industry-academia collaboration with Accenture LearnVantage to launch a portfolio of industry-integrated undergraduate programs designed to equip students with the technology, business and professional skills needed to succeed in the age of AI. The collaboration brings together Galgotias University’s academic foundation and vibrant campus ecosystem with Accenture LearnVantage’s industry-led learning expertise to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and evolving workforce requirements.   Galgotias University has entered into a strategic industry-academia collaboration with Accenture LearnVantage to launch a portfolio of industry-integrated undergraduate programs As organisations increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, cloud, data and digital technologies, employers are seeking graduates who can combine strong foundational knowledge with practical, industry-relevant capabilities. To address this need, the collaboration will introduce specialised BTech and BBA degrees and establish an Accenture Centre of Advanced Studies on campus to support these industry-integrated programs. The initiative is designed to provide students with greater exposure to emerging technologies, contemporary industry practices and experiential learning opportunities that enhance career readiness. The program portfolio includes four BTech specialisations – Cloud and AI, Full Stack Development with AI, Data Science, AI and Machine Learning, and Design Engineering – and two BBA specialisations: AI-Integrated General Management and AI-Powered Sales and Marketing. Students will benefit from a structured blend of academic learning, industry-led content, hands-on projects, virtual labs, interactions with industry experts, assessments and certifications alongside the degree from Galgotias University on successful completion of the program. The curriculum is designed to help students connect classroom concepts with real-world applications while developing capabilities aligned to the needs of modern enterprises. A key differentiator of the collaboration is its focus on developing industry-ready talent through a holistic learning experience. In addition to academic and technical learning, students will have access to career-readiness interventions, including professional skills development, workplace communication, industry mentoring, interview preparation and placement support. This integrated approach is intended to help students build the professional competencies, confidence and adaptability required to transition successfully from university to the workplace. Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “The future belongs to students who can adapt, innovate and apply knowledge in real-world contexts. Our collaboration with Accenture LearnVantage represents an important step in reimagining undergraduate education by integrating academic rigor with industry relevance. Through these future-ready programs, students will gain access to contemporary learning experiences, emerging technologies and professional development opportunities that will help them build successful and meaningful careers.” Anurag Bansal, Managing Director, Accenture LearnVantage, Asia Oceania, said, “AI is transforming every industry, increasing the demand for graduates who combine domain expertise with AI fluency. Through these newly launched academic programs, we are bringing industry-relevant learning into engineering and management education, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and the evolving needs of employers. By combining technical, business and professional skills with industry perspectives, we aim to prepare students to apply their learning and create value in the workplace from day one.” For more information on program structure, eligibility and admissions, visit the program website.

WAE, a sustainability-led engineering OEM advancing carbon-neutral water and circular hydration solutions, today announced its participation in the Indian Hospitality Exposition (IHE) 2026, where the company introduces two of its most significant technology innovations for the hospitality sector—Aqua-Smith™, WAE’s advanced Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) platform, and Infinity™, the company’s patented continuous-flow water purification and dispensing technology.   WAE Showcases Next-Generation Sustainable Water Technologies at the India International Hospitality Expo 2026   Designed for hotels, resorts, corporate campuses, airports, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, premium residential developments and public infrastructure, the two technologies represent WAE’s vision of transforming the way organizations produce, purify, dispense and manage drinking water—while eliminating dependence on single-use plastic bottles and significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with conventional water logistics.   Aqua-Smith™ converts atmospheric humidity into safe drinking water through advanced air-to-water engineering, offering an independent and sustainable source of potable water in regions facing increasing water stress. The platform has been developed to complement WAE’s broader Carbon Neutral Water ecosystem and supports organizations pursuing ambitious ESG and Net Zero commitments.   The exhibition also marks the official introduction of Infinity™, WAE’s patented breakthrough in water purification and dispensing. Unlike conventional storage-based systems, Infinity™ delivers continuous-flow purified water without interruption, ensuring consistent quality, enhanced hygiene and operational efficiency. The technology is engineered to provide chilled, ambient and hot water on demand while eliminating the limitations associated with storage tanks and batch processing. Its intelligent architecture enables superior water quality, lower energy consumption and a significantly improved user experience for high-demand commercial environments.   Speaking on the occasion, A. Vikram Joshe, Managing Director, WAE, said, “The hospitality industry is redefining luxury through sustainability. Guests increasingly expect experiences that are environmentally responsible without compromising quality. Aqua-Smith™ and Infinity™ have been developed to address exactly that challenge—combining engineering excellence, operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. These innovations reflect WAE’s commitment to enabling a future where sustainable water becomes the new standard rather than the exception.”   Also on display is WAE’s latest breakthrough innovation – Primus, a state-of-the-art, fully automatic glass bottling plant, engineered to wash, fill, cap and deliver every bottle with precision. Built for hospitality properties of every scale, it underscores WAE’s continued push to help hotels and institutions produce their own premium glass-bottled water in-house.   Visitors to the WAE pavilion will experience live demonstrations of the new technologies alongside the company’s integrated portfolio of sustainable water solutions, advanced purification technologies, IoT-enabled water intelligence platforms, water recycling solutions and long-term Water-as-a-Service (WaaS) operating models.   With sustainability becoming central to the future of hospitality, WAE continues to work alongside leading hotels, institutions and enterprises to accelerate the transition towards carbon-neutral water infrastructure and circular water management. Visitors are invited to experience the future of sustainable hydration at the WAE Pavilion during the Indian Hospitality Exposition 2026.   About WAE WAE is a sustainability-led engineering OEM dedicated to advancing a water-secure and climate-resilient future through integrated water technologies, digital innovation and circular resource management. The company designs, manufactures and operates advanced systems for water purification, atmospheric water generation, glass bottling, recycling, intelligent water management and sustainable beverage infrastructure. Through engineering excellence and long-term operational partnerships, WAE enables organizations to reduce environmental impact while delivering measurable economic, operational and social value.