September 2026

The world is looking for new and trusted manufacturing destinations; India is steadily preparing itself to meet this need: PM Modi Ashok Chandak says India moves from credibility to Capability with Policy Continuity and Commitments The three-day flagship event which runs till September 19th at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, is tracking toward 40,000+ visitors with involvement of 400+ executives and over 150 speakers, 600+ participating companies with representatives from 52 countries – metrics that reflect India’s repositioning within global semiconductor supply chains   Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 at New Delhi, underscoring the government’s commitment to establishing India as a semiconductor powerhouse. Against the backdrop of Semicon 2.0 moving into its next phase through six strategic pillars – Design, Machines and Materials, Setting up more Fabs, Strengthening the ATMP/OSAT industry, Research & Development, and Talent Development with expanded budget of Rs 1,27,500 crore, the flagship event marks a watershed moment for the country’s chip manufacturing ambitions.   MoU announcements at SEMICON India 2026   Addressing the inauguration, PM Modi drew parallels between India’s semiconductor trajectory and the semiconductor industry’s concept of “tape-out”—not an endpoint, but the genesis of the next generation. “No nation builds a semiconductor ecosystem overnight; it takes decades of capability-building,” PM Modi said. “Yet with the partnership of industry leaders, India has compressed that timeline into something remarkable.”   Addressing the media during SEMICON India 2026, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that investment commitments of around Rs 1 lakh crore (approximately USD 11–12 billion) have already been received under the Semicon 2.0 ecosystem. These commitments are expected to translate into significant economic activity and employment, with close to 1 lakh new employment opportunities expected to be created across the semiconductor ecosystem. The investments are expected to materialize over the next two to three years, with companies announcing their respective investments as and when they receive the required board and shareholder approvals.   Ajit Manocha, President and CEO, SEMI said, “The USD 1 trillion semiconductor target for 2030 is now tracking at more than USD 2 trillion. India’s consumption is doubling annually while global markets grow at 60 percent—that pace is real. As domestic manufacturing scales under Semicon 2.0, India is poised to realize significant economic growth over time. And in the AI era, the global semiconductor value chain needs to extend its geographical footprint to enable new technology breakthroughs, strengthen its resilience, and develop a deeper talent pipeline. India’s strategic focus to establish a recognized hub and critical ecosystem for the global semiconductor industry builds on its existing strengths while developing new ones for the benefit of India and the world. The word for 2026 is indispensability. That’s India’s path forward.”   Ashok Chandak, President, SEMI India and IESA said, “The successful two days of SEMICON India 2026 have demonstrated the growing confidence, commitment and momentum behind India’s semiconductor journey. The inauguration by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has given this journey an even stronger national and global dimension. With 50+ MoUs and major announcements, more than USD 7 billion in investment commitments, commercial launches, global CxO participation and strong industry engagement, SEMICON India 2026 has showcased the scale at which the ecosystem is now taking shape. And this is only the beginning—more investments, partnerships and opportunities are in the pipeline. India is moving from building credibility to building capability, and steadily positioning itself as a trusted and competitive player across the global semiconductor value chain.”   First two days of SEMICON India 2026 brought together a total of 28,000 on ground participants including policymakers, global semiconductor leaders, Indian industry, researchers, startups, academia and students for deliberations spanning manufacturing, supply chains, Research and Development (R&D), international partnerships, chip design, advanced packaging, materials and talent, reflecting India’s progress towards an integrated and globally competitive “Silicon to Systems” ecosystem.   Reinforcing the strong momentum that is reflected in the event over first two days Mr. Ashok Chandak, President, SEMI India and IESA said, “The energy at SEMICON India this year speaks for itself — from the exhibition floor to the hackathon, the startup pavilion to the country roundtables and a series of strategic collaborations across semiconductor materials, manufacturing, power electronics, advanced packaging, logistics, design and skilling involving Indian and global ecosystem partners ,it’s clear — this is a movement, not a moment, and India’s semiconductor journey is accelerating.“   The MoU press briefing on day 1 and day 2 of SEMICON India 2026 witnessed a milestone moment with Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw witnessing several MOU’s and products marking a significant step forward for India’s semiconductor ecosystem.   Major Investments and Commitments at SEMICON India 2026: Applied Materials: Announced a USD 5 billion investment over the next decade covering research, supply chain development, and workforce expansion. Lam Research: Committed approximately Rs 10,000 crore for its first silicon component manufacturing and vertical ingot processing facility in India. Micron stated the company will assemble and test tens of millions of chips at Sanand this year, scaling to hundreds of millions next year.   Focused Sessions Over the two days the event featured focused sessions charting India’s transition from foundational policy planning to large-scale execution across the silicon value chain. These sessions covered AI-enabled chip design and manufacturing, advanced packaging, next-generation manufacturing, equipment R&D and workforce development, strengthening India’s design enablement and test ecosystem amongst others. The State Spotlight session highlighted initiatives of Assam, Odisha, Gujarat and Karnataka in incentives, infrastructure, ease of doing business and industry-linked skilling.   With a bold vision and theme “Transform Tomorrow: “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem,” SEMICON India 2026 has drawn senior representation from the semiconductor industry’s critical players including – AMD, Applied Materials, BAIN & Company, Intel, KLA, Lam Research, McKinsey, Tokyo Electron, ASML, DISCO, FUJIFILM, KAS, Kaynes, L&T Semiconductor Technologies Ltd, Micron, PwC- SanDisk, SIEMENS, UST, AECOM, BCG, Ecolab, HCLTech, Infineon, Infosys, NXP Semiconductors, Synopsys, Tech Mahindra, Wipro- reinforcing the show’s positioning as a forum for end-to-end value chain participation. The exhibition features six

Prudential Health India (Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited) has launched “‘Sense Banta Hai’”, its first brand campaign. The digital-first campaign uses humour and relatable storytelling to question some of the complexities people have come to accept in health insurance and presents simpler, more thoughtful alternatives.   Prudential Health India launches its first brand campaign, “Sense Banta Hai” Health insurance often enters the conversation at moments of illness, uncertainty or financial anxiety. Yet the decisions surrounding it can be difficult to understand and the experience can add to the stress customers are already facing. ‘Sense Banta Hai’ is founded on a simple belief: health insurance should make things clearer, not more complicated, and help families make confident decisions before, during and after a health event. The campaign brings this belief alive through three impactful films inspired by relevant situations in Indian families, highlighting Prudential Health India’s key offerings.   Child Protect: A parent takes rudimentary precautions to keep a child safe but recognises that protecting the child’s future requires longer-term, strategic thinking. The film introduces Child Protect as a thoughtful way to strengthen the child’s health protection. Pre-Post Express Pay: A person recovering from a fracture struggles to find a physical medical bill. The situation highlights the added burden of managing paperwork during recovery and demonstrates how Pre-Post Express Pay is designed to make the reimbursement experience simpler. Health check-up consultation: A family offers multiple interpretations of a medical report, showing that information without the right guidance can create greater confusion. The film underscores the value of a doctor consultation following a health check-up.   The three stories are connected by a consistent idea: when health insurance anticipates a real customer need and provides a clear, relevant solution, Sense Banta Hai! Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, Amit Dave, MD & CEO Designate, Prudential Health India, said, “At Prudential Health India, our ambition is to build a health insurer that supports customers before, during and after a health event. Whether it’s helping parents plan for their child’s future through Child Protect, reducing the friction associated with reimbursement through Pre-Post Express Pay, or enabling customers to better understand and act on their health through doctor consultations, we are focused on delivering solutions that go beyond financial protection. ‘Sense Banta Hai’ reflects our belief that health insurance should be practical, relevant and genuinely helpful. As we help customers navigate their health journey with greater confidence and peace of mind, choosing Prudential Health India simply makes sense.” Manesha Kulkarni Colaco, Chief Marketing Officer, Prudential Health India, offered her views, saying, “Our first campaign had to begin with the customer. During our primary research with consumers, advisors and other stakeholders, we repeatedly encountered aspects of health insurance that felt unnecessarily complex or disconnected from everyday needs. ‘Sense Banta Hai’ turns those insights into simple, relatable stories. For us, ‘Sense Banta Hai’ is not just a campaign platform; it is a decision standard for Prudential Health India. Every product, feature, service and customer experience is evaluated through a simple lens: does it solve a real customer need in a way that is clear, relevant and genuinely helpful? It also gives our agency and D2C channels a common language to communicate value, drive trust and make health insurance easier to understand and choose.” Created by TBWALintas, the campaign features well-known actor Sharib Hashmi and brings together everyday family dynamics and product-led storytelling to introduce Prudential Health India’s approach to health insurance. The campaign has been rolled out through an integrated strategy across digital platforms.    Sense Banta Hai! – Prudential Health India Link to the YouTube video: Prudential Health India – Sense Banta Hai Campaign Link to the website: Prudential Health Insurance – Buy Insurance Policies Online About Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited Prudential HCL Health Insurance Limited is a standalone health insurance company and a joint venture between Prudential plc and the HCL Group. The company offers health insurance solutions designed around customer needs, combining innovative products, AI-powered experiences, preventive health initiatives, and dedicated support services to help customers confidently manage their healthcare journeys. Its purpose is to help make health a family’s greatest asset by ensuring families are never alone in critical health moments.

The Indian homebuyer is becoming increasingly discerning, with purchase decisions now extending well beyond the traditional considerations of price and location. According to Mr. Kaustubh Virkar, Director, Virkar Developers, today’s buyers are evaluating homes through a broader lens that includes the efficiency of space planning, privacy, natural light and ventilation, quality of construction, meaningful amenities, regulatory transparency, connectivity and the property’s potential long-term value.   SEVEN, Baner Project   Drawing on the company’s direct observations and customer interactions across its residential projects in Kalyan and Pune, Virkar Developers notes that the definition of a premium home is evolving. Rather than simply seeking larger homes or longer lists of amenities, buyers are increasingly looking at how effectively a residence supports everyday living and whether the overall offering delivers lasting value.   From Bigger Homes to Better-Planned Homes For today’s homebuyer, size alone is no longer enough. The usability of the available space has become an important consideration, with buyers paying closer attention to layouts, movement within the home, privacy and the relationship between different spaces.   Natural light and ventilation are also gaining importance as homeowners seek residences that offer comfort and functionality alongside aesthetics. Thoughtful planning, according to Virkar Developers, is therefore becoming an important differentiator in the premium housing segment.   “Today’s homebuyer is much more informed and is looking beyond just the size or price of a home. We are seeing buyers place greater importance on how effectively the space is planned, the quality of construction, meaningful amenities, transparency, RERA compliance and the long-term value of the property. The premium home of today is increasingly defined by better planning, better functionality and greater trust,” said Mr Kaustubh Virkar, Director, Virkar Developers.   Amenities That Add Value, Not Just Numbers The shift in buyer preferences is also reflected in how amenities are evaluated. While amenities continue to play an important role in residential decision-making, buyers are increasingly looking for facilities that have a clear purpose and relevance to their lifestyle rather than simply a long list of offerings.   For developers, this places greater emphasis on creating residential environments where design, functionality and amenities work together. The focus is moving towards creating spaces that contribute meaningfully to residents’ everyday experiences.   Transparency and Connectivity Become Part of the Value Proposition As homebuyers conduct more research before making a purchase, transparency is becoming an increasingly important part of the decision-making process. Regulatory compliance, including RERA compliance, construction quality and clarity around the overall offering can influence buyer confidence.   Connectivity remains another key consideration, particularly as buyers assess not only the home itself but also its accessibility to workplaces, education, healthcare, retail and other everyday requirements. Together, these factors are contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of value in residential real estate.   SEVEN, Baner: Reflecting the Evolving Buyer Preference Virkar Developers’ SEVEN in Baner, Pune, serves as a project-level example of this approach. The development offers 3 and 4 BHK residences, complemented by 20+ curated amenities, with layouts designed with attention to privacy, natural light and ventilation.   The project reflects the developer’s broader focus on spacious and functional home design, thoughtful planning and construction quality attributes that the company believes are increasingly relevant to the expectations of today’s informed homebuyer.   With more than three decades of experience in residential development across Kalyan, Thane and Pune, Virkar Developers continues to focus on creating homes that balance design, functionality, quality and long-term value.   About Virkar Developers Virkar Developers is a Kalyan-based real estate developer with a legacy of more than 35 years in residential development. Established under the founding leadership of Mr. V. N. Virkar, the company is now driven by the next generation under Mr. Kaustubh Virkar. With a footprint spanning Kalyan, Thane and Pune, the developer’s philosophy centres on thoughtfully planned residential spaces built around quality, design integrity, transparency, functionality and enduring value for homeowners.   SEVEN in Baner, Pune, reflects this approach through its spacious 3 and 4 BHK residences, 20+ curated amenities and layouts designed with deliberate attention to privacy, natural light and ventilation.   For more information, visit virkardevelopers.com

SEMI, the global industry association advancing the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, and the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) today announced their intention to collaborate on a plan for the India Semiconductor Academy (ISA), with the objective of establishing it as a national, industry-led platform for semiconductor education, skills and employment.   Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Min for Electronics & IT), Mr. Arun Kumar (Chair, IDTA & Celesta Capital Managing Partner) Shari Liss, Vice President, Global Workforce Development & Initiatives, SEMI   The proposed Academy will strengthen India’s training and workforce-development objectives as India expands investment across semiconductor design, fabrication, advanced packaging and testing, equipment, and materials. Its focus will be on converting India’s broad engineering and technical talent base into practical, industry-ready capability for priority roles across the semiconductor value chain.   The proposed Academy will partner with a number of industry participants and academic institutions to achieve its objectives, including Cadence, CG Semi, Dixon Technologies, Micron Technology, Synopsys, 3D Glass Solutions, the University of California San Diego and IIT Kanpur.   The collaboration will draw on SEMI’s global experience convening semiconductor employers and building industry-led workforce initiatives worldwide. The partners expect to adapt relevant lessons to India’s institutional landscape, industrial priorities and employment needs.   A roadmap from planning to establishment In the planning phase, SEMI and IDTA will engage industry, universities, technical institutions, training centers and laboratories to define the Academy’s governance, operating model, curriculum priorities, funding framework and phased implementation. The plan is expected to address: an annually refreshed national forecast of semiconductor skills demand by role, capability and location; industry-validated occupational standards and stackable credentials for priority jobs in design, fabrication, assembly, testing, marking and packaging, and equipment operations; access to shared laboratories, tools and simulation environments; apprenticeships, on-the-job training and employment-linked pathways; and annual reporting on proficiency, placement, retention and employer satisfaction. The Academy is intended to serve the full semiconductor talent pyramid: from fab-ready technicians and operators to manufacturing, packaging and design engineers, advanced researchers and materials scientists, and system and solution architects. It will place particular emphasis on hands-on capability in process and equipment operations, facilities, maintenance, packaging, testing, quality and safety, alongside India’s established strength in semiconductor design.   The initiative will also complement Pax Silica, through which India, the United States and other trusted partners are pursuing greater resilience, security and innovation across semiconductor and artificial-intelligence supply chains. A deeper pool of skilled talent in India can strengthen both India’s domestic ecosystem and trusted international technology partnerships.   Quotations: S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY “India’s semiconductor strategy must be built not only on capital and infrastructure, but also on people. The proposed India Semiconductor Academy can strengthen the training objectives of the India Semiconductor Mission by aligning education and skilling with the real requirements of industry, and by creating pathways from learning to productive employment.”   Ajit Manocha, President and Chief Executive Officer, SEMI “SEMI is pleased to bring its global industry network and its experience with workforce-development initiatives to this collaboration. India has an important opportunity to connect educators, employers and learners through industry-defined competencies and hands-on training that can support semiconductor growth at scale.”   Arun Kumar, Chair, Executive Committee Chair, India Deep Tech Alliance and Managing Partner, Celesta Capital “Talent is the longest lead-time input in semiconductor development. The Academy will help India translate its formidable technical potential into fab-ready and industry-ready capability. It will also reinforce the trusted technology partnerships envisaged by Pax Silica by expanding the skilled workforce available to India and thus its partners across the semiconductor value chain.”   April Arnzen, EVP and Chief People Officer, Micron Technology “Micron is pleased to support the India Semiconductor Academy and its vision to strengthen India’s semiconductor talent pipeline. Building a workforce ready for the demands of a rapidly growing semiconductor industry requires close collaboration among industry, academia, and government. Initiatives like ISA create valuable opportunities for industry to help inform workforce competencies, share insights on evolving talent needs, and support the development of educational pathways that prepare students for high-impact semiconductor careers.”   Dr Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor, University of California San Diego “India’s semiconductor opportunity is ultimately a talent opportunity. The India Semiconductor Academy can help build the industry-ready workforce that will enable India to move from ambition to leadership across the semiconductor value chain. UC San Diego is pleased to partner with SEMI and IDTA as a founding participant on this important national platform and is proud to contribute its expertise in engineering, advanced computing, research and workforce development to this important national effort, while strengthening the trusted technology partnerships between India and the United States.”   Jayashankar Narayanankutty, Group Director – Sales, Cadence “Cadence is pleased to support the India Semiconductor Academy and its vision to build an industry-ready workforce for India’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem. As the industry evolves under ISM 2.0 beyond traditional design services toward IP creation, product ownership, and manufacturing, scaling specialized talent across the entire value chain requires close alignment between industry, academia, and government. Initiatives like ISA provide a crucial framework to translate academic potential into practical capabilities aligned with real-world design and manufacturing demands. We look forward to collaborating with SEMI and IDTA to help nurture the next generation of engineers and support India’s transition into a global semiconductor innovation hub.”   LW Yong, Head of Operations, CG Semi “Building India’s semiconductor ecosystem will require us to build the talent ecosystem alongside it. We are already seeing the intensity of the talent challenge, but we have also been impressed by the hunger and willingness of Indian engineers and technicians to learn and take on this industry. With the right infrastructure and training, we believe India can build the deep talent pool needed to support a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.”   Atul Lall, Managing Director & Vice Chairman, Dixon Technologies “India’s engineering potential is immense, but scaling our semiconductor and electronics ecosystem requires converting that potential into specialized, industry-ready capabilities. Through the India Semiconductor Academy

Capital was deployed across all five RDI Scheme’s priority sectors Announcement at SEMICON India 2026 marks one year since IDTA’s launch   Members of the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) invested approximately INR 2,170 crores across 56 deep-tech companies between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026, as self-reported by IDTA members. IDTA announced the figure at SEMICON India 2026 today, approximately one year after the Alliance was launched as an industry-led initiative to mobilise long-term private capital, technical expertise and ecosystem support for Indian deep-tech companies.   Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Min for Electronics & IT), Mr. Arun Kumar (Chair, IDTA & Celesta Capital Managing Partner), Sriram Viswanathan, ECM, IDTA & Founding Managing Partner, Celesta Capital   The investments were made independently by individual IDTA members in accordance with their respective investment strategies and processes. The first-year figure reflects deepening investor conviction in India-built deep-tech companies and the breadth of capital deployment across strategic technology sectors.   Capital Deployed Across Five Priority Sectors of RDI Scheme Artificial intelligence and its application to Indian problems drew approximately INR 639 crores across 16 companies. Deep technology spanning quantum computing, robotics and space accounted for approximately INR 649 crores across 21 companies.   Energy security and transition, and climate action attracted approximately INR 655 crores across 8 companies; biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology and pharmaceuticals approximately INR 189 crores across 7 companies; and the digital economy, including digital agriculture, approximately INR 38 crores across 4 companies.   Beyond Capital IDTA was established around the premise that deep-tech companies require more than financing alone. Successful commercialisation also requires access to technical expertise, research capabilities, manufacturing and supply-chain partners, customers, global markets and an enabling policy environment. The Alliance brings together investors, corporations and industry associations to strengthen these connections while preserving the independence of each member’s investment decisions.   Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India said, “India has built a strong foundation of scientific talent and research capability; the next imperative is to translate this strength into globally competitive technologies, products and enterprises. Deep-tech innovation requires patient capital and sustained support through research, validation, commercialisation and scale. The capital deployed by IDTA members in the five priority sectors identified under the RDI Scheme is an encouraging indication of growing private-sector confidence in India’s innovation ecosystem. The RDI Scheme and industry-led initiatives can complement each other in strengthening the pathways through which promising technologies move from the laboratory to the market and create long-term strategic and economic value for India.”   Sriram Viswanathan, Executive Committee Member, India Deep Tech Alliance & Founding Managing Partner, Celesta Capital, said, “When we announced the launch of IDTA at SEMICON India 2025, our conviction was that India’s deep-tech opportunity required a sustained, industry-led effort bringing together patient capital, technical expertise and pathways to commercial scale. One year later, the nearly INR 2,170 crores invested by IDTA members across more than 50 promising companies shows that this vision is beginning to translate into measurable action.  The progress of IDTA members over the past year demonstrates that private capital is moving alongside India’s national ambition and the investments announced today are tangible evidence of that momentum. This is an important first milestone, but the larger task is to help India’s deep-tech companies build enduring businesses, access global markets and emerge as technology leaders in their respective fields.”   About the India Deep Tech Alliance The India Deep Tech Alliance is an industry-led consortium of investors, corporates, technology partners, and ecosystem stakeholders focused on accelerating India’s deep tech companies across AI, semiconductors, advanced computing, robotics, biotech, and more. IDTA convenes capital access, technical mentorship, market linkages, and policy engagement to help founders build globally competitive technology companies from India.   Learn more at idtalliance.org. Additional Quotes: Ravi Kiran Vadapally, Executive Committee Member, India Deep Tech Alliance & Chief Financial Officer & Partner (Early Stage), Premji Invest said, “A year into this journey, our conviction in India’s deep tech opportunity has only strengthened. Over the past twelve months, we have been active on the ground — committing risk capital to early-stage companies across deep tech including – semiconductors, defence tech, bio tech, robotics, and AI. The quality of entrepreneurship we are seeing convinces us this ecosystem is inflecting. Building globally competitive companies in strategic and sunrise domains takes more than capital alone — it requires patient partnership, deep sector expertise, and a willingness to walk with founders through the hard, capital-intensive early years. That is the role we see for ourselves in this consortium. We remain fully committed to working alongside the government and our fellow partners to strengthen the surrounding ecosystem — talent, infrastructure, and follow-on capital — so that the companies in this sector have a real shot at becoming tomorrow’s global champions.” Gopal Jain, Executive Committee Member, India Deep Tech Alliance & Managing Director & CEO, Gaja Capital, said, “India has no shortage of scientific talent or ambitious founders. The critical opportunity is to build stronger pathways through which research can become intellectual property, commercially viable products, and scalable companies. The breadth of investment by IDTA members is an encouraging indication that more Indian innovations are beginning to make that transition. Over the past three decades we have seen the emergence of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. Now we are witnessing the emergence of an innovation ecosystem”   Pranav Pai, Executive Committee Member, India Deep Tech Alliance & Managing Partner, 3one4 Capital, said, “India has deep reserves of scientific talent and ambitious founders. The critical need is to build stronger pathways through which research becomes commercially viable products, protected intellectual property and companies that can scale. India is now integrating a continuum of research, grants and equity to fund innovation across sectors, and the breadth of investment by IDTA members reflects how quickly that opportunity is widening.”

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival of devotion, family and community togetherness. From cleaning and decorating the home to welcoming Lord Ganesha into the home to the emotional ritual of ‘visarjan’, water plays an integral role throughout the journey. Building on this deep cultural connection, Crompton Pumps has launched its AI-powered digital film for Ganesh Chaturthi, that places the Crompton IntelliSense SmartPro at the heart of a contemporary festive Story.   Crompton – Ganesh Chaturthi Campaign Crompton Pumps work quietly and smartly in every household simplifying everyday life and are also an integral part of special occasions. Through its warm and emotive storytelling, Crompton seamlessly weaves this insight into a festive narrative, showcasing its recently launched Smart Controller which delivers on the promise of ‘Trusted Performance, Har Din.’ The AI-powered digital film is an attempt of Crompton Pumps to build consumer centricity into a functional category highlighting the narrative of ‘everyday life becoming easier with smart technology’. Crompton Pumps launched Crompton IntelliSense SmartPro, a smart and connected automatic controller designed to simplify everyday water management solutions. Speaking about the campaign, Tanmay Prusty, Chief Marketing Officer, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration filled with devotion, family and togetherness, and we wanted to capture these familiar moments in a warm and relatable way. With this film, we wanted to bring Crompton Pumps’ trusted performance into a festive setting while showing how smarter water management solutions can make everyday life more convenient. Through AI-enabled storytelling, we have brought this festive narrative to life in a playful and contemporary format, while staying true to our promise of trusted performance, every day.” Set against the backdrop of a joyful family celebration, the film opens with a young boy shaping Lord Ganesha with clay and helping set up his home for festivities. It then follows the family through moments of celebration, devotion and togetherness before transitioning into the emotional farewell sequence of the ‘visarjan’ backed by the enduring belief of welcoming Bappa home again next year. As the family prepares for ‘visarjan’, the pond begins filling with water, explaining how “Crompton IntelliSense SmartPro Automatic Controller understands every home’s water requirement automatically, every day;” closing with Crompton Pumps’ brand promise of “Trusted Performance, Har Din.” The film will run across Crompton’s digital and social platforms throughout the festive period, with Maharashtra identified as the primary market for activation. The campaign aims not only to strengthen Crompton’s association with occasions where uninterrupted water is crucial, but also to illustrate how Crompton Pumps can simplify everyday living. YouTube: www.youtu.be/cL687DEsVvY Instagram: www.instagram.com/reel/DdMdJDrTqYM/?stkn=dWoxYThyOXAxOTZj Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/v/18T1d74E1o/ X: www.x.com/crompton_india/status/2098817558547968402?s=46 About Crompton With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers. Beyond its consumer portfolio, Crompton also has a robust B2B presence in the Lighting segment, delivering advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, Crompton became the first lighting company to receive the GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Strengthening its foothold in the renewable energy space, the company has forayed into solar rooftops—representing a significant step forward in its contribution to India’s evolving clean energy landscape. With solar solutions spanning lighting, pumps, and rooftops, Crompton continues to lead as a responsible and future-ready brand in sustainable energy. The company’s consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the company’s storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of India’s Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

170+ exhibitors and 10,000+ trade visitors expected at the fourth edition of the event 30+ countries to be represented, bringing Indian and international hardware businesses together India’s hand and power tools sector has a potential export opportunity of over US$25 billion over the next decade, according to NITI Aayog   The hardware industry is getting ready to come together at International Hardware Fair India (IHF India) 2026, powered by EISENWARENMESSE. The fourth edition of the event will take place from 23–25 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi.   International Hardware Fair India 2026 to Bring the Tools and Hardware Industry Together from 23–25 October in New Delhi   Organised by Koelnmesse in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), IHF India 2026 is expected to bring together 170+ exhibitors and more than 10,000 trade visitors, with participation from 30+ countries. The event will bring manufacturers, brands, distributors, retailers, importers, exporters and buyers together under one roof, creating opportunities to discover new products, connect with business partners and explore new markets. India’s Tools and Hardware Market Offers Strong Growth Potential India’s hand and power tools industry has a growing opportunity in the global market. According to a 2025 report by NITI Aayog, the global trade market for hand and power tools is worth around US$100 billion and is expected to reach around US$190 billion by 2035.   The report also estimates that India currently exports around US$600 million worth of hand tools and US$425–470 million worth of power tools. It identifies a potential opportunity for India to generate more than US$25 billion in additional exports over the next 10 years by increasing its presence in the global market. This growth opportunity makes platforms such as IHF India important for Indian manufacturers, international brands and buyers looking to explore new products, suppliers and markets. A Wide Range of Hardware Solutions IHF India 2026 will showcase products from across the tools and hardware industry, including hand tools, power tools, industrial hardware, safety equipment, fasteners, fittings and building materials.   Leading companies such as Best One Tools Pvt. Ltd., Birla Precision Technologies Limited, Dee Neers Tools Limited, DN Safety Products Pvt. Ltd., Gardex India Pvt Ltd, H.R. International, India International House Ltd, JK Maini Precision Technology Limited, Jhalani Forge Pvt. Ltd., Pilot Pneumatics Pvt. Ltd., Proxima Steel Forge Pvt. Ltd., Shiv Forgings (BAUM), Taparia Tools Ltd., Varindera Tools Pvt. Ltd., Victor Forgings, Vidhi Exports, Vishal Tools & Forgings Pvt. Ltd., Electrospark, Dayton Tools, Mech Choice Tools and RL Jain Power Tools LLP are set to participate in the 2026 edition.   Visitors will be able to discover products from different brands, meet manufacturers and suppliers, compare products and explore new sourcing opportunities. Bringing Global Buyers and Suppliers Together A key highlight of IHF India 2026 will be the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM), organised with the support of Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), bringing 120 Hosted Buyers to the event.   The programme will facilitate direct meetings between international buyers and Indian manufacturers and suppliers, creating opportunities to showcase products, understand buyer requirements and explore new export markets. A Key Meeting Point for the Hardware Industry “With India’s tools and hardware industry looking to expand both within the country and in international markets, IHF India 2026 will provide a place for the industry to meet, learn about new products and build global business connections. The event will also give Indian manufacturers an opportunity to showcase their products to buyers, while international companies can explore the most innovative solutions” – Mr. Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse India   With 170+ exhibitors, more than 10,000 expected trade visitors and participation from 30+ countries, International Hardware Fair India 2026 is set to bring together a wide cross-section of the tools and hardware industry.   The event will take place from 23-25 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi.   About the Organisers Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the hardware sector: Koelnmesse is a leading international trade fair organiser with a strong global portfolio in the tools and hardware sector. Its flagship event, EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair in Cologne, Germany, is one of the world’s leading trade fairs for the hardware industry. Koelnmesse’s international hardware portfolio also includes events in key markets such as Italy, China, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Colombia and Central Asia creating platforms that connect regional markets with the global hardware industry.   Note for Editorial Offices International Hardware Fair India photos are available in our image database on the Internet at www.hardwarefair-india.com in the “Press” section in Media gallery. hardwarefair-india.com/image-database.php If you reprint this document, please send us a sample copy. For more information on International Hardware Fair India 2026, please follow our official social media channels. Facebook: www.facebook.com/hardwarefairindia/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ihfindia/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/international-hardware-fair-india/

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) celebrated its culture of excellence and institutional achievement with the Excellence Award Ceremony 2026, honouring its dedicated faculty members, researchers, non-teaching employees and support staff for their outstanding contributions to the University. The ceremony assumed special significance as it is celebrated on the 91st birthday of MUJ Founder Chancellor Dr. Ramdas M. Pai, Padma Bhushan Awardee.   MUJ Excellence Awards 2026 – Dignitaries inaugurating the ceremony   A total of 376 awards were presented across nine categories, recognising individuals for their academic contributions, research achievements, professional excellence, long-standing service and exceptional commitment to the University. Of these, 123 employees were honoured with the prestigious Dr. Ramdas M. Pai Award for Professional Excellence (9 Box).   The other award categories included the Academic Excellence Award, Research Excellence Award, Young Researcher Award, Young Teacher Award, Standing Ovation Award for Longest Serving Employees, Key Enabler Award, Incredible Service Award, and Research Track Faculty Award.   The ceremony was graced by President, Manipal University Jaipur, Dr. N. N. Sharma; Pro-President Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana; Registrar Dr. Amit Soni; Provost Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar; Head HR Ms. Kananjeet Kaur, Ms. Manju Sharma and Ms. Sikha Rana along with the University’s Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments. Their presence reflected the University’s collective appreciation of the people whose sustained efforts contribute to its academic, research, administrative and operational excellence.   The day marked another significant milestone for the University as Manipal University Jaipur received the prestigious QS 5-Star Rating, adding a global dimension to the celebrations. The University community welcomed the recognition with enthusiasm, spirit and jubilation. The achievement marked an important moment in MUJ’s continuing journey towards global academic excellence and institutional recognition.   This recognition reflects excellence across the breadth of the university experience, with every dimension measured against global benchmarks — from Teaching and Research to Online Learning, Employability, Facilities, Good Governance, Environment Impact, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, Academic Development and Global Engagement.   Congratulating the University community on the occasion, Dr. N. N. Sharma, President, Manipal University Jaipur, appreciated the collective efforts of the faculty members, researchers, staff, students and University leadership. He congratulated the entire MUJ community for their tireless efforts and commitment that have contributed to the University’s continued growth and its global recognition.   The celebration also featured vibrant cultural performances by faculty members and students, adding colour and spirit to the occasion. The performances reflected the creative energy and strong sense of community that characterises campus life at MUJ.   The Excellence Award Ceremony thus became a celebration of both people and progress—honouring the individuals who drive the University’s success while commemorating a major global achievement. The convergence of the Founder Chancellor’s 91st birthday, the recognition of 376 members of the MUJ family and the University’s QS 5-Star Rating made the occasion a memorable celebration of excellence, dedication and collective achievement.   To know more about Manipal University Jaipur please visit – jaipur.manipal.edu.