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Moving fast towards becoming a USD 40 billion market by 2030, Indian non-alcoholic beverage industry has taken up the responsibility of ensuring effective waste management as its core operational strategy and is championing the need and necessity of sustainable business by not only meeting the compliance requirements set by the government agencies but by going beyond and planning for the future.   C K Jaipuria, President, Indian Beverage Association (IBA)   Outlining the industry’s initiative and focus on sustainable development, President of the Indian Beverage Association (IBA), Mr. C K Jaipuria said, “Driven by the strict mandates under India’s amended Plastic Waste Management Rules and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets requiring 100% recovery and recycling – the industry is constantly working on driving unprecedented efficiency in the circular economy. The three core pillars to optimize waste management are — lightweight engineering, institutionalized digital collection networks, and the fast-tracked adoption of Food-Grade Recycled PET (r-PET).”   “The most efficient way to manage waste is to rationalize material entering the ecosystem in the first place. In this regard, Indian bottling giants have engineered aggressive material reduction programs at the production level,” added Mr. Jaipuria.   The stress on preforming optimization has led to refinement in injection-molding technology, which has allowed companies to reduce the weight of standard PET preforms by 10% to 20% across high-volume packs ranging from 600ml to 2.25L.   “Along with this, the closure downsizing is leading to the neck profiles and plastic cap closures for Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD), juices, and packaged water witnessing weight reductions of 20% to 25%, which is significantly curbing upstream raw polymer consumption,” said Mr. Jaipuria.   The IBA President further outlined that, “The urgency of meeting the central government’s scaling EPR targets has been taken up by the beverage industry in the form of formalizing India’s historically fragmented, informal waste-picking ecosystem. This has been catalysed by the Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) and the industry leaders are executing nationwide reclamation strategies via deep joint ventures with specialized PROs such as GEM Enviro and Saahas Zero Waste.”   This socio-economic formalization through these networks is systematically mapping and incentivizing thousands of local kabadiwalas and waste-pickers. By offering guaranteed buy-back pricing, digital weight verification, and direct-benefit payouts, the system is guaranteeing a high-velocity, clean inflow of post-consumer waste.   Adoption of technology through data intelligence platforms by utilizing specialized circular economy platforms like Race Eco Chain and Banyan Nation, beverage brands now track plastic waste digitally from the initial collection point to the processing mill, generating audit-ready, CPCB-compliant (Central Pollution Control Board) plastic credits with absolute traceability.   Mr. Jaipuria added that while the above measures are streamlining the waste management efforts, the goal of the industry and the committed efficiency drive is to transition from downcycling — turning bottles into low-value textile fibers — to a true bottle-to-bottle circular economy.   “In this backdrop, to enhance availability of food-grade r-PET access, major players have established large-scale joint ventures with global polymer processors like Indorama to set up advanced washing and resin-manufacturing units. This has unlocked the massive commercial rollout of 100% recycled PET bottles for select flagship product lines, with industry-wide targets aiming for 30% r-PET integration across core portfolios,” he said.   Another step is to bring in sustainable multi-layer cartons for non-carbonated segments and major packaging partners such as Tetra Pak have integrated certified recycled polymers into their multi-layer carton lines in India, which is successfully matching strict FSSAI food-safety standards while mitigating multi-layered plastic disposal challenges.   The efficiency metrics are no doubt climbing, but maintaining this momentum requires mitigation of two critical challenges, said Mr. Jaipuria.   “First is the Quality-Grade Deficit. It needs to be understood that producing food-grade r-PET requires highly efficient and pure post-consumer collection streams. The hard reality is if the plastic is contaminated at the municipal dumping stage, it loses its structural integrity for bottle-to-bottle recycling. The industry needs to invest deeper in source-segregation awareness and smart collection kiosks at the consumer touchpoint, and it requires local government and consumers’ support to achieve this objective,” he added.   According to the IBA President, above all, navigating state-level disparities adds to unnecessary hassle and compliance burden. “While the central CPCB portal provides a unified framework, actual municipal infrastructure and waste-handling fees vary drastically across states. Beverage manufacturers need standardized, single-window municipal access frameworks to optimize their reverse-logistics networks across differing geographies.”   “The Indian non-alcoholic beverage industry is marching ahead and taking the lead in the waste management march under the sustainable growth paradigm with full understanding that the effort will gain further momentum with the support of all the stakeholders – consumers, government and civil society,” said Mr. Jaipuria. 

The 18th edition of the BML Munjal Awards was presented today at the Mindmine Summit 2026 in New Delhi, recognising organisations that have demonstrated excellence in learning and development while delivering measurable impact for business, customers and society.   Unveiling of Braille (English) Edition of The Making of Hero at the 18th BML Munjal Awards Ceremony The winners of the 18th BML Munjal Awards were: Sustained Excellence: Tata Power Public Sector Undertaking (PSU): Engineers India Limited Private Sector Manufacturing: Minda Corporation Emerging Stars: Sagar Defence Engineering The Jury’s Special Mention Awards were presented to Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) and Aravind Eye Care System for their outstanding contributions and impact. Instituted in memory of Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Hero Group, the Awards honour organisations that view learning as a strategic driver of performance, innovation and long-term growth. The Awards ceremony was presided over by Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who presented the honours to the winners before delivering a keynote address on “Bharat ka Nirmaan: Roots, Values, Future.” In his address, Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of RSS spoke about the importance of teaching future generations about taking pride in their work. He highlighted the importance of values-based leadership, social responsibility and institution-building in shaping India’s future. He underscored the need for collective efforts towards national development while remaining rooted in India’s cultural ethos. Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman, Hero Enterprise said, “The BML Munjal Awards were established to recognise organisations that understand a simple but powerful truth: sustainable success is built on people. As businesses navigate rapid technological, economic and social change, the ability to continuously learn, adapt and develop talent has become a defining competitive advantage. The growing participation in these Awards reflects the increasing commitment of Indian organisations to building cultures of learning, excellence and purpose.” A special highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the Braille edition of ‘The Making of Hero‘ by Shri Mohan Bhagwat and Sunil Kant Munjal. Authored by Sunil Kant Munjal, the book chronicles the inception, growth and evolution of the Hero Group from a family-led enterprise into a globally recognised conglomerate. The Braille edition reflects a commitment to making inspiring stories of entrepreneurship and nation-building accessible to a wider audience. Over the years, the BML Munjal Awards have emerged as one of India’s most respected recognitions for organisational excellence in learning and development. Participation has grown from 35 companies in the inaugural edition to nearly 300 organisations in 2026, reflecting the increasing importance businesses place on talent development, capability building and continuous learning. The Awards follow a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, with assessments conducted by Grant Thornton Bharat, the Awards’ knowledge partner, and final selections made by an eminent jury comprising some of India’s most distinguished business leaders. The BML Munjal Awards continue to champion learning and development as a cornerstone of organisational excellence, innovation and nation-building, while recognising institutions that are creating meaningful impact through investments in people and capability building.

International Schools Partnership (ISP) India signed a strategic MOU with the Office of Admissions and Outreach, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), an Institution of Eminence, to further its purpose of growing the world’s most curious and confident minds and helping every learner reach their Destination of Choice. JGU is a non-profit, multidisciplinary, and research-oriented institution recognised as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India. With over 600 international collaborations across 80+ countries, JGU offers a globally benchmarked education focused on academic excellence, innovation, and real-world impact.   Representatives from ISP India and the Office of Admissions and Outreach, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) at the MOU Signing in Hyderabad on 16th June 2026 The collaboration is a significant step towards strengthening ISP schools-university partnership and would strengthen Future Pathways — ISP’s bespoke programme, and one of its Five Learning Pillars, that helps students build life skills and guides them, alongside their families, to make well-informed decisions about life beyond school through meaningful connections with the world of higher education and work.   By bringing together ISP’s global expertise in school education with JGU’s strengths in higher education, research, and international engagement, the partnership creates a powerful bridge between school, university, and career — giving students a headstart on the journey from classroom to campus to career.   As one of the world’s leading groups of international schools, ISP operates 118 schools across 26 countries, educating over 118,000 students globally. At the heart of ISP’s approach is its Learning.First. ™ framework, delivered through its Five Learning Pillars — empowering students to explore, question, and discover their own pathways, while building the confidence, curiosity, global perspective, and real-world skills to thrive in higher education and the workplace. This translates into real outcomes: 93% of ISP graduates achieve one of their top three higher education or career choices* (2024 data).   Through this collaboration, students across ISP India’s network of schools will gain direct access to: Curated higher education and career guidance Research-led, interdisciplinary learning experiences Immersive campus engagements at JGU Early exposure to diverse academic disciplines and emerging careers  These experiences go beyond awareness — helping students connect aspiration with opportunity, and make informed, confident decisions about their future. Educators will also benefit from certified professional development programmes, gaining exposure to research-led practices and innovative approaches that further enrich teaching and learning across ISP India schools. Speaking about the collaboration, Ms. Rakhi Karnik, Head of Student Futures, ISP India, said, “At ISP, our purpose is to grow the world’s most curious and confident minds. Through our Learning. First. ™ approach and our Five Learning Pillars, this means going beyond strong academics to intentionally build pathways that connect learning with real-world opportunity. Our collaboration with O.P. Jindal Global University is a powerful step forward for our Future Pathways programme — giving students early exposure to university environments, research-led thinking, and future career possibilities. By enabling our learners to explore deeply, think independently, and make informed choices, we are equipping them to confidently pursue their Destination of Choice in a rapidly evolving global landscape.” *ISP graduates achieving one of their top three further/higher education or career pathway choices, 2024 data. About International Schools Partnership (ISP) International Schools Partnership is a global group of 118 private international schools across 26 countries, educating over 118,000 students worldwide. Guided by its Learning.First.™ framework and Five Learning Pillars, ISP is committed to growing the world’s most curious and confident minds, ensuring every learner has the skills, mindset, and opportunities to reach their Destination of Choice. About O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary and research oriented university founded in 2009.  JGU’s twelve schools focus on Law, Business & Management, International Affairs, Public Policy, Liberal Arts & Humanities, Journalism, Art & Architecture, Banking & Finance, Environment & Sustainability, Psychology & Counselling, Languages & Literature and Public Health & Human Development. Over the last decade, JGU has grown into an institution that brings full-time faculty from 50+ countries in the world, students from 100+ countries and has collaborated with 600+ leading institutions in 80+ countries which makes the learning experience truly international.

Pramerica Life Insurance today announced the launch of Pramerica Life Invest Shield, a hybrid life insurance plan that combines term-level life protection with a unit-linked investment component in a single policy. The plan is structured so that the life cover operates as a separate term insurance layer, while the investment component functions as a ULIP with nine fund options across equity, debt, and balanced allocations.   Pramerica Life Insurance Launches ‘Invest Shield’   Invest Shield is designed for individuals aged in their early 30s to mid 40s who want both life protection and long-term wealth creation within a single policy, rather than managing a standalone term plan and a separate investment product. The plan offers a life cover of up to 100 times the annualised premium, though the actual multiple depends on the policyholder’s age at entry, chosen premium level, and policy term. Premium payment terms and policy duration are customisable.   Key Features Upto 100x Life Cover: Financial protection through a life cover of up to 100 times the annualised premium, ensuring substantial coverage for the family throughout the policy tenure.  Return of Charges: Return of mortality charges and premium allocation charges to the policyholder, helping enhance the overall fund value.  Loyalty Boosters: Persistency boosters and maturity benefits that reward customers for remaining invested over the long term.  Flexible Investment Options: Flexibility to choose between two investment strategies and nine fund options across equity, debt, and balanced allocations, catering to diverse risk profiles and investment preferences.  Customisable Premium Payment Terms and Policy Duration: Flexibility to align the plan with individual life stages, financial priorities, and long-term financial goals.    Pankaj Gupta, MD & CEO, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “Pramerica Life Insurance Invest Shield reflects where we believe the life insurance conversation in India needs to go. For too long, customers have been asked to make a choice that should not exist – between protecting their family and building their wealth. Customers today think about their financial future as a whole. Pramerica Life Invest Shield is built for that mindset. This launch also reflects our commitment to listening closely to evolving customer needs and responding with solutions that are genuinely differentiated. We are at an exciting point in Pramerica Life’s journey – three consecutive years of strong, quality growth across every pillar of our business. That foundation gives us both the confidence and the responsibility to bring genuinely differentiated products to market.”   Karthik Chakrapani, Chief Business Officer, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “Pramerica Life Invest Shield has been designed for customers who are looking for a more integrated approach to financial planning — one that combines meaningful life protection with long-term wealth creation at a stage in life where both priorities become increasingly important. At Pramerica Life, we remain committed to expanding insurance access across India through solutions that are relevant to evolving customer needs and supported by a diversified distribution ecosystem. Through our channels Prahri and Param, catering to the armed forces and paramilitary services respectively, our agency network across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, broker and corporate agent relationships, and our direct-to-consumer channel, we are making Pramerica Life Invest Shield accessible to customers across markets and geographies through the mode of engagement that best aligns with their preferences and financial needs.“   The launch arrives at a moment of sustained momentum for Pramerica Life – three consecutive years of double-digit growth, built on the quality and sustainability of the business being written. New Business Premium grew 19% year-on-year to Rs. 1,471 crore, while Annualised Premium Equivalent rose 29%. Assets under Management expanded 12% YoY and individual New Business Premium grew 30%. Through this period of growth, the company has maintained a Claims Paid Ratio of 99.29% – rising year-on-year for three consecutive years – a measure of the discipline and customer commitment that has accompanied the scale.    Alongside this growth, the company has remained focused on societal inclusion and extending financial protection to traditionally underserved customer groups and regions. With an average ticket size approximately 42% lower than the industry median, Pramerica Life has consciously built offerings aimed at broadening accessibility across customer segments. The company’s long-standing association with the armed forces and paramilitary community is reflected through specialised protection solutions and second-career opportunities, with more than 60% of individual lives covered belonging to the defence forces community and over 8,500 veterans employed since inception. Nearly 90% of lives covered by Pramerica Life are from rural India, reflecting its continued focus on deepening penetration across underpenetrated and hard-to-reach regions. Pramerica Life Invest Shield is a direct extension of this philosophy — a product built around genuine customer relevance and long-term value creation.   About Pramerica Life Insurance Limited Pramerica Life Insurance Limited is a joint venture between DIL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Finance Limited (erstwhile Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited) and Prudential International Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (PIIH), a fully owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI). It represents the coming together of two renowned financial services organizations with a legacy of business excellence spread over decades. Pramerica Life Insurance Limited, started operations in India on September 1, 2008 and has a pan India presence through multiple distribution channels which have been customized to address the specific insurance needs of diverse customer segments. The Company is committed to providing protection and quality financial advice to its customers. Pramerica is the brand name used in India and select countries by PFI.   For more details, please visit www.pramericalife.in   About Piramal Finance Limited Piramal Finance Limited is a retail-led upper-layer NBFC with a pan-India presence, having served over 5 million customers across 26 states. The company manages Assets under Management (AUM) of over Rs. 1,00,000 Cr and operates a distinctive phygital model – combining high-touch engagement across 13,000+ pin codes with high-tech capabilities including machine learning models, agentic AI tools and real-time dashboards. In retail lending, Piramal Finance offers home loans, loans against property, used car loans, personal loans, digital loans and small business loans, with

As Indian families diligently monitor their parents’ blood pressure, administer medications, and schedule cardiology appointments, one question consistently goes unasked: What are we doing for their brain?   A team of physicians led by Dr. Sweta Sahu is determined to change that — one daily activity at a time.   A doctor-led brain wellness initiative designed to support healthy ageing   Their initiative, ActiveMind Daily — part of the healthcare venture BlueprintRx — is now inviting 50 founding families to join a 10-day pilot of a doctor-designed brain wellness programme built specifically for older adults in Indian homes. Simple, screen-free, and grounded in science, the programme delivers one short daily activity targeting memory, language, attention, reflection, and family connection.   Filling a Need Families Don’t Know they have India’s elderly population is expanding at an unprecedented rate — yet conversations around brain health prevention remain largely absent from everyday elder care. Clinically, conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are routinely managed. Cognitive engagement, combating loneliness, and meaningful mental stimulation rarely receive the same attention — until decline becomes impossible to ignore.   Built for Real Indian Families Unlike conventional wellness applications, ActiveMind Daily requires no login and no screen time from seniors. The programme is designed around the rhythms of Indian family life. Activities can be completed independently, with light family support, or through a brief phone call between a parent and an adult child living away from home.   Daily prompts draw on culturally familiar themes — childhood festival memories, beloved songs, regional proverbs, and food traditions — crafted to feel like conversation, not clinical exercises.   Reminders are delivered via WhatsApp or phone call, and progress is easy to track. Families who remain consistent through the first seven days receive a surprise gift. And if a day is missed, the programme accommodates catch-up sessions — because the goal, as the team emphasises, is rhythm, not perfection.   A Doctor-led Team with a Long-term Commitment ActiveMind Daily is built by physicians who share a common belief: that brain health deserves the same everyday attention we give to the heart.   Dr. Sweta Sahu, Founder, is a physician and researcher with research and clinical experience at Johns Hopkins, the Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a recipient of the American Heart Association’s 2025 Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award and has contributed to over 100 publications spanning cardiovascular medicine, gastroenterology, and population health.   “Brain wellness cannot wait for symptoms. Our goal is to make daily cognitive engagement as natural as a morning cup of chai — familiar, effortless, and something the whole family looks forward to.’”   Dr. Sri Sravya Thungathurthi, Physician and Co-founder of ActiveMind Daily, combines clinical training with a strong interest in healthy aging and preventive medicine. Through her exposure to healthcare systems in both India and the United States, she became increasingly interested in how early, proactive approaches to health can improve quality of life long before disease develops. Through ActiveMind Daily, she is helping raise awareness and build practical tools that promote cognitive wellness and meaningful family engagement for older adults in India.   “We designed these activities to meet families where they are—not in a clinic, but in their living rooms, around their dining tables, and in their everyday moments. Brain health is one of the most overlooked aspects of healthy ageing in India. In a world increasingly driven by short-form content, constant distractions, and passive consumption, we risk losing curiosity, creativity, and meaningful mental engagement. To me, ActiveMind Daily is a way to encourage a culture where keeping the mind active becomes a daily habit—not out of fear of decline, but as a celebration of lifelong learning, curiosity, and connection.”   ActiveMind Daily is supported by an expanding network of doctors, young medical interns, and students of Indian origin studying in U.S. high schools who work alongside its physician leadership team to contribute to research, programme development, participant feedback, and ongoing improvements. Together, they help ensure the initiative continues to evolve, adapt, and remain deeply relevant to the real-world needs of Indian seniors and their families.   The programme’s activity framework is guided by evidence-based public health guidance on cognitive health and healthy ageing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute on Ageing (NIA).   Join the founding pilot The 10-day founding families pilot is now open and strictly limited to 50 families in the first batch. Families may begin with a free 30-second brain wellness check and sample three activities at no cost, or register directly through the ActiveMind Daily website. Website: activeminddaily.in/check

EuroSchool, one of India’s leading K-12 school networks, commemorated 15 years of educational excellence at its Thane campus, celebrating a legacy of academic achievement, holistic development, and meaningful community impact. The milestone event brought together students, parents, alumni, educators, and distinguished guests to reflect on the school’s journey and achievements over the past decade and a half.   EuroSchool Thane celebrates 15 years Guided by EuroSchool’s philosophy of “Discover Yourself“, the school has consistently focused on creating a balanced learning environment that extends beyond academic achievement. Through a blend of academic rigour, experiential learning, leadership opportunities, sports, arts, and life skills development, EuroSchool Thane has empowered students to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and develop into confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for the future. The milestone celebration brought together students, parents, alumni, educators, staff members, and distinguished guests to commemorate the school’s journey and celebrate the community that has contributed to its success over the past decade and a half. The event reflected the strong partnerships and shared commitment that have helped shape EuroSchool Thane into a trusted institution for generations of families. Distinguished guests included Mr. Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder and CEO, Lighthouse Learning; Ms. Perin Bagli, Secretary and Treasurer, Association of ICSE Schools in Maharashtra (AISM) and Regional Coordinator for Maharashtra, Goa and UAE, CISCE; Mr. Sadashiv Nayak, CEO – K-12, Lighthouse Learning; and Ms. Natasha Mehta, Head – Central Education Team (CEdT). The programme featured a welcome ceremony, leadership addresses, a keynote session on the evolving relevance of the ICSE curriculum and future-ready education, and a special presentation chronicling EuroSchool Thane’s 15-year journey. The event also recognised board toppers and outstanding student achievers.  Jyotsna Mayadas, Principal, EuroSchool Thane, said, “This milestone is a celebration of every student, parent, educator, alumnus, and staff member who has contributed to making EuroSchool Thane what it is today. Over the last 15 years, we have remained committed to creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and discover their unique strengths. We are grateful for the trust of our parent community and look forward to continuing our journey of educational excellence together.” Ms Perin Bagli, Principal- Activity High School & Secretary and Treasurer of the Association of ICSE Schools in Maharashtra (AISM), said, “I am delighted to have been invited to EuroSchool Thane for this special occasion. Having previously visited EuroSchool Airoli and been deeply impressed by the institution’s commitment to holistic education, I was eager to be here once again. Celebrating 15 glorious years is a remarkable milestone, reflecting the dedication, perseverance, and collective efforts of the teachers, leadership team, parents, and the entire school community. I would also like to commend Mr. Rajan, Co-founder and Group CEO of this institution whose progressive vision and educational philosophy have played a pivotal role in shaping its journey. Today, he introduced us to the powerful concept of grit, a value that I am confident will continue to inspire and empower future generations of learners.”  Over the last 15 years, EuroSchool Thane has remained focused on fostering academic excellence while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and character development. The school’s balanced approach to education has enabled generations of students to excel not only in academics but also across sports, performing arts, leadership initiatives, and community engagement programmes. As EuroSchool Thane embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to building on its legacy of excellence while continuing to innovate and evolve to meet the changing needs of learners. With a strong foundation rooted in academic quality, holistic development, and community trust, the school will continue to nurture confident, responsible, and future-ready individuals. Today, EuroSchool nurtures more than 30,000 students with the support of over 1,800 educators across campuses in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Surat. About EuroSchool EuroSchool is one of India’s leading K–12 school networks, with campuses across Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Surat. 30,000 students | 1,800+ educators | 1000+Digital Classes | 480+ GPS Buses | 111,000+ Library Books Guided by the philosophy of “Discover Yourself”, EuroSchool empowers children to explore their potential and discover their dreams and talents. From Nursery to Grade 12, EuroSchool is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and preparing every child for a rapidly evolving world. Its Balanced Schooling approach — anchored in the proprietary Learn–Reinforce–Practice–Apply–Experience (LRPAX) methodology — seamlessly blends academic excellence with co-curricular and extracurricular learning. It offers an extensive range of opportunities to develop life skills, creativity and leadership. With a strong focus on child safety – being India’s first school network to earn the global ‘Safe School’ certification, EuroSchool provides secure spaces where children can truly flourish. All EuroSchool campuses are affiliated with either the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), ensuring globally benchmarked academic standards with the flexibility and care that today’s learners need. For more information, visit: www.euroschoolindia.com. About Lighthouse Learning Group Lighthouse Learning Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, is India’s leading Early Childhood & K-12 Education group, backed by global investment firm KKR. Driven by its purpose to unlock human potential by igniting the love for learning through its institutions, which include leading brands like EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, EuroSchool and Billabong High International, Mother’s Pet Kindergarten, Centre Point School, Heritage International Xperiential School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Finland International School, Maldives and Phoenix Greens School of Learning, Hyderabad. Nurturing over 200,000 students every day, Lighthouse Learning emphasises a ‘Child First’ philosophy, innovative pedagogy, and child safety. With 1,850 Preschools and 60 K-12 Schools, it empowers 1,650 women entrepreneurs and employs a direct and indirect workforce of over 22,000 people.

Following its participation at the India International Cargo Show (IICS) 2026, held in New Delhi from June 04th–06th, 2026, Parekh Global today announced its strategic transition into a unified global platform, marking a defining milestone in positioning the organisation for accelerated international expansion, governance-led scale, and technology-driven transformation.   L-R: Yogesh Parekh, Naresh Parekh and Yash Parekh, Directors, Parekh Global   The India International Cargo Show (IICS) is one of India’s leading logistics, cargo, and supply chain industry events, bringing together policymakers, logistics providers, freight forwarders, infrastructure developers, technology innovators, and global trade stakeholders to discuss emerging opportunities, industry challenges, and the future of integrated logistics. The event serves as a key platform for fostering collaboration, showcasing innovations, and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains.   The move represents a structural evolution of the legacy enterprise into an integrated global identity designed to enhance operational agility, strengthen compliance frameworks, and align more closely with shifting global trade dynamics and evolving client expectations. As supply chains realign and regulatory landscapes grow increasingly complex, the company is restructuring to operate with greater cohesion and responsiveness across markets.   “This is not merely a transition exercise; it is a strategic recalibration for the future,” said Mr. Naresh Parekh, Director, Parekh Global. “For over 70 years, Parekh legacy has been deeply rooted in India’s trade and logistics ecosystem, building a legacy founded on trust, resilience and expertise. Today, we are leveraging that strong Indian foundation to scale confidently into global markets.   As international trade corridors evolve and client expectations become more sophisticated, we are expanding our geographic reach, upgrading our technology infrastructure, and actively evaluating strategic acquisitions to align with global benchmarks. India remains a significant growth engine for us, but our vision now extends far beyond domestic boundaries. We are strengthening our talent pool, enhancing operational capabilities, and investing in advanced systems to ensure we not only meet but exceed international standards. Our goal is clear — to transform Parekh Global into a future-ready, globally competitive enterprise that delivers integrated, world-class solutions across markets.”   The unveiling of Parekh Global marks the consolidation of diverse capabilities under a single global platform designed to drive operational efficiencies, standardise governance processes, and present a cohesive market-facing identity. The integrated structure is expected to enable faster decision-making, strengthen cross-border coordination, and support disciplined capital allocation, while preserving the entrepreneurial strengths that have long defined the organisation’s legacy.   As geopolitical shifts reshape global trade and compliance requirements intensify across jurisdictions, Parekh Global is positioning itself as a structured, compliance-first enterprise capable of navigating volatility with resilience. Strengthened governance architecture and enhanced risk management frameworks form a central pillar of the transition.   “Scale must be accompanied by structure,” said Mr. Yogesh Parekh, Director, Parekh Global. “Our evolution into Parekh Global strengthens our governance architecture while enhancing our ability to operate seamlessly across markets. This integrated model allows us to balance growth ambitions with robust oversight.”   The company emphasised that the transition ensures continuity of leadership, operational teams, and long-standing client relationships. Existing stakeholders will experience seamless integration under the new identity, now supported by enhanced capabilities designed to foster long-term strategic partnerships rather than transactional engagements.   Over the next five years, Parekh Global plans to expand into priority international markets, forge strategic partnerships, accelerate digital transformation initiatives, and deepen investments in leadership development and sustainable growth practices. The company aims to leverage India’s expanding role in global trade while building operational depth across key overseas regions.   “Our objective is to build a globally integrated organisation that can scale responsibly,” Mr. Yash Parekh, Director, Parekh Global said. “We remain committed to delivering value with integrity while shaping an enterprise that reflects both our heritage and our forward-looking ambitions.”   By combining legacy strength with structural modernisation, Parekh Global is seeking to position itself as a resilient Indian enterprise with growing global relevance.   About Parekh Global Parekh Global is a legacy-driven enterprise with over 70 years of industry experience. The organisation has evolved into a unified global platform focused on governance-led growth, innovation, and client-centric service integration, with a long-term strategy centered on international expansion and digital transformation.

A new robotaxi partnership involving VinFast highlights four major shifts transforming the automotive industry, from software-defined vehicles to the growing push for autonomous mobility in emerging markets.   The automotive industry is moving away from an era where value was defined mainly by engines, mechanical engineering and factory scale. Instead, cars are becoming rolling computers, with software controlling everything from entertainment and navigation to safety systems and autonomous driving.   Vietnam’s VinFast announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA and AI company Autobrains to develop a Level 4 robotaxi platform for Southeast Asia   One of the clearest signs of this transition arrived recently from an unexpected corner of the world. At NVIDIA GTC Taipei 2026, Vietnam’s VinFast announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA and AI company Autobrains to develop a Level 4 robotaxi platform for Southeast Asia. Built on NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion 10 and powered by Autobrains’ Agentic AI software, the program aims to tackle one of the world’s most challenging traffic environments while making advanced autonomous mobility more scalable and cost-effective.   Beyond the announcement itself, the deal shines a light on several big changes happening all at once, from software-defined vehicles and AI-powered mobility to new partnerships and the push to bring autonomous driving into the real world.   Software-defined vehicles are becoming the industry’s next battleground For much of automotive history, competition revolved around engines, manufacturing efficiency and mechanical engineering. Increasingly, however, vehicles are becoming software platforms that can continuously evolve through over-the-air updates, AI-driven features and cloud connectivity.   According to IoT Analytics’ Software-defined Vehicles Adoption Report 2026, 45% of automotive OEMs and suppliers now rank software-defined vehicles (SDVs) as their top strategic priority, ahead of both autonomous driving and electrification.   This shift is particularly significant for EV manufacturers. Unlike internal combustion vehicles, EVs already rely heavily on software-controlled systems for battery management, energy optimization, thermal management and vehicle performance. In many ways, today’s EV is starting to look less like a traditional car and more like a smartphone with seats and wheels.   As vehicles become software-defined platforms, competitive advantage is increasingly determined by computing power, AI capabilities and software architecture, creating new opportunities for EV-first brands such as VinFast.   Emerging markets are becoming the next frontier for autonomous mobility The first generation of robotaxis largely focused on cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, Shanghai and Beijing, where infrastructure is relatively structured and regulations are more mature.   Now comes the harder test: proving autonomous driving can work reliably in dense, highly unpredictable environments filled with motorcycles, informal driving behavior, pedestrians and mixed traffic conditions.   Southeast Asia represents challenges, but also a substantial commercial opportunity. According to IMARC Group, the Southeast Asian autonomous vehicle market reached approximately US$4.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to US$27.3 billion by 2034.   For VinFast, this presents an opportunity to develop autonomous driving systems tailored to the realities of emerging markets while remaining equally effective in Western urban environments. The company itself highlighted this point when announcing the partnership, describing Southeast Asia’s dense traffic, diverse road behavior and highly dynamic urban environments as a demanding validation ground for autonomous driving.   Think of it this way: teaching a robotaxi to drive on wide, orderly roads is one thing. Teaching it to handle a busy Southeast Asian intersection, where scooters seem to appear from every direction at once, is an entirely different challenge.   If autonomous systems can succeed in Southeast Asia, they may become significantly easier to deploy across many other developing markets.   The industry is moving from standalone automakers to technology ecosystems Autonomous driving has become too complex for any single company to master alone. Successful programs increasingly combine multiple areas of expertise: Automakers for vehicle integration and production AI specialists for autonomous software Semiconductor companies for computing platforms Mapping, simulation and cloud providers for supporting infrastructure   The VinFast-NVIDIA-Autobrains collaboration reflects this growing industry model. For newer EV brands, these ecosystems offer a shortcut to innovation by allowing them to leverage world-class technology partners rather than building every capability from scratch.   The future of EV innovation is increasingly being built through strategic technology ecosystems, and VinFast is leveraging global partnerships to accelerate the development of advanced autonomous capabilities.   The robotaxi industry is moving from experimentation to commercialization Perhaps the most important trend is that robotaxis are moving beyond experimentation and toward commercial scale.   The evidence is increasingly visible. Fully autonomous ride-hailing services are now completing hundreds of thousands of paid passengers trips every week across multiple cities, while operators continue expanding into new markets. At the same time, industry analysts project strong growth for the global robotaxi sector over the coming decade as more cities transition from pilot programs to commercial deployments.   Yet much of this progress remains concentrated in developed markets or relatively controlled operating environments. Large-scale deployment in emerging markets, where traffic patterns are more complex and less predictable, remains one of the industry’s next major challenges.   This is where VinFast’s approach stands out. By developing a Level 4 robotaxi platform specifically for Southeast Asia, the company is targeting a region that could become one of the most demanding proving grounds for autonomous mobility. And rather than positioning autonomous driving solely as a luxury technology, the company is pursuing an approach centered on broader deployment and real-world usability.   That aligns with a wider industry movement toward democratizing advanced mobility technologies and making autonomous transportation accessible to a larger population. After all, technologies tend to have the biggest impact not when they stay in premium products, but when ordinary people can use them in everyday life.

Maiva Pharma, a leading global Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specialising in sterile injectables, today inaugurated its new manufacturing facility at Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, India.   The facility marks a significant milestone in Maiva’s growth journey, further strengthening its position as a trusted partner to global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for the development and manufacturing of generic and complex sterile injectable products.   Inauguration Picture of Maiva Pharma Spread across a 22-acre site, the new facility has been designed to support current and future market requirements through advanced manufacturing technologies, flexible production capabilities, and world-class quality systems. Upon full development, the facility will house six manufacturing lines capable of producing a broad range of sterile injectable dosage forms, including vials, pre-filled syringes (PFS), cartridges, suspension products, and lyophilized formulations.   As part of the Phase 1 expansion, Maiva Pharma has commissioned three dedicated manufacturing lines comprising a high-speed vial filling line, a combined pre-filled syringe and cartridge line, and a lyophilization line. The facility is further supported by advanced Quality Control chemical laboratories and state-of-the-art Microbiology laboratories, enabling comprehensive analytical testing and quality assurance functions in-house.   A key highlight of the facility is its advanced isolator-based manufacturing lines for liquid vials, pre-filled syringes, cartridges, and lyophilized vials. The isolator technology enhances sterility assurance, operational efficiency, and manufacturing flexibility while supporting the production of a wide range of injectable products for regulated global markets.   Commenting on the inauguration, Dr. Bhaskar Krishna, (MD & CEO, Maiva Pharma) said, “The inauguration of our Shoolagiri facility represents a major step in Maiva Pharma’s journey to become a globally preferred partner in sterile injectables manufacturing. With advanced manufacturing technologies, expanded capacity, and diversified delivery system capabilities, we are well-positioned to support our customers’ evolving needs and accelerate access to high-quality injectable therapies worldwide.”   The facility has been developed in line with international regulatory standards and reflects Maiva Pharma’s commitment to quality and manufacturing excellence. The expansion significantly enhances the company’s ability to support customers across the product lifecycle—from development through commercial manufacturing—while addressing growing global demand for sterile injectable products. It also advances Maiva’s long-term strategy of expanding its capabilities and strengthening its presence in key global markets.   Click the video link for a closer look at Maiva’s newly inaugurated facility and its capabilities.   About Maiva Pharma Maiva Pharma is a pure-play sterile injectables-focused CMO/CDMO providing end-to-end development and manufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. With expertise across liquid injectables, lyophilized products and Suspension formulations, Maiva Pharma is committed to delivering quality, reliability, and speed-to-market for its global partners.

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water brand, has announced its limited-edition bottles inspired by the much-anticipated Bengali film Abar Hawa Bodol. Featuring acclaimed actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay, the collectible packs are now available across West Bengal in 250 ml, 500 ml and 1 Litre SKUs.   Bisleri Celebrates Bengal’s Rich Storytelling Heritage with Limited-Edition Bottles for Abar Hawa Bodol   The association celebrates the enduring influence of Bengali cinema and its ability to spark conversations that resonate across generations. By bringing Abar Hawa Bodol to everyday consumer touchpoints, Bisleri continues to strengthen its regional connect through culturally relevant collaborations that tap into the passions and interests of local audiences.   Commenting on the association, Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bisleri International, said, “Bengali cinema has always occupied a distinctive place in India’s cultural landscape, shaped by its rich legacy of art, literature, and storytelling. It is a space where narratives are deeply rooted in emotion, intellect, and authenticity, resonating strongly with audiences who value meaningful content. Our association with Abar Hawa Bodol reflects Bisleri’s belief in celebrating such culturally significant platforms that foster genuine connections with consumers. Through this collaboration, we aim to engage with audiences in West Bengal through stories that honour the region’s artistic heritage while strengthening our relevance in an important regional market.”   The limited-edition Abar Hawa Bodol packs will be available across retail outlets in West Bengal, spanning general and modern trade channels. The campaign will be amplified through branded retail visibility and digital engagement, enabling consumers and cinema enthusiasts to experience the collaboration across multiple touchpoints while celebrating the film’s release.   About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.   Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.   The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.   For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.