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Finkurve Financial Services Reports Robust FY26 Growth; AUM Surges 149 Percent YoY and Q4 PAT Grows 105 Percent

Finkurve Financial Services Limited (NSE: FINKURVE; BSE: 508954), one of the leading tech-first gold loan NBFCs, announced its audited financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026.   Priyank Kothari, Executive Director, Finkurve Financial Services Limited The Company reported strong growth across key business and financial parameters during FY26, driven by continued expansion of its technology-led phygital strategy, branch network growth, and increasing customer adoption across markets. During the year, Finkurve crossed the significant milestone of INR 1,000 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), underscoring its growing presence in India’s secured lending ecosystem. Business Highlights: Q4 FY26 Finkurve continued to witness strong growth momentum during FY26, with Assets Under Management (AUM) growing 149% YoY to INR 1,096.1 crore, including off-book AUM of INR 21.03 crore, while AUM has grown nearly 10x compared to FY23. The Company expanded its branch network from 73 to 105 branches across India, with active gold loan customers standing at 28,506 as of March 31, 2026. During the year, Finkurve also raised approximately INR 111.5 crore to support expansion and strengthen its technology-led phygital strategy. The Company achieved several strategic milestones during FY26, including the listing of its shares on the National Stock Exchange, crossing 100 tech-enabled gold loan branches, and expanding into South India with the launch of its first branch in Chennai. The Board also approved the appointment of Naveen Kottala as Chief Executive Officer effective November 18, 2025. Further, Finkurve entered into a strategic co-lending partnership with Godrej Finance Limited under RBI’s co-lending framework, while Infomerics and CARE Ratings assigned/upgraded the Company’s rating to ‘BBB+ / Stable’. Financial Highlights: Q4 FY26 Finkurve reported a strong financial performance during Q4 FY26, with total income rising 71.21% YoY to INR 69.21 crore and Net Interest Income (NII) increasing 36.87% YoY to INR 47.44 crore. Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew 98.66% YoY to INR 10.42 crore, while Profit After Tax (PAT) increased 105.46% YoY to INR 8.04 crore. Basic EPS for the quarter stood at INR 0.58 compared to INR 0.31 in Q4 FY25. The Company continued to maintain healthy asset quality and liquidity, with Gross NPA at 0.13%, Net NPA at 0.09%, and Capital Adequacy Ratio at 30.96%. Cash and cash equivalents stood at INR 102.12 crore, representing 8.28% of total assets. Financial Snapshot: Q4 & FY26 (INR crore) Particulars Q4 FY26 Q4 FY25 YoY Growth Q3 FY26 QoQ Growth FY26 FY25 YoY Growth Total Income 69.21 40.43 71.21% 52.47 31.91% 209.86 141.09 48.75% PBT 10.42 5.25 98.66% 9.95 4.75% 34.60 23.65 46.31% PAT 8.04 3.91 105.46% 6.98 15.14% 26.03 17.43 49.33%   Basic EPS (INR) 0.58 0.31 87.10% 0.47 16.00% 1.89 1.37 37.96%   Key Metrics: Q4 FY26 Particulars Q4 FY26 Q4 FY25 YoY Growth AUM (INR crore)* 1,096 440 149.09% Branch Network 105 73 43.84% Avg. Gold Loan per Branch (INR crore) 9.9 5.3 86.79%   Includes Off-Book AUM Particulars Q4 FY26 Q4 FY25 Return on Average Loan Assets 3.33% 3.82% Return on Average Equity 9.45% 7.66% Capital Adequacy Ratio 30.96% 44.94% Debt to Equity Ratio 2.4 1.2   Commenting on the performance, Mr. Priyank Kothari, Executive Director said, “Q4 FY26 represents a defining chapter in Finkurve’s journey. Our Assets under Management crossed the INR 1,000 crore mark during the year and reached INR 1,096 crore as on March 31, 2026, reflecting a 149% year-on-year growth. This milestone reflects the momentum we have built across our gold loan franchise and the growing trust of our customers and lending partners. This growth has been supported by meaningful progress during the year. The expansion of our tech-enabled gold loan branch network and our co-lending partnership with Godrej Finance Limited are not just milestones, but important steps in building a stronger and more scalable business. As we look ahead, we remain focused on ensuring that our growth is sustainable and well-governed. Asset quality continues to remain strong with Net NPA at 0.09%, our Capital Adequacy Ratio remains healthy at 30.96%, and liquidity remains comfortable. We will continue to invest in technology, expand our branch network, and diversify our funding base, while keeping risk management, operational discipline, and customer centricity at the core of everything we do.” About Finkurve Financial Services Limited (Arvog) Finkurve Financial Services Limited (NSE: FINKURVE; BSE: 508954), also known by its brand name Arvog, is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a non-deposit-taking, Middle-layer NBFC. Established in 1984 as Sanjay Leasing Ltd., the Company obtained its NBFC license in 1998 and was acquired by the Promoters in the year 2010. Finkurve focuses primarily on gold loans, which form the majority of its Assets under Management (AUM), positioning it as a leading gold loan NBFC. The Company also offers personal loans and SME loans, expanding its financial solutions through partnerships with fintech companies. Finkurve also has a strategic tie-up with Augmont Goldtech, India’s largest fully integrated gold platform, serving as a one-stop destination for all gold-related needs. With a growing presence across India, Finkurve remains committed to providing accessible, technology-driven financial services to a broad customer base. For more details, please visit www.arvog.com.

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Fortis Hospital Mulund Inaugurates Adult Vaccination Clinic to Strengthen Preventive Healthcare

Reinforcing its commitment to preventive healthcare and building immunity beyond childhood, Fortis Hospital Mulund today announced the launch of its dedicated Adult Vaccination Clinic. The clinic, led by Dr Kirti Sabnis, Consultant – Infectious Diseases Specialist, Fortis Hospital Mulund, was inaugurated by Padma Shri Dr. Himmatrao Bawaskar, along with Dr S. Narayani, Business Head-Fortis Hospitals Maharashtra & Dr Vishal Beri, Facility Director-Fortis Hospital Mulund, in the presence of senior clinicians, hospital leadership and support staff, underscoring the importance of adult immunization in strengthening public health outcomes.   Adult Vaccination Clinic inaugurated at Fortis Hospital Mulund by (L-R) Dr S Amey, chief guest Padma Shri Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar, Dr K Sabnis, Dr V Beri, Dr S Narayani and Dr S Gore The clinic addresses the growing yet often overlooked need for adult immunization, offering comprehensive vaccination counselling, risk assessment, and immunization services — all under one roof. It seeks to build awareness about the critical role vaccines play in protecting adults from diseases such as Influenza, Pneumonia, Hepatitis B, Shingles, Tetanus, HPV, and other infections that can significantly impact adult health and quality of life. While vaccination is commonly associated with childhood immunization, adults too remain vulnerable to several infectious diseases due to waning immunity, ageing, chronic illnesses, occupational exposure, travel requirements, and compromised immune systems. The clinic will offer personalized vaccination recommendations based on an individual’s age, health status, lifestyle, travel plans, and medical history. Speaking at the launch, Dr. Kirti Sabnis, Consultant – Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital Mulund, said, “Strikingly, in India, 95% of deaths related to vaccine-preventable diseases occur in adults! Adult vaccination remains one of the most underutilized preventive healthcare measures in India. Many adults are unaware that protection from certain diseases declines over time and that vaccination continues to be important throughout life. Our Adult Vaccination Clinic has been designed as a one-stop destination where individuals can receive expert guidance on recommended vaccines and get vaccinated conveniently in the same visit. Through this initiative, we hope to improve awareness, increase vaccine uptake, and support healthier ageing.” The clinic will also cater to individuals with special healthcare needs, including patients undergoing organ transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, cancer treatment, or those living with chronic medical conditions that may require tailored immunization schedules. Dr. Vishal Beri, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Mulund, said, “At Fortis Hospital Mulund, we believe that the future of healthcare lies not just in treating medical concerns, but in preventing them. The launch of the Adult Vaccination Clinic is an important step towards strengthening preventive healthcare in our community and empowering individuals to take proactive measures to protect their health. As life expectancy increases and chronic diseases become more prevalent, adult immunization assumes greater significance in reducing disease burden, preventing complications, and promoting healthy ageing. Through this initiative, we aim to make evidence-based vaccination services more accessible while fostering greater awareness about the role of immunization across every stage of life.” Commenting on the importance of adult immunization, Padma Shri Dr. Himmatrao Bawaskar who joined in as the chief guest, said “Preventive healthcare is the cornerstone of a healthier society. Adult vaccination is a powerful yet often overlooked intervention that can prevent serious illnesses, reduce hospitalizations, and improve quality of life. Initiatives such as dedicated vaccination clinics play a crucial role in creating awareness and making preventive care more accessible to the community.” Dr. S. Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals Maharashtra, said, “In India, while childhood vaccination has significantly improved public health outcomes, awareness around adult vaccination continues to remain limited. Through the launch of the Adult Vaccination Clinic at Fortis Hospital Mulund, we aim to bridge this gap by making expert guidance and access to vaccines more convenient. As healthcare rapidly shifts towards prevention, initiatives like these play a critical role in reducing the burden of infectious diseases, preventing complications that arise from gaps in adult immunity, and ensuring that people live not just longer, but healthier, more protected lives.” The Adult Vaccination Clinic will function from Monday to Saturday between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM at Block A, OPD Area, Fortis Hospital Mulund, and will offer walk-in consultations, counselling, and vaccination services. As India continues to focus on preventive healthcare and disease prevention, the launch of the Adult Vaccination Clinic marks an important step toward improving adult immunization coverage and strengthening community health outcomes. About IHH Healthcare IHH is a leading multinational healthcare provider shaping the future of care. Driven by our aspiration to Care. For Good., we unite medical excellence and innovation, pushing boundaries through our trusted brands such as Acibadem, Gleneagles, Fortis, Island, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai, Parkway and Prince Court. Across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, India and Greater China, our 70,000-strong team delivers world-class excellence every day, within and beyond our 140 healthcare facilities, including more than 80 hospitals. Our comprehensive services span the full healthcare continuum, from primary and ambulatory to quaternary care, complemented by diagnostics, imaging, rehabilitation, telehealth and home care. In partnership with our stakeholders, IHH is advancing value-based care, building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and creating meaningful impact, as we work towards our vision to become the world’s most trusted healthcare services network. www.ihhhealthcare.com.

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Kauvery Hospital Conducts Basic Life Support and Defibrillator Training Program for Southern Railway Staff at Tirunelveli Railway Station

Kauvery Hospital Tirunelveli recently conducted a Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) awareness and training program for the staff of Southern Railways at Tirunelveli Railway Station. Organised with the support of the railway station administration, the program attracted more than 100 railway staff members and members of the public.   Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) awareness and training program   Kauvery Hospital had donated AED devices to Southern Railway in the past to strengthen emergency response preparedness at the railway station.   The training program will equip the railway staff to effectively use AEDs to provide immediate assistance during critical medical situations.   The program was led by Senior Doctor, Emergency Medicine, who provided practical training and demonstrations on the usage of AED machines and Basic Life Support techniques during emergency situations.   The session focused on creating awareness about immediate lifesaving measures that can be performed before advanced medical care arrives.   Dr. Lakshmanan, Medical Administrator of Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, spoke about the importance of emergency preparedness and timely response in public places such as railway stations.   Railway Chief Medical Officer Dr. Raja Gobalan, along with the Railway Station Master and Railway Station Manager, attended the event and extended their full support in organising the program and ensuring the active participation of the railway staff members.

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Futurance Phase 7, HDFC Life's Flagship Event to Accelerate Innovation in Insurance, Concludes

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers in collaboration with NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore (NSRCEL, the startup hub at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore), in association with Z47 (formerly known as Matrix Partners India) as Demo Day partners, hosted ‘Demo Day’ for Futurance Phase 7.    Sameer Yogishwar, Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life   Futurance is the flagship open innovation initiative by HDFC Life, in its seventh phase now, aimed at collaborating with high-potential startups to solve real-world business challenges in the insurance ecosystem. It is an ongoing corporate engagement program that brings together startups, ecosystem enablers, and internal teams to co-create next-generation solutions. The initiative focuses on identifying innovative startups, evaluating their capabilities, and enabling meaningful collaborations through pilot opportunities and long-term partnerships.   Speaking on the initiative, Sameer Yogishwar, Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life, said, “Innovation has always been a key growth driver at HDFC Life and we are continuously looking at staying ahead of the curve. Futurance is one such initiative to engage with the startup eco-system and collaborate towards introducing and adopting new tech designed for the insurance sector. The latest edition was AI focused and I’m excited about the outcomes as they will enable HDFC Life deliver enhanced operational efficiency and elevate customer experience.”   The seventh edition of Futurance focused on key technology-led use cases, including: Auto Code Generator AI-enabled Audio/Video Creation Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)   It saw strong participation starting with around 280 applications, then 48 startups being shortlisted, to finally five startups, making it to Futurance Demo Day. They were:   Cyberultron Consulting Private Limited Divum.AI  Nife Labs TalentBerry (Skynetic Ventures LLP) Telosa Services Pvt Ltd They presented to the HDFC Life jury including both senior leadership and business stakeholders. After a detailed pitch and query resolution session, Telosa Services Pvt. Ltd. and Divum.AI have have been shortlisted to move ahead and share a POC with the Company, soon.   Commenting on the collaboration, Anish Patil, Principal, Z47, said, “AI is opening up extraordinary possibilities in insurance – from faster claims processing to hyper-personalised products and smarter underwriting, which can dramatically improve efficiency and customer experience. Indian insurers are moving decisively to build the modern, modular backends that can fully harness this potential. Our work with HDFC Life reflects a shared excitement: the companies that invest in this technology backbone today will define the future of Indian insurance. It’s a massive value creation opportunity and we at Z47 look forward to being a part of it.”   Adding to this, Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO, NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, said, “Our collaboration with HDFC Life through Futurance Phase 7 reflects a shared commitment to bringing innovative startup solutions into large enterprises. At NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, we have worked closely with the HDFC Life team to identify promising technology startups that can address real business use cases across the insurance value chain. The Demo Day marks an important milestone in this journey, where selected startups will showcase solutions with the potential to drive meaningful transformation for the industry.”

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INR 3 Crore Funding Grabbed by Galgotias University Student-Led Startup Cybergenix Security Pvt Ltd

Two students from Galgotias University have secured an investment of INR 3 crore for their Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity startup, Cybergenix Security Pvt Ltd, adding to the growing momentum around student-led technology ventures emerging from the university ecosystem.   Divyansh Kumar Mishra and Prakhar Kumar Singh of Galgotias University secure INR 3 crore investment commitment for CyberGenix, their AI and cybersecurity startup   The startup has been founded by Divyansh Kumar Mishra from the Class of 2026, currently pursuing a Diploma in Computer Science Engineering, and Prakhar Kumar Singh from the Class of 2029, currently pursuing B.Tech Computer Science Engineering with specialisation in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.   The investment follows the successful completion of the startup’s due diligence process, with the Share Subscription Agreement currently under execution.   Speaking about the vision behind Cybergenix, Divyansh Kumar Mishra said, “Working across Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, automation, and intelligent digital systems, Cybergenix is developing a context-driven AI ecosystem designed to address limitations increasingly visible across current AI infrastructure. While AI adoption has accelerated rapidly, many existing systems continue to operate as fragmented tools with limited contextual understanding, weak personalization, and inadequate integration between intelligence, automation, and security systems.”   Highlighting the technology architecture being developed at Cybergenix, Prakhar Kumar Singh said, “We are building an integrated architecture combining large language models, self-learning engines, automation frameworks, cybersecurity systems, and digital twin technology to create adaptive and behaviour-aware AI infrastructure capable of understanding workflows, user intent, and operational environments in real time.”   Among the technologies under development is a system-level AI assistant capable of interacting with applications, files, workflows, and operating environments through contextual intelligence and voice interaction. The startup is also developing digital twin systems capable of creating intelligent virtual representations of users for workflow execution, meetings, task management, and decision support. Additional capabilities include self-learning behavioural adaptation, emotion-aware interaction, cross-platform automation, voice and vision interfaces, and cybersecurity-first deployment infrastructure.   The startup has also received support through IIT Ropar’s iHub AWaDH, IIT Ropar under North Sprint Edition at Galgotias Ideathon 2025 and has been recognised through platforms including Smart India Hackathon, Eureka and multiple technology and innovation communities.   Commenting on the investment, angel investor Mr. Adil Jamal said, “A lot of young founders today are building applications on top of existing AI systems. What interested us here was that Divyansh and Prakhar were thinking much deeper about infrastructure, behaviour, automation, security, and how these systems interact in real environments. They are attempting something technically demanding and they have shown unusual persistence and clarity for founders at this stage.”   Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said, “Student-led ventures are beginning to emerge from a much larger innovation and technology ecosystem taking shape across the university. Student teams from Galgotias University have recently been selected to represent India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition in Hong Kong, students from the university have developed live applications on Apple iOS, and several students have gained recognition through global technology and innovation platforms. The ability of students at such an early stage to attract a funding commitment of this scale also points to the growing seriousness with which young founders are approaching technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.   Students today are getting exposure to startup building, product development, Artificial Intelligence, app ecosystems, and interdisciplinary collaboration much earlier. Access to advanced infrastructure such as the NVIDIA DGX H200 high performance computing ecosystem is also enabling students to work on AI systems and computational problems that require serious computing capability. Over time, these environments begin creating the confidence to attempt ambitious ideas and build beyond classroom assignments.”   The founders say their long-term vision is to build an integrated AI ecosystem combining Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, automation, and digital identity into a single intelligent platform capable of delivering highly personalised and autonomous interaction systems.   Across the Galgotias University campus, students are increasingly building products, experimenting with emerging technologies, engaging with investors, and developing deployable systems alongside their academic programmes. Startups like Cybergenix reflect how the university’s innovation, incubation, and high-performance technology ecosystem is beginning to translate into real ventures, products, and funding outcomes.

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TVS Motor Company Ranked No. 1 Globally for Shareholder Value Creation in 'Durable Consumer Goods' by WirtschaftsWoche And Boston Consulting Group

TVS Motor Company, part of TVS VENU, has been ranked #1 globally in the ‘Durable Consumer Goods’ category in the annual ‘Best Stocks in the World’, ranking published exclusively by Germany’s leading business weekly WirtschaftsWoche, based on the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Value Creators analysis.   WirtschaftsWoche, founded in 1926 and celebrating its centenary this year, is Germany’s largest weekly business publication, widely read by senior executives, institutional investors and corporate decision-makers across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Its annual ‘Best Stocks in the World’ analysis is one of the most widely cited rankings of listed companies in the German-speaking region.   The independent study evaluated more than 2,000 listed companies across 35 industries worldwide. Over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, TVS Motor Company delivered an average annual Total Shareholder Return of approximately 51 per cent — the highest in its global category, ahead of established peers from Japan, China, the United States, and India.   According to the analysis, TVS Motor’s performance was driven primarily by strong revenue growth (22 percentage points) and a premium market valuation (18 percentage points), complemented by improving profitability and continuous strengthening of the balance sheet. Notably, this profile aligns closely with the criteria the study identifies for resilient companies — profitable, growth-oriented, and financially disciplined, with reserves to withstand volatile market conditions.   Professor Sir Ralf Speth, Chief Mentor, TVS Motor Company, comments, “This recognition by WirtschaftsWoche and BCG is the result of the consistent implementation of Chairman Sudarshan Venu’s clear strategic vision. His passion for the company, deep understanding of markets and customers, openness to new technology, and attentiveness to the workforce create a values-based environment in which creativity and performance can flourish. Equally exemplary is the strong commitment to social responsibility.   With this mindset – the ‘TVS Way’ – and under outstanding corporate leadership, the TVS team wins numerous international awards year after year, including accolades for environmental stewardship and exceptional product quality. TVS is synonymous with quality and a strong commitment to the environment, rooted in the skill of its people and built on manufacturing excellence. In symbiosis with this commitment, the company continues to advance energy‑efficient solutions and strengthen its leadership in electric mobility.   Under TVS Motor Company’s ownership, Norton’s global resurgence is now clear. This storied and deeply revered brand is once again delivering a compelling combination of technology, design integrity and dynamism. I am confident TVS Motor Company is strongly positioned for the future – delivering sustainable growth, strengthening global competitiveness and creating long-term shareholder value – recognition goes to the whole TVS team for their hard work and commitment.”   In its most recent financial year (2025–26), TVS Motor Company has built further on this momentum, recording its highest-ever annual sales of 5.89 million units, a 24 per cent increase year-on-year, with international business growing 33 per cent across more than 90 markets. Revenue grew 30 per cent year-on-year to Rs. 47,270 crore, with operating PBT up 40 per cent to Rs. 4,975 crore and operating EBITDA margin improving 60 basis points to 12.9 per cent.   About TVS Motor Company TVS Motor Company (BSE:532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR), part of TVS VENU, is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in India and Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of trust, value, and passion for customers, it takes pride in making internationally accepted products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. TVS Motor is the only two-wheeler company to have won the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for four consecutive years. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 90 countries in which we operate.    For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com  

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Galgotias University Students to Represent India at Global EDVentures Startup Competition 2026 in Hong Kong

Two student-led innovation teams from Galgotias University will represent India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition 2026 at The Education University of Hong Kong, where university founders from across Asia will present technology-driven ideas attempting to rethink how learning is experienced, accessed, and delivered under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education.   Two student-led teams from Galgotias University will represent India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition 2026 in Hong Kong with education-tech innovations   The two teams are working on different but equally relevant problems within education technology, one exploring how Virtual Reality can make complex concepts easier to experience and understand, and the other attempting to make coding education more accessible for visually impaired learners through tactile interaction systems. Their selection also comes at a relevant juncture when the global education technology market is seeing growing interest in immersive learning and accessibility-focused innovation.   Startup Tekurious Pvt. Limited includes Akash Kumar, a third-year B.Tech Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) student from the Class of 2027, Yash Vardhan, a third-year B.Sc. (Hons.) Microbiology student from the Class of 2026 at the School of Biosciences and Technology, and Anoop Maurya, a fourth-year B.Tech Artificial Intelligence & Data Science student from the Batch of 2022–2026 at Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology. The startup is building a Virtual Reality-enabled immersive learning platform designed to help students understand complex academic concepts through interactive simulations rather than passive textbook instruction.   Speaking about the journey behind the idea, Akash Kumar shared that the startup began with a simple belief that students understand concepts far better when they can experience them rather than memorise them. He added that representing their work at EDVentures in Hong Kong gives the team an opportunity to showcase how immersive learning technologies can improve engagement and accessibility across classrooms.   Project TACTO comprises Gaurang Pant, a third-year B.Tech Computer Science Engineering student from the Class of 2027, Shristi Mandoliya, a second-year B.Tech Computer Science Engineering (Data Science) student from the Class of 2028, and Kavya Singh, a third-year BBA Financial Investment Analysis student from the Batch of 2023–2026 at the School of Finance & Commerce, Galgotias University. The team is developing a tactile hardware-based coding system for visually impaired learners, translating abstract programming logic into physical interaction through modular blocks supported by sensing technologies and real-time audio feedback.   Sharing the experience behind building Project TACTO, Gaurang Pant said the idea emerged from conversations around how visually impaired learners often face barriers in coding education because of screen-dependent interfaces. He noted that presenting the project at EDVentures would allow the team to engage with educators and innovators working toward more inclusive models of programming education.   The EDVentures Competition will bring together student innovation teams from leading institutions including Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education Singapore, King Saud University, East China Normal University, Universitas Indonesia, and Ajman University, placing the Galgotias teams alongside a wider Asian network of young founders building technology-led responses to how people learn, access knowledge, and experience education.   Speaking on the opportunity, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said, “As internationalisation becomes an increasing area of focus for the University, opportunities such as EDVentures allow our students to engage with global educators, researchers, and student founders working on similar challenges. When students begin building solutions for real learning problems and present them on international platforms, it reflects the confidence they are developing as innovators and problem-solvers with relevance beyond their immediate surroundings.”   Highlighting the importance of global exposure for emerging founders, Rachit Mathur, entrepreneur and mentor to students at the Galgotias Incubation Centre, said “Exposure to a global platform like EDVentures allows student founders to test their ideas in diverse academic environments and learn from different perspectives. This year’s SDG-4 theme has encouraged teams to connect inclusive education goals with emerging technologies such as AI and immersive learning systems. Experiences like this help young founders refine solutions into scalable innovations.”   Galgotias has been steadily expanding its startup and innovation ecosystem through industry-linked Centres of Excellence, advanced technology labs, and structured incubation support for student founders. The university has incubated more than 135 startups so far and has established the INR 10 crore Galgotias Innovation Fund to support emerging student-led ventures.   Galgotias University has also developed specialised labs and Centres of Excellence in collaboration with organisations including Intel, Cisco, Apple, Salesforce, Tata Technologies, and Capgemini, alongside a high-performance computing ecosystem powered by the NVIDIA DGX H200, giving students access to industry-grade infrastructure and emerging technology platforms. Reflecting the expanding culture of applied innovation on campus, 34 student-developed applications are currently live on the Apple App Store, while 18 Galgotias students were selected among the global winners of the Apple Swift Student Challenge.   Both teams are currently undergoing structured mentoring support as part of their preparation for participation in the global competition. The participation of both teams reflects how student-led innovation at Galgotias University is increasingly moving beyond classroom projects into globally relevant problem-solving around accessibility, immersive learning, and the future of education technology.

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Seed Industry Calls for Strengthening India's Agrobiodiversity Amid Global Supply Shocks

Highlighting the growing impact of geopolitical disruptions, climate variability, and global supply chain uncertainties on agriculture, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) called for stronger national focus on preserving and strengthening India’s agricultural biodiversity, describing seed diversity and resilient crop genetics as critical strategic assets for ensuring long-term food security, farmer resilience, and supply chain stability.   Ajai Rana, Chairman, Federation of Seed Industry of India & MD & CEO, Savannah Seeds (left) and Dr Paresh Verma, Director General, Federation of Seed Industry of India   Ajai Rana, Chairman, FSII and CEO & MD, Savannah Seeds, said, “The world is increasingly realising that biodiversity is no longer only an environmental discussion. It is fundamentally linked to economic resilience, food security, and national preparedness. In agriculture, seed diversity acts as an insurance mechanism during periods of disruption, whether arising from climate events, geopolitical tensions, or supply chain shocks.”   He further added, “India’s vast agrobiodiversity is one of our greatest strategic strengths. Our thousands of indigenous crop varieties, region-specific seed systems, and strong scientific ecosystem provide resilience that many countries do not possess. Preserving and strengthening this diversity through innovation, breeding, and science-led agriculture must remain a national priority.”   FSII noted that India remains one of the world’s richest agrobiodiversity regions, with thousands of traditional rice landraces, diverse millet varieties, pulses, oilseeds, and regionally adapted crops that have evolved over generations to withstand varying climatic and ecological conditions. The industry body emphasized that diverse and locally adaptive seed systems become especially important during periods of global uncertainty, helping stabilize productivity and reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions.   Rana also highlighted the increasing role of modern breeding technologies, biotechnology, and genome editing in enhancing agricultural resilience. Recent advancements in climate-resilient, drought-tolerant, flood-tolerant, and nutrient-efficient crop varieties are helping farmers cope with changing climatic conditions while improving productivity and resource-use efficiency. “Between 2014 and 2025, nearly 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties were developed under national breeding programmes, including drought-tolerant, flood-tolerant, heat-resilient, and nutrient-efficient varieties aimed at improving productivity under stress conditions,” he said.   Dr Paresh Verma, Director General, FSII, said, “The future of agricultural resilience will depend on our ability to combine traditional biodiversity with modern science. Biotechnology, precision breeding, and genome editing are enabling the development of crop varieties that are more resilient to heat, drought, pests, and changing climatic conditions without compromising productivity.”   He emphasized India’s growing seed ecosystem can transform agrobiodiversity into a major strategic and economic advantage. The Federation noted that India currently has over 30,000 registered seed varieties and an estimated domestic seed market of nearly Rs 30,000 crore. With supportive policy reforms, stronger R&D incentives, and regulatory ease, FSII estimates that India could increase its share in global seed exports from nearly 1% currently to 10% by 2035, positioning the country as a major global seed hub.   FSII noted that biodiversity in agriculture should be viewed not only from a conservation perspective, but also as a strategic pillar of economic stability, farmer welfare, and national food resilience. The Federation called for continued support towards seed research, crop improvement, conservation of indigenous germplasm, and policy frameworks that encourage innovation-led and science-based agricultural development.

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Digital Bets Take Off: Quint Digital Positioned for Transformational Growth

A strong “net-zero debt” balance sheet and three profitable digital verticals set Quint Digital Limited (QDL) up for transformational growth. Key Strategic and Financial Achievements of QDL – FY2025–26  Quint Digital Limited (QDL) is India’s leading listed digital media-tech company, strategically positioned at the intersection of media, technology, and AI.  Successfully transformed the business from a standalone digital news publisher into a diversified global media-tech and AI-powered platform, leveraging digital media to drive expansion into physical retail and commerce.  Delivered the strongest consolidated performance in FY2025–26, led by Media-Tech, with revenue growing to Rs. 81.23 Cr, representing 155% YoY growth.  ‘Quintype’ emerges as the Group’s key growth engine and potential “sunrise” business.  Entered exclusive franchise arrangements with Time Out Group; successfully launched Time Out India and announced India’s first Time Out Market in New Delhi.    QDL is India’s leading listed digital media-tech company   Key Financial Highlights – FY2025–26 (Consolidated)   REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS: FY 2025-26: Rs. 81.23 Crs. | YoY Growth: 155% PAT (after exceptional items): FY 2025-26: Rs. 41.55 Crs. | YoY Growth: 225%   Strong Revenue Momentum: Consolidated revenue recorded a robust 155% YoY increase, driven by strong performance across the Media-Tech business, including six months of revenue consolidation from Quintype Inc.  Balance Sheet Expansion: Balance sheet size increased by 53%, driven by realized and mark-to-market gains on strategic investments.  Strengthened Balance Sheet: Debt funding reduced by 51%, enhancing financial flexibility and positioning the Company for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.  Strong Liquidity: Cash and liquid investments increased materially year-on-year, with *Net Cash / Cash Equivalents (Gross Cash less Gross Debt) almost doubling to over Rs. 250+ Cr, resulting in a Zero Net Debt position.  *Net Cash / Equivalents includes mark‑to‑market valuation of QDLs investment in Lee Enterprises as on March 31, 2026.    Strategic Transformation from a Pure Digital News Platform to a Diversified Media-Tech Business    Successful Pivot: Transitioned from a newsroom-led digital publisher to a technology-enabled content and platform company; legacy digital news business now contributes only a single-digit share of consolidated revenues.  Quintype US: Operates ListenFirst Media, a premium social digital media analytics platform serving leading Fortune 500 enterprises.  Quintype India: AI-powered publishing platform delivering end-to-end digital publishing solutions to 300+ clients across global markets.  Kisan India: Launched a strategic platform to expand the Group’s presence in the digital agri-content and rural engagement ecosystem.    Media-Tech Operations Reported a Consolidated Topline of Rs. 118* Cr in FY2025–26, Reflecting Scale    QUINTYPE INDIA: Operating profile: BOLD, Sage, Ahead, Metype, Accesstype | Marquee Clients: Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Fortune India | Revenue (FY2025-26): Rs. 24.76 Crs.*     QUINTYPE US: Operating profile: ListenFirst Media | Marquee Clients: Spotify, Amazon, Disney, Lionsgate | Revenue (FY2025-26): Rs. 92.94 Crs.*    Together, the Media-Tech platforms now contribute the largest share of the Company’s operating revenues, positioning the business for scalable, technology-led growth with improving margin visibility.    *Figures are standalone and on full year basis.    Strategic Investment in Lee Enterprises    Strategic Alignment: Increased stake to 14.59% through the acquisition of additional shares, backed by a commitment of approximately USD7.97 Mn as part of a USD50 Mn PIPE led by David Hoffmann, further aligning with QDL’s vision of expanding global media-tech partnerships.  Potential to create value**: As of March 31, 2026, QDL recognized a mark-to-market gain of Rs. 121.87 Cr. on its investment in Lee Enterprises.  Strategic Synergy Potential: Lee Enterprises owns BLOX Digital, a leading digital solutions provider for media organizations across the United States and beyond.  Global Strategic Positioning: This strategic relationship further strengthens QDL’s positioning as a long-term media-tech partner to leading global publishers, with opportunities to collaboratively scale technology platforms, AI-powered newsroom solutions, and enterprise digital publishing products.    **Mark-to-Market gains represent unrealized gains arising from the shareholding in Lee Enterprises. The reported value is subject to fluctuation based on movements in the underlying share price of Lee Enterprises on the NASDAQ.    Quint Digital Launches Time Out India and Announces First Time Out Market in New Delhi   Strategic Partnership with Time Out Group: Exclusive franchise partnership to launch Time Out India including Time Out Market India.  Time Out India: QDL successfully launched Time Out India on April 23, 2026, with dedicated platforms for Delhi and Mumbai, delivering trusted, first-hand recommendations across food and drink, arts and culture, film, entertainment and events (www.timeout.com/india; www.timeout.com/delhi; www.timeout.com/mumbai).  Time Out Market India: QDL will also bring the first Time Out Market to India, with a flagship location opening at Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi, in H2 of FY27. The Market will bring together 11 curated kitchens and two fullservice bars alongside a live performance stage and private events space, offering seating for around 500 guests.  With the launch of Time Out India and the commencement of Time Out Market Aerocity operations, Company expects its operating revenue to materially increase, marking entry into the highly scalable vertical of digital media‑led physical retail and commerce.    To view QDL’s full report, click here.   About Quint Digital Limited  Quint Digital Limited (QDL) (QUINT, BSE 539515) is India’s leading digital and media-tech, AI-focused company. QDL creates innovative ideas in the digital space with cutting-edge technology and engaging formats to propel meaningful change. QDL holds a significant minority stake in Lee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: “LEE”), a leading American media company that provides trusted local news and advertising services across 72 markets in 25 American states through nearly 350 digital platforms and print publications. QDL’s conglomerate offers various solutions ranging from news to tech innovations, recently strengthened by the acquisition of ListenFirst Media, a premium social media and digital analytics platform headquartered in New York, which enhances QDL’s capabilities in AI- driven audience insights and engagement strategies. Its flagship platform, The Quint, launched in 2015, delivers trusted, innovative journalism, while Quintype’s AI-powered editorial platform enables seamless content creation for over 300 publishers worldwide. QDL’s suite of brands also includes The News Minute, known for independent journalism from Southern India; Youth Ki Awaaz, a citizen media platform that amplifies the voices of India’s youth; and Kisan India, dedicated to comprehensive coverage of Indian agriculture. Quint Digital Limited is listed on the BSE Limited. The equity shares of Quint Digital Limited have been admitted to the permitted to trade category of the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.    Safe Harbour Disclaimer   This release contains certain “forward-looking statements” including, but without limitation, statements relating to the implementation of strategic initiatives, and other statements relating to Quint Digital Limited, future business developments and economic performance. While these forward-looking statements indicate our assessment and future expectations concerning the development of our business, a number of risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors could cause actual developments and results

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Access Life, MAHE, and Chellaram Foundation Inaugurate Karnataka's First Dedicated Support Centre for Paediatric BMT Patients in Manipal

Access Life, a registered Indian not-for-profit organisation committed to ensuring that no child has to abandon cancer treatment due to non-medical challenges, has announced the opening of its new ‘Home Away from Home’ (HAH) centre in Manipal for paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) patients. The centre will be inaugurated on 23rd May 2026 and will support families of children undergoing treatment at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.   Access Life, a joint initiative of MAHE & Chellaram Foundation, was inaugurated on May 23, 2026, at Manipal, Karnataka   The center was inaugurated on 23rd May 2026 at the MAHE Campus, Manipal. The inauguration was presided over by Dr. H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, with Dr. Ashok Gavande, Philanthropy India Lead, Chellaram Foundation, Mumbai, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, as the Guest of Honor. The event also saw the presence of; Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal; Dr. Anil K Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal; Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Manipal Foundation and, Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, MAHE, Manipal; Mr Girish Nair Founder & Chairman and Mr Ankeet Dave, Co-founders & Executive Director of Access Life Assistance Foundation were present on the occasion.   The newly launched 10-unit facility has been specially designed for children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant procedures, where maintaining a safe, hygienic, and controlled environment is critical due to severely compromised immunity levels during treatment and recovery.   This marks Access Life’s second centre in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), further strengthening the shared commitment towards holistic paediatric cancer care and family support services beyond hospital infrastructure.   The initiative is also supported by Chellaram Foundation, a global not-for-profit organisation focused on long-term, impact-driven philanthropy across healthcare, education, humanitarian aid, and child welfare initiatives.   Sharing thoughts on the collaboration Chellaram Foundation said, “Access Life Foundation stands out for its deeply compassionate and highly organized approach toward supporting children and families battling cancer. Their commitment goes far beyond providing accommodation—it creates dignity, stability, and hope during some of the most difficult moments in a family’s life. At Chellaram Foundation, we value institutions where compassion is matched by accountability, and Access Life exemplifies both. We are confident that every contribution made toward their mission translates into meaningful and lasting impact.”   Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, said, “At MAHE, we have always believed that healthcare goes beyond medical treatment. Supporting children and families during difficult times is deeply aligned with the values and vision of our founder, Dr. TMA Pai, who believed that compassionate and accessible healthcare should reach every section of society. We are happy that MAHE could support this meaningful initiative by providing the space for the center, which will help create a safe and caring environment for children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant treatment. This collaboration reflects MAHE’s larger commitment towards holistic and humane healthcare, where medical excellence is complemented by emotional, social, and family support systems. Facilities like these significantly reduce the burden on families while helping children continue their treatment and recovery with dignity. We appreciate the efforts of Access Life and Chellaram Foundation in strengthening paediatric cancer care support services in Manipal.”   Speaking about the initiative, Girish Nair, Founder & Chairman, Access Life Assistance Foundation, said, “This second centre at Manipal Academy of Higher Education marks another important milestone in our journey of ensuring that no child is forced to discontinue cancer treatment because of non-medical challenges such as accommodation, nutrition, or distance from the treating hospital.   We are deeply grateful to MAHE for once again extending their support by providing the space free of rental, reflecting a strong institutional commitment toward paediatric cancer care beyond hospital walls. We are equally thankful to Chellaram Foundation for supporting this initiative and believing in our vision of holistic childhood cancer care.   Since the inauguration of our first 12-unit centre in Manipal in April 2022, we have supported nearly 350 beneficiaries. With this second centre, we hope to extend this support to many more underprivileged families, helping children not only complete their treatment with dignity, but also recover in a safe, caring, and family-friendly environment.”   Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, MAHE, Manipal mentioned that, “The new centre further reinforced the departments mission of reducing treatment abandonment and refusal among children with cancer and other serious blood related disorders by addressing the social and logistical barriers that often impact continuity of care thus providing complete holistic care.”   About Access Life Access Life is a non-profit organisation incorporated under Indian law, established in 2014 to support children from underprivileged backgrounds undergoing cancer treatment. It provides free accommodation, nutrition, transportation, counselling and non-formal education to children and their caregivers who travel from across India to major cities for treatment.   With 14 centres across 10 cities, Access Life supports up to 228 families simultaneously, offering a safe, nurturing environment focused on healing and stability. The organisation is registered under 80G, 12A, CSR-1 and FCRA, and has to date supported more than 10,500 beneficiaries across India.   About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience

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