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Vietnam Airlines, Saigontourist and Innovations India ink MoU at Business Forum Attended by President To Lam and CM Devendra Fadnavis

In a significant step towards strengthening cultural diplomacy, tourism cooperation and creative collaboration between India and Vietnam, The state-owned national carrier Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist Group -Vietnam’s oldest and leading state-owned tourism group officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Innovations India for collaboration on two prestigious India–Vietnam initiatives: the upcoming Bollywood feature film SILAA and the 5th edition of Namaste Vietnam Festival to be held in Vietnam in 2026.   President To Lam, CM Devendra Fadnavis, VNA Chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa and Captain Rahul Bali   The MoU signing ceremony took place in Mumbai on 7 May 2026 in the esteemed presence of H.E. Mr. To Lam, President of Vietnam and Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra along with several distinguished dignitaries and senior leaders from both nations including Culture & Tourism Minister of Vietnam H.E. Mr. Ho An Phong & Indian Ambassador to Vietnam H. E. Tshering Sherpa.   This landmark collaboration forms part of the historic first official state visit of Vietnamese President H.E. Mr. To Lam to India and coincides with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Vietnam–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring the growing friendship, trust, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.   The MoU was formally signed by Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines, Nguyen Huu Y Yen, Chairwoman of Saigontourist Group, and Captain Rahul Bali, Managing Director of Innovations India, who is also the Producer of SILAA and the Curator of Namaste Vietnam Festival.   Speaking on the occasion, President H.E. Mr. To Lam said, “Vietnam and India share a timeless friendship built on trust, cultural understanding, and mutual respect. Collaborations in cinema, tourism, and cultural exchange not only strengthen people-to-people connections but also open new avenues of cooperation between our nations. I am pleased to see institutions from Vietnam and India coming together to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during this important milestone year.”   Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “Maharashtra has always been India’s gateway for culture, cinema, business, and international collaboration. The partnership between Vietnam and Indian enterprises is a wonderful example of how creative industries and tourism can become powerful instruments of diplomacy and economic growth. Such initiatives will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Vietnam while creating new opportunities for tourism, investment, and cultural engagement.”   Captain Rahul Bali added, “It is a matter of immense pride for us to collaborate with the Government of Vietnam through iconic institutions like Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist Group during such a historic milestone year for India–Vietnam relations. Through cinema, tourism and cultural diplomacy, we aim to create impactful platforms that bring the people of Vietnam and India closer and will inspire greater travel, deeper understanding and stronger engagement between them.”   The upcoming Bollywood film SILAA is an ambitious cinematic collaboration that seeks to build a powerful emotional and cultural bridge between India and Vietnam while showcasing the beauty, hospitality, heritage, and tourism potential of Vietnam to Indian and global audiences. Directed by Omung Kumar, the movie stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sadia Khateeb in leading roles. Produced by Captain Rahul Bali’s venture, Innovations India along with Zee Studios, Blue Lotus Pictures and Stark Entertainment the film is scheduled for release in 2026.   Meanwhile, the 5th edition of Namaste Vietnam Festival is set to further strengthen bilateral engagement through a vibrant celebration of cinema, tourism, culture, fashion and people-to-people exchanges. Over the years, the festival has emerged as one of the most prominent platforms dedicated to enhancing India–Vietnam friendship and cultural diplomacy.   This strategic collaboration between Vietnam Airlines, Saigontourist Group and Innovations India is expected to significantly boost tourism exchanges, film cooperation and cultural connectivity between the two nations. At a time when India and Vietnam are celebrating a decade of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, initiatives such as these reaffirm the shared commitment of both countries towards strengthening bilateral relations through soft power, tourism, creative industries, and cultural diplomacy. The MoU is being viewed as a major milestone in the evolving India–Vietnam partnership and a powerful example of how cinema, tourism and cultural initiatives can further deepen friendship and cooperation between the people of both nations.

Vietnam Airlines, Saigontourist and Innovations India ink MoU at Business Forum Attended by President To Lam and CM Devendra Fadnavis Read More »

Translate 2026 at MAHE Bengaluru Showcases India's Push Toward Real-World Healthcare Innovation

Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MIRM), a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, organised TRANSLATE 2026, a two-day symposium focused on accelerating the journey of biomedical research from laboratory discovery to patient care.   During the Inaugural Session of TRANSLATE 2026   Supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the symposium brought together scientists, clinicians, medtech startups, healthcare innovators, and industry leaders to explore how emerging biomedical technologies can evolve into scalable, clinically relevant, and industry-ready healthcare solutions.   At a time when healthcare systems are increasingly demanding patient-centric, technology-driven solutions, the conference highlighted the growing importance of translational research and deeper collaboration among academia, hospitals, startups, and industry. Experts at the symposium emphasised that many of the most impactful healthcare breakthroughs today emerge through interdisciplinary collaboration that connects scientific discovery with clinical and commercial application.   Inaugurating the conference, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, said, “Artificial Intelligence is transforming research and healthcare at an unprecedented pace, but meaningful innovation will ultimately depend on how effectively we translate knowledge into real patient impact. Platforms like TRANSLATE 2026 reflect MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to building stronger collaborations between academia, clinicians, and industry to accelerate healthcare innovation.“   The symposium featured discussions on several emerging areas shaping the future of healthcare innovation, including advanced biomaterials, regenerative medicine, 3D and 4D bioprinting, tissue engineering, infection-resistant medical surfaces, and translational medical devices. Sessions explored how next-generation biomaterials and regenerative technologies are creating new possibilities in implant technologies, regenerative therapies, and biomedical devices designed for improved patient outcomes.   Industry and startup participation formed a key highlight of the event, with entrepreneurs and innovators sharing insights into the challenges of translating healthcare technologies from research environments into commercially viable and clinically deployable solutions. Discussions also focused on scaling indigenous medtech innovation, strengthening healthcare manufacturing ecosystems, and improving pathways for clinical adoption.   Speaking about the significance of the symposium, Prof. Jyothi Prasanna, Director, MIRM, said, “TRANSLATE 2026 was envisioned as a platform to bring together researchers, clinicians, innovators, and industry leaders to collectively address how scientific discoveries can be translated into meaningful patient impact. The future of regenerative medicine and biomaterials research lies in interdisciplinary collaborations that can accelerate clinically relevant and socially impactful healthcare solutions.“   By bringing together voices from science, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship, TRANSLATE 2026 reinforced MAHE Bengaluru’s growing role in advancing translational biomedical research and supporting India’s emerging ambitions in medtech, regenerative medicine, and healthcare innovation.

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Big Idea Ventures and Mars Petcare Launch 2026 Global Pet Food Innovation Program in Collaboration with AAK, Buhler, Givaudan, and Ingredion

An Innovation Powerhouse: The initiative unites world-class experts in FoodTech, pet care, and ingredients to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable pet food supply chain.  Seeking New and Scaling Ventures: The program is in pursuit of bold companies with groundbreaking solutions in alternative proteins, fats, oils and novel ingredients. Strategic Expansion in Asia: The 2026 program will place a stronger emphasis on Asia, reflecting the region’s growing importance in more sustainable food innovation and pet nutrition.   Big Idea Ventures and Mars Petcare announce the launch of the Next Generation Pet Food Program, in collaboration with industry leaders AAK, Buhler, Givaudan, and Ingredion. Now in its third year, the program has become a leading global platform for advancing sustainable solutions in pet nutrition, focused on identifying and scaling the next generation of breakthrough technologies.   Unlock Your Startup’s Potential in Pet Food Innovation The program is seeking startups with groundbreaking low carbon materials that can be applied to pet food, with a strong focus on alternative proteins, fats, oils and novel ingredients. The Mars Petcare Raws4Paws Accelerator is investing in innovation and searching for the next generation of suppliers to help source the best ingredients to support healthy pets and help address concerns about ingredient accessibility, security, sustainability and changing consumer behavior in the pet industry. Elisabetta Pierangelo, VP R&D Mars Pet Nutrition, said, “We are committed to exploring new technologies and scaling innovation that could reduce the environmental impact of pet food. Through previous cohorts, we’ve uncovered promising new solutions and seen transformative technological developments. I’m eager to build on that momentum and witness the breakthroughs this year’s program will unlock.” The initiative connects innovators from the human food space to the pet food industry and provides expertise from global leaders to help accelerate their path to market. Over the past two years, the program has generated valuable insights into emerging technologies with several of the startups now testing concepts that could play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable pet food. Andrew D. Ive, Founder and Managing General Partner of Big Idea Ventures, stated, “Our work with Mars Petcare and our partners has evolved into a focused engine for identifying and scaling the next generation of pet food ingredients. We are connecting high-quality startups with the corporations that can actually support these innovations to market, particularly across alternative proteins, fats, and novel ingredients. The priority now is not just discovery, but accelerating adoption and creating a more efficient path to commercial reality. With Asia playing an increasingly important role, this is about building a global system that consistently delivers better, more sustainable ingredients at scale.” Selected companies will benefit from expert guidance, potential commercial partnerships, $15,000 and the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore. The 2026 program is open to global applicants, with a strong preference for scalable solutions based in or focused on the Asia-Pacific region, innovators from all geographies are encouraged to apply on the program’s website: www.bigideaventures.com/pet-food-program/.

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From Kala Khatta to Masala Cola: Bombay Banta Raises Rs 8 Crore to Disrupt India's Soft Drink Market

Backed by DSG Consumer Partners, this fast-growing homegrown beverage startup has been reinventing nostalgic Indian flavours, with its distinctive range of carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, along with lower-sugar variants, and more With ambitions to build a modern Indian beverage brand for the world – Bombay Banta has already created a strong market presence through its premium product portfolio positioning and consciously crafted branding The brand’s next exciting phase of growth includes rapid expansion across airlines, luxury hotels, restaurants, and every major quick commerce platform in India   Building on its strong market momentum, Bombay Banta — the country’s fast-growing homegrown beverage brand reimagining the most beloved Indian flavours for today’s modern consumer has raised Rs 8 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round led by DSG Consumer Partners, which also led the company’s seed round in late 2023. This marks a major milestone, as Bombay Banta aggressively accelerates its rapid expansion journey across India’s booming beverage and quick commerce ecosystem. The company has also attracted strategic investment from hospitality entrepreneur Kapil Chopra, founder of EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel. In the brand’s formative years, the founders were also supported by close hospitality industry collaborators and early investors including Simrita Arora and Chef Deep Mohan Arneja, who contributed to Bombay Banta’s product development and brand-building journey. Akkshita Malhotra and Meet Singh Malhotra, Co-founders at Bombay Banta, shared, “This fundraise marks a significant inflection point for Bombay Banta. It reaffirms our conviction to disrupt the Indian beverage market as a brand that uniquely interprets flavour memories that generations have grown up with. Reimagined for today’s modern consumer with better ingredients, a distinctive range, premium branding, and world-class packaging – this capital with the backing of our investors will enable us to accelerate our vision across India and on a global stage over time.” “Bombay Banta is building a highly differentiated Indian beverage brand at the intersection of nostalgia, flavour and modern consumer relevance. Meet and Akkshita have demonstrated exceptional product instinct and brand-building capability in a highly competitive market, while creating strong resonance with consumers across channels. We are excited to deepen our partnership with them as they continue scaling Bombay Banta into a large and enduring consumer brand,” added Hari Premkumar, Partner, DSG Consumer Partners.   Bombay Banta: Growth story so far Founded in 2021, by the husband-wife duo – Akkshita Malhotra and Meet Singh Malhotra, Bombay Banta was built on a simple but ambitious belief that India’s most iconic local flavours deserved world-class branding, packaging and scale. What began as an attempt to modernise the nostalgic Indian banta experience has rapidly evolved into one of the country’s most exciting beverage brands that is challenging both established and emerging market players. Today, Bombay Banta’s has eight distinctive variants in its current product portfolio of bold, distinctly Indian flavours. Its carbonated range includes – Masala Cola, Masala Soda, Kala Khatta, Jeera Soda, and Lemon Soda, while its non-carbonated range has low-sugar, vitamin-rich lemonades for the health-conscious consumer – Masala Shikanji, Nimbu Shikanji and Jamun Shikanji. Bombay Banta first gained widespread visibility after becoming the featured beverage onboard Vistara Airlines, introducing the brand to premium urban consumers across India. Since then, the brand has rapidly expanded its presence across leading airlines, restaurants, cafés, delivery-first food brands and hospitality groups. As on 2026, Bombay Banta is being served across hundreds of hotels and restaurants across India, including several premium and luxury hospitality brands that now stock the beverages across minibars, in-room dining and restaurant menus. A growing number of restaurant chains and food brands have also begun moving away from traditional global soft drink offerings in favour of Bombay Banta’s modern Indian beverage portfolio. Further, its product range is available across all leading quick commerce and e-commerce platforms including Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Flipkart Minutes and BigBasket, where the brand has emerged as one of the fastest-growing players in its category. Next phase of rapid growth and expansion: This Pre-Series A raise will fuel Bombay Banta’s next phase of growth. The latest funding will be deployed toward – accelerating Bombay Banta’s pan-India expansion, strengthening distribution, deepening quick commerce penetration, and significantly expanding the product portfolio over the coming months. Bombay Banta is also preparing to launch Diet Vanilla Cola later in May, marking its entry into the zero-sugar, zero-calorie carbonated beverage segment. The company has also seen sharp momentum in business performance. Even before the funding round formally closed, Bombay Banta recorded nearly 50 percent growth in sales during the course of investor discussions, with the founders now targeting a doubling of revenues over the next six months driven by strong summer demand and new product launches. The Pre-Series A round values Bombay Banta at Rs 80 crore, marking a remarkable rise from the company’s early-stage valuation in a relatively short span of time. The rapid acceleration in both customer adoption and investor interest reflects the growing success of Bombay Banta’s vision to build a modern, globally relevant beverage brand rooted in Indian flavours and nostalgia. At its core, Bombay Banta is building far more than a beverage company. The founders believe the next great global beverage brand can emerge from India, rooted in nostalgia, authenticity and local flavour, yet designed for a modern global consumer. As the company enters its next phase of growth, Bombay Banta aims to challenge an industry long dominated by global giants – one Indian flavour at a time. For more information on the brand, visit: Instagram handle @bombaybanta Additional Notes About the founders: Since its inception in 2021, Bombay Banta has become the country’s fastest growing, Indian beverage brand reimagining India’s most-loved nostalgic flavours for today’s modern consumer. Co-founders and husband-wife duo – Akkshita Malhotra and Meet Singh Malhotra, bring deep hospitality and consumer experience backgrounds to the business. Akkshita Malhotra leads brand and consumer strategy at Bombay Banta, she was formerly associated with prestigious hospitality and consumer brands like Nestlé and PVR. Meet Singh Malhotra, fronts the crafting of the unique recipes behind Bombay Banta’s signature flavours,

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Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled Start Admission for the Academic year 2026-2027

Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled by the NR Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the NR Group, has started the admission procedure for this year. The school is inviting applications from Visually Impaired students across India for admission in the 2026-27 academic session.   Young minds learning, growing, and building a brighter future at Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled   Started in 1988, Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled is a free residential school initiated for visually challenged girls. The school operates under “Child centric project” and is supported by ‘Department of the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens’ Karnataka State. In the academic year 2017-2018 the school has received award of Best Service Organization in disabled sector from the Empowerment of Differently abled and senior citizen on the World Disability Day.   What started with two students is now a huge residential school that is changing the life of hundreds of visually impaired girls. It not only provides a safe haven and quality education, but also helps in holistic development and prepares students to live a life with dignity outside the school. Extra-curricular activities like dance, yoga workshops, bird watching, singing competition, vocational training, self-defence, skill marshal arts class and for low vision students exclusive basic tailoring course etc. are a part and parcel of life at RMSD. The school follows the state syllabus learning through Braille system taught by highly qualified teachers and imparts technology upgradation basic & computer skills.   It also provides parent counselling and organizes house-to-house visits to bring about awareness on the importance of educating and opportunities to visually impaired girls. Also, the all-round excellent performance of the students is a proof to the dedication and high-quality service rendered by the teachers and staff of RMSD.   About Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled (RMSD) Ranga Rao Memorial School for Disabled (RMSD) is a free residential school for visually challenged girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them confidence to be responsible for themselves. It is the only school in the Karnataka State exclusive to the Girls, the current strength of the school is 96, with a committed set of teachers and Ranga family members serving them for the last 37 years. Students who passed out from the school are today working at various institutions and leading their life with dignity which stands testimonial to the noble cause initiated by the NR group.   Over the last 37 years, RMSD has transformed the lives of countless visually impaired girls by focusing on holistic development, inclusive learning practices, and access to advanced digital tools.   RMSD, a free residential school for visually impaired girls from Grade 1 to Grade 10, functions under the ‘Child-Centric Project’ supported by the Department of the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Karnataka State. The school not only offers education, but also provides lodging, boarding, and healthcare facilities. It was established in 1988 to empower visually impaired girls in and around Mysuru through education and vocational training. Additionally, it equips students with life skills, music, dance, and basic cooking training.

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SBI General Insurance Spotlights Need for Comprehensive Health Cover Amid Rising Medical Costs

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, has announced a new film featuring Pankaj Tripathi in continuation of its campaign ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’. The film highlights the growing need for health insurance in our daily lives and in these uncertain times.   As part of its ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’ campaign, SBI General Insurance has launched a new film highlighting the importance of health cover for families   India is witnessing a steady rise in lifestyle-related health concerns and medical inflation, increasing the financial burden on households during emergencies. Recent government data released through the National Statistical Office’s (NSO) 80th round health survey showed that an average hospitalisation in the country now leads to an out-of-pocket expenditure of over Rs. 34,000 for households, underlining the significant financial burden medical emergencies can create for families despite growing health insurance penetration.   Featuring Pankaj Tripathi, the film is rooted in the realities of everyday life. It vividly reflects the daily hustle, long commutes, demanding workdays, and sacrifices people make to secure a better future for their families. Through an emotional and relatable narrative, the film reminds viewers that while they work tirelessly for their loved ones, they often overlook a key priority protecting the health and financial well-being of their families and securing the future of those who matter most. The campaign reinforces the importance of choosing trusted and adequate health insurance support during uncertain times.   Speaking on this, Rathin Lahiri, Head – Marketing & CSR, SBI General Insurance said, “Healthcare preparedness today is about more than just owning an insurance policy. For salaried individuals with family responsibilities, setting aside at least 2% of annual income towards insurance can be a prudent step to address changing health needs and rising medical costs. Through our Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa campaign, featuring Pankaj Tripathi as brand ambassador, we wanted to reflect the everyday efforts people make for their loved ones while encouraging a more proactive approach to protecting their family’s health and financial well-being. The campaign underscores the importance of choosing coverage that genuinely supports families during uncertain times.”    Health insurance today is evolving beyond emergency financial support to become an important pillar of long-term healthcare and financial preparedness for families. Planning ahead through adequate health coverage can often help families navigate medical uncertainties more confidently while reducing financial strain during emergencies.   SBI General Insurance continues to offer customer-centric health insurance solutions designed to support individuals and families with comprehensive coverage and flexible benefits. Its recently launched Health Alpha plan offers customisable coverage options, cashless hospitalisation across an extensive hospital network, preventive healthcare benefits, coverage for modern treatments, and seamless claims assistance, helping customers choose protection suited to their evolving healthcare needs.   Below are the links for the video: YouTube: youtu.be/hJEl7oFQqTA?feature=shared LinkedIn:tinyurl.com/rbyrsvvn Instagram:www.instagram.com/reel/DYOijkjtFLy/?igsh=Zjd3cjkweW5ieTg4 Twitter: x.com/sbigeneral/status/2054080811524309221?s=46 Facebook:www.facebook.com/share/r/1H4XS4jStf/?mibextid=wwXIfr   About SBI General Insurance SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India’s most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches.   The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and  innovation.   With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

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UDIT Brings Fashion, Design, Innovation and Technology Centre Stage at UNFOLD 2026 Grad Show

IIAD/UDIT hosted its annual Graduate Show, UNFOLD 2026, on 9th and 10th May at its New Delhi campus, bringing together leading industry professionals, creative practitioners, distinguished academicians and members of the wider design community to celebrate the graduating batch across multiple disciplines. Showcasing the culmination of students’ academic and creative journeys, the two-day event featured exhibitions, panel discussions, industry interactions, fashion show and award ceremonies across Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Communication, Communication Design, Fashion Business Management, Fashion Design and Foundation Design.   Lamp lighting and Opening Ceremony of UNFOLD 2026   In attendance were prominent voices from the worlds of fashion, architecture, design, media and business, including Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI); celebrated fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani; Vimarsh Razdan, Co-Founder & CEO of Underneat; architect and computational design pioneer Sushant Verma of rat[LAB]; documentary filmmaker Faiza Khan; art director Mainak Das; Raunaq Singh, AVP Creative Design at Naukri.com; Urvashi Gupta, Head of Account Management, South Asia at WGSN; photographer and visual storyteller Charudutt Chitrak; and noted architect Ashok B Lall, among others.   The event marked the inauguration of UNFOLD 2026 with the lamp lighting and the opening of the graduate exhibition, bringing together interdisciplinary projects across design, fashion, communication, business strategy, spatial experiences and emerging technologies. Through campaigns, films and design interventions, architectural project installations and fashion collections graduating students explored themes of sustainability, social impact, innovation, craft, urban futures and experiential storytelling.   Congratulating the graduating batch, Dr Jitin Chadha, Pro Chancellor, UDIT, acknowledged the significance of industry-integrated learning and socially conscious creative practice in shaping future-ready professionals. “UNFOLD has always been a very special event for us. It reflects the journey of our students, the mentorship of our faculty and the collaborative culture we continue to build at UDIT. Every year, it is inspiring to see young designers and innovators engage with real-world challenges through creativity, technology and human-centred thinking,” he said.   The 8th edition of the Graduate Show also featured a series of industry-led panel discussions and interactive sessions across Interior Architecture & Design, Fashion Communication, Communication Design and Fashion Business Management, offering graduating students valuable insights into contemporary industry practices. These sessions encouraged students to critically engage with industry realities and understand the importance of adaptability, research-driven thinking and socially conscious creative practice in today’s industry.   Industry experts and creative leaders from across disciplines engaged closely with students enabling graduating students to gain practical perspectives on the evolving expectations of the global design and fashion industries. The interactions further reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-integrated learning within contemporary creative education.   Another important segment of the show was the award ceremonies across departments, recognising outstanding graduate works. Selected graduating students were honoured for projects spanning communication campaigns, animation films, spatial interventions, sustainable fashion solutions, branding systems, UX/UI experiences, retail concepts, and business-driven design strategies. The awards acknowledged projects that responded thoughtfully to contemporary cultural, social, technological and environmental challenges while reflecting strong interdisciplinary learning and industry relevance.   By bringing together emerging talent, academicians, and creative leaders on a shared platform, UNFOLD 2026 highlighted the growing intersections between design, business, technology, and culture while reflecting UDIT’s continued emphasis on interdisciplinary and industry-engaged learning.   About UDIT UDIT—the University of Design, Innovation and Technology—is India’s first university built for creators, located in Gurugram. Emerging from over a decade of studio-led learning at IIAD, it brings together design, technology and management within a unified, practice-led framework. The School of Design offers programmes in Visual Communication, Fashion, Product and Interior Design. The School of Management focuses on Fashion & Luxury Business Management and Technology Business Management. UDIT represents a fundamental reimagination of higher education, where students create the products, companies and solutions the world will need tomorrow.

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Bajaj at 100: From Freedom Movement to Global Scale PM Narendra Modi Hails a Century of Nation-Building

The Bajaj Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates by market cap at US$ 148 billion, serves 1 in 3 Indian households across automobiles, financial services, consumer electricals and engineering A Century of trust: The Bajaj Group traces its roots to its founder Jamnalal Bajaj, freedom fighter, social reformer, philanthropist, industrialist, and considered the fifth adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi, who set up the Group’s first office in Mumbai (then-Bombay) in 1926.   The Bajaj Group, one of India’s oldest family businesses and among its largest conglomerates by market cap at $USD 148 billion, today commemorated 100 years in business – with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extending his greetings on a milestone that traces India’s own arc – from the freedom movement to its global economic rise.   L to R: Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director, Bajaj Electricals Ltd., Nirav Bajaj, CEO & MD, Bajaj Integrated Health System Pvt. Ltd., Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd., Niraj Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto Ltd.; Chairman & Managing Director, Mukand Ltd., Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman & Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv Ltd.   Founded in 1926 in Mumbai (then-Bombay) by Jamnalal Bajaj, a freedom fighter, social reformer, philanthropist, industrialist and considered the fifth adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi, the Bajaj Group serves one in three Indian households and employs over 130,000 employees.   With over 100 companies, exports to over 100 countries, and an upcoming foray into healthcare, the Bajaj Group has built one of India’s most trusted brands across automobiles, financial services, consumer electronics and engineering. Some of its listed companies include Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Holdings & Investment, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Housing Finance, Bajaj Electricals and Mukand.   In a message to the Bajaj family recognising the Bajaj Group’s contributions to nation-building, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, said, “On the occasion of the centenary of the Bajaj Group, I extend my greetings and best wishes to everyone associated with this milestone. A hundred years is a significant journey for any institution. It reflects not only longevity, but also the ability to adapt to changing times, contribute to economic growth and remain relevant across generations.   “Started under the leadership of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj, the Bajaj Group has been a part of India’s industrial and economic landscape through many phases of our nation’s development. It has grown into a diversified company with operations across various sectors, which serve customers both in India and across the world.   “Over the decades, the Bajaj Group has played an important role in nation-building by creating jobs, fostering innovation and supporting community development. Milestones such as this are an opportunity to reflect on key contributions, as well as to renew commitment towards growth, sustainability and inclusive progress.   “India is moving forward with new aspirations in manufacturing, innovation and global competitiveness. Institutions with deep roots and experience such as the Bajaj Group have an important role to play in shaping the journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.   Greetings to everyone at the Bajaj Group once again on this memorable occasion. I am confident that the years ahead will be about continued progress and meaningful contributions to the nation’s development.”   The Bajaj Group’s social impact efforts, focused on youth skilling and employment, child health, education and protection, have positively impacted the lives of over 10 million beneficiaries.   The centenary celebration at the National Sports Club of India, Mumbai, brought together family members, captains of industry, Union and State Ministers, political leaders, celebrities and partners. The evening traced the family’s journey, from its role in India’s freedom struggle, through the shift from trading to manufacturing and financial services, to new-age technologies that its businesses lead today.     Highlights included addresses by the Bajaj family, a specially composed live performance by Grammy award winner and globally acclaimed composer Ricky Kej and his troupe, the screening of ‘Kathni Karni Eksi’, a film on Jamnalal Bajaj and Mahatma Gandhi, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, and the unveiling of the ‘100 years of Bajaj’ logo.   Speaking on the occasion: Niraj Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto, in his address themed ‘India and Bajaj’, said, “As a family, we thank our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his wishes and encouraging words. The story of Bajaj and the story of India have never really been separate. India’s journey towards self-reliance did not begin recently. It began nearly a century ago — when visionary Indians believed that Bharat must build for itself, produce for itself, and stand on its own feet. One of those pioneers was Jamnalalji — our founder. His philosophy of ‘common good over individual gain’ shaped our decisions across generations. His spouse, Jankideviji Bajaj, was India’s first lady recipient of the Padma Vibhushan. Jamnalalji’s philosophy was taken forward successfully by his sons Kamalnayan Bajaj and Ramkrishna Bajaj, both brought up under the eye of Mahatma Gandhi, during their formative years. Thereafter, Rahul Bajaj, a giant among corporate leaders, established a result oriented yet human, ambitious yet honest, organization. As industries grew and capabilities expanded, one thought remained constant: Build in India. Build for India. And build India.”   Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, in his address themed ‘Globalisation’ said, “What we say and what we do must always be the same. And perhaps that is why the Bajaj journey did not become just a story of growth. It became a story of trust. Today, Bajaj Auto is not just one of India’s largest two-wheeler companies. It is among the top three globally. Our vehicles are sold in over 100 countries in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. The Pulsar brand today stands with global players, not behind them. And when we partnered with KTM, an iconic Austrian motorcycle company — it was not just a business deal. This shows that an Indian company is not just a follower, it is a co-creator of global brands. It also proves that legacy and innovation can walk together. Today’s India does not only participate, but it also competes in the global economy.”

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Nahyan bin Mubarak Unveils Greenz by Danube, Dubai's First Fully Furnished Master Villa Project

H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, unveiled “Greenz by Danube,” the latest development by Danube Properties, during a major event held at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The launch was attended by Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, along with more than 7,000 investors, business leaders, distinguished guests, and media representatives. The project marks the debut of Danube’s first large-scale integrated master villa community and Dubai’s first fully furnished master villa project.   H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan unveils “Greenz by Danube” at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena alongside Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman, Danube Group H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan stated that the unveiling of “Greenz by Danube Properties” represents an important occasion reflecting the continued success achieved by Danube Group in the United Arab Emirates. He noted that the company has built a strong and productive long-term relationship with Dubai and the UAE through its sustained contributions to the building materials sector and related industries, before expanding into real estate development and community building. He emphasized that the company has grown alongside Dubai itself, adding that companies achieving genuine success in Dubai understand that meaningful development is built upon trust, reliability, and a deep understanding of the needs of residents, investors, families, and communities. He added that the United Arab Emirates has earned a well-established global reputation as a destination where people from around the world come to build, invest, live, work, and create better futures for themselves and their families. He stressed that this remarkable standing has been achieved thanks to the wise leadership and visionary approach of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, who continues to emphasize the importance of building a nation that benefits from global progress, encourages innovation, and provides an outstanding environment in which enterprise and human potential can flourish. He further affirmed that this ambitious national vision is strongly supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, may God preserve him, noting that the UAE continues, under the guidance of its wise leadership, to place people at the center of national development. He explained that cities are judged by the quality of life they offer to their residents, while communities are ultimately judged by the values they nurture, including family cohesion, neighbourly spirit, wellbeing, security, tolerance, and shared responsibility. He said that the launch of “Greenz” represents an occasion to celebrate a vision of modern living shaped by greenery, wellness, family life, comfort, and community spirit. He stressed that real estate development, at its very best, creates places of human connection — places that support families, strengthen communities, and give substance to the promise that the UAE is a country of opportunity, stability, and hope. He also noted that the project reflects confidence in the future of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates and confirms that Dubai and the UAE are places where businesses can flourish, families can thrive, investors can participate in growth, and residents can enjoy a high quality of life. He added that he extends his sincere congratulations to Rizwan Sajan, the leadership team, and all employees of Danube Properties, emphasizing that their long-standing association with Dubai and the UAE represents a distinguished record of commitment and contribution to economic and urban development. He also expressed appreciation to all partners, consultants, designers, contractors, and professionals involved in the project, commending their dedication and efforts in delivering this integrated development. He concluded by affirming that the United Arab Emirates has always believed that development must ultimately serve people first, noting that Danube Properties, through projects such as “Greenz,” has demonstrated this principle in practice. He also extended his best wishes to future residents and investors, expressing his hope that the development will become a place of happiness, security, friendship, and achievement, while adding further beauty and distinction to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. He further expressed confidence that Danube Properties will continue upholding the high standards and principles that have long distinguished its work and achievements. For his part, Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, said, “If you ask me why someone should invest in Greenz by Danube, I’d summarize the answer in five key reasons: prime location, fully furnished homes with Dolce Vita Italian branded interiors, more than 50 amenities and services, easy access to all major destinations in Dubai, and our flexible 1% monthly payment plan.” Located next to Dubai International Academic City and behind Dubai Silicon Oasis, “Greenz by Danube” is Dubai’s first fully furnished master villa community offered with a flexible 1% monthly payment plan. The project enjoys a strategic location within one of Dubai’s fastest-growing residential corridors. The surrounding area is home to more than 100,000 residents, professionals, and entrepreneurs, and will benefit from the upcoming District IO technology hub aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The hub is projected to generate more than 70,000 jobs, further enhancing the area’s appeal for investment and residential living. The development will feature 3- and 4-bedroom townhouses, along with 5-bedroom semi-detached and twin villas. The homes will include modern façades, Dolce Vita finishes, private lifts, sky gardens, and closed kitchens, with handover scheduled for December 2029. Residents will enjoy access to more than 50 amenities and services distributed across five themed leisure zones, including sports courts, beach-inspired spaces, wellness facilities, green landscapes, family zones, a dancing fountain, and a 3.75-kilometre jogging track. The project will also provide buggy transport within the community, in addition to a dedicated shuttle service to the metro station. With prices starting from AED 3.5 million and a flexible 1% monthly payment plan, “Greenz by Danube” offers a compelling residential and investment opportunity for both investors and end-users alike. About Danube Properties Danube Properties, a subsidiary of Danube Group founded by Rizwan Sajan in 1993, is among the UAE’s leading private real estate developers. The

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Raising Superstars Launches 'Prodigy Pathway' – India's First AI-Powered, In-Home Preschool

Raising Superstars has announced the launch of Prodigy Pathway, a first-of-its-kind, AI-powered, in-home preschool program designed for children aged 0–6. Combining certified educators, a proprietary curriculum, and AI-driven personalization, the program aims to fundamentally transform early childhood education in India – without screens, pressure, or traditional classroom constraints.   The launch addresses a long-standing gap in the education system. Research indicates that 75% of brain development occurs by age 2 and 90% by age 6, yet structured education in India typically begins only after this critical window. Early learning also receives just 2–3% of total education funding, leaving parents with limited, often ineffective options.   Existing alternatives such as playschools, online classes, and physical learning centres – fall short in different ways. Playschools often function as daycares with inconsistent curriculum delivery, online programs rely on screen exposure that experts discourage for young children, and physical centres struggle to deliver personalization at scale. Prodigy Pathway is designed to bridge this gap through a home-based, deeply personalized learning model.   At the core of Prodigy Pathway is a simple but powerful approach: bringing structured early education directly into the child’s home. RS-certified Prodigy Coaches conduct 45–60 minute sessions, complete with all materials and activities. Each session is dynamically tailored by an AI engine that adapts to the child’s age, milestones, and developmental trajectory, while remaining aligned to a structured curriculum framework.   In contrast to the broader EdTech ecosystem, Prodigy Pathway takes a deliberately contrarian stance: no screens, no testing, and no pressure. The model emphasizes process-led development, where outcomes emerge naturally through consistent, joyful engagement rather than performance-driven metrics.   Early adoption has shown strong traction in the Mumbai pilot market, with 15x revenue growth over seven months — despite deliberately limited enrolment slots each month. Raising Superstars brings a strong pedigree of documented outcomes, with 1,000+ long-form parent testimonials capturing results such as early reading (as young as age 3), bilingual speech development, photographic memory in toddlers, strong socio-emotional skills, and enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.   Beyond child development, the initiative also creates a significant social impact opportunity. Raising Superstars plans to recruit, train, and certify 2,000+ women as Prodigy Coaches across 15+ cities, enabling large-scale employment while maintaining high standards of delivery.   Mr. Raghav Himatsingka, CEO & Co-founder of Raising Superstars   “The first six years of a child’s life are the most important of their entire existence and we’ve been leaving them to chance. Prodigy Pathway changes that. We’re bringing the world’s topmost early childhood curriculum directly into homes, powered by AI, delivered by remarkable humans — with zero screens and zero pressure,” said Raghav Himatsingka, Co-founder & CEO, Raising Superstars.   Currently piloted in Mumbai, Prodigy Pathway aims to expand to 15+ cities across India, with a target of reaching 18,000+ active children and delivering over 1 million sessions annually within the next three years, powered by AI-driven scheduling and logistics. With Prodigy Pathway, Raising Superstars is not just launching a new program, it is introducing a new category of early education: one that is personalized, home-based, human-led, and built for the most critical years of life.   About Raising Superstars Raising Superstars is a Mumbai-based early childhood education company on a mission to unlock the extraordinary potential in every child aged 0–6 — before the brain’s critical learning window closes forever. With over 500,000 families across 150+ countries, it is a globally recognized company in the early years space. The company is a Shark Tank India deal winner, and ranked #4 in TIME’s Global EdTech list (2024).

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