newsvoir

Want to make this Rakhi extra special with a unique twist on traditional mithai? Add a burst of South African Citrus to your festive platter with this delightful Orange Sandesh. A refreshing take on the classic Bengali sweet, it combines soft, melt-in-the-mouth chhena with milk powder, a zero-calorie sweetener and fragrant South African Citrus zest. With a juicy mandarin segment tucked inside, every bite brings a delicious citrus surprise. Light, flavourful and made without sugar or cream, this vibrant festive treat is the perfect way to add a fresh and memorable touch to your Rakhi celebrations.   South African Orange Sandesh- Chef Neha Deepak Shah   South African Citrus Orange Sandesh –Chef Neha Deepak Shah   Ingredients – 500 ml milk  2 tsp vinegar  1/4 cup milk powder  1/4 cup low sweetener of your choice  A pinch of saffron or orange food colour (optional) 1 South African Mandarins (for stuffing and zest) Some cloves, pistachios & mint leaves for garnish Preparations- 1. Heat the milk until hot. Add vinegar gradually and stir gently until the milk curdles and the chhena separates. 2. Strain the chhena using a muslin cloth and wash it well. 3. Squeeze out the excess water and transfer the soft chhena to a mixer. 4. Add zero-calorie sweetener and milk powder, then blend until smooth. 5. Transfer the mixture to a pan and cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until it becomes slightly dry and starts leaving the sides of the pan. 6. Add saffron or orange food colour, if using, and mix well. 7. Stir in the finely grated South African mandarin zest for a fresh citrusy aroma. 8. Let the mixture cool slightly. Take a small portion and flatten it gently. 9. Place a juicy South African mandarin segment in the centre and carefully shape the mixture into a ball, sealing the fruit inside. 10. Repeat with the remaining mixture and mandarin segments. 11. Serve these citrus-filled sandesh as a special mithai for Rakhi and surprise your loved ones with a burst of freshness in every bite.   About Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) represents citrus growers across Southern Africa. For over 120 years, growers have produced premium citrus fruits with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, innovation, nutrition, and preventive health. Grown under ideal climatic conditions and carefully harvested, these fruits deliver scientifically supported health benefits with every serving. Behind this success are passionate individuals who take pride in agriculture and understand the dedication required to produce world-class fruit – a commitment that truly sets Southern African citrus apart. truly sets Southern African citrus apart.

Azim Premji Foundation today announced the launch of the Azim Premji Scholarship for Delhi (NCT). The scholarship will support up to 20,000 girls in Delhi this year to continue their higher education. Each selected student will receive INR 30,000 a year, from the first year of college until she completes her undergraduate degree or diploma. Depending on the duration of the course, which can range from two to five years, a student can receive up to INR 1.5 lakh. The scholarship can be used to pay college fees and meet other education-related expenses.   L-R: Nikhil Mathur, Delhi State Lead, Azim Premji Foundation; Sudheesh Venkatesh, Chief Communications Officer at the Azim Premji Foundation   Launched in 2024, the scholarship is now open to girls who have completed their schooling in any of 21 States and Union Territories: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi (NCT), Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.   To be eligible, a student must have completed Classes 10 and 12 in a government school in one of these States/UTs and secured admission to the first year of an undergraduate degree or diploma course at a recognised institution anywhere in India.   The Foundation aims to support up to 5 lakh girls across India every year. Since most undergraduate programmes last around three years, and students continue to receive the scholarship throughout their course, nearly 15 lakh girls could have an active Azim Premji Scholarship at any given time. Since the scholarship was launched in 2024, more than 1.9 lakh girls have received support.   The Azim Premji Scholarship application process is completely online and free. Applications can be submitted only through the official Azim Premji Foundation website.   Anurag Behar, CEO, Azim Premji Foundation, said, “Girls will have a greater influence on the future of our country and our society’s well-being — more than any other demographic group. So, we must ensure equitable opportunities for them in all spheres. Higher Education is one the most important of these spheres — it is an enabler of lifelong empowerment. Our scholarship directly addresses some of the barriers that girls continue to confront in accessing Higher Education.”   About Azim Premji Foundation Azim Premji Foundation works towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. The Foundation works across education, health and other areas of social development. It partners with governments, institutions, civil society organisations and communities across India.

What happens when conversations around mental health move beyond formal settings and into spaces where people naturally meet, connect and spend time together?   Mpowered Voices at in good co in Delhi   Mpowered Voices, the lived experience platform of Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), is exploring that question through ‘Coffee & Conversations’ at in good co’s flagship café in GK2, Delhi. Bringing together diverse voices for an intimate exchange around emotional wellbeing, mental health and experiences that are often difficult to articulate, they explore how something as everyday can create space for conversations that matter.   Built on the belief that lived experiences can change the way we understand mental health, Mpowered Voices brings personal stories into the mainstream, fostering empathy, challenging stigma and making conversations around mental wellbeing more open and relatable for anyone going through similar experiences, helping people acknowledge what they may be experiencing and feel more comfortable seeking support.   Speaking about Mpowered Voices and the idea behind ‘Coffee & Conversations’ Amit Gupta, CFO, Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust said, “One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is the stigma that continues to surround mental health. At Mpower, we have seen how conversations rooted in real experiences can help challenge that stigma by making people realise that what they may be experiencing is not something they have to navigate alone. Lived experiences can make conversations around mental health more human, challenge assumptions and, importantly, help make seeking support feel more acceptable. Taking these conversations into an everyday space such as a café is another step towards making mental health part of the conversations and not something we discuss only when there is a crisis. We are pleased to bring Mpowered Voices to in good co, creating safe space for these conversations to happen naturally, through listening, sharing and connection.”   Udai Pinnali, CEO, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, further added, “At in good co, we see ourselves as a space that brings young India together. Coffee, for us, is more than a beverage – it is a catalyst for connection, conversation and culture. Progressive Indianness is a core belief of our brand. To us, that means being open to new ideas, creating stronger communities of support as well as making it easier to talk about things that have traditionally been difficult to discuss. Normalising conversations around mental health and making it easier to ask for help are part of the progressive India we believe in.   Mpower’s Mpowered Voices has built a credible platform for bringing these conversations into the mainstream. Through this association, in good co hopes to play a natural role in creating an inclusive, everyday space where young people can come together, connect, and begin conversations that might otherwise be difficult to have. Because sometimes, meaningful conversations can start with something as simple as a cup of coffee, in good company.”   The Coffee & Conversations gathering at in good co represents this approach in practice, a conversation that begins in an everyday space, is grounded in lived experience, and creates room for people to listen, connect and perhaps start a conversation of their own.   About Mpower Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, is one of South Asia’s largest private mental-health initiatives, with a distinctive focus on mental-health literacy, capacity building, community outreach and access to care. Through its work across awareness, advocacy, prevention, intervention and support, Mpower has touched. Its work spans clinical services, mental-health awareness and outreach programmes, capacity building, and school, workplace and community interventions, with a focus on making mental-health support more accessible and creating greater openness around conversations on mental wellbeing.   Mpowered Voices is Mpower’s platform for lived experiences, creating spaces for individuals to share their personal journeys and perspectives around mental health, while encouraging empathy, reducing stigma and making conversations around mental wellbeing more relatable.   About in good co in good co is a modern Indian café brand built around a simple idea: good coffee is about good company. The brand opened its first café at GK2, Delhi. Designed as a distinctive, contemporary social space for India to come together – in good co is progressively Indian in its design and rooted in neighborhood familiarity, while carrying a globally relevant point of view. in good co, is a part of Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH).

There are moments when the world of science pauses, white coats give way to music, and hands trained for surgical precision discover a different rhythm. That was the spirit of “Songs of the Soul,” a two-day celebration at Eugenix Hair Sciences marking the inauguration of its newly expanded third floor at Notan Plaza, Bandra West, Mumbai.   Combining soulful artistry with precision science Dr. Pradeep Sethi, Co-founder of Eugenix Hair Sciences (AIIMS New Delhi , Alumnus), celebrating transformation that touches lives!   Bringing together accomplished musicians and Eugenix’s own doctor-artists, the evening celebrated a unique duality at the heart of the brand: surgeons who have mastered not only the science of hair restoration, but the artistry within it. The same precision with which they design a natural hairline, read facial proportions and place every graft found expression through music and performance. A story that beautifully captured the spirit of the evening was that of Utkal Gaurav International School, a philanthropic initiative by Eugenix that embodies the brand’s belief in meaningful transformation. What began over a decade ago in a humble thatched hut, with a vision to make quality education accessible, has today grown into an English-medium international school nurturing young minds through values, excellence and holistic education. Inspired by the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, the school’s ethos of bringing “Eastern spiritual values alongside Western efficiency” resonates deeply with Eugenix’s own belief in harmonising modern science with human values. Its journey from humble beginnings to an institution shaping young lives served as a powerful reminder that true transformation is not simply about how far we go, but about the lives we touch, the values we nurture and the possibilities we create along the way.   The celebration brought together Shankar Mahadevan, Shekhar Ravjiani, Anup Jalota, Arun Govil, Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik, the Sabri Brothers, Raghav Juyal, Gurmeet Choudhary, Shweta Pandit, Altamash Faridi, Shadab Faridi, Surinder Pal, Akash Chopra, Sneha Mahajan, and other prominent personalities. It was also graced by business and healthcare leaders including Dr. Kiran Godse, dermatologist; Abhay Soi, Managing Director of Max Healthcare; Viraf Sarkari, Co-founder of Wizcraft; and Vandana M. Jagwani, alongside Dr. Pradeep Sethi’s close peers and well-wishers.   Reflecting on the evening, Dr. Pradeep Sethi, Co-founder, Eugenix Hair Sciences (AIIMS New Delhi, Alumnus), said, “For us, progress has never been about how far we go, but how deeply we make a difference. Eugenix began humbly, in a small basement in Rishikesh, with little more than a belief in what was possible. Today, as we grow across Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Odisha, with Bengaluru soon to join our journey, what gives us the greatest sense of fulfilment is not the scale, but the lives we have been privileged to touch along the way. ‘Songs of the Soul’ was a moment to pause with gratitude and celebrate the people, stories and values that have shaped us. As we grow, we remain committed to bringing together scientific excellence, artistry and human connection, and to ensuring that the soul of Eugenix remains unchanged, wherever the journey takes us.”   Sharing her thoughts, Dr. Arika Bansal, Co-founder, Eugenix Hair Sciences (AIIMS New Delhi, Alumna), said, “‘Songs of the Soul’ was a deeply meaningful celebration of the journey we have shared and the people who have been part of it. At Eugenix, we have always believed that excellence in healthcare is built not only on science and innovation, but also on empathy, trust and human connection. Seeing our doctors come together through music was a wonderful reminder of the person behind the profession. As Eugenix continues to evolve, we remain committed to advancing hair restoration with the highest standards of clinical excellence, while staying true to the values and relationships that have shaped our journey.”   Combining soulful artistry with the precision of science, the evening celebrated a shared belief: that true transformation touches not just how we look, but how we feel and who we become.   About Eugenix Hair Sciences Eugenix Hair Sciences is one of India’s leading hair transplant clinic chains, with centres in Gurugram, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, and an upcoming centre in Bengaluru. Founded by Dr. Pradeep Sethi and Dr. Arika Bansal, both alumni of AIIMS, New Delhi and Fellows of the ISHRS, Eugenix has performed more than 20,000 procedures over 15 years for patients from across the world. The clinic’s signature Direct Hair Transplantation (DHT) technique was introduced through peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery in 2013, indexed on PubMed. The Eugenix Gurugram centre is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), Certificate No. DE-2026-0004.

Bisleri International partnered with Sony Pictures India to celebrate the highly anticipated theatrical release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day through an exclusive consumer activation featuring limited-edition Bisleri bottles. The association was rolled out across Bisleri’s 250ml, 500ml, and 1-litre water bottles, as special-edition packs made available nationwide.   Bisleri Brings the Magic of Spider-Man: Brand New Day to Consumers with Limited-Edition Packs   The collaboration brought the excitement of one of the world’s most iconic superhero franchises to an everyday consumer touchpoint, transforming hydration into a fun and collectible experience.   Commenting on the association, Shony Panjikaran, General Manager & Head – Sony Pictures Releasing International, said, “Spider-Man has always had a fun, larger-than-life appeal that connects with audiences across generations. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day, we wanted to take that excitement beyond the big screen and bring it closer to fans through unexpected and engaging consumer touchpoints. Our association with Bisleri allowed us to do just that, bringing the franchise to life through limited-edition bottle designs and a high-impact on-ground activation. It was fantastic to see fans across India experience the magic of Spider-Man in such a fresh and playful way.”   Tushar Malhotra, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Bisleri International, said, “We were thrilled to associate with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the next chapter of one of the biggest and most iconic global movie franchises, and a significant part of today’s global pop culture. The association was brought to life through our limited-edition bottles, which offered an exciting collectible experience for our consumer base.”   The collaboration was amplified through a high-octane, 360-degree marketing campaign spanning digital engagement, retail visibility and an impactful outdoor activation. Taking the excitement directly to the streets, a spectacularly branded Spider-Man: Brand New Day x Bisleri truck traversed Mumbai, generating high-impact OOH visibility and building excitement among fans around the film’s theatrical release.   The limited-edition Bisleri bottles were made available across general and modern trade outlets pan-India, allowing consumers and Spider-Man fans to be part of the Spider-Man: Brand New Day experience.   About Spider-Man: Brand New Day It’s a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves – a powerful villain no one can even see. The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them.   About Sony Pictures Entertainment Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.   About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.    Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.    The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

A year ago, Sunidhi Mishra couldn’t have told you what SAP stood for. Today, SAP powers the finance, supply chain, and HR operations of 99 of the world’s 100 largest companies—and Mishra has a certification, and a job offer, to show she understands them.   SAP Learning Hub, student edition   “When I first heard about SAP, it felt huge and out of reach,” says Mishra, who studied at DBS Global University, Dehradun, and is originally from Prayagraj. Then she found SAP Learning Hub, student edition, a free program that gives final-year students in India access to the same systems those companies run on. “Practicing on real SAP systems changed everything for me.” By the time she took her SAP Certification exam, the platform had turned an intimidating acronym into a credential. She was placed on campus soon after. “Going from ‘What is SAP?’ to ‘I’m globally certified and placed’ still feels surreal,” she says.   For students heading into one of the toughest job markets in years, that feeling is becoming familiar. Across campuses, students who once assumed SAP was an engineer’s domain are discovering it’s a certification that doubles as career validation.   The offer is simple—eligible final-year students get no-cost access to SAP Learning Hub, student edition, including expert-led sessions, learning journeys, and two SAP Certification exam attempts.   Aayan Kumar, an MBA Finance graduate from DBS Global University, says SAP Certification gave him an edge. “It added substantial value to my profile during campus placements and played an important role in securing my position at BP (British Petroleum),” he says.   The impact extends beyond business students. Ananya Agrawal, studying Computer Science at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, sees SAP Learning Hub, student edition as a foundation for the next wave of enterprise technology. “Elevating this foundation with an SAP Generative AI Developer certification has given me the tools to integrate advanced AI into the ERP landscape,” she says.   Different campuses and majors. The same conclusion. Understanding how the world’s largest companies operate is becoming table stakes for graduates.   For India’s final-year students in placement season, it’s the difference between a resume that lists a degree and one that proves, with a globally recognized certification, that the person is ready to work on day one.   Eligible final-year students in India can register for SAP Learning Hub, student edition at https://learning.sap.com/free-student-edition.

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is gearing up for the biggest evolution yet of its Jawa 42 portfolio. When Jawa returned to India in 2018, the storied brand, part of Classic Legends, remained true to a legacy built on firsts. Jawa has always chosen to stay different, whether through design, performance and engineering or its connection with motorcycle racing.   Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is gearing up for the biggest evolution of its Jawa 42 portfolio with the upcoming Jawa All Stars launch Jawa’s history is made of pioneering moments. In the 1960s, the brand introduced auto-clutch, bringing engineering innovation to the world of motorcycles. Around the same time, the beloved motorcycle became a popular name in racing, competing on tracks and inspiring generations of riders with its spirited performance. Jawa’s character has been shaped by that racing heritage ever since. Following Jawa’s return to India, the brand’s legacy of firsts continued. The Jawa 42 became India’s first neo-classic motorcycle, bringing together classic Jawa design and performance engineering in a new format for Indian riders. Its pastel colour palette and off-centre instrument cluster gave it a distinctive identity, while dual-channel ABS and a liquid-cooled engine brought modern technology and performance to the segment. The iconic “Jawa Is Back” campaign amplified anticipation even further, with the overwhelming response leading to 100,000 online bookings. Soon after, Jawa scripted another first with the 42 Bobber, establishing the bobber category in India. With its unmistakable factory-custom character, cantilever seat and rear mono-shock suspension, the 42 Bobber introduced a fresh interpretation of the bobber format. The 42 Bobber quickly became a cultural statement of individuality and went on to soon become the most loved Bobber of India. This year it also won the Style Icon of the Year award. The Jawa journey has continued with the contemporary 42 FJ, bringing another distinctive interpretation of the neo-classic motorcycle to the 42 family. Its brushed aluminium tank panels added a distinctive design element, while the wider Classic Legends portfolio continued to expand its presence in the mid-sized premium motorcycle segment through its classics, neo-classics and factory-custom motorcycles. Its standout design went on to earn widespread acclaim, including two Viewers’ Choice Motorcycle of the Year awards. Through its evolution, Jawa has always chosen to create something distinct rather than follow the norm. In turn, it has won over a certain kind of rider. One who appreciates design, is confident in their choices and does not need their motorcycle to conform. The Jawa customer is, in many ways, a reflection of the brand itself. Jawa has built its story around firsts. Jawa riders have built theirs around their choices. Perhaps that is the reason the relationship between the brand and its riders has endured. The quiet yet distinctive code of the Jawa rider preserves individuality while fostering a strong sense of belonging among like-minded riders. This shared spirit has helped create strong riding communities across India through the years, which today come together under Nomads Kommuniti, the company’s riding collective. Making motorcycles for people who are comfortable taking the road less travelled, it is now ready with its biggest-ever reveal for the 42 range, with Jawa All Stars teasers now out on its social media handles and official website – www.jawayezdimotorcycles.com About Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. & BSA Motorcycles Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. was founded with a vision to reintroduce iconic motorcycle brands in India & international markets. The company currently boasts an elaborate portfolio constituting Jawa, Yezdi & BSA marquee brands. It aims to bring consumers a quintessential motorcycling lifestyle experience by co-creating exciting product and service offerings within its motorcycling ecosystem and bringing back renewed fervour into the performance-classic motorcycle market.

Motherland, the design-first Indian lifestyle brand known for its take on pop culture, subcultures and contemporary Indian life, has launched its new ‘Made in India’ collection, pairing minimalist design with a strong expression of cultural identity.   THE NEW FACE: Roka, who represents India on the global stage, embodies Motherland’s proudly rooted and fiercely independent identity   The launch also marks the appointment of MMA fighter Asha “The Knockout Queen” Roka as Motherland’s Digital Ambassador.   Motherland’s inspiration has always been India. The brand’s world extends beyond clothing to lifestyle accessories, art and its collectible quarterly magazine, drawing from Indian cities, narratives, cultures, emerging trends and everyday references. Motherland’s “Made in India” collection takes that approach in a more direct visual direction, through powerful words that represent homeland, placed at the centre of the design.   Bringing together polos, T-shirts, 70s-inspired ringer tees, crop T-shirts and tank tops across unisex and women’s fits, the Made in India Collection takes a typography-led approach. Featuring simple yet powerful words – ‘INDIA’, ‘भारत’, ‘SWADESHI’ and ‘MADE IN INDIA’ the collection’s visual language is clean and considered, letting the words and silhouettes speak loud.   Ultimately, the Made in India collection is a new form of representation through everyday fashion, worn loud and proud; for people who seek pride in carrying Indian spirit and want that sentiment expressed in a contemporary, understated way.   The collaboration with Roka – a rising MMA star and the first Indian woman to win a 9-second knockout – reflects a similar side of contemporary Indian ambition; one built through discipline, persistence and the willingness to enter spaces where Indian representation is still growing. Her association with the collection brings together two distinct expressions of modern India: design and sport. The accompanying campaign places Asha firmly in her own and most recognized MMA environment. Rather than creating a conventional fashion setup, the campaign captures her within the physicality of her sport.   Asha Roka, MMA Fighter said, “I’ve always felt that representing India is about more than where you come from. It’s also about what you choose to do with your journey and how you carry that identity with you. That’s what connected me to Motherland and this collection. The designs are simple but they have a strong presence, and that feels very close to how I approach my own work; stay true to who you are and let that speak for itself.”   The ‘Made in India’ collection is now available at Motherland Superstore.    Link to the collection: www.motherlandsuperstore.com/collections/made-in-india   About Motherland Motherland is a design-first Indian lifestyle brand exploring contemporary India through clothing, lifestyle products, emerging artists, and its collectible magazine. The brand draws from pop culture, regional references, subcultures and the emerging ways in which India is experienced and expressed today. Its product universe includes apparel, accessories and limited-edition collections, alongside the Motherland magazine, which explores subjects spanning culture, sport, fashion, cities, less explored narratives, and emerging trends.

The Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI), the statutory body established under the Actuaries Act, 2006, today unveiled a series of initiatives to strengthen the actuarial profession and enhance its engagement with students, professionals, industry, policymakers and the wider public, as part of Actuaries Day 2026.   The event, which took place at the Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, saw Dr. Debasish Prusty, Additional Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, take the role of chief guest. Ms. Preeti Chandrashekhar, President of the IAI; Vice President Anurag Rastogi; Ms. Asha Murali, Honorary Secretary of the IAI; and Mr. Mike Lombardi, President of the International Actuarial Association (IAA), Kartikey Kandoi, FIAI, FIA, FCA were also present.   Left to Right: N Shrinivasan, Ruchita Verma, Preeti Chandrashekhar, Aasha More, Kartikey Kandoi, Anurag Rastogi   Speaking at the event, Ms. Preeti Chandrashekhar, President, Institute of Actuaries of India, said, “As India expands its safety nets and seeks long-term fiscal and financial sustainability, actuarial expertise becomes central to informed decision-making and public trust. Actuaries operate at the intersection of economics, finance, demography, and risk. We shape frameworks that protect livelihoods, strengthen institutions, and advance India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047 since today’s progress should not become tomorrow’s vulnerability. One profession that truly holds endless possibilities and infinite impact.”   As part of the celebrations, IAI launched its Brand Bible, establishing a unified framework for the Institute’s identity, messaging and communication. The Brand Bible brings together the principles and standards that will guide how IAI presents itself consistently across its stakeholders and communication platforms. The Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhimtech to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange in the emerging areas of carbon markets and carbon credits.   IAI also launched its Job Portal, a dedicated platform designed to connect actuarial professionals and talent with relevant career opportunities, while strengthening engagement between employers and the actuarial community.   The Institute further announced the 26th Global Conference of Actuaries (GCA) & Actuarial Global Forum of Actuaries (AGFA), which will bring together actuarial professionals, policymakers, industry leaders and global experts to discuss emerging trends, risks and opportunities shaping the profession and the wider financial ecosystem.   These initiatives reflect IAI’s continued efforts to strengthen the actuarial profession and its contribution across insurance, pensions, investments, risk management and other areas of India’s evolving financial and economic landscape.   About the Institute of Actuaries of India The Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) is a statutory body established under the Actuaries Act, 2006, responsible for regulating and developing the actuarial profession in India. IAI functions under the administrative aegis of the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and is responsible for actuarial education, examinations, professional standards and conduct. The Institute works to advance actuarial knowledge and uphold high standards of professional integrity, expertise and public interest.

The 4th Safe City & Intelligent Mobility India Summit 2026 successfully concluded today in New Delhi, bringing together senior policymakers, law enforcement leaders, urban planners, technology innovators, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of safer, smarter, and more sustainable cities in India.   Left to Right: Dr. Sumit Chowdhury, Gaia, MA Johar, CP Plus, Shashi Dharan, BE, Nidhin Valsan, IPS, Delhi Police, Dinesh Chand Sharma, SESEI, Anil Tandan, BIF, Abhay K. Mishra, IPS, UP Police   Commenting on the occasion, Shri Shashi Dharan, Managing Director, Bharat Exhibitions, said, “The 4th Safe City & Intelligent Mobility India Summit 2026 reflects India’s growing commitment to leveraging technology, innovation, and collaboration to build safer, smarter, and more connected cities. By bringing together policymakers, law enforcement agencies, urban planners, and technology leaders on a common platform, we aim to accelerate the adoption of intelligent mobility solutions and advanced public safety frameworks that will shape the future of urban India.”   Guest of Honour, Shri A. Satish Ganesh, IPS, ADG, Traffic & Road Safety, Uttar Pradesh Police who graced the Summit highlighted in his speech, “The future of road safety lies in the intelligent integration of technology, enforcement, and public awareness. Together, we can create safer, smarter, and more sustainable urban mobility ecosystems for every citizen. Technology today is pan India, no doubt, so we have to leverage this and take it ahead,” Joining him, Shri Nidhin Valsan, IPS, DIG, Technology & Project Implementation, Delhi Police, also stressed the need for greater collaboration between law enforcement, government agencies, and technology providers to build safer cities and enhance citizen security through intelligent surveillance and digital policing solutions.                                                  In his industry address, Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury, Founder, Chairman & MD, Gaia Smart Cities underscored the importance of citizen-centric urban innovation, stating that smart cities of the future must integrate mobility, sustainability, digital infrastructure, and public safety into a unified framework.   Another speaker, Mr. M.A. Johar, President – Project Business, CP Plus reiterated, “Smart cities need intelligent security at their core. By combining innovation, AI, and integrated surveillance, we can create safer urban environments that empower citizens and drive sustainable growth.”   The inaugural session also featured Mr. Dinesh Chand Sharma, Director – Standards & Public Policy, SESEI who spoke on these lines, “Standards are the backbone of smart cities. By fostering interoperability, security, and innovation, we can accelerate the development of safer and more connected urban ecosystems.” and Brig. Anil Tandan, Director General, Broadband India Forum delivering the Vote of Thanks.   The summit highlighted the critical role of technology, data-driven governance, intelligent transportation systems, AI-powered surveillance, digital infrastructure, and public-private collaboration in enhancing urban safety and mobility across India. Discussions focused on accelerating smart city initiatives, strengthening road safety, improving traffic management, leveraging emerging technologies, and building resilient urban ecosystems.   Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasized the need for an integrated approach that combines innovation, connectivity, security, and citizen-centric planning to create future-ready cities. The summit also showcased innovative solutions and best practices aimed at transforming India’s urban landscape through intelligent mobility and advanced public safety frameworks. The 4th Safe City & Intelligent Mobility India 2026 Summit reaffirmed India’s commitment to building safer, smarter, and more connected cities while fostering collaboration among government agencies, technology providers, industry leaders, and urban development stakeholders. The Summit was partnered by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), ITS India Forum, Qualcomm, CP Plus, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, Innspark Solutions, Norden Communication, TechBridge, NIRAsys Infotech, Techspire, Vinfocom IT Services, MEMIOS, HI-FOCUS, Rajeshwari Infotel, Gaia Smart Cities, Communications Today and Broadband India Forum.