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Marking Earth Day, the Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, strengthened its portfolio-wide climate action strategy that embeds sustainability into core business decision-making across its diverse operations. Aligned with India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the DS Group’s roadmap focuses on decarbonization, resource efficiency and responsible growth. A comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for FY 2024–25, covering operations, energy use and the supply chain, is being developed in alignment with Scope 1, Scope 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions to enable targeted, data-led interventions across the value chain at DS Group.   DS Group HQ earned recognition with LEED Platinum (No.1 globally existing buildings) and LEED Zero Carbon from USGBC, setting a benchmark in sustainable, carbon-neutral operations This rigorous audit covers the full spectrum of emissions, including direct operations, purchased energy, and critical supply chain activities. By identifying the most significant emission drivers across its entire value chain, DS Group is moving from broad intent to focused, data-backed interventions. This scientific approach ensures that the DS Group can address its carbon footprint with precision, offering tangible relief to the environment while hardwiring climate considerations into its internal governance and future decision-making processes. Announcing this, on the Earth Day, Mr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group said, “This multi-dimensional strategy prioritizes decarbonization and resource integrity as non-negotiable metrics. The DS Group is accelerating its transition toward renewable energy to decrease the carbon intensity of its products and services, while simultaneously advancing circular economy principles to manage water and materials with maximum efficiency. Furthermore, by engaging supply chain partners in sustainable sourcing, DS Group is mitigating the indirect environmental impacts that often go unaddressed. This commitment goes beyond mere compliance, actively shaping the DS Group’s identity and ensuring that every strategic decision is fueled by a clear, intentional drive to create meaningful impact. Every future expansion will now be screened through a climate-risk lens to ensure that growth remains aligned to India’s updated NDC Goals.”   In the Indian industrial landscape, the proactive stance of DS Group serves as a vital blueprint for how private enterprises can catalyze the nation’s green transition. By voluntarily adopting high standards for carbon accounting, the DS Group proves that leadership driven by internal values creates a lasting ripple effect for the community. The progress is anchored in a robust governance framework, with zero regulatory non-compliance, stakeholder complaints, product recalls on account of quality issues, 100% pay parity and zero data breaches, besides focussed commitment towards renewable energy adoption. Going forward, DS Group will evaluate all investments through a climate-risk lens while advancing renewable energy adoption, circularity and responsible sourcing across its ecosystem.   About DS Group The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a one of the leading FMCG conglomerates and a Multi-Business Corporation with a strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. It has an extensive and diverse portfolio with presence in Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Mouth Freshener, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail businesses, and other investments. Catch, Pulse, Pass Pass, Silver Pearls, Ksheer, Rajnigandha, Ovino, L’Opera, Le Marche, Birthright, LuvIt, Chingles, Golmol, Namah are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today.   As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC. DS Group has aligned its financial performance with global ESG priorities with the launch of a pioneering Double Materiality Assessment across all businesses. Further demonstrating its environmental leadership, the DS Group has a water positivity index at 1.8 across its business units in 30 locations of India.

In a spectacular celebration that blended sporting excellence, lifestyle innovation, and community spirit, Sumadhura Group unveiled Bengaluru’s first-ever Residential Branded Clubhouse at Folium, Whitefield—setting a bold new benchmark for luxury living in India. The grand unveiling event was marked by the presence of some of India’s most celebrated sports icons, including Saina Nehwal – Olympic medallist, former World No. 1 Badminton champion and Co-founder of Badminton Pros, Saurav Ghosal – Commonwealth Games medallist and Founder of Saurav Ghosal Squash, Puja Tomar- India’s only woman UFC fighter and Brand partner of UFC FIT. Their presence elevated the event into a truly iconic gathering, symbolizing the convergence of global sporting excellence with next-generation residential living.   (L–R): Bharat Kumar Kandukuri, Srinivas Moramchetty, Ali Kasmani, Paresh Prabhakar, Puja Tomar, Saina Nehwal, Saurav Ghosal and Pavit Singh at Folium by Sumadhura launch, Bengaluru   The other dignitaries who graced the grand unveil included Paresh Prabhakar, Tiger Shroff’s mentor & Business Head at Matrix Dance Academy, Ali Kasmani, Head of Operations, Michael Phelps Swimming along with Mr. Srinivas Moramchetty, Director- Sales & Marketing, Sumadhura Group, Mr. Bharat Kumar Kandukuri, Director, Sumadhura Group and Pavit Singh, Founder, Ileseum Clubs.   Adding an unforgettable experiential layer to the evening, the event featured exclusive celebrity-led activities, where residents won a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience immersive sessions with sports legends at their respective branded academies within the clubhouse. Participants stepped onto the court with Saina Nehwal for an interactive badminton session, rallied with Saurav Ghosal on the squash court, engaged in an energizing MMA session led by Puja Tomar, and joined high-energy, professionally guided dance sessions conducted by Matrix Dance Academy—adding a dynamic layer of creativity, movement, and engagement to the experience.   The event drew an impressive turnout of 1000+ participants including residents and lifestyle enthusiasts, reflecting strong interest in this pioneering concept.   With this collaboration at Folium by Sumadhura, world-class academies such as Michael Phelps Swimming, UFC FIT, Saurav Ghosal Squash, and Matrix Dance Academy are entering Bengaluru, bringing global-standard lifestyle experiences to the city. Additionally, Badminton Pros is launching its first-ever residential community academy in Bengaluru at Folium.   Commenting on this momentous occasion, Mr. Srinivas Moramchetty, Director-Sales & Marketing, Sumadhura Group said, “Folium is one of our signature developments, and this Branded Clubhouse reflects how we are reimagining urban living in Bengaluru. In a city shaped by long commutes and traffic, access to quality lifestyle experiences is often limited. With this initiative, Sumadhura has redefined and elevated urban lifestyles by bringing professionally managed, world-class sports, fitness, recreation, and wellness experiences directly into residents’ everyday lives, bringing in global experiences to one’s doorstep, eliminating the need to travel, and giving time back to what truly matters. For us, curating Bengaluru and Hyderabad’s first residential Branded Clubhouse goes far beyond convenience; it reflects a conscious effort to elevate lifestyle standards, enabling healthier routines, nurturing talent, and fostering stronger community connections. We have gone above and beyond to deliver a future-ready lifestyle that is active, seamless, and truly world-class for our customers.”   Expressing enthusiasm, Saina Nehwal, Co-Founder of Badminton Pros Academy said, ”Partnering with Folium to bring my badminton academy into a branded residential clubhouse alongside other iconic academies is a very special opportunity. In a city like Bengaluru, where badminton is deeply loved and part of the sporting culture, this initiative feels especially meaningful. It allows residents to access structured coaching, professional training, and best mentorship within their own community, bringing the sport closer to everyday life. This can help nurture young talent, encourage more families to take up badminton, and strengthen the city’s already vibrant sporting ecosystem, shaping India’s next generation of badminton champions and elevating the country’s presence on the global stage. I am happy to be part of a vision that makes world-class badminton a natural part of daily living.”   Managed by Ileseum Clubs – one of India’s fastest growing lifestyle delivery companies, the Branded Clubhouse at Folium is not just an amenity—it is a fully integrated, professionally curated lifestyle ecosystem. Through strategic collaborations with six globally recognized academies at Folium, residents gain unparalleled access to world-class training, featuring global, Olympic-level methodologies, thoughtfully designed programs, and immersive experiences delivered in association with distinguished academies such as:   Badminton Pros by Saina Nehwal Saurav Ghosal Squash UFC FIT Matrix Dance Academy Michael Phelps Swimming Mahesh Bhupathi Tennis Academies   With Ileseum Clubs overseeing program design, global partnerships, certified coach onboarding, and day-to-day operations, the Branded Clubhouse at Folium benefits from strong operational and experiential support. This ensures seamless, year-round engagement that sustains wellness routines, skill development, and continuous talent progression for residents.   Sumadhura Group plans to integrate Branded Clubhouses across select upcoming marquee residential projects in Bengaluru.   About Sumadhura Group With three decades of legacy, Sumadhura Group is known for its prime locations, ahead-of-time delivery, high quality, and smart design in residential, commercial and warehousing projects, catering to a cross-section of home buyers and business entities in the real estate landscape of South India.   Sumadhura’s unique customer-centric approach and commitment to delivering excellence and superior products have earned the company-wide recognition as a credible and reliable entity in the industry, across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The brand promise of “Foundation of Happiness” mirrors the group’s commitment to becoming the very foundation upon which happiness is built.   With over 56 projects delivered, spanning over 17 million square feet, and over 40 million square feet in the pipeline, Sumadhura has emerged as a prominent brand in the fast-evolving market of developers. Evolving beyond residential developments, the group has expanded its portfolio into commercial, warehousing, co-living, and other real estate verticals to cater to diverse customer needs.  

Joint Solar, a trusted name in the renewable energy segment has announced next phase of growth with higher efficiency solar modules manufacturing among its key focus areas. Backed by more than two decades in business, the company has established a 1.3 GW manufacturing base and executed over five lakh installations pan-India.   Mr. Vinod Sharma, Managing Director, Joint Solar   Founded by engineer duo Mr. Vinod Sharma and Mrs. Pratibha Sharma, Joint Solar began operations in the year 2000 when awareness around solar energy was still limited or almost negligible in most parts of the country. Joint Solar initially focused on products such as solar street lights, solar power plants, solar high mast systems and solar pumps, before expanding its operations in 2009 and widening its footprint across multiple regions. Over the years, the company has executed more than five lakh installations pan-India, with a strong presence across North India, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi-NCR, while also expanding into eastern markets such as Odisha, West Bengal, Nagaland and Mizoram. Joint Solar said it currently manufactures solar panels across poly, mono and TOPCon technologies, aligned with changing customer demand and evolving efficiency requirements. The company operates two plants, including a major manufacturing facility in Pilakhua near Hapur with 1.3 GW capacity, supporting its focus on large-scale production and advanced solar modules. The company has also set a target to produce more than 5,000 higher-efficiency modules daily, as it aligns manufacturing capabilities with rising demand in the sector. Speaking on the company’s journey, Mr. Vinod Sharma, Managing Director, Joint Solar, said, “When we started in 2000, awareness around solar energy was limited. Over the years, the market has changed significantly and customer expectations have evolved. We have grown with these changes by upgrading technologies, expanding manufacturing and staying focused on dependable products.” He added, “Our approach has been to combine experience with continuous improvement. We have an R&D division that works on technology upgrades and product development, and we remain committed to contributing to India’s renewable energy goals through quality manufacturing.” Joint Solar said customer demand is increasingly shifting towards advanced and higher-efficiency technologies, prompting manufacturers to stay aligned with product innovation. The company said its focus remains on upgrading product offerings and strengthening its position in line with changing market requirements. The company also said continuous technology upgradation and in-house research remain important areas of focus, with efforts directed at aligning product offerings with evolving market needs. Joint Solar said its recent industry recognition, including the Award for Excellence in Renewable Energy, has added encouragement to its focus on quality manufacturing and long-term growth. Commenting on wider solar adoption in India, Mr. Sharma said awareness remains a key challenge. “Lack of awareness continues to be one of the reasons solar has not expanded to its full potential. We have been making continuous efforts to spread awareness about renewable energy and help build confidence around solar solutions,” he said. The company said smaller cities and emerging markets continue to present opportunities, with dealer-led growth and stronger distribution remaining important focus areas. Joint Solar said its long-term priorities remain centered on advanced manufacturing, technology upgradation and supporting the broader clean energy transition through reliable solar solutions. For more information, please visit www.jointsolar.in.

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has invested in an apartment at ‘Breez by Danube,’ a premium waterfront residential tower by Danube Properties, founded by Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of the Danube Group. This investment further highlights Danube’s rising status as a preferred destination for global celebrities and investors.   Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has invested in an apartment at ‘Breez by Danube,’ a premium waterfront residential tower by Danube Properties   Breez By Danube is a premium residential project located in Dubai Maritime City – one of the city’s emerging waterfront destinations. The development is known for its uninterrupted views of the sea and Dubai skyline, its close proximity to Dubai’s key landmarks, its fully furnished modern apartments, and its offering of 40+ amenities. Tiger Shroff’s investment reflects growing confidence in Dubai’s real estate market, particularly among high-profile international buyers seeking both an elevated lifestyle and long-term returns. Commenting on the investment, Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Tiger Shroff to the Danube family. His investment in Breez reflects the strong trust global personalities place in both Danube and Dubai, as well as our commitment to delivering quality homes with exceptional value. Breez is strategically positioned to make real estate ownership more accessible through our signature 1% payment plan, zero-interest charges, and fully furnished apartments in a prime location.” Sharing his perspective, Tiger Shroff said, “Dubai has always impressed me with its energy, lifestyle, infrastructure, and growth potential. When I was looking to invest in the city, I knew Breez by Danube would be the right choice. It offers a unique opportunity to own a part of Dubai’s future, especially as demand for prime waterfront properties continues to rise. I am truly happy to call Breez by Danube and Dubai my second home.” Dubai continues to attract global attention due to its strong economic fundamentals, investor-friendly policies, and world-class infrastructure. With consistent growth, high rental yields, and a tax-efficient environment, Dubai presents a compelling proposition for both end-users and investors. About Danube Properties Danube Properties, a subsidiary of the Danube Group founded in 1993 by Rizwan Sajan, is among the UAE’s leading private real estate developers. Known for pioneering the 1% payment plan, the company delivers fully furnished apartments complemented by over 40 lifestyle amenities, supported by a strong track record of quality construction and timely delivery.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) hosted Ekam 2026, a vibrant in-person engagement event that brought together its online learners from across India and abroad, offering them a rare opportunity to connect with peers and faculty members on campus.   Dignitaries present in the lamp lighting ceremony of EKAM 2026 at Manipal University Jaipur A total of 497 students enrolled this academic year in various online programmes including MBA, MCA, BCA, BBA, BCom, MCom, MA-JMC, M.Sc. Mathematics, and MA Economics, participated in the one-day annual event. Designed as an interactive platform, Ekam aims to foster collaboration, networking, and holistic development among online learners. The programme commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. The occasion was graced by Dr. N. N. Sharma, President, MUJ; Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar; Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost; Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadapa, Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE); and Mr. Ambrish Sinha, CEO, UNext Learning Pvt. Ltd., along with the first registered learner for the event. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadapa expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of students and described Ekam as a significant milestone in the online learning journey. He highlighted that the event provides learners with an opportunity to experience the university environment firsthand while gaining fresh perspectives beyond virtual classrooms. Welcoming the participants, Dr. N. N. Sharma, President, Manipal University Jaipur announced new initiatives for online students, including a Campus Immersion Program and Research Mentorship. These initiatives aim to enhance students’ academic exposure, strengthen research capabilities, and provide practical learning opportunities. He also emphasised on the opportunity for the learners in the campus immersion program in the world class Bloomberg lab here in the MUJ campus. Dr. Sharma said that the online learners are an integral part of Manipal fraternity. The event featured a range of activities that encouraged interaction and creativity. Students and faculty members showcased their talents through music, dance, theatre, and poetry performances, creating an engaging and inclusive atmosphere. Participants also engaged in meaningful face-to-face discussions with faculty, enriching their academic journey. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Kasinathan S, Deputy Director, CDOE, who expressed gratitude to all participants and dignitaries for making the programme a success. To know more about Manipal University Jaipur please visit: www.jaipur.manipal.edu.

Blue Blocks Montessori School and Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute, based in Tellapur, Hyderabad, will present at the 30th International AMI Montessori Congress 2026 — taking place May 1–4, 2026 at the Centro Internacional de Congresos, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The congress is the triennial global conference of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929.   Blue Blocks Montessori School students and founder Pavan Goyal at ISRO Mission Control during the PSLV-C62launch of their student-built satellite, January 2026 Co-founders Pavan Goyal and Munira Hussain will lead an official breakout session at the congress on May 3rd — the same day that Dr. Adele Diamond (Canada Research Chair Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, University of British Columbia) delivers her keynote address. The congress also features Dr. Gabor Maté (Order of Canada, New York Times bestselling author of The Myth of Normal) as opening keynote and workshop leader, Dr. Angeline Stoll Lillard (Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia; author of Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius), and AMI President Professor Alain Tschudin (UNESCO Gandhi-Montessori-Luthuli Chair on Education for Peace, Stellenbosch University). Blue Blocks Montessori School is the only school from India represented as speakers at this congress, one of only two Indian voices at a global gathering spanning speakers from over 15 countries. Official Breakout: Montessori and Innovation: A Design Thinking Workshop for a Changing World On May 3rd, 2026, from 12:00 to 13:00, Pavan Goyal and Munira Hussain will lead the session ‘Montessori and Innovation: A Design Thinking Workshop for a Changing World’ — confirmed on the official AMI Congress programme at montessoricongress2026.org/program. The session is listed alongside breakout sessions by Junnifa Uzodike and Simone Davies (co-authors of The Montessori Baby and The Montessori Child, translated into over 30 languages). The session combines a presentation on how Montessori pedagogy builds innovative capacity across the developmental continuum with a hands-on Design Thinking workshop where educators and students practise together as active collaborators. Participants — both adults and young learners — work through empathy, ideation, and prototyping in real time. The session draws on Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute’s 19-year longitudinal data panel of 1,047 Indian children across the AMI Montessori continuum from birth to 18 years — the only data panel of its kind in India. The pre-registration for this congress presentation is published with open access on OSF (DOI: 10.5281/OSF.IO/ST9H2). “The session demonstrates the Blue Blocks approach in real time,” said Pavan Goyal. “Children are not just capable of learning — they are capable of designing, constructing, creating, innovating, and inventing. Not someday. While still at school.” Blue Blocks Adolescents at the Congress Blue Blocks adolescents will also be present at the congress, sharing the story of SBB-1 — the CubeSat satellite payload designed and built entirely by school-age students at Blue Blocks — alongside presentations by adolescents from Montessori schools worldwide. SBB-1 received formal authorization from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Department of Space, Government of India, under reference PMA/IN-SPACe/AUTH/2026/115 — the first such authorization issued for a payload whose primary engineering authorship sat with school-age learners. The payload was integrated with ISRO’s PSLV-C62 launch vehicle. The launch experienced an anomaly during the ascent phase on January 12, 2026, and the payload was lost along with the rest of the manifested cargo, through no fault in the SBB-1 hardware, which had completed its full qualification campaign. Blue Blocks treated the loss not as a programme failure but as a documented research protocol. Three independent observation streams were active across the build and launch period: the engineering record, the learner-development record tracking how adolescents processed a public and irreversible loss, and the programme-level record. Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute holds the position — explicitly and on the record — that an educational programme whose outcomes are inadmissible to failure cannot be a serious vehicle for adolescent development. At the congress, Blue Blocks formally announces SBB-2 — the second-generation student-built satellite payload. SBB-2 will be designed by the next adolescent cohort, with SBB-1 alumni serving as mentors and reviewers. Three methodological improvements distinguish SBB-2: an external academic partner involved from the concept phase, a pre-registered observation protocol with an external co-investigator, and an independently auditable data pipeline for any on-orbit data received. The student presentation also highlights additional innovation outcomes: five patents filed by school-age children in drone design, dedicated to Dr. Maria Montessori on her 150th birthday, and ongoing work in biomimicry, space education, and autonomous vehicle systems — all designed and built by students within the AMI Erdkinder framework. “These are not students presenting a school project,” said Munira Hussain. “They are the engineers who designed, prototyped, tested, and built a satellite payload that received formal authorization from the Government of India. They are presenting their own work, in their own words, to the world’s foremost Montessori community.” About Blue Blocks Montessori School Blue Blocks Montessori School, established in 2005 in Hyderabad (Gachibowli and Tellapur campuses), offers a Montessori continuum from birth to age 18 with the highest concentration of AMI-trained guides of any school in India. Founder Pavan Goyal holds AMI international diplomas at all four developmental levels (0–3, 3–6, 6–12, and 12–18) — the first person globally to hold this combination. Co-founder Munira Hussain is an AMI Auxiliary Trainer holding AMI diplomas for the 3–6 and 6–12 levels. Together, they have over 19 years of experience and have worked with more than 45,000 parents worldwide. Blue Blocks is listed on the Association Montessori Internationale website — the only school to receive a hyperlinked listing. Pavan Goyal serves as a Trustee of the Indian Montessori Foundation (IMF) and leads the AMI Bold Goal Movement’s research initiative. About Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute is India’s only K–12 institution functioning as an independent research publisher. The institute has published 30+ open-access research records on Zenodo, OSF, SSRN, and Harvard Dataverse, and maintains a longitudinal observational data panel spanning 19 years and 1,047 Indian children across the

Let’s be honest. Buying a family car is almost never just about the transaction and the price tag on day one. It is more like signing up for a long relationship. You live with the car every day, in traffic, on highways, during school runs, grocery runs, wedding trips, and those “let’s just go for a drive” evenings. That is where the recently launched VinFast VF MPV 7 tries to make its case, quietly building its appeal once you start thinking about real life.   With generous space, smooth electric driving, free charging, and low upkeep, the VinFast VF MPV 7 fits right into everyday family life while quietly cutting down what you spend over time A car that gets how Indian families travel Picture this. A Sunday trip. Two kids in the back, parents in the front, maybe grandparents joining in, and somehow three extra bags that no one remembers packing. That is a normal day here in India. But with the VF MPV 7, you will feel like it is built exactly for that kind of chaos, starting with its long 2,840 mm wheelbase, which is basically the reason everyone gets more legroom to stretch out. The third row is not just there for show either. It is actually usable for adults, not the “only kids allowed” kind. For the cabin, you get 126 litres of boot space even with all seats up, and it can stretch all the way to 1,240 litres when you fold things down. That means groceries, luggage, random extra bags, everything just fits without a puzzle. The overall size, 4,740 mm long and 1,872 mm wide, gives it proper road presence without feeling too bulky to handle in city traffic. Now add the EV bit into this. No engine noise humming in the background, no shaking when you are crawling through traffic, and no fuel smell sneaking into the cabin. It is quiet and smooth, almost like the car is just gliding along. The automatic AC with PM 2.5 air filter is one of those things you do not think about much, but cleaner air inside the cabin can and will make long drives feel less tiring, especially for kids and older passengers. The MPV 7 comes with a 60.13 kWh battery that delivers a range of up to 517 km on a full charge, which means you are not constantly worrying about charging every other day. For daily city use and even weekend trips, that is more than enough. And when you do need to charge, fast charging can take the battery from 10 percent to 70 percent in about 30 minutes, which is roughly the time you would spend grabbing a coffee or having lunch anyway. Now comes the part people don’t talk about enough: the money after buying. Here is where things get real. The VF MPV 7 is not trying to win by being the cheapest car upfront. But owning a car is like a monthly subscription. Fuel, servicing, small fixes, it all adds up. With this one, a lot of that pressure just drops. One of the biggest cost pressures the MPV 7 removes is fuel spending, since charging is free on the V-Green network till March 2029. That means your day-to-day driving cost can drop massively. That also means the next time you hear someone complaining about rising fuel prices, you can confidently say, “Oh, really, I didn’t notice since switching to an EV.” No more checking fuel prices before planning a trip. No more mental math at petrol pumps. You just plug in and move on. Over time, that saving can reach thousands, even tens of thousands of rupees. If you are switching to a MPV 7 from a petrol or diesel car, VinFast also offers a financial support of nearly INR 200,000, combined with an extra 3% discount thanks to the Trade Gas for Electric program running until the end of April, which helps bring down the effective cost even more. Maintenance is another area where things feel lighter. You get 3 years of free maintenance, and after that, EVs are just simpler machines. Fewer moving parts means fewer things to wear out. What’s more, you can sleep peacefully after buying the VF MPV 7 with its industry-leading warranty: a 10-year battery warranty, 7-year vehicle warranty, 5-year suspension warranty and 7-year paint warranty. It means you are not constantly worrying about big repair bills. There is also roadside assistance for 7 years and additional coverage for key components, which means fewer “what if” moments. And then there is the buyback promise of up to 75 percent, so you know your car will still hold value down the line instead of dropping off a cliff, which is admittedly one of the perceived weaknesses of EVs right now. Easy to drive, easy to live with Despite being a big family car, the VF MPV 7 is not intimidating to drive. The motor puts out 150 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for city runs and highway overtakes. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds, so it never feels slow or heavy. At the same time, the power delivery is smooth, which makes it friendly even for drivers who are new to EVs. Little things also make a difference. The 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keeps things familiar. Features like keyless entry, electronic parking brake, and even a “Camp mode” that keeps the AC and lights running while you relax inside, these are the kinds of touches that make the car feel modern without being complicated. As you can see, the VF MPV 7 is not the kind of car that shouts for attention. It does not try to win with flashy tricks or super aggressive pricing. Instead, it slowly makes sense the more you think about it. More space, smoother drives, lower running cost, and fewer headaches over time. It

Today, representatives from the Mars Impact Fund, the philanthropic entity of Mars, Incorporated, a global pet care, snacking, and food company, visited (1)Humane World for Animals India’s Animal Birth Control centre in Lucknow to observe the city’s integrated humane street dog management and community engagement program. The visit showcased how dog sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination initiatives can flourish through strong community engagement, a key factor in Lucknow’s prominence as a model city for humanely managing street dog populations, reducing conflict and promoting human-dog co-existence in India.   Mars Impact Fund, the philanthropic arm of Mars, Inc., visited Humane World for Animals India’s Animal Birth Control centre in Lucknow   In India, millions of street dogs live in close proximity to people, which can present a complex urban challenge. The program model emerging from Lucknow demonstrates that when science-led strategic solutions are combined with compassion and community ownership, there is a replicable pathway for cities seeking effective, lasting and humane solutions to human-dog conflict.   What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on communities and street dog caregivers as active participants in the solution, not just beneficiaries. Community volunteers, residents, Resident Welfare Associations and community dog caretakers play a central role, from monitoring street dogs to managing designated feeding zones and collaborating with field teams to identify unsterilized dogs. Today, more than 475 Abhay Sankalp societies—local resident groups formed to support humane street dog management and coexistence— are active across the city, bringing together over 15,000 community members.   This Humane World for Animals program is supported by the Mars Impact Fund, which is helping strengthen community-led approaches to companion animal welfare in urban India. Since its inception, the program has sterilized and vaccinated over one lakh street dogs, achieving more than 80% sterilization coverage in the city. Notably, 25% of these efforts have been enabled through community participation, reflecting a growing shift towards shared responsibility in humanely and sustainably managing street dog populations.   During their visit, members of the Mars team also interacted with community members and volunteers directly involved in the program, gaining insight into how local participation is shaping outcomes. The visit included a dog behavior awareness workshop with children, offering a glimpse into how early education helps to explain dog behaviour, reduce fear-driven responses, prevent conflict, and foster empathy and safer interactions between people and animals.   “Witnessing the Lucknow program firsthand is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when science, compassion, and community come together. This is exactly the kind of sustainable, scalable impact we aim to support through the Mars Impact Fund. Humane World for Animals India has created a replicable model that not only improves the welfare of street dogs but also strengthens the bond between people and pets. At Mars, we believe in creating a better world for pets, and this program is a perfect example of how we can achieve that by empowering local partners to drive meaningful change from the ground up,” said Michelle Grogg, Executive Director, Mars Impact Fund.   Keren Nazareth, senior director, Companion Animals and Engagement, Humane World for Animals India, said, “Lasting change for street dogs is as much about people as it is about dogs. While interventions like sterilization and vaccination remain critical, when community residents are informed, involved and supported, they become the strongest drivers and agents of coexistence. The Mars Impact Fund‘s support allows us to deepen that engagement on the ground and build solutions that are humane and sustainable.”   Facts: Humane World for Animals India, in collaboration with the Lucknow Nagar Nigam in Uttar Pradesh, started the ABC program in Lucknow in 2019. More than one lakh dogs have been sterilized so far. Chitti, the 100,000th community dog sterilized under the program, was found by a resident volunteer injured on the street and brought to the Lucknow facility. Each week, 250-300 dogs are sterilized, vaccinated and released back to their original locations. The initiative is supported by a team of over 30 trained staff members, six vehicles and a strong network of community volunteers. A monitoring survey in December 2024 found that 84.3% of Lucknow’s street dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated. Over 31,000 public concerns related to street dogs were effectively addressed through humane interventions such as sterilization, vaccination and community awareness. The Mars Impact Fund was launched in 2026 as an $85 million global fund dedicated to complement the company’s existing sustainability and philanthropic efforts with long-term, strategic investments that strengthen communities, advance scientific opportunity and improve companion animal wellbeing. The fund builds upon Mars long-standing global partnership with Humane World for Animals, and its support for the organization’s programs in India began in 2020. ​ Humane World for Animals (formerly known as Humane Society International) works in India and across the globe to improve the welfare of street, community and companion dogs and cats. We promote humane, sustainable approaches to reduce street animal populations and support peaceful coexistence with people, offering solutions in place of lethal or inhumane methods. Since 2013, more than 400,000 street dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated in India through Humane World for Animals’ programs. The charity’s street dog programs, in addition to its work to increase access to care for companion animals in underserved communities, help people care for their animals and prevent cruelty and abandonment, is advanced in North America, South Africa, Mexico, India, Chile, Costa Rica, Romania and Bolivia.   About Humane World for Animals Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly called Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world. For more information,