India’s Trauma Care Push Gets A Boost As HOSMAT Launches Golden Hour Network At First-Of-Its-Kind Trauma Conclave

In a significant step towards strengthening trauma care systems in India, HOSMAT Hospitals, a leader in orthopaedics and trauma care, in collaboration with the Bangalore Orthopaedic Society, successfully hosted HOSMAT Traumacon 2026, a first-of-its-kind, practice-driven trauma conference, marked by the formal launch of the HOSMAT Alumni Association, and Golden Hour Network (GHN).

Positioned as a pioneering initiative, the Golden Hour Network is a structured, professional trauma care community that brings together surgeons trained within the HOSMAT ecosystem under a shared commitment to rapid, precise, and outcome-driven trauma care.

More than an alumni collective, GHN is designed as a co-governed clinical and academic network, with a defined programme of monthly clinical rounds, quarterly specialty-focused discussions, and an annual TraumaCon gathering as its apex platform.

Named after the critical “golden hour”, the first hour following injury where timely intervention determines survival, the network reflects a deeper philosophy: that trauma care is not defined by institutions, but by the urgency, precision, and shared responsibility of the clinicians delivering it. Over the next six months, the network will establish its governance structure, onboard senior alumni, and initiate its first clinical engagements.

The launch of GHN underscores HOSMAT’s evolution beyond a high-volume clinical institution into a research-led and academically driven centre of excellence in orthopaedics and trauma care.

Over the past 33+ years, HOSMAT has built one of the country’s most significant trauma ecosystems, performing 25 to 30 trauma surgeries daily, placing it among India’s highest-volume trauma centres. The institution has also contributed extensively to academic medicine, leading over 300 research initiatives, with more than 80 publications in internationally indexed journals, and playing a key role in shaping clinical practice in orthopaedics and trauma.

Its impact on medical education is equally significant. According to Orthopaedic Society of India estimates, nearly 10% of Bengaluru’s orthopaedic surgeons have trained at HOSMAT, reinforcing its role as a major training hub for the next generation of specialists. Over the decades, HOSMAT has also touched nearly one-third of Bengaluru’s population through trauma care, reflecting both its scale and community trust.

Held at the ITC Welcome Hotel, Richmond Road, Traumacon 2026 brought together 150+ leading orthopaedic surgeons, trauma specialists, and clinicians from across India, creating a platform for real-world learning, surgical innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. The event was held in memory of Late Dr Thomas Chandy, a globally respected orthopaedic surgeon and pioneer in trauma care, whose legacy continues to guide the institution’s clinical and academic philosophy.

India continues to face one of the highest trauma burdens globally, with over 4.8 lakh road accidents annually and nearly 1.7–1.8 lakh deaths each year, making trauma one of the leading causes of mortality among young adults. Against this backdrop, Traumacon 2026 was conceptualised to address a critical gap - the need for practice-led, experience-driven learning platforms that directly impact patient outcomes.

The conference featured a comprehensive, full-day scientific agenda with over 25+ expert-led sessions, covering upper limb trauma, complex lower limb injuries, paediatric trauma, non-union surgeries, complication management, medico-legal aspects, and orthopaedic practice efficiency. A defining feature of the conference was its case-based and discussion-led format, enabling clinicians to engage with real-world scenarios and refine decision-making in high-pressure environments.

Reflecting on the significance of the conference and the launch of GHN, Anisha Chandy Eckardt, Managing Director, HOSMAT Hospitals, said: “Trauma care in India does not suffer from a lack of clinical expertise - it suffers from gaps in time, training, and integration. At HOSMAT, this is a reality we have long recognised, guided by the enduring belief of Dr Thomas Chandy that every patient deserves timely, precise, and compassionate care without compromise. Through Traumacon 2026, we are bringing together some of the finest minds in the field to address these critical gaps - not just through discussion, but through driving real, practice-led change that can improve outcomes where it matters most, in the golden hour of care.

At the same time, we are very consciously investing in transforming HOSMAT into a high-end orthopaedic and trauma research institute. That is the direction we see for ourselves in the years to come - where clinical excellence is deeply integrated with academic leadership, research, and innovation.”

Dr Ravishankar M R, Head of Orthopaedic Trauma, HOSMAT Hospitals and Chairman of Traumacon 2026, added: “At HOSMAT, trauma care is built on a strong foundation of clinical volume, academic rigour, and continuous research. Managing 25 to 30 trauma surgeries every day gives us a unique depth of real-world experience, while our academic and training programmes ensure that this experience is translated into knowledge. Traumacon reflects this balance - where clinical practice, research, and collaboration come together to create more consistent, evidence-based trauma care systems.”

Adding perspective on the legacy behind the institution, Dr Subodh M Shetty, President, Orthopaedic Society of India, said: “Dr Thomas Chandy was not just a surgeon - he was a mentor who shaped generations of orthopaedic and trauma specialists in this country. Many of today’s leading surgeons carry forward his approach to precision, discipline, and patient-first care. What we see today in Traumacon is a reflection of that legacy - a commitment to learning, sharing, and continuously improving. The Golden Hour Network, in that sense, is a powerful extension of his vision. It has the potential to bring together expertise across the country and significantly strengthen trauma response systems where it matters most.”

With strong participation, high engagement, and a uniquely practical approach, HOSMAT Traumacon 2026, along with the launch of the Golden Hour Network, marks a significant step towards building a more integrated, collaborative, and research-driven trauma care ecosystem in India.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Traumacon is expected to evolve into a national platform for trauma education, research, and clinical collaboration, bringing together clinicians, institutions, and innovators to shape the future of orthopaedic and trauma care in India.

Haworth India Hosted ‘Give To Gain’ Women’s Leadership Roundtable In Bengaluru

Haworth India hosted a leadership roundtable in Bengaluru, under the theme ‘Give to Gain’ to celebrate women who shape tomorrow. The curated session brought together senior women leaders from architecture and design (A&D) firms, corporates and project management consultancies (PMCs). The session was structured as a moderated panel discussion featuring senior architects, design leaders, and project stakeholders. It was followed by an audience interaction segment, with a focus on the business impact of women’s leadership. The discussion explored how thoughtfully designed workplaces, mentorship, collaboration and support enable women to thrive, while positioning inclusion as a key driver of organisational performance rather than a social initiative.

Commenting on the initiative, Manish Khandelwal, Managing Director, Haworth India, said, “When women lead with intention, progress accelerates. Through ‘Give to Gain’, Haworth brought together diverse industry perspectives to examine how inclusive leadership and workplace design can move beyond social intent to become performance drivers for organisations. Conversations around mentorship, collaboration and return-to-work pathways are critical to building workplaces where women can contribute meaningfully across different stages of their professional journeys.”

The Bengaluru panel, hosted at Haworth India’s Indiranagar experiential centre, featured Varsha Kempaiah, Director, Spacelab at RC Architecture; Devanshi Patel, Corporate Real Estate Leader; Reema Bhandari, Director at M Moser and Aruna R, Director at Space Matrix. Opening with reflections on Personal Journeys and Turning Points, speakers discussed early influences, defining breakthrough moments and professional challenges that shaped their leadership approach.

The discussion then progressed to Winning in the Workplace, focusing on how mentorship, collaboration, professional networks and structured support systems such as return-to-work programmes and knowledge sharing strengthen leadership capability and business performance. In the third arc, Workplaces That Help Women Thrive, the panel explored how inclusive policies, leadership culture and supportive workplace solutions enable creativity, trust, innovation and sustained participation.

The final segment, How Workplaces Can Actively Support Women, highlighted practical steps such as fostering inclusive decision-making, implementing balanced policy frameworks, and encouraging leadership behaviours that create measurable impact. The session concluded with Nuthan Prabhu, Associate at M Moser, sharing perspectives on resilience.

Commenting during the discussion, Reema Bhandari, Director, M Moser, said, The workplace today is far more than a physical setting, it is a strategic enabler of culture, performance, and growth. The real opportunity is to create environments that are human-centric, adaptable, and aligned with the changing needs of both people and business.

As part of a larger initiative, the ‘Give to Gain’ leadership roundtable series was hosted across five major cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai engaging a diverse cross-section of industry leaders and fostering meaningful dialogue around inclusive leadership and workplace transformation.

The ‘Give to Gain’ theme positioned inclusive workplace design as a strategic driver of productivity and innovation, while reinforcing Haworth India’s role in advancing cross-sector leadership dialogue across the architecture and corporate real estate ecosystem.

Visit: http://haworth.com/

Group Photo: Aruna R, Director at Space Matrix; Reema Bhandari, Director at M Moser; Varsha Kempaiah, Director, Spacelab at RC Architecture.

Phoenix Mall Of Asia, Bengaluru, Presents Tarun Tahiliani’s Collection ‘AIRLOOM’ In An Exclusive Showcase

* A curated evening of fashion, craft, and contemporary design at the city’s luxury retail destination

Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru’s leading destination for luxury retail and experiences, hosted an exclusive showcase of OTT’s SS26 collection by ace designer Tarun Tahiliani at its FAN Park. The presentation by Tarun Tahiliani, one of India’s most influential couturiers with a signature blend of Indian craftsmanship and tailored form, brought together fashion and contemporary design through a refined, fluid, and distinctly modern approach to Indian occasion wear.

Conceived as a study in movement, texture, and assured ease, the new collection reflects Tarun Tahiliani’s evolving expression of luxury prêt for the contemporary woman. Rooted in a nuanced palette of black, ivory, blush, sage, mocha, berry, coral, taupe, and gunmetal, the collection explores the interplay of softness and structure, where fluid silhouettes are grounded in precision and detail.

The collection moves across distinct expressions, from the after-dark fluidity of Cocktail to the organic lightness of Jardin, alongside Rabari’s tactile interpretations of craft and Interlace’s focus on layered lines and precise construction. Materiality remains central, with crinkled silks, foil jerseys, organzas, knits, and structured fabrics designed to drape, fold, and move with ease. Florals appear as subtle impressions, while asymmetric balances and restrained embellishments lend the collection its distinctive character.

Speaking on the collection, designer Tarun Tahiliani said, “OTT is created for a woman’s everyday-to-dinner wardrobe. The idea is for these pieces to mix and match seamlessly with what she already owns and with our collections designed season after season, eventually defining a distinctly modern, India-inspired way of dressing.”

As the evening unfolded and each look came into view, silhouettes moved with fluid ease, the fall of fabric catching and releasing light across textured surfaces. Layers settled into place, lines held their form, and each look found its rhythm through movement and material. The drape, finish, and construction revealed themselves gradually, drawing the eye through precision and detail.

Speaking on the showcase, Ritu Mehta, Centre Director – Phoenix Mall of Asia and Director of Marketing – South, said, “At Phoenix Mall of Asia, the focus is on bringing together fashion, design, and retail with a more considered expression of luxury, where each element is defined by its quality, relevance, and design integrity. AIRLOOM introduces a collection defined by movement, material, and silhouette, where craft and contemporary expression come through with clarity and precision, aligning with the level of fashion and detail we continue to bring into the space.”

With this showcase, Phoenix Mall of Asia continues to bring landmark fashion moments into focus, where design, craft, and contemporary style come together with clarity and intent.

About Phoenix Mall of Asia

Phoenix Mall of Asia, located in North Bengaluru, is the epitome of luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment. Renowned as India’s premier ultra-luxury retail destination, the mall offers an unparalleled experience in the city’s heart. It sets new standards in design and amenities, creating a sophisticated and immersive environment for visitors. The mall's grand entrance welcomes guests into a world of elegance and style, with popular zones like Luxe Atria and Eden, which are prime photo spots due to their stunning aesthetics. The Fanpark area is the hub of activities and events, enhancing the overall experience. Phoenix Mall of Asia boasts over 440 brands, including 150+ international luxury labels and 50+ debut brands like Golden Goose, Rolex, IWC, ZARA, YSL cosmetics, D&G cosmetics and many more making it a haven for discerning shoppers. The mall also features exceptional dining destinations with renowned chefs and diverse culinary offerings. Restaurants such as Ishaara, Dobaraa, EIGHT, Andreas, and Kylin Experience cater to every palate, while the nature-themed central atrium, Oasis, is surrounded by international cafes like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Perch, Andreas Brasserie, and Magnolia Bakery. Foodthopia, a 38,000 sq. ft area dedicated to dining, offers a cosmopolitan experience with a variety of eateries, including game day restaurants, cafes, and fine dining options. Beyond shopping and dining, the mall provides a wide range of sports, entertainment, and leisure activities for all ages. The introduction of Bengaluru’s largest cinema, the PVR INOX 14-screen multiplex, adds a unique touch to the entertainment lineup. With a state-of-the-art infrastructure spanning over 13 acres and 1.25 million square feet of retail space, Phoenix Mall of Asia seamlessly blends luxury and leisure, ensuring every visit is a memorable experience.

As Cheaper Semaglutide Expands Access, Expert Urges Doctors To Put Nutrition First In Obesity Care

Popular weight loss drug, semaglutide, is now available at a third of the cost following launch of generic versions made by Indian manufacturers. But while the lower price may draw more people toward the drug, physicians specialising in weight management and lifestyle medicine say it should not distract healthcare professionals from the bigger question of what these medications actually change in long-term obesity care.

For Karnataka, the development is especially relevant. With nearly one in four adults estimated to be living with overweight or obesity, demand for medical weight-loss solutions is expected to rise, particularly in urban areas where high stress, irregular meals, and increasing dependence on ultra-processed foods have created a fertile environment for metabolic disease. Experts caution, however, that while a lower price may bring semaglutide within budget for more people, it does not change the drug’s limitations.

Dr. Vanita Rahman, a US-based internal medicine physician, certified nutritionist and medical educator with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, said the weight loss seen with GLP-1 drugs is largely driven by reduced food intake rather than a correction of the underlying drivers of obesity. “GLP-1 drugs, like semaglutide, help some people lose weight because they suppress appetite and slow the rate at which the food leaves the stomach. As a result, people eat less and therefore they lose weight. However, the medications are only effective for a small number of individuals. Research from the SELECT study shows that only 12% of semaglutide users reached a normal body weight while 31% and 43% continued to experience overweight and obesity, respectively, after 4 years of use.”

Physicians also note that the medicines do not address the underlying causes of weight gain, such as low fibre intake, emotional eating, consumption of larger portion sizes, and high-caloric foods. This is why weight regain occurs when the medication is stopped.

“There is excitement around starting GLP-1 drugs, but far less attention is paid to what happens when people stop taking them. Research shows that 50% of GLP-1 users discontinue the medications within 12 months due to side effects, lack of efficacy, or cost issues. Studies also show that people regain the lost weight within 18 months of stopping the drugs. Research has also found that any cardiovascular benefits seen during GLP-1 use are also quickly lost when a person stops taking the medication,” says Dr. Rahman.

She emphasised the urgent need to refocus on nutrition-led approaches that address the root causes of obesity. “Multiple research studies have shown that consuming a whole-food plant-based diet can lead to weight loss similar to that seen with semaglutide and improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support gut health without the side effects associated with long-term drug use. Educating people about the role of nourishing foods and healthy eating habits in weight management addresses the underlying factors that are causing weight gain and leads to sustainable weight loss without lifelong dependence on medications for appetite suppression.”

Dr. Rahman conducted a series of sessions on GLP-1s and weight management across leading medical institutions, including Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College, Ramaiah Medical College, and Bangalore Medical College, engaging over 300 healthcare providers. The sessions focused on equipping clinicians with practical, evidence- and nutrition-based approaches to sustainable weight management.  

Healthcare In India Must Move Beyond Curative Treatments To Include Preventive And Holistic Health: Experts

* Public Health Experts call for integrating technology, tradition and lifestyle interventions to build a healthier, more resilient population

“Healthcare is not limited to curative treatments. It includes preventive, promotive, palliative and rehabilitative care, much of which happens within the community,” said Mr. Rajesh Bhushan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Chairperson, Governing Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, delivering the keynote address at the 4th Annual Summit on “Advancing Holistic Health through Innovation, Technology, and Tradition” in New Delhi.

India today stands at a critical juncture in its healthcare journey. Rapid urbanisation, changing lifestyles, rising stress levels, and increasing screen time are contributing to a growing burden of chronic conditions. Against this backdrop, the summit brought together policymakers, clinicians, public health experts, and industry leaders to examine how healthcare systems must evolve from reactive models of care to more proactive, preventive, and personalised approaches. Leaning on traditional Indian wisdom and practices, the discussions highlighted the need to embed health across daily routines, workplaces, and communities.

“Our population of over 1.4 billion, with diverse health needs and access challenges, can benefit significantly from building a culture of health-seeking behaviour through community-focused programmes and organisations such as the Illness to Wellness Foundation. This is critical to ensuring that people are able to fully benefit from India’s healthcare ecosystem, which includes a mix of public and private modern healthcare providers as well as diverse traditional systems under AYUSH,” Mr. Bhushan said, noting the unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery in India.

“Technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery, when combined with systems of digital public health infrastructure, including the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), which enable interoperability, longitudinal health records, and a more integrated healthcare ecosystem,” Mr. Bhushan said, concluding his remarks.

Welcoming the gathering, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, said, “The theme of this year’s summit, ‘Advancing Holistic Health through Innovation, Technology, and Tradition,’ reflects a shift in how we think about healthcare. For decades, systems have focused on treating illness. The real challenge before us is how to prevent disease and enable people to live healthier, longer and more balanced lives.”

“The future of healthcare must be built in our homes, our kitchens, our schools, our workplaces and our daily routines. We must move from a system that reacts to illness towards a society that actively works towards wellness, beyond treating symptoms to recognising differences in lifestyle, environment, and personal health profiles. A more personalised and holistic understanding of health is essential to building effective preventive systems. This aligns with India’s traditional knowledge systems, which have long emphasised balance, lifestyle, and individual constitution as central to well-being,” Mr. Rajput further added.

Speaking on holistic well-being, Dr. Manoj Nesari, Senior Chief Medical Officer (SAG), CGHS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Former Advisor, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, highlighted two key concepts in traditional vedic systems i.e. aarogya, a comprehensive term encompassing the elements that constitute complete health, as well as the term swasth (swa, meaning self, and stha, meaning state of being. He emphasised that health must be understood as a holistic concept of being disease free, well-nourished, physically and mentally fit and in a state of alignment with one’s natural self.

“A truly healthy individual is one who is able to contribute meaningfully to and benefit from the social and the natural world around them. Health, therefore, is not just an individual outcome, but a shared responsibility across the individual, the community and the environment. We have forgotten the importance that traditional Indian food systems placed on dietary diversity and seasonal diets as well as on environmental balance to sustain long-term health outcomes for both individuals and communities.” Dr. Nesari added.

(Padma Bhushan) Dr. T S Kler, Member, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation and Chairman & HOD – BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute and Chairman Pan Max – Electrophysiology, also spoke about the importance of leveraging public healthcare systems not only for treatment, but also for building awareness around health and prevention.

“Health must remain our foremost priority—far above all else. Today, a significant proportion of premature deaths are linked to lifestyle risks and environmental factors. We must move towards an integrated, holistic model that combines allopathy with traditional systems of medicine, ensuring a more balanced and patient-centric approach. Equally important is the need to create greater awareness through continuous dialogue and education, as a lot can be achieved with the resources we already have,” Dr. Kler said

Concluding the inaugural session, Dr. Ravi Gaur, Co-Chair, FICCI Digital Health Task Force & Healthcare Awards and Founder – DRG Path Lab, thanked the speakers for their insights and reiterated the importance of continued conversations on integrating innovation, traditional knowledge and preventive approaches in healthcare.

Dr. Gaur said, “The real shift we need is from managing disease to building a culture of health ownership. As stakeholders across sectors, our role is not just to develop systems, but to create awareness and belief that preventive and person-centric healthcare is achievable. We look forward to building on these discussions in the sessions ahead.”

The summit features a series of thematic discussions examining multiple dimensions of holistic health and well-being. These include conversations around mental health as a critical component of productivity and daily life, with a focus on managing stress, addressing burnout, supporting students, and fostering more open and supportive environments across workplaces and educational institutions.

Discussions also explore the growing role of digital health in enabling preventive care and improving access, including the use of digital health infrastructure, telemedicine platforms, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data-driven systems to support early detection and more efficient healthcare delivery.

In addition, the summit also highlights the importance of integrating traditional practices such as yoga, meditation, nutrition, and Ayurveda into modern healthcare approaches, reinforcing the value of combining lifestyle interventions with clinical care to support overall well-being.

The programme also included a special session and an award ceremony recognising contributions to advancing the wellness ecosystem. 

India’s Coal Backbone Holds Firm Amid Global Gas Disruptions

India’s energy ecosystem is witnessing early signs of stress amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions in West Asia, even as the government maintains that the country remains well-prepared to manage the situation. The ongoing conflict in the region has significantly impacted global supply chains, particularly energy flows through critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a large share of India’s crude oil, gas, and fertiliser imports. Addressing the Parliament Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi described the situation as “concerning” and acknowledged its adverse impact on the global economy and daily life, while assuring that India is taking proactive steps to safeguard energy security.

Industrial clusters across India are already experiencing localized stress, with shortages and disruptions in CNG and LPG supply pushing businesses to explore alternative fuels, including coal. India imports nearly 45–50% of its natural gas requirement as LNG, making industrial gas consumers highly sensitive to global supply disruptions and shipping route uncertainties. This shift is further reinforced by constrained LNG supplies and rising global uncertainties. At the same time, the government has highlighted that India has significantly strengthened its energy resilience over the past decade through diversification of import sources, expansion of strategic reserves, and improved supply chain preparedness.

Gas-based power capacity in India remains underutilised at below 25% PLF, as coal and renewables continue to dominate the generation mix. While the power sector remains relatively insulated, owing to its strong reliance on coal and renewables, the industrial sector continues to feel the pressure of gas shortages. In this context, coal has emerged as a critical fallback option, reinforcing its role as the backbone of India’s energy security.

India’s overall coal demand has been rising steadily, with annual consumption crossing 1.25 billion tonnes, driven primarily by the power sector, cement, sponge iron, and captive industrial users. Early signals from coal markets indicate tightening demand–supply dynamics. Coal India’s e-auction premiums have risen to around 35% over notified prices in February 2026, reflecting increased urgency among buyers to secure supply. This marks a shift from softer demand trends earlier in the fiscal year. The demand uptick is being driven by multiple factors, including substitution from gas amid LNG disruptions, seasonal ramp-up in power demand, and reduced imports leading to greater reliance on domestic coal. However, coal’s substitution potential remains largely limited to the power sector in the short-to-medium term. Structural and technological constraints continue to restrict its widespread adoption in industrial applications such as fertilisers and chemicals.

Commenting on the evolving scenario, Mr. Vinaya Varma, MD & CEO, mjunction services limited stated, “What we are witnessing is an early but clear behavioural shift in fuel consumption patterns. As LNG availability tightens and CNG/LPG supplies face disruption in several industrial clusters, buyers are increasingly turning to coal to secure operational continuity. The rise in e-auction premiums and improved offtake reflects this urgency. Coal will continue to play a critical role in ensuring India’s energy security, especially in times of global uncertainty. While we are witnessing localized tightening in demand and firming of prices, the overall market remains balanced due to strong domestic availability and adequate stock levels.”

Importantly, the situation remains measured rather than overheated. Only about 47% of auction volumes have been sold so far this year, and current premiums remain below historical peaks, indicating controlled but firming demand. Current coal stock levels at power plants remain comfortable at 18–20 days of consumption, preventing panic buying despite tightening spot demand signals in auction markets. Overall, while India is not facing an immediate energy crisis, evolving global disruptions are beginning to test the system.

TCS And Board For IT Education Standards (BITES) Open Registrations For TCS TechBytes, The Annual IT Quiz For Engineering Students

* Conducted by Tata Consultancy Services in collaboration with BITES, the IT Quiz in its 17th edition will test students’ knowledge in emerging technologies

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, and the Board for IT Education Standards (BITES)—an autonomous body promoted by Government of Karnataka, have opened registrations to the 17th edition of TCS TechBytes—the Engineering IT Quiz. This quiz is open to engineering students (BE/BTech) of all streams and semesters across Karnataka.

TCS TechBytes challenges and encourages students to expand their knowledge of technology trends and their diverse applications across industries. The objective is to build awareness of emerging technological domains, thereby enabling students to compete effectively in today’s fast‑paced, technology‑intensive industry. Each institution can send 10 teams (2 students per team) to participate in the regional finals of the quiz. No participation fee is charged. Entries must be sent by the respective institutions on or before April 13, 2026, to manager@bites.org.in

Regional rounds of the quiz will be conducted across six locations— Kalaburagi (April 15), Hubballi (April 17), Mangaluru (April 22), Mysuru (April 24) Tumakuru (May 2) and Bengaluru (May 5). The finals will be held in Bengaluru on May 5, 2026. Winners and runners-up of each regional round will receive gift vouchers worth Rs 12,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively, as well as the opportunity to compete at the State Finals to be held in Bengaluru. The finale prize for the winners and runners-up includes an educational scholarship worth Rs 85,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively, among other prizes.

The quiz will focus on the application of technology across various sectors and aspects such as the technology environment, business, people, new trends, and industry legends. It will also cover emerging areas including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cloud computing, automation, cybersecurity, biometrics, mobility, robotics, telecommunications, social media, big data, notable personalities (international and national), software products, the history of IT, and domains where technology has made a significant impact, such as education, entertainment, literature, multimedia, music, film, the internet, banking, advertising, sports, gaming, social networking, and mobile technology.

For more information visit www.bites.org.in.