IIHM Bangalore Honours Educators At 12th Teachers’ Day Awards, Spotlights AI-Enabled Future Of Education

International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) Bangalore celebrated the 12th edition of the IIHM Teachers’ Day Awards 2026, honouring distinguished principals, teachers, educators and academic leaders for their exemplary service and contribution to education. This year’s ceremony centred on the theme ‘Empowering Educators in the Age of AI-Education Sets You Free, Now AI Gives You Wings,’ reflecting on how technology can strengthen the role of educators while keeping human values at the heart of learning.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman and Chief Mentor, IIHM, said, “Education has always had the power to set people free by opening their minds to knowledge, possibilities and new ways of thinking. Artificial Intelligence is now giving education new wings, enabling teachers and students to explore, create and learn in ways that were unimaginable earlier. But technology can never replace the inspiration, empathy and mentorship that a great teacher brings. Our educators must lead this transformation by combining the possibilities of AI with the values and wisdom that make education truly meaningful.”

The awards recognised excellence across three categories were Teacher Par Excellence, Principal Par Excellence and Special Awards, celebrating educators whose work has made a meaningful impact on students and the wider academic community. The categories formed an important part of IIHM’s continuing effort to recognise the people behind transformative learning experiences.

Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Bangalore and Head-South Operations, said, “The role of a teacher is becoming even more significant in an AI-driven world. Information may now be available instantly, but students still need educators who can help them think critically, make the right choices and use technology responsibly. Today’s teacher is not merely a provider of knowledge but a mentor who encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. Through these awards, we celebrate educators who continue to evolve while remaining deeply committed to their students.”

*Honouring Educators Who Inspire, Innovate and Lead*

The ceremony brought together senior representatives from education, academia, international institutions and the hospitality sector. Among the distinguished guests were D.L. Krishnamoorthy, District Skill Development Officer and Principal of Government ITI, Bengaluru and President of Lions Club of Vidyagaya, Thrinagara; Ms. Anupama Ramachandra, Founder Principal, Delhi Public School Electronic City; Mr. Vaibhav Sahu, Chargé de Mission Scientifique à Bangalore and Scientific Affairs Officer, Consulat Général de France à Bangalore; and Maxence Liniere, Chargé de mission de coopération universitaire and Academic Cooperation Officer.

The gathering also included Mr. Shanmugam, Regional Director, IGNOU Bangalore, Dr. Virupaxi V. Betagiri, Director, Principal Shushruti Institute of Management Studies; Ms. Roopa Hemanth, President and Centre Head, Rasa Aadharan and Shiv Bose, FIIM, General Manager, Holiday Inn, Race Course Road, Bengaluru.

The IIHM Teachers’ Day Awards, now in their 12th edition, have evolved into a platform for recognising educators who go beyond conventional teaching to mentor students, foster innovation and nurture responsible future citizens. The awards also acknowledge the leadership of principals and academic heads who create environments in which both teachers and students can grow.

With Artificial Intelligence increasingly becoming part of classrooms, workplaces and everyday life, the 2026 edition turned attention to the changing expectations from educational institutions. Rather than viewing AI merely as a technological tool, the event highlighted the importance of educators guiding students to use it thoughtfully, creatively and ethically.

For IIHM, the celebration also reaffirmed the institution’s belief that the future of education must bring together knowledge, innovation and human values. As learning methodologies continue to evolve, educators remain central to ensuring that technology expands opportunities without diminishing the human connection that shapes a student’s character, aspirations and outlook.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the award recipients for their sustained commitment to education and for continuing to inspire generations of learners through their leadership, dedication and pursuit of excellence. 

87% Policyholders Show Stable Or Improved Health Through Regular Monitoring, Reveals Aditya Birla Health Insurance Study

*Analysis of over 2.1 million insured lives tracks health trends over time
*Nearly 62% showed measurable improvement in key health indicators within 12 months
*Men above 45 years recorded the highest burden of uncontrolled hypertension

Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited (ABHICL), the health insurance arm of Aditya Birla Capital, today released its latest research paper, Unlocking Health Trajectories: Real-World Biometric Trends from Insured Indian Populations, revealing that 87% of policyholders either maintained or improved their health status through regular monitoring and preventive engagement. Based on internal study of anonymised data from 2.1 million adult ABHICL customers between December 2023 and December 2025, the study is among the largest analyses of longitudinal biometric trends conducted in the Indian health insurance sector.

Out of the 2.1 million adult customers analyzed, 5.2 lakh individuals had at least two biomarker datapoints enabling longitudinal health trend analysis. The study tracked changes in blood pressure, blood sugar (HbA1c), BMI and cholesterol levels. The findings show that nearly 62% recorded measurable improvement in key health indicators within 12 months, while 37% of individuals classified as high risk moved to medium or low-risk categories during the same period. This clearly highlights the potential of regular monitoring and sustained engagement in improving health outcomes.

The analysis also found meaningful improvements across major chronic health indicators. Blood pressure improved in 32% of cases, diabetes control improved in 33%, BMI and obesity indicators improved in 34%, and cholesterol levels improved in 17% of policyholders.

Commenting on the findings, Mayank Bathwal, CEO, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, said: “As healthcare needs become more complex, the focus must move toward improving outcomes across the care journey, not just at the point of hospitalisation. The insights from this research paper that consistent monitoring and preventive engagement can help manage chronic risks more effectively over time. At ABHI, we see this as an opportunity to support better health outcomes while also improving efficiency across the healthcare system.”

Powered by ABHICL's proprietary Wellbeing Score, which combines biometric, lifestyle, wearable and mental health data, the study examined how sustained health monitoring and engagement influence long-term outcomes. The findings point to the growing role of preventive health management in helping individuals better manage chronic health risks.

Our analysis also highlighted clear demographic trends. Women above 35 years showed stronger improvement in biometric control, while men above 45 years recorded the highest burden of uncontrolled hypertension. Compared with NFHS-5 benchmarks, the insured cohort demonstrated higher rates of hypertension control (32% vs 24%), obesity control (34% vs 24%) and Diabetes control (33% vs 15%), underscoring the value of regular monitoring and early intervention in improving health outcomes.

The variations observed across demographic cohorts reinforce the value of a hyper-personalised approach to health management. By combining continuous data signals with contextual, individualised engagement, insurers can play a more meaningful role in supporting better long-term health outcomes. Importantly, the analysis demonstrates how longitudinal health data can move beyond passive reporting to actively strengthen preventive health performance, offering early signals and behaviour-linked insights that complement broader public health efforts under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

About Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited

Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited (“ABHICL”), is a collaboration between Aditya Birla Capital Ltd. (ABCL), holding company for the financial services businesses of the Aditya Birla Group and Momentum Group Ltd of South Africa. ABCL holds a 45.89% stake while Momentum Group Ltd holds 44.08% in ABHICL.

ABHICL commenced its operations in October 2016 and is engaged in the business of health insurance. The company’s current product portfolio includes unique offerings including chronic care and incentivized wellness. Covering over 24 million lives, ABHICL has a nationwide distribution presence in over 5000 cities through branches and partner offices, 20 bancassurance partners and over 163,000 direct selling agents. ABHICL has scaled and diversified digitally enabled distribution, and bancassurance available through more than 224+ branches & over 60 digital partners, covering customers across the country through multiple contextual byte-sized and contextual products.

About Aditya Birla Capital Limited

Aditya Birla Capital Limited (‘ABCL’) is a listed systemically important, Upper Layer Non-Deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-ICC) and the holding company of the financial services businesses. ABCL and its subsidiaries/JVs provide a comprehensive suite of financial solutions across Loans, Investments, Insurance, and Payments to serve the diverse needs of customers across their lifecycles. Powered by over 66,500 employees, the businesses of ABCL have a nationwide reach with over 1,759 branches and more than 200,000 agents/channel partners along with several bank partners. ABCL and its subsidiaries/JVs manage aggregate assets under management of about Rs. 7.53 Lakh Crore, and the consolidated lending book crossed Rs. 2.19 Lakh Crore as of June 30, 2026.

Aditya Birla Capital Limited is a part of the US$ 67 billion global conglomerate Aditya Birla Group, which is in the league of Fortune 500 and has a consolidated market cap of over US$117 billion, as of Jan 1, 2026. Anchored by an extraordinary force of over 227,500 employees, the Group is built on a strong foundation of stakeholder value creation. With over seven decades of responsible business practices, the Group’s businesses have grown into global powerhouses in a wide range of sectors - from metals to cement, fashion to financial services and textiles to trading. Today, over 40% of the Group revenues flow from overseas operations that span 41 countries across six continents with over 340 state-of-the-art manufacturing units. For more information, visit www.adityabirlacapital.com  

Volkswagen Announces Exciting Track Day Experiences For Customers At CoASTT, Coimbatore

· Volkswagen India to host its first Performance car community weekend on October 10–11 at CoASTT racetrack in Coimbatore

· Bringing together driving enthusiasts from across the Volkswagen portfolio to celebrate a shared passion for performance, speed and adrenaline

· A two-day celebration of German engineering, performance and driving experiences on and off the track, sign-up now at link

Volkswagen India has announced the launch of VWe (Volkswagen Experiences) Track Day, a new experiential platform designed to bring customers and enthusiasts closer to the brand's performance DNA through immersive driving experiences, driver development activities and community engagement. The inaugural edition will take place on October 10-11, 2026 at CoASTT, Coimbatore, a leading motorsport and driver training facility in India.

Created to celebrate Volkswagen's legacy of engineering excellence and engaging driving dynamics, Volkswagen Experiences: Track Day offers participants the opportunity to experience their vehicles in a professionally managed environment while enhancing driving skills through expert-led sessions. The platform reflects Volkswagen India's commitment to creating meaningful customer experiences that extend beyond vehicle ownership and foster a deeper connection with the brand.

The inaugural edition will bring together owners of Volkswagen's performance-oriented models, including the Golf GTI, Tiguan R-Line, Tayron R-Line, Virtus GT and Taigun GT, alongside automotive enthusiasts, media representatives and Volkswagen leadership. Participants will engage in a range of on-track and off-track activities designed to showcase vehicle capabilities while emphasizing safe and responsible driving practices.

Over the two-day programme, participants will have access to curated driving experiences, including lead-and-follow sessions, autocross challenges, slalom exercises, off-road obstacle courses, go-karting, vehicle handling demonstrations and professional driving instruction. The activities have been designed to cater to varying skill levels, enabling participants to build confidence and better understand vehicle dynamics under expert guidance.

In addition to the track experiences, attendees will participate in technical masterclasses, owner networking sessions and lifestyle activities designed to create meaningful interactions among members of the Volkswagen community. The event will also feature dedicated hospitality areas, family-friendly experiences, interactive brand engagement opportunities and recognition programmes celebrating unique owner stories and achievements.

Volkswagen Experiences: Track Day marks the beginning of a broader experiential initiative aimed at bringing customers closer to the Volkswagen brand through curated driving programmes and exclusive ownership experiences. Through this platform, Volkswagen India seeks to create an ecosystem where customers can engage with the brand beyond traditional ownership touchpoints while celebrating the joy of driving that has long been synonymous with Volkswagen.

For more information and to sign-up follow the Link

About the Volkswagen brand

Volkswagen, a leading carmaker in Europe, sells its broad model range in more than 150 countries worldwide. Globally, the brand is consistently forging ahead with the further development of automobile production, with e-mobility, smart mobility and digital transformation as key strategic focus areas for the future. In India, Volkswagen has steadily strengthened its presence with a portfolio that includes the Virtus, Tiguan R-Line, the iconic Golf GTI, Tayron R-Line and the new Taigun.

OTPless Elevates Satyam Nathani As CEO, Tanmay Sagar As COO

Identity and access management startup OTPless has elevated co-founders Satyam Nathani and Tanmay Sagar as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively, as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Nathani and Sagar co-founded OTPless in 2023 and have since scaled the platform to more than 300 million users and ₹36 crore in annualised revenue, representing 2.5x growth over the previous year. Bengaluru based, 12-member startup has been profitable for the past two quarters.

Before founding OTPless, Nathani and Sagar dropped out of IIT Delhi and joined BharatPe as founding members, where they played key roles during the fintech giant’s early years and its journey to becoming a unicorn.

“I am super excited to see Satyam and Tanmay lead OTPless from the front into its next phase of innovation and growth. Over the decade, I have seen what they can do, and I can’t wait to see them build a world-class authentication, identity and payments company from India,” said Bhavik Koladiya, current CEO of OTPless.

“What lies ahead of us is both an opportunity and a responsibility to reimagine how people identify, authenticate and transact on the internet. I couldn’t be more excited to build on the strong foundation we have laid and lead OTPless through its next phase of transformation,” said Satyam Nathani, CEO of OTPless.

“Over the past four years, OTPless has grown into a platform serving some of India’s largest and most trusted enterprises, reaching nearly a third of India’s internet population with a team of just 12 people. As COO, my focus will remain simple: stay disciplined, move fast and continue building the execution-first culture that got us here,” said Tanmay Sagar.

“We are grateful to our customers, team, investors and well-wishers for their continued trust and support. We see this new mandate as both an opportunity and a responsibility,” Nathani and Sagar added.

About OTPless

OTPless is a Bengaluru-based identity and access management company that helps large consumer enterprises provide secure, seamless and scalable authentication experiences to their customers. Its platform offers SDKs and APIs for Silent Network Authentication (SNA), WhatsApp Authentication, Device Intelligence and Passkeys, helping businesses improve user conversion while reducing fraud.

The company authenticates more than 300 million mobile users on its platform and serves leading consumer enterprises including Meesho, Navi, PhysicsWallah, ShareChat, Shiprocket, ixigo and Zepto.

OTPless has raised $6.5 million from Venture Highway, White Venture, FJ Labs, SIDBI and Piper Serica, and is backed by prominent angel investors like Samir Sood, Kunal Shah, Amrish Rau, Jiten Gupta, Utsav Somani and Amit Jain.

Recent developments in India’s authentication ecosystem, including RBI’s new authentication framework and the adoption of Silent Network Authentication within the UPI ecosystem, are creating an opportunity to move transactions beyond OTPs, PINs and passwords towards more secure and seamless forms of authentication and authorization.

Google Trends Reveal Trending Modak Recipes

As festive celebrations fill the air, kitchens across India are buzzing with preparation, and people are turning to Google Search for all kinds of modak recipes. While traditional favourites like Ukadiche Modak, Kozhukattai, and Kudumulu continue to lead as undisputed favourites, home cooks are also looking for a wide variety of different flavours, ingredients, and mindful options.

Beyond the classics, data from Google Search highlights the top 8 modak recipes that have been constantly trending as we looked back at the past 5 years, capturing people’s attention:

Chocolate Modak: A decadent, cocoa-infused treat that adds a popular twist to festive platters. Oreo Modak also emerged as a highly searched favorite under this category.

Rasmalai Modak: A rich combination crafted with chhena, paneer, and malai for a royal mithai flavor.

Paan Modak: An aromatic, refreshing option filled with betel leaf flavors and sweet gulkand.

Kesar / Malai Modak: A luxurious sweet deeply infused with the rich warmth of saffron and malai.

Sugar-Free Modak: A mindful, wholesome alternative naturally sweetened using dates and dry fruits.

Kaju Modak: A smooth, melt-in-the-mouth preparation inspired by the classic kaju katli texture.

Besan Modak: A comforting favorite made from the rich aroma of roasted gram flour.

Talniche or Fried Modak: A golden, crispy, and flaky outer shell encasing a sweet coconut-jaggery filling.

Festive spirit with Google’s AI tools

Home cooks can use AI Mode in Search to find specific recipes tailored to their needs. For example, if you don't have a modak mould at home, the AI tool can guide you with smart follow-up questions and step-by-step instructions to shape them perfectly by hand.

To further elevate the festive spirit, users can turn to Gemini, powered by Nano Banana, to create beautiful modak images, customize festive looks, and design personalized digital greetings to share with loved ones everywhere.

Samsung Launches Samsung Innovation Campus 2026 In Karnataka To Build An AI-Ready Future

* To train 2000 students across the country

* Launched in presence of Shri Basavaraj Rayareddy, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka at Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Industry and Commerce (FKCCI)

* Participants will receive industry-relevant AI education, hands-on training, expert mentoring and practical learning opportunities

* Karnataka programme contributes to Samsung’s commitment to empower 20,000 youth across 10 states through Samsung Innovation Campus 2026

Samsung India today announced the launch of Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) 2026 in Karnataka to train 2000 youth with industry-relevant Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills. The launch of the flagship global education and skilling programme was attended by Shri Basavaraj Rayareddy, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, as Chief Guest along with senior academicians from Nrupathunga University, Bengaluru.

Launched in partnership with Nrupathunga University, Bengaluru, the programme supports Karnataka’s ambition to build an AI-native ecosystem by expanding access to practical AI education and helping develop a future-ready technology workforce. In Karnataka, the programme has trained over 3000 people to date.

Samsung Innovation Campus is a global education programme that empowers young people with skills for emerging technology careers. Now in its fourth year in India, SIC provides youth aged 18–25 with hands-on AI training, enabling participants to apply their learning to practical challenges while strengthening their career readiness.

The Karnataka launch comes as the state strengthens its focus on AI-led innovation. Samsung’s commitment to train 2,000 youth in the state this year will bring industry-relevant AI learning closer to aspiring students and contribute to the development of Karnataka’s technology talent pool. The initiative forms part of Samsung’s broader commitment to empower 20,000 youth across 10 states through SIC 2026.

“India has one of the world’s largest pools of young talent, and the opportunity before us is to equip this generation with the skills to shape an increasingly AI-driven economy. As technology transforms industries and creates new possibilities, building future-ready capabilities at scale will be critical to India’s next phase of growth. Through Samsung Innovation Campus, we want to help expand access to emerging technology skills and enable young people to become active contributors to India’s innovation economy. As Samsung marks 30 years in India, investing in the potential of young Indians remains an important part of our commitment to the country,” said Shubham Mukherjee, Head, Corporate Communications & CSR, Samsung South West Asia.

“With Artificial Intelligence transforming industries and creating new opportunities, developing a strong pool of skilled young talent will be critical to Karnataka’s continued leadership in technology and innovation. Samsung Innovation Campus complements the state’s efforts to build an AI-native ecosystem by giving youth access to practical, industry-relevant learning. Such collaborations between academia and industry can equip our students with the capabilities they need to participate meaningfully in the opportunities being created by emerging technologies,” said Shri Basavaraj Rayareddy, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka.

Strengthening India’s Future AI Talent

SIC 2026 is being implemented in collaboration with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) and the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC). The programme focuses on industry-relevant AI and Generative AI education through structured learning, practical application and mentorship.

In 2025, SIC trained more than 20,000 participants across India, with women accounting for 48% of participation. The 2026 edition builds on this foundation by extending advanced technology education to more young people and helping develop skills relevant to India’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

Guided by its global CSR vision, “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People,” Samsung India focuses its citizenship initiatives on Smart Education and Skilling Youth, providing young people with access to knowledge, skills and opportunities that can help them shape their future.

SIC forms part of Samsung’s wider efforts to strengthen India’s skilling and innovation ecosystem. Alongside Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, which enables young people to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges, and Samsung DOST, which builds industry-ready skills for sales and technical service roles, the programme reflects Samsung’s long-term commitment to empowering India’s next generation through education, skills and technology.

Enerpac India Showcases Latest Industrial Solutions At Bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2026

* Enerpac’s showcase features new product launches, established industrial solutions and an interactive NPD Experience Zone.

Enerpac, a global leader in high pressure hydraulic tools, controlled force products and heavy lifting solutions is showcasing its latest industrial solutions at Bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2026, being held from September 15–18 at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida. At Hall 16, Booth D01, the company is officially launching the LU Pump, Cribbing Rings and Toe Jacks, while also presenting a range of its established solutions and a dedicated New Product Development (NPD) Experience Zone.

The new products form part of Enerpac’s offering at the exhibition, with visitors able to explore the LU Pump, Cribbing Rings and Toe Jacks alongside the company’s wider range of solutions.
The showcase includes the EMV50S (E-Movers), Power Riser, hydraulic cylinders and pumps, torque wrenches and bolt tensioners, and flange alignment tools, highlighting the range of equipment and technologies Enerpac is presenting to customers and industry stakeholders at the event.

The dedicated NPD Experience Zone provides visitors with an interactive view of Enerpac’s latest innovations and product portfolio. It enables customers to explore new solutions in greater detail and engage directly with the company’s technology offerings.

Anindya Pal, Director, Enerpac India, said:“Bauma CONEXPO INDIA gives us an opportunity to bring our latest product developments and solutions together under one roof and engage directly with customers and industry stakeholders. We look forward to using the platform to exchange perspectives, demonstrate our capabilities and give visitors a closer look at the solutions we are developing for the industry.”

For more information, visit www.enerpac.com

About Enerpac India
Enerpac Tool Group, globally headquartered in Milwaukee, USA, brings together 115 years of global expertise and more than three decades of presence in India, headquartered in Bengaluru. The company is a leading provider of industrial tools, services, technology, and engineered solutions, supporting mission-critical applications across more than 100 countries through a network of over 800 distributors worldwide. Known globally for its leadership in high-pressure hydraulic tools, controlled-force products, and heavy-load positioning solutions, Enerpac Tool Group enables customers to carry out some of the world’s most complex and hazardous jobs with greater safety, precision, and efficiency.