HDFC Bank Parivartan Expands STEM Education Initiatives, Reaching Over 47,000 Students Across India

• Mobile Science and Innovation Labs launched in Maharashtra, targeting 24,000 students
• 35 Accessible STEM Labs established for students with disabilities across six regions
• ISRO-aligned Astronomy and Space Labs inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh

On National Science Day, HDFC Bank announced the expansion of its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education initiatives under HDFC Bank Parivartan, its flagship CSR programme. Through partnerships with leading implementation organisations, the bank strengthening access to experiential and inclusive science education for students in underserved communities. The expanded portfolio integrates mobile science infrastructure, accessible learning tools for students with disabilities, and specialised astronomy and space laboratories. These interventions collectively aim to support over 35,000 students across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and the Northeast.

Aligned with the national vision of building a "Viksit Bharat 2047 and advancing scientific temper and innovation," HDFC Bank Parivartan’s STEM initiatives focus on bridging the gap between classroom instruction and practical experimentation. The emphasis remains on hands-on learning, digital fluency, and inclusive access to quality science education.

Commenting on the initiative, Nusrat Pathan, Head of CSR, HDFC Bank, said, "Developing scientific curiosity at an early stage is critical to building future-ready learners. Through Parivartan, we are working to broaden access to experiential STEM education, particularly in underserved geographies. Our approach focuses on inclusion, practical exposure, and partnerships that enable sustained impact across schools and communities.

Key Initiatives Highlighted on National Science Day:

1. Strengthening Science Infrastructure in Maharashtra

In partnership with the Agastya International Foundation, HDFC Bank has launched a comprehensive STEM program across 11 districts in Maharashtra, including Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

· Establishment of eight science centres and three integrated mobile science labs

· Introduction of a Mobile Innovation Lab equipped with 3D printers and microcontrollers for students in Classes 7–9

· Delivery of a 16-module curriculum covering coding and algorithmic thinking for 12,000 government school students

The mobile lab model is designed to extend science access to schools with limited laboratory infrastructure, enabling practical experimentation and design-based learning.

Building on this momentum, HDFC Bank Parivartan has also approved an initiative in partnership with YUVA Unstoppable to establish STEM Labs in 120 government and aided schools across Maharashtra over the next two years.

· Integration of smart classroom technology with practical STEM tools to address gaps in digital infrastructure and align with NEP 2020 learning requirements

· Empowering teachers with modern resources to deliver experiential and technology-enabled science and mathematics education

· Strengthening learning outcomes across rural and urban schools to prepare students for higher education and emerging career pathways

2. Inclusive STEM Access for Speech and Hearing Impaired Students

Through a partnership with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, the “Learning Without Limits” initiative is establishing 35 Accessible STEM Labs in deaf schools across five States in India.

• STEM content adapted and interpreted in sign language to support conceptual understanding
• Training of over 200 teachers in assistive technology and inclusive teaching practices
• Direct support for more than 2900+ speech and hearing-impaired students

The initiative seeks to make scientific learning more accessible while strengthening teacher capacity within special education institutions.

3. Promoting Astronomy and Space Science in Uttar Pradesh

In collaboration with Ambuja Foundation, HDFC Bank has established advanced Astronomy and Space Labs in Uttar Pradesh.

• An Astronomy Lab at Army Public School, Lucknow, featuring ISRO-aligned models to enable hands-on understanding of space science

• A Space Lab at Raj Bhavan, Lucknow, providing access to children of staff and visiting students from government and private schools

These facilities aim to stimulate interest in astronomy and space exploration while expanding exposure to emerging scientific disciplines.

4. Hub-and-Spoke STEM Model in Pune

Working with WOSCA and Life-Lab, the “Jigyasa Max – Touch Plus Tech” programme has introduced an integrated STEM model across 48 schools in Pune.

• Reached 10,462 students

• Deployment of a gamified digital learning platform to strengthen digital literacy

• Community engagement initiatives such as at-home science experiments to extend learning beyond school hours

The hub-and-spoke model supports structured teacher training and scalable science engagement within local communities.

HDFC Bank Parivartan continues to align its education initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Quality Education (SDG 4). By integrating digital tools such as coding modules and 3D printing with foundational science education, the programme aims to strengthen scientific learning while ensuring access and inclusion remain central to implementation.

Abbott, Novo Nordisk India Partner To Launch Extensior®, Broadening Access To Semaglutide For Advanced Diabetes

* The collaboration brings together Novo Nordisk’s global GLP-1 leadership and Abbott’s strong India footprint, helping more people with type 2 diabetes benefit from modern, evidence-based diabetes therapies

* Under the agreement, Abbott will commercialize Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide (Ozempic®) under the brand name Extensior®

* Extensior® offers powerful HbA1c reduction, weight-loss benefits, and proven risk reduction of cardiovascular and kidney events in people with type 2 diabetes[i]

Abbott, the global healthcare leader, today announced a strategic collaboration with Novo Nordisk India to commercialize Extensior® for people living with type 2 diabetes. This partnership leverages Novo Nordisk’s scientific leadership in GLP-1s and Abbott’s strong distribution network to expand access in India to a high-quality, evidence-based diabetes therapy, beyond regions Novo Nordisk currently serves. Extensior® is a second brand of Ozempic®, the world’s most prescribed GLP-1 RA (receptor agonist) molecule.[ii]

Extensior® is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes and is a GLP-1 RA recognized for offering the broadest range of benefits for people with this condition. Semaglutide, the molecule in Extensior®, has demonstrated powerful HbA1c reduction, compelling weight-loss benefits, and proven risk reduction of cardiovascular and kidney events in people with type 2 diabetes.1 Semaglutide has demonstrated safety and efficacy through 44+ robust clinical trials and 10+ real-world studies across type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart, liver and kidney disease. It has been on the market globally for close to a decade and has more than 49 million patient years* of use across all semaglutide products.[iii]

Extensior® will be introduced in India as part of Abbott’s expanding portfolio of advanced diabetes solutions and is expected to be available for Indian patients soon. Kartik Rajendran, Managing Director, Abbott India Limited said, “India is facing one of the world’s fastest‑growing diabetes burdens, and addressing this challenge requires continuous innovation and strong partnerships. The launch of Extensior® builds on Abbott’s longstanding focus on holistic diabetes management—from medicines to diagnostics, and from continuous glucose monitoring to diabetes‑specific nutrition. Developed and manufactured by Novo Nordisk, this brand will be commercialized by Abbott, aligned with our commitment to strengthen access to high-quality, evidence-based therapies to support people with diabetes across every stage of their journey.”

Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India said, “Semaglutide represents one of the most significant scientific advancements in diabetes care in recent decades. It has changed the way type 2 diabetes is managed, offering meaningful improvements in metabolic, renal and cardiovascular health. At Novo Nordisk, we precisely engineer this molecule through a sophisticated r-DNA process to ensure the best quality, safety and efficacy standards. Our partnership with Abbott will help make this innovative molecule accessible to a greater number of people living with type 2 diabetes in India.”

Diabetes is one of the most significant global health issues of our time. More than 100 million individuals in India live with diabetes,[iv] and this is projected to surge to more than 150 million by 2050—a 50% increase, driven by rapid urbanization, aging populations, increasing obesity and lifestyle changes.[v] Cardiovascular and kidney issues now account for much of the long‑term risk faced by people living with type 2 diabetes. India faces a worrying gap in detection and care: 43% of individuals with diabetes remain undiagnosed[vi], limiting opportunities for early intervention. As type 2 diabetes elevates cardiovascular risk, the growing burden is also straining India’s health‑care system—national diabetes‑related expenditure has already exceeded USD 9.8 billion (INR 88,000+cr).[vii]

Offering Extensior® is a meaningful step forward in expanding access to a solution that addresses holistic management of the condition.

About Extensior®/Ozempic®:

Extensior®/Ozempic® (semaglutide injection) is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with insufficiently controlled Type 2 diabetes. It offers powerful HbA1c reduction, weight-loss benefits and proven risk reduction of cardiovascular and kidney events in people with type 2 diabetes. It will be available in the FlexTouch® Pen - an easy-to-use once-weekly pen device that provides precise dosing in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg dose strengths.1 Semaglutide, the active ingredient in the medicine, is 94% homogenous to the naturally-occurring GLP-1 in the human body.[viii] In 2025, semaglutide was added to the WHO’s essential medicines list.[ix]

About Novo Nordisk:

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 68,800 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries.

For more information, visit our website novonordisk.co.in. Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

MAHE Marks National Science Day 2026 With Focus On Science, Sustainability, And Innovation

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, will organise the National Science Day Celebrations 2026 on Saturday, February 28, at the Dr TMA Pai Auditorium, 3rd Floor, KMC, Manipal. The chief guest for the programme will be

Dr Hoysall N. Chanakya, Chief Research Scientist (Retd.), Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. A distinguished scientist and thought leader in sustainable technologies, Dr Chanakya has over four decades of research experience and has guided more than 10 doctoral scholars and over 20 postgraduate research students, and has led over 50 research, development, and consultancy projects. Since 1978, his work has focused on decentralised bioenergy technologies, including biogas plants and related systems, energy integration into rural livelihoods, water and wastewater purification, and the restoration of water bodies. The event will be presided over by Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, whose leadership has been instrumental in strengthening MAHE’s academic and research ecosystem.

The celebrations will be graced by senior MAHE leadership, including Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor - Technology and Science, MAHE, Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE, and Dr Anil K. Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal.

National Science Day is observed across India to commemorate Sir C. V. Raman's discovery of the Raman Effect. MAHE encourages young minds to adopt a scientific approach to life and society.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.

Buying and renewing Insurance Is Now As Simple As Sending A WhatsApp Message To A LovedOone

Say goodbye to the hassle of insurance management—the endless paperwork, follow-ups, and juggling multiple portals are over. For millions of people in India

WhatsApp, their go-to app for connecting with friends and family, is now also the hub for essential services like buying and renewing insurance. From purchasing a policy and paying premiums to tracking a claim, managing your insurance is as simple as a chat with a family member or a friend, all within a single WhatsApp conversation. People can choose from paying for their insurance policies using their preferred payment mode including, UPI, credit and debit cards.

Here are some insurance providers who have simplified payments for buying and renewing insurance for the people:

|HDFC Life Insurance[1]


Chat on WhatsApp: +91 8291890569


Axis Max Life Insurance[2]

Chat on WhatsApp: +91 74283 96005

Axis Max Life brings policy purchase and servicing to WhatsApp, allowing you to take care of life insurance needs without moving between platforms. You can buy a term insurance or investment plan, pay renewal premiums, track an application in progress or monitor claim status in one place. The chat also supports routine service requests and document access. Built-in financial tools help you calculate tax savings, and you can explore personalized offers or locate nearby branches if required, all starting from the same message thread.

Life Insurance Corporation of India[3]

Chat on WhatsApp: +91 8976862090

LIC policyholders can access a broad set of services on WhatsApp, from premium payments and policy status checks to downloading premium paid certificates and reviewing bonus information. Loan-related services, including eligibility, repayment quotations and interest due, are also available, along with ULIP statements and pension (IPP) details. Claim due dates, claim payment updates and service preferences can be reviewed within the same interface, bringing multiple touchpoints into one chat.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance[4]

Chat on WhatsApp: +91 99206 67766

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance allows you to explore and manage policy services on WhatsApp, keeping key requests in a single conversation. You can purchase a policy, check your premium amount, register or track death and health claims, and monitor fund value updates without logging into separate systems. The service also supports NRI queries, group policies and quick-service options for everyday requests. FAQs and relevant service links are accessible within the chat, making WhatsApp the starting point for most policy interactions.

Bharti AXA Life Insurance[5]

Chat on WhatsApp: 02248815768

Bharti AXA Life Insurance allows you to manage essential policy services on WhatsApp, turning routine insurance tasks into a simple chat-based interaction. You can pay premiums, access your policy statement, review policy details or raise customer servicing requests without logging into multiple systems. The service also lets you update personal information, register for e-NACH, download required forms or initiate a policy surrender request. If you prefer in-person support, you can locate the nearest branch, all starting from the same WhatsApp conversation.

Samsung Innovation Campus Launched At Christ University Bengaluru, Boosting Bengaluru’s AI Talent Pipeline

In an industry–academia collaboration in the University, the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) was inaugurated at Christ University, Kengeri Campus. Backed by Samsung R&D Institute India Bangalore Private Limited (SRI-B), the initiative marks a major milestone in strengthening technology education in Bengaluru.

A global Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Samsung, the program provides students with advanced skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and coding and programming. Present in over 40 countries, Samsung Innovation Campus aims to prepare youth for emerging careers that is shaped by AI and machine learning.

What sets the Bengaluru launch apart is the establishment of a high-end AI simulation lab, featuring cutting-edge computing infrastructure and specialized IoT kits. The facility enables students to work on advanced simulations, real-time data modeling, and applied AI research in a hands-on environment.

Currently, students from the Department of AI and Data Science Engineering are undergoing structured training led by industry experts. The curriculum integrates academic foundations with practical exposure, ensuring alignment with current corporate standards.

Students will also participate in capstone projects addressing industrial and societal challenges. Aligned with the Government of India’s Skill India and Digital India missions, the initiative positions Christ University as a hub for advanced technology training while reinforcing Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s innovation capital.

Buying And Renewing Insurance Is Now As Simple As Sending A WhatsApp Message To A Loved One.

Varthana Partners With All India Private Schools Association (AIPSA) To Expand Access To School Financing Nationwide

Varthana Finance, a leading NBFC in the affordable education sector in India, today announced a five-year strategic partnership with the All India Private School Association (AIPSA), a national body representing private schools across the country. Through this collaboration, Varthana Finance becomes an official Partner of AIPSA, enabling deeper engagement with school leaders and expanding access to structured, education-focused financial solutions across the AIPSA network.

AIPSA works actively in policy advocacy, institutional strengthening, leadership support, and strategic partnerships to empower private school management and improve educational standards nationwide. Through partnerships, AIPSA member institutions gain access to structured, education-focused financial solutions.

Varthana Finance, with over 13 years of experience working closely with K–12 schools, understands the dedication required to improve learning environments, expand facilities, and build lasting trust with parents. Since inception, Varthana has supported more than 13,000 schools across 16 states and Union Territories, helping institutions upgrade infrastructure, scale operations, and enhance student outcomes. Through this partnership, Varthana will support AIPSA’s network of private schools in infrastructure expansion, technology adoption, and long-term institutional growth.

Adv. Shiju Augustine, Managing Director - All India Private School Association, said, “At AIPSA, we continuously identify and onboard credible partners who can strengthen the operational and infrastructure capacity of private schools across India. Our collaboration with Varthana Finance reflects our commitment to enabling sustainable growth and long-term institutional stability for our member schools.”

“We are very excited with this alliance. Private schools play a vital role in expanding access to quality education across India,” said Vikas Jain, Head - Alliances, Varthana Finance. “We hope all AIPSA members take full advantage of this arrangement. Loans will be made available for construction of additional classrooms, labs, toilets, etc. so that the schools grow stronger and better. Our partnership with AIPSA reflects our commitment to supporting school leaders with the right financial solutions and long-term growth support. Together, we aim to help schools strengthen infrastructure, enhance learning environments, and create lasting impact for students and communities.”

About Varthana Finance Pvt Ltd

Varthana Finance, headquartered in Bengaluru, is one of India’s largest education-focused NBFCs. Established in 2013, the organization has a presence in 16 states and union territories, through 32 branches and 150 spokes. Varthana aims to transform affordable education in India by catering to the needs of affordable private schools through financial assistance and academic support. It is also committed to serving domestic students attending college, technical training/short-term courses, and postgraduate studies by providing them with loans to continue their education. Varthana aims to make education accessible to over 10 million students by 2026. varthana.com.

About All India Private School Association (AIPSA)

All India Private Schools Association (AIPSA) is a common platform that brings together all the private schools across the country to give them a unified voice to address their concerns about legislations and byelaws which apply to them, and to facilitate quality education in schools. AIPSA is strengthening the learning platforms of INDIA by coordinating all the schools in the private sector following different syllabuses like CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE & State boards. https://allindiaprivateschools.org/

CM Shri Siddaramaiah Inaugurates Bengaluru GAFX 2026, Reinforcing Karnataka’s Global AVGC-XR Vision

Key Highlights:

Celebrate the cinematic brilliance of Kantara with Arvind Kashyap as he reveals how subtle VFX and distinctive camera work elevated the storytelling while preserving its cultural authenticity

A Fireside chat around Game Communities and Creative Industry by Rajan Navani from Jetline Group of Companies and Sean Hyunil Sohn from Krafton India

A session featuring an in-depth creative and technical walkthrough behind Netflix’s hit animated series Kurukshetra by Ashish Thapar of Hitech Animation.

A deep dive into the making of the Oscar-nominated short film Cardboard by DNEG, a session on the Oscar-nominated Lost World, and a session on the Making of Deadpool & Wolverine VFX by Prashant Nair, Framestore

Building Superhit Character IP Franchises by Grace, Bluezoo Animation

Showcase the creative and technical journey behind delivering high-end visual effects for the Oscar-nominated movie - "The Lost Bus" by Arnab, ILM

Behind the scenes VFX of Saare Jahan Se Accha by Phantom FX

Sessions that highlight India’s rich narrative heritage as a source of global content creation in “Making of an IP: The Wonderful Adventures of Suppandi,” by Zebu Animation, “Making of Mary Margaret Road Grade,” and “Indian Mythology: A Treasure Trove of Stories.”

Making of George Martin's Mary Margaret Road Grader by Saffronic

Making of animated feature Stitch Head by Assemblage Studios

Bengaluru GAFX 2026, the annual conference and exhibition for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, XR, and immersive and interactive content, commenced today at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. The three-day summit, running from February 27 to March 1, marks the 7th edition of the flagship event and reinforces Karnataka’s position as a driving force in India’s expanding AVGC-XR ecosystem.

With the theme “Evolution Reloaded,” this year’s edition marks the next phase of growth for the AVGC industry, where human creativity converges with artificial intelligence, real-time technologies, immersive media, and next-generation storytelling tools. GAFX 2026 celebrates this transformation by recharging skills, redefining production pipelines, and reimagining what is possible across animation, VFX, gaming, comics, XR, and AI-driven creativity.

The grand inauguration was attended by Shri. Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka; Shri. D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka; Shri. Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj and Information Technology & Biotechnology; Rizwan Arshad, Member of Legislative Assembly; and Sharath Bachegowda, Chairman of KEONICS, along with senior officials from the Government of Karnataka and the ABAI team.

Dignitaries on the dais included Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology; Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T; Rajan Navani, President IDGS and Founder & CEO of Jetsynthesys; Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru; Hilary McGeachy, Consul General of Australia in Bengaluru; Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner & HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia – United Kingdom; and Ashish Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, Punnaryug Artivision Pvt. Ltd., reflecting strong government, diplomatic and industry participation.

Addressing the gathering, Shri. Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, “It is a matter of great pride for me to inaugurate the 7th edition of the Bengaluru Effects, Games, Animation and Visual Effects Conference, ‘Evolution Reloaded.’ Bengaluru is not just the technology capital of India; it is a city where creativity blends seamlessly with engineering and innovation attracts investment. The AVGC-XR sector has emerged as a powerful new frontier, transforming the way we engage with stories, culture, education, and governance in the digital age. Karnataka led the way as the first state to introduce a dedicated AVGC policy, and we continue to reinforce that commitment through incentives, skill initiatives, Centres of Excellence, and strong industry collaborations. Our efforts are now extending beyond Bengaluru to emerging cities to ensure inclusive and regionally balanced growth. It has the potential to create 20 lakh jobs in the next five years across design, coding, storytelling, music, motion capture, AI modelling, and production management. Our roadmap is focused on nurturing future-ready talent, enhancing production ecosystems, promoting original intellectual property rooted in our cultural heritage, decentralizing growth, and expanding global partnerships. By embracing innovation and responsibly leveraging Artificial Intelligence, we are determined to position Karnataka as a global leader in next-generation storytelling and immersive digital experiences.”

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Shri. D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, said, “Karnataka has consistently led from the front in the AVGC sector, and we were the first in Asia to introduce a dedicated policy for it in 2016, recognizing the immense potential of the orange economy well before it became a national focus. Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, today stands as a global innovation hub with nearly 875 GCCs, supported by a strong ecosystem and a steady annual output of 1.5 lakh skilled IT professionals and engineers. Our AVGC sector is growing at 25–30% annually, has attracted over ₹2,000 crore in investments, and holds the potential to create 1.5 lakh jobs. The government is fully committed to supporting innovation, R&D, and talent development, while ensuring true speed of businesses beyond single-window clearances. We are focusing on gaming, visual effects, comics, extended reality, and the rapidly growing film industry. By 2028, we aim to train 50,000 students and create 13,000 high-quality jobs. With 6.5 lakh employees being trained in generative AI, we are confident that technology will create new opportunities, just as computers once did. I call upon industry, academia, students, and investors to join us in strengthening Karnataka’s leadership in the global creative technology revolution.”

Talking about the GAFX 2026, Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, said, “Today, Karnataka stands at the center of India’s rapidly expanding orange economy, with the AVGC industry poised to grow from $2 billion to $25 billion by 2032. Bengaluru alone contributes 20% of India’s AVGC output, supported by over 300 studios and thousands of skilled professionals. We have evolved from an outsourcing destination to a creator of globally acclaimed original content, powered by cutting-edge technologies like AR, VR, XR, CGI, and AI. Through our AVGC Policy 3.0, built on skilling, innovation, infrastructure, and startup support, we are strengthening the entire ecosystem. Over the next three days, GAFX 2026 will foster collaboration among studios, investors, startups, and students to shape the future of India’s creative technology economy.”

Over the next three days, GAFX 2026 will host 200+ speakers across 100+ sessions, masterclasses, and workshops, with participation from leading global studios. The summit will feature keynote sessions and masterclasses by internationally acclaimed author Anand Neelakantan on mythological storytelling for modern screens; senior creative and technical leaders from Industrial Light & Magic; gaming innovators such as Shyam Deshpande from Krafton India; visionary filmmaker Suresh Eriyat of Eeksaurus; alongside making-of sessions from major Indian productions including Kantara Chapter 1, Netflix’s Kurukshetra, Mahavatar Narasimha, Dhurandhar, and Lokah.

Strong Focus on AI at GAFX 2026:

A major highlight of GAFX 2026 is its strong focus on AI and its transformative impact on animation and visual effects production. Dedicated AI tracks and curated sessions will explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping creative pipelines, from AI-assisted storyboarding and pre-visualization to generative asset creation, procedural world-building, intelligent character rigging, motion synthesis, automated rotoscoping, smart compositing, and real-time rendering acceleration. Industry experts will demonstrate how machine learning tools are reducing production timelines, optimizing resource allocation, enhancing realism, and enabling studios of all sizes to scale high-quality output for global audiences. Through real-world case studies and live demonstrations, the summit will showcase how AI-enabled workflows are redefining efficiency, cost structures, and global competitiveness in animation and VFX.

Gaming will take center stage with insights from global industry stalwarts, including Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, Krafton India, who will share perspectives on the evolving gaming economy, India’s emergence as a strategic global market, and how AI-driven development tools and real-time engines are redefining player engagement and IP scalability. GAFX 2026 also highlights the new age of storytelling led by digital-first platforms and startups such as Pratilipi and Pocket FM, which are redefining how stories are created, distributed, and monetized for mobile-native and global audiences. Their sessions will explore how data intelligence, audience analytics, and AI-enabled content strategies are shaping serialized storytelling and enabling IP to travel seamlessly across audio, animation, gaming, comics, and immersive formats.

Karnataka today contributes close to 20% of India’s Media & Entertainment industry and is home to 300+ AVGC-XR studios and approximately 15,000 professionals, supported by a strong freelance and startup ecosystem. The state’s progressive AVGC-XR Policy 2024–2029, along with the AVGC Centre of Excellence (CoE), continues to strengthen infrastructure, global partnerships, skilling, R&D, and startup incubation across the sector.

The AVGC Centre of Excellence has executed over 200 projects across domestic and international markets and supported more than 100 startups by providing access to production-ready infrastructure, licensed software, render capacity, and mentorship. With CoE 2.0, Karnataka is expanding this ecosystem beyond Bengaluru into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, building a distributed and future-ready creative technology network.

Phase 1 World has curated, promoted, and managed GAFX 2026, in collaboration with ABAI. On the inauguration of GAFX 2026, Oum Pradutt, Founder and Managing Director, Phase 1 World, said, “We’ve been part of the GAFX journey since its first edition, watching it evolve and transform the AVGC industry. This time, we have taken on a more collaborative role with ABAI and the Government of Karnataka to elevate the experience in every dimension — be it scale, substance, or global relevance. It is time that India’s creative and technological capabilities command the attention they truly deserve, and we are merely setting the stage for this grand show.”

GAFX 2026 also features a strong B2B Investor Connect, AI-driven production showcases, Comics Street, board game launches, GAFX Art Challenges, and curated networking sessions aimed at fostering global collaborations and export opportunities.

Over the years, Bengaluru GAFX has hosted leading global brands and studios such as Walt Disney Animation, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, and Rockstar Games, further strengthening Bengaluru’s position as a global creative technology hub.

With thousands of attendees expected over the three-day Bengaluru GAFX 2026 summit, “Evolution Reloaded” sets the stage for India’s next leap in the Orange Economy, where culture, creativity, and innovative technology converge.

For more information, visit: https://gafx.in/

Photo Caption: Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of K'taka, Shri Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj and IT & Biotechnology, GoK, and Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, Science & Technology, GoK, along with other dignitaries at the inauguration of the 7th edition of Bengaluru GAFX 2026 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

This Holi, Keep Your Celebrations Brighter, Closer, And More Connected With WhatsApp

Holi is here and with it, vibrant colours, spontaneous plans, endless group chats, and memories you’ll want to relive long after the colours fade. From planning the perfect Holi party to sharing those unfiltered, colour-splashed selfies, WhatsApp helps you stay connected through every splash, laugh, and last-minute plan.

Here’s how you can make your Holi even more vibrant with WhatsApp:

Voice Chat: Plan the Party Without the Ping

Coordinating Holi plans in a busy group chat? Instead of endless back-and-forth messages, start a Voice Chat in your group and let everyone jump in when they’re free. Finalising the venue, confirming who’s bringing the gujiyas, or deciding the playlist, quick decisions, zero missed calls, and no ringing interruptions.

Status with Music: Let the Colours Sing

Holi isn’t just seen, it’s felt. Add music to your Status and turn every colour-splashed moment into a mini celebration. Share your Holi look, that perfect water balloon throw, or a slow-mo colour burst, then tap the music icon and add your favourite festive track. Suddenly, your friends aren’t just watching, they’re celebrating with you.

Schedule Calls: Plan Before the Colours Fly

Getting friends and family together before the big day? Schedule your Holi video call in advance. Just tap the + in your Calls tab → scheduled calls, invite your group, and set the time. Everyone gets notified when it’s time to join — perfect for coordinating meet-ups, planning surprises, or including loved ones who can’t be there in person.

Group Chats, Upgraded: More Ways to Celebrate Together

Holi plans usually live in group chats and now they’re even better. With new updates on WhatsApp, you can add Member Tags to show your role in each group (whether you’re the host, DJ, or snack-in-charge), turn any message into a standout Text Sticker instantly, and set Event Reminders so no one misses the party or the call.

Status, Reimagined for Holi: More Ways to Share Every Splash

Holi moments deserve more than just a single photo and WhatsApp Status gives you new ways to bring them to life. Create a collage with Layout to showcase up to six of your best colour-splashed shots and turn your favourite Holi click into a fun Photo Sticker. You can even use Add Yours to start a colour-filled chain with friends and see how everyone’s celebrating. With these new features rolling out, sharing your Holi highlights just got more creative and a lot more personal.

From neighbourhood celebrations to long-distance family calls, Holi is all about togetherness. And whether you’re sharing colours in person or through your screen, WhatsApp helps you stay in sync.

This Holi, make every message brighter, every call louder, and every shared moment more colourful.

Aarthi Scans & Labs Launches Nationwide Free Anemia & Thyroid Testing Camp For Women

To mark International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, Aarthi Scans & Labs has announced a month-long nationwide free anemia and thyroid testing for across all its branches in India. The initiative will run from March 1 to March 31, 2026, covering major cities including Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Trivandrum, Visakhapatnam and more.

As part of the campaign, women can avail free Iron (Anemia) and TSH (Thyroid) tests, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. No prior appointment is required, and expert guidance will be available at all centers.

The campaign comes against the backdrop of growing concern around thyroid disorders and anemia among Indian women. Approximately 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disorders, with women significantly more affected than men. Studies indicate that 1 in 10 adults in India has hypothyroidism, with prevalence in women nearly double that of men. Women in reproductive age groups and those above 60 years are particularly vulnerable.

Alarmingly, over 60% of thyroid cases in India remain undiagnosed, suggesting the actual burden may be much higher. Thyroid dysfunction in women often presents as infertility, menstrual irregularities, pregnancy complications, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss.

Anemia remains an equally pressing public health challenge. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), approximately 57% of women aged 15–49 in India are anemic, with the prevalence rising to 59.1% among adolescent girls and 52.2% among pregnant women. These figures underscore the urgent need for routine screening and early detection.

Speaking on the nationwide free thyroid and anemia testing for women, Dr. Aarthi Govindarajan, Chief Radiologist and Executive Director at Aarthi Scans & Labs said, “Thyroid disorders and anemia frequently go undetected in women because their symptoms - such as fatigue, hair loss, or weight changes - are often dismissed as lifestyle-related. Through this nationwide screening drive, our goal is to encourage early testing, timely diagnosis, and greater awareness so women can take charge of their health with confidence.”

Hosted at NABL-accredited Aarthi Scans & Labs, backed by over 38 years of trusted diagnostic service, the initiative aims to empower women to proactively monitor and manage silent health risks that often go unnoticed until complications arise.

Women are encouraged to visit their nearest Aarthi Scans & Labs branch during campaign hours to avail the free tests and take the first step toward improved health awareness and preventive care.

Campaign Details:
Date: March 1 – 31, 2026
Venue: All Aarthi Scans & Labs centres across India
Timings: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

About Aarthi Scans and Labs

Founded in 1988 by Mr. V Govindarajan, Aarthi Scans and Labs is India's largest integrated diagnostics provider. With over 74 MRI scanners, 75 CT scanners, and 20 processing labs, Aarthi serves more than 8000 patients daily across cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata and Bangalore. Renowned for its affordable pricing, quality imaging, and ethics, Aarthi Scans is pioneering a new model of healthcare—where cost never comes at the cost of care.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Receives IRDAI Approval For Index Linked Annuity Product - “Index Guaranteed Annuity Plus”

~ A new age hybrid annuity plan for retirement that offers combination of guaranteed and index linked regular income for lifetime~

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (“ABSLI”), the life insurance subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital, India’s leading diversified financial services company, today announced that it has received IRDAI’s approval for ABSLI Index Guaranteed Annuity Plus – a Single or Limited/ Regular premium index linked annuity plan. This plan is designed to provide lifetime retirement income with a combination of guaranteed and variable annuity which is linked to the performance of “Nifty 50” benchmark Index. The launch of this product is planned in March 2026.

The plan offers flexibility to customise the proportion of guaranteed and variable annuity components, enabling the policyholders to balance income stability with growth potential. Furthermore, policyholders will have the option to receive annuity income immediately or defer the pay-outs based on individual retirement planning needs. Customers can choose:

1. Life Annuity, which provides guaranteed income for life
2. Life Annuity with Return of Purchase Price, which ensures lifelong income with return of purchase price on death to the nominee
3. Deferred Life Annuity with Return of Premium, which allows customers to start income at later date and build a higher retirement income with return of all the premiums paid on death to the nominee

Mr. Kamlesh Rao, MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited, said, “We sincerely thank IRDAI for their concurrence on this unique product proposition, which we believe will benefit all stakeholders. At ABSLI, our focus is on empowering customers with solutions that support financial independence and security across life stages, including retirement. ABSLI Index Guaranteed Annuity Plus enables customers to tailor their retirement income for lifetime through a combination of guaranteed and variable annuity pay‑outs, helping them build a stable and personalised retirement solution.

Once launched, the plan will be available to individuals aged between 40 and 80 years, subject to the selected plan option, offering flexibility across life stages. Customers can choose to pay premiums either as a Single or Limited/Regular premium‑payment term ranging from 2 to 10 years.

ABSLI’s newly approved Index-Linked Annuity Plan represents a significant step forward in retirement planning. If a customer buys this upcoming Index-Linked Annuity Plan at age 50, pays premiums for 10 years with 60:40 component of Guaranteed and Variable annuity, and starts receiving annual annuity from age 60, the annuity rate is expected to be higher than the fully guaranteed annuity plan. In this example, our existing fully guaranteed annuity plan offers a fixed annuity rate of 8.91% for lifetime while the new Index-Linked annuity plan could offer 11.64% in the first year itself based on the Historical return of the benchmark index “Nifty 50” and in the subsequent years annuity rates tied to market performance. This means the customer enjoys a delta of 2.73% in annuity rate, translating into higher retirement income potential demonstrating how the new plan combines the guarantee with the opportunity for growth, giving customers best of both worlds.

Insights from the ABSLI अ‑Nishchit Index 2.0 reveal that retirement anxiety in India is increasingly shaped by preparedness gaps, ranging from insufficient planning and rising healthcare costs to concerns around inflation and financial independence in old age. Against this backdrop, ABSLI Index Guaranteed Annuity Plus has been designed to help customers navigate these uncertainties by offering a stable, adaptable and future‑ready retirement income.

Note:

The annuity rates illustrated above are hypothetical and are based on historical index performance over a specified period. Past performance of the index does not guarantee future performance. The annuity payable under the Index-Linked Annuity option may vary depending on market conditions and may be lower or higher than the illustrated rates. The comparison shown is for illustration purposes only and does not represent a guaranteed differential in annuity rates. #Guaranteed benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure and policy document carefully before concluding a sale.

About Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited:

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (“ABSLI”) is a part of Aditya Birla Capital Ltd (“ABCL”). ABSLI was incorporated on August 4th, 2000, and commenced operations on January 17th, 2001. ABSLI is a 51:49 a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group and Sun Life Financial Inc., an international financial services organization in Canada. ABSLI offers a range of products across the customer’s life cycle, including children future plans, wealth protection plans, retirement and pension solutions, health plans, traditional term plans and Unit Linked Insurance Plans (“ULIPs”). As of December 31, 2025 total AUM of ABSLI stood at Rs.110,048 Cr. ABSLI recorded a gross premium income of Rs.15,471 Cr with Individual Business FYP with Single Premium at 10% of Rs. 3,076 Cr registering a growth of 18.6%. Renewal Premium grew by 18% with gross Individual and Group segment. ABSLI has a nationwide distribution presence through 445+ branches, 12 bancassurance partners, 6 distribution channels, over 65,400+ direct selling agents, other Corporate Agents, and Brokers through its website. The company has over 31,000+ employees and 29.05 lakh active customers. IRDAI Reg no. 109.

About Aditya Birla Capital Limited:

Aditya Birla Capital Limited (“ABCL”) is a listed systemically important non deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and the holding company of the financial services businesses. ABCL and its subsidiaries/JVs provides a comprehensive suite of financial solutions across Loans, Investments, Insurance, and Payment solutions to serve the diverse needs of customers across their lifecycles. Powered by over 66,000 employees, the businesses of ABCL have a nationwide reach with over 1,742 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. 6 Lakh Crore with a consolidated lending book of over Rs 1.90 Lakh Crore as of Dec 31, 2025. 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/

Malabar Group Expands Micro Learning Centres To More Regions

Malabar Group is expanding its Micro Learning Centres (MLCs) to additional states and regions as part of its ongoing efforts to rehabilitate street children and enable their return to formal education. The initiative focuses on providing basic learning support and structured care to children who are out of school due to social and economic challenges, with the objective of reintegrating them into mainstream education.

As part of this expansion, a week-long training programme for State and Zonal Coordinators and volunteers leading the MLCs is currently underway at the Malabar Group Headquarters in Kuttikkattur, Kozhikode. The programme brings together domain experts and field teams to develop a structured roadmap for scaling the MLC model to new locations and strengthening operational effectiveness across existing centres.

The Micro Learning Centres operate under Malabar Group’s flagship social initiative, Hunger Free World, which aims to address hunger and educational deprivation among vulnerable communities. Through this programme, children living on the streets, engaged in forced labour, or who have dropped out of school are provided with nutritious meals, basic education and support to re-enter formal schooling, along with rehabilitation and social integration assistance.

Currently, 1,534 Micro Learning Centres are operational across 18 states, supporting over 64,000 children, primarily in urban slum areas. According to UNICEF estimates, nearly 20 million children in India live on the streets, with over 80 percent residing in urban centres, highlighting the need for sustained intervention in densely populated cities.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, said:
“Through our work with Micro Learning Centres, we have seen first-hand the harsh realities faced by children living on the streets. Expanding this initiative to more regions is part of our responsibility to ensure that vulnerable children have access to food, education and a path back into society. We firmly believe that business must play an active role in creating long-term social impact, and we will continue to strengthen our efforts in this direction.”

Since its inception, Malabar Group has committed five percent of its profits towards social responsibility initiatives. Under the Hunger Free World programme, the Group currently provides daily meals to over 115,000 beneficiaries in India, Zambia and Ethiopia. In addition, the Grandma Home project offers shelter and care to underprivileged and destitute women, ensuring safe accommodation and essential facilities.

Malabar Group’s CSR focus areas include women empowerment, health, education and environmental sustainability. To date, the Group has invested over Rs. 376 crore in social development programmes, positively impacting the lives of more than 1.8 million people.

About Malabar Gold and Diamonds

Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate.

With an annual turnover of $7.36 billion, the company currently ranks as the 5th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of over 420 showrooms spread across 14 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centers, wholesale units, and factories spread across India, Middle East, Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia & New Zealand. The group, owned by 3,500 shareholders, has more than 27,500 professionals from over 26 countries working towards its continued success. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite jewelry at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.

The group also operates MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery, a retail concept offering trendy and light weight jewellery that represents the independent and the modern woman through its designs and collections.

Mojawhraty by Malabar is the latest retail concept from the brand, exclusively catering to Arabic audience globally. Mojawhraty blends Arabic tradition with modern elegance.

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been the primary commitment of the group since its inception. The key ESG focus area of Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment and Women empowerment. Integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business, Malabar Group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization. The group contributes 5% of its profit to such initiatives in the same country of operation.

Four Margarita Orders: And What They Secretly Say About You

Margarita Month has become more than just an excuse to order another round. It’s a celebration of craft, balance and personality, because the way you take your margarita says more about you than you think.

Are you a classic? A holiday-in-a-glass person? The social spark? Or the one who turns up the heat?

Here are four margarita orders, and what they quietly reveal about you:

The Classic One: PATRÓN Perfect Margarita

You are relaxed, effortless, clean, balanced and timeless, and your margarita order reflects exactly that. You don’t need twists or theatrics.

For you, the benchmark would also be the classic, with the perfect balance of sweet, sour and agave and PATRÓN as the quality benchmark for a truly great Margarita

The Recipe: PATRÓN Perfect Margarita

Ingredients

45 ml PATRÓN Silver

30 ml PATRÓN Citrónge Orange Liqueur

22 ml fresh lime juice

7 ml simple syrup

Kosher salt

Method
Add PATRÓN Silver, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Fine strain into a chilled coupette or rocks glass with a kosher salt rim.

The Cool One: PATRÓN Frozen Margarita

Some people order a drink. You order an escape.

For people who want to switch off, chill out and feel like they are on holiday for one drink. If this is your go-to, you know how to romanticize the moment. You’re not rushing through the evening, you’re settling into it…

The Recipe: PATRÓN Frozen Margarita

Ingredients

60 ml PATRÓN Silver

22.5 ml PATRÓN Citrónge Orange Liqueur

15 ml fresh lime juice

7.5 ml orange juice

15 ml agave syrup (50/50)

Crushed ice

Method
Add all liquid ingredients into a blender jug. Add ice to the fill line (or as per the spec sheet). Blend until smooth, then pour into a frozen margarita glass or large rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and a classic salt rim.

The Fruity One: PATRÓN Pineapple Margarita

This is the drink that gets the table talking- the sociable, instantly likeable serve! This is a vibrant burst of flavour for people who want something playful, without losing the craft.

If this is your order, you’re the connector. You like flavour that’s expressive, colourful and fun, but you still appreciate balance and quality behind the scenes.

The Recipe: PATRÓN Pineapple Margarita

Ingredients

45 ml PATRÓN Reposado

15 ml PATRÓN Citrónge Orange Liqueur

30 ml pineapple juice

15 ml fresh lime juice

Tajín rim

Lime wedge for garnish

Method
Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake until well combined and properly chilled. Strain into a Tajín-rimmed rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or a pineapple wedge and leaves for added flair.

The Spicy One: PATRÓN Picante

Not everyone orders the spicy margarita, but the ones who do, mean it.

This bold, high-energy serve is for people who like a little heat and are not shy about it. This is the confident order that wakes the table up. It’s not about overwhelming the palate, it’s about adding fire with finesse.

The Recipe: PATRÓN Picante

Ingredients

60 ml PATRÓN Reposado

30 ml fresh lime juice

30 ml agave syrup

3 seedless jalapeño slices

Tajín rim

Lime wheel and jalapeño slice for garnish

Method

Lightly muddle the jalapeño slices in a shaker to release their heat. Add PATRÓN Reposado, fresh lime juice, agave syrup and ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a Tajín-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh jalapeño slice.

This Margarita Month, your order isn’t just a preference, it’s a statement. So the only real question is: what does your margarita say about you tonight?

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance And SK Finance Announce Strategic Partnership To Offer Credit Life Solutions

· Over 9.3 lakh customers of SK Finance will have easy access to credit life solutions to provide financial security to their families

· Strong rural and semi-urban presence of SK Finance will further bolster the distribution network of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance

SK Finance Limited, one of India’s leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), today announced a strategic partnership with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited. This collaboration will offer group credit protection insurance solutions to customers of SK Finance, enabling them with the necessary financial protection.

SK Finance with its strong presence across rural and semi-urban geographies, will offer customer centric credit life insurance solutions to over 9.3 lakh customers and enable them to provide financial security to their families.

This alliance will encourage responsible borrowing and provide better financial protection, especially in underserved communities by offering simple and seamless loan insurance. Credit life products equip customers to better manage risk and ensure the family’s financial plan is not disrupted.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Upendra Prabhu, Chief of Distribution - Credit Life & Protection, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited said, “We are happy to partner with SK Finance, a leading NBFC in the country. Distribution is key to enhancing penetration and achieving the ‘Insurance for All’ objective. This collaboration aligns with our Company’s focus on improving accessibility to life insurance while supporting customers’ long-term financial protection needs.

Both organisations have been built on the ethos of customer centricity and aim to deliver greater value to customers. Importantly, a credit life product ensures that, in case of an eventuality, customers leave behind an asset for their families and not a liability in the form of an outstanding loan.”

On the strategic partnership, Mr. Yash Setia, Whole Time Director, SK Finance Limited, commented, “Our mission extends beyond providing credit. We aim to make our customers financially resilient and protect their families from financial disruption as well as loan liabilities. A significant milestone in that direction, this partnership with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance aligns with our broader vision under our insurance vertical, SK Bima, to deliver integrated credit and risk protection solutions for Naya Bharat.”

The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to simplify life insurance and promote long-term financial wellbeing for its customers.

About SK Finance Limited (www.skfin.in)

SK Finance Limited is a 31-year-trusted NBFC, with a diversified portfolio of asset-backed and secured lending products, including Commercial Vehicle Loan, Car Loan, Tractor Loan and Secured Business Loan, among others. Maintaining a strong presence across rural and semi-urban geographies, the NBFC is serving over 9.3 lakh customers through 700+ branches across 12 states and 2 union territories.

About ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited (www.iciciprulife.com)

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited is promoted by ICICI Bank Limited and Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited. The Company began its operations in fiscal year 2001 and has consistently been amongst the top private sector life insurance companies in India on Retail Weighted Received Premium (RWRP) basis. The Company offers an array of products in the Protection and Savings category which match the different life stage requirements of customers, enabling them to provide a financial safety net to their families as well as achieve their long-term financial goals. The digital platform of the Company provides a paperless buying experience to customers, empowers them to conduct an assortment of self-service transactions, provides a convenient route to make digital payments and facilitates a hassle-free claims settlement process.

The Company has introduced ICICI Pru Stack, a first-of-its kind suite of platform capabilities that combines digital tools and analytics. This innovative suite aims to enhance the understanding of customers' requirements and enable distributors to offer suitable insurance products, deliver seamless experiences, and provide exceptional pre- and post-sale services. By deploying this comprehensive solution, the Company aspires to transform into the most customer-friendly and partnerable insurance provider in the country.

At December 31, 2025, the Company had an AUM of Rs. 3.31 lakh crore and a total in-force sum assured of Rs. 43.44 lakh crore. ICICI Prudential Life is also the first insurance company in India to be listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Limited.

Samsung Innovation Campus Launched At Christ University With ₹1 Crore Investment, Boosting Bengaluru’s AI Talent Pipeline

In a significant boost to industry–academia collaboration in the city, the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) was inaugurated at Christ University, Kengeri Campus, on Wednesday. Supported by a ₹1 crore investment from Samsung R&D Institute India Bangalore Private Limited, the initiative aims to strengthen advanced technology education in Bengaluru. The program, a global CSR initiative of Samsung operating in over 40 countries, equips students with future-ready skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Coding & Programming.

What makes the Bengaluru chapter distinctive is the launch of a state-of-the-art AI simulation laboratory, equipped with high-end computing systems and specialised IoT kits. The facility enables students to undertake advanced simulations, real-time data modelling, and applied AI research through hands-on learning. At present, 80 students from the Department of AI and Data Science Engineering are undergoing structured training delivered by Samsung engineers and industry experts, blending academic theory with corporate-level practical exposure.

The programme also offers students the opportunity to work on live R&D projects, address real-world industry challenges, and complete mandatory capstone projects. In addition, participants may contribute to joint research publications, patent development, and internships within Samsung’s global R&D network. Aligned with the Government of India’s Skill India and Digital India missions, the initiative further reinforces Bengaluru’s standing as India’s leading innovation hub

ICAI Bengaluru Branch SIRC Announces New Office Bearers For The Year 2026 - 2027

The Bengaluru Branch of the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced its newly elected Office Bearers and Managing Committee Members for the year, ushering in a dynamic leadership team committed to professional excellence and inclusive growth. The newly constituted team includes

CA Kavitha Paramesh as Chairperson;

CA Tuppad Virupakshappa Muppanna as Vice-Chairman;

CA Narayan Shripad Hulgol as Secretary;

CA Nischal Reniguntla Badarinath as Treasurer;

CA Garg Vinod as SICASA Chairman;

CA Shree Raksha K N as SICASA Co-opted Member;

CA Hallur Manjunath Mahanthappa as Immediate Past Chairman; and

CA Chandra Prakash Jain T G T and CA Raghavendra Hegde as Managing Committee Members.

The newly appointed office bearers bring with them rich professional experience, proven leadership capabilities, and a shared vision to strengthen member services, enhance student support initiatives, expand professional development programs, and intensify outreach activities.

The Bengaluru Branch, being one of the largest and most vibrant branches in the country, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the Chartered Accountancy profession through quality programs and capacity-building initiatives.

*Chairperson CA Kavitha Paramesh* has outlined a progressive roadmap focused on inspiring budding commerce students to pursue Chartered Accountancy as a career by enhancing student engagement initiatives, expanding academic support systems, and promoting greater awareness about the CA profession.

She has also emphasized empowering women Chartered Accountants and fostering inclusive leadership within the fraternity. As part of her forward-looking agenda, she has proposed leading a professional delegation to the United Kingdom and Dubai to study global best practices in Chartered Accountancy — including professional culture, regulatory frameworks, technological integration, and work methodologies — with the objective of strengthening the branch’s innovation capacity and global outlook.

Members of the branch have extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected team for a successful and impactful tenure ahead.

Tata Motors Signs MoU With V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority To Deploy 40 Green Hydrogen-Powered Heavy-Duty Trucks

Marking a pivotal step in the country’s journey toward net‑zero emissions, Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, to deploy 40 Green Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine-powered (H2 ICE) prime movers at the port. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon'ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

As part of the MoU, Tata Motors will commence trials with a hydrogen-powered prime mover, followed by the phased deployment of H2 ICE-powered prime movers over the next two years. The project will be funded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which underscores the Government of India's commitment to accelerating green energy adoption and building a sustainable, future-ready maritime ecosystem.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Mr. Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOCPA, said, “Our partnership with Tata Motors marks a transformative step in VOC Port’s push to achieve net-zero emissions. The deployment of green hydrogen-powered trucks will significantly decarbonise our cargo handling operations while setting a benchmark for sustainable port-led logistics in India. To support the phased induction of these Green Hydrogen trucks, the port is also progressing plans to establish a 2 MW electrolyzer and a dedicated hydrogen refueling station. This project along with various other initiatives related to green fuels reinforces our commitment towards building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem and positioning VOC Port as a leader in sustainable maritime infrastructure.”

Speaking on the MoU announcement, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd, said, “Our collaboration with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Association marks an important milestone in bringing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucking into real-world port operations. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the port authorities to assess pathways for hydrogen trucks in cargo handling applications. This pilot will help demonstrate the potential of assessing the TCO parity and with Green Hydrogen in supporting the transition of India’s ports towards cleaner and more sustainable logistics solutions.”

The fleet for the project includes the Tata Motors Prima 55-tonne prime mover, engineered for sustainable, cost-efficient and high-performance transportation. Featuring the premium Prima cabin and advanced driver-assist safety features, they enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue and improve productivity while setting new benchmarks for safety.

Tata Motors is at the forefront of developing innovative mobility solutions powered by alternative fuel technologies such as battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell. It offers a robust portfolio of alternate-fuel powered commercial vehicles across various segments, including small commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and vans. In 2025, Tata Motors commenced hydrogen-powered truck trials across key freight corridors in India. The company had also won a tender of 15 hydrogen FCEV buses, which are successfully deployed on Indian roads.

About Tata Motors Ltd (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd):
Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Ltd., (BSE: Scrip code 544569; NSE: Scrip code TMCV) is India’s largest and a globally renowned manufacturer of utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses. With over eight decades of leadership in commercial mobility, the company is known for its innovation, reliability, and performance. Its advanced powertrains, connected technologies, and intelligent fleet solutions support a wide range of applications—from last-mile delivery to public transport while seamlessly driving the wheels of the nation’s economy. Guided by its brand promise Better Always, Tata Motors delivers future-ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth. The company operates in India and South Korea, with a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

As per the Composite Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench—amongst Tata Motors Limited, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (the Company) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited—the Company’s name was changed to Tata Motors Limited from TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (effective 29 October 2025), and its equity shares are listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

Raptee.HV, A First HV-Tec Motorcycle Company, Commences Large-Scale Customer Deliveries With A Strong Focus On Experience

Priced at ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom), the T30 comes with an industry-first 8-year battery warranty and 3-year vehicle warranty, supported by a dedicated service SPOC and Roadside Assistance for a seamless ownership experience

Raptee.HV, the Chennai-based electric motorcycle startup pioneering the use of electric car high-voltage technology (HV-Tec) in two-wheelers, has officially commenced large-scale customer deliveries of its motorcycle, T30. This milestone marks the culmination of over 7 years of customer-focused R&D, as the company transitions from engineering and validation to full-scale customer deployment.

Commenting on the milestone, Dinesh Arjun , CEO & Co-Founder said: “With the commencement of large-scale customer deliveries, we’re excited to be sharing our product to a larger audience, a product that’s been 7 years in the making. This moment is built on the trust of our earliest customers, those who believed in our vision, our technology, and our team before anyone else. We carry deep gratitude for that faith, and our commitment is to honour it not just with a motorcycle, but with a seamless ownership journey from day one. We are not only delivery-ready; we are service-ready. Every T30 customer is supported by a structured service ecosystem, a trusted Roadside Assistance partner, and a dedicated single point of contact for service, ensuring confidence and convenience at every step. For us, this milestone is more than handing over motorcycles. It is about setting a new benchmark in customer experience, where every ride begins with trust and continues with care.”

Chennai becomes Raptee.HV’s first operational market, with deliveries and customer support infrastructure now active in the city. As part of its phased expansion strategy, the company will enter Bengaluru from April 2026 with a dedicated showroom and authorised service centre, marking its second key market. By the end of the year, Raptee.HV aims to establish its footprint across all major South Indian state capitals and will also begin its foray into Western India.

The T30 reflects how Raptee.HV is bringing industry-first technology to the performance electric segment. Engineered for consistent top performance, instant torque , the motorcycle supports one of the fastest home-charging solutions in its category and is compatible with India’s widely available public charging network delivering car-grade charging convenience to riders. Positioned at price parity with comparable ICE motorcycles, another industry-first in the segment, the T30 is further backed by an 8-year standard battery warranty and an all-inclusive ex-showroom pricing structure designed to provide long-term ownership confidence.

Reflecting its engineering-led approach, Raptee.HV has received recognition from the Asia Book of Records for achieving the highest average distance covered by a production electric motorcycle, as well as the longest distance covered by a production electric motorcycle in India. These validations underscore the real-world capability and endurance of the T30 platform.

Industry Must Power India’s March To Viksit Bharat: His Highness Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar

* Mysore Royal Scion Unveils BCIC 50th Year Logo

“As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee of BCIC, we must recognise that the strong 50-year foundation that has been built is not merely a milestone of the past, but the launchpad for the next 50 years of India’s growth journey. In the halfway mark of that journey, we will witness our Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat becoming a reality. This transformation, however, will not happen automatically it requires the active participation, insight and leadership of our industry,” said His Highness Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, while unveiling the Golden Jubilee Year logo of the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) in Bengaluru.

He stressed that as the world advances rapidly, India cannot remain content with the label of a ‘developing nation.’ To build Viksit Bharat, the country must match global standards and lead wherever possible, staying competitive and innovative while navigating the realities of an emerging economy. Green technology, he noted, is central to this journey, with India needing to be at the forefront of sustainable, future-ready growth. Achieving this vision will require bold thinking, long-term commitment and strong government-industry alignment, with industry’s role being indispensable to translating ambition into tangible national outcomes.

Sri Yaduveer traced BCIC’s roots to its inspirational predecessor established in the erstwhile State of Mysore under the leadership of Maharaja Nalwadi Krishna Raja Wadiyar and guided by Diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya, with the support of Yuvraja Kantirava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. He noted that this early institution laid the foundation for structured industry-government collaboration in Karnataka. Drawing a parallel, he said BCIC continues that legacy by serving as a vital platform supporting policymakers and strengthening industry engagement.

The logo was unveiled at a special ceremony held at the Grand Ballroom, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel, Rajajinagar, in the presence of industry leaders, senior officials, past presidents, members and invited guests. The event formally marked the beginning of BCIC’s 50th year celebrations.

Founded in 1976, BCIC has grown into one of Karnataka’s leading industry bodies. Over five decades, the Chamber has served as a platform for policy advocacy, industry representation and dialogue between business and government. The Golden Jubilee year celebrates this journey and the collective contribution of its members and leadership.

Prashant Gokhale, President of BCIC, reflected on the Chamber’s evolution and its continued relevance in a changing economic environment. He noted that BCIC has consistently adapted to new developments while remaining committed to supporting industry and contributing to the state’s growth.

CA. K. Ravi, Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Committee, outlined the roadmap for the commemorative year. “Reaching fifty years is a proud and significant milestone for BCIC. This journey has been shaped by the vision of our founders, the leadership of those who guided the Chamber over the decades and the strong support of our members. The Golden Jubilee year will honour this legacy while also focusing on the future, strengthening engagement, encouraging innovation and deepening our contribution to Karnataka’s development,” he said.

During its Golden Jubilee year, BCIC has unveiled a transformative agenda focused on innovation and global collaboration. Key initiatives include a Smart Manufacturing Summit with the Osaka Government, an India-Japan MSME portal supported by SMRJ and a Centre of Excellence in Smart Manufacturing with Karnataka and Japanese partners. The year will also feature a major industry conference in Mysore, multiple sectoral events, deeper startup engagement and expanded global outreach to markets like Singapore, Dubai and Australia positioning the Jubilee as a launchpad for BCIC’s next phase of growth.

Photo Caption: His Highness Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar unveils the BCIC 50th Year logo, in the presence of Mr. Prashant Gokhale, President, BCIC and Managing Director, Buhler (India) Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. K. Ravi, Senior Vice President, BCIC and Director, VR e-Biz Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; and Dr. Prashanth Reddy, Vice President, BCIC and Managing Director, FunderMax India Pvt. Ltd.

The New Indian Plate: Why Protein Day Hits Closer To Home

For years, most Indians never planned meals around protein. Food was cooked based on habit, taste, budget, and what was available at home. Dal was dal. Milk was milk. Eggs were just eggs. No one counted grams or checked labels. Protein was not part of daily conversation, and it did not need to be. That began to change slowly. As lifestyles shifted, work hours got longer, and health conversations moved from doctors to social media, protein started entering everyday language. What was once taken for granted became something people actively talked about. From fitness conversations to family WhatsApp groups, protein moved from being invisible on the plate to becoming a buzzword, as more people began questioning whether their daily diets were getting enough of it.

One of the lesser-known realities of Indian diets is that protein is not necessarily missing, but unevenly distributed across the day. Many everyday meals provide energy and fullness but fall short on protein unless supported by the right additions. The gap often comes from eating patterns rather than lack of access, making small, familiar adjustments far more effective than drastic dietary changes.

Dr. Manika Singh, Nutritional Consultant at Godrej Industries Group Commented “Protein awareness in India has improved significantly over the past few years, but the opportunity now lies in translating awareness into everyday practice. Many people assume their regular meals provide enough protein, when in reality the distribution across the day often falls short. The focus should be on including a reliable protein source consistently through meals, especially at breakfast, lunch and dinner using familiar and accessible foods. These small, sustainable adjustments can play an important role in supporting strength, recovery, and overall health over time, without requiring drastic changes to traditional eating habits.

Mr. Shantanu Raj, Head of Marketing, Godrej Jersey Commented “On World Protein Day, we are reminded that protein is no longer the concern of only gym goers; it is a daily need for every Indian household, especially mothers planning family meals. At a time when surveys show that a majority of Indians still fall short on quality protein and remain unaware of their actual daily requirement, closing this “protein awareness and access gap has become a family nutrition priority. As a dairy brand, our responsibility is to help families move from everyday dairy to everyday protein in forms they already love.

Through value-added products like our Badam Milk in an affordable twenty-rupee pack, we are bringing familiar, tasty nutrition within reach of more children and young adults on the go, at a time when India is actively looking for convenient, on-the-move protein options. Equally, our new paneer pack at Rs 99 offers around thirty grams of protein in a convenient format that fits seamlessly into regular home cooking, without asking families to change their habits or compromise on softness and taste; paneer is already one of the most preferred vegetarian protein sources in Indian cuisine. With 76% of households preferring paneer according to Godrej Jersey India Lactograph Findings FY25-26 study, this becomes a powerful lever to improve protein intake at scale. By combining accessibility, trusted quality and meaningful protein delivery across milk drinks, curd and paneer, Godrej Jersey aims to make meeting daily protein needs simpler for every Indian family, not just serious fitness enthusiasts.”

Meals that are filling but often low in protein on their own include:

Breakfast staples like poha, upma, idli, toast, or plain paratha

Roti-sabzi combinations without curd, dal, paneer, or other protein additions

Rice-heavy meals where dal or protein portions are minimal

Bread-based snacks such as sandwiches made without protein fillings

· Common evening snacks like Namkeen

This is why protein balance often depends less on changing the meal itself, and more on what accompanies it whether that is a chicken, a portion of paneer, eggs, pulses, or convenient ready protein options that fit into everyday routines.

Lesser-Known Protein Reality: It’s Not Just What You Eat, But When You Eat It

Most people focus on protein sources, but timing and distribution play an equally important role.

What many people don’t realise:

The body uses protein better when intake is spread across meals, not concentrated in one meal

Breakfast is typically the weakest protein meal in Indian diets

Protein consumed earlier in the day supports sustained energy and reduces hunger later

Late evening protein intake supports overnight repair and recovery

Small additions across the day are more effective than one large protein-heavy meal

This means protein is not just about adding new foods, but about strengthening existing meals.

The basic protein numbers people now recognise

Roughly 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight for most adults

For those who work out regularly, around body weight multiplied by 2

This is why protein balance often depends less on changing the meal itself, and more on what accompanies it whether that is a chicken, a portion of paneer, eggs, pulses, or convenient ready protein options that fit into everyday routines.

While many foods contain small amounts of protein, only a few qualify as true protein sources foods where protein forms a significant part of their nutritional value. These foods play a central role in helping meet daily needs and are far more efficient than relying on staples where protein is only present in minor quantities. Including even one or two of these in daily meals can make a meaningful difference.

Practical Protein Sources

· 100 g cooked chicken → ~25–27g protein

· 2 whole eggs → ~12g protein

· 100 g paneer → ~18g protein

· 1 bowl Greek yogurt / hung curd (200 g) → ~15–18g protein

· Prawns (100 g) - 23–24 grams protein

· 100 g tofu → ~10–15g protein

· 1 bowl cooked dal (200 g) → ~12–14g protein

· 50 g soy chunks (dry weight) → ~25g protein

· 1 glass milk (250 ml) → ~8g protein

Unconventional Protein Source

· Edamame (soyabean phali ) - 11 grams protein per 100 grams

· Amarantha ( Rajgira) (100g) - ~13–14 grams protein

· Green Peas (100g) - 5 g protein

· Sardines (100g) - 24–25 grams protein

· Chicken Nuggets (100g) – 16 Gram Protein (The ones Preserved using IQF Tech like Godrej Yummiez)

These foods stand apart because protein is not incidental to them, but it is a primary component. Building meals around such sources, rather than relying only on carb-heavy staples, is what helps create more balanced and effective daily protein intake.

This shift in thinking changed how protein was approached. Instead of being tied to one food or habit, it started being seen as something that can be spread through the day, leaving room for easier and more convenient ways of meeting daily needs.

As daily routines get busier, convenience has started playing a bigger role in how people think about protein. Long work hours, shorter cooking windows, and changing eating patterns have pushed people to look for options that fit into real life rather than ideal routines. This has led to a wider mix of protein choices entering everyday consumption, from dairy based products and ready to cook foods to newer packaged formats that focus on ease. Across categories, brands like The Whole Truth, The Health Factory, and Godrej Jersey reflect this shift in different ways, each catering to specific moments through the day. Together, they point to how the protein conversation in India is evolving, not around perfection or strict rules, but around access, familiarity, and making protein easier to include without overthinking meals. As World Protein Day approaches, the focus is less on chasing numbers and more on how protein fits naturally into everyday routines.