India Autism Center Leads Dialogue On Lifelong Autism Care Through “Autism In Practice”

India Autism Center (IAC), a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and related developmental conditions, commemorated World Autism Awareness Month through “Autism in Practice” in association with the Society of Pediatric Neurology Bengal, thoughtfully curated series of parent-focused knowledge sessions. Aligned with its vision of building Samaavesh, India’s largest lifelong residential care ecosystem for neurodiverse individuals, the initiative reflected IAC’s commitment to creating an inclusive, informed, and supportive community ecosystem. The sessions brought together leading multidisciplinary specialists as panellists, including Dr. Sudip Saha, Dr. Arijit Chattopadhyay, Dr. Jashodhara Chaudhuri, Dr. Mousumi Mukherjee, Dr. Abir Mukherjee, Dr. Nandita Chattopadhyay, Dr. Kaushambi Basu, Dr. Pradip Paria, Dr. MD Sahidul Arefin, and Dr. Siddhartha Nandi. The programme commenced with a keynote address by Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, Director and CEO, India Autism Center, setting the tone for meaningful dialogue and awareness. This was followed by a focused session on Occupational Therapy led by Dr. Manish Samnani, Clinical Director at SOCH and President of Haryana Chapter of AIOTA, who shared actionable strategies aimed at enhancing functional independence among individuals on the autism spectrum.

The event featured multiple expert-led sessions, of which “Medicines and Beyond” moderated by Dr. Rudrajit Sinha brought together, multispecialty clinicians, therapists, and domain experts. The discussion explored integrated approaches to autism care, highlighting the importance of balancing medical, behavioural, and therapeutic interventions, while underscoring the need for collaborative, multidisciplinary care models tailored to individual needs. It also extended beyond autism care to touch upon evolving intervention methods and the growing landscape of paediatric neurology, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, specialised care, and continuous advancements in treatment approaches.

The latter half of the event featured other sessions on nutrition in children on the spectrum led by Prof. Dr. Kalpana Dutta, focusing on dietary considerations, feeding challenges, and the role of nutrition in overall development of children on the spectrum. A fireside chat with parent advocates, Ms. Nilanjana Rambothu and Ms. Sumitra Paul Bakshi highlighted lived experiences and milestones in one's parenting journey, followed by a session by Ms. Ranjana Chakraborty on behavioural modification strategies for Pre-teens and Teens, on the spectrum, addressing emotional regulation, social skills, and practical interventions, and concluding with closing remarks by Dr. Jashodhara Chaudhuri and Sakhi Singhi.

Speaking on the event, Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, Director and CEO, India Autism Center, shared,

“Autism in Practice’ reflects our commitment to empowering families with the right knowledge, tools, and insights to make informed decisions. At IAC, we believe that awareness must go together with practical guidance, and this initiative is a step towards bridging that gap for parents navigating complex care journeys. Equally important is our focus on addressing the long-term needs of autistic individuals beyond early intervention particularly around residential care. Through our upcoming residential ecosystem, Samaavesh we aim to create a safe, structured, and inclusive environment that supports dignity, independence, and lifelong care, ensuring that individuals on the spectrum continue to thrive well into adulthood.”

In his address, Dr. Manish Samnani, Clinical Director, SOCH and President of Haryana Chapter of AIOTA, said, "It was truly a meaningful experience to be part of India Autism Center. Engaging with parents, professionals, and individuals on the spectrum created a valuable space for shared learning and dialogue. While I had the opportunity to discuss practical, day-to-day behavioural management strategies for home settings, I also gained important insights from the lived experiences and perspectives shared during the session. Such collaborative initiatives are essential in strengthening our collective understanding and advancing more responsive, person-centric approaches to autism care."

Dr. Rudrajit Sinha, Consultant Advanced Laparoscopy & Gastroenterology – Apollo Clinic, Director – Good Gut Clinic & CCC Surgery, and Vice President, Special Olympics Bharat, shared "As a clinician and a parent to a 17-year-old on the spectrum, I believe autism awareness must extend beyond a single month into everyday understanding and inclusion. initiatives like ‘Autism in Practice’ bring together diverse medical expertise and lived experiences, enabling meaningful dialogue around current therapies and future directions. With early intervention, appropriate support, and greater societal acceptance, individuals on the spectrum can lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in the world around them."

The initiative reflects IAC’s continued efforts to build awareness and support families through expert-led engagements that foster informed, compassionate, and long-term approaches to autism care. By offering practical insights on medication, evidence-based therapies, and planning for transitions into adolescence and adulthood, it reinforces a broader commitment to equip families with clarity and confidence to navigate lifelong care journeys. 

Summer Candlelight® Concerts In Bengaluru And Mysore Set The Tone For The Season

Summer evenings in Bengaluru and Mysuru find a new rhythm as Candlelight® by Live Your City brings its concert series across both cities this April and May. Known for its distinct cultural identity and Bengaluru’s fast paced urban energy come together through a shared experience built around music and setting with the Candlelight series also extending to Mysuru. As the season unfolds, the series offers audiences a fresh way to step out and engage with live performances across these two cities.

Spanning multiple dates, the programming brings together a mix of widely loved Indian compositions and global favourites, creating a line up that connects across audiences. From timeless melodies to contemporary tracks, the series presents music that feels familiar while offering a different way to experience it through live instrumental performances. The format continues to build on its appeal by bringing together music that resonates across generations and genres.

With multiple dates across April and May, the Candlelight® series shapes a summer experience that blends music with thoughtfully curated settings, offering a compelling way to spend evenings during the season. With its growing presence across cities and a line up that spans styles and moods, the series adds a new layer to how summer concerts are experienced this year.

Upcoming Programming

MYSURU:

Candlelight : Tribute to S.P. Balasubramanium

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/573541

Venue: Jagannatha Centre for Art and Culture

Dates and Times: April 11 (Time- 17:30)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Ila S Diliip (violin), Vishak Ramprasad (Keyboard), Karthik Mani (Percussions)

Value: 1 Ticket - from 899 onwards

Candlelight: Tribute to A.R. Rahman

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/477449

Venue: Jagannatha Centre for Art and Culture

Dates and Times: April 11 (Time- 20:00)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Ila S Diliip (violin), Vishak Ramprasad (Keyboard), Karthik Mani (Percussions)

Value: 1 Ticket - from 899 onwards

BENGALURU:

Candlelight: Tribute to R.D. Burman

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/253047

Venue: Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru

Dates and Times: April 11 (Time- 18:30)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Abhishek M B (Flute), Veeresh (Keyboard), Abhishek M A (Rhythm Pad)

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1099 onwards

Candlelight: Tribute to A.R. Rahman

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/346132

Venue: Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru

Dates and Times: April 11 (Time- 21:00)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Abhishek M B (Flute), Veeresh (Keyboard), Abhishek M A (Rhythm Pad)

Value: 1 Ticket - from 1099 onwards

Candlelight: Best of Bollywood

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/599382

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Whitefield

Dates and Times: April 18 (Time- 16:30)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Dr. Jyotsna Srikanth (Violin), Venugopal Venky (Keyboards), Prakash Anthony (Percussion)

Value: 1 Ticket - from 999 onwards

Candlelight: Tribute to A.R. Rahman

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/599383

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Whitefield

Dates and Times: April 18 (Time- 18:30, 20:30)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Dr. Jyotsna Srikanth (Violin), Venugopal Venky (Keyboards), Prakash Anthony (Percussion)

Value: 1 Ticket - from 999 onwards


Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA & More

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/286336

Venue: Alliance Française de Bangalore

Dates and Times: May 17 (Time- 16:30)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Pianist - To be revealed!!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 899 onwards


Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/281504

Venue: Alliance Française de Bangalore

Dates and Times: May 17 (Time- 18:30)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Pianist - To be revealed!!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 899 onwards


Candlelight: Tribute to A.R. Rahman

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/600528

Venue: Alliance Française de Bangalore

Dates and Times: May 17 (Time- 20:30)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Pianist - To be revealed!!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 899 onwards

Candlelight: Best of Bollywood

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/604609

Venue: Samarthanam Auditorium- Managed by Theatrenama

Dates and Times: May 30 (Time- 18:30)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Indian Classical Ensemble - To be revealed!!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 899 onwards

Candlelight: Tribute to A.R. Rahman

Booking Link: https://liveyourcity.com/m/604610

Venue: Samarthanam Auditorium- Managed by Theatrenama

Dates and Times: May 30 (Time- 20:30)

Duration: 60 minutes

Musicians: Indian Classical Ensemble - To be revealed!!

Value: 1 Ticket - from 899 onwards

EDII Announces “National Entrepreneurship Summer Camps For Youth & Children For 2026”

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, a pioneer in the field of entrepreneurship development, education, and training, has been organising national summer camps since 1992. These unique summer camps, organised for children in the age group of 12–16 years and youth aged 16–22 years, aim to imbibe winning skills in them, alongside building an entrepreneurial mindset at an early stage.

This year, the 46th and 47th editions of the camps on ‘Entrepreneurial Stimulation for Children’ will be held from May 3–8 and May 24–29, respectively, at the institute’s campus. Similarly, the 49th and 50th editions of the camps on ‘Entrepreneurial Adventures for Youth’ will be held from May 11–20 and June 1–10, respectively.

Over the last three decades, through the national summer camps on ‘Entrepreneurial Stimulation for Children’, EDII has provided a platform to help children understand their strengths and weaknesses, develop a growth perspective, and imbibe in them, learning that fosters winning skills. So far, 45 camps have groomed 3,228 children. Participants develop a strong ‘spirit of enterprise and achievement’, enabling them to aim for higher-order success. After the camp, parents receive a comprehensive report on their ward, highlighting personality traits and suggesting future developmental directions.

Similarly, through its national summer camps on ‘Entrepreneurial Adventures for Youth’, EDII has been developing entrepreneurial traits among youth across the country. A total of 2,100 youth have been trained so far. Participants discover their hidden potential and build capabilities to face future challenges by acquiring entrepreneurial traits such as risk-taking, creative thinking, conflict management, effective communication, teamwork and problem solving. Career counselling is also extended during the camps.

Interactions with achievers and field visits to observe classroom learnings in practice leave a lasting impact on participants of both the camps.

With such focussed, competency-based training, the participants have evolved into high-achieving individuals.

Dr Pankaj Bharti, Faculty at EDII, is the camp leader and can be reached at pbharti@ediindia.org / camps@ediindia.org.

Inauguration Of IIIT-Bangalore As Lead Knowledge Institution Under The NITI Aayog's State Support Mission

IIIT-Bangalore has been nominated as one of the Lead Knowledge Institutions (LKIs) of NITI Aayog under the State Support Mission (SSM). The inauguration marking IIIT-Bangalore’s role as one of the LKIs was held on April 10, 2026 at IIIT-Bangalore.

Prof. Debabrata Das welcomed the dignitaries on behalf of the institute. IIIT-Bangalore, as one of the Lead Knowledge Institutions, was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, K. S. Rejimon, Joint Secretary and Mission Director – State Support Mission, NITI Aayog.

S. Kalal, Director – State Support Mission, NITI Aayog, elaborated on the vision and objectives of the initiative and the broader mandate of NITI Aayog. He also welcomed IIIT-Bangalore as one of the Lead Knowledge Institutions under the State Support Mission.

The State Support Mission is an umbrella initiative by NITI Aayog aimed at fostering structured and institutionalised engagement with States and Union Territories. Its primary objective is to support them in achieving their socioeconomic goals by 2047. The mission is strategically designed to assist States and UTs in developing data-driven roadmaps aligned with national priorities and their unique strengths.

As one of the Lead Knowledge Institutions, IIIT-Bangalore will contribute to building capabilities in evidence-based policymaking, leveraging its expertise in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence to support governance and development outcomes.

"LKIs are collaborating with States in critical areas such as governance reforms, sectoral strategies, innovation frameworks and capacity building. Collaborations between Lead Knowledge Institutions, States and NITI Aayog, will mobilize domain expertise bringing to the fore their complementing competencies for achieving larger socio-economic growth objectives” said Mr. K. S. Rejimon, Joint Secretary & Mission Director - State Support Mission, NITI Aayog

"Today’s event is important as it reflects a shift towards more structured partnerships between government and knowledge institutions.Another important aspect is the need to build a wider ecosystem. Knowledge institutions can play a role in connecting academia, students and practitioners with public policy challenges. This helps in bringing new ideas and practical solutions into governance" said Mr. S. Kalal, Director - State Support Mission, NITI Aayog

“The inauguration of IIIT-Bangalore as a Lead Knowledge Institute under NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission marks a critical step in bridging the gap between computational research and impactful public policy. As Data Science and AI researchers, we are uniquely positioned to tackle complex, large-scale challenges to support governance frameworks driven by evidence and data-driven interventions.

Central to this research mission is the development of an intervention science for complex systems. Societal systems are often characterized by intricate interdependencies where a single change can trigger cascading side-effects or unexpected trade-offs. Our work goes beyond traditional predictive modeling; we are building the frameworks to represent, reason about, and model the stability of these interventions, ensuring that our technical support translates into sustained, positive outcomes for the State Support Mission.” said Prof. Srinath Srinivasa, Dean R&D, IIIT-Bangalore.

“At IIIT-Bangalore, we believe that technology can play a transformative role in governance. IIIT Bangalore being a Lead Knowledge Institution with NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission, we are committed to supporting states through data-driven policy research and advanced analytics. By leveraging our expertise in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, we aim to enable possible actionable insights and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development,” said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore.

The inauguration marks an important milestone in IIIT-Bangalore’s role as a Lead Knowledge Institution under the State Support Mission of NITI Aayog, reinforcing its commitment to supporting data-driven and evidence-based governance.

India Must Expect Geopolitical Disruptions Every 1–2 Years, Good Time To Take Hard Decisions: Neelkanth Mishra

* As West Asia pauses, the economist says volatility is now structural, not episodic, and India should use this moment to hard‑wire resilience into growth.

India should brace for geopolitical disruptions every one to two years and use the current pause in tensions to push through long‑pending structural reforms, Axis Bank chief economist Neelkanth Mishra said at Kotak Private Banking’s Take and Counter Take (TACT). Speaking at the invitation‑only forum curated by Kotak Private, Mishra argued that while immediate fears of escalation have receded following calls for a two‑week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, the broader cycle of shocks is unlikely to end.

“This is part of a grand war between America and China,” Mishra said at the session, moderated by Kotak Asset Management managing director Nilesh Shah. “Until those equations settle, we should expect disruptions every one to two years.” The lesson for India, he added, is not to wait for stability, but to build resilience into the economy while growth conditions still allow for hard decisions.

Mishra focused on what he described as the second‑order effects of conflict, arguing that wars hurt less through headlines and more through supply chains. “This is bad for India, but it is terribly bad for the world,” he said. Disruptions to energy, chemicals, fertilisers, logistics and aviation, he warned, can quietly stall production far from the battlefield. If four percent of global energy flows are disrupted, Mishra said, “it effectively means four percent of global GDP is taken out,” even before spillovers into tourism, manufacturing and trade finance are felt.

‘Feels like 1989-93, but India better prepared’

Despite that, Mishra struck a notably steady tone on India’s preparedness. Compared with past episodes of global stress, he said, India is entering this phase with stronger buffers. “Compared to any other time in our history, we are much better prepared to deal with this,” he said, recalling a conversation with a senior policymaker who likened today’s environment to the turbulent 1989–93 period. The difference now, Mishra noted, lies in deeper capital markets, more robust external balances and greater policy credibility.

Crucially, Mishra argued that the pain now visible across markets and supply chains makes the current moment unusually conducive to reform. “This is very painful for the world,” he said, “but it will end.” When it does, he added, economic momentum will return and countries that acted during the slowdown will emerge stronger. Waiting for calm before acting, he cautioned, would be a mistake.

He singled out electrification as a strategic priority, noting that India remains far more vulnerable to oil and gas shocks than peers because too little end‑use energy consumption is electric. Accelerating electrification, combined with better energy pricing, would reduce exposure to geopolitics while improving efficiency, he said. Housing and urban infrastructure were also areas where policy could move decisively, creating domestic demand that is largely insulated from global volatility.

‘Take tough decisions now’

Tourism and services reform featured prominently in Mishra’s recommendations. India, he said, has “some of the most expensive tourism in the world,” driven in part by restrictive zoning and floor‑space norms. Relaxing hotel FSI and improving urban capacity would lower costs, raise competitiveness and create employment at scale. “It’s only when our backs are to the wall that we take tough decisions,” he said, arguing that reform windows rarely announce themselves more clearly.

While Mishra addressed economic resilience, fellow panellist Major Gaurav Arya focused on security risks, warning of increased terror incidents and calling for higher defence spending. Shah tied the two strands together, underscoring that growth, security and reform are no longer separable conversations.

The ceasefire may offer temporary relief, Mishra suggested, but not complacency. “This phase will pass,” he said. “The question is whether we use it.”

Major Gaurav Arya Picks His Winner From The West Asia Conflict — And It’s Not Iran, America,Or Israel

* Former army officer argues Beijing is quietly cashing in on chaos, and India must ramp up defence spends to 3.5% of GDP to keep up

The real winner of the West Asia conflict is China, Major Gaurav Arya said at Kotak Private Banking’s Take and Counter Take (TACT), arguing that Beijing is extracting strategic gains without firing a shot. Speaking at the invitation-only forum curated by Kotak Private, Arya told the audience that while attention remains fixed on Israel, Iran and the United States, China is accruing advantage quietly and methodically. “Everyone is looking at Israel, Iran and the United States,” he said, “but the country that actually benefits is China.” The conflict, he added, fits into a longer, colder struggle in which China exploits instability to weaken rivals, tighten its grip over energy routes, and stretch Western focus across too many theatres at once.

That advantage, Arya warned during the TACT session moderated by Kotak AMC managing director Nilesh Shah, exposes India’s own vulnerabilities. China, he said, has spent three decades building manufacturing scale, logistics depth and military capacity without distraction, while India has relied too heavily on goodwill and moral positioning. “They kept quiet, they kept building their economy, and one day people woke up to realise they had the biggest navy in the world,” Arya said. For India, the implication was blunt. “You need massive manufacturing at a massive level,” he said, adding that without industrial scale, military ambition and strategic autonomy remain slogans rather than capability.

The second edition of Take and Counter Take paired Arya with economist Neelkanth Mishra to examine whether India’s growth story can remain resilient amid geopolitical shocks. Shah steered the discussion away from headlines and towards consequence, pressing the panel on what prolonged conflict means for capital flows, supply chains, security and state capacity. Mishra set the economic frame, arguing that India is better prepared today than in past crises, while Arya focused on the security externalities that balance sheets and market models tend to underweight.

‘India must brace for more terror attacks’

Those externalities, Arya said, will not stay confined to West Asia. He was unequivocal on blowback. “There will be 100% more terror attacks,” he said. “Lone wolf attacks, sleeper cells — in India, in Europe, in America. This is inevitable.” Modern wars, he argued, do not end at borders but diffuse through networks, ideology and proxies, pulling distant countries into the arc of violence whether they choose it or not.

For India, that reality sharpens the case for hard choices at home. Arya returned repeatedly to defence expenditure, calling current levels inadequate for the risks ahead. “If the Prime Minister asked me for one recommendation, it would be this,” he said. “Defence has to be at 3.5% of GDP. There is no other way.” Moral authority, he added, does not substitute for deterrence. “There is no friendship without fear,” Arya said, arguing that the ability to project power — economic, diplomatic and military — determines whether a country shapes events or absorbs their fallout.

His warning circled back to China. Beijing, Arya said, is willing to absorb pain, invest patiently and exploit asymmetry, whether through choke points, supply chains or proxy conflict. India, by contrast, still treats strength as episodic rather than systemic. “China will not let you survive by goodwill alone,” he said. “They respect power. That power comes from industry, from defence manufacturing, from economic strength.”

India, Arya said, still has the window to act, provided it aligns growth, manufacturing and security as parts of the same strategy. The West Asia conflict, in his telling, is less a distant war than a rehearsal for the kind of disorder that will define the coming decade. “The world is not structured anymore,” he said. “If you are not prepared, you will pay the price.”

Tata Motors Delivers First Batch Of Electric Prima E.55S To BillionE Mobility; Advances Zero‑Emission Freight Transport

*Announces order of 250 additional Prima E.55S electric prime movers

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today began deliveries of the Prima E.55S electric prime movers to BillionE Mobility. The company also announced an order win for 250 additional electric prime movers, signalling growing momentum in zero‑emission heavy‑duty freight transport. The fleet will be delivered in a phased manner and deployed across key freight corridors in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi NCR and Haryana, supporting long‑haul movement of steel, cement and other industrial goods.

The first batch of trucks was handed over in the presence of Mr. Girish Wagh, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Motors Ltd.; Mr. Kartikey Hariyani, Founder, BillionE Mobility and ChargeZone; and Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., along with senior leadership teams from both organisations.

Receiving the e-trucks, Mr. Kartikey Hariyani, Founder of BillionE & ChargeZone and Mr. Sanjeev Kulkarni, CEO, BillionE Mobility, said, “Our focus at Billion Electric Mobility is on building electric commercial vehicle solutions that can be deployed reliably, and at scale across real freight operations for inter-city routes. We are entering into a strategic partnership with Tata Motors as we aim to accelerate our commitment for systematic large-scale acquisition and month on month planned pipeline for deployment 6 to 18 months targeting 1,500 units of heavy‑duty logistics in India. The Tata Prima E.55S delivers the performance, reliability and operational efficiency required for intensive logistics solutions across various applications. We are pleased to induct Prima E.55S 450kWh, India’s largest in-class battery capacity of 450 kWh to enhance our long-haul logistics capabilities.”

Sharing his perspective, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “Electric trucking scales when vehicles are built for real operating conditions—duty cycles, uptime, energy efficiency and total cost of ownership. Developed with this application‑led approach, the Prima E.55S brings together India’s first high‑performance e‑axle, an advanced battery management system and dual charging ports, supported by a segment‑leading 450 kWh battery pack designed for extended range and demanding duty cycles. These technologies translate into strong performance, higher uptime and lower operating costs, enabling customers to achieve faster payback. Our close collaboration with BillionE Mobility has ensured alignment across the vehicle and the supporting ecosystem, enabling dependable electric operations across key freight corridors.”

The Tata Prima E.55S, part of the extensive Tata Trucks.EV range, is built on i-MoEV – Tata Motors’ advanced electric vehicle architecture – and features a full‑electric drivetrain with an integrated e‑axle and regenerative braking. Powered by a 450kWh battery pack, the truck offers a range of up to 350 km on a single charge. Key features include a 3‑speed Auto Shift transmission, dual‑gun fast‑charging capability, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies such as Driver Monitoring System, Lane Departure Warning, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Cruise Control, Electronic Braking System, and optional ADAS. The premium Prima cabin is designed to enhance driver comfort and productivity, supporting efficient long‑haul operations.

Tata Motors continues to advance future‑ready mobility solutions across multiple alternative fuel technologies, including battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion and hydrogen fuel cell. The company offers one of India’s most comprehensive portfolios of alternate‑fuel commercial vehicles spanning small commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and vans. This is supported by end‑to‑end vehicle lifecycle solutions under its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative and a nationwide service network of over 3,200 touchpoints, delivering dependable performance and maximum uptime for customers.

About BillionE Mobility

Since 2024, Billion Electric Mobility - is one of India’s fastest growing e-MaaS (e-mobility as a service) company with more than 125+ EV trucks plying on its network. So far Billion Electric has achieved commercial deliveries for a total of 30,00,000 kms in terms of clean energy kilometres and has indigenously built its advanced tech-driven fleet management system and integrated EV charging capabilities. As part of the BillionE Platform across renewable energy, CHARGE ZONE (for EV charging) and mobility, Billion Electric Mobility continues to deliver on its commitment to make environment pollution free and help India to build upon its energy security while helping Indian corporates achieve their sustainability goal.

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.

Tata AIA Life Insurance Launches Student-Focused Term Plan To Protect Families From Education Loan Burdens

The pursuit of higher education is increasingly becoming a reality for students in India and across the globe. Further, many of them are turning to education loans to fund their academic ambitions.

While these loans open doors to better career opportunities, they also bring with them a significant financial responsibility. Typically, education loans begin repayment once the student graduates and secures employment. But what happens if the student is no longer around to meet that commitment? The burden then falls on the family, creating financial distress during an already challenging time.

To address this concern, Tata AIA Life Insurance has introduced its Student-Focused Term Insurance, a new offering as an additional feature under the company’s flagship Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise. This innovative solution ensures that families are financially protected from the impact of education loan repayments if the student is unable to fulfil the obligation due to untimely demise. More information about the solution is available at tataaia.com.

With this protection, students can focus on their studies while families have peace of mind knowing they won’t be left with the burden of the loan in the event of an unfortunate incident.

A Comprehensive Solution for Education Loan Protection

As more students rely on education loans to finance their academic journey, the risk of unforeseen events impacting loan repayment has become a growing concern. Education loans are generally repaid once the student completes the education and starts earning. In case of untimely death of the student, the onus to repay comes on the family. Tata AIA Life Insurance’s Student-Focused Term Insurance offers a solution by safeguarding the family from this financial strain.

This plan is also available in case no education loan has been taken. In such a scenario, the life cover is assessed based on the parent’s eligibility, ensuring the child remains insured and providing broader protection. Additional details regarding eligibility and coverage can also be explored on tataaia.com.

Speaking about this new offering, Sanjay Arora, Chief of Operations, at Tata AIA Life Insurance, stated, “Education is one of the most valuable investments families make today. With the increasing number of students pursuing higher education, both in India and internationally, education loan repayments are a growing financial responsibility. Our Student Protection Term Plan allows students to focus on their academic goals, while providing families the financial security they need in case something unforeseen happens.”

With the Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise, this protection ensures families are prepared for any financial uncertainties while students continue their education with a sense of security.

Key Features of the Tata AIA Student Protection Term Plan

Eligibility: Students aged 18 to 25 years

Education Requirement: The student must be enrolled in a recognized educational course, either in India or abroad

Maximum Life Cover: Up to ₹2 Crore, or the sanctioned education loan amount (whichever is lower), or 50% of the parent’s insurance eligibility

Policy Tenure: Up to 10 years

An All-Inclusive Protection Plan

The Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise isn’t just a basic term insurance plan—it’s a comprehensive solution that offers large coverage amounts at affordable premiums. It also comes with flexible payout options and rider benefits, ensuring financial continuity for the family during difficult times.

Eligibility Documents

To apply for this plan, the following documents will be required:

College admission proof along with fee receipts

Fee schedule for the entire course duration

Education loan sanction letter (if applicable)

If no loan is taken, parents’ income proof for the last three years, with life cover assessed at 50% of the parent’s insurance eligibility

This offering not only addresses the increasing need for education loan protection but also promotes early financial planning for young adults. It reflects Tata AIA Life Insurance’s ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers, particularly with regard to the growing demand for financial protection linked to education financing.

Learn More

To learn more about the Tata AIA Student Protection Term Plan and other protection solutions, visit tataaia.com.

Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise is a non-linked, non-participating individual life insurance protection product designed to provide financial protection to loved ones in case of unforeseen events.

* Sampoorna Raksha Promise: A Non Linked, Non Participating, Pure Risk, Individual Life Insurance Product UIN(110N176V11)
Disclaimer:

· This product is underwritten by Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Ltd.

· Premium is subject to applicable taxes, cesses & levies which will be entirely borne/paid by the Policyholder, in addition to the payment of such Premium.

· Rider is not mandatory and is available for a nominal extra cost. For more details on benefits, premiums, and exclusions under the Rider, please contact Tata AIA Life's Insurance Advisor/ branch.

· No Goods and Service Tax shall be applicable on Individual life insurance products as per prevailing laws. Tax laws are subject to amendments from time to time. If any imposition (tax or otherwise) is levied by any statutory or administrative body under the Policy, Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited reserves the right to claim the same from the Policyholder.   

Your Home Has A Dirty Secret. It's In The Air

Indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. For most Indian families, this comes as a surprise and the air circulating through their homes may be quietly undermining their health.

Everyday indoor environments carry fine dust, allergens, cooking emissions, smoke particles, and chemical pollutants that accumulate silently over time. Unlike outdoor smog, these contaminants are invisible. There are no warning signs, no alerts. What they leave behind is a pattern of symptoms such as persistent coughing, irritated eyes, chronic fatigue, frequent headaches; that most people attribute to seasonal changes or passing infections, never connecting them to the air in their own living rooms.

Dr. Anil Kumar, Eureka Forbes underscores the urgency: "Indoor air pollution is not always perceptible, but its long-term effects are measurable. Sustained exposure to fine particles and airborne pollutants can affect respiratory strength, sleep quality, and overall vitality. Advanced air purification systems act as a preventive layer of protection, helping families maintain healthier indoor environments."

The health implications extend well beyond respiratory discomfort. Prolonged exposure to polluted indoor air can suppress the body's production of antibodies, the proteins responsible for identifying and neutralising threats. Over time, this may also compromise immune memory, the mechanism by which the body recognises and responds to infections it has previously encountered, including those targeted by vaccines. While children, the elderly, and pregnant women carry the greatest risk, no member of a poorly ventilated household is entirely unaffected.

Common instinctive remedies offer less protection than most assume. In urban settings, opening windows can introduce more pollutants than it removes, drawing in particulate matter from traffic and construction activity. Indoor plants may enhance a room's aesthetic, but are unable to capture airborne particles at any meaningful scale. Nor does the problem subside with the seasons, cooking emissions, cleaning agents, and settled dust are year-round contributors to declining indoor air quality.

The clinical evidence is clear: HEPA air purifiers significantly reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations, which in turn helps lower dependence on allergy medication. These systems work by drawing contaminated air through a layered filtration process a pre-filter for dust and hair, a HEPA filter that captures particles as small as 0.1 microns, an activated carbon layer to neutralise odours and volatile organic compounds, and plasma technology in advanced models to eliminate bacteria and viruses. When placed correctly — elevated, centrally positioned, and free from obstructions, a well-matched purifier can sustain consistently cleaner air across an entire room.

Clean indoor air is no longer a lifestyle upgrade. For families living in India's cities, it is fast becoming a fundamental health requirement.

Axis Mutual Fund Introduces Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund

(An open‑ended index fund tracking the Nifty India Defence TRI)

The fund aims to capture India’s structural defence growth opportunities

Axis Mutual Fund, one of India’s leading asset management companies, launches its new fund offering – Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund – an open-ended Index Fund that invests in the constituents of Nifty India Defence TRI. The NFO will open for subscription on 10th April, 2026 and close on 24th April, 2026. The Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund aims to provide returns, before expenses, that closely correspond to the performance of the Nifty India Defence Total Return Index (TRI), subject to tracking error. The fund offers investors a low-cost solution that is systematic and transparent way to participate in the long‑term structural opportunity emerging from rising global defence spending, India’s accelerating defence modernisation, and the government’s strong push toward domestic manufacturing and exports.

Why the Defence Sector?

Globally, defence spending has been on a sustained rise, crossing USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, driven by increasing geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and the transition towards a multipolar world order. This structural shift has led to heightened and sustained investments in military capabilities across developed and emerging economies. India is also participating meaningfully in these trends, supported by higher budgetary allocations for the modernisation of defence capabilities, policy reforms that encourage greater private‑sector participation, enhanced foreign direct investment limits, and a strong emphasis on expanding defence exports.

India’s defence budget has grown nearly 2.7 times since FY14, reaching approximately ₹6.8 lakh crore in FY26, underscoring the government’s long‑term commitment to strengthening defence capabilities. At the same time, domestic defence production has nearly doubled over the past five years, with official targets to double again by 2029. Defence exports have also scaled rapidly, rising from under ₹2,000 crore in FY17 to over ₹23,000 crore in FY25, reflecting increasing global acceptance of Indian defence platforms and systems.

Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund

The Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund by replicating the underlying index, aims to track a focused basket of companies that derive a meaningful portion of their revenues from defence‑related activities. The underlying index includes companies engaged in aerospace and defence equipment, shipbuilding, explosives, and allied services, selected through defined eligibility criteria and weighted by free‑float market capitalisation with appropriate caps. The index is rebalanced semi‑annually, ensuring discipline and transparency.

Commenting on the launch, B. Gopkumar, MD & CEO, Axis AMC, said, “India’s defence sector is undergoing a multi‑year transformation, supported by rising budgets, strong policy intent, and expanding export opportunities. Through the Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund, we are offering investors a low‑cost, rules‑based way to participate in this structural growth theme. This fund is well‑suited for investors with a long‑term perspective who are looking to align their portfolios with India’s strategic and manufacturing priorities.”

Key attributes of the fund:

India’s defence sector is witnessing a structural upcycle, driven by rising domestic defence spending, a strong policy push under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and accelerating defence exports from a lower base. The global shift towards a multipolar world order is further supporting sustained defence expenditure, creating long‑term opportunities for Indian defence companies even as recent market corrections have made valuations relatively more attractive.

The fund will be managed by Nandik Mallik and Rohit Gautam, and follows a passive investment approach, eliminating fund‑manager bias while offering diversification across leading defence‑focused companies. Given the thematic nature of the sector, investors should expect higher volatility in the short to medium term and are encouraged to consider this fund as a long‑term allocation, preferably through systematic investment plans.

Bhima Gold Unveils Ashtalakshmi Coin Collection For Akshaya Tritiya, Blending Devotion with Exquisite Design

A culturally rooted, insight-led launch that reimagines festive gold buying through storytelling, symbolism, and spiritual relevance.

In a move that blends cultural storytelling with product innovation, Bhima Gold has unveiled its Ashtalakshmi Coin Collection for Akshaya Tritiya - positioning gold not just as a purchase, but as a deeply symbolic expression of prosperity, faith, and intent.

Timed with one of India’s most significant gold-buying occasions, Akshaya Tritiya, the launch reflects a deeper cultural shift in consumer behaviour. While the festival continues to drive strong purchase intent, there is a growing preference for meaningful, purpose-led buying experiences over purely transactional consumption.

Aligned with this evolving mindset, the Ashtalakshmi coin collection has been thoughtfully conceptualised to blend tradition with deeper symbolism. Inspired by the eight sacred forms of Goddess Lakshmi, each coin represents a distinct dimension of prosperity—from wealth and nourishment to courage, knowledge, and continuity.

By bringing together Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi, the collection reframes gold coins from being a generic festive purchase to a story-driven, culturally immersive product experience - one that resonates across generations and belief systems.

This launch also aligns with Bhima Gold’s larger centenary narrative of “Together Purever,” which focuses on legacy, shared traditions, and evolving consumer meaning. The collection becomes an extension of that philosophy - reinforcing how heritage brands are reinterpreting tradition for a more aware and emotionally driven consumer.

Customers can pre-book their favorite jewellery by paying just 10% in advance & get their jewellery on Akshaya Tritiya at the lowest rate which gives customers more flexibility and helps them plan their purchases with greater confidence, especially at a time when gold prices are high.

Akshaya Tritiya has traditionally been associated with intention, belief, and the aspiration for prosperity, extending beyond a purely transactional act of buying gold. The Ashtalakshmi Coin Collection has been conceptualised to reflect this deeper cultural and spiritual significance, with each coin designed to carry a distinct meaning and sense of purpose. The initiative also aligns with evolving consumer preferences, where there is a noticeable shift towards jewellery that offers emotional, cultural, and spiritual resonance in addition to intrinsic value.

With gold prices near record highs and consumer sentiment becoming more considered, Bhima’s Ashtalakshmi Coin Collection signals a broader shift in the category — from price-led promotions to meaning-led engagement, where design, storytelling, and cultural relevance drive both differentiation and demand.

As legacy brands navigate a new era of conscious consumption, Bhima Gold’s latest offering highlights how tradition can be reimagined as experience, making gold buying not just an act of investment, but an expression of identity and belief.

Axis Bank Partners With FHRAI To Strengthen Banking Support For India’s Hospitality Sector

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), one of the country’s apex hospitality industry bodies.

The MoU, signed in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations, enables Axis Bank to engage more closely with FHRAI’s extensive member base across the country, strengthening collaboration with hospitality businesses across segments and geographies.

Under the partnership, Axis Bank will offer a suite of banking and transaction solutions designed to address the specific needs of businesses across the tourism and hospitality ecosystem. These include a specialized current account proposition with transaction banking benefits such as concessions on POS rentals, cash management services, and payment solution setup fees. Additionally, FHRAI members may get access to customised financial offerings, subject to eligibility and business requirements.

Commenting on the partnership, Vijay Shetty, President & Head – Commercial Banking Group, Axis Bank, said, "The hospitality sector continues to witness sustained underlying demand, driven by rising income levels, domestic travel, government focus, and improving infrastructure. At Axis Bank, we are deepening our focus on this sector through a more ecosystem-led approach. Our partnership with FHRAI is a step towards engaging more meaningfully with the industry and delivering relevant, sector-aligned financial solutions. Axis Bank and FHRAI also look forward to exploring opportunities for engagements through future FHRAI engagements, with a focus on mutual value creation.”

Speaking on the development, Mr. Sreekesh P, Executive Vice President & Regional Branch Banking Head North 3 said, “The hospitality ecosystem, particularly across Uttar Pradesh, presents a diverse and dynamic opportunity spanning hotels, banquet operators, caterers, and allied segments. Through this collaboration with FHRAI, we see an opportunity to strengthen our on-ground engagement with businesses and build deeper relationships by driving consistent engagement with the sector.”

Sharing his perspective on the partnership, Mr. Surendra Jaiswal, President, FHRAI, said: “We are pleased to partner with Axis Bank in strengthening engagement between the banking and hospitality sectors. As the industry continues to evolve, access to relevant and sector-aligned financial solutions will be important for our members. This collaboration is expected to facilitate greater awareness, access, and engagement opportunities for hospitality businesses across the country.”

As part of this engagement, Axis Bank also participated in FHRAI’s Wedding & MICE Tourism Conclave at Lucknow, where it showcased its sector focused capabilities through a targeted presentation and on ground presence.

With this MoU, Axis Bank reiterates its commitment to supporting the hospitality sector through a comprehensive suite of banking solutions, including term loans and working capital support, structured financing, and dedicated relationship management. The collaboration aims to deepen ecosystem engagement and enable the delivery of solutions aligned with sector needs, particularly for smaller establishments navigating cost fluctuations and scaling opportunities.

About FHRAI:

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) is the apex body and the unified voice of the Indian hospitality industry, representing over 1,00,000 hotels and 5,00,000 restaurants across the country. Established in 1955, FHRAI has played a pivotal role in promoting and protecting the interests of the hospitality sector and has consistently partnered with both the central and state governments in advancing tourism development and strengthening the industry’s contribution to the national economy.

About Axis Bank:

Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. It has 6,110 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 12,838 ATMs and cash recyclers spread across the country as on 31st December 2025. The Bank’s Axis Virtual Centre is present across eight centres with 1,582 Virtual Relationship Managers as on 31st December 2025. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A. TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund and Axis Bank Foundation.

For more information, visit the website: https://www.axis.bank.in/   

Godrej Properties Achieves Its Highest Ever Bookings, Collections, Operating Cash Flow, & Business Development In FY2026

Key Highlights:

GPL is India’s largest residential developer by booking value for the third consecutive financial year*

Booking value grew 16% to INR 34,171 crore in FY2026 and has grown at a 3-Year CAGR of 41%. This is the highest booking value ever reported by an Indian real estate developer in a financial year.*

Collections grew by 17% to INR 19,965 crore in FY2026 and has grown at a 3-year CAGR of 30%. This is the highest collections ever reported by an Indian real estate developer in a financial year.*

· Direct construction spend increased by 62% in FY2026.

Operating Cash flow increased by 5% to INR 7,830 crore in FY2026 and has grown at a 3-year CAGR of 30%.

Added INR 42,100 crore of future sales potential through portfolio additions in FY2026, achieving over 200% of guidance and delivering YoY growth of 59%

Delivered projects aggregating 12.1 million sq. ft. in FY2026 achieving 121% of guidance.

(*Basis the results announced till date)

Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) (scrip id: GODREJPROP), a leading national real estate developer, announced key operational updates for Q4 and FY2026.

· Godrej Properties delivers its highest ever quarterly and full year bookings.

o FY2026 booking value grew 16% YoY to INR 34,171 crore. This was achieved through the sale of 17,515 units with a total area of 27 million sq. ft., a YoY volume growth of 5%. This is the highest ever full year booking value and volume announced by any listed real estate developer in India to date.

o GPL has achieved 105% of its annual guidance for booking value for FY2026.

o Booking value has grown at a CAGR of 41% in the past 3 years.

o The company’s sales were well diversified geographically, with key contributions from major residential markets: MMR (INR 10,313 crore), Bengaluru (INR 8,802 crore), NCR (INR 7,410 crore), Pune (INR 3,659 crore), Hyderabad (INR 2,360 crore) and Others (INR 1,627 crore).

o 2 zones of GPL i.e. South Zone (Bengaluru, Hyderabad & Chennai) and Mumbai Zone (Mumbai & Indore) crossed INR 11,000 crores booking value for the first time.

o This performance was driven by a broad and diversified portfolio, with 11 individual projects across 6 cities each generating booking value of more than INR 1,000 crore during the year.

o Q4FY2026 booking value was the highest quarterly bookings ever by GPL equaling the previous best ever quarter in Q4 FY 2025 and growing 21% QoQ to INR 10,163 crores. This was achieved through the sale of 4,791 units with a total area of 7.26 million sq. ft.

o This is the 5th consecutive quarter in which GPL has delivered more than INR 7,000 crores of booking value and 11th consecutive quarter in which GPL has delivered more than INR 5,000 crore of booking value.

o FY2026 is the 9th consecutive year in which GPL has delivered growth in booking value.

· Highest ever quarterly and full year collections & Operating cash flow (OCF)

o Q4FY2026 collections stood at INR 7,947 crore representing a YoY growth of 14% over its previous best ever quarter and QoQ growth of 86%. This is the highest ever quarterly collections reported by any real estate developer in India to date.

o FY2026 collections stood at INR 19,965 crore representing a YoY growth of 17%. This is the highest annual collections reported by any listed real estate developer in India to date

o GPL has achieved 95% of its annual guidance for collections for FY2026.

o Collections have grown at a CAGR of 30% in the last 3 years.

o Direct construction spend increased by 62% in FY2026.

o Q4FY2026 OCF stood at INR 4,631 crore representing a YoY growth of 14% over the previous best ever quarter and a QoQ growth of 336%. FY2026 OCF stood at INR 7,830 crore representing a YoY growth of 5%.

o OCF has grown at a CAGR of 30% in the last 3 years.

o Free cash flow (FCF) of INR 626 crores was generated in Q4FY2026, a 5% increase YoY.

· Best-ever year for business development

o GPL has added 18 new projects in FY2026 with a total estimated saleable area of approximately 33.32 million sq. ft. and total estimated booking value potential of ~INR 42,100 crore.

o This includes 6 new projects with a total estimated saleable area of approximately 11 million sq. ft. and an expected booking value of INR 17,450 crore added in Q4FY2026.

o This was GPL’s best ever year for business development, with expected booking value added more than double the initial guidance of adding INR 20,000 crore of booking value potential.

· Strong deliveries in Q4FY2026

o GPL has delivered 12.1 million sq. ft. of projects in FY2026 across 9 cities representing an achievement of 121% of its annual guidance for deliveries in FY2026. This includes 7.4 million sq. ft. of deliveries across 8 cities in Q4FY2026.

· Stake increase by promoters in GPL and in holding company GIL in FY2026

o Promoters have utilized the entire creeping acquisition limit by investing INR 2,674 crore to acquire a 5.0% stake in GPL in FY2026 at an average price 21% higher than the FY2026 financial year-end stock price. This included 4.5% stake acquired in Q4FY2026.

o Promoters also utilized entire creeping acquisition limit in GPL’s holding company, Godrej Industries Limited (GIL) by investing INR 1,896 crore to acquire a 5.0% stake in FY2026.

Commenting on the performance, Gaurav Pandey, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties, said: “GPL’s well rounded performance in FY2026 underscores the strength of demand for well-designed, high-quality homes in India’s major metropolitan markets. Our business development additions with a future booking value potential of over INR 42,000 crore in FY2026 will ensure that we continue to have a strong launch pipeline in the years ahead and the combined operating cash flow of over INR 15,000 crore we have generated in the past two financial years enables us to invest for growth while continuing to strengthen our balance sheet. We remain focused on building on this momentum in FY2027 through excellence in design, construction quality, timely delivery, sustainability, and innovation.”

About Godrej Properties Limited:

Godrej Properties brings the Godrej Industries Group philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate sector. Each Godrej Properties development combines a 129-year legacy of excellence and trust with a commitment to cutting-edge design, technology, and sustainability. In FY2025 & FY2026, Godrej Properties retained its position as India’s largest developer by the value of residential sales achieved. The company continues to remain deeply focused on sustainable development. In 2010, GPL committed that all of its developments would be third-party certified green buildings. In 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025, the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ranked GPL #1 globally amongst listed residential developers for its sustainability and governance practices, and as of December 31st, 2025, GPL was also ranked #1 globally in the Real Estate and Management sector on the S&P Global’s Dow Jones best in class indices. In recent years, Godrej Properties has received over 500 awards and recognitions, including Developer of the Year at the GRI India Awards, the Porter Prize, The Most Trusted Real Estate Brand in the Brand Trust Report, Builder of the Year at the CNBCAwaaz Real Estate Awards, and The Economic Times Best Real Estate Brand.   

Soi & Sake Brings Golden Dragon To Taj Bangalore, Bengaluru

A landmark of Chinese cuisine from Taj Coromandel presents its signature legacy through an exclusive pop-up at Taj Bangalore, Bengaluru

An iconic name in Chinese cuisine, Golden Dragon from Chennai arrives in Bengaluru for an exclusive three-day pop-up at Soi & Sake, Taj Bangalore. Bringing with it over four decades of culinary legacy, the experience showcases authentic Sichuan and Cantonese flavours, helmed by the master chefs from Chennai.

Blending timeless techniques with Soi & Sake’s contemporary setting, the pop-up presents a refined, high-energy dining experience centred around the essence of wok hei and classic flavour profiles.

Menu Highlights:

A Legacy of Spice: Showcasing the signature wok hei (breath of the wok), with ingredients such as Shaoxing wine, mala chilli oil, and fermented black beans

Signature Starters: Wok-smoked La Su Chicken with bird’s eye chilli and the classic Golden Dragon Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Seafood Specialties: Typhoon Shelter Prawns with roasted garlic and Hot Smoked Fish with green chilli and mint

Distinctive Broths: West Lake Lamb Soup with shiitake mushrooms, a refined Cantonese preparation

Venue: Soi & Sake

Dates: 16th – 18th April

Timings:
Lunch: 12:30 hrs – 15:30 hrs
Dinner: 18:30 hrs – 23:00 hrs

Pricing:
Vegetarian Set Menu: INR 4000 + taxes
Non-Vegetarian Set Menu: INR 5000 + taxes
À la carte available

Join us for an exclusive dining experience at Soi & Sake. For reservations, please call: +91 9148906663

BirlaNu Aerocon Unveils ‘The Elements Collection’: Where Structural Integrity Meets Timeless Elegance

BirlaNu, a global leader in innovative and sustainable home and building solutions, today announced launch of “The Elements Collection”. This curated range of designer cement boards under the BirlaNu Aerocon portfolio marks a significant evolution in architectural surfaces, bridging the gap between uncompromising performance and high-order aesthetics. Inspired by the primal forces of Earth, Water, and Air, the Elements Collection is a response to the evolving aspirations of the modern design community. In an era where "every home is a castle," BirlaNu recognizes that the surfaces defining our spaces must do more than endure; they must inspire.

A Collaboration in Vision

The development of the Elements Collection was guided by an extensive immersive with over 200 leading architects and interior designers. This collaborative process ensured that each pattern resonates with a "nature-positive" philosophy – offering textures that feel organic and eternal rather than merely decorative

The Language of Nature

The collection features nine distinct design expressions, each a study in structured elegance. From the fluid motion of Waves and Dew to the grounded strength of Boles and Slate, the range—including Pebbles, Petals, Roots, Vines, and Pine —allows for a modular approach to design. These variants are crafted to be used as singular statements or in bespoke combinations, offering a "world of possibilities" for feature walls, ceilings, and sophisticated cladding.

Performance as a Silent Promise

While the Elements Collection appeals to the aesthetic sensibilities of influencers and connoisseurs, it remains rooted in the "engineering excellence" that defines BirlaNu Aerocon. These designer boards offer:

Sophisticated Versatility: Seamlessly integrating into residential, commercial, and institutional masterworks.

Resilient Beauty: Termite, water, and fire resistance, ensuring that the "stories that last" are built on foundations of safety and durability.

Sustainable Innovation: Reflecting BirlaNu’s commitment to "shaping a new, sustainable world" through eco-friendly manufacturing and long-lasting quality.

"At BirlaNu, we believe that innovation is a celebration of human aspiration," says Y Srinivasa Rao, Chief Business Officer of Walls at BirlaNu. "The Elements Collection is more than a product range; it is an invitation to architects and homeowners to treat every surface as a canvas. By blending the strength of Aerocon with the poetry of the natural world, we are empowering our partners to create spaces that are as enduring as they are beautiful".

From Classrooms To Careers: Samsung Innovation Campus Certifies 5,000 Youth In Tamil Nadu For An AI-Driven Future

* Provided training in high-demand courses such as, AI, Coding, IoT and Big Data, designed to enhance employability

* Tamil Nadu accounts for 25% of 20,000 youth certified across India

Among the 5,000 youth in Tamil Nadu, 71% are women participants

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that 5,000 students in Tamil Nadu have been trained and certified under its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme, reinforcing its commitment to building a future-ready workforce and supporting the state’s growing electronics and innovation ecosystem.

SIC equips students with industry-relevant, future-tech skills across high-demand domains — Artificial Intelligence (2,200), Coding and Programming (1,700), Big Data (600) and Internet of Things (500) — enabling them to transition more effectively from education to employment. In addition, it focuses on soft skills to boost employability, combining technical training with modules on problem-solving, communication and workplace readiness.

Tamil Nadu accounts for nearly one-fourth of the 20,000 youth trained across India under the programme, underlining the state’s importance as a key hub for technology, manufacturing and skilled talent development. Notably, 71% of the participants in Tamil Nadu are women, reflecting strong progress in expanding access to technology education and enabling more women to participate in the digital economy.

Training and certification were conducted in collaboration with leading institutions across the state, including University of Madras, Anna University, Queen Mary’s College (Chennai), Mohamed Sathak AJ College of Engineering (Chennai), and KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology (Coimbatore).

“India’s growth story is being shaped by its young, skilled workforce, with Tamil Nadu playing a leading role in this transformation. As technology reshapes industries, the need for a future-ready workforce is more critical than ever. Building digital skills at scale, while ensuring inclusion, will be key to sustaining India’s growth momentum. As Samsung completes 30 years in India, we are enabling youth to develop capabilities aligned with the evolving needs of the global economy through Samsung Innovation Campus,” said Shubham Mukherjee, Head of CSR and Corporate Communications, Samsung Southwest Asia.

The programme continues to expand its reach, training and certifying 20,000 youth across the country. Nationally, SIC has witnessed around 48% women participation, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to building an inclusive and equitable technology ecosystem. The programme is implemented in collaboration with ESSCI and the TSSC through accredited training partners.

SIC, together with initiatives such as Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung DOST, is helping strengthen India’s digital skilling ecosystem—empowering young innovators to learn, build, and shape the future through technology. Marking 30 years in India, Samsung continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing education and digital inclusion.

Godrej Enterprises Group Contributes To India’s Civil Nuclear Journey With Critical Components For India’s First Fast Breeder Reactor

* This milestone strengthens India’s three-stage nuclear programme and advances energy self-reliance through indigenous engineering

India has taken a significant step forward in its civil nuclear programme with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieving criticality, marking progress into the next stage of its three-stage nuclear energy roadmap focused on long-term energy security and efficient fuel utilisation. The Precision Engineering business of Godrej Enterprises Group has contributed to this milestone by manufacturing and supplying the Large Rotating Plug (LRP), Small Rotating Plug (SRP), and the Sodium Pump Shaft.

These components combine large-scale fabrication with high-precision engineering. The rotating plugs, measuring up to 8 metres in diameter with a combined weight of nearly 120 tonnes, are designed to rotate 360 degrees and align with exact precision to enable fuel insertion into the reactor core. The 10-metre-long sodium pump shaft operates at over 500 RPM in a liquid sodium environment, requiring stringent control over balance, material integrity, and operational reliability. These components were designed and manufactured in India without any prior domestic reference, making this a first-time-right achievement for a first-of-its-kind application.

The execution of these systems involved overcoming multiple engineering challenges, including the development of specialised bearing systems, surface treatment processes for friction control, and gear systems designed to operate under stringent conditions, including seismic requirements. These solutions were developed and manufactured indigenously, reflecting strong in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The components are supplied to The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) a wholly owned Enterprise of Government of India.

The PFBR achieving criticality marks the culmination of a 22-year effort and a key step in India’s three-stage nuclear programme. Fast breeder reactors enable a closed fuel cycle by using plutonium from PHWRs and producing more fissile material, while also unlocking thorium utilisation. Typically, four PHWRs can fuel one fast breeder reactor. India currently operates 19 PHWRs, with 10 more 700 MWe units sanctioned. With ~846,000 tonnes of thorium reserves, this stage is critical to scaling domestic, low-carbon, and self-sustaining energy.

Godrej Enterprises Group continues to support India’s strategic and industrial capabilities through advanced engineering, delivering high-precision solutions across sectors that are critical to national development.

Celebrating Baisakhi With Timeless Flavours At Tamarind, Taj Bangalore

Marking the spirit of abundance and gratitude, Tamarind at Taj Bangalore, Bengaluru presents an elevated Baisakhi celebration that seamlessly blends cultural authenticity with refined luxury. Rooted in the essence of the harvest festival, the experience is thoughtfully curated around the theme of the “Golden Harvest”—a tribute to Punjab’s fertile fields and the joyous spirit of the season.

At the heart of the experience is a specially curated “Farm-to-Fine” set menu, celebrating the richness of Punjabi cuisine with a refined touch. Guests are welcomed with the “Lassi & Libations” selection, featuring Kesar Lassis and Masala Chaas, as the restaurant sets the mood with saffron accents, marigolds, and rustic wheat-inspired décor that evoke a warm, sunlit harvest setting.

The menu brings together regional favourites such as Amritsari Tawa Macchi, Lahori Chicken Tikka, Mutton Burra Kebabs, Patiala Murgh, and Mutton Rara, alongside comforting classics like Amritsari Chole and Sarson ka Saag, paired with Makke di Roti, Amritsari Kulche, and Phulkari Pulao, and rounded off with traditional Pinni Laddus—offering a wholesome and immersive festive experience.

Details
Venue: Tamarind, Taj Bangalore
Dates: 11th – 14th April 2026
Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: INR 3000 + taxes (Veg) || INR 3500+ taxes (Non-Veg) || À la carte selections available

Join us at Tamarind as we celebrate the season of abundance. For reservation, call: +91 9148906663. 

Tata Power Collaborates With Databricks To Build Future-Ready Data And AI Platform To Accelerate Energy Transition

Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies and a part of the Tata Group, today announced the enterprise-wide adoption of the Databricks platform to accelerate its data and AI transformation across all business clusters - driving enhanced operational efficiency, smarter decision-making, and scalable digital innovation.

As Tata Power advances its transformation in line with the energy transition - spanning renewable integration, smart grids, and an expanding B2C portfolio - the company is building a future-ready data and AI platform to power its next phase of growth. This unified platform will enable intelligent grid management, advanced power planning and optimisation, improved billing and collection efficiencies, accurate renewable forecasting, and operational excellence across solar manufacturing and rooftop businesses while delivering a seamless, single-view customer experience.

To support this vision, Tata Power is leveraging Databricks to establish a modern data foundation that goes beyond traditional warehouses and fragmented analytics systems. Designed to process data at scale and enable near real-time insights, it will also support advanced analytics, AI and agents - underpinned by the governance and security of the Databricks platform. With Databricks, Tata Power can unify data engineering, analytics, and AI on a single, scalable platform, integrating edge, operational, and enterprise data, eliminating silos, and accelerating insight-led decision-making across the organisation.

A key highlight of this transformation is the adoption of Genie, Databricks’ AI agent that lets any employee talk to their data and get trusted answers instantly. With its natural language interface, Genie redefines how organisations access enterprise data to quickly generate insights, dashboards, and analytics and make better decisions, faster.

Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power said, “This partnership with Databricks marks a key milestone in our journey to build a future-ready, intelligent energy ecosystem. By leveraging the power of data and AI , we are strengthening our digital foundation to drive smarter operations, accelerate renewable integration, and deliver more agile, customer-centric solutions while contributing to a resilient and sustainable power sector.”

Tata Power is reshaping customer energy behaviour across residential, commercial, and industrial segments - an essential lever in accelerating the energy transition. Customers are increasingly evolving into active energy participants, not just consumers, optimising their energy usage while contributing to greater grid flexibility, enhanced efficiency, and a more sustainable energy ecosystem.

“The energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, and data and AI is at the heart of that change. Together, Databricks and Tata Power are building a unified and scalable platform that brings together data, apps, analytics, and AI agents - enabling faster innovation and more resilient, data-driven energy systems. This empowers Tata Power to optimize energy distribution, and drive smarter, more sustainable decision-making at scale,” said Nick Eayrs, Vice President of Field Engineering for Asia Pacific and Japan at Databricks.

“Tata Power’s decision to standardize on Databricks underscores the growing importance of data and AI in transforming the energy sector. As they build a unified, enterprise-wide platform, we are excited to support their journey toward smarter, more efficient operations. This also reflects the strong momentum we are seeing in India, where enterprises are rapidly scaling AI to drive innovation and measurable outcomes,” said Kamalkanth Tummala, Managing Director for India at Databricks.

Tata Power aims to consolidate enterprise data on the Databricks platform, creating a strong foundation for new initiatives and next-generation AI applications. In the medium term, this future-ready platform will enable self-service analytics, “talk-to-data” capabilities, and the democratisation of data and AI - driving faster, insight-led decision-making across the organisation.

To bring this vision to life, Tata Power will build a robust data infrastructure by leveraging the platform’s capabilities, anchored by its internal Centre of Excellence and strengthened through a strategic partner ecosystem.

Your Water Purifier Is Only As Safe As The Filter Inside It

The silent rise of spurious filters and what every Indian household must verify today -  Dr.Anil Kumar, Scientist, Eureka Forbes

Most Indian families trust their water purifier to deliver safe drinking water. The appliance is installed, serviced periodically, and assumed to be doing its job.

But many households don’t realise a serious risk: the purifier may still be working, but the filter inside it may have been replaced with a spurious or low-grade substitute. The machine looks the same, water flows normally, yet filtration performance may be compromised.

Counterfeit and generic filters have rapidly spread through India’s unorganised service market. During routine servicing, genuine OEM filters are sometimes swapped for cheaper alternatives that fit the unit but fail to remove harmful contaminants effectively. The consumer often remains unaware.

Clarity is not a measure of safety. Water free of visible impurities can still carry pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants at concentrations that pose serious health risks. A spurious filter creates the appearance of protection while allowing the most harmful substances to pass through unchecked and that false assurance is often more dangerous than no filter at all.

Multiple studies across Indian cities have found drinking water samples exceeding permissible limits for contaminants such as nitrates, arsenic, and chemical pollutants. Even treated municipal water can pick up impurities while travelling through ageing pipelines. In this environment, a purifier is only as reliable as its filter.

Genuine vs spurious filters

Genuine Aquaguard Nanopore Long-Life Filters are designed to remove pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, viruses, and bacteria through precision-engineered pore structures.

Independent testing has shown that ordinary filters can lose performance rapidly, sometimes within months, allowing contaminants to pass through long before the consumer expects a replacement.

Signs your filter may be failing

· Metallic or musty taste in water

· Slower water flow

· Cloudy output

· Filter alerts ignored or reset without verified replacement

How to stay protected

· Ask to see the filter packaging before installation

· Check for Aquaguard branding and the unique QR code

· Scan the QR code to confirm authenticity

· Book service only through Eureka Forbes’ official app, website, or customer care

Spurious filters may cost less upfront, but they often stop working effectively much earlier, while households assume they are still protected. The difference in price is ultimately the cost of safety.

A water purifier protects your family only when it contains a verified, genuine filter installed by an authorised technician.

Insist on genuine.
Insist on authorised.
Insist on safety.

The Rameshwaram Cafe Launches A Temple For Food At Boomasandra In Bengaluru

By Manu Sharma

* The Cafe is now opening its new massive outlet on the Hosur road, Bommasandra from April 13, 2026

The Rameshwaram Café, is a premium, pure vegetarian South Indian chain of quick service restaurants (QSR). In its latest expansion, the cafe is opening a massive "Experience Centre" in Bommasandra, Hosur Road, which opens to the public on April 13, 2026. In a discussion with Manu Sharma, Senior Editor of Silicon Village India, Raghavendra Rao, a Serial Entrepreneur, Co-Founder and CEO of The Rameshwaram Cafe spoke on various aspects from his humble beginning, catering to celebrities and to the massive expansion plans in India and overseas. Excerpts

New Outlet Opens From April 13

Located on the Hosur Road, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bengaluru (near Narayana Health City). marks a significant milestone in India’s evolving dining landscape.

‘’For the first time, this will be a large format QSR, where we have dining space for about 150-200 customers. It took us about 2.5 years to build this massive structure, he says. Spread across an expansive 90,000 sq. ft., over 3 floors, the new outlet goes beyond conventional dining to offer an immersive, culturally rooted experience. Designed as a space where devotion meets dining, the restaurant integrates spiritual elements with hospitality, creating a unique destination for its customers’.

Unique Features of the Cafe

It is designed as a cultural destination featuring a goshala, temple-style ambiance, an amphitheater, and 24/7 service. Visitors are welcomed by the sprawling complex which is described as having "Temple-like" architecture, installations of Adi Yogi and Nandi, followed by the Devi Linga Bhairavi Temple within the premises. The space also features a towering Indian flag and a dedicated gowshala housing rare Punganuru breed cows, adding to its distinctive character.

The culinary journey is complemented by live counters inspired by Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatar, blending mythology with food presentation. At the centre is a large amphitheatre, highlighted by an intricate wooden carving of Lord Sri Venkateshwara, envisioned as a platform for cultural performances and artistic expression.

Rao goes on to indicate that when we launched our first outlet in the city, ‘’we witnessed the pain experienced by our customers’, the small outlets had few seating spaces and saw long queues outside waiting in the hot sun and rain. It's true that at the prime locations in the city, availability of land is very difficult. So after our 8th outlet, we decided to move to the outskirts of the city like this one on the Hosur Road. This is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 guests with extensive parking, aiming to manage large weekend crowds better than smaller outlets.In fact, this is spread over 1 acre of land and with another ½ acre at the back for huge parking space.’’

Despite being a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), formats, the Bommasandra outlet introduces a traditional sit-down dining experience. Guests are encouraged to remove footwear, cleanse their feet and dine on the floor with meals served on banana leaves, bringing ritual and mindfulness into the dining process,’’ he adds.

Unique Dishes Of South India

The Rameshwaram Cafe is renowned for its signature, ghee-drenched South Indian breakfast items, particularly the Ghee Podi Masala Dosa, Ghee Podi Idli and crispy Pudina Masala Dosa, Kesari bhaat fragrant with pineapple and saffron, khara bhaat (upma), ven pongal slick with ghee, Bisi bele bhaat with crispy boondi and raita on side, sweet pongal with jaggery, ghee pudi idli, Benne masala dosa, and lemon rice.

Among its must-try menu include: Ghee Podi Idli, Masala Dosa, Paddu, Filter Coffee, and unique additions like Strawberry Ice Cream with Falooda. Other desserts include pootharekulu — paper-thin rice sheets layered with jaggery, crushed dry fruits and a generous drizzle of ghee from Andhra— followed by filter coffee soft serve topped with a hot shot of decoction, their playful take on an affogato.

Why The Name Rameshwaram?

It was the dream of the founders to launch “The Rameshwaram Café” as a premium, pure vegetarian South Indian chain of quick service restaurants. The name ‘Rameshwaram’ was chosen by the founders to pay tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, as it was his birthplace. It holds true to its value of authenticity and the expansive flavours of South India. In the chaotic cacophony of extroverted leaders, Dr. Kalam led the nation with his patience, dedication, and charming old-school ways.

Humble Beginning

Raghavendra's career began with a desire to become an actor. He spent years apart from his family, surviving on temple offerings and odd occupations, due to rejection and suffering. He eventually went home and obtained an engineering degree, which he completed after ten years.

In 2012, amid struggles and financial uncertainty, ‘’I realized that I needed to take charge of my destiny. Fueled by enthusiasm and supported by friends, I embarked on a new venture by launching a small food cart on the streets. This marked the beginning of my journey in the hospitality industry.’’

His initial foray into the culinary world was a roadside kiosk that sold idlis and dosas at a park in Kumarapark West, Bengaluru.

‘’I borrowed Rs 2 lakh from friends and opened a roadside outlet in Kumara Park selling idli and dosa. Sales were decent; profits were not. “Everything went into running the eatery and keeping the municipality happy,” he remarked.

A 100 sq ft space in Gandhinagar followed, but he was forced out when the restaurant upstairs complained that his business was eating into theirs. Next came a 450 sq ft outlet in Nagarapet. Loyal customers began expressing interest in joining the business. In 2016, he moved into a 3,000 sq ft space and made them directors.

IDC Kitchen Venture

IDC Kitchen, short for "Idli, Dosa, Coffee," is a Bengaluru-based chain of vegetarian South Indian restaurants established in 2012 by founders Raghavendra Rao, Prashanth Raj, and Abhishek Baldota. Known for its hygienic, self-service format, it started as a single outlet before expanding, focusing on authentic Karnataka-style dishes.

He says, ‘’We experienced success and focused on serving high-quality, authentic South Indian breakfast staples in a hygienic, self-service setting and the chain expanded to over 15 outlets in Bengaluru and other cities, including Mumbai. ‘’But in 2014, I decided to exit this venture and moved on to start a similar new venture,’’ he remarked.

My Second Innings

Raghavendra Rao and his wife Divya Raghavendra Rao wanted to make authentic South Indian food accessible beyond Bengaluru and hence together they launched The Rameshwaram Cafe in 2021. It began as a modest Indiranagar outpost but quickly multiplied to outlests in JP Nagar (2021), Whitefield (2022), Rajajinagar (2023), Madhapur (2024). Last year, the original Indiranagar branch was expanded to 15,000 sq ft and they also opened another outlet at the Bengaluru airport.

“While I look after the kitchen and operations, my wife handles the finance aspects of business," Rao said with a smile. Honestly, I don’t understand business much. I’m all about customer relations.’’

Cafe Caters To Celebrity Weddings

The cafe catered to the wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai, serving South Indian delicacies at the Jio World Convention Centre. The cafe served food during high tea and dinner, featuring items like Coconut Puran Poli, Pesarattu Dosa, and Filter Coffee. Roa says the cafe was involved in catering for the pre-wedding, the haldi ceremony, and the second pre-wedding cruise. Some of the dishes included Coconut Puran Poli, Pesarattu Dosa, Thatte Idli, Bonda Soup, and their signature Filter Coffee. We can cater to about 20,000 people and the dishes were enjoyed by high-profile guests and stars like Rajinikanth. Also, during phase 2, the company plans to sell online through websites like Swiggy and Zomato.

Cafe’s Expansion Plans

Following its success in Bengaluru, the brand is expanding to other cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and planning international locations in Dubai. ‘’We now plan to open our Dubai over the next 6 months. This is going to be at Karama and will come up on a 10,000 sqft of built up space. Likewise, we have planned another outlet at Hennur in north Bengaluru over the next few months. ‘’All our outlets are on a franchisee model and have plans to go to the temple towns of Ayodhya, Varanasi and Shirdhi over the next few years. While these cafes’ are today seen as a success story, the journey to get here spans nearly 15 years of struggle and reinvention,’’ he concludes.