World Of Hyatt Expands HYROX Collaboration To India

* As the Official Regional Hotel Partner, World of Hyatt invites racers and spectators to extend race day into a race-cation with exclusive rates, in-hotel benefits, and recovery experiences

World of Hyatt, Hyatt’s award-winning loyalty program, today announces the expansion of its regional collaboration with HYROX Asia Pacific to include race cities in India. Building on its role as Official Regional Hotel Partner across Asia Pacific, the Hyatt race-cation experience will now be offered alongside HYROX events in key cities in India. As part of the India collaboration, Hyatt has also partnered with actor and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman, bringing together a shared passion for fitness, travel and active living as HYROX continues to grow its community in the country.

HYROX, one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness racing series, combines running with functional workout stations in a standardized global format. Each race challenges participants to push their limits and compete alongside athletes from around the world. With its rapid expansion globally and in the region, the inclusion of India races marks a significant milestone in the partnership.

Participating Hyatt hotels in race cities across India and Asia Pacific will offer prime proximity to race venues, exclusive room rates, athlete-focused amenities, recovery-driven facilities and services to support guests before, during, and after race day. With a full calendar of races across India in the 2025/2026 season, including in Delhi and Mumbai, racers and spectators may extend their race into a race-cation at distinctive stay options suited to their travel preferences.

"HYROX racers train hard and play hard. They're athletes who turn races into global adventures," said Tammy Ng, Vice President of Brand & Marketing, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. "Our race-cations make it easy for racers and spectators to build the journey around the race, recover well, and turn every race into a getaway.”

"India has quickly become one of HYROX's most energetic race communities, and our collaboration with World of Hyatt reflects the growing appetite for travel-connected fitness experiences," said Deepak Raj, Country Head, HYROX India. "The race-cation experience gives our athletes and spectators every reason to extend their stay, recover well and explore each host city beyond race day."

“Fitness has always been about more than a single race or finish line for me. It is about the entire journey - how you prepare, challenge yourself, recover and keep exploring,” said Milind Soman, actor and fitness enthusiast. “Partnering with World of Hyatt means racers across India can build their entire race weekend around performance and recovery, not just the finish line.”

The HYROX race-cation will offer:

Exclusive HYROX room rates: Extra 10% off Hyatt’s Member Rate for selected room types at participating Hyatt hotels

In-hotel benefits: 15% off on select F&B & spa treatments at participating outlets during stay, 1 complimentary bag of laundry (wash and fold)

In-room amenities: In-room HyEnergy Welcome, Sleep and HyRecovery post-race amenities, plus in-room ice bucket available upon request

Destination guide: Curated local insights to help guests explore race cities

Terms and conditions apply. The minimum length of stay is 1 night. Rate is only valid at participating hotels at race destination from 7 days before the race date, to 7 days after the race date. 1-night deposit is required at time of booking. Booking to be made directly on Hyatt.com and cancellation must be made at least 7 days prior to check‑in to avoid a 1‑night penalty. See Hyatt.com/hyroxoffer for details.

World of Hyatt Members can earn points and elite status qualification on qualifying stays and dining worldwide. Points can be used for free nights, suite upgrades, dining and experiences. Visit World.Hyatt.com for more on the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

Upcoming HYROX races in India:

New Delhi – July 24-26, 2026

Mumbai – September 17-20 2026

Full list of participating hotels:

Andaz Delhi, by Hyatt

Hyatt Centri Juhu Mumbai

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri

Grand Hyatt Mumbai

Hyatt Regency Delhi

Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon

Hyatt Place Gurgaon

Learn more and see full terms and conditions at Hyatt.com/hyroxoffer

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2026, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 83 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX®, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid® Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt is Hyatt’s award-winning guest loyalty program uniting participating locations in Hyatt’s Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX®, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid® Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principle Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Members who book directly through Hyatt channels can enjoy personalized care and access to distinct benefits including Guest of Honor, confirmed suite upgrades at time of booking, diverse wellbeing offerings, digital key, and exclusive member rates. With 66 million members and counting, World of Hyatt offers a variety of ways to earn and redeem points for hotel stays, dining and spa services, wellbeing focused experiences through the World of Hyatt FIND experiences platform; as well as the benefits of Hyatt’s strategic loyalty collaboration with American Airlines AAdvantage®. Travelers can enroll for free at hyatt.com, download the World of Hyatt app for android and IOS devices and connect with World of Hyatt on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

About HYROX

HYROX is a global ecosystem of events, training, and coaching designed to inspire and impact 100 million lives. Built around a unique race format of 8 x 1 km runs and 8 workout stations, HYROX has established the gold standard in fitness competition and is driving toward Olympic recognition. By connecting the world’s gym communities through the transformative power of training and competition, HYROX is the cultural heartbeat of fitness.

Is Pyramid Meditation A Proponents Route In Achieving Nirvana?

* Pyramid meditation involves meditating under a pyramid-shaped structure, which practitioners believe focuses and amplifies cosmic energy. Purported health benefits include reducing stress and insomnia, and alleviating chronic pain like arthritis among others...

By Manu Sharma

Nirvana is a place of perfect peace and happiness, like - ‘Heaven’. In Buddhism, nirvana is the highest state that someone can attain, a state of enlightenment. Pyramid Valley is an international meditation center near Bengaluru, famous for housing the Maitreya Buddha Pyramid. It stands as one of the world's largest pyramid structures built solely for meditation and designed to concentrate cosmic energy for deeper spiritual practices. In a discussion with Manu Sharma, Karan Kumbare, Pyramid Master and Practitioner Associated with the Pyramid Valley, talks about the popularity of meditation today as more people discover its many hidden health benefits and more...

Deeply rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, this word Nirvana comes from the Sanskrit meaning "extinction, disappearance" of the individual to the universal. Achieving nirvana is to make earthly feelings like suffering and desire disappear.

Origin Of Buddhism And Its Significance In India

Buddhism originated in ancient India and Nepal as a reform movement out of Hinduism. Both traditions share core concepts like karma, reincarnation, and meditation, but they sharply differ on the existence of a soul and a creator god. Buddhism has deeply shaped modern Indian ethics, with core teachings of non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion, and social equality becoming woven into the national cultural fabric. Across the subcontinent, millions of Indians embrace Buddhist values alongside other indigenous traditions, emphasizing individual responsibility, Karma, and peaceful coexistence.

“The philosophy underneath is that no-thought or no-mind state was presented as a way to experience one's true nature. Meditational energy should be the main source of vitality for the physical body and it is the only process of silencing the mind.”

“This connected the idea with emptiness in Buddhism, the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, and the “secret of Chidambaram” as nothingness.”

Who Is Karan Kumbare And His Role As A Pyramid Master?

Karan Kumbare is a B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) in Chemical Engineering from IIT Bombay. He has been recognized as a Pyramid Master and practitioner associated with the Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement (PSSM), founded by Brahmarshi Pitamaha Patriji. While he is not tied to one specific physical building, he travels, speaks, and conducts meditation sessions across various pyramid meditation centers in Bengaluru.

What You Can Experience At Bengaluru's Pyramids?

Pyramid Valley is an international meditation center near Bengaluru, famous for housing the Maitreya Buddha Pyramid. It stands as one of the world's largest pyramid structures built solely for meditation, towering 102 feet high and designed to concentrate cosmic energy for deeper spiritual practices.

Because Karan's teachings focus on Anapanasati (breath-based meditation) and pyramid energy, you can attend any of the city's pyramid-shaped facilities to participate in the practices he preaches. Key locations where these masters and teachings are available include the Pyramid Valley International: Located on Kanakapura Main Road, Harohalli, it features the world's largest meditational pyramid. It acts as an international retreat for self-realization and spiritual wisdom.

Difference Between Moksha And Nirvana

Both Moksha and Nirvana describe the ultimate spiritual liberation from the endless cycle of rebirth (samsara) and human suffering. While they share this fundamental goal, they originate from different philosophical traditions—Moksha is primarily rooted in Hinduism (and Jainism), whereas Nirvana belongs to Buddhism.

Difference Between Meditation And Pyramid Meditation

While meditation is well known as a technique to reduce stress & anxiety and other health related diseases, it may also help to know that pyramid meditation is believed to aid in achieving higher states of consciousness and spiritual awakening.

Pyramid meditation is believed to aid in achieving higher states of consciousness and spiritual awakening. While the ultimate state of Nirvana requires deep inner work and mental purification, many practitioners find that the geometric structure of a pyramid accelerates focus, deepens relaxation, and enhances spiritual connection.

In Buddhism, meditation serves as a powerful tool to understand the nature of reality, overcome suffering, and ultimately achieve nirvana. Pyramid meditation is believed to aid in achieving higher states of consciousness and spiritual awakening.

The concept and pursuit of nirvana are deeply rooted in the historical geography of India as well.

“Pyramid meditation is believed by proponents to aid in achieving nirvana by creating a focused, high-energy environment that calms the body, reduces external distractions, and deepens inner awareness.”

“When you meditate inside or under a pyramid, the geometry does what no app or teacher can: It magnifies your stillness. It sharpens your focus. It also deepens your silence.”

Who Is The Founder Of Pyramid Meditation?

Pyramid meditation was founded by Brahmarshi Patriji (born Subhash Patri 1947–2022). He pioneered the practice in 1991 when he established the first meditation pyramid in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India, and founded the Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement (PSSM) to teach the practice globally. Brahmarshi Patriji, founder of the PSSM. He revolutionized spiritual practices by promoting a simple, mantra-free breath meditation technique called Anapanasati, alongside vegetarianism and the use of pyramid energy to enhance meditation.

“The movement around it. The discussion connected Pyramid Valley with Brahma Rishi Pitamaha Subhash Patriji, the founder associated with the wider pyramid society movement, and with chairman Shreyansh Daga, who manages the trust. Other pyramids were mentioned in Pondicherry, Pune, Hyderabad, Rajamundri, and in Texas, where construction is under way.”

Is Pyramid An Ancient Egyptian Theory?

The pyramids are deeply tied to ancient Egypt. Between 2700 BCE and the close of the Ptolemaic period, Egyptians built at least 138 identified pyramids. These were grand funerary monuments and tombs designed for pharaohs and their consorts to help their souls ascend to heaven. While the concept of the "stepped" or smooth-sided pyramid is most famously tied to the banks of the Nile, civilizations worldwide independently developed similar architectural shapes (such as the Mesoamerican pyramids in Mexico and Central America).

What Is The Concept Of Pyramid Meditation And The King’s Chamber?

The pyramid's design - The account placed the pyramid tradition in Egypt and described 51 degrees 50 minutes as the angle that makes the structure a “Golden Angle” and sacred geometry. The explanation linked this shape to telluric and cosmic energy, group meditation, visualization, concentration, and manifestation.

Pyramid Valley's scale - The main pyramid is 102 feet high and can hold around 5,000 people for group meditation. “The annual Buddha Purnima festival generally takes place in the first or second week of May and runs for three days and that’s when we see the largest gatherings at the centre.”

The King's Chamber - Located at one-third of the pyramid's height, the chamber is described as the point where energy is most concentrated. Around 20 to 25 people can sit there, and the visit is intended to last 40 to 45 minutes so others can have a turn.

Benefits of meditating under the pyramid includes: Faster entry into meditation: The pyramid's energy field is thought to help you quiet the mind quickly, shutting out external stimuli and irrelevant thoughts so you reach altered states of consciousness. Physical healing: Users claim that meditating under a pyramid or using pyramid-charged water can aid in healing broken bones, alleviating arthritis pain, and treating insomnia. Cognitive focus: Many report that sessions improve concentration, memory, and overall mental clarity.

“Meditation done under a pyramid is three times more powerful than other types. It provides the most effective high energy environment and harnessing cosmic energy through practices like meditation and yoga helps reduce stress, accelerates physical healing, and deepens spiritual awareness,” remarks Karan.

“The journey to Nirvana is a gradual, often lifelong process,” concludes Karan.

Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Presents Science Fest 2026: Enter The Roboverse

* Featuring Robotics Workshops, AI Experiences, Build-Your-Own Car Challenges and Bengaluru's First Inter-School Science & Technology Fest

Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru is set to transform into a hub of innovation, creativity and future-ready learning with Science Fest 2026: Enter The Roboverse, a nine-day celebration of science, technology and innovation designed for students, families and aspiring young innovators.

Scheduled from 25th July to 2nd August 2026, the festival will offer an immersive experience that brings together robotics, artificial intelligence, electronics and hands-on STEM learning through a series of interactive workshops, competitions and live demonstrations. The festival aims to inspire curiosity and innovation by providing visitors with opportunities to learn, experiment and engage with emerging technologies through experiential activities designed for all age groups.

A key highlight of the festival will be a series of interactive workshops, where participants can gain practical exposure to science and engineering concepts. Activities include Block Electronics, Build Your Own Car, Let's Talk AI & Robotics, Bread Board Circuit Making, and an exciting Obstacle Car Race, encouraging participants to explore technology through hands-on learning and problem-solving.

Adding to the excitement, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru will host Bengaluru's first Inter-School Science & Technology Fest, bringing together young innovators from across the city to showcase breakthrough ideas and technology-driven solutions.

A key highlight of the festival is the Robo Arena Challenge, where school teams will showcase robots and AI-powered models designed to solve real-world problems. Hosted at the dedicated Robo Arena on the UG Floor, the competition will feature live demonstrations and interactive sessions, giving visitors and judges an opportunity to experience student innovations firsthand while celebrating creativity, problem-solving and technological excellence.

The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony recognising the most innovative and impactful projects. The Top Three Schools will receive trophies, medals, certificates, special recognition awards and exciting prizes, while all participating students and schools will be awarded participation certificates.

As part of the broader vision of encouraging scientific thinking among young minds, the festival is also exploring additional engagement formats, including a Science Quiz Championship and an Innovation Pitch Challenge, where students can test their knowledge, present entrepreneurial ideas and showcase technology-led solutions before an expert panel.

By bringing together education, innovation and community participation, Science Fest 2026: Enter The Roboverse aims to create an inspiring platform that encourages the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and problem-solvers while making science accessible, engaging and interactive for everyone.

Where: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

When: 25th July – 2nd August 2026

Entry: Free | Register on BookMyShow

CA K. Ravi Assumes Office As President Of Bangalore Chamber Of Industry And Commerce For 2026-27

The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), Karnataka's premier industry body representing over 850 member companies across manufacturing, technology, biotechnology, engineering, healthcare, food processing and services, has announced the appointment of CA K. Ravi as its President for the year 2026-27. He assumes office at a defining moment in BCIC's journey as the Chamber celebrates its Golden Jubilee, commemorating fifty years of industry leadership, policy advocacy and economic development since its inception in 1976.

CA K. Ravi to Lead BCIC into its Next Era of Growth

CA K. Ravi is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), a law graduate and Senior Partner of K.R. Kumar & Co. and K. Ravi & Associates. He is also the Director of VR e-Biz Solutions Pvt. Ltd., which provides specialised India Entry Consulting and Virtual CFO services. He brings more than three decades of professional excellence in taxation, corporate advisory, governance and international business.

Recognised as one of Karnataka's most respected industry leaders, he created history as the first practising Chartered Accountant to become President of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) in its 104-year history. His distinguished leadership journey also includes serving as President of the Karnataka State Chartered Accountants Association (KSCAA), Past President of Rotary Bangalore Orchards and Past Governor of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Florida, USA-Bangalore Chapter.

A long-standing member of BCIC, CA K. Ravi has previously served as Chairman of the International Business Committee, Co-Chairman of the Start-up Committee and Member of the Managing Committee. He has also led several international business delegations across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Oman, Malaysia and Canada, strengthening Karnataka's global trade and investment relationships.

Speaking on assuming office as President of BCIC, CA K. Ravi said, “It is a privilege to lead BCIC at such a historic milestone as we celebrate fifty years of serving Karnataka's industry. The Chamber has always played a pivotal role in bringing together industry, government and academia and our Golden Jubilee provides an opportunity to build institutions that will create lasting value for the next fifty years. Our focus will be on strengthening policy advocacy, supporting MSMEs and start-ups, accelerating global business engagement, promoting sustainability and creating a future-ready ecosystem that enhances Karnataka's competitiveness on the global stage.”

Under CA K. Ravi's leadership, BCIC will continue to strengthen industry-government collaboration, promote innovation, encourage manufacturing excellence and create enduring institutions that support Karnataka's growth and global competitiveness.

Dr. Prashanth Reddy Takes Over as Senior Vice President of BCIC

BCIC has also announced the appointment of Dr. Prashanth Reddy as its Senior Vice President for the year 2026-27. He joins the Chamber's leadership team during its Golden Jubilee year, bringing nearly three decades of experience in engineering, manufacturing, marketing and business leadership.

Manufacturing Leader to Strengthen BCIC's Growth Agenda

A Mechanical Engineer with an MBA in Marketing and a PhD, Dr. Prashanth Reddy has spent the past thirteen years driving growth and innovation in the building materials and real estate sector.

Under his leadership, Fundermax India has completed over 15,000 projects across the country, partnering with leading architects, developers, hospitality companies, corporates and retail organisations. The company today operates through a strong network of more than 40 business partners across India and the SAARC region and has earned several national and international recognitions for quality systems and its commitment to sustainable green building practices. Known for his strategic outlook and customer-centric leadership, Dr. Prashanth believes organisations must continually refine their strategies and remain agile to succeed in an ever-evolving business environment.

As Senior Vice President, Dr. Prashanth Reddy will work closely with President CA K. Ravi and the BCIC Managing Committee to support the Chamber's Golden Jubilee initiatives, including international business expansion, manufacturing excellence, research, skilling, innovation and global partnerships.

Speaking on taking over as Senior Vice President, Dr. Prashanth Reddy said, “I am honoured to take on this responsibility during BCIC's Golden Jubilee year. This is an exciting time for the Chamber as it embarks on several transformative initiatives that will strengthen manufacturing, innovation, research, skilling and international partnerships. I look forward to working closely with President CA K. Ravi, the Managing Committee and our members to ensure these initiatives create meaningful opportunities for industry while reinforcing Karnataka's position as one of India's leading economic engines.”

With Dr. Prashanth Reddy joining its leadership team, BCIC further strengthens its vision of encouraging innovation, manufacturing excellence, global partnerships and sustainable economic growth as it builds on five decades of service to Karnataka's industry.

UST Wins Seven Awards At The ETHRWorld Future Skills Awards 2026

* Recognized across organizational and individual categories reflecting the depth of leadership, innovation, and learning excellence at UST

UST, a leading AI and technology transformation solutions company, has been conferred with seven awards at the ETHRWorld Future Skills Awards 2026 across organizational and individual categories. The recognition across different leadership categories underscores UST’s commitment to building future-ready talent and continuously strengthening capabilities that drive client value.

The ET Future Skills Awards (ETFSA) honour organizations driving impactful learning and talent development initiatives that empower people, build future-ready capabilities, and shape the workplaces of tomorrow. UST has been honoured with four awards in the Organizational category - India’s Future Skills Impact Award, ‘Gold’ in Best Innovative Leadership Development Program, ‘Silver’ in Best Generative AI Learning Solution, and Excellence in AI-Driven Learning & Analytics. In the Individual category, UST received ‘Gold’ in Visionary Women L&D Leader - Mary Mathew and ‘Silver’ in Visionary Women L&D Leader - Krishna Ahir, and NextGen Learning Leader - Under 40 - Rajit Rangan.

“These awards are not just a celebration of learning programs; they are a recognition of the capability movement we are building at UST. The future belongs to organizations that can learn faster than change, build strategic skills ahead of demand, and translate learning into measurable business impact. At G.A. Menon Academy, our aspiration is to make continuous learning a cultural advantage and capability-building a strategic engine for UST’s future growth,” said Krishnan Nilakantan, Chief Learning Officer, UST.

The industry validation through the ET HRWorld Awards matters more at a time when skills are becoming a key source of competitive advantage. It recognizes UST's programs that are designed to contribute to the internal growth as well as setting a benchmark in developing the larger talent and learning ecosystem. The achievements reflect the depth of leadership, innovation, and learning excellence at UST.

UST’s learning ecosystem is driven through the G.A. Menon Academy (GAMA), which shapes enterprise capability. The Learning and Development initiatives at UST have been steadily evolving from a traditional learning delivery model to a more strategic capability-building engine focusing on building future skills, enabling leadership effectiveness, accelerating AI adoption and readiness, and driving measurable organizational impact, closely aligned with business priorities.

About UST

Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, driven by AI, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our AI-driven digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive business outcomes. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation, and agility into our clients' organizations—delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process.

Visit us at www.UST.com.

World Youth Skills Day: VISL Highlights Impact Of Skilling Initiatives Across States

On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, Vedanta Iron And Steel Limited (VISL), a leading ferrous resources company with operations across India & Africa, reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready workforce through a diverse portfolio of skilling, education, IT skilling, entrepreneurship and sports development initiatives that continue to create sustainable livelihood opportunities across its operating regions. Aligned with the year’s WYSD theme – Skills for a Shared Future – the company’s initiatives have helped transform over 1 lac+ lives across states.

As India advances towards becoming a global manufacturing and industrial powerhouse, a skilled and employable workforce will be central to achieving the nation's aspirations. Recognising this, VISL has consistently invested in empowering the youth with technical, vocational, digital and entrepreneurial capabilities, enabling them to become active contributors to economic and social progress.

In Goa, the Sesa Technical School (STS) has been nurturing technical talent for over three decades and has trained more than 2,100+ youth with a near 100% placement record, creating an industry-ready workforce across multiple trades. The STS provides quality technical skilling to the youth of Goa, with special emphasis on encouraging participation of girl students. In Bokaro, the Vedanta ESL Skill School is equipping youth with industry-relevant skills through residential, placement-linked training programmes in trades such as Solar PV Installation and Home Appliance Repair. Since inception in 2022, the Vedanta ESL Skill School has trained over 700 youth, with more than 400 successfully placed in organised sector employment.

Complementing this effort, a total of 25 Vedanta Computer Centres and Vedanta Computer Labs across states such as Goa, Maharashtra & Karnataka, and the learning ‘cafes’ set up as part Project AAS Vidyalaya have benefited students in rural and remote areas of Jharkhand by improving digital literacy and academic outcomes. Overall 80000+ students and youth have benefitted from these digital focused initiatives.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, CEO, VISL, said, "The youth of our Nation are the driving force behind India's growth story, and investing in their skills is an investment in the nation's future. At VISL, our approach to skilling goes beyond employment by enabling aspiration, nurturing potential and creating pathways to long-term socio-economic progress. Across our operating regions, we are empowering youth through technical education, digital learning, entrepreneurship and sports, helping them build meaningful careers while contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat."

Empowerment through sports is a key focus area for VISL. The Sesa Football Academy, in Goa, has also emerged as a platform for sporting excellence, producing over 230 graduates as part of its unique residential training program, including 14 international players, while enabling the aspirations of 8000+ young footballers, boys and girls alike, through grassroots development programmes. SFA men’s and women’s teams have also made a mark at top National level leagues such as I-League3 and Indian Women’s League (IWL) – 2 and IWL. Meanwhile, the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy in Bokaro has also been making confident strides & has nurtured the careers of over 50 young archers, many of whom have cumulatively

won over 200 medals at the district, state and national competitions, while rural sports initiatives have reached more than 400 youth across surrounding villages.

Women's economic empowerment through vocational training is being advanced through Project JIVIKA across states in Goa, Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka and Jharkhand, which has strengthened 280+ self-help groups and benefited over ~4000 women by supporting sustainable micro-enterprises across diverse livelihood activities such as skilling through the Vedanta Tailoring Training Centres, workshops on saree tassels and jute bag making, promoting livelihood through mushroom farming and footwear manufacturing etc.

Together, these initiatives reflect VISL's holistic approach to youth development, creating opportunities through education, employability, entrepreneurship and sports, while building resilient communities and enabling inclusive growth across the regions where it operates.

ALLEN Students Spearhead India's Historic Victory At International Physics Olympiad 2026

* Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian team on X

All five students representing the Indian team at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026), held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from July 4 to 12, secured gold medals. Four of these five medals were won by students from Allen Career Institute. Based on this performance, India secured the top position among 87 participating countries. The gold medalists Kanishk Jain, Riddhesh Bendale, Rishit Garg, and Swarit Joshi are all Allen classroom students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian team on X for its outstanding performance. He also appreciated the passion of the country's youth towards science.

Congratulating the students on their outstanding performance, Allen CEO Nitin Kukreja stated that Allen students are delivering excellent results across all fields. He noted that it is heartening to see Allen students win four out of the five gold medals at the first major international Olympiad of the year. These results reflect the country's growing stature on the international stage. To date, Allen students have won 188 medals, including 90 gold medals, across various official Olympiads, a testament to Allen's academic excellence.

This official Olympiad is conducted in four stages. The first stage, the National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP), was conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT); 138 Allen students were selected for the second stage. Subsequently, 20 Allen students were selected for the third stage following the second stage—the Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)—organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). The third stage, the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC), was held, after which a five-member team was selected to represent India; four of these students were from Allen. The fourth and final stage, the 56th International Physics Olympiad, took place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, featuring 381 participants from 87 countries. The four Allen students on the Indian team delivered outstanding performances, winning four gold medals and bringing glory to the nation.

Kanishk Jain, class 12th secured an All India Rank (AIR) 8 in JEE Advanced 2026. He has been selected for admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the world's top-ranked university. He described the experience as excellent, noting that the academic support received at Allen Kota was top-notch. He mentioned that the opportunity to meet students from various countries during the finals was valuable, and Allen's academic training proved highly beneficial.

Riddhesh Anant Bendale class 12th achieved AIR 18 in JEE Advanced 2026 and will pursue a B.Tech in Computer Science at IIT Bombay. He remarked that he learned a great deal at the International Olympiad and felt proud to bring honor to the country.

Rishit Garg class 12th secured AIR 109 and will pursue a B.Tech in Computer Science at IIT Delhi. He stated that the preparation at Allen Kota would prove useful for any exam, adding that this performance was a direct result of that training.

While Swarit Joshi class 11th is set to appear for the JEE Advanced exam in 2027. He observed that starting at the right time significantly increases the likelihood of achieving good results.

Allen at Official International Olympiads
Students from Allen Career Institute have consistently excelled in International Olympiads. To date, Allen students have secured a total of 188 medals across various International Olympiads, comprising 90 gold, 75 silver, and 23 bronze medals. These include nine gold medals won at the International Earth Science Olympiad, along with 39 at the International Junior Science Olympiad, 16 at the International Physics Olympiad, 7 at the International Chemistry Olympiad, 5 at the International Biology Olympiad, 3 at the International Mathematical Olympiad, 7 at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, and 4 at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (Junior).

SonicWall Research Finds Financial Services Running Overdrawn On Cyber Defenses

* As Attack Intensity Outpaces Every Other Tracked Industry

* New Financial Services Research Documents 42 million Hits Against Legacy Infrastructure, and Ransomware Families Targeting Institutions

SonicWall recently released its 2026 Financial Services Protect Brief, a vertical-specific companion to the SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report, revealing that financial services organizations face more cyberattack attempts per device than any other industry SonicWall tracks, more than double the cross-sector average, and that the sophistication and persistence of those attacks reflects a deliberate targeting calculation, not random exposure.

Every year, attacks look more sophisticated. In some ways they are; AI has made them faster, cleaner, and harder to spot at a glance. But the underlying methods have not changed. Attackers are still walking through the same unlocked doors. In financial services, they have simply become more deliberate about which doors they choose, focusing effort where the payoff is highest rather than casting a wide net.

"Financial services is not the most targeted vertical because attackers are indiscriminate," said Michael Crean, SonicWall SVP of Managed Services. "It's one of the most heavily targeted industries because the incentives are obvious. Financial institutions hold some of the world's most valuable data, operate under intense regulatory scrutiny, and have virtually no tolerance for downtime. Many also depend on legacy infrastructure that hasn't kept pace with today's threat landscape. That combination doesn't just increase risk, it draws highly organized adversaries who deliberately study these environments and exploit the weaknesses they already know are there.”

SonicWall's Financial Services Protect Brief draws on data from SonicWall's global network of more than one million security sensors to document the specific attack patterns, legacy vulnerabilities, and ransomware campaigns defining the financial services threat landscape in the first half of 2026.

Key Findings from the 2026 SonicWall Financial Services Protect Brief

Financial services saw 132,378 IPS hits per device in first half of 2026—the highest attack intensity of any industry SonicWall tracks.

The GoodTech Telnet Server Buffer Overflow vulnerability generated 42.2 million detection events, pointing to legacy banking and payment systems that still expose Telnet services to active exploitation.

Log4Shell remains a major problem, generating 35.6 million detection events more than two years after disclosure as attackers continue targeting unpatched Java-based banking and payment applications.

Heartbleed hasn't disappeared either. Despite being disclosed more than a decade ago, firewalls are still detecting attempts to exploit the vulnerability.

Ten ransomware families were active against the sector, including REvil (Sodinokibi) and Prometheus, both known for targeting financial organizations.

Malware activity averaged 39,341 hits per firewall, giving financial services the second-highest per-device malware intensity of any industry, behind only healthcare.

The Architecture Problem Has a Known Solution
The vulnerabilities documented in the Financial Services Protect Brief are well understood, and the controls that address them exist. What creates the gap between known risk and resolved risk in financial services is the same as in every heavily regulated industry: legacy infrastructure that cannot be patched without business disruption, and access models built for a world in which the perimeter was a meaningful concept.

SonicWall Cloud Secure Edge addresses the architectural problem directly. Zero Trust Network Access applies verification at the application level, not the network level. A credential validates access to a specific application, not to the environment behind it. Identity and device posture are verified continuously, not just at login. A stolen credential from a phishing campaign or a credential-stuffing attack no longer unlocks the network. It unlocks a single application, with no lateral path to payment systems, transaction records, or adjacent infrastructure.

For financial institutions managing third-party vendor access, partner integrations, and remote workforce access across regulated environments, the shift from broad VPN-based access to application-level Zero Trust is not a feature upgrade. It is an architectural change that removes the conditions that make credential compromise consequential.

About SonicWall
For more than 30 years, SonicWall has championed a partner-first model that combines purpose-built technology, cloud-delivered security services and real-time threat intelligence to help businesses prevent breaches, reduce risk and stay operational in the face of evolving modern threats. We are committed to deliver the best security outcomes for our customers where others deliver features and functions. Through its unified cybersecurity portfolio and global community of over 17,000 partners, SonicWall enables managed service providers to actively manage, continuously optimize and measurably protect networks, cloud environments, endpoints and applications. The company is redefining cybersecurity around outcomes that matter to business leaders, including breach prevention, compliance achievement, cost efficiency and reduced human error, because protection is not about what a product can do but about what it actually delivers.

Tata Motors And UCO Bank Partner To Strengthen India's Commercial Vehicle Financing Ecosystem

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UCO Bank, one of India’s leading public sector banks with a strong nationwide presence and extensive branch network, to provide customers across the country with access to organised financing solutions for commercial vehicles. The partnership brings together UCO Bank's deep financial outreach and Tata Motors' unparalleled commercial vehicle portfolio, with the shared goal of making vehicle ownership more accessible and financially rewarding for customers and businesses nationwide.

Under this collaboration, customers will have access to attractive interest rates designed to minimise the cost of ownership, along with quick loan approvals and fast-tracked processing that ensure rapid vehicle delivery. The partnership also brings simplified, customer-friendly documentation for a seamless buying experience, high loan-to-value funding options that lower upfront capital requirements for businesses, and flexible, structured repayment tenures tailored to the cash flow needs of fleet operators. Both organisations will work in close alignment across branches, dealerships, and market outreach to ensure that this competitive financing reaches customers wherever they are, particularly in underserved urban and rural markets.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Shashikant Kumar, General Manager & Zonal Head – Mumbai, UCO Bank, said, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Motors Limited marks another significant milestone in UCO Bank’s commitment to delivering innovative and customer centric financing solutions. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to provide seamless, competitive and timely financing for TATA motors commercial vehicles, enabling entrepreneurs, fleet operators and businesses to expand with confidence.”

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “We are pleased to partner with UCO Bank to further strengthen the financing ecosystem for our commercial vehicle customers. Access to organised and competitive financing is a key enabler for our customers' growth, and UCO Bank's strong nationwide presence makes them an ideal partner in this endeavour. This MoU reinforces our commitment to delivering end-to-end solutions, from world-class vehicles to organised financing that empower our customers to grow their businesses with greater confidence and convenience.”

Tata Motors offers the widest commercial vehicle portfolio spanning from sub-1-tonne to 55-tonne cargo vehicles and 10-seater to 51-seater mass mobility solutions. These robustly engineered vehicles are complemented by a range of value-added services for comprehensive vehicle lifecycle management through its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative. Fleet Edge, Tata Motors' connected vehicle platform for optimal fleet management enabling operators to maximise uptime and reduce total cost of ownership, and 24×7 support from a nationwide network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints, Tata Motors continues to set new benchmarks in end-to-end transportation solutions.

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.

About UCO Bank: UCO Bank, established in 1943, is a leading Government of India Undertaking. Headquartered in Kolkata, it offers a wide range of banking products and services, including retail banking, corporate banking, international banking, rural banking and various digital services. With a vast network of branches and ATMs across India, UCO Bank is committed to delivering innovative financial solutions and honouring its core value of customer trust.     

Checkmate Bengaluru: Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Hosts Week-Long Chess Festival With Arena Grandmaster Praveen Sagar

Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru will bring together players, learners and chess enthusiasts for Battle of the Boards, a week-long chess festival celebrating strategy, skill and sportsmanship from 13–19 July 2026.

The tournament will begin with a Chess Free Play Zone from 13–16 July, open to participants of all ages and skill levels. Visitors can register on BookMyShow or on the spot and play casual chess games in an interactive setting designed for learning, practice, and friendly competition.

A key highlight of Battle of the Boards is the participation of Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar, who will lead a series of exclusive chess sessions. On 17 July, participants can attend the Masters Showcase & Workshop, an exclusive, interactive chess workshop led by Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar. The AGM will conduct simultaneous walk-throughs across every board, interacting directly with young minds and providing live strategic guidance. The workshop will be conducted in two batches, from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM and 7:00 PM–8:00 PM.

On 18 July, chess enthusiasts will have the opportunity to challenge Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar during the Challenge the Arena Grandmaster event. A thrilling public attraction, the event will give pre-registered players a rare opportunity to match wits with one of the game's accomplished players in a friendly yet competitive setting.

The programme will feature a simultaneous chess game from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, where AGM Praveen Sagar will play multiple opponents at the same time. This will be followed by the Face the Master Challenge from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, giving participants another chance to test their skills against the grandmaster in individual games.

The tournament will culminate on 19 July with the Grand Chess Tournament, for a day of competitive play, strategic thinking and sportsmanship open to all.

Open to children, students, families, chess clubs, academies and competitive players, Battle of the Boards aims to make chess more accessible while fostering a vibrant community of players and enthusiasts.

Through initiatives such as Battle of the Boards, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru continues to strengthen its position as a destination for experiences that bring communities and families together. By curating engaging events that combine learning, recreation and meaningful social interaction, the mall continues to create opportunities for people of all ages to connect, participate and make lasting memories.

Event Details

Battle of the Boards - 13–19 July 2026
Free Play Zone	13–16 July	On-site registration. 4 PM Onwards	Complimentary chess games for all visitors.
Masters Showcase & Workshop	17 July	Registration Fee: ₹100 per participant. Batch 1: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Batch 2: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Interactive workshop led by Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar. Live demonstrations, strategic insights and practical chess guidance.
Challenge the Arena Grandmaster	18 July	Simultaneous Chess Exhibition: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Face the Master Challenge: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM	Opportunity to compete against AGM Praveen Sagar. 10 selected participants will compete against the Grandmaster simultaneously.
Grand Chess Tournament	19 July	4 PM Onwards	Competitive tournament open for all.

 

Goldmedal Electricals Won Red Dot Award 2026 For Two Exceptional Design Innovations

* The ROOTS Modular Lighting System and the VOID BLDC Fan

* ROOTS Modular Lighting System and VOID BLDC Fan Receive Global Recognition for Design Excellence

Goldmedal Electricals, one of India’s leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) companies, has been honoured with the prestigious Red Dot Award 2026 for two standout design innovations, the ROOTS Modular Lighting System and the VOID BLDC Fan. This global recognition celebrates the highest standards of product design, innovation, and aesthetic excellence.

The Red Dot Award is one of the most respected design accolades worldwide. Winning this honour underscores Goldmedal’s commitment to creating products that seamlessly blend intelligent functionality, nature-inspired aesthetics, and contemporary design.

ROOTS Modular Lighting System

The ROOTS Modular Lighting System impressed the jury with its nature-inspired modular design and intelligent responsiveness. It redefines lighting by actively responding to indoor air quality, creating a more harmonious and adaptive living environment. The ROOTS Modular Lighting System has also won the iF Design Award 2026.

VOID BLDC Fan

The VOID BLDC Fan was recognised for its distinctive sculptural design that masterfully combines innovation, functionality, and modern aesthetics. It transforms a functional ceiling fan into a bold design statement, reflecting Goldmedal’s design-forward philosophy.

Speaking on the recognition, Kishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals said, “Winning the Red Dot Award is a proud moment for us and reinforces our belief in the strength of the Make in India movement. It's incredibly encouraging to see products designed and manufactured in India being recognised on the global stage. Awards like these reaffirm our commitment to creating products that combine innovation, functionality, and a superior user experience, while showcasing India's growing capabilities in product development and manufacturing.”

Bishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals added, “At Goldmedal, our focus is on creating products that bring greater ease, intelligence, and beauty to everyday living while maintaining the highest standards of design and innovation. Winning the Red Dot Award 2026 for ROOTS and VOID is a proud validation of this commitment and reflects our team’s dedication to excellence.”

This double win further strengthens Goldmedal Electricals’ reputation for delivering thoughtfully designed, high-quality electrical and lifestyle products.

Air India Goes Digital To Manage Its Widebody Boeing Fleet Of Aircrafts

* DGCA approves use of Electronic Technical Logbooks (ETL) for the B787, B777 fleet

* ELT to boost operational performance, enhance sustainability with paperless documentation

Air India has taken yet another step forward in its transformation journey with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approving the use of Electronic Technical Logbooks (ETL) as the primary technical document for its Boeing 787 fleet and authorising parallel implementation across the Boeing 777 fleet. This will boost Air India’s commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen operational performance, safety, reliability, and sustainability and position it as a technology-enabled, modern global airline.

With this approval, Air India has now become one of the first airlines to adopt fleet-wide Electronic Technical Logbooks across its entire B787 widebody fleet, to achieve a complete fleet-wide ETL implementation.

The Electronic Technical Logbook replaces traditional paper-based maintenance records with a secure digital platform, enabling faster, more accurate, and more efficient management of aircraft maintenance and engineering activities. The digital system provides real-time information sharing between maintenance engineers, and operational teams, improving coordination, accelerating defect reporting and rectification, and enhancing aircraft dispatch reliability.

The ETL platform also delivers enhanced data integrity, traceability, and regulatory compliance while providing advanced analytics that support predictive maintenance and informed engineering decision-making. In addition, the paperless system significantly reduces paper consumption, supporting Air India’s sustainability objectives.

Commenting on the development, Jeremy Yew Jin Kit, Senior Vice President – Engineering & Maintenance, Air India, said: “The implementation of Electronic Technical Logbooks across our widebody Boeing fleet reaffirms the collaborative work involving engineering, flight operations, digital technology teams, OEM partners and the regulator. Replacing paper-based processes with real-time digital information, we are improving operational efficiency, strengthening maintenance governance, enhancing regulatory compliance and enabling faster decision-making across our engineering and operations teams.”

The achievement reflects Air India’s continued investment in digital technologies to modernise engineering and maintenance operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. It is a key step in the airline’s broader vision of building a world-class, data-driven aviation business that excels in operational performance and customer service.

About Air India Group:

The Air India Group – comprising full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India Group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries travellers to 60 domestic and 51 international destinations across five continents.

Returning to Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India Group is in the midst of a five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed orders for 600 new aircraft. In addition to taking new aircraft deliveries, Air India is progressively retrofitting all its legacy aircraft. The Air India Group operates South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in Gurugram, India. The construction of a new flying school and a greenfield maintenance base is in progress.

With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.

For more news on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom    

Godrej Capital Launches Supply Chain Finance Business To Strengthen Working Capital Access For India’s MSMEs

* Through its subsidiary Godrej Finance, the company aims to build a ₹6,000 crore Supply Chain Finance portfolio over the next 5 years, with the business expected to contribute 8% to Godrej Finance's overall AUM.

Godrej Capital, the financial services arm of the Godrej Industries Group, through its subsidiary Godrej Finance, today announced the launch of its Supply Chain Finance (SCF) business, marking a strategic expansion of its MSME lending franchise. Through a comprehensive suite of working capital financing offerings, the business will support anchor corporates, dealers, vendors and suppliers with faster, technology-enabled access to credit. The company aims to build a ₹6,000 crore SCF portfolio over the next 5 years, with the business expected to contribute 8% to Godrej Finance's overall Assets Under Management (AUM).

As India's supply chains become increasingly formalised through GST-led digitisation and digital financial infrastructure, many MSMEs continue to face working capital constraints despite strong business fundamentals. Godrej Finance's Supply Chain Finance proposition addresses this gap by enabling faster access to formal credit based on underlying trade transactions.

Pankaj Gupta, MD & CEO, Godrej Finance, said, “MSMEs are the backbone of India's supply chains, yet access to timely working capital remains a key challenge for many businesses. With the launch of our Supply Chain Finance business, we are enabling vendors and buyers of anchor corporates to access faster financing through a seamless digital experience. We aim to support MSMEs with value-added services that help build more resilient, capable and future-ready businesses, reinforcing our commitment to being a long-term growth partner across the supply chain ecosystem.”

The proposition serves the full supply chain ecosystem across both payables and receivables financing. Through Dealer Financing, Vendor Financing, Purchase Invoice Financing and Sales Invoice Financing, it helps businesses manage procurement, inventory and receivables more efficiently while enabling vendors and buyers to unlock liquidity against genuine trade transactions. With loan ticket sizes ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 crore, the offering is designed for businesses operating within the supply chains of large anchor corporates, spanning BBB to AAA rated companies with annual revenues ranging from ₹500 crore to over ₹1 lakh crore. Built around anchor-led ecosystems, the proposition strengthens relationships across the value chain and supports sustainable business growth.

Unlike traditional collateral-led lending models, the offering is underpinned by cashflow and transaction-based underwriting, enabling businesses to unlock working capital against genuine trade activity. The company is currently engaging with over 30 anchor corporates across captive and non-captive ecosystems. The business also offers a fully digital customer journey spanning onboarding, underwriting, disbursement and servicing, while leveraging transaction-led data and end-use monitoring to enable faster credit decisions and responsible deployment of funds.

As part of its long-term roadmap, Godrej Finance also plans to expand its Supply Chain Finance proposition through factoring, reverse factoring and participation on the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS). These capabilities will further strengthen credit access for MSMEs and support a more efficient working capital ecosystem.    

Unisys Innovation Program Announces The Winners Of Its 17th Competition

Top three teams recognized for ideas to improve AI efficiency, expand access to medical diagnostics and strengthen enterprise AI security

Unisys (NYSE: UIS) is pleased to announce the winners of the 17th iteration of the Unisys Innovation Program (UIP), a competition for engineering students across India. Established in 2009, the program bridges the gap between academic learning and hands-on experience by bringing young engineers together with industry experts to develop creative technology-centric real-world solutions.

This year's UIP program attracted strong participation, with more than 27,000 registrants and 4,487 project submissions across six themes.

Winners of the 2026 UIP

First Place: RV College of Engineering won first place for their project, "Cross-Paradigm Compression for Efficient AI," which combines spiking neural network dynamics with structured pruning techniques to reduce compute requirements of deep learning models. The framework achieves this reduction while maintaining model accuracy, enabling more efficient and cost-effective deployment of AI across edge and enterprise environments.

Second Place: MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology won second place for their project, "ResoScan," which introduces a portable, radiation-free diagnostic system that analyzes tissue vibrations to detect changes in tissue characteristics, enabling more accessible and cost-effective diagnostics across multiple medical specialties.

Third Place: RV College of Engineering won third place for their project, "An Intelligent Risk-Adaptive Governance Framework and Security Gateway for Secure LLM Interactions," which introduces a multi-layered security gateway that uses AI and post-quantum cryptography to protect sensitive data, enabling safer and more responsible enterprise use of large language models.

"The pace of innovation today demands talent that can move from idea to impact quickly," said Chris Arrasmith, chief operating officer of Unisys. "Through UIP, students are not only experimenting with new technologies — they are also applying them in ways that reflect where business operations are headed and the skills the future workforce will require for success."

A panel of judges selected the winning teams based on feasibility, creativity, technical excellence, and potential impact. The final round of judging occurred at the program's closing ceremony, where the finalists presented their projects. In attendance at the event were influential voices from leading analyst firms, higher education institutions and the technology industry, providing students with valuable exposure to diverse perspectives and real-world expertise.

"UIP is not just a competition — it's about creating a platform where students can build confidence, collaborate and translate their ideas into solutions with real-world relevance," said Lalithanand Moses, vice president and managing director of Unisys in India. "Our mission is to foster an environment that encourages innovation and the sharpening of technical capabilities. Over the years, we've seen how this experience helps shape not only skilled technologists, but also problem-solvers who can take innovation beyond the classroom and deliver meaningful impact."

Learn more about the Unisys Innovation Program and this year's winners.

About the Unisys Innovation Program (UIP)

Established in 2009, the Unisys Innovation Program (UIP) enables engineering students to develop career-ready technical and soft skills by applying theoretical knowledge of the latest technologies to solve real-world problems through a month-long competition. The contest is open to all engineering students in computer science, information technology and other related streams in India. It brings together stakeholders from across the tech innovation fields to provide students with rich experiential learning.

About Unisys

Unisys is a global technology solutions company that powers breakthroughs for the world's leading organizations. Our solutions – cloud, AI, digital workplace, applications and enterprise computing – help our clients challenge the status quo and unlock their full potential. To learn how we have been helping clients push what's possible for more than 150 years, visit unisys.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Awaki Opens In Bengaluru, Bringing Japan’s Matcha Culture And Contemporary Japanese Cuisine To The Heart Of The City

* The all-new Japanese tea house introduces six ceremonial Matcha cultivars, three distinctive Houjicha varieties, signature tea creations and contemporary Japanese-inspired cuisine in Kalyan Nagar.

House of Awaki has officially opened in Bengaluru, introducing the city to a contemporary Japanese tea house dedicated to the craft and culture of Japanese tea. Located in Kalyan Nagar, the intimate destination brings together premium ceremonial Matcha, speciality Japanese teas, signature beverages and an ingredient-led menu, inviting guests to experience Japanese tea beyond the familiar café format.

The name Awaki combines the idea of being "awake" with Ki, the Japanese philosophy of life force and energy, reflecting the brand's belief in mindful hospitality and a more intentional way of experiencing tea.

At the heart of House of Awaki is one of India's most thoughtfully curated Japanese tea programmes, featuring six ceremonial Matcha cultivars — Ren, Kiyone, Takara, Ajisai, Bara and Yuri — sourced from the renowned tea-growing regions of Mie, Uji, Yame and Kagoshima. Each cultivar offers a distinct origin, flavour profile and character, allowing guests to discover the diversity of Matcha through every cup.

The experience extends beyond Matcha with three distinctive Houjicha varieties, Akane, Hibisu and Tsubaki, alongside Genmai, Genmaicha and Rikka, offering a broader introduction to Japan's rich tea heritage. The beverage programme further explores these teas through signature creations including Miso Cookie Caramel Matcha, Pandan Palm Candy, Coco Matcha Honey Lemon, Milo Akane and Coco Matcha Float, blending traditional Japanese teas with contemporary flavours.

Complementing the beverages is a curated menu of approximately 20 contemporary Japanese-inspired dishes, created to pair naturally with the teas. Signature plates include Ponzu Prawn Inari, Chicken Karaage, Kale Tempura, Kimchi Udon, Braised Pork Belly and Mayak Egg Toast, while desserts such as the Matcha Basque Cheesecake, Matcha Houjicha Basque Cheesecake and Mocha Babka Toast continue the tea-led experience.

Speaking on the launch, Pranav Praburam, Founder, House of Awaki, said, "House of Awaki was created to introduce India to the depth and diversity of Japanese tea culture. My journey with Matcha transformed after travelling to Malaysia to learn from practitioners who viewed it as a craft rather than a trend. That experience inspired us to create a space where every tea has a story, every cup reflects craftsmanship and every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation of Japanese tea."

The culinary programme has been conceptualised by Chef Mathangi Kumar, a Le Cordon Bleu, London alumna, whose ingredient-led philosophy brings together contemporary Japanese flavours with thoughtful tea pairings.

Chef Mathangi Kumar, Consulting Chef, House of Awaki, added, "The menu has been designed around the tea rather than alongside it. Every dish has been carefully created to complement the flavour profiles of the teas, resulting in an experience that is balanced, approachable and true to Japanese culinary philosophy."

Designed as an intimate 30–35-seater, House of Awaki marks the beginning of a larger vision to build a community around Japanese tea through immersive experiences, premium retail teas, ready-to-drink innovations and educational workshops.
About House of Awaki

House of Awaki is a contemporary Japanese tea house located in Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru. Built around premium ceremonial Matcha, speciality Japanese teas, signature beverages and contemporary Japanese-inspired cuisine, the brand celebrates the diversity of Japanese tea through craftsmanship, mindful hospitality and ingredient-led dining.

Address: No. 3A, 3rd A Main Road, HRBR Layout, 3rd Block, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru – 560043

Timings: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Instagram: @houseofawaki