Tata Power Deepens Autism Inclusion, Impacts 45,000+ Families Through ‘Pay Autention’

Key Highlights:

* Launches month-long nationwide initiatives; strengthens digital and on-ground support ecosystem

• Impacted 30,000+ families through ‘Pay Autention’ since 2022

• E-Sanidhya platform supports 14,000+ users with free screening and expert guidance

• Dedicated toll-free autism helpline (1800 2099 488) for accessible, real-time support

Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, marked World Autism Awareness Day through a day-long inclusive celebration under its flagship ‘Pay Autention’ initiative, in collaboration with the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID). Held at the Trombay Community Hall in Chembur, the event marked the launch of a month-long series of initiatives focused on advancing autism awareness and inclusion.

The engagement brought together over 300 participants, including neurodiverse individuals, caregivers, NGO partners, and experts—underscoring Tata Power’s commitment to strengthening support systems for the neurodiversity community. Since its inception in 2022, ‘Pay Autention’ has impacted over 45,000 + families across India.

At the core of this initiative is a growing support ecosystem that goes beyond awareness to enable access, build caregiver capacity, and foster institutional partnerships. A key pillar is the E-Sanidhya portal—a digital platform offering free access to expert-led resources, remote screening, consultations, and guidance for caregivers across geographies. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Tata Elxsi, the platform supports over 14,000 users and enables early identification and intervention, particularly in underserved regions.

Further strengthening access, Tata Power operates a dedicated toll-free autism helpline (1800 2099 488), providing timely, inclusive, and professional guidance to parents, caregivers, educators, and community workers.

The Trombay engagement reflected this commitment through a thoughtfully curated programme featuring cultural performances by neurodiverse individuals, along with dance movement and yoga-based therapeutic sessions. A sensory room and experiential zones—with activities such as stone painting, tactile and mandala art, and LEGO-based play therapy—enabled children to explore and express themselves, while offering caregivers and practitioners exposure to diverse developmental approaches.

The event was attended by senior leaders from Tata Power, including Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO & Chief – Sustainability & CSR; Mr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Chief – Community Impact (Generation, T&D & Renewables); Ms. Mamta Malpani Saboo, Head – Business HR (CF&I) & Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Ms. Anupama Ratta, Chief – Human Resources & ES&A (Renewables); and Ms. Foram Nagori, Head – CSR Programmes, Governance & Alliances.

They were joined by sector experts including Dr. Ravi Prakash Singh, Officer In-charge, NIEPID; Mr. Sameer Rawal, Mentor, TCS Digital Impact Square; and Cdr. Shrirang Bijur, President, Parivaar AWMH. Representatives from Tata Group companies—TCS, TajSATS, and Tata ClassEdge—as well as officials from NIEPID were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Himal Tewari said: “Through our experiences, we have realised that for families navigating autism, the biggest challenge is not just awareness, but access. Access to the right information, timely diagnosis, and sustained support. Bridging these gaps requires more than awareness. It calls for building systems that are accessible, inclusive, and continuous. At Tata Power, Pay Autention is a one-of-a-kind effort to create that continuum through partnerships with institutions like NIEPID and platforms such as E Sanidhya that bring early screening, expert guidance, and caregiver support closer to those who need it most. As we scale ahead, our focus is on using technology and partnerships to take this support deeper into communities, especially underserved regions, so that inclusion becomes a dependable, everyday reality for every family.”

Building on this momentum, Tata Power announced the next phase of ‘Pay Autention’, including multilingual expansion of the E-Sanidhya platform in Hindi, Odia, Tamil, Marathi, and Telugu to improve accessibility. The company will also scale its play-based learning programme using the Six Bricks methodology by the LEGO Foundation, in partnership with Sunday Bricks, through caregiver masterclasses and Training of Trainers programmes.

As part of its awareness efforts, Tata Power illuminated offices in Carnac, Mahalaxmi, and Borivali, along with key locations in Odisha and Delhi, in blue—a global symbol of autism awareness—promoting solidarity and public engagement.

In Tamil Nadu, the company marked the day through curated engagements in collaboration with the Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled under the TN Rights Project. The Chennai programme saw participation from over 300 attendees, including senior government officials, and featured performances, workshops, and creative activities—fostering awareness, creativity, and community participation.

Through ‘Pay Autention’, Tata Power continues to advance its commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion by building scalable, collaborative models that strengthen long-term support systems for the neurodiversity community.

Godrej Industries Partners With PWD, Delhi Government For Restoration And Beautification Of Netaji Subhash Place Flyover

* MoU signed in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta

Godrej Industries Group (GIG), in partnership with the Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Government, has undertaken the restoration and beautification of the Netaji Subhash Place (NSP) Flyover stretch, from Ring Road to the NSP Metro Station. The initiative aims to improve the visual quality and long-term usability of a key public infrastructure corridor in Northwest Delhi.

Located at the junction of Ring Road and arterial routes leading towards Rohini and Pitampura, the NSP Flyover serves as an important gateway to Northwest Delhi. Over time, parts of the area beneath the flyover and adjoining medians had become underutilised, visually unappealing, and vulnerable to dumping and encroachment. The restoration initiative seeks to address these challenges through a planned, sustainable, and citizen-centric approach, aligned with the Delhi Government’s broader efforts to enhance public infrastructure.

Speaking on the initiative, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, said “Revitalising under‑flyover spaces is an important step towards improving Delhi’s urban landscape and everyday experience for citizens. Meaningful public‑private partnerships enable us to restore neglected infrastructure into clean, safe, and well‑organised public spaces in a sustainable manner. Aligned with our vision of building a clean and beautiful Delhi, I appreciate the commitment shown by corporate partners like Godrej Industries Group in supporting the restoration and long‑term upkeep of the Netaji Subhash Place Flyover.”

The design approach prioritises low-height, shade-tolerant landscaping to maintain clear sightlines, improved lighting for pedestrian and traffic safety, and water-efficient irrigation systems to support long-term maintenance. These interventions are designed to encourage proper utilization of public spaces and improving the everyday experience for commuters and residents. All interventions have been planned within the regulatory framework of the Delhi Government and in close coordination with relevant civic and enforcement agencies.

Rakesh Swami, Group President and Head – Corporate Affairs, Godrej Industries Group, said, “At Godrej Industries Group, contributing to nation‑building goes beyond our businesses and reflects our long‑standing commitment to responsible action, sustainability, and the strengthening of public ecosystems. Shared public infrastructure plays a vital role in creating safer and more liveable cities.

Our partnership with the PWD, Delhi Government, underscores our belief that meaningful urban transformation is best achieved through responsible collaboration between government and industry. Working closely with the Chief Minister’s Office, PWD Minister Shri Parvesh Sahab Verma and his team, our focus has been on ensuring that the restoration of the NSP Flyover is thoughtfully planned, responsibly implemented, and maintained with a long‑term public perspective, contributing to improved safety, usability, and an enhanced everyday experience for citizens, while always keeping public interest at the centre.”

The NSP Flyover restoration adds to Godrej Industries Group’s long-standing engagement in supporting public spaces and urban infrastructure in partnership with civic authorities. Through sustained and responsible collaborations, including multi-year maintenance commitments, the Group continues to contribute to safer, more maintainable, and liveable urban environments across India.

About Godrej Industries Group:

The Godrej Industries Group (GIG) serves 1.1 billion consumers, globally, across businesses in diverse industries, including consumer products, real estate, agriculture, financial services, and chemicals. Godrej was founded in 1897 to help build economic independence for India. We are committed to growing and strengthening this legacy of innovation for a cause, building for a more sustainable future, while placing our planet and people alongside profit.

GIG houses several rapidly growing businesses that are the leaders in their respective categories. Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) is an emerging markets FMCG leader in Home and Personal Care, with a growing presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Godrej Properties (GPL) is India's leading real estate developer by sales and brings the Godrej philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate industry. Godrej Agrovet's (GAVL) portfolio businesses address key challenges faced by Indian agriculture, improving the productivity of Indian farmers through innovative products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields. Godrej Industries (Chemicals), the group's oldest business, is India's leading manufacturer of oleochemicals and surfactants. Godrej Fund Management (GFM) is the real estate private equity arm of the group. Godrej Capital (GC), the newest company in the group, is a fast-growing financial services business.

For more information on the Company, log on to www.godrejindustries.com  

Music For A Cause: Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival 2026 Marks A Memorable 10th Edition In The Hills

*Come Rain or Shine, the Spirit of the Festival Stayed Strong Across Both Days

* Baikunth Resort, Kasauli | April 3–4, 2026

The 10th edition of the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival (KRBF) concluded on a high note, bringing together music lovers, artists and supporters for two days of soulful performances and shared purpose in the scenic hills of Kasauli. Despite unexpected showers on Day 1, the spirit of the festival remained unwavering, with audiences and artists coming together with the same energy and enthusiasm, and carrying it seamlessly.

Organised by Genesis Foundation, in association with 1842 Kasauli, this milestone edition celebrated a decade of the festival alongside 25 years of the Foundation’s mission to save little hearts. The festival witnessed an enthusiastic footfall of over 450+ attendees, with audiences coming together in support of a larger cause, reinforcing the festival’s purpose-led ethos.

Set against the serene backdrop of Baikunth Resort, the two-day festival featured a diverse mix of performances across genres including rock, indie, blues and contemporary Indian music.

Day 1 saw engaging performances by Rear Admiral Nirmala Kannan, Sharmji & The Happy Factory, Prince and Mansa Jimmy, setting the tone for an energetic opening day filled with music and community spirit.

Day 2 brought the festival to a powerful close with performances by Shrey Tandan, True Blue, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya and Indian Ocean, leaving audiences with a memorable live music experience in the hills.

The intimate setting of KRBF once again enabled a deeper connection between artists and audiences, creating an atmosphere that was both immersive and engaging. Over the two days, attendees experienced not just live music, but a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

More than a music festival, KRBF continues to stand for a greater cause. Proceeds from the festival will go towards supporting medical treatment for critically ill, underprivileged children suffering from Congenital Heart Defects (CHD), helping them access life-saving surgeries and critical care.

Over the past 25 years, Genesis Foundation has supported the treatment of over 5400 children across India, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that no child is denied access to essential medical care due to financial constraints.

Speaking about the successful conclusion of the festival, Jyoti Sagar, Founder Trustee of Genesis Foundation, said, "KRBF has always been more than just a music festival- it is a movement that brings people together for a shared purpose. As we mark the 10th edition, we are grateful for the continued support of our artists, partners and audiences who make this impact possible year after year."

Sameer Mutreja, Founding Director, Scapes India, 1842 Kasauli, added, "It is inspiring to see how KRBF continues to bring together music, community and purpose in such a meaningful way. We are proud to be associated with a festival that celebrates art while contributing to a larger social impact and respecting the natural and cultural fabric of Kasauli."

With another successful edition, the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival continues to strengthen its legacy as a platform that brings together music, community and purpose creating impact, one note at a time.

About Genesis Foundation:

Genesis Foundation facilitates medical treatment for critically ill under-privileged children suffering with Congenital Heart Defects. The support required in the said critical illness varies from specific surgeries (including neonatal), Cath Lab Interventions along with recovery and recuperation post-surgery. We Save Little Hearts.

So far, we have supported medical treatment of over 5400+ critically ill children. The children supported by the foundation belong to families with an income of less than or equal to Rs 20,000 per month, whose parents are unable to afford treatment for their children. GF is registered under section 12-A and 80-G of the income Tax Act, which entitles 50% tax exemption. GF is also registered under FCRA allowing it to receive foreign funds. 100% of donations from individual donors are used towards the treatment of children with no allocation towards administrative costs.

About 1842 Kasauli

1842 Kasauli, developed by Scapes Hospitality, is a luxury enclave set across 10 acres of pristine forest in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. The project comprises just 39 exclusively designed villas that blend heritage charm with contemporary comfort and nature-centric living. With a focus on sustainability, heritage preservation and community engagement, 1842 Kasauli offers a unique residential experience that celebrates the serene beauty and rich character of the hill.

Wipro Wins A Large Strategic Transformation Engagements From Food And Agri-Business Leader Olam Group

As part of the engagement, Wipro to acquire Olam Group’s IT and digital services business, Mindsprint.

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading AI-powered technology services and consulting company today announced that it has secured a multi‑year strategic transformation deal with Olam Group.

Olam Group is a leading US$ 50+ Billion food and agri‑business headquartered in Singapore, employing nearly 40,000 people, and majority owned by Temasek Holdings.

The 8-year engagement with Olam Group is expected to exceed US$ 1 Billion in contract value, with a committed spend of US$ 800 Million.

As part of the engagement, Wipro will deliver end‑to‑end transformation services to Olam Group through a consulting‑led and AI‑powered approach. The engagement will draw on Wipro’s industry expertise, partnerships with leading technology providers, and Wipro Intelligence™, its unified suite of AI‑powered platforms, solutions, and transformative offerings. Together, these capabilities will strengthen Olam Group’s core operations and support the creation of a sustainable competitive advantage.

Building on this foundation, Wipro will deploy its capabilities across Olam Group’s ‘farm‑to‑fork’ value chain, delivering industry‑specific solutions that align with the Group’s business priorities. This will focus on areas such as farming, forecasting, trading, supply chain operations, and customer engagement, with the goal of improving operational effectiveness, strengthening resilience, and supporting long‑term growth at scale.

Sunny Verghese, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Olam Group, said: “We are pleased to partner with Wipro on our transformation journey. Wipro’s scale, consulting‑led approach, innovation investments, and Wipro Intelligence™ position it well to advance Olam Group’s mission‑critical programmes and drive scalable outcomes. As Olam Group accelerates its journey towards being more agile, future‑ready, and in line with our priorities under the Re-organisation Plan to sharpen focus on core businesses and maximise shareholder value, we are bringing together the strengths of Mindsprint with Wipro. Mindsprint’s deep expertise in the food and agri-business industry, combined with Wipro’s global capabilities, creates powerful synergies for growth and end‑to‑end transformation across the value chain.”

“Wipro’s strategic engagement with Olam Group is an important step in expanding our farm‑to‑fork capabilities and scaling the impact of Wipro Intelligence™ across the food and agri‑business industry,” said Srini Pallia, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Wipro Limited. “I welcome the leadership team and employees of Mindsprint who will become a part of the Wipro family. By bringing Mindsprint’s deep domain expertise and IP-led solutions, together with Wipro’s consulting-led and AI-powered capabilities, we aim to unlock growth opportunities, catalyze innovation, and drive market‑ready transformation for Olam Group and our global clients across the industry.”

Under the terms of the acquisition of Mindsprint by Wipro, Mindsprint will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Wipro, subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions. This is expected to close at quarter ending Q1 FY27 (end of June 2026).

Primarily based in India, Mindsprint employs over 3,200 professionals and has been an enabler of Olam Group's digital transformation journey. It brings deep domain expertise in the food and agri-business sector, alongside strong capabilities in supply chain transformation, digital platforms, and proprietary IP‑led solutions such as Farmsprint® for plantation management, Procuresprint® for agentic AI-enabled procurement transformation, SprintAP™ for payables transformation, Salessprint™ for sales operations, and the Tradesprint® Commodity Trading and Risk Management platform.

About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading AI-powered technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients’ most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our consulting-led approach and the Wipro Intelligence™ unified suite of AI-powered platforms, solutions and transformative offerings, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions to build intelligent and sustainable businesses. The Wipro Innovation Network – part of the Wipro Intelligence™ suite – underpins our commitment to client-centric co-innovation and co-creation by bringing together capabilities from the innovation labs and partner labs, academia, and global tech communities. With over 230,000 employees and business partners across 65 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our customers, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at www.wipro.com.

About Olam Group

Olam Group is a leading food and agri-business supplying food, ingredients, feed and fibre to almost 22,000 customers worldwide. Our value chain spans over 60 countries and includes farming, processing and distribution operations, as well as a global network of farmers.

Through our purpose to ‘Re-imagine Global Agriculture and Food Systems’, Olam Group aims to address the many challenges involved in meeting the needs of a growing global population, while achieving positive impact for farming communities, our planet and all our stakeholders.

Headquartered and listed in Singapore, Olam Group is a component stock of the iEdge Singapore Next 50 index and a Singapore constituent of market indices including the FTSE Global All World Ex US Index, FTSE Developed All Cap Ex US Index, MSCI World ESG Screened Index, MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index and MSCI EAFE Investable Market Index (IMI). It is also part of the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global sustainable investment index series developed by FTSE Russell, following a rigorous assessment of Olam’s supply chain activities, impact on the environment and governance transparency.

Kotak BizLabs Season 2 Picks 71 Startups, Expands Funding Beyond Metros

* 60 Startups in second edition of the Bank’s accelerator programme

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“KMBL” / “Kotak”) today announced the selection of 71 startups for Season 2 of Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme, with 60 startups set to receive structured grants of up to ₹30 lakh each under the programme.

The new cohort also reflects a decisive shift in India’s startup geography. Fifty three percent of the selected startups are from non-metro locations, signalling growing entrepreneurial momentum beyond traditional hubs. The final cohort spans startups from 13 states across 12 sectors, including AI, deep tech, agritech, sustainability, clean energy, edtech and healthcare.

Season 2 of Kotak BizLabs attracted 3,088 applications, an 80% increase over the first season, with more than 80% of applications coming from outside the four metros. The six-to-nine-month programme will culminate in a Demo Day connecting founders with investors and corporate partners.

The first season of Kotak BizLabs, which concluded recently, delivered encouraging outcomes. Several startups from the Season 1 cohort have stabilised revenue models with growing client bases, while a few have gone on to secure funding and achieve meaningful revenue growth.

“We have redesigned Season 2 of Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme to support founders as they scale,” said Himanshu Nivsarkar, Head of CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank. “Along with enhanced funding support, the programme now brings a wider network of incubation partners and a stronger community framework. Our focus is on helping startups build models that can sustain and grow.”

Rohit Bhasin, President and Chief Marketing Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said: “The quality and diversity of applications this season tells us that India’s entrepreneurial ambition is geographically broad and commercially serious. Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme Season 2 is about building a platform that meets founders where they are and helps them scale from there.”

Season 2 of Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme is anchored by institutional incubators including IIM A Ventures, NSRCEL, T-Hub and FITT–IIT Delhi, with FITT–IIT Delhi joining this season to extend the programme’s reach in North India. The programme also pilots the Kotak BizLabs Community Platform, designed to connect startups from both seasons to curated resources, mentors and peer networks beyond the formal acceleration window.

Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme is a CSR initiative of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.

Varun Dhawan Unboxes Fossil’s Big Tic, Bringing The Y2K Energy Back

Following the reintroduction of its iconic Big Tic collection, Fossil brings the spotlight onto the relaunch through a candid unboxing moment featuring India brand ambassador Varun Dhawan. Reviving a cult-favourite from the late ’90s and early 2000s, the Big Tic returns with its signature ana-digi display and animated scrolling seconds blending nostalgia with a fresh, contemporary edge with two collections: Machine and Y2K.

In a recently released Instagram Reel, Varun Dhawan is seen unboxing a Fossil box two distinct iterations from the Big Tic collection, offering a first-hand take on how the watches translate into everyday style.

He first picks up the Big Tic Machine FS6165, calling out its “Y2K watch vibe” and noting that it feels like “not just a time-telling watch, but something that has a personality of its own.” With its gold-tone stainless steel case and signature animated digital seconds, the piece leans into a bold, expressive aesthetic that taps into the resurgence of retro-inspired style.

He then styles the Big Tic Machine FS6157, highlighting its versatility, sharing that he “likes it a lot,” especially for how seamlessly it pairs across looks “whether you’re wearing boots or shoes,” adding that “if you want to look formal, it fits the bill.” Designed with a black stainless steel case and brown leather strap, the watch brings a more grounded, wearable take on the Big Tic design, balancing statement with everyday ease.

Together, the two styles bring the Big Tic’s Y2K-inspired comeback to life, balancing bold expression with everyday versatility. More details on the watch below:

Machine Big Tic

FS6165 INR 13,495

FS6157 INR 15,495

About Fossil:

Fossil is a leading global lifestyle accessories brand inspired by creativity and ingenuity, dedicated to connecting people to what matters most: time. Fossil takes pride in creating timeless and exceptionally crafted watches, leather goods and jewelry—designed to accompany you on every journey life presents. As a trailblazer in the industry, Fossil brings innovation and style to its accessories, while also working diligently to Make Time For Good™, a platform created to enact positive change for the brand’s people and communities.

Vikaas M Sachdeva To Lead BitDelta India As Chief Executive Officer

Appointment signals BitDelta India’s imminent platform launch, built on institutional-grade infrastructure and a compliance-first approach

BitDelta India today announced the appointment of Vikaas M Sachdeva as its Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant step as the company prepares to launch its digital asset trading platform for Indian investors.

Vikaas brings over three decades of experience across India’s financial services landscape, spanning asset management, capital markets, and investment products. He is known for identifying sectors at critical inflection points and leading their transition from early adoption to structured, institutionally anchored growth.

Vikaas is widely recognised for his contributions to financial innovation, governance, and emerging asset classes including his role on the Mutual Fund Advisory Committee (MFAC) appointed by SEBI, as a Board member on the ETF & Indexing Committee at AMFI, and as Co-Chair of IVCA's Category III Council, in addition to his associations with the Asset Managers Roundtable of India (AMRI).

At BitDelta India, Vikaas will lead overall strategy, market development, and platform execution. His experience in building credible, regulation-aligned platforms positions him strongly to drive the convergence of traditional finance with digital assets in India.

Speaking on his appointment, Vikaas M Sachdeva, Chief Executive Officer, BitDelta India, said, “Every major shift in financial markets follows a progression from early adoption to structured, mainstream participation, and digital assets are now entering that phase. For this industry to realise its full potential, the focus must shift towards credibility, technological integrity, and responsible participation. India, with its scale and evolving investor base, is well positioned to lead this transition.”

On building a globally benchmarked, India-focused platform, he added, “As this evolution unfolds, I am excited to bring an institutional-grade platform to India, one that combines global digital asset infrastructure with governance and operating standards designed for the Indian market. Our goal is to set a new benchmark for trust, transparency, and reliability.”

Vikaas’s appointment reflects BitDelta India’s long-term approach to building a credible and compliant platform for Indian investors. As digital assets move towards mainstream adoption, his leadership will be central to enabling broader participation through strong governance, risk management, and user experience.

The appointment comes at a time when India’s digital asset ecosystem is entering a new phase of maturity. With over 100 million estimated crypto investors, increasing regulatory clarity, and a highly engaged retail base, the market is transitioning towards more structured participation. As the market continues to mature, challenges around trust, platform reliability, and compliance remain, making strong leadership critical.

BitDelta India will operate as an independently structured, India-focused platform, leveraging BitDelta’s global Web3 expertise, enterprise-grade technology, advanced security, and liquidity frameworks, while building locally aligned compliance standards and user experiences.

A formal platform launch is expected in the coming weeks.