Marriott International, CG Hospitality Global Sign Multi-Unit Agreement To Open Three Properties Across India And Nepal

* These signings deepen strong collaboration between the two companies, marking a significant step in expanding their luxury and premium hospitality footprint.

Marriott International, Inc. signed a landmark agreement with CG Hospitality Global to open three new hotels in South Asia, introducing Marriott’s industry-leading luxury and premium hotel brands to key urban, economic and leisure destinations across Nepal and India. Anticipated to open in 2031 and adding nearly 450 keys to the company’s portfolio, The Ritz-Carlton Kathmandu, The Westin Kathmandu, and JW Marriott Hotel Siliguri are poised to become coveted addresses for discerning travellers and residents.

CG Hospitality Global is Nepal’s largest and most diversified multinational conglomerates, with interests spanning hospitality, FMCG, financial services, cement, electric vehicles, telecom, education, infrastructure and real estate, amongst others. Headquartered in Nepal, the company is deeply committed to supporting the country’s long-term tourism and economic growth, while helping position Nepal as a globally recognized travel and hospitality destination. CG Hospitality Global shares a strong and growing association with Marriott through multiple hospitality developments across the region, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding world-class hospitality experiences in South Asia.

This multi-property agreement was officially signed in the presence of David Marriott, Marriott International’s Chairman of the Board; Dr Binod K Chaudhary, Chairman CG Corp Global & CG Hospitality, Mr. Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director & CEO CG Corp Global & CG Hospitality Global.

Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International and Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International.

“We are pleased to deepen our association with CG Hospitality Global through a shared vision to bring world-class hospitality experiences to these high-potential markets” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “These landmark developments reflect the exceptional standards and brand excellence that define Marriott’s luxury and premium portfolio, while contributing meaningfully to tourism growth, local employment, and regional economic development. Backed by CG Hospitality Global’s strong market expertise and long-term commitment to Nepal, we are confident these hotels will emerge as defining hospitality destinations in the region”.

On the occasion, Rahul Chaudhary, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of CG Hospitality Global, said, “Growing our relationship with Marriott International marks an exciting new chapter in our journey to elevate South Asia’s hospitality landscape. These signings signifies the importance that both parties put in this collaboration, and we sincerely thank Marriott for their trust, collaboration, and shared vision as we embark on these landmark projects together. Together, we will create iconic destinations that celebrate local culture, unlock meaningful employment, and deliver exceptional experiences for travelers and communities.”

The Ritz- Carlton, Kathmandu, Nepal

Marking the brand’s debut in Nepal, The Ritz-Carlton, Kathmandu will bring its legendary service and refined aesthetic to one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. Anticipated to feature 150 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 30 expansive suites, each space will be thoughtfully designed to offer a sense of understated luxury and sophisticated comfort. The property is also expected to feature the Ritz-Carlton Club signature, exquisite dining experiences across five distinct restaurants and bars, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Additionally, it is slated to feature over 1,100 square meters of well-equipped conference and event facilities, providing an ideal venue for corporate gatherings and social occasions. The hotel will offer excellent accessibility, located just 5 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport and just a short walk from cultural sites such as the famous Thamel, filled with local eateries and retail shops, The Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambunath Stupa and the revered Pashupatinath Temple.

The Westin Kathmandu, Nepal

Located at a convenient 7 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport, The Westin Kathmandu is expected to feature 150 premium rooms and suites. Plans for the property include three dining venues, a WestinWORKOUT® Fitness studio, the signature Heavenly Spa by Westin, a rooftop swimming pool and over 700 square meters of flexible meeting and banquet space, enhanced with natural light and smart technology. The hotel is poised to exemplify the brand's position as hospitality's global leader in wellness, allowing travellers to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through its pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well and Move Well.

JW Marriott Hotel Siliguri, India

Rooted in mindful luxury, JW Marriott Hotel Siliguri, is envisioned as a serene sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit, bringing the brand’s signature warmth, intuitive service, and refined design to the tranquil landscape of Siliguri. Set against the foothills of the Himalayas, in a city known as the gateway to Northeast India, the hotel offers a seamless connection to both place and purpose. Design plans for the hotel include 150 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, alongside wellness spaces that invite guests to pause and reconnect with the present. Immersive culinary experiences will come to life across four distinct dining venues, including a specialty restaurant. Additionally, the property is slated to offer a signature Spa by JW, an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre and 1,500 square meters of banquet space, ideal for corporate meets and private celebrations. Conveniently located just 10 kilometers from Bagdogra Airport, the hotel will serve as a restorative retreat, balancing effortless access with a profound sense of calm.

The three-property signing is the latest in a series of milestones reflecting the growing association between Marriott and CG Hospitality Global, including recently celebrating 75 total signings and 50 open properties for Series by Marriott in under two years. Outside of India, CG Hospitality Global and Marriott also opened The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection in the Philippines, marking the debut of the Autograph Collection brand in the country, while CG Developers announced JW Marriott Residences at Dubai Islands, Central, Dubai’s first JW Marriott branded residences.

These milestones reflect the growing momentum of Marriott and CG Hospitality’s relationship and reinforce a collaboration that continues to deepen across a range of markets and brands especially through the Series by Marriott . 

Andhra Pradesh To Scale Safe Drinking Water Through In-Line Chlorination At State Conclave In Vijayawada

Government of Andhra Pradesh and Evidence Action India Convene Senior Officials, engineers, and Community Voices to Accelerate Water Quality at scale.

The Rural Water Supply & Sanitation (RWS&S) Department, Andhra Pradesh and Evidence Action (known through its technical partner, EAII Advisors, in India) today convened the ‘State Conclave on Safe Water Through In-Line Chlorination’ at the Andhra Pradesh State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (APSIRD&PR), Vijayawada, bringing together senior officials, engineers, development partners, researchers and community representatives to accelerate the scale-up of In-Line Chlorination (ILC) across the state for safe water.

Held on World Environment Day, the conclave marked a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh's commitment to water quality under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, with the state articulating a clear ambition: to scale In-Line Chlorination across all feasible Single Village Schemes (SVS) in the state.

Shri K. Venkata Krishna, Officer on Special Duty to the Deputy Chief Minister and Additional Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh, delivered the keynote address, outlining the state’s vision and comprehensive strategy for scaling up safe and sustainable water supply systems under JJM 2.0. He emphasized the need for habitation-specific action plans and stronger convergence across all levels of implementation, stating, “Every habitation needs a clear roadmap for safe drinking water. The RWS&S and PR&RD Department have committed to mobilizing local, mandal, and state-level systems to translate these plans into action and accelerate access to safe and sustainable drinking water for all.”

The compendium of community voices titled “Safe Water that Transforms Lives” was released, capturing transformative experiences and impact stories from community members and key stakeholders associated with the safe water initiative. The dignitaries also inaugurated the LIVE ILC Dashboard, a real-time monitoring platform designed to strengthen oversight and tracking of ILC systems across implementation areas.

Shri B. Hare Ram Naik, Chief Engineer and Project Director, RWS&S Department, Andhra Pradesh, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing safe drinking water as a critical public health priority and underscoring the importance of chlorination in ensuring water safety at the household level, and said, “Through In-Line Chlorination, Andhra Pradesh is strengthening its commitment to ensuring safe and chlorinated drinking water for every household under JJM 2.0.”

Shri Anurag Taneja, Associate Director, India Safe Water Program, EAII Advisors, said, "The evidence is clear, and the technology is ready. What today's conclave has demonstrated is that under the government's leadership and community’s ownership, the State is well-positioned to take safe water to scale through In-Line Chlorination."

A dedicated technical training session was also conducted on In-Line Chlorination installation protocols, operation, maintenance, and dashboard usage to strengthen implementation readiness at the field level. The session was attended by more than 80 Assistant Engineers, Superintending Engineers (SEs), and District Superintending Engineers from across the state.

Senior officials, including Shri Satyanarayana, Managing Director, Jal Jeevan Mission Corporation and former Chief Engineer, RWS&S Department; Shri R. Suresh, Chief Engineer; Shri Ram Mohan, former Engineer-in-Chief; and Shri N. Venkateswarlu, Executive Engineer, all from the RWS&S Department, along with Shri Ramnath Reddy, Joint Director, Panchayati Raj, and Shri Srinivas Chary, Advisor, Evidence Action and former Director, UGID, ASCI, graced the occasion and participated in a panel discussion on scaling In-Line Chlorination (ILC) across Andhra Pradesh, focusing on policy, financing, and implementation pathways.

The conclave underscored the importance of strengthening water quality systems through institutional leadership, technical capacity building, real-time monitoring, and community participation. Evidence Action, in partnership with the RWS&S Department, Andhra Pradesh, will install around 400 ILC devices across the state, and the state will simultaneously develop a roadmap towards scaling In-Line Chlorination across all feasible Single Village Schemes at the earliest. Andhra Pradesh continues to be at the forefront in advancing sustainable and safe rural water supply systems at scale. Photo Caption: From left to right: Shri Manoj Kumar M, State India Safe Water Program Lead, Evidence Action, Shri Ramnath Reddy, Joint Director, Panchayati Raj, Shri B. Hare Ram Naik, Chief Engineer & Project Director, RWS&S Department, Andhra Pradesh, Shri K. Venkata Krishna, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Deputy Chief Minister and Additional Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri R. Suresh, Chief Engineer, RWS&S, Department, Shri Anurag Taneja, Associate Director, EAII Advisors, Evidence Action, Shri Abhishek Anand, Associate Director, EAII Advisors, Evidence Action.

Vestige Completes 22 Years, Sets To Achieve $1 Billion Goal For 2030

Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading homegrown direct selling company, marks 22 years since its inception, reflecting on a legacy built on trust, entrepreneurship and distributor-first growth, as it steps into its next phase with the announcement of its theme “Activate the $1 Billion Mindset” to achieve $1 billion growth by 2030.

The goal represents more than a business milestone. It reflects Vestige's commitment to scaling entrepreneurship, expanding opportunities and strengthening its contribution to India's evolving direct selling ecosystem. Built on a foundation of trust and innovation, Vestige aims to accelerate its next phase of expansion through portfolio innovation, digital transformation, distributor empowerment and global market growth.

Over the past two decades, Vestige has built a strong presence across India, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, and has emerged as one of the country’s largest direct selling companies. With a diversified portfolio spanning Health & Wellness, Beauty & Personal Care, and Agriculture, the company continues to create pathways for entrepreneurship and economic participation for millions of individuals. Its growth has been driven by a diverse community of people, including women, young entrepreneurs, homemakers, working professionals and many others who have transitioned into entrepreneurship, became economic independence and embraced flexible income opportunities.

Commenting on the 22nd anniversary milestone, Gautam Bali, Founder & Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., said, "The journey of Vestige has always been about people. Over the last 22 years, we have seen individuals from all walks of life build confidence, achieve economic independence, and create better opportunities for their families and communities. As we look towards 2030, our commitment remains to empower more people to dream bigger, grow further, and transform their lives. The $1 Billion Mindset is not just about scale, it reflects the collective ambition and potential of the entire Vestige family."

As a part of its growth strategy, Vestige will continue investing in digital capabilities, innovation-led product development, operational excellence, and leadership development. The company also remains focused on expanding opportunities for women, youth, and aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly across emerging markets.

With the launch of the "Activate the $1 Billion Mindset", Vestige aims to reinforce its position as a key driver of entrepreneurship-led growth while contributing to the advancement of India's direct selling industry.

About Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd.

Founded in 2004, Vestige is one of the leading and most trusted direct-selling companies in India. The company is run by veteran industry leaders who have pioneered an indigenous and unique business model that is revolutionising the direct-selling industry. Vestige offers a portfolio of 300+ products across wellness, health, personal care, home, and beauty segments through 2000+ distribution points across India. It has its business in India and in several other international markets. 

Go Healthy With Taiwan 2026” Global Proposal Campaign Launched

* Inviting The World To Co-Create A New Paradigm For Healthier Futures

To accelerate the global expansion of Taiwan’s health and wellness industries and deepen international collaboration, the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, TITA, has once again commissioned the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, TAITRA, to organize the “Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026” Global Proposal Campaign. Under this year’s theme, “Designing Healthier Futures Together,” the initiative invites government agencies, legal entities, enterprises, and institutions worldwide to submit innovative application proposals that integrate Taiwan’s strengths in smart healthcare, sports technology, and high-end bicycles to create health solutions that can be implemented internationally and co-create a new Paradigm for healthier futures.

The launch press conference for this year’s campaign was held on May 27. During the event, the Director General of TITA, William Liu, stated that “Healthy Taiwan” is one of the government’s key policy visions. To continue promoting Taiwan’s image as a healthy, innovative, and dynamic industrial powerhouse on the global stage, the “Go Healthy with Taiwan” Global Proposal Campaign has been launched once again. Through a comprehensively upgraded campaign, the initiative aims to generate demonstrative and multiplier effects, positioning Taiwan as the preferred global partner for health solutions. In addition, at the Taiwan Expo in Poland this June, organized by TITA, the top three winning teams from the 2025 campaign will be invited to share their collaboration experiences.

President & CEO of TAITRA, Simon Wang, noted that this year’s campaign will be paired with a series of international trade shows and business-opportunity events to systematically bring Taiwan’s innovative strengths in cycling, sports technology, and smart healthcare to the world stage. The initiative will help Taiwanese enterprises build deeper connections with global buyers, investors, and startup teams, while creating tangible international orders and long-term partnerships.

The event was attended by nearly 100 distinguished guests, including representatives from the Taiwan Bicycle Association, Taiwan Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, the Taiwan Medical and Biotech Industry Association, and Taipei Veterans General Hospital, as well as enterprises and foreign envoys stationed in Taiwan.

Looking back at the inaugural 2025 campaign, “Go Healthy with Taiwan” achieved outstanding results, attracting 638 proposals from 55 countries. Building on this experience, the 2026 campaign will further expand its scale to attract more than 800 proposals from five continents, demonstrating the strong international collaboration and the potential of Taiwan’s health and wellness industries.

The launch press conference also featured a specially curated “Health AI Hub” product experience zone, spotlighting three key sectors: "Cycling," "Fitness & Sports Technology," and "Smart Healthcare". The zone brought together Taiwanese companies, including Acer Gadget, Tokuyo, Makalot, Newtown, Gee Hoo, Ideas Lab, AKIMIA, and Vast, showcasing forward-looking applications in the global health and wellness industry, ranging from low-carbon mobility and smart sports to precision healthcare and healthy aging management. The exhibits collectively highlighted Taiwan’s strengths in integrating technological innovation with sustainability, offering a glimpse into the next generation of healthy living.

The “Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026” Global Proposal Campaign is now open for applications until August 5. The top three winning teams will each be awarded US$30,000, taking action to contribute to global health and well-being. Through this platform, Taiwan aims to strengthen the international presence of its health and wellness industries and play a pivotal role in advancing health innovation on the global stage.

How India’s Mangoes Ride Air India’s Long-Haul Network Across The World

On a humid evening in Mumbai, as Air India’s wide body aircraft prepare for their overnight departures to London, New York and Frankfurt, the cargo holds below the passenger cabins are filled with an unlikely but eagerly awaited traveller: boxes of carefully packed mangoes, their fragrance contained but unmistakable.Each year, as India’s summer ripens, this ritual resumes. In 2026, the scale has been striking.

Between March and May 2026, Air India transported more than 3,300 tonnes of fresh produce across its network. Over 1,000 tonnes of that cargo consisted of mangoes, the fruit that occupies a near-mythic place in India’s culinary and cultural imagination, and an equally cherished one among diaspora communities abroad.

For those waiting in distant cities, the mango’s arrival is less a delivery than an event.

A season measured in tonnes

The surge unfolded steadily. In March, as the first consignments began to move, Air India carried 805 tonnes of fruits and vegetables. By April, at the peak of the harvest, that number had risen to 1,275 tonnes, before remaining strong in May at 1,233 tonnes.

Much of this volume traces back to India’s western belt, particularly the mango farms of Maharashtra and Gujarat, where the Alphonso and Kesar varieties are grown. Revered for their sweetness, texture and aroma, these mangoes command loyal followings from Dubai to New Jersey.

And it is Mumbai, with its proximity to this agricultural heartland, that becomes the season’s logistical nerve centre.

From the city’s cargo terminals, shipments fan outward across continents. During this three-month period, London Heathrow saw as much as 180 tonnes of weekly uplift from Mumbai during peak weeks. Frankfurt received around 40 tonnes, while Dubai, Newark and New York JFK each absorbed roughly 30 tonnes weekly.

Following the fruit

The routes themselves tell a story of migration, taste and memory.

In West Asian cities such as Dubai, Indian mangoes arrive at markets where familiarity runs deep. In London and New York, their appearance signals the start of a brief but intense retail window, where specialty grocers stack crates high and customers buy in bulk, often sending them onward again to friends and family.

From Delhi, Air India’s aircraft continue to carry perishables to cities as far-flung as San Francisco, Toronto, Paris, Hong Kong and Sydney, embedding Indian produce into global supply chains that are commercial in function, yet emotional in significance.

The airline today handles over 400,000 tonnes of cargo annually, making it India’s largest international cargo operator.

The infrastructure of freshness

Yet the journey of a mango from farm to overseas shelf is not merely about distance. It is about time and temperature.

Long before the aircraft doors close, the cold chain is already in motion. Produce arrives at airport terminals in refrigerated trucks, coordinated by IATA-approved agents. At origin, it is stored in temperature-controlled environments, typically maintained between 15°C and 25°C, before being loaded into specialised pallets and containers.

The process repeats itself after landing, where temperature-regulated handling continues until final delivery.

Over the past few years, Air India has invested in strengthening this infrastructure. Today, the airline operates cold-storage and active-container capabilities across 14 airports, including major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, and New York's JFK and Newark airports.

Supporting equipment, from cool dollies to thermal blankets, helps ensure temperature stability is maintained even during brief but critical moments on the tarmac.

These facilities are GDP-certified, aligning them with global standards for handling temperature-sensitive cargo.

“Transporting over 1,000 tonnes of mangoes in just three months reflects both the scale of demand and the robustness of our cold-chain processes,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India. “Perishables require meticulous handling, and our teams work closely with partners to maintain consistency and quality at every step.”

More than logistics

But to view this movement solely as an operational feat would be to miss its deeper resonance.

Each shipment carries more than produce alone. It carries seasonality, something increasingly rare in a globalised food economy, and a shared anticipation that bridges continents.

For members of the Indian diaspora, the first mango of the season often marks a return, however fleeting, to familiar rhythms. For others, it is an introduction to a fruit that has travelled thousands of miles but arrives with its character intact.

In cities such as London and New York, the mango season is fleeting, its peak lasting only a few weeks. Yet during that time, demand surges, shelves empty quickly, and conversations in homes, markets and online frequently return to one question: Have the mangoes arrived?

Shrinking distances

What Air India’s cargo numbers ultimately reveal is something larger than scale. They trace a seasonal artery between Indian farms and global tables, one that is as much about identity and memory as it is about commerce.

In the span of a single night’s flight, fruits harvested in western India reach kitchens half a world away, still fragrant and still evocative of summer.

It is a reminder that aviation does more than move people. It moves tastes, traditions and expectations, compressing distances not just geographically, but culturally.

And in the quiet belly of a long-haul aircraft, somewhere between Mumbai and London, summer travels, one box of mangoes at a time.

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  

Biocon Academy Hosts 10th Graduation Ceremony In 2026, 156 Students Graduate Across Five Programs

· 70% of graduating students are women

· Strengthening industry relevance: New programs in Artificial Intelligence in Life Sciences, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics introduced

Biocon Academy, a Centre of Excellence for Advanced Learning in Applied Biosciences and a CSR initiative of Biocon Limited, hosted its 10th Graduation Ceremony at its Bengaluru campus, with 156 students graduating this year.

Seven batches across five programs participated in the ceremony: Biocon KGI Certificate Program in Biosciences, Biocon JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (AHER) Certificate Program in Global Regulatory Affairs, Biocon Ramaiah Certificate Program in Quality Control Analytical, BITS Biocon Certificate Program in Applied Industrial Microbiology, and Syngene Ramaiah Certificate Program in Sterile Manufacturing.

The graduating students were felicitated by Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chief Mentor, Biocon Academy and Executive Chairperson, Biocon Limited; Dr E.V. Ramana Reddy, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA); and Group Captain Prasanth Nair, Astronaut (Gaganyaatri), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The ceremony was attended by faculty members, industry experts, and mentors.

Seven top-performing students were awarded Gold Medals for Academic Excellence.

Since its inception in 2013, Biocon Academy has focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry. Through its industry-aligned programs, the Academy is equipping students with a strong blend of theoretical knowledge, technical expertise, and practical insights—ensuring they are industry-ready from day one.

To date, over 1,300 students have received rigorous academic training and industry exposure in applied biotechnology disciplines, enabling them to build successful careers across leading biotech and biopharma companies in India.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said: “Biocon Academy has played a pivotal role in building industry-ready talent for the biotechnology sector by combining academic rigor with real-world application. As science evolves, so must skilling. With the launch of new programs in Artificial Intelligence in Life Sciences and Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Biocon Academy continues to align its curriculum with emerging industry needs. Our graduates are equipped not just to participate in the industry, but to shape its future through innovation and impact.”

Bindu Ajit, AVP – Program Dean, Biocon Academy, said: “Biocon Academy is committed to developing a future-ready biotechnology workforce that can drive innovation and strengthen the biopharmaceutical ecosystem. We are confident that our graduates will make meaningful contributions to research, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare, while reinforcing India’s global leadership in biotechnology.”

Biocon Academy’s education partners continue to play a critical role in delivering industry-relevant, globally benchmarked learning programs. Dr Mohamed Abousalem, President, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, California, joined the ceremony virtually. Other academic partners present at the event included representatives from BITS Pilani, M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, and the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB).

Donning The Graduation Caps

Program Name	Batch Numbers	Education Partner	Number of Graduates
Biocon KGI Certificate Program in Biosciences	28, 29	Keck Graduate Institute, California	54
Biocon JSS AHER Certificate Program in Global Regulatory Affairs	4	JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru	21
Biocon Ramaiah Certificate Program in Quality Control Analytical	7	MS Ramaiah College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Bengaluru	20
BITS Biocon Certificate Program in Applied Industrial Microbiology	11	BITS, Pilani	20
Syngene Ramaiah Certificate Program in Sterile Manufacturing	2, 3	MS Ramaiah College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Bengaluru	41

About Biocon Academy

Biocon Academy, a Centre of Excellence for Advanced Learning in Biosciences, is a CSR initiative of the Biocon Group, Asia’s leading biopharmaceutical company. It is focused on developing high-quality, industry-ready talent for the Indian biotech sector to address the growing skill gap. The Academy enhances the employability of bioscience graduates through advanced experiential learning and practical training.

It has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of aspiring biotech professionals while bridging the industry–academia gap. The Academy collaborates with leading global institutions such as Keck Graduate Institute (USA), BITS Pilani (India), M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce (India), JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (India), and the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, to deliver world-class education. Biocon offers scholarships covering 60–75% of the program costs for these international-quality programs. For more information, visit: www.bioconacademy.com

Axis Bank Mobilises Communities Across South India To Drive Environmental Action Under ‘Open For The Planet’

* Multi-city initiative spans five states, engaging over 8000 participants across South India

* Campaign brings together communities, corporates, students and ecosystem partners to accelerate sustainability at scale

Marking World Environment Day 2026, Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has rolled out an extensive, multi-city sustainability campaign across South India under its flagship platform ‘Open for the Planet.’ The initiative is part of the Bank’s broader commitment to driving environmental awareness and encouraging meaningful community action to protect the environment.

Spanning Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, the campaign brings together communities, corporates, customers, employees, educational institutions and ecosystem partners to enable meaningful environmental action at scale.

With outreach to over 8000 participants through this initiative, Axis Bank aims to create a participatory movement that transforms intent into action—enabling individuals and communities to contribute towards building a cleaner and greener future.

The campaign features a series of high-impact activities, including:

Tree plantation drives across Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Puducherry to enhance urban green cover and biodiversity

Clean-a-thon initiatives at beaches and corporate parks to promote waste reduction and responsible disposal

EV display zones to showcase next-generation green mobility solutions

Human chain activations to drive awareness on environmental responsibility

Recycling partnerships to scale reuse, resource efficiency and responsible consumption

Commenting on the campaign, Sanjeev Moghe, Group Head - Branch Banking, South at Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, sustainability is embedded in how we think about long-term growth and value creation. Through these initiatives, we aim to make environmental action simple, inclusive, and accessible for communities across regions. It is encouraging to see citizens come together to participate in building a greener future, and we believe such collaborative efforts are essential to creating lasting environmental impact.”

‘Open for the Planet’ reflects Axis Bank’s continued efforts to deepen its sustainability focus through a people-led, regionally relevant movement— anchored in its dil se open philosophy towards communities, partnerships, and a greener future.