Bridging the academia-industry gap, Chandigarh University (CU) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global big 4 consulting firm EY India,’ to offer 10 Professional Certifications under its MBA Flagship and BBA Flagship Programs to boost employability of business management students with future-ready skills for bright career opportunities in the rapidly evolving global business landscape. 

Students to get industry-recognised certificates embedded in curriculum, hands-on learning with real-world business applications

The dignitaries who graced the MoU signing ceremony at Chandigarh University included Anand Akhouri, Director, EY India, Prof (Dr) Devinder Singh, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Chandigarh University, Prof (Dr) Raghuveer VR, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof (Dr) SS Sehgal, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Registrar, Chandigarh University and Prof (Dr) Nilesh Arora, Executive Director, Management, Chandigarh University. 

With this collaboration, students enrolled in the MBA Flagship and BBA Flagship Programs at Chandigarh University will gain access to 10 EY certificate courses designed across high-impact domains including Marketing Analytics, AI & ML in Python, Financial Analytics, Business Intelligence using Power BI, Business Analytics, Human Resource Analytics, Predictive Modelling in Python, Supply Chain Analytics, Data Analysis using R, and Exploratory Analytics in Python.

On this occasion, Anand Akhouri, Director, EY India said, “This collaboration between EY India and Chandigarh University opens a broad spectrum of courses and opportunities, allowing CU students to upskill with the latest tools and technologies through the MBA Flagship and BBA Flagship Programs offered by University School of Business at Chandigarh University. This collaboration will provide CU’s business management students with the opportunity to upskill themselves with the latest tools and technologies.”

Terming the MoU with EY India as a major milestone to align academic learning with real-world industry requirements, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “This initiative is aimed at developing a future-ready talent pool equipped with advanced capabilities in analytics, consulting, finance, marketing, human resources, and technology. By bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications, this collaboration will help in providing CU’s management students exposure to cutting-edge areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Financial Advisory, Marketing Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Risk Management, and Business Consulting, ensuring alignment with evolving global business demands. This strategic MoU with EY India brings 10 specialised certificate courses which will help CU students learn beyond classrooms and lead beyond boundaries.”. 

“With this EY India collaboration, Chandigarh University’s management students will get industry-recognised certificates embedded in curriculum, hands-on learning with real-world business applications, exposure to cutting-edge domains like Data Analytics, AI, financial advisory and consulting which will get enhanced employability, leadership, and strategic thinking skills. With industry leaders like EY India onboard, we are redefining management education by integrating experiential learning, digital transformation, and global best practices into our pedagogy. At Chandigarh University, we don’t just prepare students for jobs, we prepare them for impact, innovation, and leadership in the global economy,” he added. 

Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University further said this partnership with EY India marks a significant step toward enhancing experiential learning, integrating global best practices, and improving employability outcomes.

“The integration of EY India certificate courses into the curriculum provides students with a distinct ‘double learning advantage’, enabling them to earn both a degree and industry-recognized professional certifications simultaneously. This MoU with EY India underscores Chandigarh University’s commitment to innovation-driven education, skill development, and industry relevance, further strengthening its position as a hub for future-focused management education in India. CU’s University School of Business is known for delivering industry-oriented, globally benchmarked management education with a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and experiential learning. With this collaboration, the University School of Business at Chandigarh University has taken a bold step forward with its BBA Flagship Program and MBA Flagship Program by joining hands with EY India, a global big 4 consulting firm,” he added.

Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University also added further,“In today’s competitive landscape, success demands more than a degree—it demands skills, insights, and industry relevance. This collaboration ensures students are not just job-ready, but future-ready leaders. EY India certificate courses will empower CU students to become next-generation leaders, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs by getting well-equipped with the skills to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global economy.”

Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in

SIMBA Uproar 2026 concluded its Mumbai edition on 11th April at the MMRDA Grounds, bringing together over 4000+ attendees for an immersive celebration of hip-hop, live performance and action sports.

KR$NA commanded the stage at SIMBA Uproar 2026, MMRDA Grounds, Mumbai, delivering a high-energy set for 4000+ fans in a no-barriers hip-hop celebration

Following a successful edition in Delhi, the platform expanded its scale in Mumbai with a strong focus on community-driven experiences and accessible live entertainment. This year introduced a single-tier, no-VIP format, creating a shared space where artists and audiences experienced the event together, without barriers.

KR$NA commanded the stage at SIMBA Uproar 2026, MMRDA Grounds, Mumbai, delivering a high-energy set for 4000+ fans in a no-barriers hip-hop celebration

The line-up featured performances by KR$NA, Sambata and Dhanji, alongside DJ sets by Ishani, Bobkat and OG SHEZ, delivering a dynamic mix of live music and high-energy soundscapes.

A major highlight of the event was the FMX stunt showcase, with professional riders performing choreographed aerial routines within a controlled environment that added a visually striking element to the festival. These segments were seamlessly woven into the overall experience, enhancing the scale and excitement of the event.

Beyond music, the festival featured interactive zones, cultural installations and experiential spaces, encouraging audience participation and creating a multi-dimensional environment.

Speaking on the Mumbai edition, Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia, said, “Mumbai has been an important step in building Uproar as a culture-first platform. We’re constantly listening to our consumers and evolving the experience to make it more inclusive, accessible and rooted in the communities we engage with.”

The Mumbai edition also reflected key learnings from earlier showcases, with an increased focus on accessibility, audience flow and overall on-ground experience. With strong turnout and audience engagement, SIMBA Uproar 2026 continues to establish itself as a growing platform within India’s evolving youth and culture landscape. 

The property is set to further expand its footprint with future editions and community-led experiences across cities.

About Simba Uproar
Simba Uproar is the flagship youth culture and live entertainment property by Simba, created to celebrate the bold, expressive spirit of India’s new generation.

Positioned at the intersection of music, pop culture and campus energy, Simba Uproar brings together emerging artists, disruptive creators and vibrant communities for an immersive, high-voltage experience. Known for its striking visual identity, larger-than-life stage design and digitally amplified storytelling, the platform goes beyond a traditional music event to become a cultural movement.

Rooted in Simba’s challenger ethos, Uproar champions individuality, fearless self-expression and collective celebration. As the property expands across cities, it continues to build a strong cultural footprint, strengthening Simba’s connection with young consumers through experiences that are bold, inclusive and unforgettable.

NDTV has achieved a significant milestone in applied artificial intelligence, with its research paper accepted at ACM SIGIR 2026 – widely regarded as the world’s leading conference in search and information retrieval.

Rohan Tyagi, Chief Product Officer, NDTV Digital

The paper, ‘All the News That Fits in Bits: Learned Rotation-Aware Binary Projections for Efficient News Retrieval at NDTV’, focuses on a challenge that sits at the core of modern news platforms – how to find and surface the right information instantly from a rapidly expanding universe of content.

As newsrooms scale and archives grow, delivering relevant stories in real time – with speed, accuracy, and efficiency – becomes increasingly complex. NDTV’s work offers a more effective way to do this, making search significantly faster and more cost-efficient without compromising quality.

The system has been tested under real-world newsroom conditions, where editorial teams found the results to be as reliable and relevant as those of existing approaches.

The acceptance is particularly notable given the selectivity of SIGIR’s Industry Track, where only a small number of papers are chosen globally from submissions by leading technology companies and research institutions. NDTV becomes the first Indian media company to be selected in this category.

Ritwick Ghosh, lead author of the paper and Engineer, Machine Learning at NDTV, said, ‘The challenge was simple to describe but difficult to solve – how do you search through a massive and constantly growing news library in milliseconds, without losing relevance? This work is about making that possible in a way that is fast, efficient, and dependable in real newsroom conditions.’

Rohan Tyagi, Chief Product Officer, NDTV Digital, added, ‘As our content and audiences scale, building intelligent systems like these becomes essential. This is about ensuring that relevance is delivered instantly, while keeping the experience seamless and efficient.’

This recognition places NDTV among a small group of global organisations contributing to advances in AI-driven search and discovery, and strengthens its position as a newsroom building technology grounded in real-world use.

Note to editor:

About NDTV

NDTV is India’s most trusted window to the world — defined by its credibility, commitment to accuracy, and depth of reporting. For over three decades, it has consistently delivered journalism of substance across politics, policy, business, environment, and culture.

Reaching half a billion people across the globe through  television and digital platforms, the network operates seamlessly across a diverse portfolio that includes NDTV 24×7, NDTV India, NDTV World, NDTV Profit, NDTV Rajasthan, NDTV Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh, and NDTV Marathi. Together, these platforms serve a wide audience, offering news in multiple languages and regional perspectives.

NDTV’s digital ecosystem — comprising NDTV.com, NDTV.in, Profit.ndtv.com, and its suite of apps and social platforms — provides real-time access to news and analysis at scale. Through its journalism and editorial depth, the network shapes public understanding and contributes meaningfully to conversations across India and around the world.

At the heart of NDTV is a simple pursuit — to make sense of a complex world, with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

Knowledgeum Academy, a premier IB World School in Bengaluru, recently celebrated its third annual graduation ceremony, Transcendence 2026 – the beginning of becoming – for its International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) cohort. Hosted near the academy’s campus in Jayanagar, the event served as a milestone for the graduating learners, marking their transition from rigorous academic inquiry to impactful global leadership.

Snippets from the Knowledgeum Academy’s Transcendence 2026

The ceremony highlighted Knowledgeum Academy’s vision to deliver a holistic and internationally recognised curriculum in the heart of Bengaluru. This aligns with the IBDP’s mission to nurture independent thinkers who are prepared to navigate and lead in an increasingly complex world. 

The 2026 ceremony welcomed Mr. Owen Richards, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru, as the chief guest. His insights and expertise in international politics and a career spanning major international hubs like Geneva, Bucharest, Jakarta, Mumbai, and New Delhi helped learners understand the value of being a global citizen.

When addressing the Class of 2026, Mr. Richards said, “We have a long-standing conviction that our country is best protected and more prosperous when we remain true to our values and do not seek the short-term transactional winds of opportunism. And so it is in life. Try not to make a short-term gain at the expense of your values.”

Dr. Chenraj Roychand, Founder Chairman – JAIN Group & Founder – Knowledgeum Academy, was also present for the graduation ceremony. Guided by his vision and backed by the legacy of the JAIN Group, the academy today stands among the best IB schools in Bengaluru, where experiential learning has evolved into a project-based, hands-on, profound academic experience for its learners.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Dr. Roychand stated, “Sometimes the most important life lessons do not come with recognition or reward. They come quietly through experience, reflection and resilience. What you have experienced here at Knowledgeum Academy is not just education but a way of thinking.”

The Class of 2026 has continued the academy’s tradition of high achievement. Building on the previous years’ success, where learners consistently achieved higher global IB grades, this year’s cohort has already secured early admissions to esteemed universities across the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Europe, including prestigious international universities like the University of San Francisco, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Sydney, along with the top national institutions like Ashoka University, Krea University, and FLAME University. 

These results are a testament to the academy’s dedicated university guidance and a commitment to strategic profile building that aligns with every learner’s interests and strengths. Knowledgeum Academy is proud to provide a learner-centric environment defined by small class sizes and IB-trained educators within the robust IBDP framework.

For more information on the IBDP and upcoming admissions, please visit www.knowledgeumacademy.in 

About Knowledgeum Academy
Knowledgeum Academy, a pioneering educational institution under the JAIN Group, offers the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, equipping students with a holistic, inquiry-driven education that meets international standards, located in Bengaluru. Recognised as ‘India’s Top Emerging International School’ by Education Today in 2023, the academy is dedicated to fostering a thriving environment for curious and ambitious learners. Offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11 and 12, Knowledgeum Academy combines academic excellence with an engaging, interactive, and reflective learning approach. It is committed to shaping future-ready professionals equipped for global success.

For media inquiries, please contact media@jgi.ac.in

The National Education Policy (NEP) has reshaped India’s education system by shifting the focus from rote learning to flexible, skill-based education. Sandip University has aligned its academic programs with NEP guidelines to help students build practical knowledge and industry-relevant skills.
 

NEP-Aligned Courses at Sandip University-Nashik
 

Multidisciplinary Learning
Students are encouraged to explore subjects beyond their primary field. Elective options allow learners to combine disciplines. For example, an MBA student can study psychology as an additional subject.
 

Flexible Entry and Exit System
Following NEP guidelines, the university offers multiple academic milestones:

• 1 year – Certificate

• 2 years – Diploma

• 3 years – Bachelor’s degree

• 4 years – Bachelor’s Honours degree
   

Skill-Focused Education
Courses include vocational training and mandatory internships to ensure students gain practical exposure and workplace skills.
 

Industry Collaboration
Partnerships with over 150 industry organisations provide students with workshops, guest lectures, industry visits, and Centres of Excellence that connect academic learning with real-world applications.
 

Holistic Development
The university’s campus environment supports overall student growth through personality development programs, soft-skills training, and extracurricular opportunities.
 

By integrating NEP principles into its academic structure, Sandip University aims to prepare students with the flexibility, skills, and industry exposure needed for future careers.

Reinforcing its commitment to continuous medical education and clinical excellence, Kauvery Hospital successfully conducted the 4th edition of Kauvery ECG Masterclass 2026, bringing together over 400 medical professionals for a focused academic workshop on ECG interpretation.

Dr. Usnish Adhikari,Dr. Deep Chandh Raja S,Dr. Manoj Sivaramakrishnan, Dr. Anantharaman R,Dr. Sivakadaksham N,Dr. Gopal Parthasarathy,Dr. Prabhakar D, Dr. Kannan K,Dr. Mahesh Kumar K
 

The programme aimed to enhance clinicians’ and medical trainees’ ability to accurately interpret ECGs—an essential skill in the early diagnosis and management of heart attacks, rhythm disorders, and other cardiac emergencies. The workshop saw active participation from cardiologists, physicians, intensivists, postgraduate and medical students, and allied healthcare professionals, who benefited from expert-led sessions, case-based discussions, and real-time ECG analysis.

A key highlight of this year’s edition was the launch of “Handbook on ECGs – Volume 2”, authored by Dr. Deep Chand Raja and Dr Ushnish Adhikari . The handbook was formally unveiled by eminent cardiologist Dr. N. Sivakadaksham. Developed as a concise yet comprehensive clinical guide, the publication serves as a valuable reference tool for medical professionals, offering structured insights into ECG interpretation and its clinical applications.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Deep Chandh Raja, Director, Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Kauvery Hospital, said, “ECG interpretation is a critical clinical skill that requires continuous learning and practical exposure. Kauvery ECG Masterclass was created as a focused academic platform to help medical professionals strengthen their understanding and confidence in interpreting ECGs accurately. The launch of Handbook on ECG – Volume 2 further supports this effort by serving as a practical reference for everyday clinical use. This is the 4th edition of the masterclass and we have seen overwhelming interest from the students and medical professionals every year.”.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Hospitals Group, said that programmes such as Kauvery ECG Masterclass play an important role in promoting continuous medical learning and skill enhancement. He expressed encouragement over the strong participation this year and said the programme had added significant value to the clinical understanding of the participants. He further noted that such academic platforms contribute meaningfully to better patient care.

The successful completion of this event reflects Kauvery Hospital’s continued focus on medical education, academic collaboration, and clinical excellence, while nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals through meaningful knowledge sharing initiatives.

Bata India, India’s most trusted footwear brand, is set to launch its latest campaign, “Everyday Essentials. Reinvented,” bringing renewed focus to open footwear, an enduring staple in Indian wardrobes. Fronted by actor Taapsee Pannu, the campaign celebrates the category’s deep-rooted relevance in India while presenting a contemporary collection designed for modern women.

Everyday Essentials Reinvented

The collection focuses on open silhouettes, including flat and low-heeled sandals, peep-toes, woven straps and styles with adjustable buckles. Crafted using lightweight materials and supportive construction, the range is designed for long hours of wear while keeping the look fresh, minimal and easy to style. A palette of beige, brown, silver and black gives the collection a relaxed, modern sensibility, while subtle heel heights add stability without compromising comfort.

More than just a seasonal trend, open footwear continues to be a category deeply embedded in Indian consumer behaviour. From navigating daily commutes to transitioning into relaxed evening settings, sandals and open styles have consistently delivered on ease and adaptability. This sustained demand is reflected in scale, with Bata selling over 2 million pairs of open footwear in 2025, reinforcing its position as a category staple.

Speaking about the campaign, Badri Beriwal, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Bata India said, “Everyday Essentials. Reinvented reflects the way Bata is looking at modern footwear today – through the lens of comfort, utility and design that fits seamlessly into real life. With this collection, we are bringing together thoughtful construction and contemporary style to create footwear that feels relevant, easy to wear and dependable through the day.”

Adding to the campaign’s spirit, Taapsee Pannu added, “For me, comfort is essential when it comes to footwear. My days are often packed and constantly on the move, so I naturally gravitate towards styles that feel effortless to wear while still looking stylish. The open footwear from Bata’s Everyday Essentials collection fit seamlessly into my everyday routine.”

With “Everyday Essentials. Reinvented,” Bata positions open footwear not just as a category, but as an everyday constant, one that continues to evolve with the pace and preferences of modern India. With accessible pricing starting at ₹799, the collection aligns with Bata’s commitment to making well-crafted, everyday footwear widely available.

Campaign link: www.instagram.com/reel/DW8qHyFot5X/?igsh=MXNheXRlNzliY3c0NQ%3D%3D

About Bata India
For close to a century, Bata India has been a symbol of trust and quality for the Indian consumers, serving 250,000 customers every day in 2023. Throughout this journey, Bata has continuously evolved to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers to become the largest footwear retailer and manufacturer in the country. Its expansive retail network consists of 1900+ stores (Company Owned and Franchise). Augmented by thousands of Multi Brand Outlets and a robust omni-channel presence across D2C and marketplaces, Bata India sells close to 50 million pairs annually.

Bata India’s mission is to make global trends and premium fashion accessible to all consumers through its extensive retail network. It is redefining the intersection of fashion and comfort through its various brands – Bata Red Label for in trend global styles, Bata Comfit for technology enabled comfort in daily wear, athleisure brand Power for fitness sneakers and apparel, NorthStar for sneakers inspired by global youth trends, fashionable range of clogs and slip-ons under Floatz, kids brand Bubblegummers that has won the trust of parents while inspiring fun, and Hush Puppies the global brand that epitomises comfort and elegance to name a few. To explore the world of Bata, please visit www.bata.com

Superplum, the company behind India’s first modern farm-to-shelf fruit supply chain, has launched InstaTrace™ — a first-of-its-kind digital intelligence system that does something no other fruit brand in the world does: it lets consumers see everything.

Superplum InstaTrace™ QR Scanner

Every Superplum pack carries a unique QR code. One scan — no app download, no login — and families get the full, verifiable life story of their fruit: where it was grown, who grew it, how it was tested, and how it reached their home. In a market where consumers have been told to just “trust the label,” InstaTrace replaces blind faith with open data.

Here Are The Receipts.

India’s fruit industry is a $100 billion market with zero consumer-facing transparency. No brand lets you verify safety. No brand shows you the farm. No brand names the farmer. InstaTrace changes all of that.

When a consumer scans the QR code on a Superplum pack, they access a comprehensive intelligence report covering eight sections of verified data:

Pesticide Safety: Verified, Not Claimed

Every batch is tested at a NABL-accredited laboratory for pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and growth regulators. The actual lab report is linked directly in the scan. Consumers don’t read a marketing claim — they read the lab data. When the InstaTrace report says “Within Safe Limits,” that’s not a tagline. That’s a test result.

The Farmer: Named, Photographed, Rewardable

InstaTrace reveals the actual grower behind each pack — their name, photograph, years of farming experience, and a harvest calendar showing their growing season. For example, a scan of Superplum Papaya shows grower Daga Mahadu Karankal from Shindkheda, Maharashtra, farming for over a year with drip irrigation and high farm hygiene. Consumers can even pay the farmer a direct bonus through a secure portal — turning purchase into partnership.

The Farm: GPS-Pinpointed, Satellite-Mapped

Every InstaTrace report includes a precise satellite map of the source farm. This is how Superplum guarantees provenance. A Sindhura Mango scan shows the exact orchard in Muthalamada, Kerala — with plant age, irrigation type, disease incidence levels, and farm hygiene rating. For GI-tagged varieties, this is irrefutable proof of origin: not “Alphonso-style,” but actual, verified Alphonso from its rightful region.

The Journey: Tracked all the way

From the moment the fruit is hand-picked to the final quality check at the distribution centre, InstaTrace logs every step. Consumers see harvest time, sorting location, transport temperature, humidity levels, and the name of every quality inspector who handled their batch. A Papaya batch scan reveals it was harvested in Dhule at 9:30 AM, transported at 13°C with 51% humidity, and quality-checked in Noida — every checkpoint verified.

Hygienic Handling: Checked at Every Stage

The report confirms that procurement centres, transport vehicles, distribution centres, and packaging lines all passed hygiene checks before the batch moved through. This isn’t a blanket assurance — it’s a checkpoint-by-checkpoint verification trail.

Carbon Footprint: Measured, Not Marketed

For the first time in Indian fresh produce, consumers can view the calculated carbon emissions for their pack’s journey from farm to city. Sourced from the GHG Emission Factors Hub, this gives environmentally conscious families real data, not a green label.

See the reports in action: Papayas | Sindhura

Why There’s Nothing Like This. Anywhere.

InstaTrace is not a QR code that links to a marketing page. It is not a blockchain gimmick. It is a live, batch-specific intelligence report powered by Superplum’s proprietary FreshManager™ platform — a system built over five years of in-house R&D to manage India’s most complex fresh produce supply chain.

Globally, no fresh fruit brand combines all of these elements in a single consumer-facing scan: batch-level pesticide lab reports, named and photographed growers, GPS farm coordinates, timestamped cold-chain journey tracking, hygiene verification, and carbon footprint data. Leading international brands offer partial traceability — a regional certification here, an anti-counterfeit code there. InstaTrace goes further by declassifying the entire supply chain for every individual pack.

The Safe Fruit Movement

InstaTrace is the public-facing expression of Superplum’s broader mission: to make fruit safety visible and verifiable across India. Behind the QR code is a nationwide infrastructure of farm-level cold rooms, precision sorting and grading facilities, proprietary cold-chain transport (Fresherator™), automated ripening chambers, and state-of-the-art distribution centres — all digitally traced and connected through FreshManager™.

This modern supply chain enables Superplum to deliver what was previously impossible in India: high-quality, pesticide-tested, fully traceable fruit at scale — including delicate varieties like lychees, cherries, and ready-to-eat mangoes, delivered nationwide.

Don’t Guess. InstaTrace It!

About Superplum

Superplum is reimagining India’s fruit supply chain with a mission to make fruit safety visible and verifiable. Through its proprietary technology platform, custom-designed digital cold chain, and direct farmer relationships, Superplum delivers premium, traceable, and safe-to-eat fruit to consumers while ensuring fair returns for farmers. The company operates India’s first state-of-the-art modern fresh produce supply chain, serving consumers across multiple states through retail, quick-commerce, and e-commerce channels.

Website: www.superplum.com