The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), will convene senior finance leaders, global experts and strategic partners in Bengaluru from May 12 to 14, 2026, for a three-day series of engagements focused on how the accounting and finance profession will evolve in the years ahead. Hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, the events will bring together decision-makers from across finance, public accounting and policy sectors to examine shifts in governance, capital allocation, skills and regulation, and to define what the profession must do to continue to lead.
 

Mark Koziel, CEO, AICPA and CIMA
 

The programme will be led by Mark Koziel, CEO, AICPA and CIMA, whose India visit includes keynote addresses across all three days, alongside participation from global and regional leaders including Tom Hood, Executive Vice President, Business Engagement and Growth, AICPA and CIMA; and Venkkat Ramanan, Regional Vice President Asia Pacific, AICPA and CIMA.
 

Offering a broader view on the convening, Mark Koziel, CEO, AICPA and CIMA noted, “India stands at a point where finance leaders are expected to interpret complexity with precision and act with conviction. Bringing together senior professionals and global perspectives in Bengaluru allows for candid exchange on risk oversight, performance measurement and the application of emerging technologies in finance and accounting. These engagements are designed to shape and develop the profession’s capabilities to meet emerging business and client needs.”
 

Venkkat Ramanan FCMA CGMA, Regional Vice President Asia Pacific, AICPA and CIMA added, “Every conversation I have with our members in India comes back to the same thing – they want to lead, not just keep pace. That ambition reflects the right mindset, and AICPA and CIMA are primed to match it with the relevant skills the profession now demands. These events will drive this further.”
 

The Bengaluru convening is part of AICPA and CIMA’s ongoing engagement with the Indian market, working with members, employers and institutions to support the profession’s development and respond to shifts in technology, regulation and business models. Central to this is RISE2040, a global, multi-year initiative combining research, thought leadership, digital platforms and practitioner networks to shape how the profession will evolve over the next 15 years, building on programmes like the CPA Vision Project and Horizons 2025 to strengthen its role in strategic decision-making and long-term value creation.
 

Three days of senior–level engagement in Bengaluru

The series opens on May 12 with the CFO Summit, a closed-door working session for CFOs and senior finance leaders in India, structured as a tightly choreographed research and foresight programme focused on producing measurable decisions, governance models and new metrics of value for participants to take back to their organisations. The afternoon will begin with a keynote by Koziel setting the global context for the profession’s shift from historical measurement to decision intelligence, followed by moderated roundtable discussions on how finance functions are becoming forward-looking, how capital is being managed through economic and technological transition, and how fiduciary responsibility is expanding across ethics, regulation and artificial intelligence. Discussions will address themes including anticipatory finance, data governance as a control framework, valuation in transition environments, sustainability-linked financial metrics and emerging regulatory expectations, concluding with a curated dinner to strengthen relationships across India’s senior finance leadership community, with around 50 senior leaders expected.
 

On May 13, the RISE2040 Conference will bring together members, employers, public accounting leaders and partners for a full-day exchange on the future direction of the profession. The event is positioned as AICPA and CIMA’s flagship gathering in India. The conference will focus on how the profession is preparing for the next decade, with emphasis on capability, market structure and the evolving role of finance, opening with a keynote from Koziel and recognition of leading employers in India contributing to finance talent. Sessions will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping finance roles and decision-making, and take a detailed look at the Global Capability Centre ecosystem in India and its next phase of growth. The agenda will further address developments across auditing, accounting and tax from a US–India perspective, alongside discussions on advocacy priorities and the long-term capability agenda.
 

The final day, May 14, will feature the Major Firms Group Partner Council Meeting, a focused engagement with a select group of strategic partners. The session will include a keynote address by Koziel and facilitated discussions aimed at aligning priorities, strengthening collaboration and advancing shared objectives for the profession. The day will also include media interactions, leadership briefings and meetings with accounting firms and employers, forming part of the broader engagement during the India visit.
 

About AICPA and CIMA

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), is one of the world’s largest professional bodies for accounting and finance professionals. Formed in 2017, it brings together the capabilities and legacy of both organisations to support the profession across more than 150 countries and territories, with a combined network of over 580,000 members, candidates and registrants.
 

AICPA is the world’s largest member association for the CPA profession, responsible for setting ethical, attestation, and private company auditing standards in the United States and for developing the Uniform CPA Examination. CIMA is the world’s leading professional body of management accountants and works closely with employers to equip finance professionals with the skills required for business leadership and strategic decision-making. Together, these organisations contribute to a global framework that supports both public accounting and management accounting disciplines.

Many graduates step out of university unprepared for the realities of the workplace. In early 2026, an initiative across Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru set out to change that – not through lengthy courses, but through a practical, hands-on approach to job readiness. Through a CSR partnership with HDFC ERGO, The Art of Living Social Projects launched the Employability & Workplace Readiness Program under its Vidya project. Designed as a 20-hour intervention with real impact, the programme equipped young graduates with the skills they actually need at work. 

Future-ready in progress

The Gap We All Acknowledge, but Rarely Address Well
India produces millions of graduates each year. Yet employers keep pointing to the same issue: A degree doesn’t necessarily translate into workplace readiness.

Students often struggle with:

• Communication

• Financial awareness

• Workplace expectations

• Work stress and pressure

This programme didn’t sidestep the problem – it went straight at it.

Not just training. Preparation for real life.
What set the programme apart was its emphasis on application over theory. It did not treat employability as a checklist; it approached it as a mindset, preparing students not just to secure jobs, but to handle them effectively. 

Less lecturing. More doing – role plays, discussions, real-world scenarios.

Students engaged in:

• Stress management through breathing, meditation, and mindfulness

• Professional communication and interpersonal skills

• Workplace discipline and productivity

• Basics of banking, insurance, and financial planning

• Sales, negotiation, and relationship management

Small Programme. Real Reach.
The target was 400 students. The outcome: 370 trained in Tamil Nadu, and 31 in Karnataka. One striking detail: 67% of participants were women, reflecting strong female participation in skill-building initiatives.

Students came from diverse academic backgrounds – BBA, B.Com, BA, and BSc – but shared a common need: clarity and confidence about stepping into the workforce.

What Actually Changed
The numbers matter. The shifts matter more.

Students reported:

• Greater confidence in speaking and presenting

• A clearer understanding of money and financial planning

• Enhanced resilience (stress management) through simple, proven breathing techniques 

• Increased self-awareness and discipline

• A realistic view of workplace expectations

• For someone stepping into their first job, that’s transformative.

• Working within constraints

Looking Ahead
As India continues to grapple with the employability gap, scalable, focused interventions like this offer a way forward. Because bridging the gap between education and employment doesn’t always require reinventing the system. Sometimes, it just means preparing people better for the world they’re about to enter.

About The Art of Living Social Projects 
Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects operates across India in collaboration with the Government of India, leading corporates, and local communities. The organisation undertakes large-scale initiatives in water conservation, natural farming, afforestation, environmental protection, free education, women’s empowerment, and rural development, among other focus areas. 

To learn more about these initiatives or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India

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The Indo-Pacific region continues to be the focal point of global growth dynamics and strategic competition, and relations between Vietnam and India are facing new opportunities to develop in a deeper, more substantive, and more sustainable manner. Building on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2016, cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, and environment has increasingly been identified by both sides as key pillars.

In 2024, the two sides adopted an Action Plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 2024-2028 period. This document not only consolidates traditional areas of cooperation but also expands into new domains such as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, energy and sustainable development.

Economy continues to be a bright spot in bilateral cooperation

Over the past decade, Vietnam-India economic cooperation has recorded significant positive developments. Bilateral trade turnover has maintained steady growth, increasing from over USD 14 billion in 2023 to nearly USD 16.5 billion in 2025, reflecting the increasingly close integration between the two dynamic Asian economies.

The structure of two-way trade has increasingly demonstrated complementarity. Vietnam has strengthened its exports of electronics, machinery, processed agricultural products, wood, and seafood, while India serves as an important supplier of steel, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and textiles to Vietnam.

Amid the ongoing restructuring of global supply chains, both Vietnam and India are intensifying efforts to diversify their partners and reduce dependency risks. This creates significant room for the two countries to promote supply chain linkages in areas such as processing and manufacturing industries, supporting industries, logistics, and high-tech agriculture. Vietnam, with its strategic location in Southeast Asia, can serve as a gateway for Indian enterprises to expand their presence deeper into ASEAN, while India represents a vast market with rapidly increasing consumer demand.

Science and technology: a new driver for deeper cooperation

Scientific and technological cooperation has seen remarkable development recently, gradually shifting from exchanges to more substantive collaboration, tied to specific products and developmental needs. Priority areas of cooperation include information technology, biotechnology, clean energy, and digital transformation.

Several representative projects, such as the Satellite Data Receiving Station and Satellite Image Processing Center, the Vietnam-India Nuclear Science Center (Da Lat), the Army Software Park (Nha Trang), and the Center of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT), have been contributing to enhancing Vietnam’s technological capacity. Notably, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program continues to be an effective channel for human resource training, helping Vietnamese officials and experts access modern management knowledge and experience.

Against the backdrop of the vigorous Fourth Industrial Revolution, the potential for cooperation between the two countries remains vast. The two sides can expand their cooperation into emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, fintech, and biotechnology, aiming for the goals of co-development and co-innovation. 

Environmental cooperation and sustainable development are gradually expanding

In the context of increasingly complex climate change, environmental cooperation between Vietnam and India is becoming an important component of the bilateral agenda. Areas such as renewable energy, water resource management, circular economy, and disaster-resilient infrastructure are receiving growing attention and promotion from both sides.

Cooperation agreements in marine science, along with Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) supporting communities, such as clean water supply, drought mitigation, and saline intrusion prevention in the Mekong Delta, have delivered practical results. Vietnam’s participation in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), initiated by India, also opens up opportunities to strengthen cooperation in sustainable infrastructure and climate change adaptation.

In the coming period, areas encompassing solar energy, energy storage, waste management, marine pollution monitoring, and early warning systems for natural disasters are considered promising directions for cooperation.

Prospects for cooperation

The prospects for cooperation in the coming period are assessed as positive. With the economic and scientific-technological complementarity, along with strong political will from both sides, Vietnam-India relations have many favorable conditions to grow more strongly, particularly in areas such as the digital economy, green economy, innovation.

Orientations for promoting cooperation in the coming period

With a foundation of excellent relations and significant room for cooperation, the two countries have the basis to elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new height, making it increasingly substantive and effective in the new phase, particularly in the context of the two countries heading towards new high-level engagements with the state visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to India in May 2026.

To effectively capitalize on opportunities, both sides need to continue maintaining high-level exchanges, intergovernmental mechanisms and specialized dialogues, and further translate strategic commitments into cooperation programs and projects with clear roadmaps and resources.

In the economic field, efforts should be intensified to remove trade barriers, improve logistics connectivity, and promote the review and upgrading of the ASEAN – India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA); strengthen the development of large-scale investment projects in priority areas such as pharmaceuticals, the marine economy, renewable energy, and supporting industries.

In the field of science and technology, establishing joint research cooperation mechanisms, strengthening linkages between research institutes, universities, enterprises, as well as promoting expert exchanges, technology transfer, and human resource training will play an important role.

In the environmental field, efforts should be directed toward building a comprehensive green cooperation framework, focusing on water management, marine science, plastic pollution reduction, clean energy, and disaster-resilient infrastructure, while also effectively leveraging regional initiatives such as the CDRI.

The countdown to the first Monday in May has begun, and while the Met Gala guest list is famously kept under lock and key, there is a special reason for Hyderabad to be excited. Local philanthropist and business leader Sudha Reddy is reportedly heading back to the red carpet for fashion’s biggest night.

From the heart of Hyderabad to the steps of the Met – carrying the legacy of Indian couture in every stitch

This year, the gala draws inspiration from the Costume Art exhibition, which highlights 5,000 years of style through 400 unique objects. With a dress code of Fashion Is Art, guests are challenged to treat their attire as an embodied masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the long-standing relationship between the dressed body and the world of art.

Reddy is known for using her global platform to highlight Indian culture. In the past, she has worn stunning designs by Falguni Shane Peacock and Tarun Tahiliani. This year, the theme is “Fashion Is Art,” and insiders say she is looking to collaborate with Indian icons like Sabyasachi Mukherjee or Manish Malhotra.

“Her goal is always to showcase the beauty of Indian textiles and jewelry,” says a source close to Reddy. “This isn’t just about a party; it’s about making sure Indian craftsmanship is seen by the entire world.”
 

Reddy’s trip to New York follows a busy year representing India at major events, including the Paris Olympics, the Cannes Film Festival, and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. When she isn’t on the red carpet, she is a director at Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) and heads the Sudha Reddy Foundation on charitable projects.
 

The gala, set for Monday, May 4, 2026, will be one of the most star-studded in history. This year’s co-chairs include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, with Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos serving as lead sponsors.

Reddy will join roughly 450 global stars, including Sabrina Carpenter and Lisa, to celebrate the relationship between clothing and art. As the world watches the famous steps of the Met, Hyderabad will be watching one of its own take her place among the global elite.

Pride Group of Hotels officially launched its 2^nd hotel in NCR Region in the educational & business hub of the city with Pride Premier Greater Noida. The hotel marks an exciting milestone for the group as it expands its footprint in the heart of one of India’s most dynamic business and leisure destinations.

L to R: Mr. Atul Upadhyay – Executive Director, Pride Hotel Limited; Mr. Mohammad Shoeb – VP North Region; R.K Tandon – Designated Partner Shivay LLP; Dr. Seema Tandon – Partner Shivay LLP

Located strategically in Knowledge Park III, the 76-room hotel is perfectly situated for both business and leisure travelers. With easy access to key commercial hubs, India Expo Mart, educational institutions, and entertainment spots, Pride Premier Greater Noida offers a sophisticated & warm hospitality experience. This new addition to Pride Group’s portfolio provides a variety of premium amenities designed to meet the needs of modern travelers, including spacious rooms, contemporary décor, and global facilities.

Speaking on the opening, Mr. Atul Upadhyay, Executive Director of Pride Hotels Group, said, “We are excited to expand our presence in the NCR region with the launch of Pride Premier Greater Noida, our second property in this dynamic market. As Greater Noida continues to emerge as a key hub for business, education, and leisure, this hotel is strategically positioned to serve the evolving needs of both corporate and leisure travelers. With this opening, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering world-class hospitality, combining modern amenities with a personalized, local touch that truly reflects the essence of the region. Pride Premier Greater Noida is designed to be a go-to destination for business events, conferences, and leisure stays, providing an unparalleled experience for all our guests.”

The hotel features two exceptional dining outlets: Cafe Pride – a multi-cuisine restaurant offering a culinary journey from regional flavors to international cuisines, and Mr. Confectioner – an artisanal bakery perfect for those who appreciate a quiet, indulgent break with freshly baked treats. Guests can also look forward to the upcoming Fuel Bar, which will provide an exciting atmosphere for relaxation and socializing.

The hotel will soon offer over 8,000 sqft of event space, ideal for hosting corporate events, conferences, weddings, and social gatherings. With state-of-the-art facilities, Pride Premier Greater Noida is designed to cater to events of all sizes, offering both indoor venues that can accommodate up to 600 guests.

Mr. Mohammad Shoeb, Vice President – North Region, Pride Hotels Group, added, “With the opening of Pride Premier Greater Noida, we are taking a step forward in establishing our presence in the NCR region. This hotel combines modernity with a strong connection to the local culture and the international standards that we stand by. We are confident it will become the preferred choice for guests visiting Greater Noida.”

Pride Premier Greater Noida promises to deliver a soulful hospitality experience that reflects both the warmth of the region and the highest international standards. Whether for a business trip, a conference, or a social event, the hotel is set to become a landmark destination in the region.

Ms. Lovely Rajvansh, Operations Manager of Pride Premier Greater Noida, commented, “At Pride Premier Greater Noida, we aim to provide an unmatched guest experience by focusing on personalized service, sophisticated design, and seamless convenience. We are dedicated to creating memorable experiences for all our guests, whether they are here for business or leisure.”

About Pride Hotels Group

Founded in 1987, Pride Hotels Limited is a leading home-grown Indian hospitality company with over 38 years of operating experience across hotel ownership, development, and management. Promoted by S P Jain, the Company has built a diversified, multi-brand hospitality platform with a strong presence in major cities like Delhi, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Indore, Bhopal, Rajkot, Jaipur, Udaipur, Dehradun, Puri across business, leisure, and pilgrimage destinations in India.

Pride Hotels has 60+ hotels and resorts comprising 5000+ keys, 3.50 lakh sq.ft. of banquet venue under a hybrid model of owned assets and long-term hotel management agreements.

Pride Hotels operates across the upscale to midscale segments through four distinct brands—Pride Plaza (upscale), Pride Premier (upper midscale), Pride Elite (midscale), and Biznotel by Pride (midscale).

In addition, Pride Hotels operates 50+ food & beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and bakeries, many of which have received prestigious dining and hospitality awards.

Livasa Hospitals has announced the appointment of Mr. Kamal Kant Gambhir as its Chief Financial Officer, further strengthening the leadership team as the hospital network continues its growth and expansion across North India.

Mr. Gambhir brings with him over 35 years of rich experience in strategic finance, governance, business transformation, and leadership across healthcare, manufacturing, telecom, and multinational organizations. He has held key leadership roles with reputed organizations including SCL Lifesciences Limited as Chief Financial Officer and Gates, a US based multinational organisation, where he served as Senior Finance Director. 
 

Anurag Yadav, Chief Executive Officer – Livasa Hospitals, welcomes Mr. Kamal Kant Gambhir to the organisation as Chief Financial Officer
 

Known for building robust financial systems, driving operational efficiency, and enabling sustainable business growth, Mr. Gambhir’s appointment comes at a significant time as Livasa Hospitals accelerates its expansion plans and strengthens its commitment to quality, affordable and patient-centric healthcare.

Welcoming him to the organization, Mr. Anurag Yadav, Chief Executive Officer, Livasa Hospitals, said, “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Kamal Kant Gambhir to the Livasa family. His deep financial expertise, strategic perspective, and proven leadership track record will be invaluable as we continue to scale our network and build a future-ready healthcare institution.”

A Chartered Accountant, Mr. Gambhir is also widely respected as a mentor and motivational speaker, with a passion for developing future leaders and contributing to social welfare initiatives.

Livasa Hospitals is a multi-speciality tertiary care hospital network with 750+ beds across Mohali, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, and Khanna. Supported by 250+ experienced doctors and 40+ super specialities, the network is committed to delivering quality, patient-centric, and affordable healthcare. With upcoming hospitals in Ludhiana and other key locations, Livasa Hospitals continues to strengthen access to advanced healthcare across North India.

Royal India Vacation Pvt. Ltd. created history with the successful hosting of Vijay Parv 2026, a grand award and recognition celebration that brought together over 1 lakh attendees at Leisure Valley Ground. The landmark event was graced by Pushkar Singh Dhami, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand; Nayab Singh Saini, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana; Manoj Tiwari and several distinguished leaders and guests.

Over 1 Lakh Participants Create World Record at Grand Hanuman Chalisa Gathering Attended by CMs Pushkar Singh Dhami and Nayab Singh Saini

Adding to the significance of the occasion, Vijay Parv 2026 achieved official recognition from the Book of Records, London for the largest synchronized Hanuman Chalisa recitation, with thousands of participants joining together in a powerful display of devotion, unity, and discipline. The record attempt was conducted under prescribed validation protocols, including synchronized participation, verified attendance counts, and complete documentation.
 

Avinash Kumar Jha, Founder of Royal India Vacation Pvt. Ltd.

Speaking on the success of the event, Avinash Kumar Jha, Founder of Royal India Vacation Pvt. Ltd, said, “Vijay Parv 2026 is a reflection of our journey, our people, and our shared belief in growth through unity. We are grateful for the overwhelming support and proud to create an event that celebrates achievement, inspires ambition, and brings people together at such a historic scale.”
 

Conceptualized as a mega platform to celebrate achievements, inspire participants, and strengthen community engagement, Vijay Parv 2026 combined scale, entertainment, precision planning, and mass participation in a first-of-its-kind format. Designed around a royal theme, the event featured a grand stage setup, cultural performances, smart entry systems, and seamless crowd management.
 

Following the overwhelming response, Royal India Vacation Pvt. Ltd. plans to develop Vijay Parv into an annual flagship property with even greater scale and participation in the years ahead.
 

About Royal India Vacation Pvt. Ltd.
Royal India Vacation Pvt. Ltd. is a fast-growing enterprise specialising in travel, hospitality, and large-format experiential event management, with expertise in MICE, destination weddings, group travel, and high-footfall event execution across India and overseas markets.