HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is proud to announce its recognition in the ‘Leadership’ category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard, as assessed by Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS). This recognition is awarded to companies that scored 75 and above on the overall scorecard as of 31^st December 2025.
 

HDFC Life recognised in the ‘Leadership’ category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard, assessed by Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS)
 

This milestone reflects HDFC Life’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and exemplary Corporate Governance practices. The recognition in the ‘Leadership’ category marks a significant milestone for Corporate Governance in HDFC Life as the Company completes 25 years of its journey.

Speaking on the recognition, Narendra Gangan, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, HDFC Life, commented, “We are truly honoured to be recognised in the ‘Leadership’ category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard. It reflects the collective effort of every individual at HDFC Life to uphold the highest standards of Corporate Governance. For us, Corporate Governance is not merely a compliance obligation rather it is a core value that shapes every decision we make. This recognition inspires us to hold ourselves to an even higher standard as we continue to serve millions of Indian families.”

The Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard framework was developed jointly by IFC, BSE, and IiAS. It is anchored in the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance and has been in use since 2015. The assessment covers BSE 100 companies and is widely regarded as a benchmark for governance excellence in India.

India Market Entry (IME) is proud to launch AV1 in India. AV1 is an innovative telepresence robot designed to help students who are temporarily or for longer periods unable to attend school remain connected with their classrooms and peers. The introduction of AV1 marks an important step toward enabling inclusive and uninterrupted learning experiences for students across India.

India Market Entry (IME) is proud to launch AV1 in India

Developed to bridge the gap between students and their classroom environment, AV1 allows children to virtually attend school through a robot placed on their classroom desk. Using a smartphone or tablet, the student can see and hear everything happening in the classroom in real time, allowing them to follow lessons and stay connected with teachers and classmates even when they cannot be physically present.

Through its market entry and expansion expertise, IME played a key role in bringing this globally recognized assistive technology to India, enabling schools, healthcare institutions, and education partners to adopt a solution that addresses both academic continuity and emotional well-being among students who are unable to be physically present in school.

Commenting on the launch, Dhiraj Trakru, Founder & CEO, India Market Entry (IME), said, “When a child cannot attend school for an extended period, the biggest loss is often the sense of belonging. With AV1, schools can ensure that students remain connected to their teachers, friends, and daily classroom life. At IME, we are proud to bring solutions like this to India that help schools support both learning and student well-being.”

Adding to this, Petter Karal, Chief Growth Officer, No Isolation (the company behind the AV1), said, “School is not only about lessons; it is about belonging. Through AV1, our goal is to help students remain part of their classroom community even when they cannot attend in person. We are delighted to see AV1 introduced in India and look forward to supporting many more students in staying connected to their education and peers.”

AV1 has been widely adopted in several international markets, where it has supported students  experiencing extended absence from school by helping them remain socially connected and academically engaged with their schools.

With the increasing focus on inclusive education and digital learning in India, solutions like AV1 can play a crucial role in supporting students who face temporary or prolonged absence from classrooms due to medical conditions. IME aims to work closely with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and social organizations to expand the accessibility of this technology across the country.

For more information please visit – indiamarketentry.com/no-isolation.

Galgotias University is pleased to announce receipt of a research grant of Rs 42 Lakh from TIH-IoT, IIT Bombay. Received the grant for the project titled “Development of Intelligent Ripening Detector for Mango and Watermelon” under the Technology Development Program (TDP) of TIH-IoT (Technology Innovation Hub).

Knowledge Centre at Galgotias University

The project is supported by TIH-IoT, a not-for-profit Section 8 company established at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS) being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Gov. India.

The focus of the project is to develop a cost-effective, portable and intelligent ripening detection system which can identify ripening stages and detect artificial intelligence in different species of Mango and watermelon. Dr. Agniv Tapadar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering at Galgotias University, Principal Investigator (PI) of the project.

The intelligent system will use a novel sensor-based approach and intrinsic impedance sensing that will be able to analyse the internal features of the fruits without causing any external damage to the fruit. With this study, researchers will be able to efficiently assess fruit quality across different growth stages.

Galgotias University always supports interdisciplinary innovation through the junction of agriculture, sensing technologies, and intelligent systems. This project also aligns with the goals of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is among the world’s leading universities in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS Rankings) and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings.

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities, this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education. Galgotias has also been accredited with NAAC A+ grade in its very first cycle, achieving these milestones in a record time of just 14 years.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This recognition reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic landscape and reflects its consistent progress across global higher education benchmarks.

These recognitions highlight Galgotias University’s strong focus on teaching excellence, research impact, internationalization, industry integration, and innovation driven learning, shaping globally competent graduates ready for the challenges of the future.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. N K Gaur

Registrar

Galgotias University

registrar@galgotiasuniversity.edu.in.

Please visit: www.galgotiasuniversity.edu.in.

Toki Premium Club Soda hosted One Night in Toki-O in Kolkata for the very first time at Miss Ginko on 7 March. The evening celebrated contemporary Japanese culture. It was inspired by the idea of Traditions Reinvented, where old and new Japan come together. The experience brought together music, art, craft and Japanese-style dining. Guests got a glimpse of Tokyo’s vibrant creative spirit in the heart of the city.

One night in Toki-O in Kolkata

The venue transformed into a lively cultural setting where music, design and interactive experiences unfolded through the evening. Throughout the venue, guests discovered spaces that reflected both traditional inspiration and modern creativity, creating an atmosphere that felt distinctly Japanese while resonating with Kolkata’s vibrant cultural sensibility.

Commenting on the occasion, Rohini Menezes, Category Manager (The House of Suntory), Suntory Global Spirits in India, said, “With One Night in Toki-O, our intention was to create an experience that brings together different expressions of creativity while offering guests a glimpse into the spirit of Toki™ and the cultural inspiration behind it. The evening was designed to blend music, art, craft and food in a way that feels immersive yet approachable. Hosting this experience in Kolkata for the first time made it even more meaningful, as the city has such a deep appreciation for culture, creativity and shared experiences. It was wonderful to see guests engage with the different elements of the evening and make the experience their own.”

Music played a defining role in shaping the atmosphere of the evening. A vinyl set by Sindhi Curry introduced guests to the warmth and richness of analogue sound, setting the tone for the evening, followed by an energetic live performance by PhreshPrince.

Alongside the music, guests explored an interactive creative space featuring hands-on activities such as trinket making and matchbox printing, along with screen printing of an exclusive one-time Kolkata-inspired tote print, allowing attendees to create personalised keepsakes from the evening.

The venue also featured art installations inspired by the historical cultural exchange between Japan and Kolkata, interpreted through the philosophy of Toki, which means “time” in Japanese — a reflection of the balance between tradition and reinvention. One installation, Nihonga: A Tokyo Spring in Calcutta, paid tribute to Japanese artists such as Yokoyama Taikan, Hishida Shunsō and Kampo Arai, who visited and worked in Calcutta in the early 20th century. Conceptualised as a visual walkthrough, the installation brought together scroll paintings, drawings and music to imagine an artistic dialogue across time. At its centre was an imagined story between Koharu, a Japanese artist and Shamisen player from Tokyo, and Mukul, a musician from Calcutta, whose shared exploration of music and painting reflected the spirit of cultural exchange between the two cities. Through hand-painted canvases inspired by Nihonga techniques and accompanying soundscapes, the installation created an immersive space where memories of Tokyo and Kolkata converged, echoing Toki’s philosophy of tradition meeting reinvention.

The experience was further brought together through a specially curated Izakaya-style menu by Miss Ginko. Inspired by the relaxed and social spirit of Japanese izakayas, the food added a convivial element to the gathering. Through its blend of music, art and Japanese hospitality, One Night in TokiO offered Kolkata a distinctive cultural evening and a fresh way to experience the contemporary spirit of Japan.

About House of Suntory

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies: Yamazaki—Japan’s number one single malt, multi-layered and profound, and Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. This year, the House of Suntory celebrates one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole.

• BYD India now operates 48 showrooms across 40 cities

• The new 9,000 sft spacious PPS BYD showroom at Moti Nagar can display 7 cars

BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD and the world’s No. 1 NEV (New Energy Vehicle) manufacturer, today announced the inauguration of its 48th showroom in India and sixth showroom in Delhi NCR, located in Moti Nagar. The new facility, the largest BYD showroom in India, has been launched in partnership with PPS Motors Pvt. Ltd., marking the sixth BYD showroom operated by PPS Motors apart from four service workshops in 3 states in India and further strengthening the brand’s retail presence in the region.
 

Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business, BYD India and Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors Pvt. Ltd.

The newly inaugurated outlet reinforces BYD India’s expanding presence in Delhi NCR, one of the country’s fastest-growing and most dynamic electric vehicle markets. The expansion reflects the brand’s commitment to making advanced electric mobility solutions more accessible to customers in the region.
 

Spanning 9,000 sq. ft., the Moti Nagar facility is designed to provide customers with an expansive and immersive retail experience. The showroom will display BYD’s advanced electric passenger vehicles while enabling customers to explore the brand’s cutting-edge technology, design philosophy, and sustainable mobility innovations.
 

Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business, BYD India said, “The inauguration of our 48th showroom in India and sixth showroom in Delhi NCR with PPS BYD in Moti Nagar represents another important milestone in strengthening BYD India’s retail footprint. Delhi NCR continues to be one of the most dynamic EV markets in the country, supported by increasing consumer awareness and adoption of sustainable mobility solutions. Together with our valued partner PPS Motors, we look forward to bringing BYD’s advanced electric vehicles closer to customers in the region and contributing to India’s transition towards cleaner transportation.”
 

Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with BYD through the inauguration of India’s largest showroom marking an important milestone in our strategic expansion in Northern India. Being the largest spread sales and after-sales partners of BYD with 10 touch points in India, this reflects our shared commitment to accelerating the adoption of sustainable electric mobility solutions. Backed by BYD’s technologically advanced products, customer-centric approach coupled with our deep understanding of the customer needs we endeavour to provide a premium and seamless ownership experience for our customers in the Delhi region.”
 

With the addition of this showroom, BYD India’s national electric passenger vehicle dealership network has expanded to 48 showrooms across 40 cities with 18 dealer partners, reflecting the company’s continued efforts to strengthen accessibility and support the growing adoption of electric mobility across India. The BYD portfolio in India embodies the company’s commitment to innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility. The current lineup includes the BYD SEALION 7, BYD SEAL premium sedan, BYD ATTO 3 eSUV, and the BYD eMAX 7 eMPV, offering customers a diverse range of advanced electric mobility solutions.

Through its range of premium electric passenger vehicles and cutting-edge battery technology, the company continues to drive India’s transition toward clean transportation. Globally, BYD has sold over 15 million NEVs, contributing to the reduction of more than 129.2 billion kilograms of CO₂ emissions as of January 31, 2026, equivalent to what nearly 2.14 billion trees would absorb. BYD’s consistent ranking among the Top 10 Most Valuable Global Automotive Brands by Kantar BrandZ, along with its #91 position in the 2025 Fortune Global 500 with a brand value of USD 14.4 billion, reflects its growing leadership in the global EV market.

As BYD India continues to expand its network, the company remains focused on accelerating EV adoption, strengthening its customer ecosystem, and supporting India’s broader transition toward sustainable mobility.

About BYD India

BYD India was established in March 2007 in Chennai, India, with an office in New Delhi. The Indian subsidiary has two factories, covering more than 140,000 sq. m, with an investment exceeding $200 million. BYD India provides customers with product solutions and related after-sales services. The global No.1 in the NEV sector, BYD continues to redefine the landscape of sustainable transportation in its mission towards ‘Technological innovations for a better life’. In 2025, the company sold over 4.60 Million New Energy Vehicles worldwide. More information about the company can be found at www.bydautoindia.com

About PPS Motors

PPS Motors is part of a larger automobile group – one of the country’s largest spread automobile retail conglomerates – with rich experience of 75+ years, operates through 720+ automobile touchpoints across 19 states supported by a dedicated team of over 18,000 expert professionals. PPS Motors provides exceptional service and upholds high standards of professionalism. The conglomerate represents a diverse spectrum of auto segments, including 16 brands in passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. More information about the company can be found at www.ppsmotors.com.