Huawei is proud to join the 25th Conference of Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI 2025), hosted by the president of Association of the Electricity Supply Industry of East Asia and the Western Pacific (AESIEAP), SP Group, under the theme “Empowering the Energy Transition“. By collaborating with industry partners and embracing the energy ecosystem, Huawei engaged over 4,000 energy leaders, government representatives, and customers, unveiling new Intelligent Substation Solution features and fostering collaboration on energy transition, smart grids, and future power innovation across East Asia and the Western Pacific.
 

Huawei representatives deliver a speech at CEPSI 2025

Jason Li, President of Huawei Global MKT & Solution, Electric Power Digitalization Business Unit, stated that, “The portfolio of automation, digitalization and AI will become the key drivers for grid modernization. We believe that the deep integration of digital technologies into electric power scenarios, and the reconstruction of production and operation modes through communication and AI technologies can help meet dual-requirements of ultimate stability and ultimate flexibility.” This model is showcased in Huawei Intelligent Substation’s new intelligent perimeter fiber sensing features.

Traditional substations have long relied on manual inspections and passive monitoring that struggle to detect complex risks. Huawei’s innovative solution leverages fiber-optic sensing and AI large-model algorithms to precisely identify vibrations, personnel movement, and foreign intrusions. By integrating intelligent management with on-site verification, the system delivers exceptionally low false-alarm and missed-detection rates, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.

Leo Zhang, Vice President of Huawei Enterprise Optical Network Domain, highlighted in his speech, “The AI-based intelligent fiber-optic sensing solution enhances perimeter protection and underground cable security for substations and power plants through high precision, environmental resilience, and 24/7 monitoring. This has significantly improved the safety while reducing manual inspection costs and boosting operational efficiency.“

Jacky Wang, Vice President of Electric Power Digitalization Business Unit, addressed that, “For the energy industry, real-time and high-quality data are essential to get the most out of AI, while highly reliable communication networks are the foundation for real-time, high-quality data. We need to redefine digital scenarios and the communication target network, as well as reposition network security.” He also noted, “Computing power is the foundation of AI, electricity is the ceiling of computing power and AI is the future of electricity.“

Jing Kong, CMO of Beijing Yueneng Technology Co, Ltd., shared her thought, “AI+ will help new energy grow healthier and smarter—turning that grow well, not just fast. It will help build a greener planet for all of us. Yueneng partners with Huawei to drive the digital transformation of new energy together!“

During the event, Huawei hosted the IDS Club roundtable and the APAC Energy Power Partner Forum, engaging both customers and partners on regional development and opportunities. Energy companies also visited Huawei OpenLab to explore its intelligent power solutions. In short, Huawei will continue working with customers and partners to accelerate the energy industry’s digital and intelligent transformation.

Learn More: e.huawei.com/en/industries/grid.

The National Finance Olympiad (NFO), India’s largest and most impactful financial literacy programme for students in Grades 6 to 12, has now extended its mission to younger learners with the launch of a new range of Personal Finance Handbooks for Grades 1 to 5. This initiative aims to nurture financial confidence, curiosity and awareness from an early age, helping children develop essential life skills in managing money.

Mitul Mehta & Shiv Bidani- Co-founders of National FInance Olympiad

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s financial literacy rate stands at just 27%, compared to 71% in Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Experts attribute the Nordic region’s success to introducing money management concepts early, helping students build essential financial skills from a young age.

Recognising this gap and the need for early financial education, the Personal Finance Handbooks for Grades 1 to 5 are created. Each book is thoughtfully designed with colourful illustrations, engaging characters, relatable examples and hands-on activities that make complex financial ideas simple and enjoyable to learn.

In addition, a Parent–Child Activity Booklet has been introduced for Grades 1–2 that encourages fun, interactive learning and quality family time – all at once. The age-appropriate content throughout the books introduces children to fundamental money concepts such as the value of money, needs versus wants, saving and spending wisely and setting small financial goals.

“Financial education is often seen as something meant for adults, but its foundation should be laid much earlier. That is why introducing children to money concepts from a young age helps them understand the value of earning, saving, and spending wisely,” said Mitul Mehta, Co-founder of the National Finance Olympiad (NFO).

Shiv Bidani, fellow Co-founder of the National Finance Olympiad, said, “Early exposure builds confidence, encourages goal-setting and fosters responsible habits that last a lifetime – ultimately shaping financially informed and independent adults.”

Building on this vision and commitment to early financial education, the Personal Finance Handbooks for Grades 1-5 are now available on the website of the National Finance Olympiad. With this launch, NFO creates a new benchmark in the academic landscape and continues its mission to make financial literacy an integral part of every child’s learning journey.

About NFO

The National Finance Olympiad (NFO) is India’s largest and most impactful financial literacy program dedicated to students from Grades 5 to 12. Founded with the vision of making financial education accessible, relevant, and practical, NFO equips young learners with essential money management skills to navigate the increasingly complex financial world. With a footprint spanning over 500+ educational institutions across 100+ cities, NFO has rapidly become the preferred platform for introducing school students to a structured financial education curriculum. It aligns closely with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, supporting India’s broader goals of enhancing life skills among students. The NFO program is backed by an advisory panel of eminent finance professionals and academicians, including IIM professors and industry leaders, ensuring academic rigour and relevance.

Increff, a global retail-tech leader trusted by 700+ brands across 35+ countries, is set to launch Increff Grid, a nationwide dark store fulfilment network that guarantees 2–24-hour delivery while reducing logistics costs by up to 30%. The solution enables brands to meet fast-moving customer expectations with 100% SLA compliance and significantly improved fulfilment speed.

Left to right – Anshuman Agarwal (Co-Founder & COO), Rajul Jain (Co-Founder & CEO), and Vishal Raj (Co-Founder & CTO)

Increff has already partnered with Arvind, Blackberrys Menswear, Agilitas, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, U.S. Polo, NNNow, Mega Mart and several other leading brands for Grid launch.

Their early commitment reflects strong industry confidence in Grid’s next-generation hyperlocal fulfilment model and its potential to set new benchmarks in speed, efficiency, and customer delight.

Driving Hyperlocal Efficiency

Increff is introducing Increff Grid, a unified, tech-enabled fulfilment network that will scale to 50+ Increff-operated dark stores across 15+ cities in the coming months, offering real-time inventory visibility across all sales channels—online and offline. With its zero-CapEx model, Increff Grid enables brands to rapidly scale hyperlocal delivery capabilities without investing in infrastructure.

Key operational advantages include:

• 2–24 hour delivery across tier-1 and tier-2 cities for marketplace and D2C orders, offline store replenishment, and quick-commerce dark store refills.

• Up to 30% reduction in logistics costs through optimised delivery density and smart routing.

• Intelligent inventory placement, recommending the right products for each location and the optimal dark store to stock them in based on local demand signals.

• Ready integrations with major marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra), ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Logic ERP), and webshops (Shopify, Magento) for fast go-live.

• Single-partner accountability, with Increff operating the entire network end-to-end—including store management, fulfilment operations, and 3PL last-mile integrations—eliminating the need to coordinate multiple vendors.

Smarter Returns & Real-Time Visibility

With Increff Grid, brands can significantly reduce return rates by delivering orders within 2–24 hours, fulfilling customer needs instantly. Grid incorporates intelligent returns management features, including video validation, barcode tracking, and automated reconciliation help brands reduce logistics-linked losses.

Industry Context

With last-mile delivery accounting for over 50% of logistics costs and India’s quick commerce segment growing at 45% annually, brands are increasingly prioritising efficient micro-fulfilment capabilities. Increff Grid addresses this shift by enabling intelligent, demand-driven inventory placement, recommending the right products for each catchment and the optimal dark store to stock them in.

“Quick commerce is reshaping how customers expect to shop. We founded Increff with a simple vision — Quick supply chain for All Commerce — helping brands fulfill all types of orders, whether e-commerce or store/warehouse replenishments, with speed and accuracy. With Grid, that vision is coming to life, enabling 2–24 hour fulfilment through smart, automated inventory management,” said Rajul Jain, CEO & Co-Founder, Increff.

About Increff

Increff helps brands and retailers optimise inventory and accelerate sales velocity by 2–3x through its Smart Merchandising and Multichannel Fulfilment platforms and services built to drive retail growth and maximise profitability.

Backed by Sequoia, 021 Capital, Premji Invest, TVS Capital Funds, Binny Bansal and others, Increff addresses complex retailing challenges for leading global brands.

Operating in 35+ countries and empowering 700+ global brands, Increff is trusted by partners including Reliance Retail, adidas, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, DHL, Crocs, Birkenstock, Onitsuka Tiger, ABFRL, Arvind, Landmark Group, Raymond, Meesho, Myntra, Libas, Mensa, Giva, Wrogn, TIGC, Campus Sutra, Taneira, Fab India, EKART, Calvin Klein, Repro Brands, and many more.

Website: www.increff.com

VinFast India, a subsidiary of global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, is honoured with the “EV Manufacturer of the Year” award at the award ceremony of the prestigious Jagran Hi-Tech Awards 2025, while its VF 7 model also received the “EV Disruptor of the Year” award. This double win further demonstrates VinFast’s significant progress in the Indian market.

Mr. Luu Thanh Toi, Director, VinFast India Plant, received the “EV Maker of the Year” award from Jagran New Media, & Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union MoS, MCA & MoRTH

The Jagran Hi-Tech Awards brings together the voices of key experts and strategists, and has long been regarded as a respected benchmark that recognizes innovation and achievements in India’s technology and automotive sectors.

Mr. Luu Thanh Toi, Director, VinFast India Plant, received the “EV Disruptor of the Year” award from Jagran New Media and Mr. Heera Lal-IAS, Secretary, National Integration

Being named “EV Manufacturer of the Year” highlights VinFast’s role and contribution in redefining the future of sustainable mobility through design, technology and innovation.

These two awards also reflect the well-deserved recognition from India’s expert community for both VinFast and the VF 7 model. In a short period of time, the Vietnamese automaker has become one of the most promising names in India’s electric vehicle market. VinFast’s mark is shown through its long term vision and its commitment to offering high quality and accessible electric vehicles for all customers.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition at the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards. It reflects how far VinFast has come in such a short span in India, and we are deeply grateful for the trust and enthusiasm our customers have shown. The positive market response and growing confidence in our electric SUVs, the VF 6 and VF 7, reaffirm that India is ready for the next era of mobility. We are excited to build on this momentum as we expand our network, strengthen local operations, and deliver world-class EV experiences to customers across the country.”

Mr. Arjit Garg, Editor – Auto, Jagran New Media, said: “VinFast embodies the spirit of innovation and progress driving India’s EV transformation. Its rapid strides in technology, design, and sustainability make it both a disruptor and a global leader shaping the future of electric mobility. As the only EV manufacturer to inaugurate its plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu this year, the brand has made huge strides in the Indian mobility space with its people-first vision and its long-term investment roadmap. Therefore, the laurels handed over today of the ‘EV Manufacturer of the Year’ and the newly launched ‘VF 7’ as the ‘EV Disruptor of the Year’ are truly deserved.”

As VinFast accelerates its India operations, the company continues to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem that integrates retail, charging, and after-sales services to ensure a seamless customer experience. With 24 operational dealerships across key cities and plans to expand to 35 by the end of CY2025, VinFast is strengthening its nationwide presence and bringing premium electric mobility closer to customers.

Central to this growth is VinFast’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, spread across 400 acres. In its first phase, the facility will assemble the VF 6 and VF 7 models with an initial capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, scalable up to 150,000 units. 

VinFast has built a robust ecosystem for delightful ownership experience. The company has built strategic partnerships with leading banks and financial institutions to offer tailored financing solutions. Strategic collaborations with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure are helping establish a nationwide network for charging and after-sales services. Furthering its commitment to sustainability, VinFast has also joined hands with BatX Energies for advanced battery recycling to create a circular battery value chain. Together, these initiatives reflect the company’s vision of shaping a greener future through responsible and innovative practices.

With a steadfast focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric design, VinFast continues to advance its mission of accelerating the transition to clean mobility while shaping a greener, more inclusive future for India’s automotive industry.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

About Jagran Hi-tech awards 
The Jagran Hi-Tech Awards is an annual flagship event hosted by Jagran New Media, the digital arm of Jagran Prakashan, celebrating excellence in the technology and automobile sectors. Supported by major industry partners, the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards serve as a prestigious platform that recognizes visionaries shaping a smarter, more sustainable technological future in India. The event gathers industry leaders, influencers, and stakeholders to honor pioneering products and personalities that have shaped the auto-tech landscape in India.

Learn more at: event.jagran.com/events/hitech-awards

Galgotias University, a prominent institution in the Delhi NCR, has joined forces with the India Business Group (IBG) to facilitate its engagement and growth within the UK market. This collaboration will focus on exploring innovate pathways for institutional partnerships, fostering cross border academic exchanges, research initiatives and industry engagement across the UK.

Galgotias University and India Business Group formalise a partnership to enhance UK India collaboration in education research and innovation

As a leading strategic advisory consultancy operating in the UK–India corridor, the India Business Group will leverage its expertise and networks to facilitate new partnerships, bilateral activities and innovation projects that enrich student experience and promote cultural understanding. The initiative will enable Galgotias University to collaborate with leading UK universities, government agencies, and industry networks, while supporting a shared vision for sustainable, innovation-driven growth.

Galgotias University has been steadily expanding its research and innovation capacity, with over 13,000 publications in reputed journals and conferences and more than 3,200 patents filed, reflecting its strong focus on applied research and intellectual property. In 2025, Galgotias was recognised in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject across Business, Computer Science, and Medical disciplines, affirming its growing global research profile and engagement with industry.

Galgotias University is deeply committed to advancing India’s leadership in global higher education and innovation, “ said Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University. Our partnership with the IBG will elevate our visibility in the UK, strengthen impactful institutional alliances, and expand our contribution to India’s growing influence in education, research and enterprise. 

“We are encouraged by the positive momentum in India–UK relations, particularly the progress towards the landmark Free Trade Agreement, and the shared commitment of both governments to deepen collaboration in knowledge exchange, skills, technology and innovation. This creates the ideal environment for universities like ours to build new partnerships and co-develop future-focused opportunities for our students and faculty.”

Lakbir Singh, Chief Operating Officer of the India Business Group, commented, “This partnership will significantly boost the strengthening of India-UK education and innovation ties. IBG will fast track Galgotias with key partners across the UK, supporting shared national ambitions for research excellence, skills development, and enterprise collaboration.”

The collaboration aligns with the vision of a UK–India Living Bridge, enhancing student and faculty mobility, launching joint research initiatives, and developing cross-border enterprise partnerships. It also supports the framework of CETA, the Collaborative Education and Technology Alliance, promoting co-development in smart mobility, green technologies, AI-enabled learning, and digital innovation.

The University features a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education Lab at its Yamuna Expressway campus, inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry back in May 2025. The new AI lab is designed to provide students with 24/7 access to advanced computing infrastructure. It houses NVIDIA GPU-powered systems, capable of running high-performance AI applications not typically supported by standard computers. This initiative will help propel cutting edge collaborations with UK Tech Companies, Research Labs and Start-Ups, intended to close the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, particularly for students beginning their journey into AI.

Furthermore, this initiative advances the goals of the UK–India Vision 2035, jointly endorsed by both governments, to deepen partnerships in education, science, and innovation. Through this collaboration, Galgotias University supported by IBG will help shape a sustainable, research-driven and globally connected corridor between India and the United Kingdom.

Raheja Universal today unveiled the ultra-modern, futuristically designed World Trade Center Navi Mumbai at Raheja District, Vashi NX. The inauguration celebrated a monumental achievement for Raheja Universal, reinforcing their promise as a transformative player in the Navi Mumbai real estate landscape, in commercial and residential developments.

From L to R: Mr. Peter Yep, Ms. Crystal Edn, Mr. Ashish Raheja, Mr. Scott Wang, unveiling the Grand lobby of Prime at WTC Navi Mumbai at Raheja District

This launch marked a milestone in Raheja Universal’s vision to establish the Raheja District as the region’s undisputed premier hub for mixed-use development, hosting marquee names such as WTC Navi Mumbai. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Ashish Raheja, MD & CEO Raheja Universal and CEO WTC Navi Mumbai, Ms. Crystal Edn, Executive Director- Membership Services, Mr. Scott Wang , Vice President Asia Pacific Region and graced by Ms. Adele Zhang, Senior Regional Services Manager, Asia Pacific Region, Ms. Xiang Li, Asia Pacific Region Office, all from World Trade Center Association (WTCA), in the presence of  Mr. Peter Yap, CEO, WTC Yangon, Mr. Neil Kidd, CEO, WTC Perth, Ms. Mary Yu, Chairperson, WTC Chongqing, and Mr. Takahiro Fukuoka, Representative Director & CEO, WTC Osaka, alongside other WTC dignitaries and distinguished guests.

The WTC Navi Mumbai holds a strong significance for the region, providing the opportunity for the local business and trade community to expand its footprint globally. Thereby enhancing the socio-economic and commercial value of the region. Apart from establishing the financial and economic strength of WTC Navi Mumbai placing the WTC Navi Mumbai at par with their global establishments.

Ashish Raheja, MD & CEO, Raheja Universal and CEO WTC Navi Mumbai, emphasized the long-term commitment to quality and design innovation, saying, “This formal launch of Prime at WTC Navi Mumbai is a powerful validation of Raheja District’s potential as a high-value, globally aligned business destination. Raheja Universal has always been a metaphoric player with a futuristic vision. Our Design Excellence and Scalability have been strong pillars for sustained, stable and steady growth.”

“Prime at WTC Navi Mumbai is designed to be the first impression of our commitment to world-class standards and efficiency. It boldly showcases Navi Mumbai’s readiness—led by the infrastructure of the Raheja District—to host global trade.”

“The future of trade and business in Navi Mumbai begins here, at Raheja District. Our decision to partner with Raheja Universal was based on their unwavering record of quality and their strategic vision for developing a holistic, future-ready business ecosystem. WTC Navi Mumbai will be key in positioning the city on the global trade map—a testimony to how Raheja Universal is delivering precisely on the world-class commitment,” added Ms. Crystal Edn, Executive Director, Membership Services (WTCA), expressed.

The significance of this event was underscored by the exclusive presence of select global representatives from the WTCA, reinforcing the strong Indo-global collaboration driving the development.

Nestled within the 60+ acre Raheja District, The WTC Navi Mumbai, is an integrated business ecosystem poised to transform Navi Mumbai’s economic landscape. The project provides a crucial physical link, enabling businesses to leverage the global WTCA network.

This project is a true game-changer for the region by:

• Global Connectivity and FDI Magnet: Providing businesses with a direct link to the WTCA’s global trade network across 90+ countries, attracting MNCs and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with instant global credibility.

• Trade Facilitation: Offering essential services such as International Trade Seminars, Business Matchmaking, and Trade Information to boost exports and imports, particularly for MSMEs.

• Infrastructure Synergy: Strategically located to leverage the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the Atal Setu (MTHL), and proximity to the JNPT Port, making it an unparalleled hub for logistics and global trade within the entire MMR corridor.

About Raheja Universal

Raheja Universal is one of MMR’s most trusted and respected real estate developers, known for its luxury developments & commitment to quality and innovation. With a legacy spanning four decades and a portfolio of 10+ million sq. ft. of completed developments across 50+ projects, the company has delivered landmark residential and commercial projects across MMR. Raheja Universal is driven by a vision to create design-forward, future-ready spaces that blend thoughtful planning with elevated lifestyles. 

About Raheja District

Raheja District is a flagship mixed-use township by Raheja Universal, located in Vashi NX — one of Navi Mumbai’s fastest-growing urban zones. Spread across 60+ acres, the township envisioned as a self-sustained ecosystem that brings together scalable commercial spaces, premium residences, a 1+ km retail Boardwalk, the proposed membership-accesible District Club and District Park. Strategically located, the township offers excellent connectivity to key hubs via the Eastern Freeway, Sion Panvel Highway, Palm Beach Road, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Designed for modern urban living, Raheja District combines lifestyle, connectivity, and convenience in a future-forward format.

A ceremony held this week in Chennai has shed light on the contributions of postdoctoral researchers, as senior academics and policy leaders emphasised the need for clearer and more sustainable career pathways in global higher education. Universities and research councils welcomed the initiative, noting that global rankings, national innovation output, and long-term economic competitiveness depend heavily on the success and retention of high-calibre postdoctoral talent.

EduTech Power India Awards 2025 Honour India’s Rising Global Postdoctoral Researchers

Hosted by the Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Engineering and Technology, Chennai in association with RAISE Global Innovation Forum, UK; MSME Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India; MIT Square Welfare Foundation; and MIT Square, London, the Postdoctoral Fellow Honouring Ceremony brought together scholars from leading institutions from India who completed their research across the UK, Europe, Australia, Thailand and many other asian countries. The event recognised fellows whose research spans priority areas including AI-driven healthcare, clean energy systems, advanced materials, biotechnology, digital education and sustainable development.

The postdoctoral fellow researchers who received the honours are Dr. Phani Kumar Polasi, Dr. Kapileswar N, Dr. Judy Simon, Dr. Amirthalakshmi T M, Dr. Pavithra Guru R, Dr. Mythili R, Dr. Ancy Micheal A, Dr. Annie Micheal A, Dr. Maniraj S P, Dr. Vani R, Dr. Sumathy G, Dr. Maheshwari A, Dr. Vijayalakshmi K, Dr. Sylvia Grace J, Dr. Vigneshwari S, Dr. Prabha B, Dr. Chandu P.M.S.S, Dr. Pravin A, Dr. Refonaa J, Dr. Jany Shabu S. L, Dr. Dhamodaran S, Dr. Janani N, Dr. Nafeza E, Dr. Bakkialakshmi V S, and Dr. Veena R S.

In addition, senior academic leaders were also recognised: Dr. G. R. Suresh, Principal of the Year; Dr. R. Madhusudhanan, Dean of the Year; Dr. Anandavel Vadivel, Dean of the Year; and Dr. Muthukumaran K, Social Service of the Year.

As the event concluded, fellows described the recognition as “encouraging,” “humbling,” and “a powerful motivator to continue pushing boundaries at a global level.” Many expressed hope that such platforms will become more common across the UK research landscape.

Awardees were selected for both research excellence and broader contributions to open science, industry partnerships and policy impact. Organisers confirmed the ceremony will become an annual event, with plans to expand participation globally and strengthen dialogue around improving postdoctoral support across the higher education sector.

For Raju Chekuri, the Silicon Valley entrepreneur who built his fortune in cybersecurity and AI, volleyball has always been more than a game. It’s a memory of long rallies under the scorching Ahmedabad sun, of poorly marked courts and a burning ambition that sometimes propels small-town youth to dream big. Nearly four decades after leaving India to chase his technology dreams, Chekuri, a former amateur volleyball player, has returned to invest in a sporting vision through the newly put-together Goa Guardians, the 10th franchise in the Prime Volleyball League (PVL).

Raju Chekuri, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor, founded Netenrich, a security and digital operations company, where he serves as Chairman and CEO

Chekuri, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of the California-based Netenrich, brings his trademark execution-first philosophy to this new play. “People talk too much about vision,” he said in an interview. “But the key is staying in the game; being resilient, making good decisions every day. That’s true for business and for sport.”

Goa Guardians owner Raju Chekuri sharing a moment with energized fans at PVL 2025 in Hyderabad

The Goa Guardians are his latest experiment in staying in the game. Co-owned by Indian cricketer KL Rahul, the team debuted this October with a plan to nurture volleyball talent across the Konkan and coastal belt. “Volleyball is one of the most athletic, non-contact sports. If done well, it’s exhilarating,” said Chekuri. “We have some amazing talent. If we treat players as crown jewels, we’ll do well.”

In their maiden season, the Goa Guardians reached the semi-finals of the Prime Volleyball League, marking an impressive debut. “I think we are a pretty mature team, a very strong team,” Chekuri said after the campaign. “We made a couple of mistakes early in the game, but the players showed up and played through. Some of our early matches went to five sets, and that showed our resilience.”

The idea for Goa Guardians took shape while he was spending time in the coastal state, having invested in a local media outfit, the Department of Lore, promoted by filmmakers Anand Gandhi and game designer Zain Memon. “Goa has a spirit like no other; energy, culture, festivity. People around the world know Goa. It’s the perfect base for something new-age like volleyball,” he said.

But Chekuri’s ambitions extend beyond a single franchise. Through Chekuri Sports Ventures, he plans to create a fund focused on sports infrastructure, grassroots training and media innovation. “It’s more emotional than strategic,” he admitted. “I’ve been away for 40 years. Now it’s time to come back and invest in India.”

Chekuri’s own journey traces back to the alleys of old Ahmedabad, where he first picked up a volleyball in school under the watch of coach Varshambhai. He went on to represent Kakatiya University at the South Zone Championships, captaining teams and even earning a call-up for India before academics took over. “There were no leagues then,” he recalled. “The only dream was to play for the country. No money, just pure love for the sport.”

His return through the PVL, he says, is an attempt to give today’s athletes the professional stage he never had. “Until 10 or 11, kids should play whatever they like. But from 12 onwards, that’s when you can shape them. If we can support that age group, we’ll not only produce athletes but stronger human beings.”

Looking ahead, Chekuri says his goal is to turn Goa into a volleyball powerhouse over time. “We love volleyball and we’re invested in the grassroots,” he said. “Winning a couple of tournaments will be great, but what really matters is building a culture that makes Goa India’s favourite team. We want to give our fans every reason to cheer for us.”

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, marked a memorable beginning to its 33rd Convocation with the launch of a unique commemorative postal cover celebrating the 90th birthday of its Chancellor, Dr. Ramdas R. Pai, a visionary leader whose contributions have profoundly shaped Manipal’s educational and healthcare ecosystem.

Special Postal Cover Launched at MAHE’s 33rd Convocation to Honour Chancellor Dr. Ramdas R. Pai

The event was held on Day 1 of the Convocation in KMC Greens in Manipal, in the presence of senior leadership, distinguished guests, faculty, graduates, and their families. The convocation venue witnessed a heartfelt tribute as the MAHE community celebrated not only academic achievements but also the remarkable legacy of its Chancellor.

The special postal cover was formally unveiled by Sri. Ramesh Prabhu, Superintendent, Indian Postal Service, Udupi Division, who graced the ceremony along with MAHE’s First Lady Mrs. Vasanti R. Pai, Pro-Chancellor Dr. H. S. Ballal, and other esteemed dignitaries. The initiative was organized in close collaboration with India Post, symbolizing the significance of Dr. Pai’s service to society and his transformative leadership.

The idea behind the commemorative cover was to honour Dr. Pai’s lifelong dedication to advancing education, healthcare, and community development. The tribute also highlighted the visionary foundation laid by Dr. T. M. A. Pai, whose goals of eradicating ill health, illiteracy, and poverty formed the bedrock of Manipal’s growth. Dr. Ramdas Pai’s leadership further propelled MAHE into a globally recognised institution, earning accolades including the Institute of Eminence status in 2020.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sri. Ramesh Prabhu expressed deep admiration, stating, “It is the privilege of India Post to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of a great personality and reformer of Manipal. Dr. Ramdas Pai’s contributions have elevated the city and MAHE to national and global prominence. We feel truly blessed to be a part of this historic moment.”

The launch of the postal cover underscores MAHE’s commitment to celebrating its heritage, strengthening institutional identity, and enhancing its visibility on national and international platforms. As MAHE continues its journey as one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities, the event stood as a symbolic reminder of the values, legacy, and leadership that continue to inspire its growth.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life.

Scaling Impact from the Ground Up: Marwari Catalysts’ startups secure strategic funding across emerging sectors from SIG Tattva (Home to Hindware), GVFL, Antler, 35North, Vitalis Capital, IPV & Malpani Venture.

50cr raised by Marwari Catalysts portfolio startups 

MCats Accelerator and Venture Studio continue to drive investor confidence in founders across healthcare, sustainability, AI, and consumer brands — a positive signal for India’s evolving startup landscape.

Funding Across High-Impact Sectors

The raise spans a diverse set of emerging industries, each addressing pressing challenges and opportunities in India’s heartland:

• Affordable Fertility Care (Elara IVF) – designed for aspirational Tier II markets.

• Fintech-Enabled B2B E-Commerce Platform for Building Materials (Mad Over Building).

• Insurtech (Inka) – redefining insurance access for India’s underserved communities through digital innovation and simplicity.

• Healthtech (Sarathi Healthcare) – elderly care platform enhancing dignified, last-mile access to healthcare and assisted living.

• Consumer Brands (TURMS) – intelligent wear engineered with advanced fabric technology, designed for comfort, performance, and the Indian lifestyle.

• Mobility & Logistics (DOCO) – overcoming non-metro transport and supply-chain gaps.

More details will be announced soon. Investors include angel investors, family offices, impact funds, and corporate innovation teams — signalling broad cross-sector confidence in the MCats approach. This is also a strong validation that family offices and HNIs are increasingly interested in the venture studio model.

Founder’s Perspective

“This is not just capital—it’s validation,” said Sushil Sharma, Founder of Marwari Catalysts Group. “These startups are solving real problems, building for real India, and showing that innovation isn’t confined to geography.”

A Larger Shift in the Ecosystem

This consolidated raise reflects a wider shift in investor mindset—from chasing valuations in metros to backing sustainable, scalable ventures emerging from India’s smaller cities. For MCats, it reaffirms its mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and origin, ensuring talented founders are discovered, funded, and scaled.

About Marwari Catalysts

Marwari Catalysts Group (MCats) is one of India’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem player (Accelerator and Venture Studio), with mentors with skin in the game supporting 100+ early-stage ventures across 20+ cities backed by SEBI-approved CAT-I AIF. MCats provide capital, mentorship, and global market access to founders. Its portfolio has already created 5,000+ jobs while driving inclusion through 35% women-led startups and successfully done 11+ exits. We are headquartered in Jodhpur with regional offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Jaipur.

Welcome to MCats Family!