Taking a giant leap in the global space-science research, the students of Chandigarh University have been designated as NASA Citizen Scientists under the internationally renowned International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC), a prestigious citizen-science initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently.

Chandigarh University Students along with University Officials after receiving NASA Citizen Scientists certificates; initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

In a remarkable achievement that marks a defining milestone in Chandigarh University’s space-science journey, showcasing their exceptional dedication, analytical skills and scientific temper as many as 18 students from Chandigarh University Astronomy Club have been officially recognized and certified as NASA Citizen Scientists. Out of 26 participating students, two teams earned this global distinction for their verified scientific contributions to international asteroid-monitoring efforts.

As part of an intensive 45-day programme under the International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC), the students engaged in rigorous deep-space data analysis using advanced astronomical tools and techniques. Demonstrating exceptional precision and scientific acumen, their sustained efforts culminated in the discovery of two new asteroids, provisionally designated ‘DIV/1111’ and ‘ANC/0505’, marking a remarkable achievement in student-led space-science research. These teams engaged with the provided datasets, analyzed images using Astrometric, a specialized software used to detect and measure asteroids and other moving celestial objects from telescope images and submitted reports as per IASC guidelines. The students at Chandigarh University who earned recognition as NASA Citizen Scientists comprise 15 from the Aerospace Engineering stream, two from the Science and one from the Computer Science Engineering stream.

It is pertinent to mention that the prestigious NASA Citizen Scientist recognition has been awarded in recognition of these students’ successful contributions made to the observation and analysis of near-Earth objects and Main Belt asteroids using real astronomical datasets generated by Pan-STARRS (Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System) which is one of the world’s most advanced sky-survey telescope systems supported by NASA. Their work involved analyzing high-resolution telescope images, identifying moving celestial objects and submitting precise measurements that contribute to global asteroid tracking and planetary-defense research.

Achieving NASA Citizen Scientist recognition signifies that the students’ findings met international scientific standards and were officially recognized under NASA-supported citizen-science initiatives, this recognition places them among a select group of the global space science community that has made significant contributions to the real-world space observation and astronomical discovery.

Elated over the marvelous achievement of Chandigarh University students, Deep Inder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University while congratulating the students said, “This marvelous accomplishment is indeed a proud moment not only for Chandigarh University but also for India’s expanding footprint in global space-science research. This achievement enhances Chandigarh University’s reputation as a hub for STEM excellence and space-science research that empowers students to work with authentic scientific data, advanced analytical tools and international research standards. By enabling our students to contribute meaningfully to the planetary-defense efforts and asteroid research which are critical fields for future deep-space exploration, Chandigarh University has further strengthened its position as a hub of innovation, scientific discovery and global academic excellence.”

“The recognition of 18 students as NASA Citizen Scientists stands as a powerful inspiration for aspiring researchers and young science enthusiasts across the country. It highlights how dedication, mentorship and hands-on scientific exposure can enable students to achieve global recognition while they are still in academia. Chandigarh University remains committed to expanding opportunities in astronomy, space science, and emerging technologies, ensuring that its students continue to make meaningful contributions to global scientific discovery and reinforce India’s presence in the evolving frontier of space-science research,” added Sandhu.

Notably, the International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC) is a global astronomical citizen-science program affiliated with NASA, providing students and amateur astronomers worldwide with real telescope datasets to analyze and identify moving celestial objects such as asteroids. Through this initiative, participants gain hands-on experience with professional astronomical tools and authentic scientific data, contributing meaningfully to international asteroid-monitoring and planetary-defense efforts. The students whose analyses meet global scientific standards are formally recognized as NASA Citizen Scientists for their verified contributions.

About 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: www.cuchd.in.

This Valentine’s Day, Carysil shifts the spotlight from grand gestures to the kind of love that appears in everyday moments: unplanned, imperfect, but deeply sincere. Through its latest Valentine’s Day campaign film featuring Chunky Panday and Bhavana Pandey, the brand brings alive the idea that intention matters more than perfection.

Carysil’s Valentine’s Day campaign film celebrates imperfect but intentional love, highlighting intuitive, tech-enabled kitchen appliances built with German engineering

Video Link: www.instagram.com/reel/DUf9WPugR2P/?igsh=MWhnMnBlZWtvZWVmdA==

At the heart of the campaign lies a moment of improvisation. Forgotten plans transform into heartfelt action, and the kitchen becomes a space of possibility rather than pressure. As the narrative unfolds, Chunky steps into the kitchen as a confident decision-maker, redefining traditional roles and expectations. The result is a warm, lived-in story that feels intimate and relatable rather than staged.

The film reflects Carysil’s larger belief that modern kitchen appliances should feel instinctive and welcoming. When technology is designed with empathy, it does not demand expertise; it simply responds. This ease enables genuine connection to unfold naturally, allowing the kitchen to become a space defined by comfort.

“Carysil kitchen appliances are tech-enabled spaces where anyone can take control with confidence,” says Rhea Parekh, VP, International Marketing – Carysil. “With this campaign, we wanted to move away from outdated notions of who belongs in the kitchen. Mastery doesn’t come from tradition or instruction. It comes from intuitive design. Our German-engineered appliances are built to feel effortless. When technology removes friction, confidence follows naturally. By placing men confidently at the centre of everyday kitchen moments – not as helpers, but as decision-makers – we’re reframing the kitchen as a space defined by skill enabled by technology, not by gender.”

By featuring Chunky and Bhavana Pandey’s decades-long relationship, the campaign brings authenticity to the narrative, adding emotional credibility to its message. Their chemistry feels less like performance and more like a genuine partnership, supported quietly by appliances designed to blend seamlessly into everyday life.

The campaign film has been rolled out across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, reinforcing Carysil’s core belief that easy, tech-enabled kitchens are made for everyone. More than a seasonal message, the campaign positions the kitchen as a space where intention, comfort, and confidence coexist – long after Valentine’s Day has passed.

Established in 1987, Carysil is Asia’s premier quartz kitchen sink manufacturer and the world’s fourth-largest producer of quartz sinks. Headquartered in India and present in 55+ countries, the company combines German engineering with innovation and craftsmanship to offer premium sinks, faucets, and built-in kitchen appliances. With subsidiaries in the UK, Germany, and the UAE, Carysil continues to advance modern kitchen solutions globally. | www.carysil.com.

In a heartfelt gesture towards community welfare, NR Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the NR Group, has donated 14 three-seater metal sofa sets to the District Hospital & Epidemic Diseases Hospital, Mysuru. This initiative is part of the Foundation’s ongoing mission to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure dignity and comfort for patients and their families.

NR Foundation donates 14 three-seater metal sofa sets to the District Hospital & Epidemic Diseases Hospital, Mysuru, enhancing patient comfort and supporting community healthcare

The donation was formally handed over in the presence of District Surgeon, Dr. Sathish N. V, Resident Medical Officer Dr. Hariprasadh J. and NR Foundation Chairman Sri R. Guru. The support comes in response to a requisition from the Office of the District Surgeon, which highlighted the urgent need for seating arrangements in outpatient departments and wards. With hundreds of patients and relatives visiting the hospital daily, the availability of proper seating is critical to easing their experience during long waiting hours.

“At NR Foundation, we believe that true service lies in addressing the everyday needs of people with dignity and compassion. Healthcare is not only about medicines and treatment, it is also about the environment in which patients and their families spend their time. By providing these metal sofa sets, we hope to ease their experience, offer comfort during difficult moments, and reinforce our commitment to community welfare. This initiative is a small step in our larger vision of supporting healthcare and uplifting lives across Mysuru and beyond,” Sri R. Guru, Chairman, NR Foundation

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. R Guru and NR Foundation for their generous support. The support of 14 three-seater metal sofa sets will greatly improve the comfort and dignity of our patients and their families, especially those who spend long hours waiting in the OPD and wards. Such contributions directly strengthen public healthcare facilities and reflect the compassion and commitment of the Foundation towards community welfare,” Dr. Sathish N. V, District Surgeon, District Hospital & Epidemic Diseases Hospital, Mysuru

This initiative builds on NR Foundation’s long-standing support for healthcare, including its critical contributions during the pandemic. At that time, the Foundation provided cots to the District Hospital, along with sanitizers and face masks, supporting both the community and the district administration in their fight against COVID-19. These efforts underscored NR Foundation’s commitment to standing by society during times of crisis.

Today, through the support of medal sofa sets, NR Foundation continues to reinforce its belief that small, thoughtful interventions can create meaningful change. The Foundation remains dedicated to healthcare, education, women empowerment, and skill development, ensuring that its legacy of compassion and service touches lives across Mysuru and beyond.

About NR Foundation

NR Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the NR Group, the makers of Cycle Pure Agarbathi. Guided by the values of compassion, community service, and sustainability, the Foundation is dedicated to creating meaningful impact across healthcare, education, women empowerment, and skill development. Over the years, NR Foundation has supported initiatives ranging from rural healthcare camps and livelihood programs to educational scholarships and cultural preservation projects. Rooted in Mysuru yet reaching communities across India, NR Foundation continues to uphold the Group’s legacy of service by fostering dignity, opportunity, and long-term social transformation.

Bajaj Finance Limited, one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), continues to offer instant personal loans with quick and hassle-free approvals, enabling customers to apply for personal loan quickly and conveniently through its advanced digital platform. This efficient lending experience reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to simplifying access to credit through technology-driven financial solutions.

Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan

With rising financial requirements driven by changing lifestyles, emergency expenses, education needs, and travel plans, customers increasingly seek faster and more convenient funding options. Bajaj Finance addresses this demand by offering a seamless, digital loan journey that ensures quick approvals, minimal documentation, and quick disbursal, all through a secure and user-friendly interface.

Fast and convenient loan application process
The approval process is supported by advanced analytics and verification tools. These capabilities enable customers to apply for personal loan online and receive quick eligibility decisions, eliminating long processing delays.

By simplifying the borrowing experience, Bajaj Finance ensures that customers can manage urgent financial requirements without procedural hurdles or extended waiting periods.

Personal loan app for seamless access
Customers can access instant personal loan services through the personal loan app, which offers a smooth and integrated borrowing experience. The app allows users to explore personalised loan offers, check eligibility, submit applications, and manage repayments from a single digital platform.

Designed with simplicity and ease of navigation in mind, the app enables applicants to complete the entire loan process within minutes. The platform also provides access to EMI calculators, repayment schedules, and account management tools, ensuring transparency and convenience throughout the loan lifecycle.

Key features of Bajaj Finserv Personal Loans
Bajaj Finserv Personal Loans come with a range of customer-focused features that support affordability, flexibility, and ease of access:

• Loan amounts starting from Rs. 40,000 and extending up to Rs. 55 lakh, subject to eligibility

• Flexible repayment tenures ranging from 12 months to 96 months

• Competitive interest rates designed to suit diverse borrower profiles

• Minimal documentation requirements

• Quick disbursal directly to the customer’s registered bank account

These features enable individuals to apply for personal loan confidently, ensuring that financial support is both timely and convenient.

Designed to address diverse financial needs
The instant personal loan offering is structured to cater to a broad spectrum of financial requirements. Customers can use the funds for medical treatments, higher education, wedding planning, travel expenses, home renovation, lifestyle upgrades, or debt consolidation.

By offering flexible loan amounts and repayment options, Bajaj Finance allows customers to select EMI plans that align with their income flow and financial goals. This approach encourages responsible borrowing while providing the flexibility needed to manage both planned and unexpected expenses effectively.

Simple process to apply for personal loan online
The digital process to apply for personal loan through Bajaj Finance is designed to be straightforward and efficient:

• To get started, the applicant can visit the Personal Loan page on the Bajaj Finserv website and click on ‘APPLY’.

• They will need to enter their 10-digit mobile number and verify it using the OTP sent to their phone.

• Next, they can fill in the application form with basic details related to their loan requirement.

• After that, they can click on ‘PROCEED’ to move to the loan selection page.

• Here, they can enter the loan amount they need and choose from the available personal loan variants.

• They can then select a comfortable repayment tenure, ranging from 12 months to 96 months, and click on ‘PROCEED’.

• Finally, they need to complete the KYC process and submit the application online.

This streamlined journey eliminates the need for branch visits, lengthy documentation, or complex procedures, offering a hassle-free borrowing experience.

Enabling financial planning and stability
Instant personal loans also support better financial planning by providing predictable repayment schedules and flexible tenures. Customers can structure their EMIs to align with monthly budgets, helping them maintain financial discipline while meeting personal and professional goals.

By offering quick access to credit combined with flexible repayment options, Bajaj Finance helps individuals manage short-term cash flow gaps and long-term financial commitments with greater confidence.

*Terms and conditions apply

About Bajaj Finance Limited
Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

The excitement continued on Day 2 of the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026 as global policymakers, industry leaders, economists and entrepreneurs convened to decode the next phase of global and Indian growth amid disruption, technological transformation and shifting geopolitics.

The day opened with a welcome address by Y Rama Rao, Senior Managing Director and CEO, Spark Capital, who set the tone for conversations on capital, confidence and long-term growth. This was followed by a special address by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, who highlighted India’s digital and infrastructure ambitions and the role of technology in shaping a future-ready economy. In a conversation with Sajeet Manghat, Senior Executive Editor, ET NOW & ET NOW Swadesh, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, shared insights on connectivity, regional development and India’s evolving growth priorities.

He said, “India is in the middle of a digital revolution powered by data, connectivity and homegrown technology. With over 900 million broadband users and some of the lowest data costs globally, digital platforms like UPI and ONDC are driving nationwide economic participation. India has built its own 4G stack, achieved one of the world’s fastest 5G rollouts, and is now shaping global 6G standards through the Bharat 6G Alliance. Our goal is clear- to turn the digital divide into a digital dividend and position India as a global leader in next-generation telecom and digital infrastructure.”

A key highlight of the day was the focus on Ease of Doing Business 3.0, with discussions centred on how Maharashtra can accelerate its journey towards a $1 trillion state economy. Industry leaders, including Rahul Guha, Managing Director and CEO, API Holdings, Sandeep Varaganti, CEO, JioMart (Reliance Retail), discussed the progress made in government access and time-bound approvals, while flagging persistent challenges such as land availability, zoning clarity and overlapping compliances, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Deependra Singh Khuswah, IAS, Development Commissioner (Industries) and Chairman, MAITRI, outlined the state’s reforms aimed at shifting from a regulator-led approach to a facilitator-driven model, with a focus on single-window clearances, digitized approvals and lifecycle-based policy design to improve speed, certainty and enterprise confidence.

Urbanisation and the future of cities emerged as another central theme, with global leaders calling for a shift from reactive urban management to predictive and people-centred governance. Dr Debolina Kundu, Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, cited UN World Urbanization Prospects 2025 data, noting that more than 81% of the global population is now urban under revised methodologies. She highlighted that Asia and Africa will drive future urban growth, with New Delhi projected to overtake Tokyo as the world’s largest urban agglomeration by 2030. At the same time, more than 3,000 cities globally have experienced population decline, including a significant share in India, underscoring the need to manage both expansion and contraction.

Prof. Jung-hoon (John) Lee, Former Honorary Mayor of Seoul and Professor at Yonsei University, discussed Seoul’s transition from a technology-driven smart city model to a people-centric approach, leveraging AI-based predictive governance and integrated data systems. Madam Norliza Hashim, CEO, Urbanice Malaysia, Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia, outlined Malaysia’s National Urbanization Policy and sustainable cities framework, highlighting the integration of climate, sustainability and governance frameworks across urban centres.

Private sector leaders shared insights on sustainability and technology-led urban infrastructure. K. Ganesh, Director, Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, highlighted initiatives such as groundwater restoration and urban water programs across multiple cities. Dr Nilesh Purey, Chief Technology Officer, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), showcased GIFT City’s integrated infrastructure model, including district cooling, automated waste systems, zero water discharge, green cover initiatives, IoT-enabled infrastructure and AI-based citizen services, positioning it as a blueprint for future smart cities.

Artificial intelligence and innovation formed a major pillar of Day 2 discussions, with industry leaders examining AI’s transformative impact on enterprises and society. A panel on AI and innovation explored how AI is reshaping productivity across insurance, healthcare, agriculture and supply chains, enabling faster claims processing, personalised healthcare and improved crop predictions. Panelists highlighted challenges such as limited primary data in agriculture and high data processing costs, while emphasising that AI should complement human judgement rather than replace it. Speakers also discussed the rapid evolution of AI systems and the need for robust governance frameworks as AI moves closer to human-like intelligence.

Cultural and business conversations also added a distinct perspective to the summit. Actor Abhishek Bachchan highlighted the importance of authenticity in brand endorsements, noting that he only associates with products he genuinely believes in and personally uses. He also reflected on India’s shift from “Make in India” to “Built for India,” underscoring the growing focus on innovation and trust in homegrown products.

Day 2 of the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026 highlighted a convergence of policy, technology and urban transformation narratives. From accelerating regulatory reforms and building trillion-dollar state economies to designing future-ready cities and embedding responsibility into AI systems, the summit reinforced the need for predictive governance, digital infrastructure and human-centric innovation as India and the world navigate a decade of disruption and a century of change.

• EBITDA of Rs. 2,396 Mn in Q3 FY26, up by 36.0% YoY

• PAT of Rs. 1,932 Mn in Q3 FY26, up by 36.8% YoY

Balu Forge Industries Ltd. (the “Company” or “BFIL”) (BSE: 531112 | NSE: BALUFORGE), a leading precision engineering and manufacturing company, has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2025.

Consolidated Financial Performance:

Consolidated 9M FY26 Revenue from Operations by End – User Industry:

Balu Forge Industries Reports Strong Q3 FY26 Performance

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Jaspal Singh Chandock, Chairman & Managing Director of BFIL stated: “In 9M FY26, the Company reported revenue from operations of Rs. 8,438 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 29.0%, driven by sustained demand momentum. EBITDA for the quarter was Rs. 2,396 million, with a year-on-year growth of 36.1%, with a margin of 28.4%, reflecting stable cost structures and operating leverage benefits, while profit after tax was Rs. 1,932 million, translating into a PAT margin of 22.6%. The performance underscores disciplined execution, margin resilience, and the ongoing strengthening of Balu Forge’s integrated manufacturing platform.

During the quarter, we successfully operationalised a set of high-impact strategic assets that position the Company for sustained growth over the next decade. Our newly commissioned precision machining facility has now been fully commercialised, equipped with advanced 7-Axis and 11-Axis CNC machining lines. This capability enables us to manufacture highly complex components from specialised alloys with micron-level accuracy, decisively moving Balu Forge up the value chain and strengthening our role in mission-critical applications.

In parallel, we have commercialised our dedicated artillery shell production line, with a specific focus on the high-demand 155mm large calibre. This represents a significant milestone in our defence manufacturing journey and reinforces our commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by building indigenous capabilities in a strategically critical segment.

These operational achievements have already translated into meaningful external validation. During the quarter, Balu Forge was formally inducted into the NATO Supply Chain, an endorsement that reflects our adherence to the highest global quality, compliance, and reliability standards, and one that opens access to some of the world’s most demanding defence markets.

This external recognition, along with the Company’s requisite manufacturing infrastructure and operational capability, reinforces our position to support long-term supply programs and maintain the capacity to service engagements for up to five years. With advanced precision machining facilities and production lines, Balu Forge is well equipped to meet both current and future demands efficiently.

In summary, Q3 was the quarter in which our strategic investments were converted into operational assets, global credentials, and expansion initiatives. With these foundations firmly in place, Balu Forge is now positioned on a trajectory of scalable and sustainable growth in defence and other critical segments.”

About Balu Forge Industries

Balu Forge Industries Limited, founded by Mr. Prehlad Singh Chandock, is a leading Indian precision engineering company delivering forged and machined components across multiple global industries. The company offers a comprehensive product portfolio ranging from 1 kg to 1,000 kg and up to 3 meters in length, supporting diverse applications in automotive, industrial vehicles, earthmoving equipment, wind energy, aerospace, defence, oil and gas, railways, marine, and agriculture. Its operations include fully integrated forging and machining capabilities, with advanced manufacturing facilities in Belgaum, Karnataka, spread over a 46+ acre campus. Equipped with high-capacity hydraulic hammers and forging presses, and supported by a dedicated in- house tool room, metallurgical labs, and CNC machining units, Balu Forge ensures consistent precision and quality. The company’s strategy is driven by innovation, with a specialized R&D division focusing on new materials and rapid prototyping. Strategic initiatives emphasize expanding defence production, enhancing automation, and strengthening global partnerships. With a strong focus on operational scalability, customer diversification, and ESG commitments, Balu Forge continues to strengthen its global footprint and industry positioning.

For more details, please visit: www.baluindustries.com

Disclaimer

This investor release is not an offer to sell any securities or a solicitation to buy any securities of Balu Forge Industries Limited (the “company”) or its subsidiaries (together with the company, the “group”). Certain statements in this document may be forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, ” estimates”,” anticipates”, ” projects”, ” expects”, ” intends”, ” may”, ” will”,” or ” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, aims, objectives, goals, future events or intention. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties like government actions, local political or economic developments, technological risks, and many other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance including those relating to general business plans and strategy of the Company, its future outlook and growth prospects, and future developments in its businesses and its competitive and regulatory environment. No representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, is made or assurance given that such statements, views, projections or forecasts, if any, are correct or that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. The Company assumes no responsibility to publicly amend, modify or revise any forward-looking statements, on the basis of any subsequent development, information or events, or otherwise. Unless otherwise stated in this Investor Release, the information contained herein is based on management information and estimates. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice and past performance is not indicative of future results. Balu Forge will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward- looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

At a recent Broccoli Consumption Conference held in Mumbai, voices from across food, health, sports, and agriculture came together to talk about something refreshingly simple: eating better, every day. The discussions focused on preventive nutrition, the importance of vegetables in daily diets, and how smarter food choices can improve public health while also supporting farmers.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor with Sakata Seed Team

Held under the theme “From Soil to Soul, From Farm to Fork: Daily Broccoli, a Treasure of Health,” the conference looked at how simple, wholesome foods can play a meaningful role in addressing lifestyle-related health issues and building more sustainable food systems.

The event saw participation from several renowned dignitaries and celebrities, including Padma Shri awardee and celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, former Indian Cricket Captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, and Model, nutritionist and wellness expert Claudia Ciesla, who shared valuable insights on food, health, and innovation.

Former Indian Cricket Captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth with Sakata Seed Team

Sharing his expert insights, celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor highlighted broccoli’s growing acceptance and versatility in Indian kitchens. “Broccoli is no longer exotic or expensive. It is local, nutritious, visually appealing, and extremely versatile. The time for broccoli has truly come,” he said. He emphasized the importance of celebrating vegetables to encourage healthier eating habits and noted that greater awareness and use would make such ingredients even more accessible and affordable for Indian households.

Nutritionist and wellness expert Claudia Ciesla

Former Indian Cricket Captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth drew parallels between sports and life, speaking about fearlessness, innovation, and embracing healthier food choices. “Just like cricket, progress comes from taking bold decisions. Broccoli was once considered exotic, but innovation and awareness can make it part of every Indian plate,” he said. He also shared his personal experience of regularly including broccoli in his diet and spoke about the rising focus on fitness and nutrition among Indians today.

In addition to that Nutritionist and wellness expert Claudia Ciesla also emphasized the value of returning to real, whole foods and moving away from processed diets. “Good health does not come from fancy products or shortcuts. It comes from simple, real food choices we make every day. Broccoli is an affordable, locally grown vegetable that delivers powerful nutrition for long-term health,” she said. She further highlighted India’s paradox of overeating while remaining malnourished and stressed that fiber-rich vegetables can play a crucial role in preventing lifestyle diseases, improving gut health, and supporting women’s nutrition.

Cooking Competition Adds a Culinary Dimension

A major highlight of the conference was the Broccoli Cooking Contest, which brought broccoli’s culinary potential to life. The competition was judged by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, adding credibility and inspiration to the showcase.

Home chefs from across the country presented innovative recipes, with winning dishes including Broccoli Bomb & Broccoli Paratha, Triple Broccoli Homos Bite Side Punch and Steamed Broccoli Cupcake. Other noteworthy creations such as broccoli chutney, stuffed broccoli with cheese, Florentine pasta with broccoli, and broccoli soup demonstrated the vegetable’s versatility across cuisines.

A Step Towards Healthier Living

The conference aligned with national initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing the link between healthy food choices, sustainable farming, and public well-being.

By combining expert insights, celebrity participation, and culinary creativity, the event reinforced that simple, everyday foods can play a powerful role in building a healthier and more resilient India.

For more updates, visit our website at broccolilovers.com and follow us on Instagram: @broccoliloversindia

MicroSave Consulting (MSC) convened a high-level pre-summit event in New Delhi focused on practical pathways to scale climate-resilient agriculture using artificial intelligence (AI) anchored in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The discussion brought together policymakers, development partners, technology leaders, and practitioners to move from fragmented pilots to sustained public delivery at scale.

Srivalli Krishnan, Deputy Director, Agricultural Development, Gates Foundation; Kunjbihari Daga, Partner, Centre for Responsible Technologies, MSC and Gauri Bandekar, Advisor, Royal Norwegian Embassy

Mitul Thapliyal, Managing Partner, MicroSave Consulting, framed climate impacts as a seasonal reality for farmers and noted that farmers often recognise changing conditions without using the vocabulary of climate change, creating a translation gap that can limit uptake of climate-focused solutions.

Hemendra Mathur, Venture Partner, Bharat Innovation Fund and Co-founder, ThinkAg, emphasised that Indian agriculture is data-rich and highly complex, and that AI will deliver scale only if systems can connect across registries with compliant data sharing and privacy safeguards. C. V. Madhukar, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Develop, cautioned that not every pilot merits scale, and that responsible adoption requires clear scale criteria, federated-first data governance that avoids both silos and risky centralisation, and trust safeguards across both technology and institutions.

Discussions on private-sector innovation highlighted that AI services must be built around farmer realities to be adopted and sustained. Neeraj Huddar, Product Manager and GTM Lead, Digital Public Infrastructure, Google India, emphasised that scalable AI needs shared digital rails with clear protocols, secure access, verifiable credentials, audit logs, and feedback and grievance pathways, with data quality and provenance as the most sensitive requirements. Nidhi Bhasin, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Green Trust, shared lessons from scaling voice-first farmer advisory, noting that adoption at scale depends on trust, localisation, and continuous feedback loops, especially for women farmers who face access barriers but sustain strong engagement once onboarded through trusted channels.

The conversation also focused on what it takes for states to move from digitisation to AI readiness. Kirti Pandey, Country Engagement Partner, Centre for Open Societal Systems (COSS), noted that AI readiness requires advisory and market information to be published in consistent, machine-readable formats aligned to shared protocols, so services can be integrated on common rails rather than rebuilt state by state. Jagadish Babu, Chief Operating Officer, EkStep Foundation, emphasised that institutions are the trust anchors in public systems, and that APIs are institutional commitments, requiring AI layers to fit government workflows and accountability.

Navin Bhushan, Partner, MicroSave Consulting, reflected on implementation lessons from Bihar Krishi, including the importance of unifying farmer-facing services, strengthening system reliability as schemes evolve, and building institutional ownership and review mechanisms that sustain delivery beyond a single pilot cycle.

In the closing session on India and the Global South, Srivalli Krishnan, Deputy Director, Agricultural Development (Asia), the Gates Foundation, emphasised AI’s potential to reduce information asymmetry for small and marginal farmers by enabling voice-based access, timelier advisories, and lower-cost service delivery. She also noted that reuse and replication depend on clear value for the next adopting state or institution and on breaking data silos across departments to enable integrated services.

Other participants included Siddharth Chaturvedi, Senior Program Officer, Agricultural Development (Asia), the Gates Foundation; Jatin Singh, Founder and Managing Director, Skymet Weather Services Pvt. Ltd.; Poorna Pushkala Chandrasekaran, Chief Executive Officer, Samunnati Foundation; Gauri Bandekar, Advisor, Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi; Vikash Kumar Sinha, Associate Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability, MicroSave Consulting; Kunbihari Daga, Partner, Centre for Responsible Technologies, MicroSave Consulting; and Rahul Agrawal, Partner, Agriculture and Food Systems, MicroSave Consulting.

About MSC

MSC is a global inclusion consulting firm that works with governments, providers, and innovators to enable social, financial, and economic inclusion for everyone in the digital age. Its local teams in 70+ countries bring practical expertise across finance, technology, agriculture, and social protection.