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SRM AP Faculty Share Key Learnings from Academic Visit to Carnegie Mellon University

A four-member faculty cohort from SRM University–AP recently concluded an academic visit to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), USA, gaining valuable insights into global best practices in artificial intelligence (AI), interdisciplinary research, and student-centric pedagogy.

 

Dr M Naveen Kumar, Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Dr Ashu Abdul, Dr Saleti Sumalatha (left to right) addressing the media

 

The first cohort comprised Dr Saleti Sumalatha, Dr M Naveen Kumar, Dr Ashu Abdul, Assistant Professors, Department of Computer Science and Engineering along with Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. Together, they represented the domains of computer science, robotics, and AI-driven research.

 

SRM AP faculty cohort along with University leadership

 

During their visit, the faculty engaged closely with CMU researchers and academicians to understand how AI is seamlessly integrated into academic programmes, research initiatives, and industry collaborations. Key areas of focus included AI applications in quantum computing, language models, robotics, and interdisciplinary projects addressing real-world and societal challenges.

 

Speaking about the visit, Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SRM AP, said, “Our engagement with Carnegie Mellon University offered valuable global perspectives on integrating AI into higher education. Faculty members play a crucial role in systematically embedding artificial intelligence across the curriculum, research initiatives, and institutional strategy. Such international exposure enables us to benchmark our practices and further strengthen SRM AP’s vision of research-led education.”

 

He also noted that the faculty members were actively involved in research discussions and academic collaborations, which will contribute significantly to meeting global academic and research standards at SRM AP.

 

Reflecting on collaborative learning practices, Dr M Naveen Kumar observed, “The emphasis on peer programming, Think–Pair–Share models, and collaborative problem-solving creates an environment where students actively participate in learning, enhancing critical thinking and adaptability.

 

Sharing her observations on pedagogy and student engagement, Dr Saleti Sumalatha said, “Carnegie Mellon University follows a deeply student-centric approach to teaching. Methods such as reflection-based learning, critique-based activities, design sprints, pair and mob programming, inquiry-driven discussions, and indirect assessment help students build strong conceptual understanding.”


She added that implementing several of these approaches in her own database courses resulted in a 100 per cent student success rate.

 

Highlighting CMU’s research ecosystem, Dr Ashu Abdul noted that the university places strong emphasis on societal impact and industry relevance. Students across academic levels are actively involved in addressing real-world industry challenges. He cited insights shared by Professors at CMU who collaborated with Meta, on projects such as compact AI-based language models for speech for language-impaired children, smart eyewear for individuals with memory loss and dementia, and other futuristic innovations.

 

Beyond publishing research papers, CMU prioritises building market-ready prototypes and refining them through user feedback and market research. This application-driven approach plays a key role in producing industry-ready graduates,” he added.

 

Commenting on advanced research infrastructure, Dr Sunil Chinnadurai said, “The visit provided valuable exposure to cutting-edge work in robotics and AI, particularly hyperspectral robotic vision. This has significant applications in assistive robotics and automation.” He further noted that the interactions led to the initiation of a collaborative research project involving undergraduate students from SRM AP, offering them hands-on, industry-relevant experience.

 

Faculty also interacted with Dr Raj Reddy, widely regarded as the Father of AI in India, who shared insights on strengthening AI laboratories and aligning academic research with industry needs at SRM AP. The faculty plan to disseminate these learnings through a Faculty Development Programme to ensure broader institutional impact. The second Cohort has already departed for CMU.

 

The outcomes of the visit are expected to strengthen AI integration, research capacity, and innovative teaching practices at SRM University–AP, reinforcing its commitment to globally relevant education and interdisciplinary research.

CarePal Money Appoints Sahil Lakshmanan as Chief Executive Officer

CarePal Money, the lending marketplace arm of the CarePal Group, has appointed Sahil Lakshmanan as its Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

 

Sahil Lakshmanan

 

Sahil has been a core member of the CarePal Group leadership team since October 2023 and has played a pivotal role in building CarePal Money’s healthcare lending marketplace.

 

As Chief Business Officer, he led the creation of India’s multi-lender healthcare lending marketplace, expanded the company’s presence to 100+ hospitals, and launched innovative healthcare financing solutions including 0% EMI loans, reimbursement financing, and instant discharge products. Under his leadership, CarePal Money also crossed an annualised loan disbursement run rate of Rs. 100 crore within its first two years of operations.

 

With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Sahil brings deep expertise in lending, partnerships, and platform-scale execution. In his new role, he will focus on operational excellence, sustainable growth, and strengthening CarePal Money’s role in the Group’s integrated healthcare financing ecosystem.

 

Speaking on the appointment, Piyush Jain, Khushboo Jain and Vikas Kaul, the Co-Founders of CarePal Group said, “Sahil has been instrumental in shaping CarePal Money from the ground up – from building India’s first integrated healthcare lending marketplace to earning the trust of hospitals and lending partners nationwide. His deep understanding of healthcare financing, coupled with strong execution capabilities, makes him the right leader to take CarePal Money into its next phase of growth.”

 

CarePal Money was created to reduce the financial stress families face at the time of medical need,” said Sahil Lakshmanan. “As CEO, my priority is to scale this platform responsibly, strengthen our partnerships with hospitals and lenders, and continue building products that make healthcare more accessible and affordable.”

 

CarePal Money is part of the CarePal Group, which also includes Impact Guru (medical crowdfunding) and CarePal Secure (healthcare protection solutions), together serving patients, hospitals, and healthcare partners across India.

 

About CarePal Money

CarePal Money aims to create a marketplace providing healthcare loans at affordable prices to patients. The brand’s vision is to enable access to affordable healthcare loans through collaborations with leading lending institutions across the country. Patients with partner hospitals will be the key beneficiaries.

ASCENTA Developers Launches Basalt Hills, Mumbai 3.0's Strategically Located Premium Villa Estate Valued at Over Rs. 700 Crore

Starting the New Year on a strong note, ASCENTA Developers, a hospitality-driven residential development company, today announced the launch of Basalt Hills, its flagship premium villa estate in Mumbai 3.0. Valued at over Rs. 700 crore, the development is spread across a thoughtfully planned 20-acre estate and comprises 181 European-themed villas, envisioned as an exclusive, low-density gated community offering long-term lifestyle and investment value through a hospitality-led and ecologically integrated design approach.
 

Karan Bahl, Founder & Director, ASCENTA
 

Strategically located in the high-growth Mumbai–Pune corridor near Khalapur, Basalt Hills enjoys seamless connectivity to the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway and is situated approximately 30 minutes from the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The location offers the rare advantage of strong regional access while remaining immersed in nature, positioning the estate as a compelling primary residence and second-home destination for discerning buyers seeking privacy, connectivity, and sustained asset appreciation.
 

Unlike conventional villa or plotted developments, Basalt Hills has been conceived as a fully integrated living ecosystem where nature, architecture, and community coexist in balance. The master plan has been sensitively designed to preserve the site’s natural contours, water streams, and signature basalt rock formations. Roads, plots, and infrastructure are aligned with the land rather than imposed upon it, creating an environment that is both sustainable and enduring.
 

Plot sizes range from 1,399 sq. ft. to over 5,000 sq. ft., offering flexibility for bespoke home construction within a secure, gated estate. Key features include a private, members-only lifestyle club, professionally managed hospitality-led amenities, 15-metre-wide internal boulevards, landscaped pedestrian walkways, and a clearly defined road hierarchy that enhances openness, accessibility, and privacy.
 

Commenting on the launch, Karan Bahl, Founder & Director, ASCENTA, said, “Over the years, we noticed that true gated villa estates around Mumbai were becoming increasingly scarce, not due to a lack of demand, but because development priorities shifted toward shorter timelines and smaller parcels. Basalt Hills was conceived to reverse that trend. It is a large-format, thoughtfully planned estate designed to evolve and remain relevant over the next five to ten years, offering resort-like calm without compromising on urban connectivity.”
 

Adheip Bakshi, Founder & Director – Sales & Marketing, ASCENTA, added, “Today’s homebuyers are looking well beyond square footage. They seek clarity in operations, long-term upkeep, and communities that protect and enhance asset value. Basalt Hills addresses this shift with a transparent and aspirational product that is resilient from both a lifestyle and investment perspective.”
 

Adding further, Kunal Khanna, Co-founder, ASCENTA, London Business School MBA (Sumantra Ghoshal Scholar) and Founder of Vivaldis Animal Health, said, “Globally, premium residential developments are increasingly evaluated not just on design, but on how well they are governed and managed over time. At Basalt Hills, we are applying an institutional lens to estate management to ensure operational discipline, financial strength, and long-term value creation for homeowners.”
 

Aligned with ASCENTA’s hospitality-led philosophy, Basalt Hills integrates modern infrastructure, including underground utilities, high-speed internet connectivity, and uninterrupted power and water supply. The gated estate features 24/7 access-controlled security, while eco-conscious systems have been incorporated for sustainable water management, energy efficiency, and long-term land stewardship.
 

ASCENTA is also exploring an association with leading five-star hospitality brands to develop and manage a boutique hospitality offering comprising premium villa suites and a dedicated amenity zone on an adjoining land parcel, further enhancing the estate’s experiential and investment appeal.
 

The launch comes at a time when demand for premium plotted developments and gated estates around Mumbai is witnessing strong momentum, driven by improved regional connectivity, evolving lifestyle aspirations, and a growing preference for land-backed assets. Mumbai 3.0 has emerged as a key micro-market, benefiting from infrastructure growth while retaining its natural character and low-density appeal.
 

About ASCENTA Developers

ASCENTA is a new-age real estate company focused on developing and operating hospitality-led residential communities designed for long-term ownership and liveability. Founded by seasoned professionals with deep expertise in development, sales, and institutional operations, ASCENTA bridges the gap between real estate and hospitality through thoughtful master planning, service integration, and sustainable asset creation.
 

The company is building a limited portfolio of high-intent residential estates across Mumbai and select growth corridors. Each project is conceived as a flagship, limited in number, uncompromising in quality, and designed to set new benchmarks in design, service, and community living.
 

For more information, visit www.ascenta.in.

Aditya Birla World Academy Marks 12th Year of 'Infinity', an Engaging and Interactive Ultimate Mathematics Challenge

Aditya Birla World Academy marks 12th year of ‘Infinity’, an engaging and interactive mathematics challenge bringing together 120 teams, 360 students across 68 schools, across five countries including pan India participation and students from UAE, Qatar, Dubai, Kuwait. Founded by Mrs. Neerja Birla, ABWA anchors the initiative in its commitment to nurturing minds that think, create, collaborate, and lead with impact. Infinity is a school-led initiative designed to encourage students to engage with mathematics through reasoning, collaboration, and application, rather than speed-based testing alone.

 

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Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Aditya Birla World Academy and Aditya Birla Education Trust, at ABWA Maths Infinity 2026


The three-day programme is designed around a combination of individual and team-based rounds that rigorously assess logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and conceptual understanding. By moving beyond an overemphasis on speed and scores, the format makes mathematics engaging and meaningful for students. Participants navigate a diverse set of challenges, culminating in the selection of the Mathematician of the Year. In 2026, Agastya B. Khare from Oakridge International School, Bengaluru (Seniors), and Yerin Choi from Indus International School, Pune (Juniors), were crowned Mathematician of the Year, while Utpal Shanghvi Global School secured the Champion Trophy in the Senior category. The programme places strong emphasis on clarity of thought and methodological approach, alongside accuracy.


Over the past 12 years, more than 6,000 students from schools in India and overseas have participated in Infinity, reflecting the initiative’s steady growth and relevance in the school-education landscape.

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ABWA Maths Infinity hosts 360 students from 68 schools across five countries


Unlike conventional mathematics competitions, Infinity encourages students to explore multiple solution pathways and collaborate with peers from different schools and regions. This approach allows participants to engage more deeply with mathematical concepts while building teamwork and communication skills.


Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Shalini John, Principal, Aditya Birla World Academy, said, “Infinity was started to give students a different experience of learning mathematics — one that values thinking and discussion as much as arriving at the right answer. Its continuity over 12 years reflects the sustained interest among schools and students.”


Mr. Prodipta Hore, Convener and Conceptualiser of Infinity, said, “Platforms like Infinity allow students to apply classroom learning in a collaborative setting. Such experiences are increasingly important as education systems place greater emphasis on analytical and problem-solving skills.”


The 2026 edition of Infinity was supported by academic partners including BITS Pilani and Plaksha University, with faculty members and education leaders from these institutions engaging with students through keynote addresses and interactive sessions. Students also had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Mark Saul, a globally recognised American mathematician and educationist known for his work in mathematics education and gifted-student programmes, and for his leadership roles with the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). In addition, the initiative received support from organisations including the Lodha Foundation and Britannia Industries.


At Aditya Birla World Academy, learning is designed to extend beyond the classroom through platforms that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and real-world application. This year, the Infinity Trophy was sponsored by ABWA alumni who went on to build sortmyprep, an AI-powered exam-preparation platform supporting IB, IGCSE, and A-Level students through step-by-step solutions to past papers, real-time doubt solving, personalised performance analytics, and exam builders for unlimited practice. Founded by Aryaman Adhikary (CPO), Naman Kothari (COO), and Ananya Pritam (CEO)—all ABWA Batch of 2021 pass-outs—the venture stands as a reflection of how early exposure and opportunity at ABWA can translate into scalable, real-world impact.


Reflecting on their journey, Aryaman Adhikary, Co-founder, sortmyprep, said, “At ABWA, we learn to think beyond boundaries, take initiative, and believe in our ideas. The values and exposure we received here laid the foundation for our entrepreneurial journey.”


About Aditya Birla World Academy
Backed by Aditya Birla Education Trust, Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA) is India’s leading International School located in South Mumbai. ABWA strongly believes in the holistic development of its students. ABWA strives to create a cohesive learning environment that is conducive to developing a child’s innate talents. In addition to focusing on academic excellence, ABWA students are encouraged to think critically and question the world around them. Further, through a wide range of extra and co-curricular activities, ABWA aims to develop children’s personalities and stimulate them to be mindful, sensitive, and responsible members of society. ABWA focuses on socio-emotional development to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and motivated.

Smarters Music Studio Launches in Mohali, brings Global Production Standards to North India

North India’s entertainment ecosystem received a significant boost with the launch of Smarters Music Studio, a technology-driven music and post-production facility that opened in Mohali today, offering artists and filmmakers access to international-level production infrastructure within the region.

 

Bollywood and Punjabi star Gurpreet Ghuggi inaugurates Smarters Music Studio in Mohali, ushering in global-standard music and post-production facilities for North India

 

The grand opening was marked by the presence of renowned Bollywood and Punjabi actor and comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi as the chief guest, along with a host of prominent artists, directors, producers and industry professionals from the music, film and OTT sectors. The turnout highlighted the industry’s growing appetite for world-class creative infrastructure in North India.

 

Sharing his thoughts, Gurpreet Ghuggi said, “Smarters Music Studio represents a new chapter for Punjab’s creative industry. The level of technology, sound design and visual post-production available here matches global standards. It is inspiring to see such a world-class facility come up in Mohali. This studio will create immense opportunities for local talent and take Punjabi music and cinema to new heights.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Sukh Brar, a renowned music producer known for his work in Punjabi songs and films and a specialist in mixing and mastering, who is also the driving force behind the studio, said, “Smarters Music Studio was conceived with a vision to bring international-level music and post-production technology to Punjab. Our aim is to provide artists, filmmakers and content creators with a space where creativity is supported by world-class infrastructure. With this launch in Mohali, we are proud to contribute to the growth of North India’s music, film and OTT ecosystem.”

 

A major highlight of the facility is its installation of the DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel, a high-end colour grading system used in international cinema and premium OTT productions. With this integration, Smarters Music Studio becomes the only music studio in North India to offer such advanced visual post-production capabilities, enabling cinematic finishing and broadcast-ready mastering under one roof.

 

The studio brings together advanced visual workflows with comprehensive audio services including professional recording, music production, stereo and Dolby Atmos mixing and mastering, background scoring, dubbing, podcast production and sound restoration, supported by industry-grade acoustics and premium monitoring systems.

 

Strategically located in Mohali, the studio is expected to reduce dependence on metro cities and strengthen North India’s production landscape.

Microsoft Singapore and Enabling Leadership Bring AI Learning to Primary School Students

Artificial Intelligence is already transforming the way we learn, work, and live. Yet, for many young people today, AI remains a tool they use without fully understanding how it works, how to use it responsibly, or how to shape its impact on the future. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, ensuring that AI literacy is accessible to students across communities is more important than ever.

 

Students from Naval Base Primary School at the Microsoft Singapore office during the Hour of AI, jointly hosted by Enabling Leadership and Microsoft Singapore


Addressing this need, Microsoft collaborated with Enabling Leadership to host an “Hour of AI” learning experience at their Singapore office. The session brought together 20 students from Naval Base Primary School, offering them a unique opportunity to engage directly with AI concepts through hands-on, age-appropriate learning.


The Hour of AI is a bold global initiative by Microsoft that aims to demystify artificial intelligence for 25 million students, educators, and families worldwide, transforming them from passive consumers of AI into confident and responsible creators. Through interactive activities and real-world examples with Microsoft 365 Copilot, students are encouraged to understand not just what AI can do, but how it works and why responsible use matters.


Speaking on the collaboration, Ravi Sonnad, Founder and CEO of Enabling Leadership Global, said, “At Enabling Leadership, we work with children from underserved communities to build confidence, character, and leadership through experiential learning. As the world becomes increasingly driven by technology, it is critical that students develop not just AI skills, but also human intelligence – empathy, ethical thinking, and leadership. Initiatives like the Hour of AI allow us to prepare young people to engage with AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the confidence to shape the future rather than be shaped by it. Thank you, Microsoft, for giving our young learners this unique exposure.”


Mike Yeh, Vice President and Director of Corporate, External and Legal Affairs of Microsoft Asia added, “As AI transforms education, careers and daily lives, every young person should have the opportunity to use and understand this technology that has the potential to shape their future. Hour of AI gives young people hands on experiences that demystify AI and show what’s possible when they use it responsibly and creatively. I’m also grateful to corporate volunteers that helps ignite that spark, empowering the next generation to lead in the era of AI.


The session was supported by Microsoft volunteers, who guided students through interactive learning modules, shared real-world applications of AI, and encouraged curiosity-driven exploration. 


For many students, the experience marked their first exposure to understanding AI beyond everyday tools and applications. 


Mohd Norzaidi Ahmad, a teacher from Naval Base Primary School, who accompanied the students, shared, “This experience made AI feel accessible and exciting for our students. They weren’t just using technology – they were understanding it. The confidence and curiosity they demonstrated throughout the session was truly inspiring.”


About Enabling Leadership
Enabling Leadership is a global non-profit organisation that equips children from under-served backgrounds with the essential Life and Leadership skills necessary for them to work themselves out of the cycle of poverty and become productive and responsible adults. 


The organisation currently reaches around 10,000 children between the ages of 9-15 across 7 cities and 45 villages in India, Cambodia, Singapore and Kenya. Its programs use the mediums of music (Enabling Leadership Create), football (Enabling Leadership Play) and Lego-type building blocks (Enabling Leadership Build) to inculcate 21st century skills, values and attitudes so students grow to be tomorrow’s role models, global citizens, and change makers. 

Bigo Live to Illuminate Seoul with Seventh Annual Awards Gala in 2026

Bigo Live, one of the world’s fastest-growing social live streaming platforms with over 600 million registered users across over 150 countries, has announced the seventh edition of its annual flagship event, the BIGO Awards Gala. Themed “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS,” the highly anticipated ceremony will take place at KBS Hall in Seoul on Friday, 23 January 2026, celebrating the passion and creativity of its global community of content creators over the past year.

 

BIGO Awards Gala 2026
 

This year’s theme, “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS” captures the spirit of the event, where the energy of Bigo Live’s creators will illuminate Seoul. The Gala will honour the dedication and talent of the platform’s creators and families, turning each moment into a shared celebration that is both unique and unforgettable. Seoul was selected as the host city for this year’s BIGO Awards Gala as it stands at the intersection of creativity, technology and culture, reflecting the vibrant and globally connected community that Bigo Live continues to build.

The star-studded event will welcome over 1,200 global guests, including those from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Africa. The festivities will begin with a public red-carpet event, offering a first glimpse into the energy and vibrancy of the event.

Seoul’s dynamic energy is the perfect backdrop for our 2026 Gala,” said a spokesperson from Bigo Live. “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS’ is more than a theme, it’s a reflection of how our creators illuminate the platform with their talent and passion. We are thrilled to bring our global community together in this vibrant city to celebrate their achievements and the powerful connections they’ve built.”

The ceremony will honour over 200 content creators and families for their outstanding contributions over the past year, with winners receiving a trophy and in-app rewards, with select honourees also featured on prominent digital billboards in Gangnam’s high-profile media district, extending recognition beyond the platform.

The evening will also feature a diverse lineup of captivating performances, from live music to band shows by international artists, including special appearances by South Korean girl groups FIFTY FIFTY and tripleS, creating an immersive atmosphere where global creativity meets a shared rhythm.

As the night pulses with excitement, Bigo Live will also unveil an exclusive blind-box collection featuring its friendly mascot, mini-Dinos, bringing an extra spark of surprise to the night.

For viewers worldwide, the BIGO Awards Gala 2026 will be broadcast live on Bigo Live’s Music Live House channel (Bigo ID: music) and the official Bigo.tv website. The live broadcast will begin with the Red Carpet at 3:00 pm (GMT+9), followed by the Gala Ceremony at 7:00 pm (GMT+9). Viewers in the live room can vote for their favourite content creators and families during the gala night for three special awards: “MOST POPULAR BROADCASTER,” “MOST POPULAR FAMILY,” and “GALA STAR.”
 

To join Bigo Live’s global community and tune into the BIGO Awards Gala 2026, download the Bigo Live app or visit the official website. Follow Bigo Live on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates.

 

Bigo Live

Bigo Live is one of the world’s fastest-growing livestreaming social communities where users broadcast in real-time to share life moments, showcase their talents, and interact with people from around the world. Bigo Live has more than 600 million users in over 150 countries. Launched in March 2016, Bigo Live is owned by BIGO Technology, which is based in Singapore.

Vinfast VF 6 and VF 7 Achieve 5-Star Safety Certification from India's Bharat NCAP

VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 have been awarded the highest 5-star safety certification by India’s Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). The results clearly demonstrate VinFast’s engineering capability in meeting stringent safety standards, while reaffirming the company’s customer-centric approach throughout product and service development.

 

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau (center) received the 5-STAR Bharat NCAP safety certification for the VF 6 from Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Hon. Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India

 

According to Bharat NCAP test results, both VF 6 and VF 7 achieved 5-star ratings in the two core safety categories. Specifically, VF 6 recorded 27.13/32 points in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 44.41/49 points in Child Occupant Protection (COP). VF 7 achieved 28.54/32 points in AOP and 45.25/49 points in COP. These scores reflect a high level of protection for both adult and child occupants across both models.

 

In the crash test assessments, the two VinFast models continued to demonstrate strong safety performance. In frontal impact tests, head & neck and upper leg protection scores for both the driver and passenger in VF 6 and VF 7 reached 4.000 points, the maximum on the Bharat NCAP scale. In side impact tests, both vehicles achieved full scores of 16.000/16.000 for adult occupants and 8.000/8.000 for child occupants.

 

In the pole side impact test, the head injury assessment values for VF 6 and VF 7 were recorded at 109 and 131 respectively, significantly lower than the Bharat NCAP critical threshold of 700. These results indicate effective head protection in high-risk crash scenarios.

 

Bharat NCAP is a vehicle safety assessment programme implemented by the Government of India, aligned with international practices such as Global NCAP. The programme evaluates occupant protection through a range of crash tests and awards safety ratings from 3 to 5 stars. Achieving the highest rating confirms that VF 6 and VF 7 meet the rigorous safety standards currently applied in the Indian market.

 

Previously, VinFast models have also received positive recognition from regional safety assessment organisations, reflecting the company’s consistent focus on safety. Notably, the VinFast VF 8 achieved a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and surpassed more than 15 major automakers to secure 5 out of 6 safety awards from the organisation in 2024.

 

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “The 5-star safety ratings awarded to VF 6 and VF 7 by Bharat NCAP mark an important milestone, underscoring the quality and high safety standards of VinFast’s electric vehicles in India, one of the world’s largest automotive markets. These results show that VinFast EVs are built on a robust engineering foundation and meet stringent safety assessment requirements. We remain committed to continued investment in product improvement, delivering electric vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly and technologically advanced, but also provide customers with confidence and peace of mind throughout the journey toward electrified mobility.

 

Assembled at VinFast’s manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, VF 6 and VF 7 are premium electric SUVs designed for customers with high expectations for safety, technology, and everyday practicality. In addition to a 5-star Bharat NCAP-rated EV-dedicated platform, both models are equipped with 7 airbags and variant-dependent smart ADAS features, such as Auto Lane Changing Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Front and Rear Automatic Emergency Brake, and Blind Spot Detection, enhancing collision avoidance capability and driving support across diverse traffic conditions.

 

The two electric SUVs form an important part of VinFast’s comprehensive EV ecosystem in India, which encompasses local manufacturing, a retail network, charging infrastructure, and aftersales services. This integrated approach aims to deliver a seamless customer experience through strategic partnerships with local stakeholders.

 

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.

AdvantageClub.ai Opens Nominations for the 4th Edition of the 100 Most Admired Women Awards 2026

AdvantageClub.ai, a leading AI-powered employee engagement, rewards, and wellness platform, has officially opened nominations for the 4th edition of the MAW (Most Admired Women) Awards. The search is now underway to recognize 100 exceptional women HR leaders whose contributions are reshaping the future of work.

 

AdvantageClub.ai Launches 4th Edition of 100 Most Admired Women Awards 2026

 

The MAW Awards celebrate women across industries who are driving innovation in HR practices, championing inclusive workplace cultures, and leading impactful initiatives that elevate employee experience, well-being, talent development, and organisational transformation.

 

Nominations for the 2026 Most Admired Women (MAW) Awards are now live and will remain open until February 15, 2026. Celebrating excellence across four distinct categories- Leaders, Pioneers, Champions, and Achievers—the award invites women HR professionals to submit nominations immediately via a short nomination form. Peer nominations are also active, encouraging the community to recognise professionals making a meaningful impact in the HR ecosystem.

 

Building on the success of its three previous editions, the MAW Awards continue to spotlight global women HR leaders whose visionary influence spans organisations of every scale. In an era marked by rapid digital transformation and evolving work models, the awards highlight the pivotal role women play in driving organisational success and building future-ready workplaces.

 

The previous edition of the MAW Awards featured winners from leading organisations, including Concentrix, HCL, Hexaware, Tech Mahindra, Teleperformance & more. By honouring these professionals, the awards reflect a shift toward more inclusive, high-impact HR practices. These leaders are not merely managing talent; they are architecting organisational change and fostering resilience across some of the world’s most influential enterprises.

 

Commenting on the launch, Smiti Bhatt Deorah, COO and Co-founder of AdvantageClub.ai, said, “We are proud to invite nominations for the fourth edition of the MAW Awards to honour women HR leaders who are empowering workforces, nurturing talent, and innovating for a better world of work. These awards are more than recognition; they celebrate the courage, creativity, and commitment that inspire the HR community and beyond.”

 

The nomination process is currently open to women HR professionals across all sectors, including startups, mid-sized organisations, and global enterprises. Each submission will undergo rigorous evaluation by a distinguished jury panel, with a focus on leadership impact, pioneering innovation, employee-centric initiatives, and sustained contributions to the HR profession.

 

Key Dates:

  • Nomination Deadline: February 15, 2026

  • Final winners announced: March 8, 2026

 

The MAW Awards serve as a platform to recognise, inspire, and celebrate women whose contributions are profoundly shaping the future of work. To submit a nomination today, visit: (maw.advantageclub.ai/awards_nominate)

 

About AdvantageClub.ai
AdvantageClub.ai is a global AI-powered employee engagement, rewards, and wellness platform with offerings like rewards & recognition, wellness solutions including OPD plans, Annual health checkup, wellness challenges, sales incentive automation, flexible benefits, surveys, moments that matter, and communities on a single platform. It provides end-to-end solutions to facilitate employee engagement by digitizing the company’s R&R policies, allowing them to drive better employee retention and happiness. AdvantageClub.ai has over 15 million users, with presence in over 100+ countries, 1200+ clients, and 10,000+ brand options. Established in 2016, AdvantageClub.ai is the brainchild of UCLA postgraduates, Sourabh Deorah and Smiti Bhatt Deorah, who identified employee engagement as a space to create disruption using AI, data mining, and analytics. Headquartered in San Francisco, AdvantageClub.ai has an impressive client portfolio featuring Air India, Biocon, Concentrix, HCL, Hexaware, L&T, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel, Teleperformance, and many more.

PNB MetLife Empowers Customers with Innovative Offering for Long-Term Financial Planning, with the PNB MetLife Dividend Leaders Index Fund

PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife), one of India’s leading life insurers, has launched an offering aimed at empowering customers with flexible, long-term financial planning through the PNB MetLife Dividend Leaders Index Fund (SFIN ULIF03916/01/26DIVIDENDFN117) along with ULIP Plans, which invests in high dividend yield companies1. The fund has been introduced under PNB MetLife’s Goal Ensuring Multiplier – GEM (UIN: 117L133V08) and Smart Goal Ensuring Multiplier – Smart GEM (UIN: 117L139V02) products.


The fund is designed to deliver financial growth, support goal-oriented planning, and ensure wealth creation for the long term. The fund will be launched at an initial unit price of INR 10 during the New Fund launch period, commencing on 16th January. The first Net Asset Value (NAV) declaration is scheduled for 30th January2.


Offered in partnership with Policybazaar, the fund is structured as a passive equity fund available through Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs3 ) with the added benefit of life cover. Benchmarked against the BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index (Customised4 ), it caters to customers who prefer a disciplined, passive approach to long-term equity investing. The fund is designed to help individuals build wealth steadily and consistently over time, supporting their journey toward financial and life security.


Key Features:

  • Reliability and track record: Invests in top 50 companies with a proven track record of consistent dividend payouts.

  • Profitability and cash flow focus: Focuses on profitable, free cash flow generating companies across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments.

  • Systematic Wealth Growth: Regular income generated from dividends is reinvested back into the same companies to build a strong portfolio over time.

  • Life Cover: Provides essential financial protection with inbuilt life cover.


Speaking on the fund launch, Sameer Bansal, MD & CEO, PNB MetLife, said, “Our goal is to help customers build long term financial security through the powerful combination of life insurance security and equity growth. This fund focuses on companies with a strong history of rewarding shareholders, to keep financial planning simple and future ready.”


The index which PNB MetLife Dividend Leaders Index Fund aims to replicate, identifies the top 50 companies from BSE 500, based on their dividend track record across key sectors such as energy, technology, commodities, and utilities. In line with regulatory norms, the fund will allocate 60–100% of its assets to equities that form part of the benchmark index, while up to 40% will be invested in money market instruments to ensure liquidity.


About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited
PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) is one of the leading life insurance companies in India that combines the financial strength of MetLife, Inc. with the credibility of PNB, one of the India’s oldest nationalized banks. PNB MetLife’s positioning, Milkar Life Aage Badhaein, is demonstrated through its customer-centric innovations and employee empowerment practices.


With a strong presence in 182 branches and access to customers in over 20,000 locations through bank partnerships, PNB MetLife offers a comprehensive insurance solutions portfolio covering Child Education, Family Protection, Long-Term Saving and Retirement. The Company has a wide range of protection and retirement products available through its sales channel of over 36,000 financial advisors and multiple bank partners and caters to over 585 group relationships in India.

 

1PNB MetLife Dividend Leaders Index Fund (SFIN: ULIF03916/01/26DIVIDENDFN117) is a passively managed fund with the BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index (Customized) as its benchmark
2NAV of INR 10/- will be applicable for duly completed proposals received from 16th to 29th January 2026 and issued on 30th January 2026. For policies issued after 30th January, the prevailing NAV on the day of issuance will be applicable. 
3IN THIS POLICY, THE INVESTMENT RISK IN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IS BORNE BY THE POLICYHOLDER. The unit linked insurance products do not offer any liquidity during the first five years of the contract. Policyholder will not be able to surrender/ withdraw the money invested in unit-linked insurance products completely or partially till the end of the fifth year
4Customised index created and maintained by BSE Index Services Pvt. Ltd. for PNB MetLife India to meet IRDAI investment norms


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