A Vietnamese creator’s epic crossing from Asia toward Africa is giving India an early glimpse of how the VinFast VF 7 could change ordinary road travel by demonstrating how a straightforward electric car can carry itself across long distances with steady ease.

India has only recently welcomed the VF 7, but local reviews already show favorable feedback

Early one October morning in Hanoi, automotive YouTuber Nguyen Thanh Hai, known to his followers as Hai Kar, packed his VinFast VF 7 and began an extraordinary journey. His plan is to drive from Vietnam to Africa, passing through thirty countries across Asia and Europe before reaching Morocco. The trip, expected to take several months, covers about fifty thousand kilometers. It is one of the first attempts by a Vietnamese driver to cross continents in a made in Vietnam electric car.

A car built for adaptation

Hai’s VF 7 is a standard production vehicle. Before setting off, he fitted a roof rack, rally tires and a tow cable, then added a few essentials such as charging adapters, a small generator and translation tools for unfamiliar regions. His car can travel more than four hundred kilometers on a full charge and has enough power to manage highways and mountain roads. A few weeks into the journey, he is now somewhere in China, heading west.

The VF 7 already attracts attention at home in Vietnam among long distance drivers. Owners who have traveled from Hanoi to Ca Mau praise its solid handling, smooth ride and consistent performance across varied terrain. Fast charging from near empty to seventy percent takes about half an hour, which turns long trips into a sequence of short breaks rather than slow, painful stops.

What makes Hai’s trip remarkable is how ordinary the car is. It was designed for daily life such as commuting, errands and short weekends, yet it is handling a route that stretches from Asia to Africa.

India’s early look at the VF 7

India has only recently welcomed the VF 7, but local reviews already show favorable feedback. One buyer in Lucknow, who is 6’4, cancelled his booking with another brand after realising the VF 7 simply felt better inside⁽¹⁾. Plus, both the vehicle and battery warranty is generous at 10 years or 2 lakh kilometres. He took delivery in Jaipur and drove the car home to Lucknow, and during that stretch he found the VF 7 steady at speed and easy to place when overtaking, while city crawling felt calm and predictable. “I am satisfied with the car”, he said after crossing the one thousand kilometre mark, addng that he gave it “9.5 out of 10.”

The VF7 arrives just as India’s charging network begins to expand for a larger EV audience. VinFast is preparing its own ecosystem alongside this, supported by partners in each key area, such as myTVS (authorised service centres), Global Assure (roadside assistance), and banks like SBI (financing for both customers and dealers). Together these pieces form a full EV ecosystem that covers finance, home and public charging, service coverage, and the other tools needed for day to day use.

What this means for Indian drivers

Once more chargers appear along the major national highways, long distance EV journeys will be much easier. A normal India trip such as Bengaluru to Goa or Delhi to Nainital could eventually feel as simple as Hai Kar recharging his VF 7 on his road to Africa. Drivers will stop for chai or lunch while the car picks up enough range to continue.

Hai’s journey continues to unfold across continents. Each update he posts is another tiny demonstration of how electric travel keeps expanding its reach. And for Indian drivers watching Hai Kar’s trip from afar, it hints at a future where a quiet, clean road trip from one state to another becomes an ordinary weekend plan rather than a brave experiment.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The company’s Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

Learn more at:vinfastauto.in.

away Center, India’s first wellness-forward coworking brand, has opened its doors in Koramangala, marking the brand’s entry into Bengaluru’s dynamic startup and creative ecosystem. away is a design-led workspace rooted in wellness and culture. The new hub signals a conscious reimagining of what coworking can and should feel like.

away Centre in Bengaluru

As the coworking industry across India pivots toward managed offices and mass-scale expansion, away represents a return to meaning. Built for founders and professionals who seek purpose and presence in their work, each away hub is intentionally capped under 20,000 sq. ft., ensuring a balance of intimacy, design quality, and community depth. The Koramangala center embodies this philosophy with natural light-filled layouts, spacious per-person zones, and an integrated café front that invites both members and visitors into its rhythm.

“Coworking doesn’t need more square footage, it needs more soul. The industry scaled fast, and somewhere along the way, intention got replaced by occupancy dashboards. away brings back what truly matters: design that inspires, communities that care, and systems that build better teams, not just bigger offices. Bengaluru’s energy, talent, and entrepreneurial clarity make it the perfect city to lead this movement toward intentional, conscious workspaces,” said Udbhav Jalan, Founder, away Center.

The Koramangala hub introduces a new vocabulary for workspaces: Stillness Rooms and Meditation Cornersthat anchor focus and mental clarity; Private Studios, Open Stations, and Enterprise Suites that adapt to different work modes; and a Reset Bar that doubles as the community’s cultural heart. The cafe, open to non-members, serves barista-crafted coffee and a wellness-aligned menu designed in collaboration with Food Maki and Shooketh Bakery, celebrating balance, nourishment, and connection.

away’s programming goes beyond convenience, fostering an environment of shared growth and introspection. Weekly yoga sessions, daily meditations, and curated cultural evenings, ranging from acoustic gigs to wellness workshops, form the backbone of its community model. The brand’s embedded wellness ecosystem also offers access to executive coaches, therapists, and mindfulness mentors on demand.

The Bengaluru launch follows away’s successful debut in Vizag earlier this year, with upcoming hubs in Hyderabad, Gurgaon, and a second Vizag location by early 2026. Each location operates on away’s “Nano-GCC” model, a distributed network of high-quality, human-scale workspaces that allow companies to build small, autonomous teams in Tier 2 and 3 cities. By blending premium infrastructure with conscious culture, away helps organizations scale meaningfully while keeping opportunity close to home.

In a city that has always celebrated innovation and individuality, away’s arrival marks the beginning of a more mindful chapter, where work, culture, and consciousness coexist with intent.

Location: Eterna, 100 Feet Rd, KHB Colony, Industrial Area, Properties,#9, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560095
Website: www.away.center
Instagram: @away.to.be

With the blessings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the HQ Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area (HQTNP) and The Art of Living Government Programs have entered into a landmark partnership to strengthen the well-being, resilience, and leadership capacities of naval personnel. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 14 November ‘25 at Naval Headquarters, Chennai.

Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, FOTNA, and Br. Pragyachaitanya, Chairman (VVKI) sign a landmark MoU in Chennai

The MoU was formalised by Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA), and Br. Pragyachaitanya, Chairman, Vyakti Vikas Kendras India (VVKI). This collaboration aims to bring evidence-based wellness, stress-management, and leadership training to officers and sailors serving under the Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area.

The MoU between HQ Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area and The Art of Living Government Programs will focus on enhancing resilience and performance in the Navy

Scaling Impact Across Naval Establishments Nationwide

This collaboration builds on a strong foundation already laid across the Indian Navy, where thousands of officers, sailors, and trainees have experienced The Art of Living’s training programmes across diverse units and ranks. Backed by scientific research and tailored for high-pressure operational environments, these techniques reinforce the inner readiness that underpins steady performance.For many participants, the tools have become long-term anchors – resources they continue to return to long after the workshops, strengthening the human element at the heart of naval readiness.

Reflections from Officers Across the Services

Across ranks and services, officers from previous batches consistently described the training as deeply transformative:

A Navy Commodore described the programme as an “awesome experience”, one that helped him realise the importance of breath and the immense benefits it can bring. He felt that choosing not to attend would have been “the biggest loss.” The programme, he said, enabled him to recognise his inner energy and the divine power that can be channelised through meditation, yoga, and Sudarshan Kriya.

Another Commodore noted that although he has always maintained strong personal and professional ethics, the programme will further refine his skills and help him become a calmer, more balanced individual in his work life.

Yet another Navy Commodore reflected that the techniques will help him stay calmer and more balanced, fundamentally changing the way he deals with individuals and issues at work.

Together, their voices capture a common thread: the practices are not just calming, they are reshaping perspectives, strengthening resilience, and offering tools that continue to support them long after the training ends.

Extending Support across Borders: Trauma Relief for Veterans in USA

The power of the programme extends beyond the country. In the US, Project Welcome Home brings mind-body techniques to troops struggling with post traumatic stress, multiple combat deployments and the challenges of reintegration. The programme helps release years of accumulated stress and emotional strain, while specialised practices backed by research restore calm, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports a sobering reality: in 2022, 6,407 veterans died by suicide. At a time when the U.S. loses an average of 17 veterans a day to suicide, this initiative is making a profound difference – helping veterans heal deeply and reconnect with themselves, their families, and their communities.

Strengthening the Human Element of National Security

As the Navy continues to modernise its infrastructure and capabilities, this MoU places equal emphasis on the human element behind the machinery. It acknowledges that the strength of a force lies not only in its ships and systems, but also in the inner balance, morale, and clarity of the people who serve. Through this partnership, the Art of Living and HQTNP reinforce a shared commitment to nurturing that inner strength – ensuring that those who protect the nation do so with resilience in their minds, steadiness in their emotions, and a deeper sense of purpose within. 

As an investor, you may already know that India’s financial sector extends beyond banks today. Over the years, it has grown to include a wide range of businesses such as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), insurers, asset managers, and fintechs. The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund aims to offer an opportunity to participate in this wider financial ecosystem.

Look beyond banking with Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund NFO live now 

The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund, an open ended equity scheme, seeks to invest in companies that are part of this evolving financial landscape. The New Fund Offer is currently live since Monday, November 10, 2025, and will close on Monday, November 24, 2025. The scheme will reopen for subscription within five business days from the date of allotment.

The evolving BFSI landscape
The Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector has long been central to India’s growth. But its structure has changed. As of 2025, banks make up about 57% of the sector’s market capitalisation, compared to 85% in 2005.

This shows how other parts of the financial system have grown to become important contributors. NBFCs are serving diverse credit needs, fintechs are making financial access simpler, insurers are expanding coverage, and asset managers are enabling more people to invest. Together, they are helping shape a more balanced financial sector.

Source: MOFSL Report as published in April 2025

What’s driving this shift
Several trends are behind this shift. Digitisation has made financial products easier to access and manage. Fintech innovation has simplified how people borrow, invest, and insure. Retail participation has grown as more individuals look to plan their financial goals through investments.

At the same time, demand for different financial services, from insurance to investments, continues to grow as incomes rise and awareness improves. These factors have made BFSI a more diverse and dynamic part of India’s economy.

Source: MOFSL Report as published in April 2025

The sector’s growing presence in the market
The market’s response to this transformation is visible in the data. Over the past 20 years, the BFSI sector’s weight in the Nifty 50 has increased 2.6 times, from 14.6% in FY04 to 37.9% in July 2025. During the same period, its market capitalisation has grown from Rs. 1.8 trillion to Rs. 91 trillion.

This steady rise reflects formalisation, stronger credit participation, and growing investor confidence. Many large business groups have also expanded beyond lending into areas such as insurance and asset management, recognising how the financial services space has diversified.

Source: MOFSL Report as published in April 2025

Why consider investing beyond banks
For investors, this broader growth means opportunities extend beyond traditional banking. The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund invests across different areas within the BFSI sector, from banks and NBFCs to insurers, asset managers, and fintechs.
By doing so, it offers exposure to multiple drivers of India’s financial growth rather than focusing on one segment alone. Investors who wish to align their portfolios with the structural changes shaping India’s financial system may find such a diversified approach suitable for long-term investing.

Conclusion
The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund gives you a way to look beyond banks and invest in the wider financial services sector. With exposure across NBFCs, insurers, fintechs, and asset managers, it reflects how the BFSI space has evolved and continues to grow.

For investors with a long-term perspective, this may be a suitable way to participate in India’s expanding financial landscape.

New Fund Offer Opens on: Monday, November 10, 2025
New Fund Offer Closes on: Monday, November 24, 2025
Scheme re-opens on: Within five business days of allotment date

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries and territories, held its 2025 WTCA Member Forum from October 27-29. The three-day virtual event brought together 280 registrants, representing 105 WTC businesses across 43 countries and territories.

Under the theme “Empowering Emerging Voices,” this year’s event highlighted WTCA’s rising leaders and the experienced voices who guide, mentor and empower international trade collaboration. Sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops offered actionable tools for navigating a changing international landscape, reflecting WTCA’s commitment to promoting free and fair trade, open markets and healthy competition.

Highlights from this year’s Member Forum included a “Mentor-Mentee Match Up” session, where experienced leaders shared their insights and expertise with emerging voices within the network, as well as “The State of Global Trade and Investment” with Michael Blanga-Gubbay, Research Economist, World Trade Organization (WTO); “Networking with a Purpose” with Melinda Emerson, President, SmallBizLady Enterprises; “Digital Literacy for Trade Pros: Smart Tools, Big Impact” with Krishna Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO, GreenPepper AI; and “Cross-Cultural Communication in a Global Network” with Tamir Maharaj, Trade Advisor, WTC Winnipeg.  

“Our members’ dedication and collaboration in navigating rapidly shifting trade times has been remarkable. The energy and support that they offer one another demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our network. It is inspiring to see how WTCA continues to evolve and help members succeed in an ever-shifting global trade landscape,” said John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of Directors. “At its core, WTCA’s mission is to empower WTC locations with the tools and connections they need to support the businesses they serve. By strengthening our members, we strengthen the businesses and communities navigating today’s complex geopolitical and trade realities, ultimately fulfilling our purpose of ‘Connecting Businesses, Globally,’ for shared growth and resilience.”

This year’s Forum also introduced the WTCA Visionary Awards, recognizing the groundbreaking projects of WTC businesses and their affiliated companies. This prestigious program highlights innovation, impact, and leadership within the WTCA network, providing businesses an opportunity to gain recognition and elevate their profile on a global stage. Through the Visionary Awards, WTC businesses and their affiliates can showcase their achievements and strengthen their presence within the international WTCA community.

“The 2025 Member Forum provided a valuable space for members to learn, share insights and discuss global trade trends,” said Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director-Member Services. “We have already heard that participants gained actionable takeaways from sessions on cross-cultural collaboration. We look forward to continuing these productive, transcontinental conversations at the 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum in Philadelphia.“

The 2025 WTCA Member Forum marked the official countdown to the highly anticipated 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF), which will be hosted April 19-22, 2026, in the United States by WTC Greater Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“As we look toward the 2026 WTCA GBF, our focus is on honoring our shared traditions while advancing the innovation and collaboration that define the WTCA network today. Philadelphia is proud to host and invite our global partners to join us as we highlight the leadership, ideas and connections shaping the future of international business,” said Thomas Young, President and CEO of WTC Greater Philadelphia.

For more information about the 2026 WTCA Global Business Forum, please click here. 

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has signed an agreement with Employability.life, a wholly owned subsidiary of Federation University Australia, to establish a Future of Work Lab that will empower students with internationally recognized microcredentials  and practical skills for global career readiness.

Employability.life, a subsidiary of Federation University Australia, signs agreement with SKUAST-K to establish a Future of Work Lab supporting students’ global career readiness

Through this collaboration, SKUAST-K students will gain exposure to industry-aligned, work-simulated projects (XPro) across domains such as Agriculture, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Learners will also receive microcredentials from Federation University Australia and a Workplace Readiness Profile and Score, enabling them to showcase their employability potential on a global platform with a focus on sustainable careers. 

Echoing the same sentiment, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, stated, “This partnership with Employability.life aligns with our vision of integrating innovation and practical exposure into agricultural and technological education. It will open new global opportunities for our learners and help them develop future-ready skills through real-world experiential learning.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Raja Dasgupta, CEO of Employability.life, said, “Our partnership with SKUAST-Kashmir marks a pivotal moment in making global education accessible to learners from all parts of India. By bringing Federation University’s experiential learning ecosystem to SKUAST-K, we aim to empower students to build capabilities that transcend borders and prepare them for the workplaces of tomorrow.”

Regional technology channel leaders met this week for the 2nd Annual Summit APJ event, hosted by the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC), the world’s largest consortium of technology distributors. This year’s conference welcomed executives from some of the world’s leading distributors, vendors, analysts, media and other organizations to converse and collaborate on several important industry topics. Summit APJ speakers emphasized the unique capabilities of distribution and how its investments will orchestrate the IT ecosystems of the future. With new technology-enabling programs, digital marketplaces and alliances with hyperscalers, distributors are empowering the current and next generation of vendors and partners.

The economic and cultural diversity of the APJ region was also acknowledged in keynote discussions and panel discussions, with speakers highlighting the distinct needs and opportunities for channel organizations in this area, as well as how distributors expand the global sales, branding and partnership opportunities for the vendor community. Providing valued support for emerging markets and innovative technologies is one of the long-proven capabilities of these vital channel orchestrators.

The APJ region has shown unexpected resilience in 2025 despite global trade tensions and shifting tariffs. Growth has been strong, with many countries posting robust GDP figures. However, that export boom was fueled by “front-loading” (firms rushing orders ahead of tariff deadlines); a drop-off is expected in countries that will be affected by those changes

“Technology distributors are force multipliers for vendors and solution providers, scaling sales and partner communities and overcoming regional and in-country challenges,” said Ananth Lazarus, Managing Director of APJ for GTDC. “Their enablement programs and alliance development and integration capabilities provide strategic value that ensures success across diverse markets.“

Considerable investments help distributors reshape and refine their operations and increase support for these invaluable communities.

“Distributors must continually evaluate the needs of their collective IT ecosystems and innovate to provide even greater value to their vendor and solution provider partners,” said Frank Vitagliano, CEO of GTDC during his opening remarks. “Our research shows that those investments are paying off as distributors evolve their capabilities to meet the future needs of channel organizations and the customers they support, especially with increasing complexities with AI and cybersecurity.”

More Key Takeaways from Summit APJ

This year’s event highlighted the tech ecosystem of the future and the evolving role of IT distribution, including the continued growth of the tech sector in Southeast Asia and India. Here are highlights of other insightful Summit APJ sessions:

• Alex Holmes from the EIU spoke to the positive growth in the region as well as the some of the unknowns to watch for that could constrain future growth, He stressed that while emerging market opportunities and technical innovation are creating strong opportunities for the industry, executives should pay attention to potential shifts in monetary and fiscal policies and currency fluctuations that may impact those positive trends.

• Sandra NG of IDC highlighted how AI has evolved from experimentation to enterprise-wide orchestration in APJ, with organizations already adopting agentic models where humans and intelligent systems act with autonomy. She also offered strategic imperatives for technology providers, emphasizing how AI, data ecosystems and distributed intelligence would create distinct competitive advantages in the future.  

• Aaron Raj of CRN Asia moderated an interactive discussion on building a successful AI strategy. The group addressed key elements of these programs, including setting expectations, overcoming challenges and collaborating on new opportunities with Corrie Briscoe of Amazon Web Services, Joseph Turner with CONTEXT, SS Lim of PTC System (S) Pte Ltd and Debdut Maiti from Lenovo.  

• Vitagliano also led an insightful “view from the top” conversation with senior distribution executives, including V.S. Hariharan, Redington Limited; Luis Lourenco, Ingram Micro; Jaideep Malhotra, TD SYNNEX; and Patrick Aronson, Westcon-Comstor. Panelists discussed investments in digital platforms and enabling innovative technologies, as well as optimizing go-to-market strategies and business operations.

• Dominique Deklerck of GTDC shared updates on sustainability-related topics in a pre-day session at Summit APJ. The discussion covered recent regulatory changes and best practices for adapting to the circular economy, in addition to insight on the Digital Product Passport (DPP), EPEAT, CSRD and other related topics.

The council’s next global event GTDC Summit North America, February 18^th-19^th, 2026, at the Mission Pacific & Seabird Resort in Oceanside, CA. Register now or go to the GTDC events page for more information.

About the GTDC

The Global Technology Distribution Council is the industry consortium representing the world’s leading tech distributors. GTDC members drive more than $180 billion in annual worldwide sales of products, services and solutions through diverse business channels. GTDC conferences support the development and expansion of strategic supply-chain partnerships that continually address the fast-changing marketplace needs of vendors, end customers and distributors. GTDC members include AB S.A, Arrow Electronics, CMS Distribution, Computer Gross Italia, D&H Distributing, ELKO, Esprinet, Exclusive Networks, Exertis, Infinigate, Ingram Micro, Intcomex, Logicom, Mindware, ​ ​Redington Limited, SiS Technologies, Tarsus, TD SYNNEX, TIM AG, VSTECS Holdings and Westcon-Comstor.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) marked a significant milestone with the grand launch of the MAHE Corporate Cricket Championship 2025, featuring an energetic Trophy Unveil and Jersey Reveal ceremony at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus. The initiative, jointly organized by the Campus and the Office of Corporate Relations, MAHE Manipal, reinforces MAHE’s growing stature as a centre for industry collaboration and highlights its strong corporate connect with leading organizations. Recognized as an Institution of Eminence and ranked 3rd in the NIRF University Rankings 2025, MAHE continues to build platforms that go beyond academics, fostering engagement where companies, leaders, and professionals connect through sport, networking, and shared purpose.

MAHE kick-starts the Corporate Cricket Championship 2025 with a vibrant trophy and jersey reveal

The championship officially kicks off on November 16 and will run for a month, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub for corporate interaction. Across five match days, 16 thrilling T20 encounters will promote camaraderie between organizations while strengthening industry and academia relationships. Speaking at the launch, Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, said:  “Industry engagement is central to MAHE’s mission. This championship deepens our connect with corporate professionals, helps us understand evolving sector needs, and enhances our efforts to prepare students as industry-ready leaders.”

Captains from 12 leading Indian and global organizations including Deloitte, EY, HPE, J. P. Morgan, KPMG, Manipal Hospitals, Microsoft, Microland, Novo Nordisk, Salesforce, Thomson Reuters, and Unisys were present for the jersey and trophy reveal, setting the stage for a month of spirited competition and meaningful professional networking. A symbolic sapling plantation drive further underscored the collective commitment to sustainability and long-term partnerships.

Tournament Schedule Highlights
Nov 16: Opening matches – 2 games

Nov 22 to 23: League stage intensifies – 6 games

Dec 6 to 7: League stage concludes – 4 games

Dec 13: Semi-Finals

Dec 14: Grand Finale

Designed in a four-pool format with three teams per pool, the tournament ensures fair play and equal opportunity for all, with each corporate team participating in a minimum of two league matches. Eligibility is limited to regular corporate employees, promoting authentic representation and strong team bonding. A robust awards lineup will recognize both individual and team excellence. Trophies and vouchers await the winners and runners-up, along with 14 Man of the Match awards and special honors such as Man of the Series, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best Fielder, and Best Wicketkeeper.

The MAHE Corporate Cricket Championship 2025 stands as a unique platform that reflects MAHE’s dedication to strengthening real-world industry engagement. By blending sport, collaboration, and leadership development, MAHE continues to build deeper, enduring partnerships with the corporate world. Industry connect will remain a defining pillar of MAHE’s growth and its vision for the future.

• Over 10,000 Women Sensitized: 7,200+ Participate in hrHPV Self-Testing

• 160+ Healthcare Workers Trained in Innovative Screening Techniques

• Field-tested Indigenously developed AI-Assisted Cervical Cancer screening device across multiple center s in Indian and across Bangladesh and Uganda

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) successfully convened the PRESCRIP-TEC Conference on November 13–14, aligning with the Government of India’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Mission. MAHE’s Manipal School of Information Sciences (MSIS), Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), and Kasturba Medical College (KMC, Manipal) organized the conference in Manipal.

Transforming cervical cancer screening through collaboration: “PRESCRIP-TEC Conference” at MAHE

The PRESCRIP-TEC consortium represents a powerful collaboration of global and national institutions — including DBT, Tata Memorial Hospital, the University of Groningen (The Netherlands), and MAHE, which serves as the lead implementing partner in India. Together, they exemplify thought leadership and cross-sectoral partnership in advancing equitable women’s health and India’s 2030 elimination target.

The two-day event brought together national and international experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to discuss scalable innovations in cervical cancer screening under the Prevention and Screening Innovation Project Toward Elimination of Cervical Cancer (PRESCRIP-TEC), a global initiative jointly implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program.

PRESCRIP-TEC’s “Screen, Triage, and Treat” model integrates community participation, digital health, and AI-enabled diagnostics. Across India, the project has sensitized over 10,000 women, facilitated 7,200+ hrHPV self-tests, and conducted 360+ AI-assisted Visual Inspections with Acetic Acid (VIA-AI) using the SAKHI Smart AI Kit for Healthcare Innovation. Over 100 community health workers and 60 medical professionals have been trained, reinforcing the model’s scalability and integration within primary healthcare systems.

This approach, built on inclusivity and cost-effectiveness, serves as a replicable blueprint for cervical cancer elimination in low- and middle-income countries.

A major highlight in PRESCRIP-TEC is Development and Field testing of AI Innovation Previously part of a Ph.D. at MAHE, Designed and refined at the Manipal School of Information Sciences, this indigenous AI-assisted decision-support system (AI-DSS) powers the VIA-AI component of the project, enabling accurate and affordable early detection in field settings. Currently undergoing validation across India, Bangladesh, and Uganda, the technology underscores India’s growing capability to develop and deploy homegrown digital health solutions of global relevance.

Distinguished speakers included Dr. Abhishek Kunwar (WHO India), Dr. Anu Mary Oommen (CMC Vellore), Dr. Esmy P. Okkuru, Radiation Oncologist at CFCHC, Tamil Nadu and Dr. Bency Joseph (ICMR-NCDIR), alongside leading experts from across the world.

Opening the conference, Dr. Keerthana Prasad, Professor and Director, MSIS, and Lead Principal Investigator of PRESCRIP-TEC, remarked, “PRESCRIP-TEC represents a paradigm shift in how we approach cervical cancer screening in resource-limited settings. Through AI-assisted diagnostics and strong community engagement, we are transforming access to preventive healthcare and contributing to India’s 2030 elimination mission.”

The India implementation of PRESCRIP-TEC, involving MAHE, SDM College of Ayurveda (Udupi), Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute and Tata Medical Center (Kolkata), St. John’s Medical College (Bengaluru), and Sikkim Manipal University (Gangtok), concluded with actionable recommendations for integrating AI-based screening and cost-effective strategies into India’s national framework.

By converging research, technology, and community action, PRESCRIP-TEC stands as a model for how collaborative innovation can drive national health transformation – placing India at the forefront of the global mission to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

For more information about PRESCRIP-TEC, visit: www.prescriptec.org

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 3^rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life.

Chennai’s East Coast Road has been quietly evolving into one of India’s most distinctive residential corridors. This transformation entered a new chapter with the launch of Republic of Nature, a 32-acre micronation by GT Bharathi Urban Developers Pvt. Ltd. (GTB) that brings India its first man made beach inside a residential community. The project marks a significant shift in how luxury, nature and lifestyle are being imagined for the next decade.

Republic of Nature – India’s First Man Made Beach Community at ECR, Chennai

Republic of Nature is envisioned as a low density, car free community where natural systems are restored and everyday living is shaped by the landscape. GTB is reviving four natural ponds, creating a bioswale, and protecting more than six acres of native vegetation. These ecological layers form the foundation on which the residential, hospitality and lifestyle experiences are built.

At the heart of the project is a 3.5-acre man-made beach and lagoon. Globally, such lagoon ecosystems have become signatures of the world’s most progressive luxury destinations. For Chennai, it introduces a new typology of residential living that blends coastal leisure with the stability of structured community planning.

Adding a second dimension to the development, GTB has partnered with The Indian Hotels Company Limited, the custodian of the Taj brand and one of the most respected names in global hospitality. The partnership will bring a 120 key IHCL SeleQtions hotel to Republic of Nature. The hotel is envisioned as a calm retreat for wellness focused travellers and a new weekend destination for the city’s residents.

Speaking about the project, Bharat Doshi, Chairman of GTB, said, “Republic of Nature brings together ideas that have never been attempted in Chennai. A man-made beach, an IHCL SeleQtions hotel and an upcoming internationally renowned branded residence are all part of our long-term plan. Every decision is guided by our belief that luxury should be low density, meaningful and linked to the landscape.”

Arun Bharathi, Managing Director of GTB, added, “Our objective was to create a place where time slows down. We wanted to combine the energy of the sea with the calm of green cover and the privacy of a gated luxury environment. The result is a micronation that offers fully managed residences, where homeowners can choose support for rental, resale, housekeeping, food and beverage and other services that make living here effortless.”

Republic of Nature will be developed in multiple phases and includes premium apartments, villaments and villas. The masterplan has been designed as a long-term community that balances private living with shared experiences. The overall development value is expected to reach Rs 2500 crores across four phases over a five-year period.

For Chennai, the launch of Republic of Nature signals the arrival of a new format of luxury real estate. It reflects the city’s increasing appetite for global quality living, hospitality integrated development and nature led design. It also reinforces ECR’s position as one of the country’s most promising lifestyle destinations.

About GT Bharathi Urban Developers Pvt. Ltd.
GT Bharathi Urban Developers Pvt. Ltd. (GTB) is a Chennai based real estate development company known for its commitment to design, sustainability and long-term community building. The company has delivered residential, senior living and plotted developments across Tamil Nadu and continues to focus on responsible luxury and contemporary urban living.