As India sees great numbers of households switching to electric cars, VinFast is stepping in to help first-time EV owners adapt to new routines in driving, charging, and maintenance.

VinFast equips its VF 6 and VF 7 with LFP battery cells, known for thermal stability, and a battery management system that balances charging and discharging for longevity

The numbers tell a story of momentum
India registered 115,800 electric four-wheelers in fiscal year 2024-25, about 15 percent more than the year before. That number signals perhaps the largest wave of households shifting from petrol to electric cars so far. The rise is exciting, but buying an EV is only the beginning. Owning one means new habits, from the way people drive to how they plan trips and maintain the vehicle. Automakers like VinFast are responding by building features into their cars that help new drivers adjust with less trial and error.

Drive Smoothly, Save Range
Driving an EV is not simply a matter of pressing the pedal and expecting the same response as a petrol car. Electric motors deliver instant torque, which can tempt drivers to accelerate hard. Yet smooth driving is key to extracting the best range from a charge.

Regenerative braking, which recaptures energy when slowing down, works best when the driver anticipates traffic rather than relying on sudden stops. The lesson is simple: steady inputs save energy.

Most modern EVs come with multiple drive modes. Eco mode lightens steering effort and dials back power to extend range, especially useful in congested city streets. Normal mode balances efficiency and responsiveness for mixed conditions. Sport mode sharpens handling and maximizes power, best reserved for highways or quick overtaking. Many new owners assume Sport is the “default” choice, but frequent use drains the battery faster than expected.

Another habit worth building is pre-conditioning the car. By cooling or heating the cabin while plugged in, owners reduce the energy drawn from the battery once the trip begins. In hot Indian summers, this small step can preserve several kilometers of driving range. 

VinFast has built these functions into the VF 6 and VF 7, pairing them with steering assist and suspension tuned for both urban traffic and longer journeys. The VF 7 also shows that efficiency and performance are not mutually exclusive. Its all-wheel-drive version accelerates from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.8 seconds, yet still allows drivers to optimize range with the right settings.

Charge Wisely, Treat the Battery Well
If driving style is the first adjustment, charging habits are the second. Petrol drivers are used to filling a tank from empty. That mindset does not translate well to EVs. Batteries last longer when kept between 20 and 80 percent charge for daily use. Allowing the pack to reach zero is a big “no-no”. Fast charging, meanwhile, is a valuable tool for road trips, but it should not become the default method. Overnight charging at home on a slower connection is gentler and often cheaper.

Public charging also comes with a new form of etiquette. Once the car is topped up, drivers should move it so others can use the station. India’s network of public chargers is expanding, yet access remains uneven. Urban centers are seeing rapid installations, while many highways are still thinly covered. For first-time owners, this means route planning matters. Checking apps before setting out helps avoid range anxiety. 

VinFast equips its VF 6 and VF 7 with LFP battery cells, known for thermal stability, and a battery management system that balances charging and discharging for longevity. Both models come with segment-leading warranties -10 years or 200,000 kilometers for the VF 7, 7 years or 160,000 kilometers for the VF 6, and 10 years or 200,000 kilometers of battery coverage for both-supported by durability testing already proven across more than 100,000 VinFast vehicles worldwide. That level of coverage provides reassurance for those still learning what “good charging habits” look like in practice.

Maintain Regularly, Understand Safety
The third adjustment comes in long-term ownership. EVs need less routine servicing than petrol cars, yet they are not maintenance-free. Tyres wear the same, and brakes still require checks even if regenerative braking reduces use. Cooling systems that regulate battery temperature must be inspected periodically. Another change is the role of software. Updates can now add features or refine safety systems overnight. Drivers should keep cars connected to receive improvements that once would have required a trip to the dealer.

In India’s humid and varied climate, corrosion protection matters. New buyers would do well to look at warranties that extend beyond the basics, since this can translate into fewer surprises over time. 

Safety is another priority. Advanced driver assistance systems such as lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, or automated braking are valuable aids, but they require understanding. Knowing when the system intervenes and when it does not prevent over-reliance. 

VinFast’s VF 6 and VF 7 are designed to meet international benchmark safety standards and have been crash-tested for occupant protection. Structural durability of both vehicles is validated for 240,000 kilometers, while corrosion resistance keeps body panels intact for years.

Building Confidence on the Road
Drive smoother, plan smarter, charge with care, and treat the car as a connected machine that benefits from attention to software as well as hardware. With these practices, and with models like the VF 6 and VF 7 designed to support them, the country’s first-time EV drivers can move from cautious experimentation to everyday confidence.

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

Renowned for trust and design excellence, DRA Homes, the fast-emerging Indian real estate pride brand from Chennai, today announced the launch of DRA iHEART – Chennai’s first branded sea-view residences in Navalur on OMR. Spanning 3.42 acres with 271 thoughtfully designed homes along the main road, iHEART sets a new standard in living. The project integrates over 650 carefully selected premium-standard products – from foundation materials such as cement, steel and structural fittings to luxury brand finishes and amenities such as chrome fittings, designer tiles, high-end windows, stylish doors and an infinity-edge swimming pool. Together, DRA iHEART delivers an authentic luxury living experience in the INR 1.5 to 2 crore segment, a first-of-its-kind in Chennai.
 

iHEART from DRA Homes brings premium construction and luxury living to Chennai’s OMR corridor in the INR 1.5 to 2 crore price range, featuring 3-4 BHK homes
 

In a pioneering first for the Indian residential real estate sector, DRA Homes has partnered with Slate AI, a global leader in construction intelligence technology. This exclusive collaboration enables real-time monitoring throughout every stage of iHEART’s construction, ensuring quality, transparency and timely project delivery. By harnessing AI-driven analytics and predictive insights, DRA Homes demonstrates its forward-thinking commitment, becoming the first Indian developer to integrate this advanced platform in a residential project.
 

The project features spacious 3 and 4 BHK homes (1,595-2,927 sq. ft.) with select units including dedicated maid rooms. All homes are Vastu-compliant and designed for comfort, elegance and functionality within a Basement + Stilt + 19-floor structure that offers panoramic sea views.
 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, DRA Homes said, “We are excited to launch Chennai’s first branded residences in the luxury segment, combining premium-standard construction with luxury brand finishes. iHEART delivers a distinctive lifestyle experience in the Rs. 1.5 to 2 crore range, fulfilling the luxury living aspirations of to-be affluent families. Partnering with Slate AI ensures we maintain the highest quality standards and timely delivery.”
 

Strategically located on the main road of Navalur, DRA iHEART offers unmatched connectivity to Chennai’s IT hubs, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, vibrant entertainment centres, and the ECR beach just a short drive away. Together, iHEART makes it a perfect choice for combining luxury living, work, lifestyle and leisure in one location. The project underscores DRA Homes’ unwavering commitment to trust, transparency and exceptional quality, ensuring residents make a lasting investment in a home of pride and value.

About DRA
DRA, with an impressive legacy of 40 years, has become a trusted name in the real estate industry, delivering world-class projects across Chennai. With more than 12,000 satisfied customers DRA is synonymous with trust, transparency, and timely delivery. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, DRA goes beyond just building apartments by offering its customers a ‘Home of Pride’ – thoughtfully designed living spaces that cater to evolving lifestyles and embody a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Innovations like the ‘Timeline Meter’ for project updates and the ‘Customer Delight Meter’ reflect their unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, while their online customer portal ensures hassle-free access to project details and documentation. Signature developments such as DRA Pristine Pavilion, Tuxedo, Ascot, Skylantis, Elite, Infinique and many others exemplify their commitment to blending modernity with value-driven investments. Recognized with awards like FICCI’s REISA and Times Business Awards, DRA holds the distinction of being Chennai’s first developer with CRISIL’s 7-star grading. Their social responsibility initiatives include pond restoration and nurturing young sporting talent, which highlight their dedication to the community. Upholding their motto “Timeless Home, Timely Delivery, DRA continues to inspire pride and trust in every home they create, turning dreams into lasting legacies.

Galgotias University, under its flagship Galgotias Dialogue Series, proudly welcomed Shri Ajai Chowdhry, Co-Founder of HCL and Chairman, National Quantum Mission, for an insightful session on the theme “Conversations Creating Change.” The interaction served as an enriching platform for students, faculty, and researchers to gain perspectives from one of India’s foremost technology leaders, reinforcing the university’s commitment to fostering innovation-driven learning.

Galgotias University hosts Ajai Chowdhry, HCL Co-Founder & National Quantum Mission Chair, for an inspiring Dialogue Series session on innovation and leadership

YouTube Link of the session: youtu.be/d539sBvt-oI?si=j4yWeM08nTgVjGiC

The highlight of the event was the Book Discussion Session centred around Shri Chowdhry’s acclaimed work, ‘Just Aspire’. The discussion aimed to inspire students to embrace innovation-led entrepreneurship, visionary thinking, and leadership with purpose, reflecting the core values of Galgotias University’s educational philosophy.

During the visit, Shri Chowdhry toured the university’s state-of-the-art Centres of Excellence, including the Drone Innovation Lab and the Semiconductor Research Lab, where he commended the implementation of the G-SCALE model. He recognised it as a progressive academic framework that effectively integrates global exposure, skill development, competency-based learning, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Speaking about the university’s vision, Shri Ajai Chowdhary said, “It’s inspiring to see this kind of innovation ecosystem that Galgotias University is building. The focus on practical learning, research, and entrepreneurship here reflects a future-ready academic framework that seamlessly integrates Global exposure, Skill development, Competency-based learning, Application-oriented teaching, Leadership building, and Entrepreneurship.”

Commending Shri Ajai Chowdhry’s pioneering contributions to India’s technology sector, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “We are deeply honoured to host Shri Ajai Chowdhry, whose journey embodies India’s innovation story. His insights on entrepreneurship and the future of technology truly resonated with our students. At Galgotias, we are committed to nurturing innovators and leaders who can drive change and shape the global knowledge economy.”

The Galgotias Dialogue Series is a flagship initiative that promotes intellectual exchange, innovation, and leadership, inspiring students to think boldly and lead with purpose as catalysts of change in a rapidly evolving world.

About Galgotias University 

Galgotias University Among the World’s Leading Universities in QS and THE Rankings. Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities—public and private combined—this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education.

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

These recognitions reflect Galgotias University’s strategic focus on teaching quality, research impact, internationalization, and industry relevance, and its mission to shape globally competent graduates prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Signature Global (India) Ltd., one of India’s leading real estate developers, further expanded its international outreach with an exclusive showcase event held on October 18, 2025, at Hyatt Place, Garden City, New York, USA. The event, led by Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, Director of Signature Global Group, brought together a distinguished group of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers and investors, reflecting the brand’s commitment to creating modern, premium homes with global appeal. The showcase was part of the company’s ongoing NRI engagement initiative, aimed at strengthening relationships with international customers and understanding the aspirations of overseas homebuyers.

Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, Director of Signature Global Group at the Investor Engagement Program in New York, USA

With growing interest from NRIs in Indian real estate, these initiatives are designed to understand their preferences, address the challenges they encounter while investing in India, and explore innovative ways to cater to their needs more effectively.

Building on this engagement, the showcase offered NRI homebuyers an informative overview of Signature Global’s key projects in Gurugram, highlighting the brand’s innovative designs, sustainable construction practices, and emphasis on delivering premium living experiences. During the event, guests had the opportunity to interact with senior leadership, gaining a better understanding of upcoming projects and the company’s vision for modern urban living. The event also highlighted Signature Global’s dedication to supporting overseas investors, including plans to set up a dedicated NRI support team to provide personalized guidance and a smooth, hassle-free property investment experience.

Speaking about the event, Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, Director, Signature Global Group, said, “Connecting with our NRI customers in New York and sharing our vision of modern living was a truly delightful experience. Events like this give us the opportunity to connect directly with our overseas investors, understand their preferences, and gain valuable insights into their evolving needs and aspirations. At Signature Global, we are committed to creating homes that combine contemporary design, sustainable practices, and world-class living experiences. By engaging with our NRI customers and incorporating their feedback, we can ensure that our projects not only meet but exceed their requirements, reinforcing our commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation in every development.”

The event showcased Signature Global’s flagship projects, including Cloverdale SPR, De-Luxe DXP, and Titanium SPR, which have attracted significant interest from discerning homebuyers looking for a combination of luxury, lifestyle, and lasting value. Through engaging sessions, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the unique features and design concepts of these developments, gaining a clear sense of the thoughtfulness and attention to detail that define Signature Global’s approach to modern residential living.

Through such initiatives, the company engages closely with NRI investors, showcasing its commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and quality. By understanding international buyers’ needs, it aims to deliver residential projects that exceed expectations while reinforcing its reputation as a trusted, forward-looking real estate developer in India.

• Retail Book crosses the Rs. 1 lakh Crore milestone

• Robust retail franchise with a retail portfolio of Rs. 1,04,607 Crore, reflecting a 18% growth YoY 

• Highest ever Retail disbursements for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 at Rs. 18,883 Crore, up 25% YoY 

• Q2FY26 witnessed an upgrade of the international issuer long-term credit ratings of LTF to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” by S&P Global Ratings, roll-out of the ‘beta’ version of ‘Project Nostradamus’ and launch of a big-tech partnership with Google Pay
   

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India has recorded the highest ever Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 735 Crore, up 5% Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) and 6% Year-on-Year (YoY) for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025 (Q2FY26). During the quarter, the retail book size reached Rs. 1,04,607 Crore, up 18% YoY. The Company has recorded quarterly retail disbursement of Rs. 18,883 Crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025, up 25% YoY. Retailisation stands at 98% for the quarter ended September 30, 2025.
 

LTF’s Retail Book crosses the Rs. 1 lakh Crore milestone, now at Rs. 1,04,607 Crore, reflecting a 18% growth YoY
 

The Company’s customer-facing PLANET app, which has emerged as a powerful digital channel for customers, crossed more than 2 Crore downloads as on September 30, 2025 comprising more than 17.6 Lakh downloads on the rural side. As of date, this channel has done collections of over Rs. 6,400 Crore while servicing over 934 Lakh requests and has sourced loans of over Rs. 19,300 Crore. PLANET App was also awarded the app with the ‘Best Digital Experience in Finance’ at the Global Fintech Fest, 2025.

‘Project Cyclops’ has been implemented in Two-wheeler Finance, Farm Equipment Finance, and SME Finance. It will be rolled out in Personal Loans in Q3FY26, Home Loans, and Rural Group Loans & MFI in FY27. The beta version of the AI driven real time automated portfolio monitoring engine ‘Project Nostradamus’ has been rolled out for the Two-wheeler business in August, 2025, a month ahead of the scheduled deployment date.

S&P Global Ratings has upgraded LTF’s long-term issuer credit rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3”. Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook. These long-term ratings are investment grade and are at par with India’s Sovereign Credit Rating. This will enable the Company to tap global capital markets and further diversify its liability franchise and deepen investor base.

Commenting on the financial results, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, LTF said, “During the quarter, our focus remained firmly on execution and growth, enabling us to deliver a strong performance in a quarter traditionally considered a weak one in the BFSI industry. The performance highlights the improved momentum in all our lines of business, across rural and urban geographies, driven by the transformation initiatives carried over the last few quarters. Our investments in technology, talent, revamp and expansion of branch infrastructure, brand building and continued focus on customer centricity as a part of our 5-pillar execution strategy have started to yield early dividends for us.

Our Gold loans segment added to the loan portfolio in the first quarter of this financial year gained significant momentum during this quarter. In line with our aspiration of becoming a leading Pan-India gold finance player in the country, we remain committed to continuously expand our geo-presence across the country through branch expansion. By the end of this financial year, we plan to add around 200 new branches taking our gold distribution strength to around 330 gold loan branches.

In addition, the Company operationalized the beta rollout of ‘Project Nostradamus’, an AI driven automated real-time portfolio management engine in the Two-wheeler business in addition to scaling up the AI driven next-gen digital credit engine ‘Project Cyclops’ in the SME business. Our digital large partnerships continued to scale in the second quarter of this financial year with Google Pay being the latest addition to our list of marquee big tech partners for origination of Personal Loans.

On the back of good monsoons and improving customer consumption sentiment, we are confident that this momentum will accelerate in the second half of this financial year on the back of festive demand fueled by GST 2.0 reforms.”

Key Highlights

Robust Retail Franchise
The Company’s granular and deep pan-India Retail franchise is led by its strong distribution capabilities namely, its geographic presence in around 2 Lakh villages from around 2,213 rural meeting centers/branches and 345 branches across urban centers. This extensive geographic presence is also supported by over 13,500 distribution points built over a decade. The Company also leverages around 2.7 Crore of its customer database to drive a credible cross-sell and up-sell franchise contributing 40% of the Company’s repeat disbursements share in value and 51% in count during Q2FY26.
 

Building a diversified retail franchise

Rural Business Finance

Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 6,316 Crore vs. Rs. 5,435 Crore, up 16% YoY. Book size at Rs. 27,460 Crore vs. Rs. 26,539 Crore, up 3% YoY. Growth driven by improved collection efficiency and sectoral trends.
 

Farmer Finance

Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 1,654 Crore vs. Rs. 1,782 Crore, down 7% YoY. Book size at Rs. 15,943 Crore vs. Rs. 14,488 Crore, up 10% YoY.
 

Two-wheeler Finance

Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 2,512 Crore vs. Rs. 2,393 Crore, up 5% YoY. Book size at Rs. 13,013 Crore vs. Rs. 12,669 Crore, up 3% YoY. During the quarter, LTF launched a TV commercial (TVC), ‘Just Zoom Two-wheeler Loans’, featuring its brand ambassador, Jasprit Bumrah. The TVC highlights the key features of LTF’s Two-wheeler Loans – instant approval, maximum loan eligibility, and a competitive EMI. Launch of attractive Two-wheeler Finance schemes for the festive season.
 

Personal Loans

Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 2,918 Crore vs. Rs. 1,361 Crore, up 114% YoY. Book size at Rs. 10,878 Crore vs. Rs. 7,178 Crore, up 52% YoY. Growth in the segment aided by big tech partnerships.
 

Housing Loans and Loans Against Property

Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 2,713 Crore vs. Rs. 2,531 Crore, up 7% YoY. Book size at Rs. 27,407 Crore vs. Rs. 21,731 Crore, up 26% YoY.

SME Finance

Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 1,468 Crore vs. Rs. 1,244 Crore, up 18% YoY. Book size at Rs. 7,465 Crore vs. Rs. 5,190 Crore, up 44% YoY.
 

Gold Loan

Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 983 Crore. Book size at Rs. 1,475 Crore.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com) formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd., (LTFH) is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’ — the highest credit rating — by four leading domestic rating agencies. S&P Global Ratings has recently upgraded LTF long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3”. Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project – “Digital Sakhi”- which focuses on women’s empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap – Lakshya 2026. The Company has over 2.7 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.
 

X: x.com/LnTFinance

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LnTFS

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lntfinance

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding in India is undergoing a decisive geographic shift, with corporate philanthropy steadily moving beyond the metros into India’s emerging Tier-2 cities and industrial belts. According to ‘CSR’s Next Act: How the Coming Decade Will Redefine Corporate Impact’, the seventh edition of Sattva Consulting’s annual State of CSR in India report, CSR inflows to industrial hubs have grown 120% and to Tier-2 cities by 55% over the past three years, signalling a structural reorientation in India Inc’s social investments.

Sattva Consulting launches its Annual State of CSR report, highlighting India’s shifting corporate giving landscape

Tier-1 city districts still absorb nearly 30% of total CSR funding, with neighbouring clusters accounting for another 3%. Yet, the once-dominant grip of metros is loosening. Cities with populations between one and two million have nearly doubled their CSR share (from 13.5% to 16.2% between FY 2022 and FY 2024), while industrial districts now attract 7.4% of total CSR allocations, up from 4.4% two years ago. The pace of growth in these regions has outstripped the overall 30% rise in CSR spending nationally, according to the report.

“Corporate India is clearly looking beyond traditional centres of philanthropy,” said Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy, CEO & Co-founder, Sattva Consulting. “From Vadodara to Madurai, we’re seeing companies anchor their giving where they operate – industrial clusters, manufacturing corridors, and smaller cities. This shift is deeply encouraging for the vision of Viksit Bharat, a future where development capital flows to every district, not just a few. It’s an important step towards localising impact.”

The report notes that while CSR funding has become more geographically diverse, equity in distribution remains limited. Over the past three years, 193 districts have absorbed three-quarters of all district-level CSR funding, and nearly 90% of this money flows into areas with low poverty levels. Only three of India’s 54 high-poverty districts feature among the top CSR recipients.

Funding in Aspirational Districts has risen threefold over the past decade, from 1.3% of total CSR inflows in FY 2015 to 4.5% in FY 2024, driven by a steady rise in private-sector participation. Larger corporates, particularly in BFSI, energy, and mining, are beginning to channel a growing share of their CSR outlay, around 5%, towards these underdeveloped regions. Public-sector companies continue to play a pivotal role, directing 11% of their CSR budgets to Aspirational Districts, nearly three times the private-sector average.

“The geography of philanthropy is shifting, and the opportunity ahead demonstrates deepening, not just diversifying of India’s CSR footprint,” added Krishna.

The annual State of CSR report is the most comprehensive analysis of CSR spending in India. It draws from MCA’s annual report of 21,489 companies and includes analysis of their individual annual reports. Among other insights from the report, the study finds that global firms ‘punch above their weight’, delivering higher impact through focus and scalability, while India’s large corporations and PSUs drive breadth and depth through significant local investments. It also notes that non-NGO partners are on the rise, with nearly one-fifth of all CSR funding in FY 2024 channelled through institutions such as universities, hospitals, and incubators, and over 60% of large corporates now implementing flagship programmes through their own foundations.

About Sattva Consulting

Sattva Consulting is a global impact consulting firm from India. Since 2009 we have been engaging with communities, business and government to achieve societal impact at scale.

We believe that Civil society, Business and Government all have a critical role to play in building an equitable and sustainable world, and we actively partner with all stakeholders to enable impact through our advisory & orchestration services, knowledge and data platforms which we have built as public goods for the ecosystem and collaborative solutions and partnerships.

To know more, visit www.sattva.co.in.

Innovatiview, a technology solutions provider specializing in integrated examination security solutions, has been awarded with the ‘Electronic Security Solutions Provider of the Year’ at the 2nd Annual BW Security World Excellence Awards 2025.
 

Mr. Ankit Agarwal, Promoter & Whole-time Director – Innovatiview receives ‘Electronic Security Solutions Provider of the Year’ awarded to Innovatiview at BW Security World Excellence Awards 2025
 

The winners were determined by an eminent jury panel of industry experts, and the nominees were evaluated on parameters such as implementation of ideas and their impact on the security industry.
 

The company is a technology-based security solutions for examinations, elections, and events, which includes CCTV surveillance, biometric control, frisking, and VoIP communication systems, providing end-to-end security in the examination and election security solutions. Innovatiview remains one of the first companies in India to introduce and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technology in CCTV surveillance and accurate touchless biometric verification solutions for impersonation control in examinations.
 

Ankit Agarwal, Promoter & Whole Time Director, Innovatiview, said, “This award represents the shared vision of the promoters at Innovatiview, Ashish Mittal – Promoter & Whole Time Director, Vishal Mittal – Promoter and Whole-time Director, and Abhishek Agarwal, Promoter and Whole-time Director, who have dedicated themselves to the creation of fair assessments through safe and secure examination security solutions. This award is also a recognition of the commitment of our employees and vendor partners, who have contributed unceasingly to make this possible. Finally, we appreciate the confidence our clients have placed in us with their most critical needs. The immense belief in us provides the fuel to give the best quality of service on every assignment, with integrity, transparency and safety.”
 

The company’s security and surveillance solutions have been admired by several clients across India. Using advanced tech, Innovatiview has secured 735 exams across India and has, monitored 44,045 exam venues in FY 2024 and has the ability to cater across 28 states and 8 union territories, In the same year, the company scanned over 44.15 million biometrics in its examination security projects.
 

About Innovatiview India Limited

Innovatiview India Limited is a technology solutions provider specializing in integrated security, system integration, IT equipment rental, edutainment and logistics services for mission-critical operations across India. Innovatiview’s offerings include biometric verification, AI-powered surveillance, GPS tracking, system integration and technology rentals that ensure security, transparency and operational excellence for examinations, elections, events and institutional operations.
 

Innovatiview has delivered solutions for over 150 clients across 28 states and 8 Union Territories, including marquee projects for UPSC, Election Commission of India, G20 Summit, Delhi Police, Central Warehousing Corporation and more.
 

For more information, log in to www.innovatiview.com.
 

Innovatiview India Private Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”).
 

The DRHP is available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the websites of the book running lead managers, and the websites of the stock exchange(s) at www.nseindia.com and www.bseindia.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, see “Risk Factors” of the RHP / Prospectus, when available. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.

ASICS, the global Japanese sportswear brand, launched its first Company-Owned Company-Operated (COCO) store in India. Strategically located at DLF Mall of India, Noida, the store was inaugurated by Mr. Yasuhito Hirota, Chairman and CEO, Representative Director, ASICS Corporation and Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South ASIA. The momentous launch was celebrated with actor and fitness enthusiast Sara Ali Khan, who headlined a grand event reflecting the brand’s commitment to performance, innovation, and lifestyle.
 

L to R: Mr. Yasuhito Hirota, Chairman and CEO, Representative Director, ASICS Corporation; Ms. Sara Ali Khan; Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South ASIA
 

The new store offers an immersive, new-age retail experience across ASICS’ complete portfolio of Performance Running, SportStyle, Core Performance Sport, and Apparel categories. Designed with minimalistic interiors and technology, the store reflects ASICS’ commitment to innovation, creating a dynamic and interactive space for consumers.
 

The high-energy launch event featuring Sara Ali Khan celebrated the intersection of fitness and street-style fashion, transforming the atrium into a hub of sneaker culture, movement, and self-expression that captured the brand’s ethos.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Yasuhito Hirota, Chairman and CEO, Representative Director, ASICS Corporation, said, “India represents one of the most compelling growth stories in ASICS’ global portfolio. The launch of our first DTC store represents a significant milestone, reinforcing India’s role as a central pillar of our ASICS Global Strategy. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the country’s growing enthusiasm for sports and wellness, which aligns with our global mission and core philosophy of ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body’. This store launch reflects our long-term commitment to the Indian market and marks the beginning of an exciting journey to inspire and empower millions.”

Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South ASIA, said, “As ASICS marks a decade of its journey in India, the launch of our first Company-Owned Company-Operated store is a proud milestone that reflects our enduring commitment to the Indian market. Each new store brings us closer to our consumers, allowing them to experience the innovation and performance that defines our brand. We have watched India’s relationship with fitness transform, from niche enthusiasm to a nationwide movement. Through our expanding retail presence, our focus is to create spaces where people can immerse in the philosophy of Sound Mind, Sound Body and experience the transformative power of movement.”

“Fitness has been central to my life, which is why being here today at the launch of ASICS store means so much to me. ASICS stands for pushing boundaries and celebrating the joy of movement – values I strongly connect with. It is exciting to see a brand that inspires people to live actively and experience the power of Sound Mind, Sound Body. I can’t wait for everyone to explore the store and discover how ASICS can elevate their fitness journey,” said Sara Ali Khan, Actor & Fitness Enthusiast.
 

ASICS India continues to chart impressive growth in the domestic market. Building on this momentum, the brand aims to expand its retail footprint to 200 stores by the end of 2026. The launch of its first COCO store marks a defining step in ASICS’ journey in India, reaffirming its commitment to the market and strengthening its position as a global leader in performance-driven sportswear and lifestyle innovation.
 

About ASICS
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body’ is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded in 1949, more than 70 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes, as well as athletic and SportStyle-inspired footwear, apparel, and accessories.

ASICS currently has 128 stores across India. More details can be found at www.asics.com/in/en-in/store-locator.

For more information, visit www.asics.com/in/en-in.

Enabling Leadership’s mixed-gender “football for life skills” program, EL Play, has won the BEST “Football for Good” program award at the 2025 World Football Summit (WFS) in Madrid. The prestigious award, sponsored by Common Goal, celebrates organizations that are using football as a catalyst for lasting social transformation.

Ravi Sonnad, CEO of Enabling Leadership talking about EL Play at the WFS Summit

The World Football Summit Awards are among the most respected recognitions in the global football industry, spotlighting individuals, initiatives, and organizations driving innovation and positive change across the world of sport. The Football for Good Award sponsored by Common Goal specifically honours programs that leverage football to advance equality, inclusion, and community empowerment — values deeply embedded in Enabling Leadership’s mission.

Ramkey Ananthakrishnan & Ravi Sonnad receiving the WFS 2025 ‘Football for Good’ award

Enabling Leadership Play (EL Play) began as a bold experiment over a decade ago, and today hosts the world’s largest mixed-gender football league, reaching over 6,000 children across Asia and Africa. Through EL Play, children from underserved communities build confidence, empathy, teamwork, resilience, and leadership — skills that help them not only dream bigger but break generational cycles of poverty by becoming productive and responsible adults capable of taking care of themselves AND the world around them.

The award was received by Ravi Sonnad, CEO, and Ramkey Ananthakrishnan, Chairman of the Board of Enabling Leadership Global, at the World Football Summit 2025 in Madrid.

Ravi Sonnad, CEO of Enabling Leadership, said: “This award is a celebration of every child who dared to defy the impossible. EL Play was born from a simple belief — that football can teach more than goals and games; it can teach empathy, equality, and leadership. It is heartening to see this belief reflected in our impact — our partner schools report academic improvement among their students enrolled in the EL Play program. These children now believe that boys and girls are equal, and they have significantly strengthened key life skills through the program. This recognition is truly for our coaches, schools, and partners who have helped make this vision real every single day.”

This global recognition reinforces Enabling Leadership’s vision that given the right opportunity and access, every child can be a role model, a global citizen, and a changemaker. The unique and innovative EL Play program is a transformational force in education and community development, and this award validates the impact the program is making.

For more information, visit www.enablingleadership.org.