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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About MSC

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

Every February 14, the world celebrates the beauty of connection and the power of shared values. In the realm of health, this synergy is the very foundation of nirā balance a movement born from the belief that true wellness requires a perfect harmony between science and nutrition. While many see Valentine’s Day through the lens of romance, the story of nirā balance is one of purposeful collaboration.

Co-Founders nirā balance Ritesh Bawri & Dimple Bawri

The brand’s transformative approach was forged when nirā balance co-founder couple Ritesh and Dimple Bawri identified a critical gap in the wellness industry that shifted the focus from temporary fixes to long-term vitality. By combining scientific inquiry with expert nutritional strategy, nirā balance has evolved from a personal mission into a success story of holistic health.

Ritesh mentions an incident, a turning point in his life, which changed everything. He said during a dinner in the United States, a professor looked at me and said, “You are going to die!” The remark felt abrupt, but medical tests soon confirmed that his health was declining fast. Years of neglect had taken their toll, placing him at risk far earlier than he had imagined. 

He recalls, “At 38, I had achieved what society considers success: I was a fourth-generation business leader with multiple ventures and financial independence. Yet, despite my accomplishments, my health was deteriorating. I faced metabolic dysfunction, chronic fatigue, and early signs of cardiovascular disease. While the best doctors offered medications, my journey was about discovering the root causes of my challenges and reclaiming my vitality.”

Ritesh decided to radically rebuild his routine from the ground up, focusing on healthy meals, regular movement, and consistent sleep. The results were measurable. He shed excess weight, brought chronic conditions such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, hyperacidity, asthma, and insomnia under control, and recovered the stamina he thought he had lost. Determined to understand the science behind his recovery, Ritesh studied nutrition, cellular biology, and preventive health, and pursued certifications in physiology from Harvard Medical School and nutrition from Tufts University School of Medicine.

Dimple, his wife, played a crucial role in his journey, contributing significantly to what would later be called nirā balance. This approach now incorporates personalised nutrition frameworks that promote metabolic balance, sustained energy, and consistent health outcomes. With her keen aesthetic sense, eye for design, and natural empathy, Dimple ensured that the impact and appeal of nirā balance went beyond mere charts and lab reports.

She explains, “I have been an artist, and creativity comes naturally to me, so when we embarked on this journey being foodies boring food was never a choice. Nutrition is often viewed as all about strict diets and boring foods. I wanted to completely change that notion by showing how healthy eating can be fun and flavorful. I started experimenting at the ingredient level and curating recipes you look forward to eating, keeping nutrition, culture, and preferences in mind, making it effortless to follow. So simple that all you got to do is eat.” 

Together, they built nirā balance around a simple principle: care should feel personal, effortless, and evidence-based. Their earlier venture, BreatheAgain, established the foundation by providing structured guidance and close follow-ups to clients across different regions, paving the way for nirā balance.

Today, nirā balance integrates diagnostic precision with time-tested practices, tailoring plans to each individual’s needs. Ritesh leads science and systems with empathy, while Dimple shapes the experience and daily rituals that make change sustainable and effortless. In this way, their story embodies the spirit of Valentine’s Day. It goes beyond just flowers and gestures; it is about being there for one another and pursuing shared dreams every day. For Ritesh and Dimple, a second chance at health gave them a greater purpose, and today they inspire many others not just to get healthier but to live with purpose.

Conscious greetings on the sacred occasion of Mahasivratri Grand Night — The Great Vigil of Leadership. The World Yogi Day movement is proud to announce a series of transformative programs led by Nandhiji, designed to deepen awareness and foster conscious leadership during this sacred window of time.

Maha Sivratri 2026 – Leadership Of Consciousness

Mahasivratri is the night of Turiya, the field of stillness beyond time, where awareness deepens, perception clarifies, and the mind gently yields to higher intelligence. It is a sacred opportunity to transcend inner limitations and rediscover the natural state of centered presence. Not merely a ritual observance, Mahasivratri is a vigil of heightened awareness where stillness intensifies, distractions lose their hold, and consciousness becomes more accessible. In this sacred space, leadership is refined at its true source — inner clarity.

Event Schedule and Participation Details:

• MAHASIVRATRI GRAND NIGHT: The Great Vigil of Leadership

• 15 February: 8:00 PM – 6:00 AM (Next Day) PST

• 16 February: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM IST

Register : MAHASIVRATRI: GRAND NIGHT OF LORD SIVA- FIVE EVENTS WITH NANDHIJI

Complementing this journey, the 108 Kshetras of Lord Siva, traditionally associated with pilgrimage, are contemplated as inner landscapes of awareness. Within subtle traditions of insight, they symbolise dimensions of transformation, discipline, transcendence, and awakened spiritual power.

Participants will have access to unique resources, including:

• 108 One minute wisdom videos: Siddha Wisdom Blessings

• Master Class with Nandhiji: Power of the Root Chakra, Pranayama, Mantra Deeksha, and Siddha Wisdom

• Kalangi Kundalini Yoga DVD: For vitality, clarity, and spiritual power

• Additional: Video recordings of Mahasivratri 2026

Across time zones and traditions, we gather in a shared vigil of awareness, honouring Siddha wisdom while deepening clarity, responsibility, and conscious leadership. May this sacred night awaken stillness, strength, and luminous perception within us all.

For more information and to register for these events, please visit www.worldyogiday.org.

Urban Land Institute (ULI), a global non-profit and the oldest, largest network of cross-disciplinary land use experts, is set to host the fourth edition of its flagship ULI India Annual Conference in February. Scheduled for 26 February 2026 at the Four Seasons, Worli, Mumbai, the conference is anchored around the theme “Big Ideas Shaping Indian Cities.” It will bring together senior leaders from India and across Europe, the US, and Asia to examine the forces redefining the country’s urban future.

The ULI India team committed to advancing best practices in urban development and fostering meaningful industry dialogue

Established with the backing of ULI India’s founding partners Anarock, Blackstone, Brookfield, Hines, K Raheja Corp, RMZ Corp, and Xander, the ULI India Annual Conference has, in just four years, evolved into one of the country’s most influential independent platforms for urban dialogue. Supported in 2026 by a coalition of leading industry sponsors – led by Platinum Sponsor EAAA Alternatives; Gold Sponsors Arcadis, CapitaLand, Cushman & Wakefield, Gensler, and Phoenix Workspaces; and Silver Sponsors Aedas and Perkins Eastman – the conference comes at a pivotal moment, as Indian cities navigate global fragmentation, shifting capital flows, technological disruption, climate risk, and demographic change. The forum will move beyond projects and transactions to focus on how leadership, policy, and innovation can enable cities to adapt with purpose and resilience.

Attendees will include CEOs, CXOs, partners, investors, planners, policymakers, and senior leaders from real estate, infrastructure, finance, technology, architecture, and government bodies, reflecting the breadth of stakeholders shaping India’s urban future.

This year’s conference forms part of an expanded three-day experience, featuring curated study tours, UrbanPlan workshops, education roundtables, leadership engagements, and a full-day conference. A central highlight of the experience will be the ULI India Project Showcase, presenting 20 leading projects from across the country that reflect best practices in design, sustainability, and urban impact.

The programme will open with global and India-focused perspectives from Angela Cain, Global Chief Executive Officer, Urban Land Institute, and Dr. Parag Khanna, Founder and CEO, AlphaGeo, alongside a distinguished line-up of speakers including Amit Grover, Chief Executive Officer – City Side Development, Adani Airport Holdings Limited, Rohan Sikri, Managing Partner, The Xander Group Inc, Sandra Lee, CEO, Asia, BMS Group, and Jane Drummond, Chief Commercial Officer at Aon, APAC. Together, they will examine India’s position in a fragmenting global order and its implications for cities, capital, and long-term growth, setting the course for India’s urban future.

Throughout the day, over 20 senior industry leaders, policymakers, and global experts will address critical themes including domestic capital’s growing role in real estate, city-level transformation, the future of downtowns, emerging technologies, risk and insurance, and urban regeneration. Sessions will draw on both international experience and India’s evolving development models to offer actionable insights for decision-makers.

The conference will also feature a special collaboration with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), reinforcing ULI India’s commitment to strengthening dialogue between public institutions and private-sector leaders.

Speaking about the conference, ULI India’s Executive Director Manasvini Hariharan said, “Creating transformation in built environment is a long-term game. The impact isn’t visible tomorrow, but the conversations we have today will shape how our cities look 20 years from now. India has already entered a defining urban decade. The way we invest, govern, insure and design today will determine whether our cities offer real opportunity and quality of life for ourselves and the next generation. This conference is a convening catalyst, a space to challenge thinking, spark ideas, and turn dialogue into action that endures.”

Since its launch in 2023, ULI India has built a strong community of professionals committed to advancing responsible, inclusive, and resilient urban development. Through its research, convenings, and global network, ULI continues to position India within international conversations on city-making and sustainable growth.

With its most ambitious programme to date, the 2026 Annual Conference reinforces ULI India’s role as a neutral, high-trust platform shaping the future of Indian cities through collaboration, insight, and long-term thinking.

About Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a nearly 100-year-old, global, member-led, multidisciplinary organisation dedicated to shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Founded in 1936, ULI brings together professionals from across the real estate, finance, public, design, and academic sectors to advance responsible land use, foster better-planned and more liveable cities, and share practical knowledge through research, education, and convenings.

ULI India is the India chapter of the Urban Land Institute and is now in its fourth year. Since launching in 2023, it has built a growing community of around 200 members across the country, including developers, investors, policymakers, architects, planners, academics, and civil society leaders focused on the future of Indian cities. Through its councils, research, education initiatives, and flagship ULI India Annual Conference, ULI India provides a neutral, high-trust platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and action on issues ranging from urban resilience and governance to capital flows, design innovation, and inclusive growth.

Today, Mars, Incorporated announced the appointment of Manish Syag as Managing Director of its Pet Nutrition division in India. Manish will lead the business, home to some of the country’s most trusted and pioneering pet food brands, including PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, among others.
 

Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition
 

Manish brings over two decades of FMCG leadership experience, having held senior sales leadership roles at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and GSK Consumer Healthcare. Manish joined Mars in 2024 as Chief Sales Officer and has played a key role in shaping the next phase of Mars India’s pet nutrition growth story. An alumnus of IIM Lucknow, Manish is widely regarded as a strong people leader with a proven ability to scale businesses while building high-performing teams. In his new role, Manish will drive a focused India Growth Agenda, build world-class operational capabilities, and strengthen the company’s leadership in the pet food industry one of the fastest emerging FMCG categories in the country.
 

Speaking on his appointment, Manish Syag said, “India is at a defining moment for the pet food market, which is expected to grow into a USD 2 billion category in a decade, evolving much as mainstream FMCG did in its early growth years, driven by access, awareness, and trust. I am excited to take on this role and lead the next phase of growth for our business in India, serving pets and pet parents across the country with trusted, high-quality packaged pet food by further strengthening our portfolio of deeply loved brands and expanding our market presence. At the heart of this journey will be our Mars Five Principles, and our Purpose: “A Better World For Pets.”
 

Manish succeeds Salil Murthy, who has been elevated to the role of Global Vice President, Enterprise Transformation, Mars Pet Nutrition. In this global leadership role, Salil will focus on advancing Mars Pet Nutrition’s long-term transformation agenda, strengthening leadership and organisational capability, and driving growth through building a simpler, faster and more future-ready operating model. Salil will be based in London, the site of Mars Pet Nutrition’s global headquarters.
 

Talking about his new role, Salil Murthy said, “I am excited to take on this new global role and help shape the future of Mars Pet Nutrition. This role offers an opportunity to focus on driving accelerated growth for the global Pet Nutrition business through unleashing the power of our associates across the world, strengthening our strategic resource allocation process and our digital and AI capabilities, and accelerating transformation to win with pet parents and our customers in every market. Leading the India Pet Nutrition business has been deeply fulfilling, and I’m incredibly proud of the growth we have driven and the high-performing team we have built over the last few years. I have every confidence in Manish’s leadership to take the business forward in its next phase of growth.”
 

Francisco Fernandez, Regional President, Mars Pet Nutrition – Rapid Growth Markets, said, “India is one of the most important growth markets for Mars Pet Nutrition. Salil’s elevation reflects the strong, purpose-led business he and the team have built in India and the depth of leadership talent emerging from this market. Manish’s appointment demonstrates our confidence in his expertise, leadership capability, and deep understanding of pet parents and customers in India. Together, these appointments reinforce our commitment to developing leaders from within and further strengthening India’s role in our global strategy and future growth of the business.”
 

Mars Pet Nutrition has been present in India since 2002, following the launch of PEDIGREE. In 2007, Mars established the country’s first pet food manufacturing facility, marking a key milestone in the development of the organized pet food category in India. Today, Mars Pet Nutrition serves millions of pets and pet parents across the country through its portfolio of trusted, high-quality products for both dogs and cats.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited (NSE: METROPOLIS | BSE: 542650), India’s second largest and the most trusted pathology laboratory chain, hosted a high-impact Scientific Symposium on Genomics, bringing together over 300 clinicians, researchers, scientists and academicians to advance the clinical integration of genomic diagnostics across India’s healthcare ecosystem. 

Eminent healthcare leaders and scientific experts at the Metropolis Centre of Genomics Scientific Symposium in Mumbai

The symposium also marked the formal unveiling of Metropolis’ Centre of Genomics to the clinician community, reinforcing the Company’s broader clinical engagement initiative focused on embedding advanced molecular diagnostics into routine medical practice. As precision medicine gains momentum in India and globally, the forum highlighted the shift from episodic testing to integrated, molecular-driven care pathways enabling earlier diagnosis, precise risk stratification, and personalised treatment across oncology, neurology, and women & child health.

Ms. Ameera Shah, Promoter and Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare addressing at the Centre of Genomics Scientific Symposium

Across oncology, discussions centred on tumour profiling, biomarker-driven therapies, and the expanding role of next-generation sequencing in guiding targeted cancer care. Neurogenomics sessions examined inherited and rare neurological disorders, including genetic epilepsies and neuromuscular conditions, highlighting how genomic testing can reduce diagnostic delays and enable personalised management strategies. In women and child health, experts explored reproductive genomics, prenatal diagnostics, and genetic counselling, underscoring the role of early molecular insights in improving pregnancy outcomes and paediatric care. 

These thematic discussions were conducted through parallel sub-specialty sessions led by Key Opinion Leaders, Medical Advisory Board members, and distinguished national and international speakers, featuring panel discussions and case-based deliberations to deepen clinical engagement across specialties.

Clinicians also shared real-world case experiences demonstrating how genomics is enabling a transition from symptomatic management to evidence-based, targeted interventions, improving diagnostic clarity and reducing uncertainty in complex clinical scenarios. The discussions reflected a broader shift toward longitudinal, data-driven diagnostic journeys that support continuous and personalised patient management.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Ameera Shah, Promoter and Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said, “The next phase of healthcare will be defined by how effectively genomic intelligence is embedded into clinical workflows at scale. The opportunity ahead lies in creating connected ecosystems where diagnostics, data science, and clinical expertise work seamlessly together. At Metropolis, we are focused on integrating molecular intelligence into everyday decision-making so that precision medicine moves toward becoming the standard of care, not the exception.”

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., said, “As genomic medicine expands, the real challenge is not access to technology but ensuring accuracy, interpretation, and accountability at every step. Scaling responsibly requires rigorous validation frameworks, structured reporting standards, and close collaboration between scientists and clinicians so that genomic findings are applied with clarity and confidence in patient care.”

The symposium featured participation from an eminent panel of national and international clinicians and experts, including Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Suresh Advani, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Jaslok Hospital; Dr. Aniruddha Deshpande, Professor, Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, California; Prof. Stefan Bohlander, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Dr. Jyoti Bajpai, Senior Consultant, Precision Oncology, Sir H.N. Reliance Hospital and Apollo Hospital; Dr. Mehboob Basade, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, H.N. Reliance Hospital, Jaslok Hospital and Saifee Hospital; Dr. Anita Bhaduri, Senior Consultant, Histopathology, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai; Dr. Charulata Sankhla, Neurologist, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai; Dr. Rahul T. Chakor, Neurologist, Nair Hospital, Mumbai; Dr. Neelu Desai, Paediatric Neurologist, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai; Dr. Pradnya Gadgil, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Neurology and Complex Epilepsy, SRCC Children’s Hospital; Dr. Mayank Nilay, Clinical Geneticist, Post Graduate Institute of Child Health, Noida; Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar, Ex-President, FOGSI and Chief IVF Consultant and Endoscopist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune; Dr. Chander Lulla, Consultant Sonologist and Fetal Medicine Specialist, Head – Ultrasound, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai and Senior Consultant at Reliance HN Hospital and Ria Clinic; and Dr. Anupkumar Rawool, Senior Consultant Clinical and Cancer Geneticist, Founder and Director, Sahaj Genetic Clinic, Pune.

About Metropolis Centre of Genomics 
The Centre of Genomics at Metropolis Healthcare Limited is an integrated precision diagnostics platform built on the Company’s long-standing expertise in molecular diagnostics and precision oncology. Bringing together two CAP-accredited national referral laboratories, advanced next-generation sequencing technologies, and multidisciplinary scientific expertise, the Centre delivers clinically actionable genomic medicine across India.

It supports high-impact specialties including oncology, neurology, reproductive health, transplant immunology, and rare diseases through a comprehensive portfolio of NGS-based assays, robust bioinformatics, clinical interpretation, and genetic counselling across the care continuum. By combining cutting-edge technology with strong clinical governance and scientific stewardship, the Centre transforms complex genomic data into actionable intelligence, enabling earlier diagnosis, targeted therapies, and personalised patient management.

Beyond its current capabilities, the Centre of Genomics serves as a platform for continuous test development, AI-enabled analytics, and deeper digital integration to further strengthen clinical outcomes and operational excellence. With active engagement in pharmaceutical programs, clinical trials, and international collaborations, it is positioned as a strategic partner for global research, companion diagnostics, and precision-led drug development.

About Metropolis Healthcare Limited 
Established in 1981, Metropolis Healthcare Limited is India’s second-largest diagnostic chain, led by visionary leader Ms. Ameera Shah, Promoter and Executive Chairperson. With over four decades of excellence, Metropolis has been a pioneer in delivering best-in-class diagnostic services to patients, healthcare providers, and corporates across India and Africa. The company’s extensive footprint spans 28 states, 7 Union Territories, and over 750 towns in India, supported by a robust network of more than 220 laboratories, 4,800+ service centers, and over 10,000 touchpoints. 

Each year, Metropolis serves millions of individuals by providing actionable health insights that empower better clinical outcomes. Metropolis offers a comprehensive range of more than 4,000 tests and profiles, including advanced tests for diagnosing cancer, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and various genetic abnormalities. The company’s commitment to quality and accuracy is reinforced by its consistent CAP proficiency score of over 98% for the past decade, placing it among the top 1% of laboratories worldwide for quality assurance. The Metropolis philosophy is built on the pillars of technological superiority, a warm, patient-centric approach, and reliable diagnostic reports. 

For more information, please visit www.metropolisindia.com or click on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.