The 7th International Conference on Birth Defects (ICBD 2026), held in Pune served as a monumental gathering of national and level genetics experts dedicated to the theme of integrative healthcare and the prevention of congenital anomalies.

Dignitaries and global experts at the 7th International Conference on Birth Defects

Hosted by the Department of Paediatrics at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune in association with the South Asia Genomic Healthcare Alliance and the Genomic Medicine Foundation UK, the event was meticulously orchestrated by a visionary organizing team including Organizing Chairperson Dr. Shailaja Mane, Dr. Pramila Menon, Dr. Parag M Tamhankar, Dr. Sneha Sagarkar and Dr. Aradhana Dwivedi. The conference was made possible through the steadfast leadership of Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. P. D. Patil, Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Hon’ble Trustee and Treasurer Dr. Yashraj P. Patil and Dean Dr. Rekha Arcot, who emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between high-end genomic research and bedside clinical care.

The Workshop on Applied Clinical Genomics: Hands-on Analysis of Exome Sequencing Data and Reporting integrated advanced genomic medicine with public health priorities, closely aligning with UNICEF’s mandate to reduce preventable birth defects, improve early diagnosis and strengthen maternal and child health systems. Dr. Parag Tamhankar (Consultant Geneticist), Prof. Shiji Chalipat (Paediatric Neurology), Dr. Supriya Gupte (Paediatric Endocrinology) and Sarita Varma (Paediatric Haematologist) contributed to case discussions, while Dr. Dipti Deshpande of Semantic Webtech analysed the exomic data.

The workshop trained clinicians, paediatricians and researchers in Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) usage, variant interpretation and reporting, trio exome analysis and management of uncertain genomic findings, strengthening sustainable genomic expertise within India’s healthcare system and supporting equitable access to advanced diagnostics.

A dedicated UNICEF Public Forum on Birth Defects and panel discussion brought together senior clinical geneticists, public health experts and UNICEF representatives to bridge the gap between genomic science and community-level implementation. Simin Irani UNICEF Consultant explained the importance of maternal nutrition.

Dr. Pramila Menon sensitized the community health workers about detection of birth defects and preventive strategies. Dr. Gopal Kadam shared his experience about management of birth defects in Hingoli district of Maharashtra. The panellists included Dr. H.H. Chavan, Medical Superintendent of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune; Dr. Shailaja Mane; Dr. Varsha Dange; Mrs. Manisha Biraris CDPO PCMC Pune and Dr. Dhavendra Kumar, Genomic Medicine Foundation UK. He appreciated the progress of Maharashtra for diagnosing and treatment of birth defects. The session was in alignment with UNICEF Priorities for prevention of birth defects.

Across three days, scientific discourse was enriched by Professor Dr. Dhavendra Kumar from Genomic Foundation, UK, who examined inherited factors in congenital heart disease and Professor Mieke van Haelst, who presented groundbreaking work on genetic obesity and DNA methylation episignatures as diagnostic biomarkers for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Professor Diana Baralle from University of Southampton and Professor Emma Baple from University of Exeter highlighted advances in genomic and multi-omic diagnostics aimed at ending the “diagnostic odyssey” for families.

The Gregor Mendel Oration was delivered by Padma Shri Dr. K. Thangaraj, who traced the journey from population genetics to personalized medicine in India, while Dr. Shubha Phadke shared practical clinical insights for settings where whole exome sequencing is not always accessible. Maternal and environmental influences were addressed by Dr. Simin Irani of UNICEF, who emphasized maternal nutrition and Dr. Chittaranjan Yajnik, who discussed nutritional teratogenesis and fetal programming as drivers of later-life chronic disease.

Additional expert perspectives were provided by Dr. Ashwin Dalal on genetic diagnostic services, Dr. Pramila Menon on birth defects and genetic epilepsy and Dr. Aradhana Dwivedi on lysosomal storage diseases. Specialized insights on rare diseases and neonatal care were shared by Dr. Mohnish Suri, Dr. Koumudi Godbole, Dr. Chaitanya Datar, Dr. Gopal Kadam, Dr. Vaibhav Upadhyay, Dr. Vinod Scaria, Dr. Meenal Agarwal and Dr. Anup Rawool.

Dr. Mohnish Suri, Consultant Clinical Geneticist at the Nottingham Clinical Genetics Service, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, spoke online on “The UK National Paediatric Ataxia-Telangiectasia Clinic: An Exemplar for Multidisciplinary Management of a Rare, Multisystem Genetic Disorder.” Dr. Mrudula Phadke, former Vice Chancellor of MUHS and Senior UNICEF Consultant, addressed the impact of maternal illnesses, adolescent nutrition and the triple burden of malnutrition in contributing to birth defects.

A defining feature of the conference was its strong social impact, reflected in the participation of Anganwadi workers who attended public lectures on early detection and community-level prevention. This bridge between cutting-edge science and grassroots health was supported by global patron UNICEF. The event concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to decoding the human genome to ensure healthier futures for children.

Hon’ble Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, stated, “Congenital anomalies continue to place a considerable burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Effective management extends beyond treatment to include prevention strategies, early identification, multidisciplinary care and continued research. A collective academic effort is essential to ensure meaningful progress in reducing their overall impact.”

Hon’ble Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune remarked, “Advances in medical genetics, prenatal diagnostics and neonatal care have significantly expanded our ability to recognize congenital conditions earlier and manage them more effectively. Academic forums such as this conference are vital in translating these advances into accessible and coordinated care.”

Hon’ble Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Trustee and Treasurer, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “Strengthening preventive care, improving access to early screening and promoting evidence-based interventions are critical steps toward addressing the long-term impact of birth defects. Platforms that encourage dialogue on practical solutions and emerging knowledge play a key role in advancing this mission.”

Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune emphasized, “A birth defect may clinically represent a change in a gene or a chromosome, but for a family, it is profoundly life-changing. Families must grapple with the reality of raising a child born with a defect, which completely reshapes their social interactions and lived experiences. It also has significant implications for the economics of healthcare delivery. When we speak of defects that are not surgically correctable or conditions for which clear care guidelines do not yet exist, the burden often becomes lifelong. I am particularly delighted that Anganwadi workers were part of our discussions yesterday, as they are the frontline link with families at the primary healthcare level and play a crucial role in early identification of birth defects. Medical college institutions carry a unique responsibility and privilege to bring together diverse stakeholders and disciplines to deliver truly integrated care for these children. Truly this is where science touches the soul and high technology transforms into high touch.”

Dr. Shailaja Mane, Professor & Head, Department of Paediatrics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, added, “This conference offered a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange. The insights and practical perspectives shared by eminent experts made it a truly enriching academic endeavour for all participants.”

About Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune

Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital &Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune follows international benchmarks that are performance-driven as well as patient-centric, strongly backed by evidence-based medical expertise. We are NABH and NABL accredited and have been certified as a Green Hospital by the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI). Additionally, we hold the 12th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The university has been awarded A++ status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is an ISO 2015 certified organization (ISO 9001: 2015).

For more information visit medical.dpu.edu.in

Facebook: Dr D Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre

Instagram: dpu.medicalcollege

Receiving a sudden windfall—be it a year-end bonus, family inheritance, or proceeds from selling an asset—may nudge an investor to review their financial strategy. By investing this surplus money, one can potentially enhance their corpus and earn higher potential returns. This article walks you through ways in which you may plan your investments after receiving a lumpsum and how a lumpsum calculator may aid this process. 

How to Plan Investments After Receiving a Bonus, Inheritance, or Asset Sale

Assess the surplus
Before diving into investments, pause to evaluate the funds at hand. Calculate your net amount after taxes and essentials: bonuses may attract TDS, inheritances may involve probate fees or estate duties, and asset sales may trigger capital gains tax. Investors may use part of the windfall to build an emergency fund covering 6-12 months’ expenses through an overnight or liquid mutual fund to have convenient access to their money. They may also use some money to pay off high-interest debts such as credit cards. After this, the remaining sum could then be allocated strategically to align with their long-term financial objectives.

Lumpsum vs SIP: Core strategies
Deploying a windfall may demand choosing between lumpsum investing and SIP investment routes, each suiting different risk profiles and market views. A lumpsum calculator may be of help here—it simulates growth potential by inputting your bonus amount, expected rate of annual return, and time horizon of the investment. Investors may use free lumpsum calculators to assess various scenarios.

SIP investment, conversely, involves dividing the sum into monthly/quarterly instalments, mitigating timing risk via rupee-cost averaging. Investors could also adopt a hybrid approach by investing 50% of the surplus as lumpsum and the rest in an SIP.

Use a lumpsum calculator for precision
A lumpsum calculator helps demystify one-shot investing by projecting the potential projecting future using the compound interest formula:
A = P X (1+r)^n

Where:

• A = Final value of investment

• P = Initial investment amount (Principal)

• r = Annualized rate of return (in decimal, e.g., 10% = 0.10)

• n = Number of years

For example, if you invest Rs. 1,00,000 in a fund for five years and expected returns of 12% per annum.

A = 1,00,000 × (1+0.12)^5
A = 1,00,000 X 1.76
A = Rs. 1.76 lakh

Example for illustrative purposes only.

These figures are illustrative, not guaranteed, as markets fluctuate. However, the tool may help investors take data-driven and more informed decisions. 

The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture. 

Practical steps 
Here are steps you may follow when investing an extra inflow of money. 

1. Define goals: Retirement? Children’s education? You may list timelines and required corpus via goal-based calculators.
2. Run simulations: You may use lumpsum and SIP calculators to review various scenarios.
3. Invest: You may choose funds and an allocation strategy that aligns with your investment objectives and risk appetite.
4. Review annually: It is advised to review and rebalance investments regularly to maintain a suitable asset mix.
5. Seek advice: You may consult professional advisers for personalised plans and further guidance.

Conclusion
Receiving a windfall through a bonus, inheritance, or asset sale may mark a moment of investment reassessment in an investor’s journey. Thoughtful deployment of these extra funds may help you enhance your potential corpus. 

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

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals has launched the Varian Edge® Radiosurgery System with Hyperarc Technology, strengthening its advanced cancer care capabilities and expanding treatment options for complex and hard-to-reach tumours.

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals launches Varian Edge radiosurgery system

The introduction of the Varian Edge® system marks a significant milestone in radiation oncology, combining precision and advanced motion management to deliver highly targeted radiation therapy while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The technology enables doctors to treat tumours even as they move during breathing, ensuring consistent accuracy throughout treatment.

The platform also supports advanced motion-management techniques such as Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH), which is particularly beneficial in left-sided breast cancers by helping reduce radiation exposure to the heart. Its enhanced imaging clarity further strengthens precision in abdominal, liver, lung, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tumours, where internal organ movement and gas interference can otherwise impact treatment accuracy.

A key clinical advantage of the Varian Edge® platform is its ability to treat multiple metastases in a single session, often reducing overall treatment time to less than one-third of conventional LINAC or SRS treatments. The system’s synchronised movement of the radiation beam and treatment couch allows for continuous, precise radiation delivery, resulting in fewer radiation “hits” and improved patient comfort.

Dr G.K. Jadhav, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, noted, “The Varian Edge platform gives us a sharper and more versatile tool to manage a wide spectrum of tumours from tiny lesions to large, complex cases, even in challenging locations. It meaningfully expands our treatment options and enhances clinical outcomes.”

Dr Sapna Manocha Verma, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, added, “What sets apart this technology is the radiation beam continuously tracks and adjusts to the tumour’s position, even as it shifts during breathing, while surrounding healthy tissue is carefully protected. The platform also supports advanced motion-management techniques such as Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH), which is particularly beneficial in left-sided breast tumours and in select liver and lung tumours. For patients, this translates into shorter treatment times, fewer side effects, and faster recovery.”

Dr Robin Khosa, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “The Varian Edge® Radiosurgery System with Hyperarc Technology represents a major advancement in precision radiation therapy. Its ability to track tumours in real time and deliver radiation with submillimetre accuracy allows us to treat complex cases including multiple brain metastases and tumours previously considered difficult or untreatable with greater safety and confidence.”

The launch was also marked by the presence of Dr Mano Bhadauria, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology; Dr Aditi Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals; and Dr Devashish Tripathi, Senior Consultant in Radiation Oncology at Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

The system is particularly impactful in treating tumours located in delicate or hard-to-reach areas, where precision and motion management are critical. Enhanced imaging quality, sharper resolution, and improved accuracy enable clinicians to reduce treatment margins, safely deliver higher radiation doses when required, and potentially improve cure rates while lowering normal tissue toxicity.

With the launch of the Varian Edge® Radiosurgery System, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals continues to reinforce its commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with deep clinical expertise. Backed by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, neurosurgeons, physicists, and radiation specialists, the hospital remains focused on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cancer care ensuring better outcomes, fewer side effects, and more time for patients to focus on living.

About Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, India’s first JCI accredited hospital, is a joint venture between the Government of Delhi and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. Commissioned in July 1996, it is the third super-specialty tertiary care hospital set up by the Apollo Hospitals Group. Spread over 15 acres, it houses 57 specialties with more than 300 specialists and more than 700 operational beds, 19 operation theatres, 138 ICU beds, round-the-clock pharmacy, NABL accredited laboratories, 24-hour emergency services and an active air ambulance service. Apollo Hospitals Delhi has the leading programme in kidney and liver transplant in the country. The first successful paediatrics and adult liver transplants in India were performed at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. The hospital is at the forefront of medical technology and expertise. It provides a complete range of latest diagnostic, medical and surgical facilities for the care of its patients. The Hospital has introduced the most sophisticated imaging technology to India with the introduction of 64 slice CT and 3 Tesla MRI, Novalis Tx and the integrated PET Suite.

In a groundbreaking advancement, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals has recently introduced the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery Platform, revolutionizing brain tumor treatment across South Asia. This state-of-the-art technology offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery, promising improved patient outcomes and comfort. Backed by the experience and expertise of Radiation Oncologists and technical team, Indraprastha Apollo also brings the revolutionary RADIXACT – X9 that combines imaging and treatment delivery to precisely target a wide variety of Cancers.

Indraprastha Apollo has pioneered the concept of preventive health check programmes and has created a satisfied customer base over decades. The Hospital has been consistently ranked amongst the best 10 hospitals in India by The Week survey for the past few years.

Hospital website – www.apollohospitals.com/hospitals/apollo-hospitals-delhi

Twitter: @HospitalsApollo

Tourism Malaysia reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Indian outbound market at a high-level press conference held in New Delhi today, ahead of its participation in SATTE 2026.

L to R: Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman – Tourism Malaysia, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia-Delhi

The press conference was addressed by YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, alongside Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, in the presence of leading travel trade partners, airline representatives, tourism stakeholders, and media.

Malaysian cultural dance

The engagement comes at a significant time as Malaysia accelerates its global outreach under Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).

Strong Performance and Market Momentum
Malaysia recorded 42.2 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, reflecting an 14.6% growth over 2024. India remains one of Malaysia’s most dynamic source markets, contributing over 1.6 million visitors in 2025, demonstrating sustained demand and market confidence.

L to R: Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman-Tourism Malaysia, Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia-Delhi

Speaking at the press conference, YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, said “India continues to play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s international tourism strategy. The robust growth in Indian arrivals reflects the strong bilateral ties and growing consumer confidence in Malaysia as a safe, diverse and high-value destination. As we move closer to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we are intensifying strategic collaborations with our Indian partners to drive sustainable and high-yield tourism growth.”

Highlighting ground-level engagement and trade partnerships, Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India added “The Indian market has shown remarkable resilience and enthusiasm for Malaysia across leisure, MICE, weddings and premium travel segments. With expanded air connectivity, continued visa-free entry for Indian nationals, and strong industry partnerships, we are confident of achieving even stronger growth in 2026. Our focus remains on delivering quality experiences while strengthening trade collaboration across Tier I, II and III cities.”

Enhanced Connectivity and Accessibility
With more than 240 weekly flights operating between India and Malaysia, coupled with the continuation of visa-free entry for Indian nationals, travel accessibility remains robust and supportive of further growth under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

Strategic Engagement Events on 24 February 2026
As part of its intensive market outreach on 24 February 2026, Tourism Malaysia is organizing three dedicated engagement events in New Delhi ahead of SATTE 2026:

Wedding Seminar – Positioning Malaysia as a premier destination for grand Indian weddings, highlighting luxury venues, culturally adaptable services, seamless logistics and competitive value offerings.

MICE B2B Session – Facilitating direct business engagements between Malaysian industry players and Indian corporate planners and event organizers, showcasing Malaysia’s capabilities in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).

Malaysia Networking Dinner 2026 – An exclusive evening bringing together leading travel trade partners, airline representatives, wedding planners, corporate stakeholders and media to strengthen bilateral cooperation, foster new partnerships and build sustained momentum towards VM2026.

For more information on Malaysia’s tourism offerings, visit www.malaysia.travel.

About Tourism Malaysia
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website at www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

Leading global risk, security, and intelligence firm IIRIS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Law University, Jodhpur formalising the establishment of the IIRIS Chair of Infosec and Forensic Society. First in India, this Chair intends to create a vibrant center of excellence that fosters a culture of research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in the fields of information security and forensic science.

IIRIS signs MoU with National Law University, Jodhpur to establish the IIRIS Chair of Infosec and Forensic Society and launch a joint certificate programme in cyber forensics

The MoU also announces a joint Certificate Programme on Cyber-Led Forensic Investigation and Diligence, focused on building future-ready skills at the intersection of law, technology, and investigations. The programme, under the guiding theme ‘Bridging Legal Theory & Investigative Practice in the Digital Age,’ is designed to equip participants with concrete competencies for professional practice.

The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Ms. Sagarika Chakraborty, CEO, IIRIS and Prof. Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, NLU Jodhpur.

Commenting on the partnership with NLUJ, Ms. Chakraborty said, “This partnership brings together two institutions with complementary strengths. NLUJ brings profound expertise in legal theory and the jurisprudential foundations of justice. IIRIS brings cutting-edge investigative practice and real-world experience across more than a decade of operations in over ten countries. Together, we are creating a sustained interface between the academy and industry, between theory and practice.” 

Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, Jodhpur, said, “Skills for future litigation and other legal works are required to be inculcated in budding lawyers. Law universities need to be cognisant of the fact that present-day skills might not be sufficient later. NLU Jodhpur signed this MoU with IIRIS for skilling its students both by teaching and researching for cyber-led forensic investigations and diligence. The MoU is in alignment with the focus of the university in Law and Technology interface.”

This collaboration is founded on the conviction that legal theory is not merely foundational but is the critical intellectual framework that ensures investigations are just, ethical, and legally sound.

Nasuni, the enterprise file data foundation for teams and the AI that supports them, today announced the expansion of its Hyderabad Research & Development Center to accelerate innovation across unified file data management, protection, and activation.

Nasuni leaders with Telangana officials at the inauguration of the expanded Hyderabad R&D Center, strengthening AI-ready enterprise file data innovation

The Hyderabad Center was formally inaugurated by Shri Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications and Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana, in the presence of Sam King, Chief Executive Officer of Nasuni. The inauguration highlights Telangana’s continued emergence as a leading technology and innovation hub and reinforces Nasuni’s long-term commitment to expanding advanced engineering and AI-focused capabilities in India.

Working in close coordination with teams in the United States and Ireland, the expansion of the Hyderabad Center contributes directly to advancing Nasuni’s platform evolution, file data indexing and AI integration, and resilient infrastructure design. This integration strengthens Nasuni’s ability to deliver scalable, secure, and well-governed file data services that support enterprise modernization initiatives worldwide. The Hyderabad Center is established in partnership with Summit Consulting and ANSR, recognized leaders in building and scaling Global Capability Centers (GCCs). The collaboration brings structured capability design, talent strategy, and operational scaling expertise to Nasuni’s Hyderabad expansion.

“Hyderabad has steadily evolved into a location where global companies anchor core product engineering, not peripheral support functions,” said Shri Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications and Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana, “Nasuni’s decision to deepen its R&D presence here reflects confidence in the state’s ability to support advanced data infrastructure and enterprise technology development.”

Across industries, critical operational data lives in files, engineering drawings, CAD models, financial documents, media assets, compliance records, and project documentation. As enterprises deploy AI agents to retrieve, analyze, and generate file content, interaction with production file systems is accelerating. But AI requires more than raw access. It depends on unified, permission-aware, context-rich file data.

“Enterprise AI is not limited by models. It is limited by file data readiness,” said Sam King, Chief Executive Officer of Nasuni. “Organizations cannot scale AI on fragmented file infrastructure. Our expansion in Hyderabad strengthens the engineering backbone behind our unified file data platform and accelerates our ability to deliver secure, resilient, and analytics-ready file data services to enterprises worldwide.”

Building AI-Ready File Infrastructure in Hyderabad
Teams in the Hyderabad R&D Center contribute directly to the evolution of the Nasuni File Data Platform. The expanded teams will focus on:

• Semantic indexing and contextual modeling of file data

• Version lineage tracking and metadata intelligence

• Predictive analytics and AI-driven operations

• Zero trust-aligned access enforcement

• Cyber resilience and advanced Ransomware detection

“AI initiatives depend on access to trusted, well-governed file data,” said Nick Burling, Chief Product Officer at Nasuni. “Our roadmap is centered on extending the value of Nasuni’s unique architecture to activate enterprise unstructured data for teams and the AI that empowers them. The Hyderabad engineering teams are contributing directly to critical investments focused on surfacing the operational context captured in enterprise file data, and enabling secure, cost-effective access to that data for our customers and their AI initiatives.”

Nasuni’s patented File Data Platform is built on a scalable, reliable, and secure foundation that fuses cloud object storage and enterprise file services, enabling unlimited scale while preserving immutable file system versions. This enables rapid recovery while maintaining complete historical context—providing a secure, governed foundation for both human teams and the evolving world of agentic AI.

“Hyderabad gives us access to one of the strongest and deepest technology talent ecosystems globally,” said Peddareddappa G (GPR), Senior Director and India Site Leader at Nasuni. “Our teams here are deeply integrated into Core Platform development. The collaboration across the U.S., Ireland, and India allows us to innovate continuously and respond quickly to evolving enterprise requirements.”

Supporting Enterprise Scale Globally
Nasuni supports more than 800 enterprise customers across over 70 countries and manages billions of files across thousands of locations worldwide. The Nasuni File Data Platform integrates storage, backup, disaster recovery, ransomware protection, and analytics through a single hybrid cloud solution with centralized management.

With unstructured data volumes continuing to grow across industries including manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, media, energy, and the public sector, the Hyderabad Center strengthens Nasuni’s global engineering capacity to support enterprise modernization initiatives worldwide.

About Nasuni
Nasuni provides a leading next-generation, software-defined NAS and unstructured data management (UDM) platform that unifies the storage, protection, and management of enterprise unstructured data across any major cloud. Powered by its patented UniFS® global file system, this unique architecture fuses cloud object storage with enterprise file services to enable unlimited scale, ransomware resilience, global collaboration, and AI-readiness. Nasuni meets customers where they are. Whether they’re modernizing on-premises storage or optimizing multi-cloud environments to reduce costs and risk, the Nasuni platform helps improve business outcomes. It also advances data governance, discovery, and orchestration to prepare unstructured data for use by AI solutions. Trusted by global enterprises in more than 70 countries, Nasuni maintains a 98% customer satisfaction rating. The company has received countless recognitions for its commitment to industry leadership, strategic cost optimization, customer success, and innovation.

For more information, visit www.nasuni.com. 

• Inaugurated by Padma Bhushan Mrs. Rajashree Birla, the new store in Greater Kailash brings indigenous craftsmanship and sustainable luxury to the capital

• Empowering over 700 artisans across Raigarh and Janjgir – Champa districts in Chhattisgarh while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk

Kosala, the social enterprise of Hindalco Industries Limited, has opened its flagship retail store in Greater Kailash (N Block), New Delhi, marking a key expansion milestone in its Kosa silk value-chain initiative in Chhattisgarh.

L–R: Satish Pai, MD, Hindalco Industries Ltd; actor Yami Gautam Dhar; Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives & Rural Development;  Saurabh Khedekar, CEO Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Ltd & Director, Kosala Foundation, and  Neeta Shah – CEO Kosala at inauguration of Kosala Boutique in Delhi

Kosala was launched in 2021 to restore and expand the indigenous Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community. Today, Kosala reached a key milestone with the launch of its first flagship store. The boutique was inaugurated by Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, in the presence of Mr. Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries Limited, Mr. Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited and Director, Kosala Foundation with actor Ms. Yami Gautam Dhar marking the occasion.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Rajashree Birla- Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development said, “Kosala reflects our deep commitment to trusteeship, nurturing communities while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. By revitalising the art of Kosa silk, we are empowering artisan families, especially women, with sustainable livelihoods and renewed pride in their craft. This store serves as a bridge between rural skill and global appreciation.”

Kosala’s impact at the grassroots level has been measurable and transformative. In FY25, 31 weaver families secured full-time engagement, while 130 artisans were employed across pre-loom and post-loom processes, strengthening integration across the value chain. Full-time weavers now benefit from assured year-round engagement, resulting in a 63% increase in income, significantly enriching their livelihoods. During the year, 379 artisans were engaged and 100 were newly skilled, reinforcing household stability and enabling the Dewangan community to move forward with renewed confidence and dignity. Since its inception, Kosala has empowered over 700 artisans, strengthening sustainable livelihoods while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk.

Mr. Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited and Director, Kosala Foundation, said, “Kosala is anchored in two core beliefs, reviving the indigenous legacy of Kosa silk and restoring economic dignity, recognition, and continuous skill advancement to its original custodians, the Dewangan community. This store is not merely a retail milestone; it reaffirms our long-term commitment to strengthening the artisan ecosystem and enabling weaver families to thrive with pride and purpose.

We continue to prioritise the well-being of artisans and their families by extending individual life insurance coverage, expanding structured training to bring more weavers into the fold, and reimagining Kosa through a thoughtful blend of time-honoured techniques and consciously designed collections for the modern consumer.”

Capacity-building initiatives include training 25 rural youth in professional natural colour dyeing; providing sewing and embroidery skills to 100 women in partnership with the International Labour Organization and the Foundation for MSME Clusters; certifying 50 Dewangan women in Kosa reeling; and offering advanced weaving training to 25 artisans through the Weavers’ Service Centre, Raigarh. In 2024, Kosala introduced the Kosala Artisan Shilp Unnati Yojana, instituting annual recognition and incentive structures for master weavers.

Kosala was instituted as part of Hindalco’s sustainable mining initiatives in Chhattisgarh. Over the years we have built a scalable rural enterprise model that integrates market access, skill development and infrastructure investment positioning heritage textiles within a sustainable luxury framework while delivering measurable economic outcomes at the grassroots level.

About Hindalco Industries Limited

Hindalco Industries Limited is the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. A $28 billion metals powerhouse, Hindalco is the world’s largest aluminium company by revenues, and the world’s second largest Copper rods manufacturer (outside China). Hindalco operates across the value chain, from bauxite mining, alumina refining, coal mining, captive power plants and aluminium smelting to downstream rolling, extrusions, and foils. Along with its subsidiary Novelis, Hindalco is the global leader in flat rolled products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminium.

Hindalco is India’s largest copper producer, serving more than half the country’s copper requirements. Its copper facility in Gujarat, India, comprises a world-class copper smelter and refinery complex, downstream facilities, and a captive jetty. Hindalco’s global footprint spans 48 manufacturing units across 10 countries. Hindalco has been ranked the world’s most sustainable aluminium company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for six consecutive years– 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

About Kosala

Kosala is a social enterprise initiative by Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, launched to revive and advance the ancient Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community in Chhattisgarh. Conceptualised in association with Xynteo Vikaasa, a multi-stakeholder coalition working to build sustainable growth models, Kosala blends heritage with innovation to preserve a 5,000-year-old art form while strengthening the economic resilience of artisan communities. Kosala, which supports craftsmen in weaving, reeling, and dyeing, prioritizes the development of sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, skill enhancement, and access to international markets. Since its inception, Kosala has empowered over 700 artisans across Chhattisgarh, strengthening sustainable livelihoods while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk.

Kauvery Hospital, Salem, has once again demonstrated its clinical excellence and leadership in complex airway and thoracic surgeries by successfully saving the life of a 60-year-old male patient who was admitted in a critical condition with severe respiratory distress.

Kauvery Hospital, Salem

The patient was first evaluated by the Department of Pulmonology nearly a year ago, when a CT scan revealed a tumour completely obstructing the left main bronchus, preventing airflow to the left lung. Despite medical advice, the patient did not continue further treatment. Approximately one year later, he returned to the hospital with markedly worsened breathing difficulty and was in a life-threatening condition.

A repeat CT scan showed significant progression of the tumour, with extension into the trachea, dangerously narrowing the central airway responsible for supplying air to both lungs. At this advanced stage, even a minimal delay could have resulted in complete airway obstruction and respiratory failure.

As an emergency measure to relieve the obstruction, Dr. Ramachandran, Pulmonologist, performed a bronchoscopy procedure. However, the tumour was found to be highly vascular, making complete bronchoscopy removal extremely risky due to the potential for massive bleeding into the only functioning lung—the right lung. To stabilize the patient temporarily, ventilation to the right lung was secured under bronchoscopy guidance.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. Naveen Chandar and Dr. Niranjan (Cardiothoracic Surgeons), Dr. Rajkumar (Surgical Oncologist), and Dr. Ramachandran (Pulmonologist) convened for urgent deliberation. The team unanimously concluded that a Left Pneumonectomy-complete removal of the affected lung along with the tumour-was the only definitive and life-saving option.

The surgery presented multiple challenges. Due to extensive involvement of the central airway, airway management during anaesthesia was exceptionally complex. The anaesthesia team, led by Dr. Saravana Kumar, Consultant Anaesthesiologist, carefully advanced the endotracheal tube beyond the narrow margin of the tumour with extreme precision. Even minimal trauma could have resulted in catastrophic bleeding or complete airway collapse.

During the procedure, surgeons meticulously removed the portions of the tumour extending into the central airway without opening the trachea, employing advanced surgical techniques and exceptional precision. Despite extensive disease involvement, the tumour and the left lung were removed successfully, with careful preservation of vital blood vessels and restoration of airway integrity, all without significant blood loss.

Postoperatively, the patient showed immediate improvement in breathing and continued to recover steadily. He was subsequently discharged from the hospital in a stable condition with significant clinical improvement.

This complex surgery was possible because of our team’s seamless coordination, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to patient safety.

This case stands as a strong testament to Kauvery Hospital, Salem’s expertise in managing rare and highly complex airway and lung tumours, further reinforcing its position as a trusted centre for advanced and emergency healthcare services.

• Marking 10 years of the Lodhi Art District, Asian Paints brings its Colour of the Year into the public realm for the first time through a mural at the Lodhi Art Festival

• Launches ‘The Way We Live’, a visual exploration of everyday Indian homes

Like a hush that settles over the world just before midnight, Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2026, Moonlit Silk, arrives as a tender presence in everyday spaces. Soft and luminous, the shade reflects a quieter way of living, one where beauty is found in subtlety and rather than excess. Gentle rather than shiny, Moonlit Silk feels like a pause in a fast-moving world, offering comfort, calm and a quiet sense of presence.

Mural inspired by Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2026 ‘Moonlit Silk’ at the Lodhi Art Festival by artist, Pener

Extending beyond interiors, the launch unfolds through a Colour of the Year–inspired mural at the Lodhi Art Festival and an inflatable installation at Raw Mango, the festival’s culture partner, bringing the shade into the public realm.

Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2026 | Moonlit Silk

Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2026 – Moonlit Silk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-LPtk4exXU

Inspired by the warmth of worn book pages and the comfort of everyday rituals, Moonlit Silk brings softness into contemporary homes. A warm, luminous, neutral green, it reflects a collective longing for familiarity and emotional grounding in an overstimulated world. Radiant yet restrained, it offers presence without performance and optimism without excess. In a world that often feels overly curated, Moonlit Silk captures a quiet desire to reconnect with what is real, tactile, and memory-washed.

In a landmark moment coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Lodhi Art District, Asian Paints brought its Colour of the Year into the public realm for the first time through a mural inspired by Moonlit Silk at the Lodhi Art Festival. An initiative by St+art India Foundation, supported by Asian Paints, the festival marks a decade of transforming Lodhi Colony into India’s first open-air public art district. Featuring works by over 50 artists from around the world, it offered a fitting backdrop for Moonlit Silk to become part of Delhi’s evolving cultural landscape at this milestone moment.

The mural created by Polish artist Pener interprets Moonlit Silk through a palette that resonates deeply with Delhi’s surroundings. Subtle butterscotch tones echo the city’s architectural legacy, blending into deep greens inspired by its parks rendered using the Colour of the Year shade, and finishing with the quiet blues of its night skies.

Complementing the public mural at the festival, Asian Paints unveiled a unique installation at Raw Mango featuring oversized inflatable floral forms that create a brief, imagined garden within everyday public spaces. Drawing from the palette and mood of Moonlit Silk, colour functions as an immersive experience. The installation turns familiar surroundings into moments of reflection and engagement.

The Colour of the Year is part of Asian Paints ColourNext, South Asia’s most authoritative colour and material intelligence forecast, now in its 23^rd year. Rooted in cultural insight and evolving lifestyle patterns, ColourNext decodes emerging moods and behaviours, translating them into colours, materials, textures, and finishes that shape spaces in tune with the times we live in.

Speaking at the launch, Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd., said, “At Asian Paints, our perspective on colour and décor is shaped by decades of understanding Indian homes and the many ways people live within them. As a brand deeply rooted in the world of design, we see colour as a reflection of culture, emotion, and everyday life. The Colour of the Year 2026 is the result of deep research and close observation of evolving lifestyles across India. With Moonlit Silk, we are seeing a growing inclination towards calm, softness, and a quieter form of luxury, one that values warmth, authenticity, and emotional comfort. By translating this colour into the public realm at the Lodhi Art District, as it marks a decade of public art, we’re allowing it to move beyond homes and become part of the city’s shared cultural experience.”

As part of this year’s cultural exploration, Beautiful Homes also presents its first editorial publication, The Way We Live, marking nearly a decade of documenting homes and décor across the country. Named after the widely followed home tour video series, the book brings together essays and photographs from residences across India, placing them in thoughtful juxtaposition. A bookshelf from a Bangalore home sits beside one from Delhi; a room in Manipur converses quietly with one in Chennai, revealing both common ground and compelling contrast.

“This book is unlike any design book, and it is not a decor presentation. Instead, it is a showcase of how we live as a country, how our spaces reflect both our uniqueness and our exceptionalism,” says Manju Sara Rajan, Editor-In-Chief of Beautiful Homes.

The publication shifts the lens away from aesthetic perfection and toward lived experience. The images are accompanied by personal essays and poems by writers reflecting on their own understandings of ‘home’, foregrounding intimacy over stylisation. “The subject of home has become entirely about aesthetics, so this book seeks to divert the idea and turn the focus of a home back to its most important element, people. Yet, their faces are not the focus of these pages, rather the focus is the way they experience and shape their world,” Rajan adds.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Syngle, shares, “The spirit of Asian Paints is spelt out in the line that the late Piyush Pandey created ‘Har ghar kuch kehta hai ki iss ghar mein kaun rehta hai’. This book, ‘The Way We Live’, looks at the stories of lives told by the rhythm of their spaces and objects. The rooms are redolent spaces designed by the residents themselves, and objects collected because of personal interest and not just for aesthetic value. ‘The Way We Live’ gives the reader a peek into these homes before they are staged and spruced up as one would before hosting guests—a window into a lived experience of daily life.” The publication will be circulated privately to readers and is not for commercial sale.

Together, the Colour of the Year for 2026, Moonlit Silk and The Way We Live signal a deeper cultural shift from consumption to connection, from spectacle to meaning, and from speed to presence.

Celebrating 10 years of Lodhi Art District: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mWKum5Bask

About Asian Paints Limited

Since its founding in 1942, Asian Paints has become India’s leading and Asia’s second-largest paint company, with a consolidated turnover of Rs. 33,797 crores (Rs. 338 billion). It continues to uplift spaces, transcend the boundaries of colour and design, creating a positive impact in the lives of customers. The organization operates in 14 countries and has 26 paint manufacturing facilities globally, servicing consumers in over 60 countries.

Asian Paints has always been a leader in the paint industry, innovating and introducing new concepts in India like Colour Ideas, Beautiful Homes Painting Service, Colour Next, and Asian Paints Beautiful Homes Stores. Asian Paints manufactures a wide range of paints and coatings for Decorative and Industrial use and also offers specialized painting and interior decor solutions. The decorative business portfolio also includes the SmartCare range for waterproofing, WoodTech products for wood finishes, and the Adhesives range for all surfaces.

Asian Paints also offers a wide range of Home Décor products and is one of the leading players in the integrated decor space in India, offering Modular Kitchens and wardrobes, Bath Fittings and Sanitaryware, Decorative Lightings, uPVC windows and doors, Wall coverings, Furnitures, Furnishings, Rugs, etc.

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