In collaboration with US-based global tech giant Microsoft, Chandigarh University (CU) has established a state-of-the-art Microsoft Skill Center in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost employability of CU students with Microsoft certifications in AI, ML, Cloud Computing and emerging technologies, real-world hands-on training and lab-based learning as per global tech demands.

Chandigarh University Higher Officials & Microsoft Officials exchanging MoUs during the inauguration of state of the art Microsoft Skill Center in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Chandigarh University

The dignitaries who graced the inauguration of Microsoft Skill Centre included Sanjay Dhingra, Director- Public Sector at Microsoft, Sricharan Tadepalli, CSO & Co-founder, byteXL, Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Prof (Dr) SS Sehgal, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Prof (Dr) Raghuveer V R, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Chandigarh University.  This Centre of Excellence has been set up on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Microsoft with Chandigarh University for empowering and skilling students to thrive in the digital economy and transforming the state into a hub of trained professionals in technologies in demand.

On the occasion, the chief guest Sanjay Dhingra, Director- Public Sector at Microsoft, said, “Microsoft is really excited to collaborate with Chandigarh University for the Skill Centre where we will be offering AI for All which means Microsoft courses will be offered not only to the B Tech students but across all other programs at the university. Microsoft’s MoU with the Chandigarh University offers collaboration to embed virtual labs into this CoE where the students can come and learn online. These labs will be running Cloud Computing and be running on Microsoft Azure. Through online and offline courses, Microsoft would also be providing MCA online degree courses which would have GitHub Foundation, Azure fundamentals, Power BI data analyst and Azure AI fundamentals.”

“This collaboration between the Microsoft and Chandigarh University would help all the students become more employable and industry ready with Microsoft certifications. Once they pass out from this university, students would be placed in premium institutions because it is very important for students to learn the new skills which are there in the market specially AI, Machine Learning and Cloud Computing,” he added.

In his address, Dr Raviraja N Seetharam Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University said, “CU’s MoU with Microsoft and the inauguration of Microsoft Skill Centre in Chandigarh University will enable Chandigarh University get access to Microsoft’s over 4400+ modules state of art content linked with job roles. Microsoft Fundamentals certifications curriculum, teaching materials, advanced role-based curriculum and teaching materials will also become available to CU students under the MoU with Chandigarh University. This Microsoft Skill Centre will work as a hub, and it will initially impart skill training to the Chandigarh University’s engineering students. But in the coming days, students from across the entire university – not just those in Engineering – will be able to gain Microsoft certifications and learn new age skills in emerging technologies through this center under the ‘AI for All’ initiative, making AI for All a reality very soon.”

Sricharan Tadepalli, CSO & Co-founder of byteXL which has partnered with Microsoft to enhance engineering education in India by offering AI, ML, and GenAI-focused B Tech programs, featuring industry-certified training, paid internships, and guaranteed placements, said, “This Microsoft Skills Center in AI at  Chandigarh University is first such center established at a university in India. So it’s privilege that has come to Chandigarh University will help engineering students get skill training right from first year itself. The idea behind this AI skill center is to take the technology near to the students. The engagement with Microsoft learning and byteXL platforms on the emerging technologies will enhance employability of Chandigarh University students.”

Sharing details about the Microsoft Skill Center, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “The inauguration of Microsoft Skill Center at Chandigarh University is a significant step towards strengthening industry–academia collaboration and advancing technology-enabled education. This Microsoft Skill Center will equip CU students with cutting-edge skills in AI, Cloud Computing, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and other emerging digital technologies. The initiative aligns with the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, employability and global competitiveness among students.”

“The Microsoft Skills Center will impart industry-ready skills to Chandigarh University students through hands-on training on Microsoft technologies and platforms. This Center will also provide globally recognized certification pathways, industry-led workshops and expert sessions, real-world project exposure, lab-based learning and career-oriented skill development aligned with global tech demands. The Microsoft certifications offered by Chandigarh University as part of its courses and programs will provide CU students with the opportunity to earn globally recognized credentials,” he added.

Sandhu further said “This Microsoft Skill Center will offer Microsoft’s various upskilling courses to Chandigarh University students.  To begin with, in collaboration with Microsoft, Chandigarh University is launching a specialized degree program, Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) with a specialization in AI. Chandigarh University has also identified three specific Microsoft courses AZ-900: Fundamentals, DP-900: Data Fundamentals and AI-900: AI Fundamentals which will be offered to CU students through this Microsoft Skill Centre for core certifications More such courses will be added for CU students in near future as Microsoft offers a wide range of 7 to 10 different types of courses for certifications.”

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in.

In a remarkable showcase of academic excellence and global readiness, students from Amity Group of Schools have secured admissions to prestigious Ivy League institutions, the University of Cambridge, and several of the world’s top-ranked universities for the Class of 2026. 

Amity Group of School Students Achieve Outstanding Global Selections to Ivy League and Top Global Universities

Leading this exceptional achievement, Sanjana Chauhan from Amity International School, Noida has secured admission to the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business), along with offers from globally renowned institutions including Stanford University, NYU Stern School of Business, where she has also been awarded the prestigious Crescere Aude Merit Scholarship.

From Amity International School, Pushp Vihar, Samara Chauhan has secured admission to the University of Pennsylvania, while Samaya Chauhan has achieved exceptional success with multiple offers, including admission to the University of Pennsylvania Huntsman Program (Wharton and College of Arts & Sciences dual degree) and Columbia University, along with offers from Stanford University, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Boston University, Babson College, University of California San Diego, University of California Davis, University College London (UCL), and the London School of Economics and Political Science, among others—reflecting exceptional academic calibre and global competitiveness.

Further strengthening Amity’s global success, students from Amity Global School, Gurugram have achieved outstanding international offers. Anushree Khandelwal has secured admission to the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, renowned for its academic rigour and legacy of excellence.

Many more students have also earned offers from leading global universities, further reflecting the depth of talent and consistent academic excellence across the institution.

Dr. (Mrs.) Amita Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity Group of Schools, said, “We are immensely proud of our students for their outstanding accomplishments at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. At Amity, our pedagogy is thoughtfully curated to enhance cognitive skills, foster critical thinking, and build a strong academic foundation. Through a wide range of international programmes, global outreach initiatives, Model United Nations, and other experiential learning platforms, we empower our students to excel in diverse global environments and gain meaningful international exposure.”

Amity Group of Schools continue to set new benchmarks in education by nurturing future-ready individuals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values required to thrive and lead in an increasingly interconnected world.

HDFC Life, one of India’s most trusted and leading life insurers, announced its association with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as an Official Partner for the recently commenced cricket season. The partnership brings together a brand built on the promise of financial security and a cricket franchise that has captured the hearts of millions, especially across the length and breadth of India’s Eastern region.

Pritika Shah – Head of Marketing, HDFC Life

Pritika Shah, Head-Marketing, HDFC Life, said, “Given India’s diversity, we have been building our brand through culturally relevant region focused efforts in India. This association with Kolkata Knight Riders continues that journey for us. KKR’s fantastic following gives us an opportunity to deeply connect with households across the country, especially in the East.”

Binda Dey, Chief Marketing Officer, Knight Riders Sports, said, “We are delighted to welcome HDFC Life as our Official Partner for IPL 2026. The most meaningful partnerships are those built on shared values, and HDFC Life’s ethos of pride and respect strongly reflects what KKR stands for as a team. Just as our fans trust us to give our all on the field, HDFC Life empowers millions of Indians with the confidence to face life beyond it. Together, we look forward to a collaborative partnership that creates memorable moments and resonates deeply with fans across the country.”

Over the course of this association, HDFC Life will roll out a series of high‑impact visibility and engagement led promotions across digital, social, on-ground and other touch points in collaboration with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Oaksmith Packaged Drinking Water, from Suntory Global Spirits, today announced its association with Mumbai Indians as the Official Style Partner for the season. Mumbai Indians are widely regarded as one of cricket’s most accomplished franchises, consistently setting high benchmarks across performance, preparation, and presence on and off the field. Known for aiming higher each time they take the field and delivering on that ambition, Mumbai Indians represent a culture of excellence and discipline that has shaped the tournament over the years. This ethos aligns closely with Oaksmith’s philosophy of standing tall and elevating standards in every space the brand engages with.

Oaksmith Packaged Drinking Water teams up with Mumbai Indians as Official Style Partner, celebrating a shared spirit of excellence and ambition

Through Oaksmith Style Studio, the brand engages with the summer of cricket as a platform where the game is experienced across style, fan engagement, and contemporary culture.

The association will be activated through a season‑long, 360‑degree brand presence that mirrors the rhythm of the tournament. Oaksmith Packaged Drinking Water will feature on the Mumbai Indians kit, reinforcing consistent visibility during the franchise’s high‑impact moments. This will be complemented by digital storytelling and cultural narratives driven through Oaksmith Style Studio, reflecting how elevated standards and intent show up around the game, across players, fans, and the wider cricket ecosystem.

Commenting on the partnership, Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits India said, “Partnering with Mumbai Indians aligns with our intent to associate Oaksmith with platforms that hold strong cultural significance in India. The summer of cricket continues to be one of the country’s most powerful shared experiences, and Mumbai Indians represent a franchise that resonates deeply with a wide and diverse fan base. This partnership strengthens Oaksmith’s presence during moments where culture, identity, and sport come together on a national scale.”

Rishi Walli, Senior Director, Marketing & IMFL, Suntory Global Spirits India, added, “Mumbai Indians have a history of impressive performance and setting new benchmarks, which aligns closely with Oaksmith’s philosophy of standing tall & pegging it higher. The summer of cricket offers a unique opportunity where new standards in style, identity and fandom come together, and this association via the Oaksmith Style Studio allows us to engage with that space in a manner that is relevant to our consumer.”

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said, “We are delighted to have Oaksmith Packaged Drinking Water as our Official Style Partner. As a team that continuously looks to raise benchmarks, Oaksmith’s approach to blending style, culture, and the spirit of the game adds a distinctive dimension to our journey.” 

Across the 2026 season, the Oaksmith–Mumbai Indians partnership will be brought to life through consistent engagement aligned with the season’s defining cultural moments. With this association, Oaksmith Style Studio strengthens its footprint within one of India’s most influential cultural platforms, reinforcing the brand’s understanding of how contemporary India experiences franchise cricket — through performance, personality, and distinctive style.

Navanc, India’s pioneering AI-native banking infrastructure company, has successfully closed its Pre-Series A funding round, raising a total of Rs. 10.5 crore. The extension saw an investment of Rs. 5.5 crore from Equentis, joining the initial investment by GrowthCap Ventures.

Building Foundational AI Models for Banking in India from India

The round also saw participation from a powerhouse group of fintech veterans and technologists, including Navin Kukreja (Founder, Paisabazaar), Gaurav Aggarwal (former CXO, Paisabazaar), Prasanna Rao (Co-founder, Arya.ag), along with a diverse group of Bay Area angels and also counts leading investors including Brigade REAP, Prarambh Ventures, IIMA Ventures, Inflection Point Ventures on its cap table.

Revolutionizing Secured Lending through AI

The capital infusion comes as India’s financial services sector undergoes a structural shift toward AI adoption in secured lending, risk assessment, and underwriting. With Micro-LAP and secured MSME credit emerging as strategic priorities for Banks, HFCs, and NBFCs, Navanc’s AI-driven infrastructure has moved from a “value-add” to a core necessity for institutional growth.

Navanc provides explainable credit underwriting AI infrastructure designed specifically for Home Loans, Secured Working Capital, and Loan Against Property (LAP). By digitizing and standardizing property diligence, Navanc enables faster, compliant loan origination, automated revaluation, and real-time portfolio monitoring.

Leadership Perspective

“We are excited to partner with Navanc as they build the digital infrastructure layer for India’s secured lending ecosystem. With strong enterprise adoption and clear product-market fit, Navanc is well-positioned to become a category-defining property-credit intelligence platform. We look forward to supporting the team as they scale into a large and enduring financial infrastructure company,” Manish Goel, Founder, Equentis

“The investment from Equentis has come in at the dawn of Navanc’s exponential growth, with our ARR, and client size increasing by 150% and 283% respectively,” said Nagachethan SM, Co-founder and CEO of Navanc. “This additional capital allows us to double down on our vision of building an intelligent, self-improving ecosystem that financial institutions can trust as their foundational risk layer.”

Byom Kesh Jha, Co-founder and CT&DO, added, “Property-based lending requires more than digitization—it demands deep domain intelligence and a strong foundational assessment AI stack. At Navanc, we are building across multiple layers of property assessment, with live use cases already reducing human dependency by 80–90% and turnaround times from days to hours. This funding is a significant milestone for us, enabling stronger R&D and deeper domain capabilities. It will help us move closer to building a scalable, pan-India property intelligence stack.”

Expanding Footprint

Navanc currently operates as a B2B platform, serving over 35+ institutional customers, including Small Finance Banks (SFBs), NBFCs, and HFCs. The newly raised capital will be deployed to:

• Accelerate Product Development: Enhancing the AI-first architecture for deeper property risk insights.

• Market Penetration: Scaling operations to meet the surging demand across the secured credit ecosystem.

• Team Expansion: Hiring top-tier talent across all departments.

About Navanc

Navanc is India’s first AI-native banking infrastructure company, dedicated to transforming how financial institutions understand and manage property-led risk. By bridging the gap between physical collateral and digital underwriting, Navanc is setting the default standard for secured lending in the “Decisive Decade” of Indian fintech.

Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru has been honoured as one of India’s Leading Kidney Transplant Centre at FICCI Advantage Healthcare India 2026. This prestigious recognition underscores the hospital’s clinical excellence, advanced capabilities in renal care, and its emergence as the most preferred hospital in India for both Indian and International patients seeking complex kidney transplant procedures.

Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road team with Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director of Renal Sciences and senior leadership after being recognized by FICCI

A key milestone in this journey has been the introduction of TREAT Program (Total Robot Enabled and Assisted Transplant), a first-of-its-kind clinical initiative introduced in India, that is redefining clinical outcomes related with kidney transplants. The program enables the simultaneous use of two robot aided systems – one for the donor and one for the recipient, marking a significant advancement in surgical innovation. Importantly, the program plays a critical role in enabling life-saving transplants for high-risk patients, especially those with obesity, multiple co-morbidities, prior transplant history, or complex anatomical conditions, which were previously considered unsuitable for surgery.

Drawing patients from India as well as from other countries including Africa, Middle East, and South East Asia, the hospital continues to strengthen its position as a global healthcare destination. In addition to its excellence in kidney transplantation, Fortis Bannerghatta is recognized for excellence across other specialties – Oncology, Neurosciences, Urology, and Cardiac Sciences, backed by advanced healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director, Renal Sciences, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, “The kidney transplant program at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road has always prioritised high‑quality, patient‑centric care powered by cutting‑edge surgical techniques. Innovations like robotic‑assisted transplantation have further enhanced our ability to provide safer, more precise procedures and broaden access to advanced treatment options for a wider range of patients.”

Mr. Gautham CB, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road, said “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and innovation. At Fortis, our focus is on making advanced, world-class healthcare accessible to patients across geographies, and this milestone further strengthens our position as a leading centre for kidney transplantation in India. This recognition further underscores Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road’s steadfast commitment to delivering patient‑centric, technology‑driven, and outcome‑focused care, where innovation and clinical excellence combine to improve and save lives.”

About Fortis Healthcare Limited

Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates 36 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 12 states and union territories. The Company’s network comprises over 6,000 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs.