Home Blog Page 3

Truecaller Appoints Meta & Samsung Veteran Sandeep Bhushan to its Board

Truecaller, the leading global communications platform, today announced the appointment of Sandeep Bhushan to its Board of Directors, bringing in a seasoned leader with deep expertise in technology businesses, monetisation, and consumer trust at scale.

 

Truecaller Appoints Meta & Samsung Veteran Mr. Sandeep Bhushan to its Board

 

Bhushan brings in over 25 years of experience across consumer, digital, and media businesses. He most recently served as India Director of Global Marketing Solutions at Meta, where he built and led a multi-billion-dollar business, helping catalyse broader digital economic participation in the company’s largest and most complex market.

 

His career spans leadership roles at Samsung, where he led marketing and operator partnerships for its smartphone business, and at WSJ-Mint, where he was a founding member and COO, helping build one of India’s most influential business media platforms. Prior to this, he started his career at Unilever and held leadership roles for over a decade. This unique combination gives him a rare perspective across advertisers, platforms, and media ecosystems.

 

Truecaller is actively pivoting its advertising strategy from a reliance on traditional programmatic display ads toward a diversified, high-intent B2B SaaS model and premium, rich-media formats. This pivot is designed to reduce dependence on third-party ad partners and instead maximize revenue through direct business relationships.

 

Bhushan’s expertise in navigating complex consumer and media markets, designing monetisation strategies and balancing growth with long-term user trust is expected to play a key role in shaping the company’s next phase of expansion.

 

Truecaller has seen strong growth in recent years, with over 500 million active users globally and a rapidly expanding advertising and enterprise verification business, particularly in high-growth markets such as India, Middle East and LATAM.

 

Commenting on his appointment, Sandeep Bhushan said, “Truecaller has built a powerful platform at global scale, where trust and monetisation must evolve together. As digital ecosystems mature, getting this balance right becomes a key differentiator. I look forward to engaging with the Board and management team to help shape the next phase of the company’s continued growth journey.”

 

Nami Zarringhalam, Co-founder of Truecaller, said, “Sandeep’s appointment to the Board marks an important addition. His strong background in scaling monetisation and consumer franchises across top global platforms will bring valuable perspective to our journey, along with a strong understanding of high-growth markets like India and APAC. His experience will be invaluable as we continue to scale our multiple revenue streams.

 

Bhushan is currently a Board member at Traya Health. He holds no shares in Truecaller and is considered independent in relation to the company, its management, and its major shareholders.

 

About Truecaller

Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 500 million active users, with more than a billion downloads since launch and close to 68 billion unwanted calls identified and blocked in 2025 alone. The company has been headquartered in Stockholm since 2009 and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021.

 

Visit www.truecaller.com for more information.

Used Cars Have Gone from Budget Pick to Best Choice

For most of the last decade, the Indian used car market was framed as a fallback. It was the option buyers considered when a new car felt unaffordable, when the loan didn’t come through, when waiting for a fresh model felt unrealistic. The Gears of Growth 2025 report by Cars24 and Team BHP records the moment that framing changed. The report states plainly that used cars are no longer a backup option. They have become a consistent, first-choice decision made throughout the year. The data behind this statement is striking, and the implications for India’s automotive industry are larger than the line itself suggests.

 

Cars24 x Team BHP Gears of Growth 2025 Report

 

Year-round demand is the clearest signal of a mature market

The single most telling number in the report is that every month of 2025 contributed between 6 percent and 10 percent of annual used car volumes. There were no festive surges. There were no off-season slumps. The Indian used car market simply hummed along at a steady pace through the calendar. As the report puts it, when a market stops depending on festivals, discounts, or external triggers, it signals maturity.

 

This is a meaningful shift. The traditional Indian auto market has long been defined by sharp peaks around Diwali, Onam, Navratri, and year-end discount cycles. New car sales still ride this rhythm. The used car market, the Gears of Growth 2025 report suggests, has moved past it. Demand has decoupled from the calendar, and buying decisions are being made when they are needed, not when they are subsidised.

 

Intentional buying, not opportunistic buying

The report describes 2025 buyers as intentional and need-driven. They are not waiting for discount windows. They are buying when their life situation calls for it, when financing comes together, when the right model becomes available. This is the behaviour of a primary-market consumer, not a fallback one.

 

Two factors are anchoring this shift. The first is affordability. The report observes that affordability continues to guide pre-owned car buying decisions, with consumers prioritising value retention and lower ownership costs as rising new car prices reshape the market. As new car prices climb, used cars are not just attractive, they are increasingly the more rational option for a value-conscious household.

 

The second is trust. The report notes that consistent monthly engagement reflects growing trust in the used car ecosystem, as buyers gain confidence in certified inspections, transparent pricing, and seamless digital discovery. In other words, the same buyer who would have hesitated over a used car a few years ago now has the verification, pricing transparency and digital tools to feel confident in the decision.

 

Premiumisation reinforces the first-choice story

Used cars being the first choice does not mean buyers are choosing less. The Gears of Growth 2025 report finds that premium used car demand is led by models such as Creta, City, Nexon and Elite i20, indicating a strong appetite for feature-rich vehicles. Buyers are increasingly upgrading within a controlled budget, preferring newer-age vehicles with higher trims and better safety features.

 

Premiumisation in the used car market, the report says, mirrors new car trends but remains firmly value-oriented. Feature depth, safety credentials and brand trust are emerging as key decision drivers in premium used car purchases. This is the language of a buyer who is choosing, not settling.

 

The five-year price arc that backs this up

The average selling price of a used car in India has moved from ₹4.49 lakh in 2021 to ₹5.66 lakh in 2024, before settling at ₹5.47 lakh in 2025. A modest GST-driven correction aside, the longer arc is one of steady upgrading. The Gears of Growth 2025 report attributes the ASP rise to four factors: a shift toward newer model years, rising demand for premium body types like SUVs and premium hatchbacks, feature and variant premiumisation, and supply constraints in newer vehicles.

 

All four are first-choice buyer behaviours. None of them reflect a market of last resort. They reflect a market where buyers know exactly what they want and are paying for it.

 

What this means for India’s automotive industry

The structural shift the Gears of Growth 2025 report describes has direct implications for how the Indian auto industry should think about its consumer. The used car buyer of 2025 is not a downgraded new car buyer. They are a different consumer making a different kind of decision. They are buying year-round, researching digitally, validating their choices through reviews and inspections, and increasingly paying for feature-rich, premium models.

 

For carmakers, dealers, financiers and digital platforms, this means the used car market is no longer a derivative segment. It is a primary one, with its own demand patterns, its own decision drivers and its own consumer logic. The framing of pre-owned as backup, as compromise, as substitute, no longer matches the data.

 

As the Gears of Growth 2025 report concludes, pre-loved cars are no longer a second choice made on compromise. They are the smarter first move, balancing aspiration, value and reliability. In a market this large, that is a structural moment worth noticing.

JACK&JONES Shifts into High Gear with Spring Summer '26 Volume 2: Rush

JACK&JONES continues its biggest season yet with the next chapter of its Spring Summer ’26 collection. Anchored in the cultural forces driving today’s generation forward, the campaign unfolds across three distinct volumes – Music, Rush, and Travel – each a bold statement in its own right.
 

JACK&JONES blends sport, street and denim in new ‘Rush’ drop
 

Vol.02 is designed for the chase – the constant pull towards what excites you, drives you and keeps you moving. This campaign is built around the idea of everyday adrenaline: the thrill of doing, expressing, moving and living in the moment. It speaks to a mindset that is energetic, instinctive and always in pursuit of what’s next. Through Vol.02, JACK&JONES shows up for those who are driven by momentum and built for life in motion.

 

Five athletes. Five worlds. One relentless energy. Motorsport athlete Harith Noah, footballer Vikram Partap Singh, dancer Nasir, BMX rider Rahul, and skateboarder Kushal — each with their own arena, their own rules, their own way of moving. Rush was built around that. Utility-driven fits that move with you, graphics that hit like adrenaline, and denim that doesn’t flinch under pressure. This is what happens when attitude, discipline, and identity show up in every stitch

 

Denim carries the chapter – technical in construction, raw in feel. Structured fits, clean washes, and detailing that earns its place. Built to perform without looking like it’s trying.

 

Rush is a headspace – the kind that kicks in when the stakes are real and the outfit still has to land. These four bring that same locked-in, eyes-forward energy to every frame. No hesitation. Just movement.

 

Volume 1: Music set the tone with India’s indie scene – artists Loka, Wazir Patar, and Aksomaniac, and a full brand takeover at Bangalore’s UN40 festival.

Volume 3: Travel wraps the season – sun-worn, unhurried, and built for wherever you disappear to next.

 

The JACK&JONES Spring Summer ’26 collection is available across stores nationwide and online at www.jackjones.in.
 

Watch JACK&JONES I Vol.02 Designer For The Chase: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP8WNW8LdXs
 

About JACK&JONES

More than a quarter of a century ago, we set out to take on the world. We were just a few guys with our first jeans collection and a passion for denim that couldn’t be denied.
 

Many years later, we’re still just one of the guys and it’s still all about jeans, but we’ve added a few more people to our team along the way. And yes, we know it takes more than a pair of good jeans to cover a guy’s wardrobe needs. So, we cover the full range from casual classics, neat suits, accessories, and footwear. Basically, we’ve got it covered for every occasion you might end up in. That’s why we like to think of ourselves as more than just a brand. We’re brotherhood, a club, a community – bonded by denim. And in that community, we have one objective – being there for our guys. Our universe is a drama free zone, shopping is made easy. It’s good jeans with good vibes. This is the philosophy behind our brand.
 

JACK&JONES India currently has 79 exclusive brand outlets & 417 shop-in-shops spread across the country. JACK&JONES is available online with www.jackjones.in and present with leading online partners.

 

About BESTSELLER India

BESTSELLER India is part of BESTSELLER, a family-owned fashion company founded in Denmark, Europe in 1975. Worldwide, BESTSELLER is present in 44 countries through more than 2,800 chain stores and 16,000 external multi-brand stores. Read more about BESTSELLER at www.bestseller.com. Today, we provide fast affordable fashion for women, men, teenagers, and children. Our products are available online, in branded chain stores and in multi-brand and department stores across the world. BESTSELLER India markets and sells the BESTSELLER brands JACK&JONES, VERO MODA, ONLY, Selected, JACK&JONES Junior & VERO MODA Girl. BESTSELLER India currently has 256 exclusive brand outlets and is present in over 1519 shop-in-shops in external multi-brand stores throughout India.

The Art of Living and Dynapac Launch 1,360-Tree Plantation Initiative

On three acres of land in Hanumanthapura village along Karnataka’s NH-48 corridor, 1360 saplings now stand rooted in the soil – each one part of a larger effort to restore ecological balance, strengthen biodiversity, and build long-term climate resilience.

 

Hands in the soil, hearts with the planet


Implemented by The Art of Living through Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI), with CSR support from Dynapac Company, the tree plantation initiative brought together corporate employees, volunteers, and local communities in a collective act of environmental responsibility. More than a plantation drive, the project was designed as a long-term ecological intervention – one that combines environmental restoration with community participation and sustainable rural development.


Planting for Resilience, Not Just Green Cover
As climate change, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation continue to impact rural landscapes across India, increasing green cover has become both an ecological necessity and a community priority.


The plantation project focused on species that could deliver long-term environmental, social, and livelihood benefits. A total of 12 native and ecologically significant species were planted, including Neem, Arjuna, Bamboo, Tamarind, Mahua, Jackfruit, Karanja, Amla, Banyan, Audumbar (Indian Fig), and Jamun varieties.


These species were carefully selected not only for their ecological resilience, but also for their ability to support soil conservation, groundwater retention, biodiversity, nutrition, and rural livelihoods.


For example:

 

  • Karanja improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation

  • Arjuna supports soil and water conservation

  • Neem contributes to natural pest control and air purification

  • Bamboo helps bind soil while offering livelihood potential

  • Mahua, Jamun, Tamarind, and Jackfruit provide nutritional and economic value to rural communities


Together, the plantation creates a more resilient ecological landscape capable of withstanding heat stress and changing climate conditions.


A Community-Led Green Initiative
The plantation activity was carried out in Hanumanthapura village, Karnataka, after assessing soil suitability, water availability, and local community participation.


Employees of Dynapac Company actively participated in the plantation drive alongside VVKI volunteers and local residents, turning the initiative into a collaborative environmental effort rather than a one-day event.


The implementation followed a structured process:

 

  • Site preparation and pit digging

  • Soil enrichment using organic inputs

  • Plantation using appropriate spacing techniques

  • Watering and protection measures

  • Ongoing monitoring and maintenance


Local volunteers and community members also participated in awareness activities focused on environmental protection and long-term stewardship of the saplings.


Environmental Impact

 

  • Increased green cover

  • Improved biodiversity

  • Better soil moisture retention

  • Reduced soil erosion

  • Enhanced climate resilience


Social Impact

 

  • Greater awareness around environmental conservation

  • Increased youth and volunteer participation

  • Stronger community ownership of ecological initiatives


Long-Term Economic Benefits
Several of the planted species are fruit-bearing or economically useful, creating future livelihood opportunities for local communities. Species such as Bamboo and Mahua can also contribute to supplementary rural income over time.


Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
A key focus of the initiative has been post-plantation care and community ownership.


Regular watering schedules, periodic monitoring, organic fertilisation, and local protection mechanisms have been put in place to improve sapling survival rates and healthy growth. Community participation has also helped prevent grazing-related damage and strengthened accountability at the local level.


The project demonstrates how relatively small-scale interventions, when thoughtfully designed and collectively implemented, can contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration.


By planting 1,360 trees across three acres, the initiative has laid the foundation for long-term ecological benefits while reinforcing the importance of collaboration between NGOs, corporates, volunteers, and local communities in addressing climate and environmental challenges.


About the Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living’s holistic approach to environmental conservation is transforming crisis into opportunity. Through large-scale afforestation, the restoration of degraded and polluted waterways, and the promotion of natural farming to enhance soil health, its initiatives sustainably revitalise ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and influence community practices and policy. 


To learn more about these initiatives or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India


Follow: www.instagram.com/artofliving.sp/
Like:  www.facebook.com/artoflivingsocialprojects
Post: x.com/artofliving_sp
Message: www.linkedin.com/showcase/artofliving-sp

Fortis Hospital Kalyan Inaugurates Advanced Emergency Department; Marks 20 Years of Operations

As Fortis Hospital Kalyan marks its 20th year of healthcare services in the Kalyan-Dombivli-Ambernath region, the hospital yesterday inaugurated its newly upgraded Emergency Department. Unveiled by Shri. Abhinav Goel (IAS), Municipal Commissioner, Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation, Dr S. Narayani, Business Head-Fortis Hospitals Maharashtra, Dr Ashutosh Pandey, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Kalyan and Dr Sudhir Gore, Head – Trauma & Emergency Services, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, the department is one of the most advanced emergency care facilities in the region.
 

Upgraded Emergency Department unveiled at Fortis Hospital Kalyan by (L) Dr Pate, Dr Manoj, Dr Patil, Dr Pandey, KDMC’s Mr Goel (IAS), Dr S. Narayani, Dr Gore & Dr Mahajan
 

Over 20 years, the specialists at Fortis Hospital Kalyan’s Emergency Department managed over 60,000 emergencies. The department’s emergency case mix includes 33% medical emergencies, 31% cardiac emergencies, 24% surgical emergencies, and 12% neurological emergencies reflecting the full spectrum of regional emergencies. Every case has contributed to a growing understanding of how emergencies unfold in this region, this includes insights into when they peak, how they present, and how fast they escalate. This extensive clinical experience has shaped the redesign of the new Emergency Department, prioritizing rapid triage, bedside diagnostics, and multidisciplinary coordination during time-sensitive situations.

 

The upgraded department’s four emergency beds and one negative pressure isolation room are designed to handle the full spectrum of emergencies. The resuscitation bays are each equipped with continuous cardiac monitoring, ventilation, and defibrillation capabilities. Direct connectivity to the Cath Lab and ICU ensures that every critical intervention begins at the bedside, not after a transfer. The department is further supported by a digital triage system with a real-time bed management dashboard to improve emergency response efficiency.

 

The Emergency Department brings together emergency specialists, cardiologists, neurologists, trauma experts, and critical care specialists to manage a wide spectrum of emergencies including heart attack, stroke, trauma, septic shock, Pulmonary Embolism, snake bite, rail/ road trauma, cardiac arrest, etc.

 

Matching the ambition of the upgraded department, Fortis Hospital Kalyan simultaneously announced Code QRT 2.0, an initiative that takes emergency preparedness beyond the hospital walls and into the city. The first phase of Code QRT, hosted in 2025, trained primary care physicians across Kalyan-Dombivali to identify and stabilise critical patients before transfer. Code QRT 2.0 takes that foundation and builds a network around it. Fifteen key hospitals across Kalyan-Dombivali, identified by Fortis Hospital Kalyan, will now be a part of a coordinated emergency response system, connecting emergency physicians, specialists, first responders, and neighbouring facilities into a single, seamless chain of care. The goal of the initiative is simple; no critical patient should fall through the gap between one facility & the next and receive adequate treatment within the golden hour.

 

Shri. Abhinav Goel (IAS), Municipal Commissioner, Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation, who graced the inauguration ceremony said, “Kalyan has always been a city of arrivals. People come here for work, for opportunity, for a better life. Today, this city is home to millions, and as it grows, it cannot have gaps in its emergency infrastructure. Fortis Hospital Kalyan has been a pillar of healthcare for two decades, and will continue to be a caregiver for the next two. Yesterday’s inauguration tells every resident, old and new, that this city is not just growing outward. It is growing stronger from within.”

 

Speaking about the launch, Dr. Ashutosh Pandey, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, said, “The launch of the upgraded Emergency Department marks 20yrs of saving and enriching the lives of people across Kalyan. Over the years, emergency care requirements across the region have evolved significantly, both in scale and complexity. The upgraded department reflects every lesson we’ve learned and is built for speed and precision. Code QRT 2.0 multiplies those learnings across 15 partner hospitals the Kalyan-Dombivali region, creating a network where emergency stabilisation, referral, and access to definitive care happen without delay. Together, these two initiatives represent our strongest commitment yet to the communities we serve.”

 

Commenting on the hospital’s departments clinical outcomes, Dr. Sudhir Gore, Head – Trauma & Emergency Services, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, said, Every design decision in this department traces back to a real patient, a real emergency, and a real lesson. Over the years, our teams have consistently focused on building a protocol-driven emergency response system to deliver outcomes exceeding international benchmarks. We have achieved door-to-balloon times as low as 28 minutes in a patient that had suffered a heart attack, against the global benchmark of 90 minutes. Similarly, we have achieved door-to-needle time of 15 minutes in a patient who had suffered a stroke.” 

 

Highlighting the larger vision behind the expansion, Dr. S. Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals Maharashtra, said, “Kalyan is one of the fastest growing urban centres in this region, and Fortis Hospital Kalyan is growing with it. Yesterday’s inauguration is the beginning of the next chapter of healthcare in the city. Emergency care is where hospitals prove their commitment, and we intend to keep ours for the next two decades as well.”

 

The inauguration also featured leading specialists associated with the hospital’s emergency response ecosystem, including Dr. Zakia Khan, Director – Interventional Cardiology; Dr. Rakesh Lalla, Additional Director – Neurology; Dr. Vivek Mahajan, Director – Structural Cardiology; and Dr. Manoj Kumar, Consultant – Emergency Medicine, Dr Sandeep Patil – Chief Intensivist, alongside the hospital’s emergency and critical care leadership teams. For nearly two decades, Fortis Hospital Kalyan has ensured that patients with critical emergencies does not have to leave the city to seek medical intervention. With Code QRT 2.0 Fortis Hospital Kalyan brings advanced emergency intervention closer to of communities that need it.
 

About IHH Healthcare (IHH)

IHH is a leading multinational healthcare provider shaping the future of care. Driven by our aspiration to Care. For Good., we unite medical excellence and innovation, pushing boundaries through our trusted brands such as Acibadem, Gleneagles, Fortis, Island, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai, Parkway and Prince Court. Across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, India and Greater China, our 70,000-strong team delivers world-class excellence every day, within and beyond our 140 healthcare facilities, including more than 80 hospitals. Our comprehensive services span the full healthcare continuum, from primary and ambulatory to quaternary care, complemented by diagnostics, imaging, rehabilitation, telehealth and home care. In partnership with our stakeholders, IHH is advancing value-based care, building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and creating meaningful impact, as we work towards our vision to become the world’s most trusted healthcare services network.

For more information, please visit www.ihhhealthcare.com.

Access Life, MAHE, and Chellaram Foundation Inaugurate Karnataka's First Dedicated Support Centre for Paediatric BMT Patients in Manipal

Access Life, a registered Indian not-for-profit organisation committed to ensuring that no child has to abandon cancer treatment due to non-medical challenges, has announced the opening of its new ‘Home Away from Home’ (HAH) centre in Manipal for paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) patients. The centre will be inaugurated on 23rd May 2026 and will support families of children undergoing treatment at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.
 

Access Life, a joint initiative of MAHE & Chellaram Foundation, was inaugurated on May 23, 2026, at Manipal, Karnataka
 

The center was inaugurated on 23rd May 2026 at the MAHE Campus, Manipal. The inauguration was presided over by Dr. H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, with Dr. Ashok Gavande, Philanthropy India Lead, Chellaram Foundation, Mumbai, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, as the Guest of Honor. The event also saw the presence of; Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal; Dr. Anil K Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal; Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Manipal Foundation and, Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, MAHE, Manipal; Mr Girish Nair Founder & Chairman and Mr Ankeet Dave, Co-founders & Executive Director of Access Life Assistance Foundation were present on the occasion.
 

The newly launched 10-unit facility has been specially designed for children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant procedures, where maintaining a safe, hygienic, and controlled environment is critical due to severely compromised immunity levels during treatment and recovery.
 

This marks Access Life’s second centre in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), further strengthening the shared commitment towards holistic paediatric cancer care and family support services beyond hospital infrastructure.
 

The initiative is also supported by Chellaram Foundation, a global not-for-profit organisation focused on long-term, impact-driven philanthropy across healthcare, education, humanitarian aid, and child welfare initiatives.
 

Sharing thoughts on the collaboration Chellaram Foundation said, “Access Life Foundation stands out for its deeply compassionate and highly organized approach toward supporting children and families battling cancer. Their commitment goes far beyond providing accommodation—it creates dignity, stability, and hope during some of the most difficult moments in a family’s life. At Chellaram Foundation, we value institutions where compassion is matched by accountability, and Access Life exemplifies both. We are confident that every contribution made toward their mission translates into meaningful and lasting impact.”
 

Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, said, “At MAHE, we have always believed that healthcare goes beyond medical treatment. Supporting children and families during difficult times is deeply aligned with the values and vision of our founder, Dr. TMA Pai, who believed that compassionate and accessible healthcare should reach every section of society. We are happy that MAHE could support this meaningful initiative by providing the space for the center, which will help create a safe and caring environment for children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant treatment. This collaboration reflects MAHE’s larger commitment towards holistic and humane healthcare, where medical excellence is complemented by emotional, social, and family support systems. Facilities like these significantly reduce the burden on families while helping children continue their treatment and recovery with dignity. We appreciate the efforts of Access Life and Chellaram Foundation in strengthening paediatric cancer care support services in Manipal.”
 

Speaking about the initiative, Girish Nair, Founder & Chairman, Access Life Assistance Foundation, said, “This second centre at Manipal Academy of Higher Education marks another important milestone in our journey of ensuring that no child is forced to discontinue cancer treatment because of non-medical challenges such as accommodation, nutrition, or distance from the treating hospital.
 

We are deeply grateful to MAHE for once again extending their support by providing the space free of rental, reflecting a strong institutional commitment toward paediatric cancer care beyond hospital walls. We are equally thankful to Chellaram Foundation for supporting this initiative and believing in our vision of holistic childhood cancer care.
 

Since the inauguration of our first 12-unit centre in Manipal in April 2022, we have supported nearly 350 beneficiaries. With this second centre, we hope to extend this support to many more underprivileged families, helping children not only complete their treatment with dignity, but also recover in a safe, caring, and family-friendly environment.”
 

Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, MAHE, Manipal mentioned that, “The new centre further reinforced the departments mission of reducing treatment abandonment and refusal among children with cancer and other serious blood related disorders by addressing the social and logistical barriers that often impact continuity of care thus providing complete holistic care.”

 

About Access Life

Access Life is a non-profit organisation incorporated under Indian law, established in 2014 to support children from underprivileged backgrounds undergoing cancer treatment. It provides free accommodation, nutrition, transportation, counselling and non-formal education to children and their caregivers who travel from across India to major cities for treatment.
 

With 14 centres across 10 cities, Access Life supports up to 228 families simultaneously, offering a safe, nurturing environment focused on healing and stability. The organisation is registered under 80G, 12A, CSR-1 and FCRA, and has to date supported more than 10,500 beneficiaries across India.
 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

Access Life, MAHE, and Chellaram Foundation Inaugurate Karnataka's First Dedicated Support Centre for Paediatric BMT Patients in Manipal

Access Life, a registered Indian not-for-profit organisation committed to ensuring that no child has to abandon cancer treatment due to non-medical challenges, has announced the opening of its new ‘Home Away from Home’ (HAH) centre in Manipal for paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) patients. The centre will be inaugurated on 23rd May 2026 and will support families of children undergoing treatment at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.
 

Access Life, a joint initiative of MAHE & Chellaram Foundation, was inaugurated on May 23, 2026, at Manipal, Karnataka
 

The center was inaugurated on 23rd May 2026 at the MAHE Campus, Manipal. The inauguration was presided over by Dr. H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, with Dr. Ashok Gavande, Philanthropy India Lead, Chellaram Foundation, Mumbai, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, as the Guest of Honor. The event also saw the presence of; Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal; Dr. Anil K Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal; Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Manipal Foundation and, Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, MAHE, Manipal; Mr Girish Nair Founder & Chairman and Mr Ankeet Dave, Co-founders & Executive Director of Access Life Assistance Foundation were present on the occasion.
 

The newly launched 10-unit facility has been specially designed for children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant procedures, where maintaining a safe, hygienic, and controlled environment is critical due to severely compromised immunity levels during treatment and recovery.
 

This marks Access Life’s second centre in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), further strengthening the shared commitment towards holistic paediatric cancer care and family support services beyond hospital infrastructure.
 

The initiative is also supported by Chellaram Foundation, a global not-for-profit organisation focused on long-term, impact-driven philanthropy across healthcare, education, humanitarian aid, and child welfare initiatives.
 

Sharing thoughts on the collaboration Chellaram Foundation said, “Access Life Foundation stands out for its deeply compassionate and highly organized approach toward supporting children and families battling cancer. Their commitment goes far beyond providing accommodation—it creates dignity, stability, and hope during some of the most difficult moments in a family’s life. At Chellaram Foundation, we value institutions where compassion is matched by accountability, and Access Life exemplifies both. We are confident that every contribution made toward their mission translates into meaningful and lasting impact.”
 

Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, said, “At MAHE, we have always believed that healthcare goes beyond medical treatment. Supporting children and families during difficult times is deeply aligned with the values and vision of our founder, Dr. TMA Pai, who believed that compassionate and accessible healthcare should reach every section of society. We are happy that MAHE could support this meaningful initiative by providing the space for the center, which will help create a safe and caring environment for children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant treatment. This collaboration reflects MAHE’s larger commitment towards holistic and humane healthcare, where medical excellence is complemented by emotional, social, and family support systems. Facilities like these significantly reduce the burden on families while helping children continue their treatment and recovery with dignity. We appreciate the efforts of Access Life and Chellaram Foundation in strengthening paediatric cancer care support services in Manipal.”
 

Speaking about the initiative, Girish Nair, Founder & Chairman, Access Life Assistance Foundation, said, “This second centre at Manipal Academy of Higher Education marks another important milestone in our journey of ensuring that no child is forced to discontinue cancer treatment because of non-medical challenges such as accommodation, nutrition, or distance from the treating hospital.
 

We are deeply grateful to MAHE for once again extending their support by providing the space free of rental, reflecting a strong institutional commitment toward paediatric cancer care beyond hospital walls. We are equally thankful to Chellaram Foundation for supporting this initiative and believing in our vision of holistic childhood cancer care.
 

Since the inauguration of our first 12-unit centre in Manipal in April 2022, we have supported nearly 350 beneficiaries. With this second centre, we hope to extend this support to many more underprivileged families, helping children not only complete their treatment with dignity, but also recover in a safe, caring, and family-friendly environment.”
 

Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor & Head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, MAHE, Manipal mentioned that, “The new centre further reinforced the departments mission of reducing treatment abandonment and refusal among children with cancer and other serious blood related disorders by addressing the social and logistical barriers that often impact continuity of care thus providing complete holistic care.”

 

About Access Life

Access Life is a non-profit organisation incorporated under Indian law, established in 2014 to support children from underprivileged backgrounds undergoing cancer treatment. It provides free accommodation, nutrition, transportation, counselling and non-formal education to children and their caregivers who travel from across India to major cities for treatment.
 

With 14 centres across 10 cities, Access Life supports up to 228 families simultaneously, offering a safe, nurturing environment focused on healing and stability. The organisation is registered under 80G, 12A, CSR-1 and FCRA, and has to date supported more than 10,500 beneficiaries across India.
 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

Digital Bets Take Off: Quint Digital Positioned for Transformational Growth

A strong “net-zero debt” balance sheet and three profitable digital verticals set Quint Digital Limited (QDL) up for transformational growth.

Key Strategic and Financial Achievements of QDL – FY2025–26 

  • Quint Digital Limited (QDL) is India’s leading listed digital media-tech company, strategically positioned at the intersection of media, technology, and AI. 

  • Successfully transformed the business from a standalone digital news publisher into a diversified global media-tech and AI-powered platform, leveraging digital media to drive expansion into physical retail and commerce. 

  • Delivered the strongest consolidated performance in FY2025–26, led by Media-Tech, with revenue growing to Rs. 81.23 Cr, representing 155% YoY growth. 

  • ‘Quintype’ emerges as the Group’s key growth engine and potential “sunrise” business. 

  • Entered exclusive franchise arrangements with Time Out Group; successfully launched Time Out India and announced India’s first Time Out Market in New Delhi. 

 

QDL is India’s leading listed digital media-tech company

 

Key Financial Highlights – FY2025–26 (Consolidated)

 

REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS: FY 2025-26: Rs. 81.23 Crs. | YoY Growth: 155%
PAT (after exceptional items): FY 2025-26: Rs. 41.55 Crs. | YoY Growth: 225%

 

  1. Strong Revenue Momentum: Consolidated revenue recorded a robust 155% YoY increase, driven by strong performance across the Media-Tech business, including six months of revenue consolidation from Quintype Inc

  2. Balance Sheet Expansion: Balance sheet size increased by 53%, driven by realized and mark-to-market gains on strategic investments. 

  3. Strengthened Balance Sheet: Debt funding reduced by 51%, enhancing financial flexibility and positioning the Company for sustainable growth and long-term value creation. 

  4. Strong Liquidity: Cash and liquid investments increased materially year-on-year, with *Net Cash / Cash Equivalents (Gross Cash less Gross Debt) almost doubling to over Rs. 250+ Cr, resulting in a Zero Net Debt position. 

*Net Cash / Equivalents includes mark‑to‑market valuation of QDLs investment in Lee Enterprises as on March 31, 2026. 

 

Strategic Transformation from a Pure Digital News Platform to a Diversified Media-Tech Business 

 

  • Successful Pivot: Transitioned from a newsroom-led digital publisher to a technology-enabled content and platform company; legacy digital news business now contributes only a single-digit share of consolidated revenues. 

  • Quintype US: Operates ListenFirst Media, a premium social digital media analytics platform serving leading Fortune 500 enterprises. 

  • Quintype IndiaAI-powered publishing platform delivering end-to-end digital publishing solutions to 300+ clients across global markets. 

  • Kisan India: Launched a strategic platform to expand the Group’s presence in the digital agri-content and rural engagement ecosystem

 

Media-Tech Operations Reported a Consolidated Topline of Rs. 118* Cr in FY2025–26, Reflecting Scale 

 

QUINTYPE INDIA: Operating profile: BOLD, Sage, Ahead, Metype, Accesstype | Marquee Clients: Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Fortune India | Revenue (FY2025-26): Rs. 24.76 Crs.*  

 

QUINTYPE USOperating profile: ListenFirst Media | Marquee Clients: Spotify, Amazon, Disney, Lionsgate | Revenue (FY2025-26): Rs. 92.94 Crs.* 

 

Together, the Media-Tech platforms now contribute the largest share of the Company’s operating revenues, positioning the business for scalable, technology-led growth with improving margin visibility. 

 

*Figures are standalone and on full year basis. 

 

Strategic Investment in Lee Enterprises 

 

  • Strategic Alignment: Increased stake to 14.59% through the acquisition of additional shares, backed by a commitment of approximately USD7.97 Mn as part of a USD50 Mn PIPE led by David Hoffmann, further aligning with QDL’s vision of expanding global media-tech partnerships. 

  • Potential to create value**: As of March 31, 2026, QDL recognized a mark-to-market gain of Rs. 121.87 Cr. on its investment in Lee Enterprises. 

  • Strategic Synergy Potential: Lee Enterprises owns BLOX Digital, a leading digital solutions provider for media organizations across the United States and beyond. 

  • Global Strategic Positioning: This strategic relationship further strengthens QDL’s positioning as a long-term media-tech partner to leading global publishers, with opportunities to collaboratively scale technology platforms, AI-powered newsroom solutions, and enterprise digital publishing products. 

 

**Mark-to-Market gains represent unrealized gains arising from the shareholding in Lee Enterprises. The reported value is subject to fluctuation based on movements in the underlying share price of Lee Enterprises on the NASDAQ. 

 

Quint Digital Launches Time Out India and Announces First Time Out Market in New Delhi

 

  • Strategic Partnership with Time Out Group: Exclusive franchise partnership to launch Time Out India including Time Out Market India. 

  • Time Out India: QDL successfully launched Time Out India on April 23, 2026, with dedicated platforms for Delhi and Mumbai, delivering trusted, first-hand recommendations across food and drink, arts and culture, film, entertainment and events (www.timeout.com/indiawww.timeout.com/delhiwww.timeout.com/mumbai). 

  • Time Out Market India: QDL will also bring the first Time Out Market to India, with a flagship location opening at Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi, in H2 of FY27. The Market will bring together 11 curated kitchens and two fullservice bars alongside a live performance stage and private events space, offering seating for around 500 guests. 

  • With the launch of Time Out India and the commencement of Time Out Market Aerocity operations, Company expects its operating revenue to materially increase, marking entry into the highly scalable vertical of digital media‑led physical retail and commerce. 

 

To view QDL’s full report, click here.

 

About Quint Digital Limited 

Quint Digital Limited (QDL) (QUINT, BSE 539515) is India’s leading digital and media-tech, AI-focused company. QDL creates innovative ideas in the digital space with cutting-edge technology and engaging formats to propel meaningful change. QDL holds a significant minority stake in Lee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: “LEE”), a leading American media company that provides trusted local news and advertising services across 72 markets in 25 American states through nearly 350 digital platforms and print publications. QDL’s conglomerate offers various solutions ranging from news to tech innovations, recently strengthened by the acquisition of ListenFirst Media, a premium social media and digital analytics platform headquartered in New York, which enhances QDL’s capabilities in AI- driven audience insights and engagement strategies. Its flagship platform, The Quint, launched in 2015, delivers trusted, innovative journalism, while Quintype’s AI-powered editorial platform enables seamless content creation for over 300 publishers worldwide. QDL’s suite of brands also includes The News Minute, known for independent journalism from Southern India; Youth Ki Awaaz, a citizen media platform that amplifies the voices of India’s youth; and Kisan India, dedicated to comprehensive coverage of Indian agriculture. Quint Digital Limited is listed on the BSE Limited. The equity shares of Quint Digital Limited have been admitted to the permitted to trade category of the National Stock Exchange of India Limited. 

 

Safe Harbour Disclaimer  

This release contains certain “forward-looking statements” including, but without limitation, statements relating to the implementation of strategic initiatives, and other statements relating to Quint Digital Limited, future business developments and economic performance. While these forward-looking statements indicate our assessment and future expectations concerning the development of our business, a number of risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from our expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to, general market conditions, macro-economic, governmental and regulatory trends, movements in currency exchange and interest rates, competitive pressures, technological developments, changes in the financial conditions of third parties dealing with us, legislative developments, and other key factors beyond the control of the Company that could affect our business and financial performance. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future / likely events or circumstances. In addition, this release is for general information purposes only, without regard to any specific objectives, financial situations, or informational needs of any particular person. The Company may alter, modify, or otherwise change in any manner the content of this release, without obligation to notify any person of such change or changes. This release should not be copied or disseminated in any manner. 

 

Seed Industry Calls for Strengthening India's Agrobiodiversity Amid Global Supply Shocks

Highlighting the growing impact of geopolitical disruptions, climate variability, and global supply chain uncertainties on agriculture, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) called for stronger national focus on preserving and strengthening Indias agricultural biodiversity, describing seed diversity and resilient crop genetics as critical strategic assets for ensuring long-term food security, farmer resilience, and supply chain stability.
 

Ajai Rana, Chairman, Federation of Seed Industry of India & MD & CEO, Savannah Seeds (left) and Dr Paresh Verma, Director General, Federation of Seed Industry of India
 

Ajai Rana, Chairman, FSII and CEO & MD, Savannah Seeds, said, The world is increasingly realising that biodiversity is no longer only an environmental discussion. It is fundamentally linked to economic resilience, food security, and national preparedness. In agriculture, seed diversity acts as an insurance mechanism during periods of disruption, whether arising from climate events, geopolitical tensions, or supply chain shocks.”

 

He further added, Indias vast agrobiodiversity is one of our greatest strategic strengths. Our thousands of indigenous crop varieties, region-specific seed systems, and strong scientific ecosystem provide resilience that many countries do not possess. Preserving and strengthening this diversity through innovation, breeding, and science-led agriculture must remain a national priority.”

 

FSII noted that India remains one of the worlds richest agrobiodiversity regions, with thousands of traditional rice landraces, diverse millet varieties, pulses, oilseeds, and regionally adapted crops that have evolved over generations to withstand varying climatic and ecological conditions. The industry body emphasized that diverse and locally adaptive seed systems become especially important during periods of global uncertainty, helping stabilize productivity and reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions.

 

Rana also highlighted the increasing role of modern breeding technologies, biotechnology, and genome editing in enhancing agricultural resilience. Recent advancements in climate-resilient, drought-tolerant, flood-tolerant, and nutrient-efficient crop varieties are helping farmers cope with changing climatic conditions while improving productivity and resource-use efficiency. “Between 2014 and 2025, nearly 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties were developed under national breeding programmes, including drought-tolerant, flood-tolerant, heat-resilient, and nutrient-efficient varieties aimed at improving productivity under stress conditions,” he said.

 

Dr Paresh Verma, Director General, FSII, said, The future of agricultural resilience will depend on our ability to combine traditional biodiversity with modern science. Biotechnology, precision breeding, and genome editing are enabling the development of crop varieties that are more resilient to heat, drought, pests, and changing climatic conditions without compromising productivity.”

 

He emphasized Indias growing seed ecosystem can transform agrobiodiversity into a major strategic and economic advantage. The Federation noted that India currently has over 30,000 registered seed varieties and an estimated domestic seed market of nearly Rs 30,000 crore. With supportive policy reforms, stronger R&D incentives, and regulatory ease, FSII estimates that India could increase its share in global seed exports from nearly 1% currently to 10% by 2035, positioning the country as a major global seed hub.

 

FSII noted that biodiversity in agriculture should be viewed not only from a conservation perspective, but also as a strategic pillar of economic stability, farmer welfare, and national food resilience. The Federation called for continued support towards seed research, crop improvement, conservation of indigenous germplasm, and policy frameworks that encourage innovation-led and science-based agricultural development.

Galgotias University Students to Represent India at Global EDVentures Startup Competition 2026 in Hong Kong

Two student-led innovation teams from Galgotias University will represent India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition 2026 at The Education University of Hong Kong, where university founders from across Asia will present technology-driven ideas attempting to rethink how learning is experienced, accessed, and delivered under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education.

 

Two student-led teams from Galgotias University will represent India at the Global EDVentures Startup Competition 2026 in Hong Kong with education-tech innovations

 

The two teams are working on different but equally relevant problems within education technology, one exploring how Virtual Reality can make complex concepts easier to experience and understand, and the other attempting to make coding education more accessible for visually impaired learners through tactile interaction systems. Their selection also comes at a relevant juncture when the global education technology market is seeing growing interest in immersive learning and accessibility-focused innovation.

 

Startup Tekurious Pvt. Limited includes Akash Kumar, a third-year B.Tech Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) student from the Class of 2027, Yash Vardhan, a third-year B.Sc. (Hons.) Microbiology student from the Class of 2026 at the School of Biosciences and Technology, and Anoop Maurya, a fourth-year B.Tech Artificial Intelligence & Data Science student from the Batch of 2022–2026 at Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology. The startup is building a Virtual Reality-enabled immersive learning platform designed to help students understand complex academic concepts through interactive simulations rather than passive textbook instruction.

 

Speaking about the journey behind the idea, Akash Kumar shared that the startup began with a simple belief that students understand concepts far better when they can experience them rather than memorise them. He added that representing their work at EDVentures in Hong Kong gives the team an opportunity to showcase how immersive learning technologies can improve engagement and accessibility across classrooms.

 

Project TACTO comprises Gaurang Pant, a third-year B.Tech Computer Science Engineering student from the Class of 2027, Shristi Mandoliya, a second-year B.Tech Computer Science Engineering (Data Science) student from the Class of 2028, and Kavya Singh, a third-year BBA Financial Investment Analysis student from the Batch of 2023–2026 at the School of Finance & Commerce, Galgotias University. The team is developing a tactile hardware-based coding system for visually impaired learners, translating abstract programming logic into physical interaction through modular blocks supported by sensing technologies and real-time audio feedback.

 

Sharing the experience behind building Project TACTO, Gaurang Pant said the idea emerged from conversations around how visually impaired learners often face barriers in coding education because of screen-dependent interfaces. He noted that presenting the project at EDVentures would allow the team to engage with educators and innovators working toward more inclusive models of programming education.

 

The EDVentures Competition will bring together student innovation teams from leading institutions including Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education Singapore, King Saud University, East China Normal University, Universitas Indonesia, and Ajman University, placing the Galgotias teams alongside a wider Asian network of young founders building technology-led responses to how people learn, access knowledge, and experience education.

 

Speaking on the opportunity, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said, “As internationalisation becomes an increasing area of focus for the University, opportunities such as EDVentures allow our students to engage with global educators, researchers, and student founders working on similar challenges. When students begin building solutions for real learning problems and present them on international platforms, it reflects the confidence they are developing as innovators and problem-solvers with relevance beyond their immediate surroundings.”

 

Highlighting the importance of global exposure for emerging founders, Rachit Mathur, entrepreneur and mentor to students at the Galgotias Incubation Centre, said “Exposure to a global platform like EDVentures allows student founders to test their ideas in diverse academic environments and learn from different perspectives. This year’s SDG-4 theme has encouraged teams to connect inclusive education goals with emerging technologies such as AI and immersive learning systems. Experiences like this help young founders refine solutions into scalable innovations.”

 

Galgotias has been steadily expanding its startup and innovation ecosystem through industry-linked Centres of Excellence, advanced technology labs, and structured incubation support for student founders. The university has incubated more than 135 startups so far and has established the INR 10 crore Galgotias Innovation Fund to support emerging student-led ventures.

 

Galgotias University has also developed specialised labs and Centres of Excellence in collaboration with organisations including Intel, Cisco, Apple, Salesforce, Tata Technologies, and Capgemini, alongside a high-performance computing ecosystem powered by the NVIDIA DGX H200, giving students access to industry-grade infrastructure and emerging technology platforms. Reflecting the expanding culture of applied innovation on campus, 34 student-developed applications are currently live on the Apple App Store, while 18 Galgotias students were selected among the global winners of the Apple Swift Student Challenge.

 

Both teams are currently undergoing structured mentoring support as part of their preparation for participation in the global competition. The participation of both teams reflects how student-led innovation at Galgotias University is increasingly moving beyond classroom projects into globally relevant problem-solving around accessibility, immersive learning, and the future of education technology.