Students from Galgotias University earned the top spot at EDVentures 2026, a global innovation and entrepreneurship competition hosted by The Education University of Hong Kong, where young innovators from universities across the world presented solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Competing against 19 teams from 10 countries, two student teams from Galgotias University represented India at the international platform and secured recognition for their innovation-led solutions focused on accessibility and immersive learning.

Project TACTO won the Top Prize, the AWS Championship Prize at EDVentures 2026, receiving total prize money and support worth USD 7,000

Only a small percentage of visually impaired students, especially in the Global South, currently have access to inclusive and interactive STEM learning tools, creating a significant accessibility gap in coding and technology education. To address this challenge, the team developed an inclusive learning solution that uses buttons, sensors, and audio feedback to help visually impaired learners understand foundational coding concepts through touch and sensory interaction. The project aims to make coding education more accessible, engaging, and experiential for learners with visual disabilities, contributing towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 focused on quality and inclusive education.

Project TACTO was represented by Gaurang Pant, third-year BTech Computer Science and Engineering student, Class of 2027; Shristi Mandoliya, second-year BTech Computer Science and Engineering with Data Science student, Class of 2028; and Kavya Singh, third-year BBA Financial Investment Analysis student, Class of 2026.

Another student startup, Tekurious Pvt Ltd, was also selected among the global finalists at the competition. The startup presented a virtual reality-based immersive learning platform designed to create more engaging and interactive educational experiences for learners.

Speaking about the achievement, the Founders of Project TACTO said, “Competing with teams from across the world and seeing our idea receive global recognition was an unforgettable experience. We wanted to build something that could make learning more inclusive and accessible for visually impaired learners, and this recognition has strengthened our belief that technology can become a powerful tool for meaningful social impact.”

Mr. Rachit Mathur, entrepreneur and mentor to Project TACTO, said, “What started as mentorship eventually felt like working alongside co-founders. We had debates, disagreements, and long discussions around the business model, pitching, and strategy, but the team’s hard work and belief in their idea stood out throughout the journey. The credit truly goes to them for building a powerful and meaningful innovation.

Over the past six months, we worked on refining their pitch, GTM strategy, founder mindset, and preparation for investor questions. Having spent over 15 years in the startup ecosystem, I tried to bring my experience into the process. When the results were announced, it felt deeply personal and emotional. The fact that Galgotias University fully sponsored the teams’ participation and international travel to Hong Kong also reflects the kind of strong support system and startup culture being built under the leadership of Dr. Dhruv Galgotia.

Universities and institutions participating in EDVentures 2026 included The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; National Institute of Education, Singapore; King Saud University, Saudi Arabia; East China Normal University, China; Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia; Ajman University, United Arab Emirates; Beijing Normal University, China; The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; and Mahidol University, Thailand.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “Our students have made India proud by representing the country on a global platform. Their innovation addresses the challenge of inclusive education for visually impaired learners. Young people today are building solutions that require technology, empathy, and interdisciplinary thinking to come together. It is extremely encouraging to see our students competing confidently alongside leading international universities and receiving recognition for ideas that are socially meaningful and innovation driven. We are continuously strengthening an ecosystem that gives students access to technology, mentorship, global exposure, startup support, and opportunities to translate ideas into real-world impact.”

Galgotias University focuses on building a strong culture of innovation, research, global exposure, and problem-solving through interdisciplinary learning, industry engagement, startup incubation, and technology-driven academic initiatives.

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.

In the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 15th among private universities and 43rd among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,100 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

To know more, visit: www.galgotiasuniversity.edu.in

Having recently won championships at Blackpool, Brigham Young University’s internationally acclaimed Ballroom Dance Company will bring its elegant and high-energy performances to India this June, with scheduled appearances in New Delhi on 4 June and 6 June 2026, and Bengaluru on 9 June 2026.
 

BYU Ballroom Dance Company 2026 England & India Tour Promo
 

Watch BYU Ballroom Dance Company 2026 England & India Tour Promo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgJg2XF6bKM

The award-winning dance company is one of the premier collegiate dance ensembles in the United States, renowned for its elite performance and vibrant stage presence. It has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of standard ballroom and Latin dances, including the Waltz, Tango, Quickstep, Cha-cha and Samba.
 

BYU Ballroom Dance Company brings its elite performances to New Delhi and Bengaluru this June​
 

Audiences in India can look forward to an unforgettable evening of entertainment, featuring artistic moves with dazzling costumes. These appearances are part of the Company’s annual international tour, which seeks to foster cultural understanding and strengthen global friendships through the universal language of dance.

Last year, they had the privilege of performing for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Queen Suthida in Thailand; Her Royal Highness Preah Reach Botrey Samdech Norodom Arunrasmy in Cambodia; as well as other dignitaries and professionals in Vietnam, demonstrating their role as cultural ambassadors on the global stage.

“We feel deeply honored for the opportunity to travel to India and experience its remarkable culture and traditions firsthand,” said Curt Holman, the artistic director of the Company. “Ballroom dance has a unique ability to transcend language and culture, and through movement and music. Our students look forward not only to sharing their artistry, but also to learning from the people of India.”
 

By special invitation from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the 32 student dancers will, in addition to their performances, participate in cultural exchanges with local artists and engage in community service. These interactions reflect BYU’s broader commitment to education, cultural dialogue, and humanitarian outreach, creating meaningful connections beyond the stage.

Interested individuals may now reserve complimentary tickets through Eventbrite, while availability lasts. Tickets for the New Delhi shows have already been fully reserved.

Bengaluru:

• 9 June 2026

• 7:00–8:30 p.m.

• MLR Convention Center (4th Cross Road, Kaveri Nagar, Whitefield, Bengaluru, KA 560048)

• www.eventbrite.com/e/byu-ballroom-dance-company-mlr-convention-centre-bengaluru-tickets

Follow them on social media:
www.facebook.com/byuballroom
www.instagram.com/byuballroom

• The winner beats 12,000 nominations from 129 countries to take top prize in Cambridge’s teacher competition

• Indian teacher’s contributions to education include positioning climate education and professional development at the heart of student learning

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) today announced that science teacher Soma Mandal from GD Goenka Public School, Delhi, is the global winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. In a close race with eight other regional winners from around the globe, Soma earned 40 percent of the public vote to become the first ever overall winner from India. 

From left to right: Mother – Jharna Mandal, Father – Dipak Kumar Mandal, Soma Mandal, Brother – Sourabh Mandal

The competition honours teachers’ vital contribution to molding student futures, transforming lives, and equipping pupils with the skills needed for success in an increasingly complex world. With over 10 years’ teaching experience, Soma is dedicated to embedding climate education within her science lessons, encouraging her learners to investigate environmental issues and design practical solutions through collaborative and inquiry-based learning.

With a master’s degree in environmental science, she developed a climate-focused curriculum, in which she inspires students to emerge as confident agents of climate action and sustainable change.

Winner’s celebration

In what Soma believed would be a straightforward acceptance of the South Asia regional award, the teacher’s celebration took an unexpected turn when Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, announced that she had also won the global vote on a video call last week.

Watch the surprise video here.

Joined by her parents and brother, Soma arrived at Cambridge offices in New Delhi on 27^th May where she was presented with the global award and a place on a Cambridge University Press & Assessment professional development online or virtual enrichment course of her choice.

Upon receiving her award, Soma Mandal said, “I never expected this – it came as a complete surprise and it’s a moment I will never forget. Every day, I feel fortunate to be able to inspire the next generation through work I care so deeply about.

In a time when climate anxiety is increasingly affecting young people, my aim is to transform concern into meaningful participation by empowering students with hope, resilience, leadership, and the confidence to contribute to sustainable change at both local and global levels. I truly believe our students can lead meaningful change for the planet. I’m deeply grateful to Cambridge for this recognition and for such a warm and memorable celebration.”

Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, said, “It was a real pleasure to speak with Soma. Hearing her describe the climate-focused curriculum she has built, and the passion she brings to sustainability every day in her classroom, is inspiring and energising.”

Teachers like Soma show how education can equip young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. We are proud to support her ongoing journey through our professional development opportunities, which form a key part of her overall prize.

“At Cambridge, we believe that great teaching is rooted in continuous learning. Professional development is not a milestone, but a mindset – one that empowers teachers to keep evolving, refining their practice and delivering the very best outcomes for their learners. Congratulations Soma, thank you for the passion and drive you bring to teaching.”

As a regional winner, Soma also won GBP 500 worth of books for her class and will also appear on a ‘Thank you’ page at the front of a range of new Cambridge textbooks, available to the public from November 2026.

Now in its eighth year, the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards gives students, parents and peers the chance to nominate a current primary or secondary teacher for outstanding commitment to their students’ education.

To read more about Soma and view the videos documenting her win, go to dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/winner

About Cambridge

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge. Our International Education group works with over 10,000 schools in 160 countries to provide education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world. We offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19 (the Cambridge Pathway), informed by research, experience, and listening to educators. With internationally recognised qualifications (such as Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level), high-quality resources, comprehensive teaching support and continuing professional development, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.

Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org

NJF Holdings, the global investment group founded by Nicole Junkermann, has identified the convergence of professional sport, human performance, and life sciences as an emerging investment frontier in India, arguing that the country is uniquely positioned to develop world-class capabilities at the intersection of athletic performance, longevity science and health technology.

Nicole Junkermann points to sports science and longevity as fast-growing investment themes

The announcement reflects NJF Holdings’ position across two sectors that are increasingly connected but rarely addressed together. Through its venture arm NJF Capital, the group has built a portfolio of more than 40 technology and life sciences companies. Through Gameday by NJF Holdings, it is one of Europe’s most active investors in professional sports infrastructure. Junkermann describes the combination as giving NJF a vantage point on the sports-life sciences convergence that few investors share.

“Sport and life sciences look like separate sectors. They’re actually very interconnected. The science of what makes athletes perform better, recover faster and extend their careers is the same science that improves how ordinary people age. India has the research talent, the clinical infrastructure and the commercial incentive to lead in both. The opportunity is to connect them deliberately rather than let them develop in parallel.”

The longevity economy

One of the defining economic trends of the next three decades is what analysts increasingly describe as the longevity economy: the growing global market for products, services and technologies that extend healthy human lifespan. It spans pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, wearables, nutrition science, genetic research and rehabilitation technology, and is attracting significant capital across markets.

Elite sport sits at the frontier of that economy. Professional athletes are, in effect, test cases for human performance optimisation. The recovery protocols, nutritional interventions, biomechanical analysis tools and injury prevention systems developed for professional sport consistently filter into mainstream medicine over time.

India’s opportunity, Nicole Junkermann argues, is to compress that timeline: to become not just a recipient of sports life sciences technology developed elsewhere but an active producer of it.

The country already has significant strengths to build on. India is a global leader in pharmaceuticals and drug manufacturing. It has a growing biotech and health technology sector. Its engineering and scientific talent base is deep. And it has a professional sports sector that is expanding rapidly and generating growing demand for performance science.

What leagues can do

Junkermann argues that India’s professional sports leagues have an underappreciated role in developing this ecosystem and a direct commercial incentive to do so.

Leagues that invest seriously in athlete health and performance science create two compounding benefits. First, they produce better athletes. Career longevity, reduced injury rates and optimised recovery translate directly into product quality on the pitch or court, which in turn supports audience growth, media value and sponsorship demand. Second, they generate data. The biomechanical, physiological and psychological data produced by tracking elite athletes at scale is a research asset with value well beyond the league itself.

“A professional league that takes athlete health seriously isn’t just doing the right thing. It’s building an asset. The performance data, the clinical protocols and the partnerships with life sciences companies have long-term commercial value that most leagues haven’t begun to account for. The NBA and Premier League are learning that. India’s leagues can start from that understanding rather than arrive at it later.”

The investment opportunity

NJF Holdings is evaluating opportunities at this intersection in India across several categories: sports performance technology companies applying AI and data science to athlete development; health technology platforms addressing the needs of active populations; diagnostics and wearables companies whose products are validated in professional sport before reaching consumer markets; and research partnerships between professional leagues and life sciences institutions.

Junkermann draws a direct parallel to how India built its digital public infrastructure in payments and identity: by identifying a systemic need, investing in the foundational layer and creating conditions for private innovation to follow.

“India didn’t stumble into UPI. It made a deliberate decision to build payment infrastructure that served everyone. The same logic applies to sports life sciences. If India decides to build the infrastructure that connects professional sport to longevity research to consumer health, it can lead the world in this space within a decade. If it lets the sectors develop separately, it will spend the following decade importing the technology from elsewhere.”

NJF Holdings will share further details on specific investment activity in this area later in 2026.

About NJF Holdings

NJF Holdings is a global investment group founded by Nicole Junkermann, encompassing NJF Capital, a venture portfolio of more than 40 technology, AI and life sciences companies, and Gameday by NJF Holdings, a sports investment and platform business.

Notable NJF Capital investments include SpaceX, Revolut, Rippling and Groq, acquired by Nvidia. Gameday by NJF Holdings is the largest shareholder in Italy’s Lega Volley Femminile.

For more information, visit NJFHoldings.com and gameday.team.

• Leading scale-up Spiro has secured a landmark USD 215 million investment round backed by major institutional investors including Impact Fund Denmark and Equitane.

• Spiro’s Global Technology and Engineering Center in Pune, will lead the R&D, AI-driven energy analytics, and software innovation backing the expansion

• Founded by Indian entrepreneur Gagan Gupta, Spiro has already enabled over 1 billion kilometers of eco-friendly travel across Africa

• With Spiro already operating across seven of Africa’s fastest-growing urban markets, this transaction positions Spiro among the continent’s leading clean infrastructure platforms. This investment will accelerate the expansion of Spiro’s battery-swapping network, industrial footprint and next-generation electric vehicles (EV) infrastructure across high-growth African markets.

Spiro announces a USD 215 million investment round to accelerate the deployment of its electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across Africa. Building on the support of long-standing institutional partners such as FEDA, Spiro’s latest equity round draws global capital from Europe and Africa, confirming growing global confidence in scalable infrastructure-led business models across emerging markets.

Mr. Gagan Gupta, Founder, Spiro, celebrates a major milestone as the company secures USD 215 million to accelerate electric mobility across Africa

Following years of optimization across its product portfolio, technology and energy ecosystem, Spiro has moved past the proof-of-concept phase and stands ready to execute its next chapter of pan-African expansion. The investment will support the expansion of Spiro’s battery-swapping network, strengthen its industrial and assembly footprint, accelerate technology development and support the company’s entry into new high-growth African markets, fully anchored by the technological and engineering innovation coming out of its Global Technology and Engineering Center in Pune, India.

Founded by visionary Indian entrepreneur Gagan Gupta (under the Equitane Group), Spiro has grown exponentially to become the largest e-mobility player in Africa. The company currently operates over 100,000 electric motorcycles and a massive network of 2,500 automated battery-swapping stations across seven key markets including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon.

Global investors back Africa’s fast-growing mobility and energy transition

As Africa’s urban population and mobility needs continue to surge, electric vehicles and battery-swapping ecosystems are rapidly emerging as one of the continent’s most promising infrastructure and energy investment opportunities.

Reducing dependence on imported fuel, strengthening energy and industrial sovereignty and modernizing urban transport systems are becoming strategic priorities across the continent, positioning EV infrastructure as a key pillar of Africa’s economic resilience and industrial development.

Driven by rising fuel costs, increasing demand for affordable transportation and growing policy support for clean energy solutions, investors are increasingly backing scalable EV platforms capable of supporting Africa’s next phase of urban and industrial growth.

For riders, the economic impact is immediate: operating a Spiro electric vehicle can reduce daily mobility costs by up to 40%, generating savings of up to USD 2 per day compared to fossil-fuel motorcycles.

Recent third-party verified lifecycle assessment results conducted on Spiro’s operations in Kenya further highlight the environmental impact potential of EV infrastructure deployment across African cities:

• Spiro’s electric bikes deliver a 72% reduction in climate impact compared to fossil-fuel motorcycles, equivalent to approximately 19 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided over a vehicle’s lifespan.

• The study also identified an 80% reduction in ozone depletion potential and a 20% reduction in particulate matter emissions, underscoring the role electric mobility can play in improving urban air quality and reducing public health risks across rapidly growing cities.

Powering Africa’s mobility revolution at scale

With operations across 7 African markets (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon) and further plans to expand local production and enter new markets such as DRC and Ethiopia, Spiro is building one of Africa’s most advanced EV and battery-swapping ecosystems.

Spiro’s industrial footprint includes flagship manufacturing plants in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, alongside a state-of-the-art battery recycling facility in Nigeria. Combining locally adapted vehicle design, affordable battery-swapping infrastructure and integrated maintenance ecosystems, Spiro is making electric mobility commercially viable at scale for African riders.

Spiro’s technology platform is supported by its Global Technology and Innovation Center in India’s Pune city, 150+ engineers and 30+ proprietary patents. The company is actively expanding beyond urban transport into a distributed clean-energy utility network that supports national renewable energy goals while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Its innovations include IoT-enabled, solar-powered swap stations, alongside secondary-life battery applications designed for stationary renewable energy storage.

Investor quotes

“This past year marked a defining strategic milestone for Spiro. Across seven active markets, our deployment of 100,000 electric vehicles and 2,500 smart-swap stations has turned sustainable mobility into an affordable, everyday reality. Spiro has become a major driver of local industrialization, value creation and manufacturing across African markets with 6,000 sustainable direct and indirect jobs. Supported by our global pool of investors, we are entering our next growth chapter to deliver clean, cost-effective energy and transport alternatives to millions of riders across the continent,” stated Gagan Gupta, Founder of Spiro and Chairman of Equitane.

“We are investing in Spiro and bringing Danish pension capital into one of Africa’s most promising growth markets because we see potential for significant commercial growth in Spiro and electric mobility across Africa, as well as measurable climate impact. That is exactly the type of investment we want to make,” says Lars Bo Bertram, CEO of Impact Fund Denmark.

About Spiro

Spiro is Africa’s largest electric mobility company and operates the continent’s most extensive battery-swapping network for electric two-wheel vehicles. With more than 100,000 electric motorcycles on the road, over 2,500 swapping stations and more than 30 million battery swaps to date, Spiro is replacing expensive fossil-fuel transport with affordable, accessible and sustainable mobility solutions. Through its growing regional production and assembly footprint, Spiro is committed to building electric vehicles made in Africa by Africans for Africa and the world.

About Impact Fund Denmark

Impact Fund Denmark is a Danish impact investor and Denmarks’ Development Finance Institution contributing to green, just and inclusive societies as well as supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. Impact Fund Denmark provides risk capital to companies operating in developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Ukraine. Investments are made on commercial terms in the form of equity, loans and guarantees. Impact Fund Denmark has co-invested in over 1,300 companies in more than 100 developing countries and emerging markets. Capital under management will increase from DKK 25 billion in 2025 to DKK 45 billion in 2030.

Read more at www.impactfund.dk   

About Equitane

Equitane is a long-term investment platform deeply invested in fostering progress in Africa and beyond. Its diverse portfolio spans across infrastructure, renewable energy, electric vehicles, healthcare, manufacturing and technology. Equitane is committed to driving sustainable economic development through innovation and strategic investments, ensuring projects deliver tangible positive impacts while supporting local communities and stakeholders.

For more details, please visit www.equitane.com.

Doctors at Prayag Hospital and Research Centre Pvt. Ltd. successfully managed a highly critical and life-threatening abdominal emergency in a 74-year-old patient through timely surgical intervention, advanced ICU care, and coordinated multidisciplinary management.

Doctors at Prayag Hospital successfully performed a complex high-risk trauma surgery on a 74-year-old road accident patient

Mr. Ram Sharan Lal, a known case of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism, was admitted under the Ayushman panel at the hospital on January 5, 2026, in an extremely critical condition. He presented with severe abdominal pain and distension, repeated vomiting, fever, and shock, all signs suggestive of a serious abdominal emergency associated with systemic infection.

The patient was immediately shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where a multidisciplinary team initiated aggressive resuscitation and stabilization. Considering his advanced age and multiple co-morbidities, the case was categorized as extremely high-risk. His cardiac condition and diabetes were carefully stabilized, and blood transfusion was administered to improve his condition prior to surgery.

On January 6, 2026, the patient underwent emergency life-saving surgery performed by Dr. V. S. Solanki. During the procedure, doctors identified gangrenous small intestine that had lost blood supply and become non-viable. The affected segment was successfully removed, following which healthy bowel segments were reconnected. Large amounts of pus and infected fluid were drained from the abdominal cavity, and the associated hernial defect was also repaired.

Despite multiple medical challenges, the patient responded positively to treatment and remained under close post-operative monitoring in the ICU and ward. He showed steady clinical recovery and was discharged in stable and satisfactory condition on January 9, 2026.

Mr. Ram Sharan Lal and his son, Mr. Rajan Srivastava, expressed gratitude towards the doctors, nursing staff, and hospital management for the timely intervention, expert surgical care, and dedicated patient management that helped save his life.

Dr. V. S. Solanki, Senior Surgeon at Prayag Hospital and Research Centre Pvt. Ltd., said, “This was an extremely challenging case because the patient arrived in shock with multiple co-morbidities and severe abdominal infection. Timely surgical intervention, critical care support, and coordinated teamwork played a crucial role in achieving a successful outcome. At Prayag Hospital, our focus remains on delivering prompt and comprehensive care even in the most high-risk emergencies.”

Pritika Singh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prayag Hospitals, said, “Managing such a critically ill elderly patient with multiple co-morbidities required exceptional coordination, rapid decision-making, and advanced clinical expertise. This successful outcome reflects the dedication of our doctors, ICU specialists, nursing teams, and support staff who work tirelessly to provide timely and compassionate care to every patient. At Prayag Hospitals, patient safety and quality healthcare remain our highest priorities.”

Doctors noted that the case was especially challenging due to the patient’s advanced age, pre-existing heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, shock at the time of admission, and severe abdominal infection caused by gangrenous intestine with peritonitis. The need for emergency bowel resection, blood transfusion, intensive care support, and post-operative monitoring further highlighted the complexity and high-risk nature of the case.

The successful management of this case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis, advanced ICU support, experienced surgical expertise, and coordinated multidisciplinary care available at Prayag Hospital and Research Centre Pvt. Ltd..

About Prayag Hospital

Prayag Hospital and Research Centre Pvt. Ltd. began its journey in 1995 as Prayag Orthopedic Centre, a dedicated clinic in Sector 29, Noida, founded by Dr. B. P. Singh. Established on the principle of “Sewa Parmo Dharma,” meaning service is the highest duty, the institution has grown with a commitment to compassionate, ethical, and patient-centric healthcare.

Today, Prayag Hospital is a 120-bedded NABH and NABL accredited hospital equipped with advanced medical infrastructure and supported by experienced doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. The hospital provides comprehensive services across general medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, emergency care, maternal and child health, and specialized treatments.

Over the years, the hospital has earned the trust of patients through quality healthcare, ethical practices, accessible treatment, and dedicated patient support services. It is also empanelled under various government healthcare schemes and recognized by multiple TPA panels to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for eligible families.

Bangalore Watch Company introduces a watch made of captured carbon from the atmosphere. This is the first in the world that any watch brand has used carbon capture to tell the story of the carbon consequences of our urban lifestyles through a high-quality wearable artefact.

Bangalore Watch Company – Peninsula Carbon

“When we launched the Peninsula collection in 2025, it was about celebrating the mountains, oceans, and forests. This time, we are shifting our focus to cities. Our cities are home to just 2% of the worlds’ population but contribute 70% of the carbon footprint. Peninsula Carbon is a reminder of that reality”, said Mercy Amalraj, Co-Founder of the brand.

For this project, the brand has developed a proprietary material called ReforgeCarbon; each dial is formed by compressing carbon fibres and recovered carbon black under high pressure, creating a material that is lightweight, durable, and visually distinct from conventional carbon fibre materials.

Recovered carbon black (rCB) is a carbon material created by processing industrial waste and byproducts that would otherwise be burned and released into the atmosphere. We are proud of our material contribution to this project with Bangalore Watch Company, said Tejas Sidnal, CEO and Founder of CarbonCraft, a Bangalore based material science company that worked with Bangalore Watch Company on this project.

“For most human history, we did not live in permanent settlements. But today, the cities are the engines of economic growth and human ambition’ the biggest consequence of this is Carbon. Peninsula Carbon begins with that reality. It is not a sustainability argument, but a cultural statement. We have taken actual particulate matter and turned it into a precision object for our wrists,” says Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder of the brand.

The watch also replaces the traditional minute track with a mock-AQI meter. With numbers and colors graduating from 50 in green, all the way to 500 in deep red.

The watch is made from 316L surgical grade stainless steel, paired with a super-domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It is built for up to 200 Meters of water-resistance. The watch is also powered by a Swiss-made Automatic Movement that is regulated and tested to the highest standards at the brand’s watchmaking workshop in Bangalore.

The Peninsula Carbon is offered as a single execution, a limited edition of 100 pieces. Each watch carries its own unique dial structure, shaped by the process that forms it. No two watches will look alike, and every piece is individually numbered. The Peninsula Carbon watch will be priced at INR 2,83,000 and can be ordered via the brand’s website starting on 26th May 2026.

About Bangalore Watch Company
Founded in 2018, Bangalore Watch Company creates high-quality mechanical watches that tell stories of a 21st-century India. Drawing inspiration from Aviation, Cricket, Space, and the Great Outdoors, each collection captures modern Indian narratives that go far beyond stereotypes.

With several firsts to its name including watches made from recovered fighter planes and aircraft carrier materials, India’s first watch qualified for Spaceflight, and a proprietary Cerasteel material that is a fusion of Steel and Ceramic, the brand blends storytelling with technical innovation and contemporary design. Recognised by leading global publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Hodinkee for its originality and craftsmanship, Bangalore Watch Company™ stands at the forefront of modern Indian watchmaking.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj who left their tech careers overseas to pursue a passion for modern Indian storytelling, the brand has built a quiet but enthusiastic following with customers in over 30 countries.

For purchase assistance: 
Email: hello@bangalorewatchco.in  
Phone: +91-998-008-1635

For many Indian aftersales partners visiting Vietnam in May, the biggest takeaway from the VinFast Global Business Conference was not just factory scale or new EV models. It was the realization that VinFast is investing heavily in the part of the EV business many consumers care about most: long-term ownership confidence.

Electric vehicles have enormous potential in India. According to a survey conducted in late March, three in ten Indians say life would be unimaginable without a car, while 46 per cent prefer owning one even when it is not essential. At the same time, around 63 per cent of respondents said they are likely to adopt EVs, including both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, within the next five years⁽¹⁾. 
 

VinFast is investing heavily in the part of the EV business many consumers care about most: long-term ownership confidence
 

Yet major concerns still remain. “There is still the question of battery life, resale value and long-term reliability. The perceived danger of the unknown can easily surpass the savings potential even in situations where the economics is obviously in favor of EVs,” said one industry insider⁽²⁾.
 

Those concerns have become one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in India, especially for newer brands still working to establish long-term credibility. That was why many discussions during VinFast’s Global Business Conference in Vietnam earlier this month focused less on horsepower or vehicle specifications and more on infrastructure, workshops, charging networks, and customer support.
 

For nearly a week, more than 200 partners, investors, and aftersales operators from markets including India toured VinFast’s manufacturing complex, visited service workshops, attended strategy sessions, and explored the broader Vingroup ecosystem.
 

What many delegates encountered was not simply an automaker expanding internationally, but a company trying to build the surrounding ownership ecosystem alongside vehicle sales.
 

“Being in the automobile sector, we work with many OEMs, but VinFast is one of the very few companies thinking about the complete ecosystem,” said Rishav Kumar Choudhary, Managing Director of JP Emobility India, after participating in the program.
 

Aftersales as part of the product

While many automakers in India have accelerated EV launches in recent years, charging availability, maintenance accessibility, and long-term ownership support still vary widely across regions. For workshop operators and service partners, the challenge goes beyond customer demand. Investing in EV tooling, technician training, and service infrastructure carries significant risk if an OEM’s long-term commitment to the market remains uncertain.
 

“It is not only about selling cars. It is also about building the infrastructure those cars require and addressing customer concerns, from charging and aftersales to resale value and ownership confidence,” said Rishav.
 

That reality shaped much of the attention Indian delegates paid to VinFast’s aftersales strategy during the Vietnam visit. Rather than focusing solely on products or showroom expansion, the company used the conference to demonstrate how it plans to support EV ownership at scale.
 

During the conference, VinFast outlined plans to expand its global aftersales network to more than 1,100 service workshops in 2026, supported by standardized technician training, quality control systems, and spare parts supply commitments targeting rapid delivery in key markets.
 

At the same time, VinFast has been expanding its broader EV ecosystem through charging infrastructure partnerships, mobility services, and customer support programs designed to reduce ownership concerns over the long term. In India specifically, through partner V-Green, VinFast is expanding charging access via partnerships with HPCL and RoadGrid, leveraging HPCL’s network of more than 24,400 fuel stations across the country.
 

Alongside the infrastructure push, VinFast has introduced a range of ownership incentives, including free charging through March 31, 2029, three years of free maintenance, 10-year battery warranties, financial support for customers switching from gasoline vehicles to EVs, and a value assurance buyback program covering up to 75 per cent of vehicle value to help protect long-term resale confidence.
 

“The free charging, battery warranty, and vehicle warranty programs are extremely attractive offers that very few international brands provide,” said Sweta Choudhary, Director of JP Emobility India.
 

VinFast’s ecosystem vision became easier for delegates to understand once they experienced it firsthand in Vietnam. VinFast vehicles remained highly visible on the roads across Hanoi, Hai Phong, and other cities, operating not only as private vehicles but also in transportation services and fleet operations. Delegates also toured several of the more than 400 workshops in VinFast’s service network and attended discussion sessions focused on global service expansion and operational support.
 

The experience culminated at VinFast’s manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, where delegates saw one of the company’s largest operational pillars up close. With large-scale automation systems, robotics, and integrated production lines operating across the site, the facility became one of the highlights of the trip among international visitors.
 

“Seeing the factory was amazing,” said Shailesh Borse, Vice President at MyTVS India. “With more than 90% automation and the latest technology, it reflects a very modern infrastructure.”
 

At the same time, the visit also gave delegates a clearer understanding that while VinFast is building its own EV ecosystem, the company itself operates within the broader ecosystem of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate. Vingroup and founder-affiliated companies such as V-Green are helping build charging and mobility infrastructure around the VinFast brand not only in Vietnam, but increasingly in international markets as well.
 

In Vietnam alone, V-Green is developing a charging network of roughly 150,000 charging ports nationwide, averaging around 3.5 km between charging stations in urban areas and approximately 65 km across 106 national highways and expressways.
 

For Sweta, the impression extended well beyond the automotive business itself.
 

“I learned about Vingroup and how it is transforming Vietnam across healthcare, technology, robotics, and many other sectors,” she said. “Vingroup is present in almost every aspect of life, and now it has entered mobility, where we are proud to be partners.”
 

By the end of the conference, VinFast’s strategy had helped persuade nearly 30 new international aftersales partners to sign Memoranda of Understanding across India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kazakhstan as part of its global service expansion strategy.
 

Indian companies participating in the agreements included Gopinath Motor, PPS Auto LLP, Aarna Trading, Haritash, and YouWee, further expanding VinFast’s growing partner network in India.
 

“We are very confident that Vingroup will deliver excellent service and strong infrastructure for the Indian market and automotive industry as well,” said Shailesh from MyTVS.

The Otters Club Squash Tournament 2026 concluded on a high note, bringing together talent, passion, and sportsmanship across six days of top-flight squash. Supported by Avaada Group, a diversified clean energy conglomerate, the tournament once again reaffirmed its standing as one of India’s premier squash events.

Winners and Runners-Up Across All Categories at the Avaada Otters Club Squash Tournament 2026

Held from May 25 to 30, 2026 at Otters Club, Bandra, the tournament saw 558 players competing across 16 categories. Participants converged from cities across India, bringing with them a vibrant mix of skill, ambition, and sportsmanship. The event featured competition across Men, Women, Boys, and Girls’ categories, with key highlights as follows:

• Total Categories: 16

• Total Players: 558

The tournament bore witness to exceptional performances across all categories, setting new benchmarks and reaffirming India’s deep reservoir of squash talent. From emerging youngsters announcing their arrival on the national stage to seasoned competitors raising the bar, every match reflected the growing stature of the sport in the country. Adding to the excitement, the courts drew large, enthusiastic crowds each day, with spectators cheering loudly and keeping the energy high throughout the event.

Reflecting on the tournament’s success, Ms. Sindoor Mittal, Vice Chairperson of Avaada Group, said, “At Avaada, we have always believed that building a better future goes beyond clean energy. It is about investing in people, communities, and the next generation. This tournament has once again shown us the extraordinary power of sport to inspire and unite. Witnessing 558 players compete with such passion and determination has been deeply motivating, and we are immensely proud of our continued partnership with the Otters Club Squash Tournament. The energy on and off the courts over these six days was a testament to India’s growing talent & love for squash.”

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the tournament, Mr. Niraj Shirgaokar, President of Otters Club, said, “We are delighted with the tremendous success of this year’s Otters Club Squash Tournament. The event witnessed exceptional talent, competitive spirit, and sportsmanship from players across various age groups, reaffirming its position as one of the premier platforms for emerging squash players in India. It is gratifying to see young athletes embrace the challenge, showcase their skills, and continue to raise the standard of the sport. We congratulate all the participants, winners, coaches, and supporters who contributed to making the tournament a memorable celebration of squash and its growing future in the country.”

Avaada’s continued support for the Otters Club Squash Tournament reflects their unwavering commitment to nurturing youth through sport, aligning with their broader mission of promoting sustainable, inclusive growth across all spheres of society. As the 2026 edition draws to a close, the tournament looks ahead to continuing its role in developing squash talent across India.

About Avaada Group

Avaada Group is a diversified clean energy conglomerate driving the energy transition across Renewable Power Generation, Solar PV Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen and Derivatives, Battery Storage, Pumped Hydro Projects, and Green Data Centres. With innovation and sustainability at its core, Avaada is powering the industries of tomorrow with solutions that are Always Clean, Always On.