As design emerges as a mainstream discipline and a key enabler of national growth, Anant National University announces an expanded merit-based scholarship framework, offering up to 100 percent tuition and hostel fee waivers to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in Class 12 and other national-level competitive examinations.

Anant Announces Enhanced Merit Scholarships to Increase Access to Design Education

The initiative reflects Anant’s commitment to making quality design education accessible to deserving students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to pursuing higher education in design. As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, there is an increasing need for a future-ready workforce equipped with creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Design education plays a vital role in nurturing these capabilities and preparing students to address complex challenges across sectors. 

With design being recognised as a discipline that influences products, systems, space, technologies and communities, the interest in formal design education is steadily growing. However, financial constraints may limit access to quality education for many deserving students. Anant’s scholarship initiative aims to bridge this gap. 

The students get to thrive in Anant’s interdisciplinary environment that emphasises hands-on and experiential learning, community immersion, innovation and critical thinking. Supported by a flexible curriculum that enables students to create their own learning pathway, infrastructure that aids creativity and innovation and a global pool of experienced faculty, Anant’s learning ecosystem prepares students for future-proof careers. 

Through this initiative, Anant National University aims not only to widen access to quality design education but also to contribute to building a more diverse, inclusive and future-ready community of designers, innovators and changemakers capable of shaping solutions for a rapidly evolving world.

About Anant National University
Anant National University, India’s premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. Anant follows the DesignX pedagogy, where ‘X’ is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions.

Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. 

Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating’ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.

HiLITE Group, the visionary developer behind India’s largest World Trade Centre in Calicut has announced plans to invest Rs.  25,000 crore over the next five years to develop 50 million sq. ft. of space across Kerala spanning retail malls, IT parks, healthcare, education, residential and commercial projects. The company is also expanding its footprint across Kerala’s emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, rolling out a major network of HiLITE Centres, HiLITE Countryside, and other developments. Driven by a massive plan to penetrate regions outside major urban hubs, the Group is bringing organized retail, world-class entertainment, dining, and premium lifestyle experiences directly to these growing consumer segments.

Mr. Ajil Muhammed, CEO of HiLITE Group

Central to this retail expansion are two property formats. HiLITE Countryside caters to smaller towns and emerging tier 3 markets, while HiLITE Centre serves growing regional urban tier 2 cities. Both formats retain HiLITE’s standards for infrastructure, safety and customer experience but prioritising localisation, curating a tenant mix that reflects community preferences, supporting regional entrepreneurs and integrating both established national brands and home-grown labels without compromising on quality.  

Demonstrating the immediate execution of this vision, HiLITE Group launched the nearly 3-lakh-sq.-ft. HiLITE Countryside Chemmad in the Malappuram district on June 19. Beyond Chemmad, a robust pipeline of localized retail developments is already underway across key growth markets in the state. The upcoming projects include the HiLITE Centres in Kunnamkulam, Mannarkkad, and Nilambur, as well as the HiLITE Countryside in Thamarassery. 

India’s largest World Trade Center development, WTC Kozhikode, is the Group’s flagship project located at HiLITE City on the Kozhikode Bypass (NH 66). The 12.5 million sq. ft. global business and mixed-use development is being built with an investment of USD 680 million. Its first tower, the WTC Learning Park, a 2.14 lakh sq. ft. dedicated education hub within HiLITE City, is nearing completion. Developed entirely using a steel structural framework, the project represents a significant milestone in the phased development of the WTC Kozhikode ecosystem.

In Kochi, HiLITE is moving beyond conventional mall formats with experience led concepts. HiLITE Boulevard which will launch shortly on Willingdon Island is being developed as Kerala’s first waterfront retail and leisure destination, focused on food, entertainment, recreation and immersive attractions.  

Entertainment, F&B and lifestyle brands of the HiLITE Group will scale alongside this geographic expansion. Palaxi Cinemas, the multiplex theatre chain by the Group will expand across the new Centres and Countryside projects, with plans for roughly 250 screens in the coming years. Hug a Mug, the Group’s home grown café brand, aims to expand from its 13th outlet at HiLITE Countryside Chemmad toward a target of 100 outlets across Kerala in the next five years. 

Beyond retail and leisure, the Group is developing YOO Hub Trivandrum at Technopark Phase III, standing as India’s first branded IT park. It is created in a Rs.  300 crore luxury partnership with the global luxury design brand YOO and International Workplace Group (IWG). At Cyberpark, Kozhikode, HiLITE Group is developing Cyber Hub and Cyber Tower, two upcoming IT projects that will provide modern office spaces and business infrastructure for technology companies, startups, and other enterprises.

In education, HiLITE Group’s The White School International, Kerala’s first IB Continuum school, is expanding its educational footprint. The Group is now launching new school projects across multiple cities through strategic partnership models.

HiLITE Group’s focus on health and wellness continues through Mandara Women’s Wellness by Elanine, envisioned as India’s first holistic wellness centre dedicated exclusively to women. Mandara is designed as a dedicated space for women’s health and wellbeing, combining advanced wellness technologies with traditional wisdom to offer a comprehensive, restorative care experience.

“Every project we have earmarked for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will adhere to consistent quality and safety standards, while also strengthening local economies and expanding consumer choice. Collectively, the pipeline is designed to create new retail led employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across Kerala and establish a connected network of retail, leisure, and education destinations”, said Ajil Muhammed, CEO of HiLITE Group.

With family offices increasingly emerging as a vital source of patient capital for India’s startup ecosystem, Marwari Catalysts Group continues to strengthen its position as a bridge between high-potential founders and long-term strategic investors. During the last quarter, multiple startups from the Marwari Catalysts portfolio announced significant funding rounds, reflecting sustained investor confidence in ventures emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III India and reinforcing the Group’s integrated approach towards venture creation, investment readiness, and long-term value creation.

Marwari Catalysts Portfolio Damroo, Mad over building, Inteliquant AI, INKA, Leap Ahead to raise strategic investment rounds

Among the notable funding announcements, independent music platform Damroo (founder Ram Mishra) announced a funding round of INR 5 crore, while construction technology company Mad Over Building (founder Kumar Vivek) to raise a funding round of approximately INR 30 crore. INKA (founder Vaibhav Kathju) also announced a funding round to accelerate the growth of its AI-powered insurance platform. In addition, InteliQuant AI (founder Kapil Soni) and Leap Ahead (founder Divya Multani Jain) attracted significant investor interest through their recent funding rounds, alongside other promising ventures within the Marwari Catalysts ecosystem.

Overall, around seven startups associated with the Marwari Catalysts portfolio announced funding rounds during the last quarter, highlighting the growing maturity of the Group’s investment pipeline and the confidence of investors in startups emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III India.

Over the years, Marwari Catalysts has evolved beyond a conventional startup accelerator into a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem supporting founders across every stage of their journey. Today, the Group operates across pre-incubation, incubation, acceleration, venture studio, strategic mentoring, investor readiness, and family office-led investment initiatives, enabling founders to access knowledge, networks, capital, and long-term strategic support under one umbrella.

With a strong focus on entrepreneurs from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, Marwari Catalysts has consistently worked towards bridging the gap between ambitious founders and institutional investors. The organization believes that India’s next generation of globally scalable startups will increasingly emerge from smaller cities, where founders possess deep market understanding, execution capability, and the ability to solve real-world problems.

Sushil Sharma, Founder, Marwari Catalysts Group, said, “Our objective has never been limited to helping startups raise capital. We focus on building fundamentally strong companies that investors are confident backing. Through our integrated ecosystem, we work closely with founders from the early stage to investment readiness, helping them build scalable businesses with sustainable long-term value. The recent funding announcements across our portfolio demonstrate that world-class companies can emerge from Tier-II and Tier-III India when founders receive the right ecosystem support.”

Sharing his experience, Kumar Vivek, Founder & CEO, Mad over Building, said, “Marwari Catalysts has been much more than an accelerator for us. Their ecosystem gave us access to experienced mentors, investors, strategic guidance, and meaningful business relationships. The support extended well beyond fundraising and played an important role in strengthening our business.”

Investor Khurshed Dordi, Independent Director- State Bank of India, ex-MD Deutsche Bank, said, “Marwari Catalysts has built an ecosystem that creates value for both founders and investors. Their hands-on engagement with startups—from validation and mentoring to governance and investor readiness—results in stronger businesses and better investment opportunities. It is encouraging to see quality startups emerging consistently from their portfolio.”

Investor Dr. Seema Chaudhary, MD- Seema Finechem Industry added, “The next wave of innovation in India is coming from beyond the metro cities. Marwari Catalysts is playing a significant role in preparing these startups for institutional investment by combining structured mentorship with access to experienced investors and industry leaders. This approach creates long-term value for entrepreneurs, investors, and the startup ecosystem alike.”

As India’s startup landscape continues to diversify geographically, Marwari Catalysts is strengthening its position as an emerging family office, supporting high-potential startups with patient capital, strategic guidance, governance support, and access to long-term investment networks.

Today, Marwari Catalysts Group has emerged as a trusted startup ecosystem and preferred deal-flow partner for several of India’s leading business families, family offices, and strategic investors. Its growing network includes renowned names such as DS Group, Dr. Lal Path Labs, Malpani Ventures, Navneet Group, Somany Impresa Group, along with several other prominent investment houses that actively engage with the Marwari Catalysts ecosystem to identify high-potential startups.

By connecting ambitious founders with patient capital, strategic mentorship, and industry networks, Marwari Catalysts continues to enable startups from Tier-II and Tier-III India to build globally competitive businesses. With its integrated model spanning pre-incubation, incubation, acceleration, venture studio, and family office participation, the Group is creating a robust pipeline of investment-ready ventures while strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.

As the startup landscape continues to evolve, Marwari Catalysts is reaffirming its mission of ensuring that exceptional founders—regardless of geography—have access to the capital, mentorship, and strategic partnerships needed to build the next generation of globally successful companies.

For more information, please log on to www.marwaricatalysts.com/home.php.

Bajaj Finance has strengthened its personal loan offering by providing customers with a repayment tenure of up to 108 months. The extended tenure gives eligible borrowers greater flexibility to plan their repayments while meeting a wide range of financial requirements. Customers can apply for a collateral-free loan ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, with a personal loan interest rate starting from 10% per annum.
 

Bajaj Finance Personal Loan
 

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is designed to support both planned and unexpected expenses. Whether customers need funds for home renovation, higher education, travel, wedding expenses or medical emergencies, the loan offers a simple application process, quick approval, and minimal documentation.
 

Bajaj Finance Personal Loan now offers a repayment period of up to 108 months

The latest enhancement allows eligible customers to choose a repayment tenure ranging from 12 months to 108 months. This wider repayment range gives borrowers more flexibility when selecting an EMI that fits their monthly budget.
 

A longer tenure can help reduce monthly repayment obligations, making it easier to manage finances without compromising other financial commitments. Customers can choose a repayment period based on their borrowing needs and repayment capacity.
 

Why does the extended repayment tenure matter?

The extended tenure supports better financial planning, particularly for customers borrowing higher loan amounts. Instead of opting for a shorter repayment schedule with higher EMIs, eligible borrowers can spread repayments over a longer period.

This flexibility may help customers:

• Manage monthly cash flow more effectively.

• Plan large expenses with greater confidence.

• Choose an EMI that aligns with their financial goals.

• Reduce repayment pressure through a longer tenure.
   

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan provides customers with options that can be tailored to different financial situations while maintaining a straightforward borrowing experience.
 

Who can benefit from the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan?

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is suitable for salaried and self-employed individuals who require funds for significant personal expenses.

Customers may consider the loan for:

• Medical emergencies.

• Home renovation or repairs.

• Wedding expenses.

• Higher education.

• Travel and holidays.

• Other planned personal expenses.
   

With loan amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, customers can select an amount that matches their financial requirements.
 

What is the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan interest rate?

The personal loan interest rate for the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan starts from 10% per annum and can go up to 30% per annum, depending on factors such as customer profile, eligibility, credit assessment, and other applicable lending criteria.
 

The loan is unsecured, which means customers are not required to provide collateral or pledge assets while applying.
 

How does the application process work?

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan application process has been designed to be simple and convenient.

Eligible customers can apply online by completing a few straightforward steps:
 

1. Check loan eligibility: Customers can enter the required loan amount and select the preferred repayment tenure. They can then click “CHECK LOAN OFFER” to view available loan offers.

2. Enter personal details: Customers need to provide their personal, financial, and employment details to receive a personalised loan offer.

3. Review the loan offer: Customers can review the loan offer and adjust the loan amount or repayment tenure, if available, to suit their financial needs.

4. Complete KYC verification: Customers are required to complete the KYC process and verify their bank account details to facilitate loan disbursal.

5. Application review: Once the application is submitted, a Bajaj Finance representative will contact the customer to guide them through the next steps in the loan application process.

Key features of the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan includes several features that support different borrowing needs.

• Loan amount from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh.

• Repayment tenure from 12 months to 108 months.

• Personal loan interest rate from 10% to 30% per annum.

• Collateral-free financing.

• Minimal documentation.

• Quick approval process.

• Funds may be disbursed within 24 hours* for eligible applicants.
  ​

These features provide customers with flexibility while helping them manage planned and unforeseen expenses through structured repayments.
 

A customer-focused lending solution

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is built around convenience, flexibility, and responsible lending. By offering flexible repayment options, competitive personal loan interest rate options, and a straightforward digital application process, Bajaj Finance continues to provide customers with solutions that support diverse financial requirements.
 

Customers looking for a collateral-free loan with flexible repayment options can check their eligibility online and begin the application process in just a few simple steps.
 

*Terms and conditions apply.
 

About Bajaj Finance Limited
Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

One of India’s most distinguished jurists, Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, has accepted the role of Honorary Distinguished Jurist at the School of Law, Galgotias University.

Shri Suneel Galgotia (Right) welcomes Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal as Honorary Distinguished Jurist at the School of Law, Galgotias University

The association marks a significant milestone in the University’s pursuit of excellence in legal education, bringing one of the country’s foremost judicial minds into its academic ecosystem. Justice Bindal’s guidance will provide students and faculty with opportunities to engage directly with decades of judicial experience, constitutional thought, and legal scholarship through mentoring, distinguished lectures, masterclasses, moot court initiatives, research collaboration, and curriculum enrichment.

The association was formally announced in the presence of Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor of Galgotias University, and Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal. It highlights the University’s vision of creating deep engagement between legal academia and the higher judiciary while preparing graduates who combine legal excellence with ethical leadership and a strong commitment to public service.

Justice Bindal has had a distinguished judicial career spanning constitutional law, commercial disputes, taxation, arbitration, public law, and civil jurisprudence. Before serving as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, he served as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court and held judicial office across several constitutional courts. Throughout his career, he has earned widespread respect for his scholarship, integrity, and contribution to the administration of justice.

As Honorary Distinguished Jurist, Justice Bindal will play an active role in enriching the academic and intellectual environment of the School of Law. His engagement will include mentoring students, delivering distinguished lectures and masterclasses, interacting with faculty, strengthening moot court programmes, supporting curriculum development, advancing legal research, and fostering greater collaboration between the judiciary and academia.

The association builds upon Justice Bindal’s longstanding engagement with Galgotias University. He participated in the International Conference on Comparative Law in both 2025 and 2026 and delivered the keynote address at the concluding ceremony of the University’s Constitution Day Celebrations and Human Rights Week 2025. His continued engagement has already inspired students and faculty, and this formal role establishes a long-term platform for academic collaboration and judicial engagement.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor of Galgotias University, said, “The finest legal education is shaped by those who have interpreted and upheld the Constitution at the highest level. We are honoured to welcome Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal as Honorary Distinguished Jurist. His remarkable judicial experience and constitutional insight will provide our students and faculty with invaluable opportunities to learn from one of the country’s most respected jurists while reinforcing our commitment to excellence in legal education.”

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said, “Justice Bindal’s association with the University marks an important milestone in our vision of building one of India’s leading schools of law. We are creating an ecosystem where students learn through regular engagement with judges, senior advocates, policymakers, and legal scholars who shape our justice system. His guidance will help nurture legal professionals who combine intellectual rigour with integrity, constitutional values, and a deep sense of public responsibility.”

The School of Law at Galgotias University continues to strengthen its academic ecosystem through sustained engagement with eminent judges, senior advocates, policymakers, and legal experts. These interactions ensure that students remain closely connected with contemporary legal developments while building strong foundations in constitutional values, legal ethics, research, advocacy, and the administration of justice.

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 2027 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 16th among private universities and 46th 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, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,500 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.

Sushil Sharma, Chairman, Marwari Catalysts Group has been appointed as President – MSME & Startup Vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI). He continues to strengthen India’s presence across global entrepreneurship, innovation, trade, and startup ecosystems through multiple international leadership roles. His growing global engagements are expected to create stronger international opportunities for Indian startups and MSMEs, particularly those emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Marwari Catalysts Group Founder Strengthens Global Leadership Footprint, Creating New  Opportunities for Indian Startups and MSMEs

Apart from leading the Startup & MSME Vertical at BRICS CCI, Sharma also serves as Global Mentor for SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Youth, Co-Chair – Startup Vertical, Rotary District 3053, and Convener, Rajasthan Chapter of the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC). Through these responsibilities, he is actively working to build stronger collaborations between governments, innovation ecosystems, investors, academia, and businesses across international markets.

Recently, Sharma represented India during his visit to London, where he participated in London Tech Week—one of the world’s largest technology and innovation gatherings. During the visit, he interacted with startup founders, venture capitalists, technology companies, innovation hubs, policymakers, corporate leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora to explore investment opportunities, technology partnerships, cross-border collaborations, and market access for Indian startups and MSMEs. The visit further strengthened Marwari Catalysts Group’s international network and opened new avenues for strategic partnerships.

Sharma has also emerged as one of India’s recognised voices on entrepreneurship and innovation, having been invited as a speaker at several prestigious national and international platforms, including AIM Congress, Abu Dhabi; SCO Summit, China; SCO Forum, Russia; Investarise by Startup XChange, Dubai; TiEcon Udaipur; TiEcon Ahmedabad; Startup & MSME Conclave, Bihar; HIM MSME Fest, Shimla; Vibrant Gujarat, Mehsana; CEO Conclave, Jaipur; The Economic Times Business Summit, Jaipur; Uttarakhand Thrive Summit at UPES, Dehradun; Blue Economy Summit, Bhubaneswar; Pune Startup Fest; The Times of India leadership platform in Rajasthan; Rising Rajasthan; Startup Mahakumbh, New Delhi; and INDIASoft, among several other industry forums.

Speaking about his vision, Sharma said, “India’s next wave of entrepreneurship will emerge from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. These founders possess exceptional talent, resilience, and innovative thinking. What they need is global exposure, strategic mentorship, access to investors, and international markets. My endeavour is to ensure that geography never becomes a limitation for ambitious entrepreneurs.”

Known for his minimalistic lifestyle and purpose-driven leadership, Sharma believes that sustainable success is built through long-term relationships, disciplined execution, and creating value for entrepreneurs rather than pursuing personal recognition.

Commenting on Sharma’s leadership, Sameep Shastri, Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said, “Sushil Sharma has consistently demonstrated a remarkable commitment towards strengthening India’s startup ecosystem. His work with entrepreneurs, especially those from emerging cities, aligns perfectly with BRICS CCI’s vision of fostering innovation-led economic growth and international cooperation. His leadership will play an important role in creating stronger global linkages for startups and MSMEs while promoting collaboration across BRICS economies.”

Over the years, Marwari Catalysts Group has built a footprint of more than 100 startups and has established itself as one of India’s leading startup ecosystem enablers. The Group works closely with more than 10 prominent family offices, besides investors, corporates, academic institutions, government bodies, and international ecosystem partners to help startups access capital, strategic mentorship, market expansion opportunities, and global business networks.

With leadership responsibilities spanning BRICS CCI, SCO Youth, ESC, and Rotary’s startup initiatives, Sharma is uniquely positioned to bridge local innovation with global opportunities. His expanding international engagements are expected to significantly benefit Indian startups, MSMEs, and the growing portfolio of ventures supported by Marwari Catalysts Group by facilitating access to global markets, strategic partnerships, technology collaborations, exports, investments, and innovation ecosystems.

As India continues to emerge as one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation economies, Sharma’s leadership reflects the increasing global recognition of entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from beyond metropolitan India, reinforcing the belief that world-class innovation can originate from every corner of the country.

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water brand, has announced its limited-edition bottles inspired by Carry On Jatta 4. The limited-edition packs celebrate the much-loved Punjabi comedy franchise and are available across Punjab, Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Delhi in 250 ml, 500 ml, 1-litre packs and Soda.
 

Bisleri Launches Limited-Edition Carry On Jatta 4 Bottles Celebrating Punjab’s Favourite Comedy Franchise
 

The collaboration celebrates one of Punjabi cinema’s most loved and successful film franchises, featuring popular stars Gippy Grewal, Binnu Dhillon, Sargun Mehta, Gurpreet Ghuggi and Karamjit Anmol. As excitement for the film continues to grow, Bisleri brings the celebration closer to fans through limited-edition packs that capture the spirit of regional entertainment, cultural pride, humour and warmth shared with family and friends.

Commenting on the association, Tushar Malhotra, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Bisleri International, said “Regional cinema has been a powerful cultural force with deep audience connect and influence. At Bisleri, we understand the significance of connecting with consumers through platforms and experiences that builds local brand love. Our association with Carry On Jatta 4 connects us with audiences through a beloved Punjabi entertainment franchise while reinforcing our presence during moments that shape culture.”

The limited-edition Carry On Jatta 4 bottles will be available across general and modern trade outlets in Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi NCR. The campaign aims to bring the excitement of the film beyond cinema halls and closer to consumers across the region.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna PSU, today announced a strategic partnership with Tiki Tar and Shell India Private Limited (TTSIPL), following the signing of a joint venture and share subscription agreement. Under this partnership, BPCL will collaborate with existing partners, Shell Gas B.V. and Tiki Tar Industries (Baroda) Limited. Established in 2019, TTSIPL develops value-added bitumen products for India’s growing road construction and infrastructure sector.

BPCL partners with Shell and Tiki Tar to expand value-added bitumen portfolio

The strategic investment positions BPCL to capitalize on India’s rapidly growing infrastructure and road construction sector, driven by large-scale government initiatives such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The joint venture will focus on the production, marketing, and sale of value added bitumen (VAB), including polymer modified bitumen (PMB), crumb rubber modified bitumen (CRMB), and bitumen emulsions. These specialised products are increasingly preferred for national highway projects and airport runways due to their enhanced durability, temperature stability, and longer lifecycle. The venture will also introduce solutions aimed at decarbonisation and waste circularity in India’s paving industry.

The tripartite partnership brings together highly complementary strengths to scale up the business and will be rebranded to reflect the new ownership structure. Shell will contribute advanced technology and global innovation capabilities for the development of advanced value added bitumen and circular solutions, while Tiki Tar will bring its manufacturing network of six plants and established logistics infrastructure. BPCL, in turn, will leverage its extensive sales network, enabling the joint venture to effectively target major government contracts, PWD projects, and large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

Shri Sanjay Khanna, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, with additional charge of Director ( Refineries )

Emphasising on the potential of this Joint venture, Shri Sanjay Khanna, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) said, “India’s infrastructure is evolving at an unprecedented pace, creating the foundation for a more resilient and connected future. Through this joint venture with Shell Gas B.V. and Tiki Tar, we are bringing together world-class technology, advanced blending capabilities and BPCL’s extensive manufacturing and distribution network to strengthen the performance bitumen sector. Together, we will make next-generation road construction technologies accessible across the country, contributing to infrastructure that is shaping the future of India while staying true to BPCL’s purpose of Energising Lives.”

Shri Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing), BPCL

Speaking on the strategic importance of the acquisition, Shri Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing) from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) said, “India’s road, airport and infrastructure sector are witnessing unprecedented development, the highly durable value-added bitumen is playing an ever increasing role in the creation of standards in our country which are second to none at a global level. 

By partnering with established industry leaders, Bharat Petroleum is taking a decisive step to expand our product portfolio and meet the stringent quality demands of mega-projects under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and the Hon’ble PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan through multimodal integration and the expanding greenfield and brownfield airport runway development projects. We bring our brand promise of providing best-in-class customer solutions and our pan India sales and marketing network to the table, which will empower this joint venture to be an active participant in nation building and in the country’s major infrastructure projects ensuring highest quality and service standards, collective growth and long-term profitability.”

Speaking on the potential of this Joint venture, Shri Raman Ojha, Chairman TTSIPL and President Shell Aviation, Shell added, “This joint venture represents the coming together of complementary strengths built over decades. Shell’s global expertise and legacy of innovation in advanced bitumen solutions, combined with Tiki Tar’s extensive pan India manufacturing capabilities, have already created a strong foundation since 2019. With BPCL joining as a strategic partner, we are not just strengthening the partnership but unlocking new possibilities to transform the bitumen landscape. Together, we are well positioned to redefine industry benchmarks, drive innovation, and support India’s shift towards more durable and resource efficient road construction.”

Shri Rajendra Shah from Tiki Tar emphasized the operational readiness of the venture, “For over six decades, Tiki Tar has been a premier provider of construction solutions in India. Our contribution to this joint venture lies in our robust, on-ground manufacturing footprint and cost-effective production. Across our six state-of-the-art plants Taloja, Halol, Palwal, Mangalore, Vizag and Pithampur we provide the JV with immediate, scalable production capacity. Combined with BPCL’s market reach and Shell’s technology, we are uniquely positioned to lead the VAB market.”

Mr. Manoj Menon, Business Head (Industrial & Commercial Solutions) said, “This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening BPCL’s Industrial & Commercial Solutions portfolio with high-performance, value-added bitumen products. By bringing together Shell’s advanced technology, Tiki Tar’s manufacturing expertise, and BPCL’s extensive market reach, we are well positioned to deliver innovative, durable solutions that support India’s rapidly growing infrastructure sector while creating long-term value for our customers.”

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL)
Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 25,300+ Fuel Stations, over 1000+ CNG stations, over 6,250+ LPG distributorships, 440+ Lubes distributorships, 81 POL storage locations, 56 LPG Bottling Plants, 81 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 6 cross-country pipelines.

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6800+ Fuel Stations. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.

Leap Ahead founder Divya Multani is redefining international growth by enabling businesses, investors and innovation ecosystems to expand across borders—not just from India to the world, but from the world to India and beyond. 

From Local roots to the World: Leap Ahead Founder Divya Multani is Building India’s Global Business Gateway

In a startup ecosystem often dominated by metropolitan cities, a young entrepreneur from Jodhpur is proving that global ambitions can emerge from anywhere.

Founded in April 2026 by Divya Multani, Leap Ahead has rapidly established itself as a platform dedicated to helping Indian startups, MSMEs, exporters, and growth-stage businesses access international markets, investors, strategic partners, and innovation ecosystems. In a remarkable achievement, the company secured strategic investment from prominent investors and industrialists within just one month of its launch.
 

The company’s journey reflects a larger story of India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape, where founders from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are increasingly building ventures with global aspirations from day one.

Since its inception, Leap Ahead has already facilitated and participated in business delegations and strategic engagements across India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China, and London, enabling Indian businesses to promote exports and merger and acquisitions and explore international expansion opportunities, global partnerships, investment avenues, and new markets.

The organization is also working closely with influential global and industry institutions including the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI), SCO Business Incubator, and the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), helping Indian businesses connect with international ecosystems and cross-border opportunities.

A Founder’s Journey from Local to Global Business Networks 
A dropout post graduate from Jodhpur, Divya Multani was drawn to the startup ecosystem while interacting with entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders. 

Through these experiences, she observed a recurring challenge: while businesses from smaller cities possessed immense potential, they often lacked access to international markets, global networks, and strategic opportunities available to larger companies in metropolitan regions. 

To bridge this gap, she founded Leap Ahead with a mission to ensure that geography never limits ambition and that Indian businesses from every corner of the country can confidently participate in the global economy.

Building Global Bridges in Record Time
Within just a few months of its launch, Leap Ahead has built relationships across multiple international markets and created opportunities for startups, MSMEs, and business leaders to engage with global innovation ecosystems.

Its international engagements have included participation in major business and innovation platforms, meetings with industry leaders, investors, trade organizations, and ecosystem stakeholders across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The company’s recent participation in London’s technology and innovation ecosystem further strengthened its international network and reinforced its commitment to creating global opportunities for Indian businesses.

The confidence shown by strategic investors and industry leaders at such an early stage has been one of the defining milestones in Leap Ahead’s journey. The company’s ability to attract investment before generating revenue reflects strong belief in both the market opportunity and the team’s capability to execute its vision.

Speaking about the journey, Divya Multani Jain, Founder, Leap Ahead, said, “Coming from Jodhpur, I understood that ambition exists everywhere, but access doesn’t. Leap Ahead is building a global platform that connects businesses with international markets, strategic partners, investors, and new opportunities—regardless of where their journey begins.”

Khurshed Dordi, Independent Director- State Bank of India, ex-MD Deutsche Bank, Advisor- Leap Ahead, says, “The future belongs to businesses that can build trusted global connections. Leap Ahead is creating that bridge, enabling meaningful cross-border collaborations and international growth.”

Ankita Sachdeva, Joint Director- BRICS CCI and Strategic advisor in Leap Ahead, says, “Leap Ahead combines a strong vision with decisive execution. Its ability to identify a market opportunity and build credibility so quickly gave us the confidence to support its journey from the very beginning.”

Sushil Sharma, Chairman, Marwari Catalysts Group, says, “India’s next generation of globally successful businesses will increasingly emerge from Tier 2 and Tier-3 cities. What these businesses need is access—access to networks, markets, investors, and international ecosystems. Leap Ahead is addressing this need with remarkable speed and clarity. We are proud to support initiatives that help Indian businesses compete on the global stage.” 
 

About Leap Ahead
As Leap Ahead continues to expand its global network, the company aims to become one of India’s leading international business acceleration platforms. Through strategic partnerships, global delegations, investor access programs, trade collaborations, and market-entry initiatives, the organization seeks to empower startups, MSMEs, and growth-stage companies from across India to scale beyond borders.

For Leap Ahead, the mission remains clear: ensuring that the next globally successful Indian business can emerge not only from major metros, but also from small cities that can be entrepreneurial hubs across the country.

EuroKids Pre-Schools, one of India’s leading preschool networks, has partnered with Kauvery Group of Hospitals, a leading multispeciality healthcare chain in Tamil Nadu. The partnership is aimed to strengthen awareness around child health, wellbeing, and early childhood development. The collaboration brings together expertise from healthcare and early childhood education to support children during their most formative years.

(L-R) Mr KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, Lighthouse Learning Group and Dr Aravindan Selvaraj Co-Founder and Executive Director Kauvery Group of Hospitals

At EuroKids, the belief that a child’s wellbeing is shaped by health, safety, emotional security, and early learning experiences has been central to its philosophy of Child First. Safety First. for over 25 years. Through this association with Kauvery Hospital, EuroKids aims to create greater awareness among parents and caregivers about the importance of nurturing strong developmental foundations in the early years.

The partnership aligns with EuroKids’ Sariyaana Thodakkam (Right start) movement, a nationwide awareness initiative focused on educating families about the critical importance of the early years, particularly between the ages of 1 and 6, in shaping lifelong learning, wellbeing and development.

Research continues to show that the earliest years play a significant role in a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. With this shared belief, EuroKids and Kauvery Hospital will work together to encourage conversations around child health, nutrition, growth milestones, emotional wellbeing, and age-appropriate development.

As part of the initiative, health and wellness programs, awareness sessions and health camps will be conducted across select EuroKids centres. These sessions will provide parents with access to expert guidance from healthcare professionals on key aspects of child health and overall wellbeing.

Speaking on the partnership, KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, Lighthouse Learning Group, said, “At EuroKids, we have always believed that a child’s earliest years are their most defining and that a truly Right Start encompasses not just learning, but health, safety and emotional wellbeing. Our partnership with Kauvery Hospital brings together two deeply complementary areas of expertise with a single shared purpose which is to give every child the strongest possible foundation for life. Through the Sariyaana Thodakkam movement, we hope to inspire a broader national conversation about what children truly need in their first six years and this collaboration is a meaningful step in that direction.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “The foundation for lifelong health is laid in the early years of childhood. At Kauvery, we believe that empowering parents with the right knowledge on nutrition, growth, preventive care, and developmental wellbeing can make a meaningful difference in a child’s future. Our collaboration with EuroKids is an opportunity to bring healthcare expertise closer to families and support children in growing healthier, stronger and more confident during their most important developmental years.”

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building stronger support systems around young children. Through the Sariyaana Thodakkam movement, EuroKids seeks to encourage a broader societal conversation around what children truly need in their early years – safe environments, positive relationships, good health, proper nutrition, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences. The partnership with Kauvery Hospital further strengthens this vision by bringing medical expertise into the early childhood development ecosystem.

As part of Lighthouse Learning, India’s leading Early Childhood and K-12 Education group, EuroKids has been at the forefront of early childhood education for 25 years. With a network of more than 2,000 preschools across 560+ cities and having nurtured over 1 million children, EuroKids continues to champion initiatives that support children’s holistic development. Guided by the HEUREKA – The Visible Thinking Curriculum, grounded in Harvard Project Zero – and backed by TÜV Nord safety certification across every centre, EuroKids believes that every child deserves a Right Start, one that supports not only learning outcomes but also physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

By combining healthcare awareness with early childhood education, EuroKids and Kauvery Hospital aim to contribute towards healthier childhoods and better developmental outcomes for the next generation.