Delhi-NCR housing sales witnessed a year-on-year increase of 30% in Q1 2026. This reflects growing confidence in the residential real estate market of this region. As demand for luxurious properties increases across regions, investment trends are also tilting towards corridors built on infrastructural developments that can ensure greater potential for future growth. One such corridor is the Noida Expressway, positioning itself as one of NCR’s most promising luxury investment destinations.

The Future of Luxury Living: Noida Expressway’s Premium Growth Corridor

Importantly, the emergence of such corridors is taking place due to much more than just residential growth. Major developments, like Noida International Airport, metros connectivity, Noida – Greater Noida Expressway, and even regional roads network improvements, are making an impact in terms of accessibility. Meanwhile, Grade A offices, IT parks, educational institutions, healthcare centres, and retail spaces are forming the complete urban ecosystem. All these elements are contributing to the increasing presence of Noida among the fastest-growing luxury residential markets in NCR.

Meanwhile, market fundamentals continue to strengthen. According to ANAROCK’s Q1 2026 Residential Market Viewpoints, NCR recorded nearly 16,000 residential launches in the first quarter, while the average quoted residential price reached Rs 9,620 per sq. ft. Within Noida, Sector 150 recorded an average quoted base price of Rs 14,600 per sq. ft., emphasising growing demand for premium homes. Expanding commercial activity is also creating employment, making residential demand increasingly end-user driven rather than speculative and supporting long-term price appreciation.

Amit Modi, Director, County Group, said, “The NCR luxury market is no longer defined by a single city. As Noida’s urban ecosystem continues to mature, the Noida Expressway has established itself as a premium residential corridor, with sectors such as 151 emerging as preferred addresses for affluent buyers. The availability of larger land parcels, integrated developments and a rapidly expanding social infrastructure is enabling these micro-markets to evolve into complete luxury destinations rather than standalone residential locations.”

Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, added, “Luxury housing in Noida, Greater Noida alongside Noida Expressway is undergoing a significant evolution, where aspiration is increasingly being shaped by quality of living rather than just value appreciation. Today’s discerning homebuyers are far more conscious about the overall experience a development offers from wellness-led planning and privacy to sustainable design, curated amenities, and a stronger sense of community. The pandemic has permanently redefined the role of a home, transforming it into a space that must seamlessly support lifestyle, wellbeing, and personal aspirations. We are witnessing a clear shift towards expansive residences and thoughtfully crafted living environments that reflect both sophistication and functionality. This evolution is steadily positioning Noida and Greater Noida as a mature and globally aligned luxury residential market.”

Increasingly, the Noida Expressway corridor’s strength lies in its diverse micro-markets. The Sectors 150 and 151 are evolving as luxury residential destinations, driven by the layout planning, large land size, and low-density projects. Projects like Prateek Canary reflect the area’s shift towards thoughtfully designed low-density development, amenity-rich living. Spanning across the green landscape in Sector 150. This project signifies the growing preference for developing projects with a biophilic approach, generous space layouts, and indoor/outdoor connections. Also, complemented by premium amenities such as a five-star clubhouse, wellness facilities, and panoramic golf-course views.

Sanjay Sharma, Managing Director, SKA Group, said, “Luxury housing demand in NCR is becoming more diversified as buyers look beyond traditional markets. Within this shift, Noida has emerged as one of the strongest growth centres, and the Noida Expressway is leading this transformation. Micro-markets such as Sector 151 are particularly well positioned because they combine low-density planning, superior connectivity and future infrastructure, making them attractive for high-net-worth buyers seeking long-term capital appreciation alongside an elevated living experience,”.

Finally, long-term investment appeal of Noida Expressway extends beyond housing. As commercial hubs, infrastructure and residential communities evolve together, the corridor is developing the characteristics of a mature real estate market, where employment growth supports sustained housing demand.

Salil Kumar, Director, Marketing & Business Management, CRC Group, said, “Luxury housing demand typically follows the expansion of high-quality commercial infrastructure, and the Noida Expressway is a clear example of that trend. The concentration of Grade A office developments, improving metro connectivity and sustained public infrastructure investment is creating a self-sustaining residential ecosystem. As employment hubs continue to expand around sectors such as 140A, demand is increasingly being driven by professionals who prefer to live closer to their workplace. This structural shift is enhancing the corridor’s investment appeal, with premium housing benefiting from both strong end-user demand and long-term capital appreciation.”

Ultimately, the emergence of Noida Expressway is indicative of the overall change that is taking place in NCR owing to the developments in infrastructure, business and micro-markets.The corridor is establishing itself as one of the region’s most compelling luxury investment destinations, offering buyers both an elevated lifestyle and enduring value.

The second edition of Sangamam Thaala Utsav 2026, a two-day cultural festival celebrating India’s diverse traditions of rhythm, music, dance and performing arts, concluded on a high note at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA), Bengaluru, attracting over 4,500 attendees across two days. The festival was inaugurated by renowned playback singer and actress Vasundhara Das in the presence of Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, Founder – SFPI, Mr. S. D. Shibulal, Co-founder – SFPI and Co-founder and former CEO of Infosys, and Manjula Senthil, Program Director – Sangamam.

Sangamam Thaala Utsav 26

Organised by the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) through its cultural platform Sangamam, the festival, held on 11th and 12th July 2026, brought together 161 artists from across the country, offering audiences an immersive experience of India’s classical, folk and contemporary art forms through performances, workshops, exhibitions and interactive cultural experiences. Designed as a platform to preserve, promote and celebrate India’s artistic heritage, Sangamam Thaala Utsav featured an engaging line-up comprising four ticketed performances, two masterclasses, six interactive workshops, seven pop-up performances, 10 art stalls, curated food stalls, a puppet installation and an interactive digital art experience. Three headline performances featuring Siddharth Belmannu, Laya Lavanya and Thaikkudam Bridge were completely sold out, reflecting the growing interest among audiences for immersive cultural experiences.

Speaking on the successful conclusion of the festival, Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, Founder – SFPI, said, “It is immensely gratifying to see Sangamam Thaala Utsav grow into a vibrant platform that celebrates India’s artistic diversity while bringing together artists, audiences and cultural enthusiasts from across the country. Our vision has always been to preserve and promote India’s rich artistic traditions and create meaningful opportunities for future generations to experience them. The overwhelming response this year encourages us to continue strengthening this cultural movement.”

Manjula Senthil, Program Director – Sangamam, added, “The response to every performance, workshop and masterclass has been extremely encouraging. It was wonderful to see audiences actively engage with artists, explore different art forms and experience Indian culture in an interactive manner. We are delighted that visitors have expressed a strong desire for many more such festivals, and we look forward to returning with an even bigger edition next year.”

The festival drew participants from not only Bengaluru but also from several cities across India and even overseas, including Singapore. Artists too, came from different regions of the country, including rural areas, reinforcing Sangamam’s vision of making traditional arts accessible to wider audiences. Adding to the festive spirit, Sangamam organised three lucky draws during each of its four ticketed performances, with prizes including a Meal for Two at Simmer by Lilac, Bengaluru, two-night stays at Rae by Tamara Guruvayur or Kumbakonam, and a Grand Prize of a two-night luxury stay at Tamara Kodaikanal or Tamara Coorg.

Building on the success of this year’s festival, Sangamam announced that the third edition of Sangamam Thaala Utsav will be held on July 10 and 11, 2027, at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA), Bengaluru.

About Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI)

The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), founded by Mrs. Kumari Shibulal and Mr. S.D. Shibulal has been transforming lives for over 25 years through programs in education, healthcare, organic farming, and the arts. SFPI’s cultural platform Sangamam celebrates India’s artistic diversity and supports sustainable creative ecosystems.

About Sangamam

Founded by Mrs. Kumari Shibulal and Mr. S. D. Shibulal, Sangamam is the cultural platform of the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI). The initiative is committed to preserving, promoting and celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for artists, artisans and audiences to connect through culture.

Learn more at:  www.sfpi.org | www.sangamamindia.org.

Sankara Eye Hospitals, in association with VISION 2020 India, successfully concluded the 20th Annual VISION 2020 India Conference held from 10 to 12 July in Bengaluru. The conference brought together leading ophthalmologists, optometrists, public health experts, policymakers, researchers, development partners and healthcare professionals from across the country to deliberate on the future of eye care in India.

From Left to Right – Dr Shalinder Sabherwal,  Dr Rupali Chopra, Dr Rajesh Saini, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Dr R V Ramani, Peter Holland, Heidi Chase

Held under the theme “Innovation, Collaboration and Impact in Eye Care – VISION for Viksit Bharat 2047,” the three-day conference served as a national platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing innovations and strengthening partnerships aimed at eliminating avoidable blindness while advancing equitable, accessible and high-quality eye care across India.

Inauguration of Vision 2020

The scientific programme featured discussions across five thematic tracks: Innovations and Technological Solutions in Eye Care; Collaboration for Universal Eye Health; Impact, Equity, Sustainability and Quality in Eye Care; Excellence in Optometry and Allied Ophthalmic Personnel; and Sharing Knowledge Repository: Towards Organizational Excellence and Growth. These sessions highlighted emerging technologies, digital health innovations, collaborative healthcare models, quality improvement initiatives and workforce development strategies.

A special leadership session chaired by Dr. Rajesh Saini featured distinguished speakers including Dr. R. V. Ramani, Peter Holland, and Heidi Chase. Former Indian cricket captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth delivered an engaging session on Leadership Lessons from Cricket, drawing parallels between leadership in sports and healthcare.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former Indian cricket captain and Goodwill Ambassador of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight India said, “ VISION and eyesight are fundamental to everything we do, whether it is reading, writing, studying or playing sports. I am proud to be associated with VISION 2020 as its Goodwill Ambassador and support its efforts towards eliminating avoidable blindness in India. Cricket has taught me that self-belief, teamwork, innovation and hard work can help achieve even the biggest goals, and with eye care professionals from across the country coming together, I believe the VISION of a blindness-free India by 2047 can become a reality.”

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Sankara movement, the conference marked a significant milestone in India’s community eye care journey. The event celebrated Sankara Eye Foundation India’s five decades of service in delivering quality eye care to underserved communities through innovation, outreach and sustainable service models.

Peter Holland, CEO OF International Agency of The Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) said, “Eye health has evolved beyond being solely a healthcare concern to become a critical global development and economic priority, directly influencing education, employment, productivity and community participation. Strong leadership, collaboration and a unified voice across the eye care sector are essential to eliminating avoidable sight loss and advancing universal access to eye care. India’s experience, innovation and commitment can play a pivotal role in shaping global action and strengthening international efforts to ensure VISION for all.”

The conference featured keynote addresses, plenary sessions, panel discussions, scientific paper presentations, workshops and interactive sessions. Experts deliberated on artificial intelligence, digital health, community ophthalmology, public-private partnerships, quality improvement and capacity building to strengthen India’s eye care ecosystem.

Dr RV Ramani, Padmashree Awardee and Founder and Managing Trustee, Sankara Eye Foundation about said, “Viksit Bharat is not merely a government programme but a national movement that requires collective leadership across healthcare, education, industry and civil society. Healthy citizens, skilled youth, inclusive growth and sustainable institutions will be central to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. By restoring sight, preventing avoidable blindness and strengthening healthcare capacity, eye care institutions have a vital role in ensuring that every citizen can learn, work and live with dignity. As Sankara enters its golden jubilee year after completing 3.3 million free eye surgeries, our next 50 years must demonstrate what collective leadership, compassion and sustainability can accomplish together.”

The conference also reaffirmed the importance of collaborative action among government agencies, healthcare institutions, academia, civil society, industry and development partners in achieving universal eye health and supporting the VISION of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Speaking at the conference Dr Rajesh Saini, President of VISION 2020 said, “The Right to Sight India brings together over 210 organisations, with its members contributing to nearly 50–60% of the one crore eye surgeries performed in India last year. Through this conference, we aim to strengthen our collective commitment to delivering accessible, quality eye care for every citizen and contribute to the VISION of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

The 20th edition of the conference attracted hundreds of delegates from across the country and concluded with renewed commitments towards innovation, collaboration and evidence-based approaches to strengthen India’s eye care ecosystem and accelerate progress towards eliminating avoidable blindness.

Mr. Gokul V Subramaniam, President, Intel India, said, “While India has made remarkable progress through digital transformation and public welfare initiatives, bridging the gaps in agriculture, education and healthcare requires collective action, innovation and empathy. Technology can accelerate development, but wisdom comes from character, compassion and a shared responsibility towards the most marginalized. Sankara Eye Foundation exemplifies this spirit by proving that service, sustainability and purpose-driven leadership can transform lives and inspire nation-building.”

About Sankara Eye Foundation
Sankara Eye Foundation India is a Not-for-Profit organization committed to providing quality eye care services to the poor and marginalised sections of society. Started as a small primary health care centre in the year 1977 by Dr R.V. Ramani and Dr Radha Ramani, today Sankara is one of the largest and fastest growing social enterprises managing 14 super speciality eye care hospitals in more than 10 states. The network hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to perform advanced eye surgeries. Sankara Eye Foundation India is a protagonist of the National Eye Health Care Movement in India, continuously transforming the eye care delivery structure through various Eye Care Initiatives across age groups, cutting-edge technology, scientific approach, innovation, research & training.

Bajaj Finance, one of India’s leading financial services providers, has launched Loan Fest, a limited-period campaign that rewards eligible customers with an exclusive bundle of entertainment featuring OTT subscriptions, dining benefits, music and lifestyle benefits when their Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is successfully disbursed. Running from 10th July to 31st August, the campaign provides added value while enabling customers to meet planned and urgent financial requirements. The loan process is simple, fast, and fully digital.
 

Bajaj Finance Personal Loan
 

Eligible customers who successfully receive a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan during the Loan Fest period may receive a complimentary voucher bundle.
 

Rewards available during loan fest

Eligible customers will receive an exclusive reward bundle on successful loan disbursal that includes:

• Zee 5, Sony Liv & 14 other OTTs – 6 months free membership

• JioHotstar membership – 3 months

• Free 3-month Zomato Gold Membership

• Free 3-month JioSaavn Pro

• Free 45 Day Gaana membership

• Free 40+ Vouchers
   

The reward bundle will be offered upon successful loan disbursal and is subject to customer eligibility and applicable terms and conditions.
 

Why choose Bajaj Finance Personal Loan?

Bajaj Finance continues to be a trusted provider of unsecured personal loans with a seamless application process. Key features include:

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

• Interest rates ranging from 10% to 30% per annum

• Quick approval based on eligibility

• Funds disbursed within 24 hours*

• Flexible repayment tenure ranging from 12 months to 108 months

• Minimal documentation

• No collateral required

• Fully digital application process
   

During Loan Fest, these benefits are complemented by an exclusive reward bundle, making the borrowing experience even more rewarding.
 

Estimate your EMIs before you apply

Applicants can use the personal loan EMI calculator available on the Bajaj Finance website before applying for a loan. The calculator helps applicants:

• Estimate monthly EMIs based on the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment tenure

• Compare different repayment options

• Select a repayment plan that suits their monthly budget

• Make informed borrowing decisions with greater confidence
   

How to apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan during loan fest

Applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is simple:

1. Visit the website: Customers begin by visiting the Bajaj Finance website and navigating to the Personal Loan page.

2. Check loan eligibility: Customers enter the required loan amount and select the preferred repayment tenure. They then click “CHECK LOAN OFFER”.

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

4. Review the loan offer: Customers review the available loan offer and may adjust the loan amount or repayment tenure based on their requirements.

5. Complete KYC verification: Customers complete the KYC process and verify their bank account details to facilitate disbursal.

6. Application assessment: The application is submitted for assessment, following which a loan specialist contacts the customer regarding the next steps in the process.

Eligible customers may receive funds within 24 hours* after approval and successful verification.
 

A rewarding borrowing experience

Whether the requirement is for home renovation, education, travel, medical expenses, or any other planned or unexpected expense, the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan provides quick access to funds without collateral. During Loan Fest, eligible customers can also enjoy an exclusive bundle of entertainment, dining, music, and shopping benefits, making successful loan disbursal even more rewarding.
 

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.

Trident Group, a global conglomerate and a leading name in the home textiles industry, today outlined its next phase of growth at Bharat Tex 2026, anchored on an innovation-led strategy, manufacturing excellence and sustainable value creation. This year’s theme, ‘The Expression of Living,’ reflected the company’s vision for the future of home textiles, highlighting textile innovation, contemporary design and evolving consumer lifestyles. 

Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, with Padma Shri Dr. Rajinder Gupta, Rajya Sabha MP & Chairman Emeritus, Trident Group, and Neha Gupta Bector, Chairperson, myTrident, at Bharat Tex 2026

Building on a resilient FY27 performance, the Group is sharpening its focus on unlocking the full potential of its existing assets, embedding digitalization across operations and scaling a robust research and development engine to power its next wave of growth. On growth, Trident delivered a resilient performance in FY27 despite global headwinds, maintaining a stable revenue base.  

Strengthening its innovation architecture, the company has established a dedicated Innovation Cell and invested over INR 100 crore towards advanced R&D and environmental performance. Backed by 17+ patents and 147 trademarks, this innovation engine is driving next-generation advances in advanced fibre blends, functional finishes and high-performance yarns tailored to premium and niche markets. 

Padma Shri Dr. Rajinder Gupta, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Chairman Emeritus Trident Group, sharing his vision, said, “As the global textile industry converges at Bharat Tex 2026, India is no longer simply participating in the conversation. It is helping shape the future of global textiles. In just three editions, Bharat Tex has emerged as one of the world’s most significant textile platforms. By bringing together the entire textile value chain, it has created unparalleled opportunities for global brands, buyers, innovators and manufacturers to connect, collaborate and build the future together. At Trident, we believe that the future of the industry lies at the intersection of innovation, design and craftsmanship. Through ‘The Expression of Living,’ we are proud to showcase how purposeful innovation and world-class design can redefine modern living while carrying India’s rich creative heritage to the world. Our partnership with NIFT is central to this vision; together, we are nurturing India’s design talent, strengthening the country’s design ecosystem, and taking Indian creations to global markets.”

As part of this larger vision, myTrident, the flagship home decor brand from the Trident Group, unveiled its upcoming festive collections and new home decor ranges, while also introducing Torani for myTrident, Karan Torani’s first home décor collaboration, alongside the second edition of Shivan & Narresh for myTrident. Together, these launches reflected myTrident’s growing focus on design-led collaborations that bring together contemporary creativity, Indian craftsmanship and cultural storytelling to shape the future of premium home decor.

Commenting on the launch of the new collections and working with the designers, Neha Gupta Bector, Chairperson, myTrident, said, “The theme, ‘The Expression of Living’, reflected our belief that the home is an extension of who we are, and every space should tell a story. Through this showcase, we brought together thoughtful design, craftsmanship and creativity to demonstrate how home decor is evolving beyond functionality into a form of personal expression. Our collaborations with Karan Torani and Shivan & Narresh, alongside our latest festive collections, reflected our vision of creating spaces that celebrate individuality while remaining rooted in Indian design and craftsmanship.”

Rajneesh Bhatia, CEO of myTrident, “Bharat Tex 2026 signals India’s growing textile footprint, with this year’s exhibition being comparable to others across the world that’ve been around far longer. “We are increasing our retail touch points from the current 7,000 to 10,000. This expansion will solidify our position as a leading home furnishings brand in India and broaden our footprint across domestic market. To drive further growth, we’re focusing on key opportunities in HORECA & institutions, where we aim to capture the largest market share, and also focus on expanding our gifting solutions portfolio.”

With ‘The Expression of Living,’ Trident Group brought together innovation, design and craftsmanship under one vision at Bharat Tex 2026, reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading home textile players and its commitment to shaping the future of modern living. As it enters its next phase of growth, Trident remains focused on purposeful innovation, world-class design and sustainable value creation, carrying India’s rich creative heritage to homes and markets across the world.

About the Trident Group 

Trident Limited is the flagship company of Trident Group, an Indian business conglomerate and global player. Headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, Trident Limited is a vertically integrated textile (Yarn, Bath & Bed Linen) and Paper (Wheat Straw-based) manufacturer. Trident’s towels, yarns, bedsheets, and paper businesses have earned global recognition and are delighting millions of customers across India and the world. Trident is one of the largest players in home textiles in India.

Supplying national, captive, and retailer-owned brands; the organization is highly decorated with awards from its customers, vendors, and various government entities in recognition of advancing the highest standards in product quality, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The company operates in three major business segments: Textiles, Paper, and Chemicals, with its manufacturing facilities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

About myTrident

myTrident is Trident Group’s flagship brand specializing in luxurious & premium home furnishings. The company caters to all segments across luxury, premium to everyday. From designs, innovation and sustainability, the brand has been setting benchmarks in the home textile industry. With a sharp focus on customer demands, myTrident offers a range of exquisite products including bed sheets, towels, pillows, bathrobes, top of bed, and much more. Each item is crafted with precision and attention to detail, to offer customers an unparalleled sense of comfort, style, and elegance. myTrident products can be found across all leading hotels of the country. The brand also offers an easy online shopping experience at www.mytrident.com.

VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) inaugurated its landmark Thiruvanmiyur Campus, envisioned as India’s First AI-Integrated Vertical University Campus, marking a significant milestone in its mission to build a future-ready higher education ecosystem.

Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu with H.E. Ahmed Mir Hashim Khoori, Mr. M. F. Rawoof Ali, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, and Dr. Preethaa Ganesh during the inauguration of the VELS Thiruvanmiyur Campus

The campus was inaugurated by Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist and Co-Founder of Zoho Corporation, in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Mir Hashim Khoori, Member of the Federal National Council, UAE, and Board Member of the Emirates Airline Foundation, who attended as the Guest of Honour. The function was presided over by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder-Chancellor, VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), along with Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President, VELS Group of Institutions.

Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh Unveils VELS’ Vision for Future-Ready Education
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh highlighted the remarkable contributions of Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu in advancing indigenous technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and nation-building. He also acknowledged the outstanding leadership of His Excellency Ahmed Mir Hashim Khoori in strengthening educational, aviation, and international partnerships between India and the UAE.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ganesh emphasized that universities must continuously evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape. He described the AI-Integrated Vertical University Campus as a smart, sustainable, and innovation-driven institution designed to nurture research excellence, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and globally competent professionals.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President, VELS Group of Institutions, said, “Technology transforms every industry, higher education must also transform the way students learn, think, and prepare for the future. Guided by this philosophy, VELS has established India’s First AI-Integrated Vertical University Campus, a campus designed not only for today’s learners, but for tomorrow’s leaders.”

Dr. Preethaa Ganesh further stated that every aspect of the campus has been built with one purpose: to put students first. From AI-enabled classrooms and collaborative innovation hubs to industry-connected laboratories, digital learning environments, and world-class student amenities, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create the best possible learning experience.

She added that the vision behind the campus is not merely to create one of India’s most technologically advanced university buildings, but to develop one of the country’s finest learning ecosystems, one that nurtures graduates who are future-ready, globally competent, ethically grounded, and committed to making a meaningful impact on society.

Global Partnerships to Strengthen Industry Integration
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Aspin Holding LLC Group, and MH Cockpit to establish a Flying School in the UAE. The partnership aims to promote collaboration in aviation education, pilot training, faculty exchange, internships, skill development, research, and international career opportunities for students.

VELS also announced that it will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zoho Corporation to collaborate in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, emerging technologies, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital skill development, and industry-academia initiatives.

A major highlight of the campus is its Industry–Academia Centres of Excellence, established in collaboration with Intel Unnati, TCS iON, Microsoft, and Oracle Academy, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, high-performance computing, and other emerging technologies. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through live projects, internships, research, startup incubation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry engagement to prepare graduates for the rapidly evolving global workforce.

Addressing the audience, His Excellency Ahmed Mir Hashim Khoori congratulated VELS on its remarkable growth and compared the institution’s journey with the phenomenal expansion of Emirates Airline. He observed that India and the UAE continue to strengthen their relationship through education, aviation, technology, innovation, and economic cooperation.

Delivering the inaugural address, Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu appreciated the vision behind the new campus and emphasized the importance of building indigenous technologies. “The VELS Thiruvanmiyur Campus is a beautifully designed institution with excellent architecture. India must build technologies from the ground up—from atoms to bits—to remain globally competitive. We must aspire to build next-generation technologies and strengthen our innovation ecosystem. Zoho looks forward to collaborating with VELS in the near future,” he said.

Following the inauguration, Sridhar Vembu engaged in an interactive session with VELS students on Artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, research, technology, rural innovation, and nation-building. He encouraged students to develop deep technical expertise, embrace lifelong learning, solve real-world challenges through innovation, and contribute meaningfully to India’s technological advancement.

The inauguration of the VELS Thiruvanmiyur Campus marks another defining milestone in the institution’s journey towards redefining higher education through Artificial Intelligence, innovation, industry collaboration, global partnerships, and cutting-edge technology. More than the inauguration of a new campus, it represents the beginning of a future-focused academic ecosystem where students are empowered to become innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and leaders capable of shaping the world of tomorrow.

To Apply : velsthiruvanmiyur.com

The Game Developer Association of India (GDAI), India’s apex industry body representing the Indian gaming ecosystem, today announced Supernova, a national incubation program designed to scale Indian gaming studios from development to publishing. 

GDAI’s Supernova bridges the gap in India’s Indie game development segment of access to structured mentorship, venture funding, publishers, and guidance on integrating AI into production pipelines. The incubation program is developed with global industry partners like Tencent, PhonePe’s Indus Appstore, 1312 Interactive, Sanchi Connect and more, making it one of the largest programs facilitated by GDAI to enable ecosystem growth. In its inaugural year, Supernova will support 40 high-potential studios selected nationally, with applications opening today.

Designed for studios across different stages of development, from student teams and early prototypes to publisher-ready and investment-ready companies, the incubation program will provide founders with stage-specific mentorship from experienced game industry leaders, publisher and investor readiness support, and AI-focused game development workflows and technical guidance. The program also offers business, legal and IP advisory, cloud infrastructure, startup tools and technology benefits, and direct connections to publishers, platform holders and ecosystem partners.

According to Mintegral’s India Gaming Growth Outlook 2026, India has one of the world’s largest gaming audiences; the next challenge is enabling studios to scale sustainably through better publishing, growth, monetisation, and access to global markets. As per the MIXI Global Investments’ India’s State of Play report, India’s gaming market is maturing with combined in-app and advertising revenue projected to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2029. GDAI’s Supernova incubation program will aid India’s expanding developer ecosystem of more than 2000 companies employing 130,000 talented professionals, and GDAI’s vision to create 2 million+ jobs in gaming by 2034.  

Speaking on the launch, Rajan Navani, Board Member and Chairperson, GDAI Incubation Subcommittee, added, “India has all the ingredients to become a global powerhouse for game development, be it creative talent or entrepreneurial energy, and a rapidly growing domestic market. The next phase of growth will depend on our ability to help founders build sustainable studios capable of creating globally successful IP. Supernova is an important step towards building that long-term ecosystem.”

Shruti Verma, CEO, GDAI, said, “Over the past few months, our conversations with founders across India have revealed a common set of challenges. Many studios struggle to move from building games to building sustainable businesses, securing publisher access, raising growth capital, adopting AI-driven production workflows, and navigating the path from prototype to commercial success. Through Supernova, we’re bringing together mentorship, publishing access, AI expertise and industry networks to help founders build investment-ready, globally competitive game studios.” 

The incubator will conclude with a Demo Day at the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) 2026, where participating studios will showcase their games to publishers, investors and industry leaders from India and around the world.

The first cohort will be announced by August 2026. The last day to apply is 31st July 2026. Interested studios may apply here.

About GDAI
The Game Developer Association of India (GDAI) is India’s apex industry body for the video gaming ecosystem and a non-profit organisation that unites game developers across every state into one shared national ecosystem. GDAI is committed to enabling business opportunities, upskilling of talent, and shaping policy framework with the government to position India as a global hub for game development. GDAI is supporting the journey from individual talent to strong studios with access to global markets, incubating 5,000 game start-ups and impacting 25,000+ students nationwide in choosing games as a career.

South India’s top police chiefs and central intelligence heads gathered at a high-level summit to integrate Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt into a seamless cross-border anti-narcotics grid. Launched by Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala within hours of assuming office, the mission has evolved into one of India’s most comprehensive anti-drug initiatives, with five southern states agreeing to establish a permanent joint coordination mechanism to combat interstate narcotics trafficking.

South India’s top police chiefs and central intelligence heads gathering at Thiruvananthapuram for Operation Toofan High Level Summit chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Chennnithala

Officially inaugurated by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan at the beginning of the current academic year, Operation Toofan is now entering its next phase through a unified operational framework aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing, coordinating enforcement, and enhancing interstate cooperation against organised drug networks.

The Operation Toofan Summit, chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, brought together top regional police chiefs, including Kerala DGP Ravada Azad Chandrasekhar IPS, Tamil Nadu DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal IPS, Puducherry DGP Shalini Singh IPS, and Karnataka ADGP R. Hitendra IPS. Elite central enforcement agencies were also represented by NCB Deputy Director General R. Sudhakar, DRI Additional Director General K. Padmavathi, Customs Preventive Commissioner T. Tiju, and SIB Joint Director Don K. Jose. Concluding the high-level briefings, IG and Operation Toofan Nodal Officer Putta Vimaladithya, IPS, presented the core operational strategies and timelines for the new interstate alliance.

Under Operation Toofan, each state decided to appoint a nodal officer (SP rank or above) to coordinate joint crackdowns on road, rail, air, and sea smuggling. A major focus will be on tackling courier networks and “mid-route train drops” that bypass station security. Internally, Kerala is expanding its DANSAF force and establishing 12 new specialised NDPS courts to fast-track convictions.

“The drug mafia operates without borders—and from this day forward, so will our response,” Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stated. He recently held direct talks with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, strategically linking Kerala’s operational framework with Karnataka’s efforts to eliminate illicit networks. As the next major operational step, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge will arrive in Kerala on July 15 for crucial bilateral talks with Chennithala to finalise joint border-control protocols between the two states.

Operation Toofan structurally attacks the problem from multiple angles. It is divided into four human-centric pillars: Toofan Strikes for aggressive enforcement, Toofan Warriors for mass civic mobilisation, Toofan Care focusing on rehabilitation, and the newly integrated Toofan Jagaran—a comprehensive mass-awareness initiative designed to keep the entire nation vigilant against the encroachment of illicit networks without borders or barriers.

Moving forward, Operation Toofan will expand its reach through high-level visits to the Chief Ministers and Home Ministers of all neighbouring southern states to finalise bilateral security pacts. Administratively, Operation Toofan is drawing widespread acclaim as a practical regional model for zero-tolerance drug enforcement. The collaborative multi-state framework directly supports the multi-agency approach consistently advocated by the Union Home Ministry in national NCORD forums to dismantle cross-border cartels. The mission will interface directly with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to request critical statutory amendments to federal anti-narcotics laws, specifically focusing on plugging legal loopholes.

Within 24 hours of the summit, coordinated enforcement operations under Operation Toofan resulted in the registration of 57 narcotics cases and the arrest of 58 individuals.

Drawing on his decades of legislative experience as a four-time Member of Parliament and former Kerala Minister for Home and Rural Development, senior Indian National Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala is leveraging his administrative experience to foster seamless interstate cooperation across South India, positioning Operation Toofan as a common anti-drug platform for the region.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced numerous surprises and none of them would have shocked the international footballing world as two European giants, Germany and the Netherlands, crashed out of the tournament at the Round of 32 stage.

Julian Nagelsmann’s men lost to Paraguay on penalties

While teams like Egypt, Cape Verde, and Paraguay, along with co-hosts USA and Canada, have punched above their weight continuously in the ongoing World Cup, several teams have underachieved given their past achievements and on-paper strength of the squad.

Let’s have a look at the top five teams which failed to make it to the Round of 16 stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

#5 Senegal’s late meltdown causes their elimination

In their first three matches of the ongoing World Cup, Belgium looked like a shadow of the team that achieved a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In fact, Senegal was leading Belgium 2-0 when the second hydration break of the match was taken around the 70th-minute mark.

While the players were walking out, Belgium’s key players Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard were involved in a verbal spat as the two were caught on camera arguing about a potential chance.

With five minutes to go and the Red Devils still two down, substitute Romelu Lukaku found the back of the net, followed by Trossard and Tielemans combining for the equalizer as Belgium extended the game to extra time.

There was late drama yet again as the match extended past the 120th minute and Tielemans was fouled inside the Senegal penalty area, followed by his second goal of the evening, which helped Belgium make it to the Round of 16.

#4 Croatia ended up losing in a toe-to-toe contest

Two Real Madrid legends, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, were captaining their respective nations, Portugal and Croatia in the Round of 32 clash. The match was being touted as the farewell fixture for one of the legendary players and the action on the field did not disappoint.

After a drab first half, Ivan Perisic opened the scoring for the Croats early in the second half followed by Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first World Cup knockout stage goal from the spot. In injury time, Goncalo Ramos headed in the goal that completed the comeback for Roberto Martinez’s men.

In the dying embers of the game, Croatia had a goal disallowed for offside as one of the Croatian players headed on the free kick to the far post which was ultimately headed in before VAR stepped in and chalked off the goal, handing Portugal an Iberian Derby in the Round of 16.

#3 Uruguay crashed out of the group stage

Marcelo Bielsa came into the tournament with hopes of leading Uruguay to new heights, but the veteran manager failed to even get them out of Group H. After a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener, Bielsa’s men drew 2-2 with Cape Verde, followed by a crushing defeat to Spain, which sealed their fate in the tournament.

Uruguay made it to the World Cup courtesy of a strong showing by Darwin Nunez in front of goal in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, but the former Liverpool striker blanked at the main stage, leaving the South American nation wanting more from its best players.

Bielsa is famous for making his sides play attacking football, but the failure to keep a clean sheet against all three teams in their group ultimately cost La Celeste as they crashed out of the World Cup group stage for the second consecutive time.

#2 The Netherlands endured another poor tournament campaign

The Netherlands remained unbeaten throughout the group stage and topped their group, but had to face Group C runners-up Morocco in the Round of 32, which turned out to be the most closely contested encounter in the whole round.

In a battle of defensive stars, Morocco fielded skipper Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chaddi Riad, and Noussair Mazraoui while Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman decided to change the formation and field five defenders in Denzel Dumfries, Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, and Micky van de Ven.

With Cody Gakpo’s opener cancelled out by Diop and later the Dutch losing on penalties, the decision to change the formation for a crucial fixture was criticised heavily by fans and pundits alike.

#1 Germany’s disappointing showings at major tournaments go on

After winning their first two matches of the ongoing World Cup, Germany was exposed by Ecuador as they came back from a goal down to win against the Germans and qualify for the knockout stage.

Paraguay qualified for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed sides, finishing behind Australia on goal difference in Group D, and was the clear underdog against Germany.

Julio Enciso shocked everyone at the cusp of half-time as he opened the scoring, giving his side the lead. Leroy Sane equalized for the 2014 FIFA World Cup winners in the second half and Jonathan Tah seemed to have given them the lead in the first half of extra time, but his goal was controversially ruled out for a debated foul by Waldemar Anton on the goalkeeper.

The match went down to the penalties and sudden death, where none of the back-up penalty takers, including the experienced Leon Goretzka, stepped up to take responsibility, and ultimately central defender Tah blasted over to send his team packing towards Europe.

In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Julian Nagelsmann accepted that big changes are needed to help German football flourish, and the former Bayern Munich manager followed up with his resignation soon after the debacle.

Former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp is being touted as the favorite to fill the German hot seat ahead of a crucial four-year period for Die Mannschaft, where they would be competing at the 2028 Euros in the United Kingdom and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which would be mainly played in Europe.

The outcry after the defeat to Paraguay signals a requirement for a big change in the national team system, and a well-loved German coach like Klopp is exactly what Joshua Kimmich’s men need ahead of two crucial tournaments for the national team.

Contributed By – Mohak Arora, Parimatch Sports Analytics Expert

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in mother and child care, today announced the launch of the Philips Avent Sterilizer and Dryer Premium (SCF293/00) in India, a compact all-in-one appliance designed to help parents sterilize, dry and store baby feeding essentials with greater convenience. The launch builds on Philips Avent’s recent science-led infant hygiene awareness campaign⁽¹⁾ featuring actor and new mother Yami Gautam Dhar, which encouraged parents to rethink traditional boiling and adopt sterilization as an important step in infant bottle hygiene.
 

Philips Avent Launches Sterilizer and Dryer Premium in India
 

With this new innovation, Philips Avent is addressing a clear parent need: trusted hygiene support that fits into daily feeding routines. Survey findings from the campaign indicated that the Philips Avent Sterilizer delivers up to 2x better germ protection than boiling⁽²⁾, with infants falling ill less often in households using the sterilizer versus boiling⁽³⁾. The new Sterilizer and Dryer Premium enable drying functionality by combining sterilization and filtered air drying in one appliance.
 

The launch reflects Philips Avent’s continued commitment to supporting informed parenting through consumer education and meaningful innovation. The new product is designed to make infant hygiene routines easier to adopt every day, bringing together effective sterilization, filtered-air drying and convenient storage in one appliance.
 

Commenting on the launch, Smit Shukla, Country Head – Philips Personal Health, Philips Indian Subcontinent, said, “Philips Avent as a brand has always believed in being an ally to parents and help them in their parenting journey. This also means we have to stay close to the consumer and listen to them. After an overwhelming response to our sterilizer campaign, many consumers reached out to us and asked for a drying function as well. We are therefore introducing the new sterilizer and dryer from Philips Avent which not only gives 2X better germ protection vs boiling but also dries baby essentials making parent’s life easier and protect babies from germs.”
 

Philips Avent Sterilizer and Dryer
 

Philips Avent Sterilizer and Dryer Premium helps simplify daily hygiene routines

Baby essentials hygiene is one of the routines parents repeat every day. Designed to make that routine easier to sustain, the Philips Avent Sterilizer and Dryer Premium (SCF293/00) combines sterilization, drying and storage in one compact appliance. Using pure steam technology, it helps eliminate 99.9% of harmful germs without chemicals⁽⁴⁾, giving parents a trusted and convenient way to care for baby feeding essentials.

• Sterilizes and dries in 40 minutes: The appliance completes a full sterilization and drying cycle in 40 minutes, helping bottles and accessories be ready for the next feed.

• Keeps contents sterile for up to 24 hours⁽⁵⁾: When the lid remains closed, contents can remain sterile for up to 24 hours, giving parents more flexibility throughout the day.

• Designed for everyday capacity: The Sterilizer and Dryer can hold up to six Philips Avent bottles, along with accessories such as teats, soothers and a manual breast pump.

• Compact all-in-one design: Its compact footprint, spacious capacity and combined sterilization, drying and storage functionality help simplify bottle hygiene without adding extra steps to parents’ daily routines.

• Available starting at Rs. 7,495
   

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home.
 

Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2025 sales of EUR 18 billion and employs approximately 64,300 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.