Pramerica Life Insurance today announced the launch of Pramerica Life Invest Shield, a hybrid life insurance plan that combines term-level life protection with a unit-linked investment component in a single policy. The plan is structured so that the life cover operates as a separate term insurance layer, while the investment component functions as a ULIP with nine fund options across equity, debt, and balanced allocations.

Pramerica Life Insurance Launches ‘Invest Shield’

Invest Shield is designed for individuals aged in their early 30s to mid 40s who want both life protection and long-term wealth creation within a single policy, rather than managing a standalone term plan and a separate investment product. The plan offers a life cover of up to 100 times the annualised premium, though the actual multiple depends on the policyholder’s age at entry, chosen premium level, and policy term. Premium payment terms and policy duration are customisable.

Key Features

• Upto 100x Life Cover: Financial protection through a life cover of up to 100 times the annualised premium, ensuring substantial coverage for the family throughout the policy tenure. 

• Return of Charges: Return of mortality charges and premium allocation charges to the policyholder, helping enhance the overall fund value. 

• Loyalty Boosters: Persistency boosters and maturity benefits that reward customers for remaining invested over the long term. 

• Flexible Investment Options: Flexibility to choose between two investment strategies and nine fund options across equity, debt, and balanced allocations, catering to diverse risk profiles and investment preferences. 

• Customisable Premium Payment Terms and Policy Duration: Flexibility to align the plan with individual life stages, financial priorities, and long-term financial goals. 

Pankaj Gupta, MD & CEO, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “Pramerica Life Insurance Invest Shield reflects where we believe the life insurance conversation in India needs to go. For too long, customers have been asked to make a choice that should not exist – between protecting their family and building their wealth. Customers today think about their financial future as a whole. Pramerica Life Invest Shield is built for that mindset. This launch also reflects our commitment to listening closely to evolving customer needs and responding with solutions that are genuinely differentiated. We are at an exciting point in Pramerica Life’s journey – three consecutive years of strong, quality growth across every pillar of our business. That foundation gives us both the confidence and the responsibility to bring genuinely differentiated products to market.”

Karthik Chakrapani, Chief Business Officer, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “Pramerica Life Invest Shield has been designed for customers who are looking for a more integrated approach to financial planning — one that combines meaningful life protection with long-term wealth creation at a stage in life where both priorities become increasingly important. At Pramerica Life, we remain committed to expanding insurance access across India through solutions that are relevant to evolving customer needs and supported by a diversified distribution ecosystem. Through our channels Prahri and Param, catering to the armed forces and paramilitary services respectively, our agency network across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, broker and corporate agent relationships, and our direct-to-consumer channel, we are making Pramerica Life Invest Shield accessible to customers across markets and geographies through the mode of engagement that best aligns with their preferences and financial needs.“

The launch arrives at a moment of sustained momentum for Pramerica Life – three consecutive years of double-digit growth, built on the quality and sustainability of the business being written. New Business Premium grew 19% year-on-year to Rs. 1,471 crore, while Annualised Premium Equivalent rose 29%. Assets under Management expanded 12% YoY and individual New Business Premium grew 30%. Through this period of growth, the company has maintained a Claims Paid Ratio of 99.29% – rising year-on-year for three consecutive years – a measure of the discipline and customer commitment that has accompanied the scale. 

Alongside this growth, the company has remained focused on societal inclusion and extending financial protection to traditionally underserved customer groups and regions. With an average ticket size approximately 42% lower than the industry median, Pramerica Life has consciously built offerings aimed at broadening accessibility across customer segments. The company’s long-standing association with the armed forces and paramilitary community is reflected through specialised protection solutions and second-career opportunities, with more than 60% of individual lives covered belonging to the defence forces community and over 8,500 veterans employed since inception. Nearly 90% of lives covered by Pramerica Life are from rural India, reflecting its continued focus on deepening penetration across underpenetrated and hard-to-reach regions. Pramerica Life Invest Shield is a direct extension of this philosophy — a product built around genuine customer relevance and long-term value creation.

About Pramerica Life Insurance Limited

Pramerica Life Insurance Limited is a joint venture between DIL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Finance Limited (erstwhile Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited) and Prudential International Insurance Holdings, Ltd. (PIIH), a fully owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI). It represents the coming together of two renowned financial services organizations with a legacy of business excellence spread over decades. Pramerica Life Insurance Limited, started operations in India on September 1, 2008 and has a pan India presence through multiple distribution channels which have been customized to address the specific insurance needs of diverse customer segments. The Company is committed to providing protection and quality financial advice to its customers. Pramerica is the brand name used in India and select countries by PFI.

For more details, please visit www.pramericalife.in

About Piramal Finance Limited

Piramal Finance Limited is a retail-led upper-layer NBFC with a pan-India presence, having served over 5 million customers across 26 states. The company manages Assets under Management (AUM) of over Rs. 1,00,000 Cr and operates a distinctive phygital model – combining high-touch engagement across 13,000+ pin codes with high-tech capabilities including machine learning models, agentic AI tools and real-time dashboards. In retail lending, Piramal Finance offers home loans, loans against property, used car loans, personal loans, digital loans and small business loans, with a strong focus on metro-adjacent, semi-urban and rural markets. In wholesale lending, the company provides asset-backed, data-driven solutions across real estate and select non-real estate sectors, with a focus on mid-segment residential projects and capital solutions for mid-market corporates. With its digital-first approach and AI-enabled platforms, Piramal Finance is committed to expanding access to affordable credit and driving inclusive growth across India.

For more information visit: piramalfinance.com

About Prudential Financial, Inc.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately USD 1.4 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2022, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better by creating financial opportunities for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for nearly 150 years.

For more information, please visit news.prudential.com

As Indian families diligently monitor their parents’ blood pressure, administer medications, and schedule cardiology appointments, one question consistently goes unasked: What are we doing for their brain?
 

A team of physicians led by Dr. Sweta Sahu is determined to change that — one daily activity at a time.
 

A doctor-led brain wellness initiative designed to support healthy ageing
 

Their initiative, ActiveMind Daily — part of the healthcare venture BlueprintRx — is now inviting 50 founding families to join a 10-day pilot of a doctor-designed brain wellness programme built specifically for older adults in Indian homes. Simple, screen-free, and grounded in science, the programme delivers one short daily activity targeting memory, language, attention, reflection, and family connection.
 

Filling a Need Families Don’t Know they have
India’s elderly population is expanding at an unprecedented rate — yet conversations around brain health prevention remain largely absent from everyday elder care. Clinically, conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are routinely managed. Cognitive engagement, combating loneliness, and meaningful mental stimulation rarely receive the same attention — until decline becomes impossible to ignore.
 

Built for Real Indian Families
Unlike conventional wellness applications, ActiveMind Daily requires no login and no screen time from seniors. The programme is designed around the rhythms of Indian family life. Activities can be completed independently, with light family support, or through a brief phone call between a parent and an adult child living away from home.
 

Daily prompts draw on culturally familiar themes — childhood festival memories, beloved songs, regional proverbs, and food traditions — crafted to feel like conversation, not clinical exercises.
 

Reminders are delivered via WhatsApp or phone call, and progress is easy to track. Families who remain consistent through the first seven days receive a surprise gift. And if a day is missed, the programme accommodates catch-up sessions — because the goal, as the team emphasises, is rhythm, not perfection.
 

A Doctor-led Team with a Long-term Commitment

ActiveMind Daily is built by physicians who share a common belief: that brain health deserves the same everyday attention we give to the heart.
 

Dr. Sweta Sahu, Founder, is a physician and researcher with research and clinical experience at Johns Hopkins, the Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a recipient of the American Heart Association’s 2025 Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award and has contributed to over 100 publications spanning cardiovascular medicine, gastroenterology, and population health.
 

“Brain wellness cannot wait for symptoms. Our goal is to make daily cognitive engagement as natural as a morning cup of chai — familiar, effortless, and something the whole family looks forward to.’”

Dr. Sri Sravya Thungathurthi, Physician and Co-founder of ActiveMind Daily, combines clinical training with a strong interest in healthy aging and preventive medicine. Through her exposure to healthcare systems in both India and the United States, she became increasingly interested in how early, proactive approaches to health can improve quality of life long before disease develops. Through ActiveMind Daily, she is helping raise awareness and build practical tools that promote cognitive wellness and meaningful family engagement for older adults in India.
 

“We designed these activities to meet families where they are—not in a clinic, but in their living rooms, around their dining tables, and in their everyday moments. Brain health is one of the most overlooked aspects of healthy ageing in India. In a world increasingly driven by short-form content, constant distractions, and passive consumption, we risk losing curiosity, creativity, and meaningful mental engagement. To me, ActiveMind Daily is a way to encourage a culture where keeping the mind active becomes a daily habit—not out of fear of decline, but as a celebration of lifelong learning, curiosity, and connection.”
 

ActiveMind Daily is supported by an expanding network of doctors, young medical interns, and students of Indian origin studying in U.S. high schools who work alongside its physician leadership team to contribute to research, programme development, participant feedback, and ongoing improvements. Together, they help ensure the initiative continues to evolve, adapt, and remain deeply relevant to the real-world needs of Indian seniors and their families.
 

The programme’s activity framework is guided by evidence-based public health guidance on cognitive health and healthy ageing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute on Ageing (NIA).
 

Join the founding pilot
The 10-day founding families pilot is now open and strictly limited to 50 families in the first batch. Families may begin with a free 30-second brain wellness check and sample three activities at no cost, or register directly through the ActiveMind Daily website.

Website: activeminddaily.in/check

EuroSchool, one of India’s leading K-12 school networks, commemorated 15 years of educational excellence at its Thane campus, celebrating a legacy of academic achievement, holistic development, and meaningful community impact. The milestone event brought together students, parents, alumni, educators, and distinguished guests to reflect on the school’s journey and achievements over the past decade and a half.

EuroSchool Thane celebrates 15 years

Guided by EuroSchool’s philosophy of “Discover Yourself“, the school has consistently focused on creating a balanced learning environment that extends beyond academic achievement. Through a blend of academic rigour, experiential learning, leadership opportunities, sports, arts, and life skills development, EuroSchool Thane has empowered students to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and develop into confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for the future.

The milestone celebration brought together students, parents, alumni, educators, staff members, and distinguished guests to commemorate the school’s journey and celebrate the community that has contributed to its success over the past decade and a half. The event reflected the strong partnerships and shared commitment that have helped shape EuroSchool Thane into a trusted institution for generations of families.

Distinguished guests included Mr. Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder and CEO, Lighthouse Learning; Ms. Perin Bagli, Secretary and Treasurer, Association of ICSE Schools in Maharashtra (AISM) and Regional Coordinator for Maharashtra, Goa and UAE, CISCE; Mr. Sadashiv Nayak, CEO – K-12, Lighthouse Learning; and Ms. Natasha Mehta, Head – Central Education Team (CEdT).

The programme featured a welcome ceremony, leadership addresses, a keynote session on the evolving relevance of the ICSE curriculum and future-ready education, and a special presentation chronicling EuroSchool Thane’s 15-year journey. The event also recognised board toppers and outstanding student achievers. 

Jyotsna Mayadas, Principal, EuroSchool Thane, said, “This milestone is a celebration of every student, parent, educator, alumnus, and staff member who has contributed to making EuroSchool Thane what it is today. Over the last 15 years, we have remained committed to creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and discover their unique strengths. We are grateful for the trust of our parent community and look forward to continuing our journey of educational excellence together.”

Ms Perin Bagli, Principal- Activity High School & Secretary and Treasurer of the Association of ICSE Schools in Maharashtra (AISM), said, “I am delighted to have been invited to EuroSchool Thane for this special occasion. Having previously visited EuroSchool Airoli and been deeply impressed by the institution’s commitment to holistic education, I was eager to be here once again. Celebrating 15 glorious years is a remarkable milestone, reflecting the dedication, perseverance, and collective efforts of the teachers, leadership team, parents, and the entire school community. I would also like to commend Mr. Rajan, Co-founder and Group CEO of this institution whose progressive vision and educational philosophy have played a pivotal role in shaping its journey. Today, he introduced us to the powerful concept of grit, a value that I am confident will continue to inspire and empower future generations of learners.” 

Over the last 15 years, EuroSchool Thane has remained focused on fostering academic excellence while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and character development. The school’s balanced approach to education has enabled generations of students to excel not only in academics but also across sports, performing arts, leadership initiatives, and community engagement programmes.

As EuroSchool Thane embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to building on its legacy of excellence while continuing to innovate and evolve to meet the changing needs of learners. With a strong foundation rooted in academic quality, holistic development, and community trust, the school will continue to nurture confident, responsible, and future-ready individuals.

Today, EuroSchool nurtures more than 30,000 students with the support of over 1,800 educators across campuses in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Surat.

About EuroSchool
EuroSchool is one of India’s leading K–12 school networks, with campuses across Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Surat.

30,000 students | 1,800+ educators | 1000+Digital Classes | 480+ GPS Buses | 111,000+ Library Books

Guided by the philosophy of “Discover Yourself”, EuroSchool empowers children to explore their potential and discover their dreams and talents. From Nursery to Grade 12, EuroSchool is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and preparing every child for a rapidly evolving world.

Its Balanced Schooling approach — anchored in the proprietary Learn–Reinforce–Practice–Apply–Experience (LRPAX) methodology — seamlessly blends academic excellence with co-curricular and extracurricular learning. It offers an extensive range of opportunities to develop life skills, creativity and leadership. With a strong focus on child safety – being India’s first school network to earn the global ‘Safe School’ certification, EuroSchool provides secure spaces where children can truly flourish.

All EuroSchool campuses are affiliated with either the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), ensuring globally benchmarked academic standards with the flexibility and care that today’s learners need.

For more information, visit: www.euroschoolindia.com.

About Lighthouse Learning Group
Lighthouse Learning Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, is India’s leading Early Childhood & K-12 Education group, backed by global investment firm KKR. Driven by its purpose to unlock human potential by igniting the love for learning through its institutions, which include leading brands like EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, EuroSchool and Billabong High International, Mother’s Pet Kindergarten, Centre Point School, Heritage International Xperiential School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Finland International School, Maldives and Phoenix Greens School of Learning, Hyderabad. Nurturing over 200,000 students every day, Lighthouse Learning emphasises a ‘Child First’ philosophy, innovative pedagogy, and child safety. With 1,850 Preschools and 60 K-12 Schools, it empowers 1,650 women entrepreneurs and employs a direct and indirect workforce of over 22,000 people.

Crizac Limited, one of India’s leading technology-driven international student mobility platforms, today announced a strategic investment in Edument Consultancy Private Limited, the operator of ForeignAdmits, an AI-first student mobility platform that has served over 100,000 students and facilitated more than INR 1,500 crore in education loans. The investment, structured through Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDs) and Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS), marks a significant milestone in Crizac’s ongoing evolution as a technology-led, full-stack student mobility platform, extending its reach into AI-powered financing and visa solutions that serve students at every stage of their journey.

Nikhil is founder and CEO Of  Edument Consultancy Pvt Ltd (Trade Name – ForeignAdmits, VisaMonk)

With this investment, Crizac strengthens its ability to support students and counselling partners at the most consequential stages of the study-abroad journey: choosing a destination, securing financing, and clearing the visa, each powered by AI-enabled technology that delivers speed, accuracy, and scale. ForeignAdmits will continue to operate as an independent entity under its existing brand and management, preserving the organisational agility and student-first culture that underpins its growth.

From Mobility Platform to Full-Stack, AI-Enabled Student Infrastructure
Crizac has consistently invested in technology and partnerships that keep it at the forefront of international student mobility, connecting a global network of counselling partners with 400+ institutions across the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The ForeignAdmits investment is the next major step in that journey: bringing AI-powered, direct-to-student capabilities in financing and visa preparation into the platform, and giving counselling partners the tools to serve students more completely than ever before.

Dr. Vikash Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Crizac Limited

ForeignAdmits brings a proprietary, award-winning technology stack to the combined entity:

• LoanMonk: India’s first pre-admission loan eligibility engine, with 80,000+ assessments completed across 17+ lending partners, giving students financial clarity before they even apply.

• VisaMonk: An AI-powered visa interview simulation tool trusted by 3,000+ students globally and winner of The PIEoneer Awards 2025 for Digital Innovation of the Year in Student Recruitment.

“As a market leader, our responsibility has always been to stay ahead of what students and counselling partners need. ForeignAdmits brings a level of AI-enabled capability in financing and visa that, combined with our institutional strength, creates a truly integrated platform; one that sets a new benchmark for what this industry can offer,” Dr. Vikash Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Crizac Limited.

Nikhil Jain Will Join Crizac as Chief Product & Marketing Officer
As part of the transition, Nikhil Jain, Founder and CEO of ForeignAdmits, will join Crizac’s senior leadership as Chief Product & Marketing Officer. An IIT (BHU) Varanasi graduate, Stanford SEED Spark alumnus, and former doctoral researcher at the IIT Bombay–Monash Research Academy, Jain brings a rare combination of research rigour and at-scale product execution. He will lead product strategy and consumer brand across the combined platform.

“We built ForeignAdmits to remove the friction that stops capable students from accessing the education they deserve. Joining Crizac means that mission now has the institutional reach, global distribution, and counselling partner network to reach every student who needs it. This is not an exit; it is an acceleration,” Nikhil Jain, Founder, ForeignAdmits.

This investment reflects Crizac’s continued commitment to staying at the forefront of international student mobility. With 400+ institutional partnerships, a global counsellor network, and ForeignAdmits’ AI-powered technology now integrated, Crizac is positioned to offer counselling partners and students a genuinely end-to-end experience, from first search to first day of class.

About Crizac Limited 
Crizac Limited is a leading B2B international student recruitment platform, connecting a global network of education agents with 400+ premier institutions across the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Headquartered in Kolkata and listed on the NSE and BSE, Crizac is committed to ethical recruitment and tech-driven student success. www.crizac.com.

About Edument Consultancy Private Limited (ForeignAdmits).
ForeignAdmits, operated by Edument Consultancy Private Limited, is an AI-first student mobility platform providing end-to-end infrastructure for university discovery, admissions, education financing, and visa preparation. Its flagship tools have collectively supported over 100,000 students globally across 15+ countries, empowered 800+ partner consultancies, facilitated more than INR 1,500 crore in education loans, and assisted over 3000 students in Visa Preparation. 

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers, continued its strong claim settlement performance with a Claim Settlement Ratio of 99.7% (for individual death claims) in FY’26. HDFC Life continues to consistently deliver on its promise made to its customers, which is also reflective in this year’s high claims settlement ratio declared.

Claim settlement is the moment of truth in the life insurance industry and is the critical differentiator amongst the life insurers. HDFC Life is committed to ensuring that all claimants have a smooth and stress-free experience at every touch-point.

Sameer Yogishwar – Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life

“Timely and hassle-free settlement of every genuine claim will continue to be our priority,” said Sameer Yogishwar – Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life. “Our customers trust us when they buy a policy, and HDFC Life is dedicated to living up to that trust by making every effort to provide them and their families with financial security at the time when they need it the most. We are continually enhancing our capabilities and using technology to create an easier, more seamless, and more effective claim settlement process to enable for faster turnaround times.”

HDFC Life has undertaken several customer-focused initiatives to improve the claims process for both policyholders and beneficiaries. The Company is leveraging digital workflows, automation, AI-led validation, and analytics to simplify claims assessment and processing. Claimants can now initiate and track claims digitally, upload documents online, and receive timely communication updates throughout the process. Digital claims journeys reduce dependency on physical visits and manual paperwork, which can be emotionally and operationally difficult during stressful situations. Under Project Inspire, HDFC Life is driving Zero‑Touch Processing (ZTP), Fast‑Track processes, and real‑time payment enablement in the claims domain.

To ensure claimants have a hassle-free experience towards processing the claims, they can reach HDFC Life through the multiple channels available to them – from walking into their nearest HDFC Life branch, connecting with their agent, or even by logging into the Company’s portal.

Remember: To every customer buying a policy, here are some essential steps to follow:

1. Kindly disclose all health-related information accurately and truthfully, as it plays a critical role in the claim settlement process

2. Do fill the details of the nominee/nominees for the policy, as this ensures that the proceeds go to the rightful recipient

• Nomination can be done anytime during the lifecycle of the policy

• Nomination can be changed and multiple nominees can be added to an existing policy

3. Policyholders should share the policy details with the nominee/ nominees, so that they are able to initiate the claim process when the need arises

4. Always keep all contact details of self, and nominee, updated with the life insurer, for easy communication

Claim settlement ratio is 99.7% for individual death claims settled in FY’26.

At a time when the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is leading India’s global innovation outreach through the prestigious “Bharat Innovates” initiative in Nice, France, a parallel movement to nurture India’s next generation of innovators is taking shape in the nation’s capital.

Policy makers, industry, academia and innovation leaders unite to launch hackFront India, accelerating Bharat’s innovation decade and empowering the next million innovators

The hackFront India Leadership Forum, being hosted at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, marks the official launch of hackFront India, a nationwide innovation league designed to identify, nurture and accelerate student innovators, entrepreneurs and technology creators from across the country. hackFront India is the initiative of leading innovation tech startup Where U Elevate.

The timing of the event is particularly significant. As India showcases over 120 deep-tech startups, premier institutions and breakthrough innovations before global investors and industry leaders through “Bharat Innovates” in France, hackFront India seeks to strengthen the grassroots innovation pipeline that will produce the next generation of such success stories.

Inspired by the Vision of “Bharat Innovates”
hackFront India draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent call for building an innovation-led India where technology serves humanity, entrepreneurship drives prosperity and young minds become creators rather than consumers of technology.

The launch of hackFront India reflects the spirit of PM Modi’s vision of transforming India into a global innovation powerhouse by connecting talent, technology, academia, industry and government.

Building Bharat’s Innovation Decade
Organized by Where U Elevate, the hackFront India Leadership Forum brings together leaders from industry, academia, startups, government and the investment ecosystem to deliberate on the future of innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies in India. 

The initiative aims to create a structured, pan-India league of hackathons, innovation challenges, startup accelerators and mentorship programs that will empower students and young entrepreneurs to solve real-world problems through technology and innovation.

Leadership Driving the Movement
hackFront India is spearheaded by Mr. Rishab Ilwadi, Co-Founder & CEO of Where U Elevate, whose vision is to create a nationwide platform for innovation, entrepreneurship and youth leadership. He is supported by an accomplished Executive Council comprising leaders from academia, industry, technology, startups and public policy.

The initiative is guided by an esteemed Advisory and Mentorship Council that includes industry veterans Mr. Amresh Khar and Mr. Dhiraj Tripathi, Founder & CEO of AutoBridge Ventures, Academic Leader Dr. Alok Nikhil Jha, Coordinator & Head, Innovation, IIIT Delhi. Together, they bring strategic expertise, industry insights and mentorship to help nurture India’s next generation of innovators.

Leadership Voices
Speaking at the launch, the distinguished Guests of Honour and thought leaders attending the forum—including Dr. Vinod Bind, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri Anshoo Pandey, Director, Ministry of Mines, Dr. Pankaj Tripathi, Thought Leader, Shri Vinit Goenka, Secretary, Centre for Knowledge Sovereignity and Ms. Malgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Director, Polish Institute, New Delhi – emphasized that India’s innovation journey cannot be built solely in boardrooms and research laboratories. It must be powered by millions of young minds across schools, colleges, universities, and startup ecosystems.

They underscored the critical need to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by enhancing youth employability, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating pathways for meaningful careers in both the corporate and public sectors.

The industry and academia leaders including Mr. Manish Gurnani, CTO, Ksolves India Limited, Mr. Praveen Dwivedi, VP-Public Sector, iLink Digital, Mr. Bhavesh Kataria – CEO, Telio Talent, Mr. Mukesh Bansal, Deputy General Manager – Renewable Energy, Havells, Mr. Om Prakash Maurya, Delivery Head, Ksolves India Limited , Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Vice Chancellor, Metro University, Imran Yusuf, COO, Electropreneur Park – STPI, Dr. Sunita Yadav, Dean, Computer Science, Inderprastha Engineering College, Dr. Anjani Kumar Bhatnagar, Additional Director – Placements, Amity University, Dr. Abhinav Juneja, Director, CRPC, KIET University, also highlighted the importance of providing structured mentorship, incubation support, industry exposure, and investor access to promising innovators emerging from the six-month hackFront India Innovation League. The initiative aims not only to identify talent but also to help transform innovative ideas into scalable ventures, employment opportunities, and nation-building solutions.

“While Bharat Innovates is showcasing India’s innovation excellence to the world, hackFront India aims to discover, nurture, and empower the innovators who will represent India on such global platforms in the years ahead. By strengthening employability, entrepreneurship, and incubation support, we are contributing to the creation of a future-ready workforce and building Bharat’s Innovation Decade.“

Event Details
Event: hackFront India Leadership Forum
Date: 13 June 2026
Venue: Constitution Club of India, New Delhi
Theme: Building Bharat’s Innovation Decade – A National Dialogue on Talent, Technology and Entrepreneurship 
The forum witnessed participation from distinguished leaders representing industry, academia, startups, government institutions, investors and innovation ecosystems from across India.

About hackFront India
hackFront India – an initiative of Where U Elevate – is a national innovation league dedicated to nurturing young builders, entrepreneurs and technology innovators through hackathons, innovation challenges, mentorship, incubation support and industry engagement. The initiative seeks to create a nationwide platform that transforms ideas into impactful ventures and contributes to India’s emergence as a global innovation leader.

Special Public Prosecutor for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Advocate Gautam Khazanchi, engaged a packed auditorium of law students at Galgotias University in a detailed discussion on bail jurisprudence, constitutional safeguards under Article 22, PMLA, and the evolving complexities of criminal litigation in India.
 

An insightful session with Advocate Gautam Khazanchi, bridging legal theory with real-world criminal litigation for Galgotias University law students

The distinguished lecture examined contemporary issues surrounding criminal justice, liberty, due process, economic offences, and the interpretation of state powers within the Indian legal system. The session brought students into discussion with one of the most debated areas of contemporary criminal law, particularly the judicial balancing of individual liberty with the interests of justice.
 

During the lecture, Advocate Gautam Khazanchi discussed the constitutional foundations governing bail in India and explained how judicial interpretation has evolved through landmark precedents. Referring to courtroom practice and contemporary legal developments, he examined the principles that guide courts while granting or refusing bail in criminal cases.
 

The discussion also examined constitutional safeguards under Article 22 of the Indian Constitution, including protections relating to arrest, detention, legal representation, and procedural rights available to accused persons within the criminal justice system.
 

A major focus of the lecture was the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the role of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in financial crime investigations. The session explored the stringent “twin conditions” governing bail under the PMLA, recent judicial developments, procedural complexities in financial crime litigation, and the practical challenges faced by defence lawyers while representing clients in such matters.
 

Drawing from professional experience, he also discussed the changing nature of investigation processes, the increasing complexity of economic offences, and the growing importance of constitutional safeguards in cases involving financial and national security-related matters.
 

Students listened with rapt attention throughout the session and actively participated in an engaging question-and-answer discussion on constitutional rights, ED investigations, judicial interpretation, bail jurisprudence, and courtroom strategy.
 

The lecture closely follows the recently concluded International Conference on Comparative Law organised by the School of Law at Galgotias University in collaboration with the School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Australia. The conference brought together Supreme Court judges, legal scholars, senior advocates, academicians, and practitioners to deliberate on constitutional law, arbitration, governance, technology, business regulation, human rights, and international legal frameworks.
 

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “This lecture closely follows the International Conference on Comparative Law at Galgotias University and continues our effort to provide students regular opportunities to engage with leading judges, legal scholars, senior advocates, and practitioners working on contemporary legal and policy issues. Discussions around criminal law today increasingly involve constitutional rights, financial regulation, technology, digital evidence, and national security. Exposure to such conversations helps students better understand how legal principles are interpreted and applied within real judicial and investigative contexts.”
 

The School of Law at Galgotias University has been steadily expanding its academic and industry engagement initiatives through lectures, moot courts, policy discussions, legal aid programmes, research conferences, and interactions with judges, senior advocates, policymakers, and legal practitioners.
 

The lecture is one more step in the School of Law’s continuing focus on building a contemporary, practice-oriented, and globally engaged legal education ecosystem that exposes students to real-world legal developments, courtroom realities, and evolving judicial discourse.
 

About Galgotias University

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

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

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

Mediascope has been appointed the exclusive India representative for Future Forum, a new global platform that will convene global business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, creators, innovators, and academics through thought leadership sessions, immersive experiences, networking forums, podcasts, live showcases, and curated cultural programming.
 

Mediascope is exclusive India representative for Future Forum, a platform connecting visionaries building tomorrow’s world

The weight of institutional support behind Future Forum signals an initiative of genuine global consequence. The UK Government’s Department for Business & Trade lends sovereign credibility and opens the door to policy-level dialogue. Meta, through its Reality Labs division, brings the frontier of immersive technology as launch partner. The British Chambers of Commerce brings the collective voice of UK business behind the platform. And Future Forum’s home, King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter is internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading clusters of AI, technology, science, education, and culture, home to global pioneers including Meta and Synthesia alongside institutions such as the Crick Institute and UCL. Additional collaborators include Soho Theatre, Project Everyone, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and Innovate UK. For Indian participants, this is not simply access to a conference; it is a seat at the table with the institutions defining the next decade of global business, policy, and innovation.

As part of the exclusive mandate, Mediascope will lead partnerships, brand participation, and delegate engagement for India, enabling Indian companies and institutions to connect with international business leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators.
 

India’s role in Future Forum was not an afterthought. From the platform’s founding, India was specifically identified as one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation and business ecosystems – a recognition embedded in Future Forum’s original international strategy and a key driver of its global expansion plans for 2027 and 2028. Mediascope’s appointment as exclusive India representative marks the formal opening of that chapter.

Future Forum has been founded by Matt Scheckner, the founding CEO of Advertising Week, and is led by Rupert Turnbull (Former Director of Fortune in Europe), alongside Oli Barrett MBE (serial entrepreneur and co-founder of StartUp Britain) and Rebecca Eaves (Former Director of Advertising Week Europe).
 

Matt Scheckner, Chairman & Founder of Future Forum, said, “Future Forum is about bringing together the people and ideas that will shape what comes next. As we expand our international footprint, partnering with Mediascope gives us access to a highly credible and deeply connected organization with decades of expertise across media, government, business, and culture. Their understanding of India’s evolving global influence makes them the ideal partner to help connect Indian leaders, brands, and innovators with the Future Forum community.”
 

Rupert Turnbull, CEO of Future Forum, said, “Future Forum is designed to connect people, industries, and ideas that are shaping the future. As we build a global platform with the support of the UK Department for Business & Trade, we are excited to partner with Mediascope to create new opportunities for Indian brands and business leaders to participate in these important conversations”
 

Marzban Patel, Founder & CEO, Mediascope, said, “Indian businesses today are looking for global platforms that create meaningful strategic engagement and collaboration opportunities. Future Forum offers a unique intersection of innovation, culture, technology, and creativity, and we are proud to exclusively represent the platform in India.”
 

Future Forum is a year-round initiative culminating in a landmark global gathering from 13-15 October 2026 at King’s Cross, London.
 

The India mandate will be led by Khushboo Gupta, CBO, Encore Studios and EVP – Strategic Initiatives at Mediascope, who will drive partnerships and stakeholder engagement for Future Forum across India.
 

Khushboo Gupta, CBO, Encore Studios | EVP – Strategic Initiatives added, “Future Forum is a platform where creativity, technology, business, and culture genuinely intersect. Through this partnership, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for Indian brands and leaders to engage with an influential global ecosystem shaping the future across industries.”
 

The platform is organised around six interconnected themes that resonate directly with India’s most ambitious national priorities:

Work Reimagined — the future of talent, technology, and productivity;

Human Upgrades — health, longevity, and human performance;

Making & Materials — the new frontiers of engineering and advanced manufacturing;

Systems in Motion — the networks moving people, goods, capital, and data;

Living Planet — climate resilience and regenerative systems;

and Press Play — how breakthrough AI and creative expression shape our shared realities.
 

From India’s manufacturing renaissance and world-leading fintech sector to its growing life sciences and digital infrastructure ambitions, these themes speak directly to where India is heading and the global conversations Indian leaders are best placed to shape.

About Future Forum

Future Forum is a year-round global platform focused on the intersection of creativity, technology, innovation, and leadership. Supported by the UK Department for Business & Trade, the platform brings together leaders across industries, generations, and geographies through live events, podcasts, regional forums, and collaborative programming designed to shape the future.

About Mediascope

Mediascope is India’s premier global media and strategic communications company, specialising in connecting Indian brands and institutions with the world’s most influential international media platforms, audiences, and partnerships. With deep expertise in cross-border thought leadership, brand representation, and high-value strategic engagement, Mediascope helps Indian businesses navigate, participate in, and lead on the global stage. Through its Encore Studios division, Mediascope brings an additional layer of creative and content capabilities to its global partnerships.

Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd., one of India’s leading real estate and infrastructure developers, announced that Intellion Park Chennai (formerly Ramanujan IT Park) achieved WELL Core Platinum certification across all buildings from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). This makes Intellion Park Chennai India’s largest WELL Core Platinum Certified campus, with no other campus in the country having such a large cluster of WELL Platinum-certified buildings within a single development. This achievement further makes the campus among the world’s largest campuses to achieve WELL certification at this scale and reflects the consistency of Intellion Park Chennai’s design and operational standards.
 

Intellion Park, Chennai by Tata Realty
 

The WELL Core Platinum certification evaluates ten parameters directly linked to occupant health and productivity, including air quality, light quality, thermal comfort, and acoustic design, thereby setting a measurable standard for how workplaces support the people within them.
 

The scale of this achievement along with being India’s first IFC EDGE Zero Carbon-certified distinguishes Intellion Park Chennai not only within India, but globally, with very few workplace campuses worldwide having achieved WELL Core Platinum certification across an entire multi-building cluster, reinforcing Tata Realty’s leadership in future-ready and environmentally responsible workspaces.
 

“Climate change, severe heat waves, and delayed or excessive rainfall are no longer future concerns, but realities being experienced every year. This has made sustainability and well-being central to how workplaces and cities must evolve,” said Sanjay Dutt, MD & CEO, Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited. “At the Tata Group, responsible nation-building and sustainability have always been integral to our philosophy, and at Tata Realty, we are committed to carrying that forward through future-ready developments. The WELL Core Platinum certification for Intellion Park Chennai reflects our focus on creating healthier, more resilient workplace ecosystems aligned with global ESG and wellness standards.”
 

India’s rapid growth as a hub for GCCs and MNCs has sharpened occupier expectations around workspace quality. Organisations expanding into India are increasingly requiring office environments that meet global ESG benchmarks, support employee well-being and meet the governance expectations of global stakeholders. Intellion Park Chennai’s triple certification directly addresses this demand.
 

“Our goal at Intellion Offices has always been to deliver workplaces that hold their own against the best in the world, not just in design, but in sustainability performance and occupier experience,” said Ritesh Sachdev, Senior Vice President & Head – Commercial Leasing, Tata Realty. “For GCC operators and multinationals, certified, future-ready infrastructure is increasingly non-negotiable. This achievement gives our tenants a workplace they can point to with confidence, one that enhances productivity while aligning with global wellness and ESG standards.”
 

About Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited (TRIL)

Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited (Tata Realty), a leading institutional real estate developer in India, is a fully owned subsidiary of Tata Sons Private Limited. Keeping with the Tata philosophy of leadership in sectors of national economic significance, Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited was set up to identify the most promising opportunities for growth in the Indian real estate and infrastructure arena.
 

Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited is currently focused on long-term infrastructure projects of national significance, as well as mixed-use projects in the real estate sector. The company designs, builds, and manages smart, secure, sustainable, and socially conscious spaces across residential and commercial developments.
 

The commercial portfolio, “Intellion” office parks in key Indian cities, boasts over 9.4 million sq. ft. of developed space and 10.2 million sq. ft. under development from the current landbank. Further, Tata Realty plans to augment this portfolio to 27 million sq. ft. by 2030. The portfolio houses a diverse clientele of over 102 tenants, including Fortune 500 companies and multinational corporations.
 

Committed to creating future-ready workplaces, Tata Realty integrates sustainability, wellness, and operational excellence across its commercial developments. Additionally, all Intellion campuses have achieved WELL ratings from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), supporting healthier workplace environments. Notably, Intellion Park Chennai is India’s largest WELL Core Platinum Certified campus and was also India’s first IFC EDGE Zero Carbon-certified development.
 

Beyond functionality, Intellion office parks offer thoughtfully curated experiences through wellness and fitness facilities, entertainment options, art integrations, and diverse culinary offerings, helping create vibrant and sustainable workplace ecosystems.

For more information, visit tatarealty.in or www.intellion.in.
 

In case of any queries, please feel free to reach out: tatarealty@adfactorspr.com.

Some voices are born on grand stages. Others begin in the quiet corners of ordinary homes, waiting for an opportunity to be heard. For 12-year-old Abhisheka, a government school student from a small village in Tamil Nadu and the daughter of a daily-wage labourer, that opportunity arrived through a reality television show. What began as a dream nurtured amidst humble circumstances culminated in a defining moment at the grand finale, where Abhisheka was crowned the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs Season 5 and became the recipient of a Rs. 1 crore worth dream home from DRA. As the show’s Proud Home Partner, DRA introduced this first-of-its-kind initiative, making homeownership a reality for the young champion.

DRA honours the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs Abhisheka  with Rs. 1 Crore worth Dream Home

Abhisheka’s journey is a remarkable story of talent, perseverance and excellence. Raised in a humble family and pursuing her education in a government school, she nurtured her passion for music with unwavering dedication and resilience. Throughout the competition, she consistently impressed audiences and judges alike with her exceptional performances, standing out among six highly talented finalists. Her musical prowess, determination and ability to connect with listeners ultimately earned her the title, making her a truly deserving winner. Her inspiring journey has resonated with audiences across Tamil Nadu, demonstrating how talent, when given the right platform and opportunity, can achieve extraordinary success.

The announcement of the dream home during the grand finale transformed Abhisheka’s victory into a life-changing milestone, marking DRA’s first-of-its-kind initiative by a real estate developer to gift a Rs. 1 crore worth home through a television music competition, celebrating not only musical excellence but also the extraordinary journey behind it.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Manoj Vasudevan, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, DRA Homes, said, “At DRA, we believe that every dream deserves a strong foundation. Abhisheka’s victory is a testament to the power of talent, hard work and determination. Her performances consistently raised the bar throughout the season, helping her emerge as a deserving winner among an exceptionally talented group of contestants. As a company that builds homes, we wanted to celebrate her achievement in the most meaningful way possible by gifting her and her family a home that symbolises security, opportunity and a brighter future. This moment goes beyond sponsorship. It is about recognising determination, resilience and talent. We hope Abhisheka’s story inspires young people everywhere to believe that no dream is too big and no beginning is too small.”

Speaking about her victory, Ms. Abhisheka said, “Winning Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs Season 5 is something I never imagined when I first stepped onto the stage. Receiving a home makes this moment even more special for me and my family. This is not just a prize; it is a blessing and a dream come true. I am grateful to everyone who believed in me, supported me and encouraged me throughout this journey.”

Aired on Zee Tamil and streamed on ZEE5, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs Season 5 has celebrated some of the most promising young musical talents from across the state. For many viewers, Abhisheka’s victory stands as a powerful reminder that extraordinary talent can emerge from the most ordinary beginnings.

For more information, please visit: Flats in Chennai, Properties in Chennai.

About DRA

DRA, with an impressive legacy of over 40 years, has become a trusted name in the real estate industry, delivering world-class projects across Chennai. With more than 12,000 satisfied customers, DRA is synonymous with trust, transparency, and timely delivery. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, DRA goes beyond just building apartments by offering its customers a ‘Home of Pride’ — thoughtfully designed living spaces that cater to evolving lifestyles and embody a sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Driven by a culture of innovation and customer-centricity, DRA has introduced several industry-first initiatives. The company is the first builder in India to conduct 1,357 quality checks before customer handover and the first builder in India to make all its employees co-owners, reinforcing a strong sense of ownership and accountability across the organisation. DRA is also the first builder to introduce a Construction Timeline Meter, enabling customers to track project progress with greater transparency while supporting faster delivery timelines.

Reflecting the trust it has earned among homebuyers, DRA maintains an industry-leading 93% Customer Delight Score. The company’s projects have also delivered up to 60% price appreciation within three years of launch, creating long-term value for homeowners and investors alike.

Innovations like the Timeline Meter for project updates and the Customer Delight Meter reflect DRA’s unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, while its online customer portal ensures hassle-free access to project details and documentation. Signature developments such as DRA Tuxedo, 90 Degrees, Ascot, Skylantis, Infinique and iHeart exemplify the company’s commitment to blending modernity with value-driven investments.

Recognized with awards such as FICCI’s REISA and the Times Business Awards, DRA holds the distinction of being Chennai’s first developer with CRISIL’s 7-star grading. Beyond real estate, the company actively contributes to society through initiatives such as pond restoration, nurturing young sporting talent and supporting community development. Upholding its motto, “Timeless Homes, Timely Delivery,” DRA continues to inspire pride and trust in every home it creates, turning dreams into lasting legacies.