• The private industry grew by 8% in New Business Premium in H1 FY26.

• Renewal premiums increased by 43% YoY in H1 FY26

• Individual new business APE grew 8% YoY during the same period

Shriram Life Insurance Company Ltd. (SLIC) reported a 17% year-on-year growth in Individual New Business Premium (NBP) in H1 FY26, rising from Rs. 542 crore in H1 FY25 to Rs. 635 crore in H1 FY26. In comparison, the private industry grew by 8% during the same period.

SLIC’s individual new business APE grew 8% year-on-year to Rs. 544 crore in H1 FY26 from Rs. 506 crore. Renewal premiums increased by 43% YoY in the first half of the fiscal. It grew to Rs. 1,024 in H1 FY26 from Rs. 715 crore in H1 FY25.

The company settled 37,850 individual and group policies in H1 FY26. It settled 30,884 policies in H1 FY25. The claim settlement ratio for FY25 stands at 98.31%. The solvency ratio for H1FY26 is 1.56.

Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life Insurance

Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life Insurance, said, “Our strategy has always been focused on making life insurance simpler and more accessible for everyone we serve. Leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience remains a top priority. Our strong growth in renewal premiums demonstrates that we have earned the trust of our customers, reflecting the effectiveness of our approach and the dedication of our teams.”

“The government’s decision to reduce GST on individual term insurance policies from 18% to zero is a landmark move that will propel the industry forward for a long period of time. This makes pure protection more affordable for millions of Indians and strengthens trust and accessibility in the insurance ecosystem for the long term,” he added.

Sequentially, SLIC reported a 53% quarter-on-quarter growth in its individual new business annualized premium equivalent (APE) growing to Rs. 329 crore in Q2FY26 from Rs. 215 crore in Q1FY26. Retail New Business Premium grew 47% quarter-on-quarter to Rs. 378 crore in Q2 FY26 from Rs. 257 crore in Q1 FY26.

Individual Renewal premiums rose by 71%, reaching Rs. 552 crore in Q2 FY26, compared to Rs. 323 crore in Q1 of FY26. Total premium grew 26%, up from Rs. 863 crore in Q1 FY26 to Rs. 1,091 crore in Q2 FY26.

The number of policies sold was up by 35% with SLIC selling 117,317 policies in Q2 FY26 as compared to 86,750 in Q1 FY26.

Jointly promoted by Shriram Group and Africa’s Sanlam Group, SLIC’s Assets Under Management as of September 2025 stood at Rs. 14,187 crore, up 15% from Rs. 12,310 crore in H1 FY25.

(All figures in Rs. crore)

About Shriram Life Insurance Company

Shriram Life Insurance is committed to serving the underserved and unserved segments of India, focusing on families that truly need financial protection. With a network of 651 branches across the country, the company offers a range of affordable products including term, endowment, ULIPs, and annuities—tailored for rural and urban middle-class customers. With over 14.6 lakh in-force policyholders and Rs. 14,187 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), as of September 2025, the company continues to drive financial inclusion by addressing the needs of the most deserving households. Shriram Life Insurance provides user-friendly apps for policy purchase, premium payment, claim settlement, and customer support—making insurance simple, accessible, and convenient for every customer.

About Shriram Group

Shriram Group is one of India’s leading financial conglomerates, with a strong presence in retail financing, asset reconstruction, wealth management, life insurance, general insurance, chit funds, stock broking, financial product distribution, and asset management services. The Group’s focus is on serving underserved communities, driven by its financial inclusion agenda to bring finance to low-income families and small businesses. Shriram Group serves over 3.44 crore customers, has a marketing force of more than 1.79 lakh, employs over 1.16 lakh people, and operates through more than 4,675 branches. It manages an AUM of Rs. 3.49 lakh crore as of June 2025.

The financial sector plays an important role in supporting economic activity. It includes banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), insurance providers, asset management companies, and fintech firms. Together, these entities facilitate essential services such as credit, savings, protection, and investment.

Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund NFO: Live Now

If you are considering sectoral mutual fund investments, the Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund may be an option to explore. It is an open-ended equity scheme investing in companies that form part of India’s financial ecosystem. The New Fund Offer (NFO) opens on Monday, November 10, 2025, and closes on Monday, November 24, 2025. The scheme reopens for subscription within five business days of the allotment date.

Understanding the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance sector
The Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector consists of companies that provide banking and allied financial services. These include commercial banks, NBFCs, insurance companies, housing finance providers, capital market intermediaries, and fintech platforms. Each category contributes to expanding access to financial products and services.

You may consider exposure to this sector if you wish to participate in themes linked to India’s financial evolution. Structural reforms, increasing digital penetration, and growing financial inclusion continue to shape the BFSI landscape.

What are Banking and Financial Services Funds?
Banking and Financial Services Funds are sectoral equity schemes that invest in companies operating within the BFSI sector. When you invest in such a fund, your investment may be spread across banks, NBFCs, insurance firms, fintech players, and other financial service providers.

These schemes have a defined investment universe related to the financial services industry. They allow you to focus on a sector that supports various areas of economic activity, such as credit distribution, capital markets, and digital financial services.

About Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund
The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund seeks to invest in companies that are part of India’s financial ecosystem. Its investment universe includes businesses across banking, insurance, capital markets, asset management, and related financial service categories.

The fund follows an ecosystem-based investment approach. Instead of focusing only on traditional banking institutions, it also considers companies that facilitate lending, savings, investment, and risk management. This provides a more comprehensive view of the financial services segment.

Investment approach
The scheme’s investment approach is designed to identify companies that are part of the broader financial services value chain. This includes entities that enable transactions, manage assets, or offer financial protection.

For you as an investor, this may translate into exposure to both established and emerging companies within the BFSI sector. The portfolio construction process is guided by the fund’s investment philosophy, research framework, and risk management parameters, as stated in the Scheme Information Document (SID).

How you may evaluate this fund
The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund belongs to the sectoral category of equity mutual funds. It may be suitable if you understand sectoral investing and are comfortable with its associated risks.

Sectoral and thematic schemes are influenced by factors specific to their respective sectors/themes. It is therefore important to review whether this investment aligns with your financial goals, investment horizon, and risk tolerance. You may also consider diversifying across different mutual fund categories to manage overall portfolio risk.

Before making any investment, you should read the Scheme Information Document and Key Information Memorandum carefully to understand the fund’s investment objective, asset allocation, and risk factors. Consulting your financial advisor may also help determine whether the scheme aligns with your broader investment plan.

Positioning within the financial ecosystem
The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund invests in companies representing different aspects of India’s financial ecosystem. Its portfolio may include businesses across banking, insurance, capital markets, and digital finance.

This diversified exposure allows the fund to represent multiple dimensions of the financial services industry while adhering to its stated investment mandate.Conclusion.

The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund offers an opportunity to invest in companies that form part of India’s financial services landscape. If you wish to include exposure to this sector in your mutual fund portfolio, you may consider evaluating the scheme based on your investment goals and time horizon.

As with all equity mutual funds, reviewing the fund documents and understanding its strategy may help you make an informed decision.

New Fund Offer Opens on: Monday, November 10, 2025
New Fund Offer Closes on: Monday, November 24, 2025
Scheme re-opens on: Within five business days of allotment date

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

• Prize Purse of INR 1 crore

• Field to feature leading names such as PGTI Ranking leader Yuvraj Sandhu, Arjun Prasad, N Thangaraja, Shaurya Bhattacharya & Angad Cheema 

The Trident Group and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the official sanctioning body of professional golf in India, today jointly announced the inaugural edition of the Trident Open golf tournament which will be held at the esteemed Chandigarh Golf Club from November 11 – 14, 2025. The tournament carries a prize purse of INR 1 crore.

Rajya Sabha MP & Trident Group Chairman Emeritus Padma Shri Rajinder Gupta with PGTI and Chandigarh Golf Club officials at the launch of the inaugural ‘Trident Open’ Golf Tournament

The tournament will be preceded by the Am-Am event on November 8 and the Pro-Am event on November 9.

The tournament is supported by Title Sponsor Trident Group. Trident Group is an Indian business conglomerate and global player led by the dynamic Mr. Rajinder Gupta, Member Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chairman. Headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, Trident is one of the largest players in home textiles in India and abroad. The company operates in three major business segments: Textiles, Paper (Wheat Straw-based), and Chemicals, with its manufacturing facilities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

Unveiling trophy of the ‘Trident Open’ Golf Tournament Rajya Sabha MP & Trident Group Chairman Emeritus Padma Shri Rajinder Gupta with officials from PGTI and Chandigarh Golf Club

The tournament will feature leading Indian professionals such as 2025 PGTI Ranking leader Yuvraj Sandhu, Arjun Prasad, Shaurya Bhattacharya, Angad Cheema, Om Prakash Chouhan and Manu Gandas, to name a few.

Besides Yuvraj Sandhu and Angad Cheema, the Chandigarh Tricity will be represented by the likes of Jairaj Singh Sandhu, Akshay Sharma, Ravi Kumar, Abhijit Singh Chadha, Brijesh Kumar, Raunil Kukar, Anant Singh Ahlawat, Amrit Lal, Chandarjeet Yadav, Brashwarpal Singh, Umed Kumar (PGTI NEXGEN Order of Merit champion), Vasu Sehgal and Vishav Pratap Singh Gill, to name a few.  

The prominent foreign names in the field include Sri Lankans N Thangaraja and K Prabagaran, Bangladeshis Jamal Hossain, Md Siddikur Rahman, Badal Hossain and Md Akbar Hossain, Americans Koichiro Sato and Derek Trofimczuk, Nepal’s Subash Tamang, Italy’s Federico Zucchetti and Uganda’s Joshua Seale.

Twenty-one-year-old Shubham Jaglan, former India No. 1 in the Junior Category, who has recently been playing college golf in the United States, will be making his PGTI debut at this week’s Trident Open.

This is a 72-hole stroke-play tournament featuring a field of 126 players including 123 professionals and three amateurs. The cut will be applied after the first 36 holes. The top 50 players and ties will make the halfway cut and continue to play for another 36 holes.

Padma Shri Rajinder Gupta, Member Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chairman Emeritus, Trident Group, said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of the inaugural Trident Open Golf Championship, in collaboration with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), and under the esteemed leadership of Kapil Dev Ji—a true sporting international icon and a symbol of national pride. This initiative stands as testament to Trident’s unwavering commitment to the promotion of sports and the pursuit of excellence across all spheres of human endeavour. At Trident, we view golf as more than just a sport—it is a discipline that reflects precision, strategy, and connection, all of which deeply resonate with our core values of fostering meaningful and enduring partnerships. We are especially honoured to host this prestigious event at the Chandigarh Golf Club, affectionately known as the ‘Nursery of Indian Golf’, celebrated for its rich legacy of shaping champions who have brought glory to the nation.”

Mr. Kapil Dev, President, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), said, “It gives me great pleasure to join hands with the Trident Group to announce the inaugural Trident Open, an event that reflects the growing strength and stature of professional golf in India. Our partnership with the Trident Group highlights our shared commitment to nurturing excellence and expanding opportunities for professional golfers across the country. The Chandigarh Golf Club, one of the leading championship venues in the country with a rich legacy of producing champion golfers, provides the ideal setting to stage the inaugural Trident Open. I extend my best wishes to all competitors and hope this tournament becomes a proud tradition in the years to come.”

Mr. Ravibir Singh, President, Chandigarh Golf Club, said, “It is a matter of immense pride for The Chandigarh Golf Club to host the inaugural edition of the PGTI’s Trident Open and a pleasure to have the Trident Group support golf. We have partnered with PGTI over the years and it has been a privilege to bring their prestigious tournaments to the City Beautiful. This tournament will provide a great opportunity for our members and golf fans in the Tricity to witness golf of the highest quality. On behalf of The Chandigarh Golf Club, I extend my warmest welcome to all participants of the Trident Open 2025 and wish them an enjoyable and memorable event on our hallowed greens which has been a nursery for golf in India.”

The venue for the tournament, the Chandigarh Golf Club, is home to a 7,202-yard, 18-hole, Par-72 course, known for its tight fairways, which are lined by thick mango, jamun, eucalyptus and kikar trees and thick roughs. There are quite a few dogleg holes here, but none gives the players a chance to take the shortcut as tall trees almost always guard the corners. The Club also possesses one of the longest Par-5s in India, the seventh hole, which measures 613 yards.

PGTI’s continuous efforts to grow professional golf in India are supported all year round by its Tour Partners Rolex, Amul, IndusInd Bank, Victorious Choice, Campa, Amrutanjan Electro Plus, Golf Plus Monthly and Golf Design India.

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru, came alive with energy, colour, and curiosity as it hosted the third edition of its flagship event, Open House 3.0, at the Yelahanka campus. The day-long event reimagined the university space as a living, breathing roadmap to the future, where classrooms turned into labs of discovery and corridors echoed with creativity and collaboration.

Participants engage in hands-on experiences bringing learnings to life at MAHE BLRU Open House 3.0

This edition of Open House recorded a remarkable turnout, including both students & parents. It went beyond an institutional showcase; it was an invitation to experience the future of learning. From interactive workshops and live demonstrations to student performances and thought-provoking showcases, every corner of the campus told a story of innovation and community.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, said, “The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed today reaffirms MAHE’s commitment to deliver transformative education that prepares students for tomorrow’s challenges. Education today is not about transferring knowledge. It’s about transforming curiosity into capability. Open House 3.0 is where that transformation becomes visible. You can see it in how our students engage, how ideas come alive, and how learning extends beyond the classroom.”

The leadership address held in the afternoon drew wide attention as Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, along with the senior leadership team, shared insights on MAHE Bengaluru’s vision for future-ready education and its evolving placement ecosystem. Their discussion underscored how the university is aligning academic excellence with industry relevance, preparing students not just for their first jobs, but for meaningful, long-term careers in a rapidly changing world.

Campus Comes Alive with Curiosity and Creativity

The buzz began at T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI-BLR), where visitors stepped into spaces that blurred the lines between classroom and boardroom. Inside the Family Business League, students and parents worked shoulder-to-shoulder, tackling real-world business challenges in a charged atmosphere of collaboration and creativity. Just next door, the TAPMI Student Museum offered quieter reflection, an inspiring gallery of student projects and internship stories that captured the institute’s ethos of learning by doing. Together, these experiences illustrated TAPMI’s belief that leadership is not taught in theory but lived through action and engagement.

As visitors moved across the campus, creativity and critical thinking took centre stage. The Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (DLHSS) invited participants to explore learning through movement, art, and reflection, with workshops in Dance Movement Therapy, Visual Storytelling, and Mapping the World through Social Sciences. The School of Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology (SMI) added to this creative energy through Designing Workshops and Screen-Printing Studios that turned ideas into tangible expressions of imagination. The Manipal Law School (MLS) engaged audiences through a lively Moot Court and Pop Quiz on Legal Curiosities, blending academic rigour with interactive learning.

Innovation continued to thrive across other schools. The Department of Commerce (DOC) turned finance into play through Fin-Analytics: The Case Study Challenge and Dunk Your Investment, where data-driven decision-making became a game of insight and instinct. The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT-BLR) offered a glimpse into tomorrow with its Autonomous Mobility showcase and interactive AR/VR labs, giving visitors firsthand experience of engineering innovation. At the Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MIRM), science came alive through model-making, puzzles, and interactive exhibits that invited participants to explore the marvels of biomedical discovery with childlike curiosity. Across every corner, MAHE Bengaluru’s Open House 3.0 transformed curiosity into experience, showing what a truly future-ready campus looks and feels like

Rooted in Legacy, Ready for Tomorrow

As the day drew to a close, Open House 3.0 left behind more than the excitement of discovery; it left a vision for what education can become. The event reaffirmed MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to experiential and interdisciplinary learning that nurtures knowledge, creativity, and empathy in equal measure.

Building on the globally recognized legacy of MAHE Manipal, MAHE Bengaluru embodies the idea of a future-ready campus where academic excellence, innovation, and real-world engagement come together to prepare learners for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world. In doing so, it continues to strengthen MAHE’s position as a leader in shaping the next generation of thinkers and innovators.

Zupee, one of India’s leading mobile gaming innovators, is bringing new life to beloved classics by reinventing board games for the digital age now with dazzling free-to-play themes and modes that appeal to modern tastes. As the company expanded to a focus on fun, accessibility, and creativity, Zupee is setting the standard for next-generation entertainment, all with zero entry fee.
 

Zupee free to play model
 

Modernizing the Classics for Indian Audiences

At the heart of Zupee’s transformation lies a bold ambition: to take ageless board games like Ludo, Carrom, and Snakes & Ladders and reimagine them for a new era. The result is a slate of games that stay true to their original rules while infusing each match with speed, excitement, and smart twists. Gone are the slow hours and passive play. On Zupee, every match is strategic, social, and tailor-made for India’s quick breaks, office downtime, and fast-moving routines.
 

The standout in Zupee’s collection is its free Ludo game matches, which features inventive variants such as Ludo Supreme, Ludo Turbo, and Ludo Supreme League. What sets these apart isn’t just their free access, but also their innovative mechanics. For instance, all tokens are in play from the start – no more waiting for a six to roll. The matches are lightning-quick, with most wrapping up in 5-10 minutes, adjustable game formats let users pick their preferred level of challenge, and the points system transforms classic gameplay into a contest of wit and reflexes.

New Board Game Modes

Traditional board games might have hinged on chance, but Zupee’s digital versions put planning, and tactics front and center. In every match, victory comes down to making the smartest move, anticipating your opponent’s strategy, and maximizing points within limited moves or time:

• Ludo Supreme invites players to score as many points as possible in a time-limited match, with each move and capture counting for points.

• Ludo Turbo offers a set number of moves, making efficient play essential for victory.

• Ludo Supreme League transforms gameplay into a leaderboard competition, encouraging long-term engagement and strategic mastery.
  ​

Other throwbacks have received similar upgrades – Snakes & Ladders Plus is remade for fast-paced digital competition, while Carrom Ninja features streamlined gameplay and numbered tokens for faster, hassle-free rounds. Even cricket and card game fans are not left behind, with titles like Trump Cards Mania blending sports trivia and classic tabletop mechanics for a uniquely Indian experience.

Free for All, Always

Zupee’s free-to-play online games have proven a windfall for millions of casual gaming lovers. By focusing on accessibility, Zupee has amassed over 150 million users across India. The platform’s multilingual support guarantees everyone can join the fun, while round-the-clock customer support ensures a smooth ride from registration to the winner’s circle. By making classic Indian board games digital, fun, and endlessly customizable, Zupee has shown how traditional gameplay can stay relevant in the digital age.

Reinventing Digital Entertainment in India

Zupee’s creative spin on board games brings timeless fun to today’s fast-paced world. With an ever-evolving lineup of themes and features, the platform is turning traditional pastimes into thrilling contests that unite players across India – no dice roll or rainy afternoon required.

• With 300+ submissions from 40 countries & six continents, TIFA is India’s largest student-led global film festival 

• TIFA 2025 Poised to Elevate Young Filmmakers and Content Creators

The fourth annual Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) 2025, hosted by RV University’s School of Film, Media & Creative Arts in Bengaluru from Nov 10-14, is set to become an even more powerful stage for young filmmakers and content creators aged 13 to 25. Building on its recent growth, TIFA has quickly established itself as the city’s third-largest film festival after BIFFES and BISFF.

Teen Indie Film Awards 2025 organising team unveiling the festival catalogue

At its core, TIFA is not just a festival, but a launchpad where budding filmmakers meet industry. At the curtain raiser of TIFA 2025, H. N. Narahari Rao, President of Suchitra Film Society, unveiled the festival catalogue and teaser. The event also featured the screening of select films representing four continents and spanning four genres, offering a glimpse into the diversity and creative spirit of this year’s festival.

This year, the five-day festival is thoughtfully structured around key thematic zones, moving beyond a standard film celebration: Media Day (focused on journalism and media), AVGC Day (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), Regional Cinema Day (Karnataka as state in focus) and the Awards Night.

The esteemed jury panel features prominent names, including Television and Film Actor Amit Behl; Editor – International at TV9, R Sridharan; Assamese filmmaker and critic Utpal Datta; CEO and Founder of The Bridge, Amanda Groom; and Founder of Custard Apple Pictures, M.N. Gujari, Author, Ed Vollans, among others.

TIFA 2025 is deepening its focus on industry connections through partnerships with leading media houses and film production companies. Major players in the realm of Film and Media, such as Frameboxx, Hombale Films, TV9, among others will host dedicated sessions and masterclasses throughout the festival.

The festival will host a series of high-stake competitions designed to discover emerging voices in Film, Media & Creative Arts, including the AVGC Hackathon, RJ Hunt, and The Talent Hunt for Emerging Filmmakers of Tomorrow (THEFT), a thrilling 48-hour filmmaking challenge where winners stand a chance to be launched by Hombale Films.

“At 300+ submissions from 40 countries and six continents, TIFA, in its fourth edition, has truly emerged as India’s largest student-led global film festival dedicated to teenage and young adult filmmakers, ” said Prof. Piyush Roy, Founding Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at RV University. “With TIFA, we are creating a clear pathway from campus to screen, from idea to audience, and from young talent straight into professional careers.”

“With finalists having been selected across several genres – fiction, documentary, experimental and animation – and from different regions of Karnataka, India and the world, the festival is also emphasising its regional, national, and global breadth. TIFA will feature an opening film from North East India and has a clear roadmap for a future roadshow in Guwahati to further extend the platform’s national reach will seek to underline themes of childhood and diversity in the youth experience from across the world,” said Vedant Panamgipalli, 3rd Year BSc. Filmmaking Student at the School of Film, Media and Creative Arts and Festival Director of TIFA 2025.

Those interested in attending the festival must register ahead to join this unparalleled celebration of youth creativity.

Chitkara University continues to strengthen its leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship as 18 student-led startups from the Entrepreneurship 101 Program represented the University at the Microsoft Office, Gurugram. The event marked a significant milestone in Chitkara University’s ongoing efforts to enable young innovators and transform ideas into impactful ventures.

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor along with Young innovators from Chitkara University who showcased their startups at Microsoft Office, Gurugram

Before embarking on this remarkable journey, the student founders had the honour of meeting Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, whose words of encouragement filled them with renewed confidence and purpose. Addressing the students, Dr. Madhu Chitkara said, “At Chitkara University, we believe that entrepreneurship is not just about creating businesses but about creating impact. Our students are equipped with the mindset to innovate fearlessly, persevere relentlessly, and build meaningfully. I am immensely proud to see them represent the University at such a prestigious platform and translate their ideas into ventures that can make a real difference.”

At the Microsoft Office, the young entrepreneurs presented their pioneering startups before a distinguished panel comprising investors, mentors, and members of the Microsoft leadership team. Their ventures spanned diverse sectors including healthtech, edtech, sustainability, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the University’s emphasis on innovation with social relevance and scalability.

Among the standout teams, InTheBox, Ecosteelix, and Navgati were recognised as the top three startups and awarded cash prizes for their innovative solutions. Several other teams received special recognitions and Microsoft goodies, while two startups drew deeper investor interest for mentorship and potential collaboration — a testament to the entrepreneurial drive flourishing at Chitkara University.

This initiative, organised under the aegis of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED), provided student entrepreneurs with valuable exposure, industry insights, and feedback from seasoned investors and business leaders.

Reflecting the spirit of Chitkara University — where ideas take shape, dreams find direction, and innovation meets opportunity — the event highlighted the tangible outcomes of a learning environment that integrates academic excellence with real-world experience.

Chitkara University takes immense pride in empowering students to dream big, build boldly, and shape the future of innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading institution committed to developing the next generation of changemakers.

About Chitkara University
Chitkara University is a distinguished private institution known for its commitment to fostering academic excellence, research, and innovation across various disciplines. With a focus on creating leaders of tomorrow, the university offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.

For more information visit : www.chitkara.edu.in

The Government Senior Secondary School, Bariakhop, celebrated its 75th anniversary with a historic transformation, emerging as a Smart Model School powered by Solar energy and digital innovation. This milestone was achieved by The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (AOL-SSRDP), founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in collaboration with Schneider Electric India Foundation, bringing sustainable and technology-driven education to rural Sikkim.

CM Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Minister Shri Raju Basnett, Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL-SSRDP & SSIAST, and other dignitaries

The inauguration event was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), Shri M. N. Sherpa, Hon’ble Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Shri Raju Basnett, Hon’ble Minister for Education, Shri Aditya Golay, Hon’ble MLA, Soreng Constituency, Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL-SSRDP and AOL-SSIAST, senior government officials, and Ms. Anjali Lekhi, Manager – CSR, Schneider Electric.

Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, AOL-SSRDP & SSIAST, welcomed Hon’ble CM Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay)

Bridging the Educational Divide through Technology and Sustainability

With the vision of a sustainable, self-reliant India, the Smart Model School Program by AOL-SSRDP bridges educational and digital divides through renewable energy, technology-enabled learning, and teacher capacity building.

The newly inaugurated Solar Smart School at Bariakhop features a 2.2 kWp solar-powered classroom with battery backup, a Samsung 65” Smart Interactive Board with webcam, a wireless router with a 3-year data plan, audio-visual K–12 learning content, and planned additions including STEM Labs and WASH facilities.

Across Sikkim, AOL-SSRDP has empowered 79 government schools, impacting 20,000+ students and 2,500+ teachers. Nationally, the initiative spans 473 government schools across 36 districts in 10 States/UTs, including 293 in border and aspirational regions, reaching more than 1.3 lakh students and teachers annually.

Transforming Education, Empowering Lives

AOL-SSRDP’s Smart Model School is redefining rural education through modern infrastructure, digital empowerment, and holistic growth. Smart classrooms, clean facilities, and science labs create engaging learning spaces that boost attendance and retention. STEM kits and computer labs build digital literacy and problem-solving skills, while capacity-building workshops for teachers enhance pedagogy and confidence. Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation, and life skills training foster focus, emotional balance, and leadership. Even in remote regions like Leh, solar-powered smart schools ensure that no child is left behind. Promoting sustainability, each school saves nearly 300 tonnes of CO₂ annually through renewable energy and efficient infrastructure.

Voices of Vision and Transformation

The inauguration of the Solar Smart Model School in Bariakhop was marked by messages of inspiration and hope from visionaries and partners.

In a special video message, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of The Art of Living, shared, “With changing times, we must integrate technology into our education system. Keeping this in mind, The Art of Living has taken many initiatives. Let us aim to make this country 100% literate and nurture personalities who will inspire and bring positive change in society for the betterment of all.”

Ms. Anjali Lekhi, Senior Manager – CSR, Schneider Electric shared, “Our collaboration with AOL-SSRDP ensures that every child, regardless of geography, can learn in a powered, connected, and inspiring environment.”

Reflecting on the broader impact, Shri Prasana Prabhu, added, “Along with modern infrastructure, AOL-SSRDP nurtures focus, intuition, and inner strength through yoga, meditation, and Sudarshan Kriya, shaping a generation that is both skilled and centered.”

Lighting Minds, Powering Dreams

As the first solar-powered classroom lit up in Bariakhop, it symbolized more than electricity. It reflected AOL-SSRDP’s unwavering commitment to empowering rural India through knowledge, sustainability, and opportunity.

Echoing this spirit from the classroom, Kavya, a student of the school, said, “Smart classes use videos and interactive sessions that make studying fun and easy to understand.”

Together, the partnership continues to light minds and power dreams, proving that with the right energy, every child can shine.

About Art of Living Social Projects (AOL-SSRDP & AOL-SSIAST)

Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Social Projects — implemented through AOL-SSRDP and AOL-SSIAST — are driving one of India’s largest sustainable transformation movements. To date, 152 water bodies have been restored, 3 million farmers trained in natural farming, 4.75 lakh youth skilled, 665 border villages developed, 50 Medetel Health Units operational, and over 100 million trees planted — a growing legacy of empowerment and sustainable development.

Support the Mission

Contribute to the Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Programs and help expand these initiatives:
ssrdp.artofliving.org/donate-ssrdp

Join Us

ssrdp.artofliving.org

www.instagram.com/srisrirdp

www.facebook.com/SriSriRDP

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www.linkedin.com/company/srisrirdp

At the ET Now Realty Conclave & Awards, South India Edition, Ajitesh Korupolu, Founder & CEO of ASBL, delivered a keynote on “The Future of Indian Cities.” His presentation outlined how real estate is shaping India’s economic growth, how planned development can transform urban life, and why Hyderabad stands out as a model city for the future.

Ajitesh Korupolu – Founder & CEO, The ET Now Realty Conclave & Awards 2025 – South Edition

Real Estate: India’s Growth Engine

Ajitesh Korupolu emphasized that real estate is far more than a sector, it is India’s economic engine. Today, it contributes 8.75% to GDP and is projected to reach 13-15% by 2030, making it a US$1 trillion industry. Every 1% of GDP invested in infrastructure generates double the economic returns and over 1.3 million jobs, highlighting the sector’s multiplier effect. Already the second-largest employer after agriculture, real estate supports 71 million jobs, expected to rise to 100 million by 2030, with over 250 industries linked to its demand.

A Clear Income Ladder

Unlike other sectors, real estate construction offers upward economic mobility for India’s workforce. Average monthly wages in agriculture range from Rs. 9,800-Rs. 11,800, and in manufacturing Rs. 16,000-Rs. 20,000. In contrast, construction workers earn Rs.27,000-Rs.35,000, making the sector one of the strongest pathways for income growth and livelihood security.

Market Confidence & Infrastructure Wins

According to the ANAROCK Homebuyer Sentiment Survey (H1 2025), 63% of respondents ranked real estate as their top investment choice, ahead of traditional assets like fixed deposits, gold, and equities. The market has mirrored this sentiment with record office absorption of 79 msf in 2024 and decade-high housing sales and launches. Furthermore, India is set to witness Rs. 17.5 lakh crore (~US$212 billion) in combined investments across real estate, roads, and renewables, marking a 15% year-on-year jump.

Hyderabad’s Urban Advantage

A highlight of the presentation was the Urban Rush Hour Clock. Hyderabad emerged as the metro with the least rush-hour congestion compared to other Indian cities. This advantage translates into time saved for families, higher productivity for businesses, and overall quality-of-life improvements, positioning Hyderabad as one of the most commuter-friendly metros in India.

The Future is Planned Cities

Ajitesh Korupolu outlined a blueprint for the future of Indian cities through planned urban ecosystems. Cities must integrate daily needs, schools, hospitals, shops, and offices within neighborhoods. Cleaner and greener infrastructure with cycling tracks, footpaths, and renewable energy adoption is essential. By designing for walkability, families gain more time together, while local businesses thrive as increased foot traffic boosts retail visibility and sales.

Global and Indian Examples

Real-life global and domestic case studies reinforced his vision:

• Chennai: 100 km of footpaths shifted 29% of trips from cars to walking, cutting 12,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, the equivalent of removing 2,900 cars.

• Times Square, New York: Roads converted into pedestrian plazas reduced accidents by 40% and boosted retail sales by 11%.

• Nordhavn, Copenhagen: The “five-minute city” concept ensures that schools, cafés, parks, and transit are always within walking distance.

Building Better Together

Closing his address, Korupolu stressed the importance of collaborative governance. Governments, he said, must act as referees, not players, setting broad rules, ensuring property rights, utilities, and dispute resolution while empowering private and community initiatives to design and adapt cities. Competition among private developers is the key to better design, sustainability, and resilience. He noted that while cities like Mumbai once struggled due to infrastructure gaps, today, with metros, roads, and airports catching up, the momentum is shifting in the right direction.

Conclusion

Real estate is central to India’s economic future, its social progress, and its urban livability. From creating millions of jobs and offering higher wages, to enabling sustainable infrastructure and reducing congestion, the sector holds the key to shaping India’s next-generation cities. With Hyderabad already leading the way, India has the opportunity to build cities that are global benchmarks in both growth and quality of life.

VinFast, Vietnam’s fast-rising electric vehicle manufacturer, is the product of a philosophy that predates it. Its parent company, Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, has built its success on one principle: putting customers first and at the core. That philosophy, deeply ingrained in every part of its operation, explains not only VinFast’s rapid growth at home but also its confidence as it expands into new markets such as India.

VinFast, Vietnam’s fast-rising electric vehicle manufacturer, is the product of a philosophy that predates it

In 2025, VinFast reached a milestone unprecedented in Vietnam’s automotive history: more than 100,000 vehicles delivered within nine months. For a company that only began producing cars in 2019, this achievement shows how quickly its name has earned public trust. Yet the company attributes its growth not to aggressive expansion but to attention—to listening, observing, and refining what customers truly need.

VinFast’s approach is built on three foundations: product quality, accessible pricing, and a service culture that removes ownership anxiety. From the earliest stage of development, engineers and planners ask a simple guiding question: how will this decision affect the customer’s experience? This mindset shapes everything from transparent pricing to home-charging readiness, from long warranties to rapid after-sales response. It reflects Vingroup’s broader belief that a company’s value lies in how it serves people, not just in what it sells.

To understand this thinking, it helps to look at the group’s founder, Pham Nhat Vuong. In the 1990s, before Vingroup became a household name in Vietnam, he started a small company called Technocom in Ukraine. The product was instant noodles—ordinary on the surface, but revolutionary in that market at the time. Vuong personally met customers, explained how to cook the noodles, and built relationships through direct, sincere contact. His aim was not simply to sell but to understand. The story became part of Vingroup’s corporate DNA.

When Vuong returned to Vietnam, this philosophy guided the birth and growth of Vingroup. Whether building hotels, hospitals, schools, or homes, the company’s pattern was always the same: study what customers need, learn how the best in the world serve those needs, and deliver something slightly better. Before launching Vinpearl, the company’s flagship resort chain, Vuong spent months visiting resorts in Thailand and Singapore, studying how they treated guests. The insights gathered on those trips informed Vinpearl’s design, making it more attuned to Vietnamese travelers.

This attentiveness naturally extended to VinFast. Seeing the global shift toward sustainability and the rise of electric mobility, Vingroup realized that Vietnam needed a domestic brand capable of competing internationally. VinFast was created to meet that challenge.

When VinFast began transitioning from gasoline to electric vehicles, many owners at the time worried about service and support. Instead of focusing solely on new customers, the company enhanced benefits for its existing users. It extended warranties on gasoline vehicles to ten years, increased spare parts inventory by half, and introduced mobile service options so owners could receive maintenance without leaving home. These measures reflected a broader truth about the company: it never abandons the people who believed in it first.

As VinFast expands internationally, it brings this same mindset to India. The company views India as a place where its values align with the needs of millions of drivers. Indian customers are increasingly conscious of sustainability and long-term value, but they also expect reliability, convenience, and strong local support. VinFast is working with Indian partners to establish a comprehensive EV ecosystem, including an assembly plant in Tamil Nadu, a growing nationwide network of showrooms, charging ports, and service centers…. Its focus is on affordability and accessibility, building electric mobility that fits into everyday life rather than standing apart from it.

The essence of Vingroup’s legacy is not rapid expansion or impressive numbers, though it has achieved both. It lies in an attitude: listening carefully, responding thoughtfully, and serving consistently. From instant noodles in Ukraine to electric cars in Vietnam and now to India’s fast-evolving EV market, the company’s path has been defined by empathy in action.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. 

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.