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Sprect Raises INR 2 Crore from Subhkam Ventures to Make Expert Access Universal

Sprect (Super Connect) has raised INR 2 crore from Subhkam Ventures (I) Private Limited, a registered NBFC with over two decades of investing across public markets and private equity. The capital will accelerate product development, grow Sprect’s network of verified professionals (PROs), and expand seeker demand on the platform.

 

Vishal Rupani, Rishabh Kathotia, and Mohit Khadaria

 

Sprect enables anyone to book a focused 1:1 video call with professionals who are otherwise hard to reach. Thousands of verified professionals across finance, careers, business strategy, and technology have made their time available on Sprect, spanning alumni of IIMs, IITs, ISB, and UCLA; professionals from Airtel, Google, Times Internet, and WarnerBros. Discovery; Formula car drivers; and senior government officials.

 

Rishabh Kathotia, Director at Subhkam Ventures

 

Expert access has historically been a privilege of the few,” said Rishabh Kathotia, Director at Subhkam Ventures. “Sprect is building the infrastructure to change that, with a credible PRO network, a clear institutional use case, and founders with the depth to execute on both sides of the platform. We are backing Vishal and Mohit for the long run.

 

The professionals people most need to speak with are rarely the easiest to reach. A first-generation founder has no straightforward path to a candid conversation with a CFO who has navigated multiple funding cycles. A mid-career professional cannot easily connect with a senior leader at a company they aspire to join. Sprect removes that barrier, connecting anyone who needs expert guidance with the right professional, on demand. Institutions like SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) have partnered with Sprect to keep their alumni connected across batches and years.

 

Mohit Khadaria, Co-founder of Sprect

 

This funding round validates what we have always believed, that structured expert access is a real and growing need,” said Mohit Khadaria, Co-founder of Sprect. “Colleges want their alumni engaged and contributing. Organisations want curated knowledge flowing through their teams. We are already seeing this with multiple institutions, and this round lets us deepen that work significantly.”

 

Professionals on Sprect set their own availability, choose whether to offer paid, free, or charity calls, and define the topics they want to be approached for, with Sprect handling scheduling, payments, and video infrastructure end to end. Professionals looking to make their expertise accessible can apply for a free profile at sprect.com/pros

 

The right 10 minutes with the right person can change the trajectory of a career or a business,” said Vishal Rupani, Co-founder of Sprect. “India has millions of professionals who have spent decades building exactly that kind of expertise, yet there has never been a dignified, structured way for them to offer it. Sprect changes that, giving every professional a platform to make their knowledge accessible on their own terms. This raise is about getting that opportunity in front of many more professionals.”

 

About Sprect

Sprect (short for Super Connect) is a platform that makes hard-to-reach professionals accessible to anyone who needs their expertise. Through focused 1:1 video calls, Sprect connects individuals with verified professionals spanning finance, careers, business strategy, technology, and more, including alumni of IIMs, IITs, ISB, and UCLA; professionals from leading global organisations; and senior domain experts across industries. Institutions including SPJIMR use Sprect to keep their alumni connected across batches and years. Visit sprect.com
 

About Subhkam Ventures

Subhkam Ventures (I) Private Limited is a registered NBFC incorporated in 1995, operating from Mumbai. Subhkam invests across public markets and private equity, partnering with high-potential businesses through capital and strategic advisory. Visit subhkam.com

RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat will Interact with Tribal Ekal Teachers

  • These schools are run under the guidance of Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari

  • The ‘Karmayogi Ekal Shikshak Mela‘ will be held in Mumbai on May 2nd

 

The Honorable Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, will interact with Ekal (Single) teachers promoting education in tribal areas at the ‘Karmayogi Ekal Shikshak Mela,‘ to be held in Mumbai on May 2nd. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Honorable Shri Nitin Gadkari, under whose guidance these Ekal Vidyalayas are run, will also be present at the event at the Gateway of India. Maharashtra Chief Minister, Honorable Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and the state’s Tribal Development Minister, Prof. Ashok Uikey, will also be present.

 

Mohan Bhagwat ji

 

A plan has been finalized to expand the Ekal Vidyalayas, currently run in Vidarbha by the Nagpur-based Lt. Laxmanrao Mankar Smriti Sanstha, to the entire state of Maharashtra. The details of this work will be presented at the Karmayogi Mela.

 

This initiative, launched three decades ago, has spread the light of education to the tribal areas of Vidarbha. Today, 30,000 tribal students are receiving education through approximately 1,300 schools in remote areas of Vidarbha, including Gadchiroli and Melghat, and are taught by over 1,800 teachers. Following this successful journey, the organization has now set a larger goal of reaching 100,000 tribal students by building a network of 5,000 schools and 6,000 teachers across Maharashtra.

 

The Late Laxmanrao Mankar Smriti Sanstha operates under the guidance of Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari and the chairmanship of Mr. Atul Shirodkar, a well-known Mumbai businessman. According to Mr. Shirodkar, “Education is an effective tool for social and economic change. The Mankar Trust is continuously working to bring people living in tribal areas into the mainstream, promote their skills, and improve their quality of life.” It is worth noting that this work is inspired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

 

In this new phase of expansion for the organization, work is progressing rapidly under the leadership of Mr. Atul Shirodkar as President. Under his guidance, special emphasis is being placed on women’s empowerment, health awareness, skill development, dairy training, and education of forest-dwelling communities, as well as promoting their art and culture.

 

At this event in Mumbai (May 2, 6 p.m.), teachers and individuals and organizations from various parts of the state who have brought about social change will be honored with the Karmayogi Award. Newly elected Rajya Sabha member Mrs. Mayatai Ivanate will be honored during the event, and Pandit Niladri Kumar will perform sitar.

 

At the event, various social sector figures in the state will come together to brainstorm on how to give a new direction to the movement for forest-dwelling education. The organization has appealed to citizens from all walks of life to support this work. This program will be an important step in accelerating this movement to transform the lives of forest-dwelling communities.

Bold New Look, A Brighter New Mood: Mirinda Launches a "Smile Please" Platform Globally

Today, Mirinda has unveiled a powerful new global platform ‘Smile Please’ alongside a fresh brand visual identity. The fun and impactful movement is designed to brighten everyday life, spark joy and create smiles from the first glance.  
 

Life today feels busy and stressful, and people often forget to enjoy the small, happy moments around them. But a smile is a superpower — it can instantly lift the mood and inspire others to smile too. That’s where Mirinda comes in. With its tangy, refreshing flavour, Mirinda invites you to see the brighter side of life and smile.
 

Mirinda unveils its bold new look and global ‘Smile Please’ platform, featuring vibrant, smile-inspired visuals designed to spark joy and everyday moments of happiness
 

Bursting with retro-modern energy and designed with Gen Z in mind, the refreshed look – developed in-house by PepsiCo Design and Innovation team – reflects an expressive, contemporary, and emotionally driven way for consumers to connect with the brand. It embraces bold typography and the iconic Mirinda colour palette, while vibrant, larger-than-life fruit forms crown each can and label. Built from semi-circles, the shapes echo the uplift of a smile and establish an unmistakable visual language across variants.
 

Drawing from the brand’s heritage, the logo has been reimagined with fresh, youthful energy. Saturated tones and high-contrast compositions highlight each flavour while staying true to Mirinda’s bold personality and optimistic spirit.
 

Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer, International Beverages at PepsiCo, commented, “Mirinda has always stood for original self-expression, and we are now bringing that spirit to life through a global movement that feels fresh, playful and relevant. In a world of busy days and constant noise, sometimes a simple reason to smile can go a long way. Through our new visual identity and Smile Please platform, we are inviting you to pause, refresh and choose a moment of joy.”
 

Nitin Bhandari, VP & General Manager – Beverages, PepsiCo India & South Asia, said, “Mirinda’s refreshed identity and the launch of ‘Smile Please’ reflect how we continue to evolve our brands to stay culturally relevant while deepening consumer connection. At PepsiCo, our focus is on building beverage brands that resonate with changing consumer mindsets, occasions and expectations. Mirinda has always stood for bold flavour and optimism, and this new global platform reinforces its role as a vibrant, contemporary brand that brings joy to consumers across markets.”
 

 As part of the ‘Smile Please’ platform, Mirinda is launching ‘Smile Chain’, an influencer-led digital activity designed to spark a chain reaction of positivity. Watch for it and join the ‘Smile Chain’ as the campaign unfolds.
 

The ‘Smile Please’ platform will begin rolling out across Mirinda’s international markets from today.
 

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $94 billion in net revenue in 2025, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and drinks, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

 

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that places sustainability at the center of our business strategy, seeking to drive growth and build a stronger, more resilient future for PepsiCo and the communities where we operate.

For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

CERT-In SAMVAAD 2026 Convenes in Goa, Strengthening Cyber Security Framework for Digital Bharat

The three-day annual conference of CERT-In empanelled auditing organizations, SAMVAAD 2026, commenced today at BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus and will continue till April 29, bringing together over 500 delegates from across India and abroad. The conference, themed “Securing Digital Bharat through Future-Ready Audits: Adapting, Assuring, Advancing,” aims to strengthen India’s cyber security ecosystem through collaboration, innovation, and forward-looking audit frameworks.

 

SS Sarma, CERT-In, Dr. Pramod Sawant, CM Goa, KR Chaurasia, Goa Police, Abhishek Solanki, CERT-In, Nirupam Mehrotra, BIRD, Suman Kundu, BITS Pilani Goa, Ashutosh Bahuguna, CERT-In, Shashi Dharan

 

The event marked several key developments in the cybersecurity space, including the launch of AMBAK, a block chain-enabled cyber security audit platform. A progress report of the working group on audit frameworks was also presented. Additionally, an advanced cybersecurity certification course introduced by CERT-In in collaboration with NABARD and BIRD highlights a strong push toward skill development and institutional capacity building.

 

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said that while Goa has long been known for its “Sun, Sand and Sea,” it is now emerging as a hub for cybersecurity as well. He noted that delegates from across the country and the world have gathered in Goa not just for its scenic appeal, but for meaningful discussions on securing the digital future. He also encouraged visitors to experience the state’s spiritual richness alongside such engagements, while emphasizing the importance of secure digital systems in line with Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi’s vision of Digital India.

 

Highlighting the broader perspective, Chief Minister Dr. Sawant emphasized that CERT-In plays a vital role as the national advisory body for cyber security. He pointed out that initiatives like Audit Monitoring Benchmark Analysis, discussed during the conference, are crucial for strengthening systems and ensuring accountability. He further noted that emerging technologies such as Artificial.

 

Intelligence will significantly influence sectors like banking and healthcare, making cyber security even more critical. Referring to Goa’s efforts, he appreciated initiatives by Goa Police such as the 1930 cyber helpline and Cyber Yoddha programme, and congratulated stakeholders on the release of various cyber security publications.

 

The conference will continue over the next two days with a series of technical sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative engagements, providing a platform for experts to deliberate on emerging cyber threats and future-ready solutions for a secure digital ecosystem.

 

Among those present on the occasion were Shri S.S. Sarma, Senior Director, CERT-In; Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT-In; Prof. Suman Gundu, Director, BITS Pilani Goa Campus; Dr. Nirupam Malhotra; Shri Shashi Dharan along with other distinguished dignitaries and experts from the cyber security domain.

Athulya Senior Care Inks Landmark MoU with SingHealth to Advance Senior Care, Training, and Research Collaboration

Athulya Senior Care, India’s largest assisted living provider, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SingHealth, Singapore’s largest public healthcare cluster, to explore collaboration across medical services, professional training, research, and knowledge exchange.

 

Ms. J. Krishna Kavya Founder – Director, Athulya Senior Care with Ms. Vijaya Rao, Director, International Collaboration Office, SingHealth

 

SingHealth brings together an extensive network of institutions spanning acute hospitals, specialist centres, polyclinics, and community hospitals. These include Singapore General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Changi General Hospital, and Sengkang General Hospital, alongside national specialty centres, the National Cancer Centre Singapore, National Dental Centre Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, and National Skin Centre, as well as SingHealth Polyclinics and SingHealth Community Hospitals.

 

The MoU partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing the quality and accessibility of senior care amid growing demand driven by ageing populations. Bringing together Athulya’s expertise in senior living and continuum care with SingHealth’s internationally recognised clinical and academic capabilities, the partnership aims to strengthen care delivery and build institutional capacity across both organisations.

 

Under the MoU, both organisations will explore structured training programmes for doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals, aiming to train capable professionals annually, focused on strengthening clinical competencies and caregiving standards. The collaboration will also facilitate the exchange of scientific, academic, and technical information, including relevant materials protected by intellectual property rights in accordance with agreed protocols, while enabling the identification of opportunities for joint research and development, co-authored publications, and participation in academic and scientific forums such as seminars and conferences.

 

In addition, the partnership will support the organisation of and participation in medical conferences, courses, workshops, exhibitions, and other forums of mutual interest, with plans to conduct joint programmes annually. It will further promote the operation of joint medical training and education programmes to raise competency levels. It will also enable the exchange of information relating to medicine, subject to confidentiality obligations, and promote ongoing engagement between the two organisations through knowledge-sharing platforms and regular interactions, including periodic bilateral meetings to review progress and expand areas of cooperation.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Srinivasan G, CEO & Founder, Athulya Senior Care, said,  “This collaboration with SingHealth represents an important milestone in our journey to enhance senior care in India. By integrating Athulya’s care delivery experience with SingHealth’s clinical expertise, we aim to further strengthen our capabilities across medical services, training, and research. This partnership will support the adoption of global best practices while contributing to the development of a more robust and responsive senior care ecosystem.”

 

Ms. Vijaya Rao, Director, International Collaboration Office, SingHealth, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Athulya Senior Care in exploring opportunities to advance medical services, education, and research. This partnership underscores our commitment to international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through this engagement, we look forward to supporting capability building, sharing clinical expertise, and contributing to improved care outcomes, particularly in the area of senior and community care.”

 

Adding to this, Mr. London Lucien Ooi, Group Director, International Collaboration Office, SingHealth, said, “This collaboration reflects SingHealth’s ongoing commitment to building meaningful international partnerships that drive the exchange of knowledge, clinical expertise, and best practices. By working closely with Athulya Senior Care, we see strong potential to support capability development in senior care, while fostering shared learning and innovation across healthcare systems.”

 

The collaboration is expected to lay the foundation for sustained engagement between the two organisations, with a focus on improving care standards, advancing professional development, and enabling research-led innovation in senior care.

 

About Athulya Senior Care

Athulya Senior Care, India’s Largest Assisted Living Provider, headquartered in Chennai, India, with 1,500+ beds across 12+ locations in five cities Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore, has proudly served over 45,000+ seniors. Athulya delivers a comprehensive senior care ecosystem encompassing Assisted Living, Mind & Memory Care, Transition Care, Rehabilitation, and Palliative Care. Designed to meet international safety & quality standards, Athulya is transforming eldercare in India by prioritizing dignity, comfort, and compassionate support.

 

To know more, log onto: www.athulyaseniorcare.com.

M3M Foundation's 'Dance for Dignity' Becomes a Celebration of Human Spirit at Delhi

For two extraordinary days in New Delhi, dance became more than movement — it became confidence, courage, and hope. Under the banner of Dance for Dignity, powered by M3M Foundation in collaboration with RDX Dance Championship Season 4, the stage at OP Jindal Auditorium transformed into a platform where stories of perseverance found their voice and talent found its rightful recognition. What unfolded over these two days was not merely a dance championship — it was a celebration of human spirit.

 

M3M Foundation’s Dance for Dignity Grand Finale Winners with Kamlesh Patel and Aishwarya Mahajan, President and Trustee,  M3M Foundation


Participants traveled from across the country — from the cultural lanes of Kolkata, the temple town of Mathura, the energetic streets of Chandigarh, and many other regions — bringing with them years of silent practice, unspoken dreams, and unwavering belief. For many, this was their first time performing on a national stage; for others, it was a moment they had waited for their entire lives.


One of the most unforgettable moments came when Jyoti Gupta, a 58-year-old participant in the Super Mom category, stepped onto the stage with determination in her eyes. Her performance was not just about rhythm — it was about reclaiming confidence, proving that age is never a limitation to passion. When she was announced as the winner of the Super Mom category, the applause carried a deeper meaning — it celebrated courage, persistence, and dignity.


Another powerful story emerged from a group of dancers from Chandigarh, who once practiced on open streets and local grounds with limited resources. Standing under national lights, performing before an audience that recognized their effort, their journey symbolized the true purpose of Dance for Dignity — creating opportunities where none existed before.


Across two vibrant days, over 100 participants performed in categories including Solo Junior, Classical, Solo Senior, Duet, Group, and Super Mom, presenting a breathtaking range of dance forms — from graceful classical expressions to high-energy freestyle and synchronized group acts. Young children discovering their confidence shared the stage with adults rediscovering their dreams, proving that dance connects generations and strengthens belief.


At the heart of this celebration stood Kamlesh Patel, whose journey embodies the spirit of resilience that defines Dance for Dignity. Known for his association with iconic platforms such as Dance India Dance and Boogie Woogie, and honored with prestigious recognitions including the President’s Award, his presence reminded participants that determination can transform limitations into strength and dreams into reality. 


Guiding the competition was an accomplished panel of judges including Kamlesh Patel, Arjun Chouhan, Deepika Soni, Kaushal Pradhan, Vaibhav Ghuge, and Piyush Chauhan, whose mentorship encouraged performers to push boundaries and believe in their creative potential.


Adding to the spirit of celebration were spectacular showcase performances that energized the audience. A breathtaking gymnastics performance by Lakshay Scholars, known for their appearance on America’s Got Talent, showcased discipline and precision, while an electrifying performance by internationally acclaimed Zumba instructor Ms. Ana filled the auditorium with energy and enthusiasm.

 

The championship also celebrated excellence across categories, with inspiring winners emerging as symbols of perseverance and dedication. Among them were Poppim Smiley in the Solo Junior category, Manvi Sharma in the Classical category, Gautam Pathak in the Solo Senior category, White Collar Crew in the Group category, and Jyoti Gupta, whose victory in the Super Mom category stood as a moment of inspiration for audiences and participants alike.


Beyond the stage, Dance for Dignity reflected the deeper social vision of M3M Foundation — to empower individuals, nurture confidence, and provide platforms that transform hidden talent into recognized potential. By creating opportunities for performers from diverse backgrounds, the Foundation continues to champion inclusion and ensure that talent is celebrated with dignity, regardless of age, geography, or circumstance.


Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Dance for Dignity is about believing in people and giving them the confidence to step forward. Every performance we witnessed carried a journey of courage and determination. At M3M Foundation, our commitment goes beyond the stage — we continue to support these talented individuals and create opportunities that help them grow with dignity and self-belief.


As the final applause echoed through the auditorium, one truth stood clear — Dance for Dignity is not just an event; it is a movement of hope, confidence, and transformation. Because sometimes, a single stage does more than showcase talent — it restores belief, builds confidence, and gives dreams the dignity they deserve.

 

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Unmatched Expertise, Expanded Reach: Rentokil PCI Acquires Pecopp

Rentokil PCI, India’s leading pest control and hygiene service provider, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Pecopp Pest Control Services Pvt Ltd (“Pecopp”). This acquisition strengthens Rentokil PCI’s ability to service customers particularly within the Western region, and reinforces its commitment to setting new benchmarks in the pest management industry.
 

Stronger together: Rentokil PCI acquires Pecopp, enhancing reach, expertise, and innovation to deliver next-gen pest management solutions across Western India
 

The acquisition integrates Pecopp’s customer portfolio, experienced workforce, and operational assets into the Rentokil PCI network. This union brings together two entities driven by a shared vision of innovation, service excellence, and sustainable growth.
 

Founded in Mumbai, Pecopp has built a strong reputation over several decades, serving a prestigious portfolio of customers across the professional services, luxury hospitality, premium entertainment sectors among others. By joining forces with Rentokil PCI, Pecopp will now be able to leverage global resources, advanced R&D, and an expansive digital infrastructure to further elevate its service delivery for customers.
 

“By welcoming Pecopp into the Rentokil PCI family we are building on our commitment to delivering unparalleled service and spearheading service advancements in the Indian market. Together, we will provide our customers with world-class, tech-driven solutions,” David Lewis, Managing Director, Rentokil PCI.
 

“Pecopp’s long-standing local expertise combined with Rentokil PCI’s global leadership, empowers us to offer cutting-edge expertise to our loyal customer base. As we amplify our offerings, we will continue to deliver the personalized, pioneering care our clients expect, backed by a broader range of specialized capabilities. This partnership represents a major milestone in our journey,” Siddharth Balwani, Managing Director, Pecopp.
 

This acquisition underscores Rentokil PCI’s unwavering dedication to deliver unmatched service standards by focusing on high-quality demand through optimized digital strategies and a customer-first approach.
 

About Pecopp
For over five decades, Pecopp has been a pioneer in pest management, safeguarding homes and businesses with unparalleled expertise. Moving beyond traditional extermination, Pecopp leads the industry through “Digital Pecopp” – a smart, integrated solution featuring real-time monitoring and data analytics for proactive, efficient protection. Through such innovation, Pecopp is able to combine remote tracking with timely interventions to ensure optimized results and minimal disruption to customer operations.

 

About Rentokil PCI
Rentokil PCI is a leading pest control service provider in India. As a Rentokil Initial brand, Rentokil PCI, was formed in 2017 through a joint venture (JV) between Pest Control India, the leading pest control company in India, and Rentokil, the world’s leading pest control brand. Rentokil PCI strongly aims to set new standards for customer service, having operations in over 300 locations in India. Rentokil PCI focuses on developing industry-leading service operations through the sharing of best practices, leading-edge innovations, and avant-garde digital technologies.

 

As one of the most trusted pest control and disinfection service providers in India, Rentokil PCI takes immense pride in its diversity, social responsibility, sustainability, and education initiatives. The expertise of the corporation is backed by its 7800+ employees and highly trained technicians (500+ Bird Pro certified employees, 550+ certified fumigators, and 35+ AFOs). At present, Rentokil PCI is serving a wide range of customers across industries – ranging from the largest multinational pharmaceutical, industrial, and food production companies to local, small-scale shops, restaurants, residential premises, and more.

Max Estates Accelerates Net-Zero Vision with Solar Power Adoption at Max Square, Sector 129 Noida

Max Estates Limited (Max Estates), a leading real estate developer in the National Capital Region (NCR), has commenced solar power procurement for its commercial development, WorkWell Experience, Max Square, located in Sector 129, Noida, representing a key milestone in the Company’s sustainability and decarbonization journey.

 

Solar Power Adoption at MaxSquare

 

This initiative represents the first step towards Max Estates’ long-term commitment to transition 50% of its portfolio energy consumption to renewable sources by 2030, in line with India’s national climate ambition under the “Panchamrit” commitment, which targets 50% of the country’s energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

 

The solar power transition at Max Square is expected to reduce approximately 5,400–6,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions per annum. In addition to environmental benefits, the initiative is projected to deliver 20-25% savings in electricity costs for our occupants at the present grid charges, enhancing asset-level operating efficiency while strengthening the commercial value proposition for tenants.

 

The initiative strengthens the Company’s sustainability leadership, underpinned by its strong performance in global benchmarks, including recognition as a Global and Regional Sector Leader in GRESB 2025. It also addresses rising demand from global investors and corporate occupiers for ESG-compliant, energy-efficient commercial assets, reinforcing Max Estates’ position as a preferred sustainability partner.

 

Commenting on the same, Atul Kundalia, Head, Engineering and Sustainability, Max Estates, said, ‘Sustainability is most powerful when it moves from ambition to execution. Our solar integration at Max Square shows that climate responsibility and strong business performance can go hand in hand. By embedding renewable energy into our operations, we are reducing carbon intensity while improving cost efficiency and long-term asset resilience. This is the blueprint for how future-ready real estate must evolve, and we believe such initiatives will continue to distinguish Max Estates as a sector leader in the years ahead.’

 

About Max Estates Limited

Established in 2016, Max Estates Limited is a leading Real Estate developer in the NCR region. With the purpose of ‘Enhancing Quality of Life through spaces it creates’, it has chosen to create premium commercial and residential spaces in Delhi NCR. The company has developed a very well diversified portfolio of real estate across the two asset classes in Delhi NCR and in this pursuit has partnered with New York Life Insurance Company (NYL).

 

Max Estates also has a real estate services & management company – Max Asset Services. Max Estates Limited is listed on NSE and BSE.

NAR-India Reappoints Ashwinder R. Singh as Advisor for 2026-27

The National Association of Realtors – India (NAR-India) has announced the reappointment of Ashwinder R. Singh as Advisor for the 2026-27 term.
 

Ashwinder brings with him a multidimensional perspective shaped by decades of experience across real estate, finance, and institutional leadership. Currently Co-Founder at BCD Royale and Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee, he continues to play an active role in shaping sectoral conversations in India and globally. He has also played a key role in building the BCD Group brand, which is now increasingly seen as an active real estate development platform after he joined hands with the group.
 

Ashwinder R. Singh
 

Further, he has also been appointed as Mentor at Earth Fund, a venture capital platform backed by leading national developer Brigade Group and Gruhas of Nikhil Kamath, focused on investing in PropTech, UrbanTech, and sustainability-led innovations within the Indian ecosystem.
 

Over the course of his career, Ashwinder has held leadership roles as CEO of Bhartiya Urban, ANAROCK, and JLL Residential, where he drove property sales exceeding $5 billion and oversaw the development of a 150-acre integrated township. His earlier stints with institutions such as Citibank, ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank, and Bajaj Housing Finance have equipped him with a deep understanding of financial systems and capital flows within real estate.
 

Commenting on his reappointment, Ashwinder R. Singh said, “I am pleased to continue my association with NAR-India in this advisory capacity. The sector is at an important juncture, with increasing emphasis on transparency, professionalism, and long-term value creation. I look forward to working closely with the leadership and members to support the industry’s continued evolution and contribute to strengthening best practices across the ecosystem.”
 

A three-time bestselling author, award-winning speaker, and the voice behind the widely followed newsletter Open House, Ashwinder has been recognised as the Real Estate Person of the Year 2025 and Best Business & Money Author of 2024. He is also Chief Advisor, Real Estate, to Republic Media Network and the face of R. Estate, Republic TV’s real estate channel, with his insights frequently shaping discourse around policy, markets, and industry trends.
 

In his capacity as Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee and Mission Chairman for international delegations to the UAE, Singapore and London, he continues to contribute to strengthening India’s global real estate outlook.

WE-AI Concludes First Maiden Phase of Workshops and Seminars Across Kashmir

Marking a significant milestone in student-led innovation and outreach, the WE-AI (Women Empowerment–Artificial Intelligence) Club has successfully concluded the first phase of its maiden series of workshops and seminars conducted across the Kashmir Valley.

 

WE-AI Concludes First Maiden Phase of Workshops and Seminars Across Kashmir


Founded by Taleyn Tatheer Khan and co-founded by Aiza Naveed Shah under the mentorship of Priyanka Bharghav from Admit Kard, the initiative reached multiple educational institutions, including Kashmir Harvard, Green Valley Educational Institute, Presentation Convent School, Crescent Public School, SRM Welkin School Sopore, Birla Open Minds International School, and GD Goenka Public School.


Over the course of five days, the club engaged students through a series of structured sessions focused on Artificial Intelligence, engineering fundamentals, and the role of women in technology-driven fields. The workshops were designed not only to introduce technical concepts but also to cultivate confidence, leadership, and a spirit of inquiry among participants.


Unlike conventional classroom learning, the WE-AI sessions emphasized interactive engagement, including live demonstrations, idea discussions, and problem-solving exercises. Students were encouraged to explore how AI can be applied to real-life challenges, particularly in areas that impact society at large.


The completion of this first phase is just the beginning. Our goal is to build a sustained ecosystem where students—especially young women—feel empowered to lead in technology and innovation,” said Taleyn Tatheer Khan.


We wanted to move beyond awareness and create actual engagement. Seeing students actively participate and express curiosity about AI has been the most rewarding outcome,” added Aiza Naveed Shah.


Mentor Priyanka Bharghav noted that early exposure to emerging technologies plays a crucial role in shaping future-ready students and bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity.


The successful conclusion of this phase signals the emergence of WE-AI as a youth-driven movement with long-term vision, with plans already underway for advanced workshops, mentorship programs, and student-led innovation projects in the next phase.