The rapid advancements in the world of technology in recent decades have completely transformed the global landscape of higher education and today, the academic institutions world over are laying extensive focus on research in imparting education. As a result, unlike in the past, the universities have been transformed into not just knowledge dissemination centers but also modern hubs of knowledge creation as well. Realizing the importance of research in education, Chandigarh University has nurtured an academic ethos centered on research. Delivering yet another strong performance in research, India’s No. 1 private university, Chandigarh University, has secured the 9th position in International Research among all private universities in India and 12th rank among all universities nationwide, as per the QS Asia University Rankings 2026. Chandigarh University also delivered a stellar performance on its debut in the Research category of the NIRF Rankings 2025, securing the 7th rank among private universities and the 34th position among all universities in India. Chandigarh University with its research-intensive, innovation-driven and unique experiential learning model has been nurturing next-generation of leaders in emerging domains.

Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh Inaugurating Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science and Technology (KCC) at Chandigarh University

Over 5,000 Research Publications, 1247 Patents Filed & 943 Published in 2025

Chandigarh University students and faculty members have authored over 20,000 research publications and filed more than 5519 patents out of which 5212 patents published, and 238 patents were granted in diverse domains. In 2025 alone, CU students filed 1247 patents, 943 published and 25 patents were granted.

During January to December 2025, Chandigarh University students filed patents across diverse domains including Computer Science Engineering 734, Electronics Engineering 81, Mathematics 78, Physics 72, Mechanical Engineering 40, Aerospace Engineering 33, Electrical Engineering 29, Biotechnology 26, Optometry 23 and Chemistry 21.

As per Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications (report 2023-24), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Chandigarh University’s Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) has secured 1^st place by filing highest 1126 patent applications in 2023-24, among all scientific research and development organizations in India. CU has also been ranked among the top 5 institutions in filing the highest number of patents in the last 5 years. CU-TBI provides an opportunity to incubate at the varsity and mobilize Rs 5 crore to catalyze growth in the startup ecosystem at CU which has 200 departmental research groups. CU has more than 2100 visiting international faculty members including 560 international research network scholars. In the last 5 years alone, CU has received INR 90 Crores for research and innovation projects from the Ministry of Science & Technology. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development cell (IEDC) facilitates the student with financial support from the university to fund their projects.

Chandigarh University Nurturing Future Scientists: 44 Faculty Members Features in Stanford University–Elsevier 2025 List of World’s Top 2% Scientists

Showcasing the growing global research impact and influence of Chandigarh University, as many as 44 faculty members from varied academic domains were featured among the world’s top 2 per cent scientists as per the Stanford University–Elsevier list released in 2025. These prestigious institutions release a large database that identify scientists whose published work is in the top 2% by citation impact in their field based on Scopus citation data and composite citation indicators. This list is an important benchmark for assessing scientific excellence and used globally for academic recognition, funding opportunities and international collaborations. CU faculty members have been featured in the coveted Stanford–Elsevier list of the world’s top 2% scientists, representing a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Artificial Intelligence; Optoelectronics and Photonics; Mechanical Engineering and Transport Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Environmental Sciences; Materials Science; Applied Physics; Legal and Forensic Medicine; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry; Microbiology; and Neurology and Neurosurgery among others.

15 Industry-Sponsored High-Tech R&D Labs, COEs and 60 Research Centres at CU Nurturing Future Leaders in Emerging Areas

Chandigarh University houses as many as 32 Industry-sponsored Advanced Research Labs and Centers of Excellence (COEs) established by leading multinational corporations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Hyundai, Adobe, LinkedIn, Tech Mahindra, Capgemini and IBM among others that play a crucial role in elevating capabilities of students and faculty members through exposure to live industry projects. Apart from this, CU also houses 60 research centers.

For Engineering students, CU has tied-up with industry leaders that provide hands-on training to students with high-tech labs including Microsoft Innovation Center, Google Android Lab, Adobe Express Lounge Lab, Cloud Computing Lab, Oracle Academy, Tech Mahindra IMS Academy, Unisys Innovation Lab, EMC Academic Alliance, Microsoft Global Technical Support Center, Red Hat Academy Lab, SAP Next Gen Lab, Infor Lab and Microsoft Azure LAAS (Learning as a Service) platform, BOT lab, Bosch Bridge Centre and Cisco Networking Lab among others.

For Automobile Engineering students, CU has tied-up with industry giants that established high-tech labs including Mahindra and Mahindra T-School, Honda Research and Skill Development Centre, Hyundai Professional Development Centre, VE Commercial Training Centre, MG Motors Lab, Eicher – CU Centre of Excellence in Automobile engineering lab, Vehicle Maintenance and Diagnostic Lab.

Pushing frontiers of space science, CU students at the state-of-the-art Kalpana Chawla Centre communicate with all countries’ Ground Station, which are members of SatNOGS, research on 3D Printed Aluminum/Plastics Structures that can be used in SPACE explorations Model Rocketry Lab and Star Gazing Center are all providing them platform to become space scientists.

Launched Campus Tank, India’s First University-led Startup Launchpad with $6 Million Funding Pool for Young Innovators

The academic ethos nurtured here at Chandigarh University does not stop at filing patents but translates its research output from papers to products, nurturing a culture where innovation moves from laboratories to the marketplace. Strengthening this robust innovation-to-enterprise ecosystem, Chandigarh University, India’s leading private university in collaboration with leading job platform Apna and prominent investment firm Venture Catalysts (VCats) has launched ‘Campus Tank’, India’s first university-led startup launchpad aimed at empowering young innovators to ideate, validate, and scale disruptive start-ups. CU students have successfully launched over 250 start-ups in diverse domains; to arm its students with research-intensive learning, the varsity allocates an annual funding of Rs 15 crores to carry out research and innovation-related projects.

Research at Glance

• Patents Filed: 5519

• Patents Published: 5212

• Patents Granted: 238

• Research Publications: 20,000+

• Industry Sponsored R&D Labs: 15

• Annual Research Budget: 15 Crores

• Sponsored Projects from DST (In last 5 years): 90 Crores

Top 10 Departments of Chandigarh University (Patents Filed in 2025)

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in

Anant National University has announced that ADEPT 2026 (Anant Design Entrance and Proficiency Test) will be conducted online on 4 January 2026. ADEPT is the mandatory entrance examination for admissions to the university’s undergraduate design programmes.

Anant National University to Conduct ADEPT 2026, India’s Only Multi-Lingual Design Entrance Test, on 4 January

As India’s first and only multi-lingual design entrance test, ADEPT reflects Anant National University’s focus on inclusivity and equitable access to design education. The test will be offered in 10 languages—Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, and English—allowing students from diverse linguistic backgrounds to participate on equal footing.

Design is increasingly shaping how societies respond to complex challenges across sectors, from industry and infrastructure to climate action and sustainability. As India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, the role of design has expanded beyond production to problem-solving rooted in local contexts. Anant National University aligns with this shift by emphasising the philosophy of ‘Design for India’, preparing students to develop solutions that are socially responsive and globally relevant.

ADEPT serves as the first step in this academic journey. The university reported applications from students across 304 cities in the previous admission cycle, underlining the growing national interest in design-led education. Alongside design, Anant has emerged as a destination for programmes in architecture, climate change and sustainability.

For the 2026 admissions cycle, ADEPT has been streamlined into a single, unified test, replacing the earlier two-step process. The revised format is aimed at offering candidates a more efficient and accessible assessment experience while enabling them to demonstrate their creative and analytical abilities in one sitting.

Students who have completed Class 12 in 2026 or earlier, with a minimum of 50 per cent marks in any stream, are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 1 January 2026.

About Anant National University

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

Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset.

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

Galgotias University hosted an inspiring edition of the Galgotias Dialogue Series, featuring Ms. Vineeta Singh, Founder and CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics, one of India’s most influential entrepreneurs and a leading voice in the country’s startup ecosystem. The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and members of the University’s vibrant start-up community.

Galgotias Dialogue Series Featuring Vineeta Singh

During the interactive session, Ms. Singh shared insightful perspectives on how the Indian startup ecosystem can be made more accessible and inclusive for the youth of the nation. Drawing from her own entrepreneurial journey, she emphasized the importance of resilience, mentorship, and purpose-driven innovation in building sustainable and impactful ventures. She encouraged students to focus on solving real-world problems, create long-term value, and remain committed to their vision even in the face of challenges.

Ms. Singh also engaged in an in-depth interaction with Galgotias student start-ups, appreciating their innovative ideas, confidence, and clarity of thought. She commended the University’s efforts in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering a culture that supports experimentation, learning, and growth.

Expressing her appreciation for the leadership at Galgotias University, Ms. Vineeta Singh, Founder and CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics lauded the vision of Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, and highlighted the strong institutional support extended to student entrepreneurs. She noted that such academic ecosystems play a critical role in shaping the next generation of founders and innovators.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “At Galgotias University, we are committed to empowering students with the right mindset, mentorship, and platforms to transform ideas into impactful ventures. Interactions with industry leaders like Ms. Vineeta Singh inspire our students to think boldly, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to India’s entrepreneurial growth story.”

The Galgotias Dialogue Series continues to serve as a dynamic platform that connects students with accomplished leaders across industries, reinforcing Galgotias University’s mission to promote innovation, leadership, and industry-aligned learning while preparing students to thrive in the evolving global economy.

About Galgotias University
Galgotias University Among the World’s Leading Universities in QS and THE Rankings.

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities—public and private combined—this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education. 

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This significant achievement reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic arena and validates its consistent progress in global higher education benchmarks. 

These recognitions reflect Galgotias University’s strategic focus on teaching quality, research impact, internationalization, and industry relevance, and its mission to shape globally competent graduates prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. 

The National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in collaboration with Bisleri International Private Limited and the Pune Book Festival, with Samarth Yuva Foundation as the Festival Partner, has created a Guinness World Record for the “Largest Online Video Album of People Reciting an Oath or Pledge.” The initiative was undertaken to promote environmental responsibility, with a particular focus on engaging young citizens through a participatory and inclusive platform.

Bisleri International, NBT and Pune Book Festival Creates a Guinness World Record

The record attempt was conducted during the Pune Book Festival from 13 December to 21 December 2025. As part of the initiative, participants recorded and submitted short video messages reciting a common environmental pledge in a multilingual format, enabling participation across diverse linguistic backgrounds. The pledge was administered in English, Hindi, and Marathi, affirming collective commitment to sustainable and responsible living. The pledge stated, “I pledge to care for my planet by reducing waste, saving water, and protecting nature. Swachh Bharat, Samruddha Bharat, Mera Bharat.”

Through this collective affirmation, participants committed to adopting environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives, reinforcing the values of cleanliness, sustainability, and stewardship of natural resources.

The Pune Book Festival witnessed participation of over 10 lakh visitors, representing hundreds of schools, colleges, and institutions. More than 27,000+ video entries were submitted and validated as part of the Guinness World Record process. The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, volunteers, and members of the public, underscoring the festival’s role as a platform for large-scale public engagement and awareness.

The official result of the Guinness World Record attempt was announced in the presence of Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust (NBT), India; Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International; Shri Rajesh Pandey ji, Chief Convener and Chief Coordinator, Pune Book Festival; Dr. Rajendra Shende, Former Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Shri Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairperson, National Book Trust (NBT), India; Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi, Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU); Prof. Parag Kalkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU); Dr. Sanjeev Sonawane, Vice-Chancellor, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU); Shri Krishna Kumar Goyal, Chairman, Kohinoor Group of Enterprises; Shri Somnath Patil, Secretary, Dr. D. Y. Patil Group; Shri Shankar Karajagi, Director, Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL); and Shri Aaba Rawat, Chairperson, Deccan Education Society (DES), Pune, along with other distinguished guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said, “The environmental pledge undertaken at the Pune Book Festival represents a meaningful integration of knowledge, awareness, and responsible citizenship. As the Reading and Knowledge Partner of the Nation, the National Book Trust remains committed to promoting reading and informed engagement on issues of national importance. Our collaboration with Bisleri International has enabled us to take the message of sustainability and the ethos of Swachh Bharat to young readers, students, and families through a participatory and accessible format.”

Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, added, “This Guinness World Record initiative brought together a large and diverse group of participants around a shared commitment to saving water, reducing waste, and protecting nature. The scale of participation reflects a growing public consciousness around environmental responsibility. The multilingual approach ensured wider reach and inclusiveness, allowing participants to engage meaningfully in their preferred language. The focus now is to ensure that these pledges translate into sustained action beyond the festival.”

Shri Rajesh Pandey ji, Chief Convener, Pune Book Festival, said, “This Guinness World Record achievement reflects the collective effort, discipline, and dedication of the entire organizing and volunteer team. The successful execution of such a large-scale initiative within a limited timeframe demonstrates the strength of collaboration and shared purpose. Platforms like the Pune Book Festival provide a powerful opportunity to engage citizens – especially young people in meaningful action towards environmental responsibility.”

The organizers noted that the initiative was conceptualized to leverage the wide reach and high footfall of the Pune Book Festival to encourage public participation through a simple, inclusive, and accessible format. The use of multilingual digital video submissions enabled large-scale participation and amplified the message of environmental responsibility across diverse audiences, making the record attempt both impactful and future oriented.

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

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

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

The School of Law, Galgotias University, marked the culmination of its month-long Constitution Day Celebration and Human Rights Week with a concluding ceremony held on 19 December 2025 at the Vivekananda Auditorium, in the presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as the Chief Guest.
 

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, during his visit and interaction at Galgotias University
 

The programme began with an overview of the celebrations presented by Dr. Priyam, followed by welcome remarks from Prof. (Dr.) Aditya Tomer, Dean, School of Law, who emphasized the Constitution as a living document. Sh. Suneel Galgotia, Hon’ble Chancellor, highlighted the intrinsic link between constitutional values and human rights.
 

In his keynote address, Justice Rajesh Bindal spoke on contemporary legal education, experiential learning, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. He traced the evolution and judicial protection of human rights through constitutional provisions and landmark judgments, underscoring the importance of balancing fundamental rights with duties. He also highlighted the growing accessibility of legal resources through digital platforms while advising caution in their use.
 

An interactive session with students followed, during which Justice Bindal emphasized hard work, discipline, and integrity as essential for success in the legal profession.
 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Through initiatives like Constitution Day and Human Rights Week, Galgotias University strives to instil constitutional values and social responsibility among students, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the justice delivery system.”
 

The ceremony also featured reports on the week-long activities, distribution of certificates to winners of national competitions, the release of a book on Comparative Law, and the launch of the School of Law magazine ‘Legal Bugle’. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Mansi.
 

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University Among the World’s Leading Universities in QS and THE Rankings.
 

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201-1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities – public and private combined – this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education.
 

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001-1200 band. This significant achievement reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic arena and validates its consistent progress in global higher education benchmarks.
 

These recognitions reflect Galgotias University’s strategic focus on teaching quality, research impact, internationalization, and industry relevance, and its mission to shape globally competent graduates prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. 

VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has been consecutively recognized at three of India’s prestigious automotive awards, including the ACKO Drive Awards 2026, GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Awards 2026, and Motorscribes Auto Awards 2025. The accolades reflect strong recognition from industry experts for VinFast’s product quality and design, technological capabilities, and well-defined investment strategy, while underscoring the brand’s growing credibility in the world’s third-largest automotive market.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh (center), CEO of VinFast India, received the award from the organizers of the ACKO Drive Awards 2026: The One That Matters

At the ACKO Drive Awards 2026, the VinFast VF 7 was named “Mid-Size SUV of the Year” after convincingly meeting the criteria of a modern family SUV. The award is presented by ACKO Drive, a leading automotive content platform in India, with winners determined by a jury of top industry experts through a rigorous evaluation process.

Meanwhile, at the GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Awards 2026, the “Value-for-Money Package of the Year” award was presented to the VinFast VF 6. The model was recognized for its well-rounded balance of performance, technology features, modern interior design and competitive pricing, positioning it as a strong choice for value-focused Indian customers. GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Awards are organized annually by GaadiWaadi, one of India’s most trusted automotive news platforms, to honor standout products in the market.

At the Motorscribes Auto Awards 2025, VinFast secured a double win, being named “Electric Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year”, while the VF 7 received the “Electric Vehicle of the Year” award. The honors recognize VinFast’s long-term vision and the strong value proposition of its electric vehicle lineup. Motorscribes Auto Awards are evaluated based on inputs from the jury panel and community engagement, offering a balanced reflection of expert assessment and real-market feedback.

The newest awards further add to VinFast’s growing list of recognitions in India, including the “Most Anticipated New Car” award from ABP Live News, the double honors of “Electric Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year” and “EV Disruptor of the Year” at the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards, as well as the “Design of the Year” award at the Zee Media Auto Summit.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “Being recognized at the ACKO Drive Awards, GaadiWaadi Editors’ Choice Awards and Motorscribes Auto Awards is a meaningful milestone for VinFast as we accelerate our expansion in India. These awards reflect the growing confidence of the market in our long-term investment strategy, product capabilities, and vision for developing a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem. We will continue to expand our presence and invest in manufacturing and services to deliver a world-class electric vehicle experience to customers across the country.”

Mr. Siddharth Vinayak Patankar, Editor, ACKO Drive, said, “The VinFast VF 7 convincingly meets the brief for a modern family SUV in India, and scored consistently high across all parameters: performance, comfort, efficiency, safety and value. This award underlines VinFast’s seriousness about the Indian market and the growing maturity of India’s midsize SUV segment.”

Mr. Gaurav Yadav, Editor, GaadiWaadi.com, said, “VinFast has showcased a clear and strategic understanding of the Indian EV market with the VF 6. The model has been intelligently priced and packaged to meet the expectations of value-conscious yet tech-savvy customers. With a competitive driving range, modern features and an overall well-rounded proposition, the VF 6 delivers a strong balance of affordability, innovation and everyday usability.”

Mr. Vikram Gour, Editor, Motorscribes, said, “A key differentiator for VinFast is its Tuticorin manufacturing facility, which is already operational and producing both the VF 6 and VF 7 locally. As this plant expands to include two-wheelers and buses, it is set to play a meaningful role in job creation and in strengthening the local manufacturing ecosystem. The VF 7 stood out for its striking design, robust build quality, impressive real-world range and a highly competitive price point, making it a compelling choice for Indian families seeking a comfortable, reliable and stylish electric SUV.”

As it accelerates operations in India, VinFast is building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem encompassing manufacturing, retail, charging infrastructure, and after-sales services to deliver a seamless ownership experience. The foundation of this long-term strategy is VinFast’s 160-hectare manufacturing complex in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, which is currently assembling premium SUV models VF 6 and VF 7 in its initial phase. The facility is planned to expand by an additional 200 hectares to support future electric bus and electric two-wheeler programs. In parallel, VinFast is working with banks and service partners in India to develop financing solutions, infrastructure, aftersales services, and a circular battery value chain, contributing to the advancement of green mobility in the world’s third-largest automotive market.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making electric mobility more accessible to everyone. VinFast’s current product portfolio includes a wide range of electric SUVs, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric buses.

VinFast is entering its next phase of growth by rapidly expanding its global distribution and dealer network while strengthening manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on key markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in

ASBL, India’s fastest growing real estate company based in Hyderabad, hosted the Gurugram Realty Meet, a focused investor engagement designed to offer NCR investors practical insights into the Indian real estate market and evolving investment strategies across cities. The session aimed to educate participants on where to invest, how to evaluate markets, and how to build resilient real estate portfolios beyond their home region.

Ajitesh Korupolu, CEO & Founder of ASBL hosts Realty Meet: Gurugram Edition

Set against ongoing real estate news of Gurgaon highlighting price escalation, regulatory delays and rising volatility, the meet addressed a growing need among NCR investors to reassess traditional investment patterns. Attendees included seasoned investors and professionals actively exploring how to purchase a house, how to buy a home in new markets, and the rules for buying a house across cities.

Rather than positioning the meet as a sales-led showcase, ASBL curated it as a knowledge-driven platform. The discussion focused on Indian real estate fundamentals, portfolio diversification, rental yield optimisation, capital preservation and long-term market stability. A key highlight of the session was the live Q&A format, where investors were encouraged to raise market-specific, financial and regulatory questions and those questions were directly addressed by the CEO Ajitesh Korupolu himself.

Why Gurugram Investors Are Looking at Hyderabad

The session was personally led by Ajitesh Korupolu, Founder and CEO of ASBL, who shared data-backed insights into macro real estate trends, city-level performance and investor behaviour across India. In addition to the presentation, Ajitesh interacted directly with attendees through an open Q&A and one-on-one discussions, helping investors evaluate individual investment goals, risk profiles and market suitability.

Urban Efficiency and Livability
According to the TomTom Traffic Index 2025, Delhi-Gurugram commuters lose 128 hours annually in peak-hour traffic compared to 85 hours in Hyderabad. Hyderabad also maintains better air quality, with an AQI of 117 versus Gurugram’s 158, and has been ranked India’s most livable city by Mercer for seven consecutive years. For investors, these factors play a direct role in rental demand, tenant retention and long-term asset performance.

Cost and Capital Deployment Advantage
Numbeo data indicates that Gurugram is approximately 18 percent more expensive than Hyderabad, with a lifestyle costing INR150,000 in Hyderabad requiring nearly INR177,000 in Gurugram. This cost differential allows investors to deploy capital more strategically in Hyderabad, enabling diversification across multiple assets instead of concentrating investment into a single high-ticket purchase.

Commercial Growth Driving Residential Stability
Hyderabad continues to outperform NCR in Global Capability Center expansion, accounting for nearly 40 percent of India’s new GCCs over the past three years. Major global companies such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft have expanded their presence in the city, strengthening long-term employment pipelines. Address Advisors reported a 30 percent year-on-year increase in Hyderabad’s office absorption in Q1 2025, compared to approximately 5 percent growth across NCR micro-markets. This sustained commercial growth signals consistent rental demand and reduced vacancy risk for residential investors.

Appreciation With Lower Volatility
Between 2019 and mid-2024, Hyderabad recorded a 64 percent increase in property values, compared to Gurugram’s 50 percent rise. Importantly, Hyderabad’s growth trajectory has been more stable, reducing downside exposure for investors evaluating buying a new house or considering first home buyer benefits as part of family wealth planning.

Ajitesh Korupolu’s Perspective

Speaking at the session, Ajitesh Korupolu said, “Today’s investors are far more informed and diversification-driven. They are asking sharper questions around yield sustainability, downside risk and long-term stability. This session was designed to create clarity not just around Hyderabad, but around how investors should think about real estate as a portfolio asset. For those prioritising capital preservation and predictable growth, Hyderabad offers a strong, complementary market to NCR.”

A Knowledge-Led Cross-City Investment Approach

Through the Gurugram Realty Meet, ASBL reinforced the importance of education-led investing and cross-city portfolio distribution. By combining live interaction, transparent data and real-world investor queries, the session helped participants align real estate decisions with long-term wealth strategies rather than short-term speculation. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward informed, research-backed real estate investing in India.

About ASBL

ASBL is among the first technology-driven real estate companies in India. Known for its commitment to transparency, design innovation and engineering excellence, ASBL follows a customer-first approach with a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential communities. The company supports both experienced investors and first-time home buyers as they explore opportunities within the Hyderabad real estate market.

Trailblazer Indian filmmaker and global cultural influencer Captain Rahul Bali, the visionary force who put India–Vietnam cinema on the global map by producing landmark films like “Love in Vietnam” & “SILAA” delivered a compelling address during the International Conference on Cultural Industries for Sustainable Tourism, organized by the Government of Vietnam at the Majestic Imperial Palace in Hue – the erstwhile capital of Vietnam.

Filmmaker Captain Rahul Bali and Vietnam’s Tourism Minister Nguyen Van Hùng highlight the power of cinema at the International Cultural and Tourism summit in Hue, Vietnam

The high-level international conference brought together Vietnam’s top leadership and global stakeholders, including H.E. Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam; Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam; Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT); Ambassadors and Diplomats from Russia, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, Senior Tourism Leaders, Policymakers and leading International and Vietnamese media.

Captain Rahul Bali’s address, titled “Cinema as a Cultural Industry That Can Promote the Development of Tourism,” underscored the transformative role of cinema in shaping destination perception, driving tourism demand and strengthening cultural identity.

Captain Bali emphasized that cinema is one of the world’s most powerful cultural industries, capable of carrying a nation’s soul—its stories, colours, music, and emotions—across borders. He highlighted how iconic film scenes inspire global travel, how filming locations evolve into emotional destinations, and how movies, shows and festivals translate storytelling into real tourism growth.

Mr. Bui Hoai Son, Deputy Chairman of the Cultural Committee of the Vietnam National Assembly, remarked, “Indian filmmaker Rahul Bali’s insight on cinema as a tool for shaping a nation’s image truly resonated with me. A successful film not only tells a story, but also sparks a desire in international audiences to visit its locations, leading to tourism, cultural exploration, and even attracting investment. In this way, cinema becomes a silent yet enduring ambassador for a nation.”

Addressing world leaders in Hue, the Bollywood filmmaker highlighted how Indian cinema can shape destinations and boost international tourism. Drawing from his experience while producing “Love in Vietnam,” the first-ever India–Vietnam collaborative feature film, Captain Bali shared how Indian audiences began developing a strong emotional connection with Vietnam even before the film’s release.

“Vietnam transformed from a location into a feeling—a story people wanted to experience in real life,” he noted, illustrating the phenomenon of film-induced tourism. “Films create dream destinations in the minds of audiences,” Captain Bali said, stressing that cinema is a universal language that brings cultures closer while acting as a powerful engine for sustainable tourism development.

Speaking at the conference, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Văn Hung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam stated, “This International Conference on Cultural Industries for Sustainable Tourism is immensely beneficial for Vietnam’s tourism sector. By integrating culture, creativity and storytelling into tourism development, we are strengthening Vietnam’s global image and creating sustainable, high-value tourism growth for the future.”

Captain Rahul Bali concluded by emphasizing that nations which strategically align film and tourism policies gain a significant cultural and economic advantage, positioning themselves more prominently on the global tourism map.

The conference reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to leveraging cultural industries particularly cinema – as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism development, building bridges between storytelling, culture and global travel.

As part of its steadfast commitment to advancing India’s digitization mission, and further driving financial inclusion agenda, PayU, a leading fintech platform, executed a host of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in 2025. Designed to bridge the digital divide and empower underserved communities nationwide, PayU’s multi-faceted programs have directly benefited over 50,000 rural beneficiaries and over 140 women across key villages in states like Maharashtra, etc. and about 450 students and educators in India since 2024. To drive this mission forward, PayU partnered with the key organizations including partnerships with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), NeevJivan NGO, etc.

 PayU conducted engaging sessions on cybersecurity for students in partnership with DSCI’s Cyber for Youth Program

“PayU’s commitment to social impact goes beyond financial inclusion – we’re building digitally safe and economically empowered communities from the ground up,” said Richa Mukherjee, Senior Director – Corporate Affairs and Public Policy. “These programs represent our belief that technology and entrepreneurship can transform lives. When we see rural students mastering cybersecurity concepts or women launching sustainable businesses, we’re creating lasting change that supports the Digital India mission.”

Pioneering Digital Safety Education
In partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) for its Cyber for Youth Program, PayU revolutionized cybersecurity education in rural Karnataka. Through engaging activities such as interactive quizzes, poster competitions, and live demonstrations conducted in local languages, covering critical topics including cyberbullying prevention, social media safety, and digital payment fraud awareness. The program’s impact was validated through rigorous pre- and post-assessments, with students showing knowledge improvement rates ranging from 62.5% to 82.3% across different schools.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Sustainable Livelihood Programs
By collaborating with NeevJivan NGO, PayU implemented its ‘Model Village Program’ focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in the Nashik, Dahanu, and Jawhar regions of Maharashtra. The initiative introduced sustainable livelihood projects including bee-keeping, mushroom farming, poultry farming, and vermicomposting, providing women with viable alternate income sources.

The program provided comprehensive support including 30-45 days of entrepreneurship training and strategic branding assistance, with products like “Madhu” for honey and “Mastshroom” for mushrooms. The initiative successfully established 14 sustainable projects, with every participating household gaining access to new income-generating opportunities, demonstrating PayU’s commitment to economic empowerment through innovation.

Leadership-Driven Educational Impact
PayU further strengthened its educational commitment through a strategic partnership with Teach for India. PayU’s senior leaders engaged directly with over 450 students and educators through extended mentorship sessions, facilitating knowledge sharing and providing real-world insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and career development. This initiative reinforced PayU’s belief in leadership-driven social change and the power of direct engagement in shaping young minds.

All these initiatives build upon PayU’s established track record of impactful CSR programs. Last year, the company successfully implemented two major initiatives: the Village Adoption Program under RBI’s framework, which brought digital payment literacy to 5,000 beneficiaries across five villages in Uttar Pradesh under the theme ‘Har Payment Digital’ and the Digital Vans initiative in partnership with MeITY’s CSC, which delivered financial and digital literacy training to over 50,238 citizens in remote areas around Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram. These programs demonstrate PayU’s consistent commitment to bridging the digital divide and advancing financial inclusion across India’s rural landscape.

About PayU
PayU, India’s leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital financial services needs of customers (merchants, banks, and consumers).

PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.