Russia is the only foreign country in the world that fully complies with the National Medical Commission – India’s latest norms set for medical education overseas. The All-India Russian Education Fair for the academic year 2026-2027 will take place on 9^th and 10^th May at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Chennai, 10 am to 5 pm. Featuring the direct participation of as many as seven leading higher educational institutions, all belonging to the Russian government, the fair offers as many as 10,000 MBBS seats for the Indian students. The rise in the number of seats reflects the growing demand for medical education in Russia, the only foreign country at present to fully comply with the National Medical Commission of India’s latest norms set for medical education overseas.

(L-R): Mr. Ravi Chandran. C, Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev, Mr. Alexander Dodonov, Dr. Berezhanskiy Pavel Viacheslavovich

Spot admissions for MBBS and other programs can be made at the fair, which is scheduled to take place also in many locations in Tamil Nadu. It will be held between 10 am and 5 pm in Madurai on May 12 at Hotel Royal Court; Trichy on May 13 at Hotel Femina; Salem on May 14 at GRT Hotel Zibe; and Coimbatore on May 15 at The Grand Regent Hotel. There is no entry fee for the fair. For details about the programs and fair, students can call: 9282 221 221.

The MBBS courses in Russia are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. As the courses are highly-subsidised by the government, they are also the most affordable, with the total fee, starting from as low as Rs. 3.5 lakh per annum.

Indian students who have cleared National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and who have a minimum of 50% marks in the relevant core subjects/degrees (in the case of SC/ST and OBC students, the minimum marks is only 40%), can apply for MBBS courses in Russia. Tamil medium students can also apply. There are no pre-qualifying exams like CET, IELTS, etc. for admissions to universities in Russia.

The education fair 2026 also features the participation of science, technology, and engineering education institutions that offer programs in emerging and cutting-edge domains such as bio-technology, artificial intelligence, and data science. The universities participating in the Education Fair include: Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd;

National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow; Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad; Kazan State Medical University, Kazan; North Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol; Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow; and Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow.

The press meet, organised to announce the launch of the fair, was addressed by Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev, Consul General, Consulate General the Russian Federation in Chennai, South India, Mr. Alexander Dodonov, Vice Consul & Director, Russian House, Chennai, Dr. Berezhanskiy Pavel Viacheslavovich, Professor, N.F.Filatov Of The Sechenov’s University and Mr. Ravi Chandran. C, Managing Director, Study Abroad Educational Consultants, the authorised Indian representative for Russian Universities.

In his address, Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev said, “Russian universities have a long-standing reputation of providing high-quality medical education in the world. Students from India have been admitted to Russian universities for the last 60 years. Russia continues to be the top choice for Indian students seeking medical education abroad, as Russian universities proactively adhere to the changing norms and guidelines of India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) to ensure that their MBBS programs are well recognised in India. Every year thousands of Indian students step into Russia to get prestigious, globally recognised and affordable education. With a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and advanced facilities, Russian universities offer a robust learning environment for Indian students pursuing medical education in the country.”

Talking about scholarship programs, Mr. Alexander Dodonov said, “As in the past, the Russian Government’s annual 100% scholarship programs will award grants to more than 200 Indian students this year as well. This will enable them to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, Specialist, and Postgraduate Programs in Russia’s leading universities free of cost. The cost of higher education is relatively cheaper because it is highly subsidised by the Government of the Russian Federation. Our universities also provide assistance as many have special adaptation programs and support systems for Indian students.”

Mr. Ravi Chandran commented that, “There are more than 300,000 international students from 200 different countries enrolled in the 600-odd government universities across Russia. By and large, medicine is the most popular area of study among Indian students who choose to pursue their higher education in Russia. Currently, there are about 25,000 Indian students studying medicine in about 30 Russian universities that offer M.D, a degree equivalent to MBBS in India. All the Russian universities adhere to NMC guidelines – including the latest one issued by it in November, 2021 relating to the duration of the MBB program and internship, curriculum, medium of instruction (English), among others. The institutions have made sure that the safety of Indian students and their education are not impacted by the external geopolitical situations.”

“Moreover eight weeks of intense training offered every year by Academy for Foreign Medical Graduates, Delhi, from second year of study to final year is a promising feature that guarantees increase in pass percentage of students,” he added.

For more details and spot admissions students can attend All India Russian Education Fair 2026. They can furnish valid credentials supporting their eligibility to pursue Bachelor’s / Post-graduate degree programs for 2026-27 academic year, scheduled to start from September, 2026.

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (Global Energy Alliance) has appointed Tanya Singhal as Vice President, India. A renewable energy entrepreneur and climate tech leader, Singhal joins at a pivotal moment as the Global Energy Alliance scales its work to strengthen India’s energy systems and expand reliable, affordable clean power. Her appointment comes as the Global Energy Alliance marks three years of work in India, advancing efforts to build more modern, resilient power systems through battery storage, grid digitalization, and distributed energy, while expanding jobs and economic opportunity.
 

Tanya Singhal, VP – India, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

Tanya Singhal is the co-founder of SolarArise, a large-scale, grid-connected solar platform she built and led for eight years. During her tenure, she raised and deployed over ₹2,000 crores in capital, backed by the European Investment Bank’s GEEREF fund and Kotak Mahindra’s Singapore-based infrastructure fund, to develop a 500 MWp portfolio of utility-scale solar assets across multiple states. She later led a landmark exit through a sale to an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) listed on the London Stock Exchange, making SolarArise one of the first Indian renewable platforms to achieve an LSE listing. She is an alumna of IIT Delhi and a former strategy consultant at BCG.
 

Commenting on the appointment, Woochong Um, CEO of Global Energy Alliance said, “Tanya has built and scaled clean energy platforms in one of the world’s most important and fastest-moving energy markets. India will play a defining role in how the energy transition unfolds, and it is already showing what modern, resilient power systems can look like. Her leadership will help us accelerate solutions that strengthen the grid, expand opportunity, and unlock investment at scale.”
 

Singhal has worked closely with India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. A recognized voice on climate and energy policy, she is a frequent speaker at leading global and national forums.
 

Tanya Singhal said, “The energy transition today is fundamentally about energy sovereignty: ensuring 24-hour, reliable clean power for every Indian. That requires modernized grids, battery storage, and the integration of distributed renewable energy. That’s precisely where Global Energy Alliance is focused, and what drew me to this role. Global Energy Alliance’s ability to bring together governments, private capital, and communities is key to unlocking solutions at scale. I’m excited to bring my experience building and scaling SolarArise to help accelerate that progress at a moment of real momentum.”
 

In India, Global Energy Alliance has supported a portfolio of 26 projects deployed and in development, on track to unlock approximately $1 billion in finance. These efforts are expected to improve access for 49 million people, support 2.2 million jobs and livelihoods, and reduce 166 million tons of emissions. In February 2026, the Global Energy Alliance launched the India Grids of the Future Accelerator with an initial $25 million to support grid modernization and integration of renewable energy.

Healthy snacking brand Farmley has announced the winners of its 30-day ‘Daily Fuel Challenge’, a gamified healthy eating initiative conducted through April 2026. The campaign encouraged consumers and creators across the country to create and share one recipe reel a day using products from the brand’s limited-edition Daily Fuel Box.

Farmley gamifies healthy snacking with new ‘Daily Fuel’ campaign

More than 50 creators and consumers participated in the initiative, with several completing all 30 days of recipe-based content creation. Farmley also sold over 500 Daily Fuel Boxes during the campaign window.

Participants ranged from everyday home cooks to creators with audiences exceeding 200,000 followers. As the challenge progressed, participants began interacting with each other, exchanging recipes, and amplifying fellow creators’ content, eventually forming an online community referred to as the ‘Intentional Food Club’.

The challenge concluded with 27 winners across multiple participation tiers receiving rewards including a PS5, Dyson Airwrap, and Decathlon vouchers worth INR 14 lakh in total. The campaign generated over 1,000 user-created recipe reels, 4.5 million+ views, and 7,000+ follower growth during the campaign period.

Aman Gupta, Head of Marketing, Farmley, said, “The idea behind the Daily Fuel Challenge was to create stronger behavioural engagement around healthy snacking. We wanted to move beyond one-time product trials and encourage consumers to actually build everyday habits around the products. The challenge format made healthy eating more interactive, consistent, and community-driven.”

He added, “What stood out for us was the level of organic participation the campaign created. Participants were not just posting content for rewards, they were building routines, exchanging ideas, and motivating each other throughout the 30 days. That kind of genuine advocacy is extremely valuable for a brand.”

Designed to encourage repeat consumption and daily engagement, the Daily Fuel Box comprised Farmley’s Chia Seeds, Original Trail Mix, and Power Up Seed Mix along with recipe cards, a ceramic bowl, wooden scoop, fridge magnets, star stickers, and a bingo-style tracker. The challenge aimed to make healthy eating more interactive while helping consumers incorporate seeds and mixes into their everyday routines.

Priyanka Mittal, Director, KRBL Limited, a global leader in the food industry and the parent company of the World’s No.1 basmati rice brand, has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Indian side of the Saudi-India Business Council by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
 

Ms. Priyanka Mittal, Whole Time Director, KRBL Ltd.
 

In this role, Ms. Mittal will work alongside Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman, Eram Holdings, who has been nominated as Chair of the Indian side of the Council. The SIBC is a premier bilateral platform jointly established by FICCI and the Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC). It plays a pivotal role in strengthening economic cooperation, enhancing trade relations, and facilitating investment opportunities between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
 

Ms. Mittal’s nomination underscores KRBL Limited’s continued commitment to fostering global partnerships and contributing to India’s growing economic engagement with key international markets. With her extensive experience in business leadership and international trade, she is well-positioned to further deepen strategic collaboration between the two nations.
 

KRBL Limited remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive international trade, promote sustainable growth, and enhance India’s position as a global agri-food leader.
 

With 135 years of legacy rooted in quality and a commitment to innovation, KRBL is fully integrated from farm to plate—from seed development and contact farming to processing, aging, packaging and retail distribution—ensuring top-tier standards at each step. The multi-brand food company is driven by a consumer-forward portfolio that includes the flagship brand of the company, India Gate, has been recognized as the World’s #1 Basmati Rice Brand along with 13 brands and a variety of products such as Regional Rice, Biryani Masalas, Edible Oils, Brown Rice, Quinoa, Chia Seeds, and Flax Seeds. 
 

As the largest rice miller in the world, the company’s dedication extends beyond products—KRBL believes that true success is linked to the well-being of the communities we serve and the health of our planet. With a deep-rooted philosophy of sustainability, the brand is committed to responsible practices that protect the environment and uphold social responsibility.

Dot & Key, India’s science-backed skincare brand known for its effective yet enjoyable formulations, announces a significant upgrade to its sunscreen portfolio with a next-generation, photostable UV filter system. This innovation powers its best-selling sunscreens, Vitamin C + E Super Bright Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, Strawberry Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, and Dragon Fruit Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, delivering enhanced broad-spectrum protection that stays stable even under prolonged sun exposure.

Dot & Key Upgrades Its Sunscreen Portfolio with New-Age Photostable UV Filters for Superior, Long-Lasting Protection

At the heart of this upgrade is a carefully selected blend of four advanced UV filters, DHHB (Uvinul A Plus), EHT (Uvinul T 150), Tinosorb S, and Tinosorb M, known globally for their high efficacy and photostability. Unlike traditional filters that may degrade when exposed to sunlight, these new-age filters remain stable, ensuring consistent and reliable sun protection throughout the day.

The upgraded formulations are in-vivo tested for SPF 50+, reinforcing their ability to protect against UVB rays responsible for sunburn, while the PA++++ rating confirms the highest level of UVA protection to help prevent tanning, pigmentation, and premature skin ageing. Together, this advanced filter system offers true broad-spectrum defense, shielding skin effectively from both UVA and UVB damage.

Staying true to the brand’s philosophy of making skincare both effective and delightful, the upgraded sunscreens retain their signature water-light texture, a fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula that leaves no white cast and wears comfortably even in heat and humidity. The sensorial experience remains unchanged, ensuring consumers continue to enjoy the same lightweight feel they love, now with even stronger sun protection.

“At Dot & Key, we’re constantly evolving with science to deliver skincare that feels as good as it performs to our consumers. This next-generation, photostable UV filter system allows our sunscreens to provide more consistent, long-lasting protection in real-world conditions. By combining advanced global filters with improved formulations, we’ve enhanced both product efficacy and the overall user experience- making daily sun protection more reliable, comfortable, and effortless,” Suyash Saraf, Co-founder, Dot & Key.

With this upgrade, Dot & Key reinforces its commitment to combining cutting-edge science with consumer-first formulations – delivering sunscreens that not only protect better but also feel better on the skin.

About Dot & Key   

Dot & Key is an Indian skincare brand focused on creating effective, everyday solutions that blend science-backed formulations with thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Founded in 2018 by Anisha and Suyash Saraf, the brand was built to address specific skincare concerns relevant to Indian lifestyles, including sun exposure, pollution, and active routines.

Known for its approachable, purposeful products, Dot & Key offers a wide range of skincare essentials across sun care, hydration, barrier repair, and targeted treatments. The brand places strong emphasis on sensorial textures, ease of use, and formulations that encourage consistent skincare habits. Dot & Key products are cruelty-free and formulated without parabens, sulphates, or phthalates, making skincare both effective and enjoyable for modern consumers.

Galgotias University has appointed Professor Saumya Sindhwani as Provost, adding a senior academic leader with experience across teaching, executive education, organisational development, and institution building.

Professor Sindhwani joins Galgotias University from Indian School of Business, where she held leadership responsibilities as Associate Dean for Advanced Management Programmes and Executive Director of the Centre for Learning and Management Practice. She is also on the Board of Advisers for Jose Rizal University, Philippines.
 

Professor Sindhwani, joining from ISB, will strengthen academic excellence, research, innovation, and global learner opportunities at Galgotias University
 

She brings more than two decades of professional experience spanning academia and the corporate sector, with work exposure across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Over the years, she has contributed to executive learning programmes for leading global organisations including Google, Goldman Sachs, Walmart, Novartis, and Accenture.

Professor Sindhwani received her PhD in Corporate Strategy and Corporate Citizenship from Alliance Manchester Business School and her MSc from London School of Economics and Political Science.

Her research interests lie at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and society, with a focus on how organisations design and implement strategy in volatile and complex environments. She is also the author of several books on leadership, management, decision-making, and strategy.

As Provost, Professor Sindhwani will work closely with the University leadership on academic quality, research culture, faculty development, curriculum advancement, student outcomes, and interdisciplinary opportunities across schools and programmes.

Speaking on her new role, Professor Saumya Sindhwani said, “Galgotias University has built impressive momentum and scale. I look forward to working with faculty, students, and colleagues to further strengthen academic quality, research, innovation, and opportunities for learners.”

Galgotias University has earned recognition in respected global assessments including QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education. The University today has a growing presence across engineering, management, law, health sciences, media, hospitality, and emerging technology disciplines. Professor Sindhwani’s appointment comes as the University enters its next phase of academic growth, deeper research engagement, and broader international outreach.

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), one of the leading paint companies in India, has taken its heat-reflective coating, Nerolac Perma NoHeat, out of brochures and into barefoot reality with a powerful on-ground initiative.
 

As part of a unique on-ground activation, the company coated pathways at multiple high-footfall temples across Southern India, with Perma NoHeat, Kansai Nerolac’s acrylic-based, heat-reflective coating formulated to reduce surface heat absorption. On-ground temperature readings recorded a reduction of up to 15°C on treated surfaces, resulting in a visibly and physically more comfortable walking experience for devotees visiting the temple premises during peak daytime hours. Rather than explaining the benefit, the campaign allowed people to feel it instantly and instinctively.
 

Kansai Nerolac cools down scorching temple pathways by up to 15°C with Perma NoHeat
 

Co-created in association with Tribes, the campaign was conceptualised around the insight of communicating performance through lived experiences by addressing a real, shared discomfort that people instinctively adapt to but rarely question. The execution was carefully planned in coordination with temple authorities to ensure minimal disruption to daily rituals, while focusing on high-impact zones where the benefit could be experienced instantly. At its core, the idea was to move beyond demonstration and place the product in a setting where the benefit is instinctively understood. By placing the intervention in culturally significant and high engagement environments, instead of explaining heat reduction, the activation transformed a functional promise into a deeply personal moment.

The campaign also aligns with the growing urgency around heat mitigation, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, where rising temperatures and heatwaves are becoming more pronounced. However, the activation deliberately avoids heavy messaging. Instead, it focuses on a single, tangible intervention that delivers immediate relief. It is a simple shift, but one that leaves a lasting impact. It helps Kansai Nerolac build on a broader effort to position Perma NoHeat as the brand’s first dedicated heat-reduction solution, designed to address the growing challenge of rising surface temperatures. While Perma NoHeat is commonly associated with terraces and exterior walls, this on ground application demonstrates its relevance in shared public settings.

Kansai Nerolac is extending the story to digital platforms through a digital film that documents the initiative from application to impact. The film captures real time temperature changes and, more importantly, authentic human reactions, grounding the narrative in lived experience rather than technical claims.

Speaking on the activation, Ramkrishna Naik, Chief Marketing Officer, Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited said about the activation, “Summer heat today is more intense than ever, and surfaces like temple pathways become extremely difficult to walk on barefoot. We chose to address exactly this moment, wherein the idea was not to create a staged demonstration, but to let Perma Noheat prove itself. It is, of course, also built on our confidence in the capabilities of Perma NoHeat. This initiative demonstrates how the product can make a real difference in everyday environments.”

Gour Gupta, Chairman, Tribes, added, “We didn’t want to describe the benefit, we wanted people to feel it. So rather than talk about Nerolac NoHeat, we applied it on paths walked by millions. Minimal messaging, no explanation, just a real, lived experience. By becoming part of the journey, the product benefit became instantly understood.”
 

Watch: Bringing Comfort and Faith Together | Nerolac Perma NoHeat Initiative: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkg7Q-xrXjM
 

About Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd.
Kansai Nerolac Paints now in its 106th year has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. Kansai Nerolac is one of the leading paint companies in India and is the leader in Industrial paints. The company has eight strategically located manufacturing units all over India and a strong dealer network across the country. The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from decorative paints coatings for homes, offices, hospitals, and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries.

For more information, please visit www.nerolac.com.

About Tribes
Tribes is a US$ 100+ million integrated marketing communications agency, specializing in Out-Of-Home (OOH), Experiential, Events, Digital, and Rural and Retail solutions, Sports Marketing and Celebrity Management. It is India’s most awarded agency with 600+ awards, 450+ active client base, and a nationwide presence with 17 offices, delivering immersive formats with unmatched reach and scale. We excel in creating immersive and impactful brand experiences that captivate and engage audiences and empower brands.
 

For more information, please visit www.tribeww.in.

Beverly Hills Polo Club has announced a strategic shift in its operating model in India, establishing its own subsidiary to reinforce its long-term commitment to one of its most important global growth markets.

Beverly Hills Polo Club – Exclusive Brand Outlet

This transition marks a decisive move from a licensing-led structure to a fully owned subsidiary with a franchise-operated platform.

The new model will enable BHPC to exercise greater control over brand positioning, consumer experience, and market execution. It is designed to drive consistency, strengthen brand equity, and accelerate scalable growth across channels.

At the core of this transformation is a multi-partner, multi-channel, and multi-category strategy aimed at enhancing distribution agility, optimizing operational efficiency, and building a future-ready retail ecosystem.

Mr. Ajay Bindroo, Managing Partner, Beverly Hills Polo Club said, “India is not just a growth market, it is a strategic global priority for us. Moving to a franchise model allows us to take mutual ownership of our brand narrative, deepen market engagement, and execute with precision. With a strong partner ecosystem and a clear roadmap, we are confident of building a high-quality, scalable platform that delivers sustained long-term value.”

Key Strategic Initiatives:

• BHPC has partnered with RJ Corp to drive the rollout of Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs), leveraging their strong retail execution capabilities.

• The brand is strengthening its presence in department store retail through Shoppers Stop, expanding its Shop-in-Shop footprint across key cities.

• A wider multi-brand outlet (MBO) partner network will further extend reach into high-potential emerging cities.

This integrated approach positions BHPC to capture India’s evolving consumption landscape with greater speed, sharper execution, and enhanced control, while building a resilient and premium retail presence across formats. 

While retail remains a key driver of expansion in the near term, we see digital as an essential pillar for the future, one that will enable deeper consumer engagement and more direct relationships over time. E-commerce and D2C are important strategic priorities for us, and we are actively working towards strengthening our capabilities in this space.

Mr. Eli Haddad, Founder, Beverly Hills Polo Club said, “India represents one of the most compelling growth markets for the Beverly Hills Polo Club brand. With its scale, evolving consumer landscape, and strong affinity for global lifestyle brands, the opportunity is both immediate and long term. Our India partnership allows us to build the brand in a structured and meaningful way, with the right foundation to scale across key markets while staying true to our heritage and positioning.”

Mr. Varun Jaipuria, Director, RJ Corp, said, “Adding Beverly Hills Polo Club to our portfolio marks an exciting new chapter in our retail journey. India’s appetite for premium lifestyle brands has never been stronger and Beverly Hills Polo Club resonates deeply with the Indian consumer. With our deep retail expertise, we are committed building a retail footprint where all our consumers connect with the brand’s complete portfolio, making BHPC a leader in India’s premium casualwear segment.”

Mr. Kavindra Mishra, Customer Care Associate, Managing Director and CEO, Shoppers Stop, said, “At Shoppers Stop, we are committed to bringing the best of global brands to Indian consumers. Our partnership with BHPC strengthens our premium lifestyle portfolio and allows us to offer customers a compelling brand experience within our stores.”

About Beverly Hills Polo Club
Beverly Hills Polo Club is an internationally recognised lifestyle brand inspired by the heritage and spirit of the sport of polo. With a presence across multiple categories and markets, the brand combines classic elegance with a contemporary sensibility.