• Inaugurated by Padma Bhushan Mrs. Rajashree Birla, the new store in Greater Kailash brings indigenous craftsmanship and sustainable luxury to the capital

• Empowering over 700 artisans across Raigarh and Janjgir – Champa districts in Chhattisgarh while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk

Kosala, the social enterprise of Hindalco Industries Limited, has opened its flagship retail store in Greater Kailash (N Block), New Delhi, marking a key expansion milestone in its Kosa silk value-chain initiative in Chhattisgarh.

L–R: Satish Pai, MD, Hindalco Industries Ltd; actor Yami Gautam Dhar; Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives & Rural Development;  Saurabh Khedekar, CEO Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Ltd & Director, Kosala Foundation, and  Neeta Shah – CEO Kosala at inauguration of Kosala Boutique in Delhi

Kosala was launched in 2021 to restore and expand the indigenous Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community. Today, Kosala reached a key milestone with the launch of its first flagship store. The boutique was inaugurated by Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, in the presence of Mr. Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries Limited, Mr. Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited and Director, Kosala Foundation with actor Ms. Yami Gautam Dhar marking the occasion.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Rajashree Birla- Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development said, “Kosala reflects our deep commitment to trusteeship, nurturing communities while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. By revitalising the art of Kosa silk, we are empowering artisan families, especially women, with sustainable livelihoods and renewed pride in their craft. This store serves as a bridge between rural skill and global appreciation.”

Kosala’s impact at the grassroots level has been measurable and transformative. In FY25, 31 weaver families secured full-time engagement, while 130 artisans were employed across pre-loom and post-loom processes, strengthening integration across the value chain. Full-time weavers now benefit from assured year-round engagement, resulting in a 63% increase in income, significantly enriching their livelihoods. During the year, 379 artisans were engaged and 100 were newly skilled, reinforcing household stability and enabling the Dewangan community to move forward with renewed confidence and dignity. Since its inception, Kosala has empowered over 700 artisans, strengthening sustainable livelihoods while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk.

Mr. Saurabh Khedekar, CEO, Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited and Director, Kosala Foundation, said, “Kosala is anchored in two core beliefs, reviving the indigenous legacy of Kosa silk and restoring economic dignity, recognition, and continuous skill advancement to its original custodians, the Dewangan community. This store is not merely a retail milestone; it reaffirms our long-term commitment to strengthening the artisan ecosystem and enabling weaver families to thrive with pride and purpose.

We continue to prioritise the well-being of artisans and their families by extending individual life insurance coverage, expanding structured training to bring more weavers into the fold, and reimagining Kosa through a thoughtful blend of time-honoured techniques and consciously designed collections for the modern consumer.”

Capacity-building initiatives include training 25 rural youth in professional natural colour dyeing; providing sewing and embroidery skills to 100 women in partnership with the International Labour Organization and the Foundation for MSME Clusters; certifying 50 Dewangan women in Kosa reeling; and offering advanced weaving training to 25 artisans through the Weavers’ Service Centre, Raigarh. In 2024, Kosala introduced the Kosala Artisan Shilp Unnati Yojana, instituting annual recognition and incentive structures for master weavers.

Kosala was instituted as part of Hindalco’s sustainable mining initiatives in Chhattisgarh. Over the years we have built a scalable rural enterprise model that integrates market access, skill development and infrastructure investment positioning heritage textiles within a sustainable luxury framework while delivering measurable economic outcomes at the grassroots level.

About Hindalco Industries Limited

Hindalco Industries Limited is the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. A $28 billion metals powerhouse, Hindalco is the world’s largest aluminium company by revenues, and the world’s second largest Copper rods manufacturer (outside China). Hindalco operates across the value chain, from bauxite mining, alumina refining, coal mining, captive power plants and aluminium smelting to downstream rolling, extrusions, and foils. Along with its subsidiary Novelis, Hindalco is the global leader in flat rolled products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminium.

Hindalco is India’s largest copper producer, serving more than half the country’s copper requirements. Its copper facility in Gujarat, India, comprises a world-class copper smelter and refinery complex, downstream facilities, and a captive jetty. Hindalco’s global footprint spans 48 manufacturing units across 10 countries. Hindalco has been ranked the world’s most sustainable aluminium company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for six consecutive years– 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

About Kosala

Kosala is a social enterprise initiative by Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, launched to revive and advance the ancient Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community in Chhattisgarh. Conceptualised in association with Xynteo Vikaasa, a multi-stakeholder coalition working to build sustainable growth models, Kosala blends heritage with innovation to preserve a 5,000-year-old art form while strengthening the economic resilience of artisan communities. Kosala, which supports craftsmen in weaving, reeling, and dyeing, prioritizes the development of sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, skill enhancement, and access to international markets. Since its inception, Kosala has empowered over 700 artisans across Chhattisgarh, strengthening sustainable livelihoods while preserving the indigenous craft of Kosa silk.

Kauvery Hospital, Salem, has once again demonstrated its clinical excellence and leadership in complex airway and thoracic surgeries by successfully saving the life of a 60-year-old male patient who was admitted in a critical condition with severe respiratory distress.

Kauvery Hospital, Salem

The patient was first evaluated by the Department of Pulmonology nearly a year ago, when a CT scan revealed a tumour completely obstructing the left main bronchus, preventing airflow to the left lung. Despite medical advice, the patient did not continue further treatment. Approximately one year later, he returned to the hospital with markedly worsened breathing difficulty and was in a life-threatening condition.

A repeat CT scan showed significant progression of the tumour, with extension into the trachea, dangerously narrowing the central airway responsible for supplying air to both lungs. At this advanced stage, even a minimal delay could have resulted in complete airway obstruction and respiratory failure.

As an emergency measure to relieve the obstruction, Dr. Ramachandran, Pulmonologist, performed a bronchoscopy procedure. However, the tumour was found to be highly vascular, making complete bronchoscopy removal extremely risky due to the potential for massive bleeding into the only functioning lung—the right lung. To stabilize the patient temporarily, ventilation to the right lung was secured under bronchoscopy guidance.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, a multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. Naveen Chandar and Dr. Niranjan (Cardiothoracic Surgeons), Dr. Rajkumar (Surgical Oncologist), and Dr. Ramachandran (Pulmonologist) convened for urgent deliberation. The team unanimously concluded that a Left Pneumonectomy-complete removal of the affected lung along with the tumour-was the only definitive and life-saving option.

The surgery presented multiple challenges. Due to extensive involvement of the central airway, airway management during anaesthesia was exceptionally complex. The anaesthesia team, led by Dr. Saravana Kumar, Consultant Anaesthesiologist, carefully advanced the endotracheal tube beyond the narrow margin of the tumour with extreme precision. Even minimal trauma could have resulted in catastrophic bleeding or complete airway collapse.

During the procedure, surgeons meticulously removed the portions of the tumour extending into the central airway without opening the trachea, employing advanced surgical techniques and exceptional precision. Despite extensive disease involvement, the tumour and the left lung were removed successfully, with careful preservation of vital blood vessels and restoration of airway integrity, all without significant blood loss.

Postoperatively, the patient showed immediate improvement in breathing and continued to recover steadily. He was subsequently discharged from the hospital in a stable condition with significant clinical improvement.

This complex surgery was possible because of our team’s seamless coordination, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to patient safety.

This case stands as a strong testament to Kauvery Hospital, Salem’s expertise in managing rare and highly complex airway and lung tumours, further reinforcing its position as a trusted centre for advanced and emergency healthcare services.

• Marking 10 years of the Lodhi Art District, Asian Paints brings its Colour of the Year into the public realm for the first time through a mural at the Lodhi Art Festival

• Launches ‘The Way We Live’, a visual exploration of everyday Indian homes

Like a hush that settles over the world just before midnight, Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2026, Moonlit Silk, arrives as a tender presence in everyday spaces. Soft and luminous, the shade reflects a quieter way of living, one where beauty is found in subtlety and rather than excess. Gentle rather than shiny, Moonlit Silk feels like a pause in a fast-moving world, offering comfort, calm and a quiet sense of presence.

Mural inspired by Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2026 ‘Moonlit Silk’ at the Lodhi Art Festival by artist, Pener

Extending beyond interiors, the launch unfolds through a Colour of the Year–inspired mural at the Lodhi Art Festival and an inflatable installation at Raw Mango, the festival’s culture partner, bringing the shade into the public realm.

Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2026 | Moonlit Silk

Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2026 – Moonlit Silk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-LPtk4exXU

Inspired by the warmth of worn book pages and the comfort of everyday rituals, Moonlit Silk brings softness into contemporary homes. A warm, luminous, neutral green, it reflects a collective longing for familiarity and emotional grounding in an overstimulated world. Radiant yet restrained, it offers presence without performance and optimism without excess. In a world that often feels overly curated, Moonlit Silk captures a quiet desire to reconnect with what is real, tactile, and memory-washed.

In a landmark moment coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Lodhi Art District, Asian Paints brought its Colour of the Year into the public realm for the first time through a mural inspired by Moonlit Silk at the Lodhi Art Festival. An initiative by St+art India Foundation, supported by Asian Paints, the festival marks a decade of transforming Lodhi Colony into India’s first open-air public art district. Featuring works by over 50 artists from around the world, it offered a fitting backdrop for Moonlit Silk to become part of Delhi’s evolving cultural landscape at this milestone moment.

The mural created by Polish artist Pener interprets Moonlit Silk through a palette that resonates deeply with Delhi’s surroundings. Subtle butterscotch tones echo the city’s architectural legacy, blending into deep greens inspired by its parks rendered using the Colour of the Year shade, and finishing with the quiet blues of its night skies.

Complementing the public mural at the festival, Asian Paints unveiled a unique installation at Raw Mango featuring oversized inflatable floral forms that create a brief, imagined garden within everyday public spaces. Drawing from the palette and mood of Moonlit Silk, colour functions as an immersive experience. The installation turns familiar surroundings into moments of reflection and engagement.

The Colour of the Year is part of Asian Paints ColourNext, South Asia’s most authoritative colour and material intelligence forecast, now in its 23^rd year. Rooted in cultural insight and evolving lifestyle patterns, ColourNext decodes emerging moods and behaviours, translating them into colours, materials, textures, and finishes that shape spaces in tune with the times we live in.

Speaking at the launch, Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd., said, “At Asian Paints, our perspective on colour and décor is shaped by decades of understanding Indian homes and the many ways people live within them. As a brand deeply rooted in the world of design, we see colour as a reflection of culture, emotion, and everyday life. The Colour of the Year 2026 is the result of deep research and close observation of evolving lifestyles across India. With Moonlit Silk, we are seeing a growing inclination towards calm, softness, and a quieter form of luxury, one that values warmth, authenticity, and emotional comfort. By translating this colour into the public realm at the Lodhi Art District, as it marks a decade of public art, we’re allowing it to move beyond homes and become part of the city’s shared cultural experience.”

As part of this year’s cultural exploration, Beautiful Homes also presents its first editorial publication, The Way We Live, marking nearly a decade of documenting homes and décor across the country. Named after the widely followed home tour video series, the book brings together essays and photographs from residences across India, placing them in thoughtful juxtaposition. A bookshelf from a Bangalore home sits beside one from Delhi; a room in Manipur converses quietly with one in Chennai, revealing both common ground and compelling contrast.

“This book is unlike any design book, and it is not a decor presentation. Instead, it is a showcase of how we live as a country, how our spaces reflect both our uniqueness and our exceptionalism,” says Manju Sara Rajan, Editor-In-Chief of Beautiful Homes.

The publication shifts the lens away from aesthetic perfection and toward lived experience. The images are accompanied by personal essays and poems by writers reflecting on their own understandings of ‘home’, foregrounding intimacy over stylisation. “The subject of home has become entirely about aesthetics, so this book seeks to divert the idea and turn the focus of a home back to its most important element, people. Yet, their faces are not the focus of these pages, rather the focus is the way they experience and shape their world,” Rajan adds.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Syngle, shares, “The spirit of Asian Paints is spelt out in the line that the late Piyush Pandey created ‘Har ghar kuch kehta hai ki iss ghar mein kaun rehta hai’. This book, ‘The Way We Live’, looks at the stories of lives told by the rhythm of their spaces and objects. The rooms are redolent spaces designed by the residents themselves, and objects collected because of personal interest and not just for aesthetic value. ‘The Way We Live’ gives the reader a peek into these homes before they are staged and spruced up as one would before hosting guests—a window into a lived experience of daily life.” The publication will be circulated privately to readers and is not for commercial sale.

Together, the Colour of the Year for 2026, Moonlit Silk and The Way We Live signal a deeper cultural shift from consumption to connection, from spectacle to meaning, and from speed to presence.

Celebrating 10 years of Lodhi Art District: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mWKum5Bask

About Asian Paints Limited

Since its founding in 1942, Asian Paints has become India’s leading and Asia’s second-largest paint company, with a consolidated turnover of Rs. 33,797 crores (Rs. 338 billion). It continues to uplift spaces, transcend the boundaries of colour and design, creating a positive impact in the lives of customers. The organization operates in 14 countries and has 26 paint manufacturing facilities globally, servicing consumers in over 60 countries.

Asian Paints has always been a leader in the paint industry, innovating and introducing new concepts in India like Colour Ideas, Beautiful Homes Painting Service, Colour Next, and Asian Paints Beautiful Homes Stores. Asian Paints manufactures a wide range of paints and coatings for Decorative and Industrial use and also offers specialized painting and interior decor solutions. The decorative business portfolio also includes the SmartCare range for waterproofing, WoodTech products for wood finishes, and the Adhesives range for all surfaces.

Asian Paints also offers a wide range of Home Décor products and is one of the leading players in the integrated decor space in India, offering Modular Kitchens and wardrobes, Bath Fittings and Sanitaryware, Decorative Lightings, uPVC windows and doors, Wall coverings, Furnitures, Furnishings, Rugs, etc.

For our email disclaimer please visit www.asianpaints.com/disclaimer.html#email

Chitkara University once again set the stage for an extraordinary celebration of ideas as it hosted the 4th edition of Chitkara Lit Fest – bringing together some of India’s most distinctive voices from poetry, advertising, cricket, and contemporary fiction. The annual literary festival, held at the Chitkara University campus, drew enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and guests, cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most anticipated cultural and intellectual events. This year’s edition saw over 1,000 students from the university’s literary clubs engage with the festival, showing its growing impact as a platform for student inspiration and creative development.

Prahlad Kakkar and Sanjay Manjrekar, among other distinguished voices, captivated audiences at the 4th edition of Chitkara Lit Fest

The festival opened on a stirring note with a live poetry recital by Abhisar Geeta Shukla, poet, writer, and lyricist best known for the widely beloved lines, “Dost kamre me akela hoon bachate rahna, Phone jab tak na uthe phone milate rahna.” The recital struck an immediate chord with the audience, and a book signing session that followed saw students lining up to engage with the poet personally.

Next to take the stage was Prahlad Kakkar, one of India’s most celebrated ad filmmakers, whose session crackled with energy and wit. In a freewheeling conversation on the evolving landscape of advertising, bold storytelling, and the creative risks behind truly impactful campaigns, Kakkar offered insights that were as entertaining as they were instructive. The session closed with a lively audience interaction and book signing.

Former Indian cricketer, commentator, and author Sanjay Manjrekar brought a different kind of intensity to the festival, joining author and motivational speaker Vivek Atray – former IAS officer – for a rich, wide-ranging conversation on professional sport, mental resilience, leadership, and what life looks like beyond the boundary. The session resonated deeply with students and concluded with a bat signing ceremony that drew considerable excitement.

The final author session featured Ravinder Singh, one of India’s most-read contemporary writers, in conversation with RJ and author Vinayaka Sharma. Singh spoke with characteristic warmth about his writing journey, the shifting expectations of today’s readers, and the emotional authenticity that sits at the heart of his storytelling. The session drew one of the day’s largest crowds for its book signing.

The festival closed with a live performance by singer Justh, whose soulful set brought the day to a memorable, melodic close – a fitting finale for a celebration of language, creativity, and human expression.

Reflecting on the festival’s growing impact, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, “Chitkara Lit Fest has consistently served as a platform where ideas meet inspiration. Through sustained dialogue with distinguished professionals, we aim to cultivate intellectual curiosity, creative confidence, and meaningful expression among our students.”

Now in its fourth year, Chitkara Lit Fest has grown into a landmark event on the cultural calendar of the region – one that brings young minds into genuine conversation with some of the country’s most accomplished voices, and reflects Chitkara University’s enduring commitment to holistic education, creative excellence, and meaningful student engagement.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering industry – aligned undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technology fields.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities, and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship, and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange, and collaborative research opportunities.

Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.

For More information, please visit us at: www.chitkara.edu.in

The rapid advancements in the world of technology in recent decades have not only altered but transformed the dynamics of modern warfare completely. Amid rising cyber warfare threats, growing risks of digital espionage and the increasing weaponization of emerging technologies has indeed made it imperative for India to strengthen its cybersecurity resilience and build next-generation secure communication capabilities that not only ensure the expansion of the country’s digital economy but also safeguard the national defence preparedness.

Chandigarh University Officials along with IIT Guwahati management during National Level ISEA Workshop on Secure and Intelligent IoT Systems at Chandigarh University

And to strengthen India’s cybersecurity and secure communication research capabilities, Chandigarh University in collaboration with the India Internet Foundation (IIFON) has established an Internet Technology Research Lab under the AIORI (Advanced Internet Operations Research in India) framework, becoming the first private university in the country and the third institution overall after IIT Guwahati and IISc Bengaluru to set up such a specialized facility.

Internet Technology Lab at Chandigarh University to Strengthen Indigenous Cybersecurity Research and Build Next-Gen Secure Internet Systems

This initiative is aimed at building a robust indigenous research ecosystem wherein this lab will function as a collaborative platform for research, training and capacity building in internet technologies, internet measurement systems, IoT, DNS infrastructure, quantum-safe DNS and next-generation internet systems with technological inputs, tools, testbeds and research support from the India Internet Foundation.

The AIORI collaboration will provide Chandigarh University students and faculty access to a national-scale research testbed spread across multiple locations and hundreds of measurement anchors, enabling advanced experimentation and development in secure and intelligent internet systems. The initiative also supports course delivery through production-grade testbeds for edge computing, distributed systems, IoT and cloud computing, while creating opportunities for internships, live projects and hands-on training for students.

The collaboration will serve as a catalyst for outcome-driven Industry-academia engagement and capacity building in emerging internet technologies through joint workshops, hackathons, faculty development programs, training programmes and collaborative research projects. Moreover, the access to indigenous research infrastructures, datasets and reference architectures will support innovation in software engineering, advanced analytics and system design aligned to the national cybersecurity priorities.

As the modern warfare rapidly expands into cyber and information domains, experts believe that there is an urgent need to enhance indigenous research capabilities, nurture highly skilled professionals in these emerging domains and build secure communication systems that can strengthen nation’s security by protecting the critical digital infrastructure.

India today is among the most targeted countries globally for cyberattacks. As per the record of the Union home ministry, around 65.9 lakh cyber-fraud complaints involving a total amount of Rs 55,659 crore were reported in the country in the last five years through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP). With India accounting for nearly half of the world’s digital payments and rapidly expanding digital infrastructure, there is a need for robust cybersecurity mechanism and skilled manpower to safeguard the nation’s security and protect its critical digital infrastructure.

Responding to this national and economic security concerns, Chandigarh University and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have initiated a strategic academic collaboration aimed at strengthening cybersecurity education, advanced research and innovation through joint initiatives under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme.

IIT Guwahati–Chandigarh University Collaborate to Nurture Future-Ready professionals and build Research Capacity in IoT, Intelligent Systems and 6G Technologies

The collaboration between IIT Guwahati and Chandigarh University expands through the National Level ISEA Workshop (ISEA–SIEEC 2026) on Secure and Intelligent IoT Systems, Edge–Cloud Intelligence and 6G Networks, jointly organized by IIT Guwahati under MeitY’s Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Phase-III initiative and Chandigarh University serving as a key partner institution under the national ISEA framework.

Organized at Chandigarh University on February 6–7, the national workshop that brought together leading academicians, cybersecurity researchers, industry experts and students from across the country, focused on emerging challenges and solutions in secure machine-to-machine communication, intelligent systems and next-generation network security. It is primarily aimed at strengthening capacity building in cybersecurity and digital systems by aligning them to the national priorities.

While IIT Guwahati serves as a hub institution under the ISEA framework, Chandigarh University’s role as a major collaborator enables the dissemination of advanced knowledge, technical training and research opportunities to a larger student and faculty base that in turn will contribute to the capacity building in critical and emerging technology domains.

With India moving toward highly connected digital networks and preparing for future 6G communication technologies, the workshop focused on emerging challenges in secure machine-to-machine communication, edge and cloud intelligence and next-generation network security areas increasingly significant for both for civilian infrastructure and defence communication systems.

The technical sessions delivered by experts from IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Ropar and other premier institutions from the country covered topics such as securing low power computing, confidential computing across IoT edge cloud environments and sustainable security frameworks for edge AI, offering participants insights into cutting-edge research as well as practical challenges in implementing secure digital systems across sectors including defence, telecommunications and critical infrastructure.

Collaborative Indigenous Research to drive India’s Cybersecurity Preparedness and Tech Resilience

One of the main outcomes of the collaboration is enhanced academic and research exposure for students who engage directly with leading researchers and faculty from country’s premier institutions. The students gain access to emerging domains such as IoT security, intelligent systems and secure communication networks that extend beyond the classroom learning and direct exposure to the national-level initiatives like ISEA and AIORI will also help students open new doors to the career opportunities in research institutions, technology industries and government sectors working in defence technologies, cybersecurity and secure communication systems.

The collaboration between institutions like IIT Guwahati and Chandigarh University will also play a pivotal role in advancing India’s technological and cybersecurity objectives. A panel discussion also held on ‘Secure Systems Engineering through Atmanirbhar Bharat’ to showcase the importance of collaborative indigenous research and innovation and trusted digital infrastructure to establish strong connect among academia, industry and national policy initiatives. As India is moving rapidly into a more connected and technology-driven future, there arise an urgent need to build secure digital systems, intelligent networks and skilled professionals. So, such collaborations as the one between institutions like Chandigarh University and IIT Guwahati would be instrumental in strengthening the academic and research capabilities to meet these emerging challenges to enhance India’s cybersecurity preparedness and technological resilience.

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.

• Marks a significant milestone in Delhi NCR with the launch of its fourth hospital, led by renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Siddarth Sain as the Clinical Head.

• As part of its inaugural offer, the hospital is offering free consultations at Preet Vihar for all until 30 April 2026 

India’s largest and most trusted eye care network, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, marked its formal entry into the national capital with the launch of its advanced eye hospital at Preet Vihar in the presence of leading dignitaries and members of the medical fraternity. The launch represents a significant milestone in the group’s continued growth in Delhi NCR, where it now operates four hospitals, bringing world-class ophthalmic care closer to patients across the region.

Dr Ashar Agarwal, Chief Business Officer felicitating Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs

The new hospital was inaugurated by Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs and Dr. Harsh Vardhan, former Union Health Minister, in the presence of Shri Om Prakash Sharma, Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly; and Shri Ramesh Kumar Garg, Municipal Councillor, Preet Vihar.

Spread across three floors and over 7,000 sq. ft., the centre is designed as a comprehensive eye care destination, offering advanced diagnostics and precision-driven surgical care under one roof. The facility features a robotic cataract surgery suite, a comprehensive Contoura LASIK facility, and a surgical viewing gallery that promotes patient awareness and transparency.

A key highlight of the launch is the appointment of Dr. Siddarth Sain as Clinical Head. A widely respected name in East Delhi, he brings deep clinical expertise and a strong connection with the Preet Vihar community. He is joined by Dr. Saumya Sharma, an expert in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive services, and is supported by a team of specialists including Dr. Puneet Jain, Dr. Karthikeya and Dr. Rahul Bhatia.

The centre’s clinical excellence is further strengthened by the guidance of Padma Shri awardee Dr. J. S. Titiyal, Regional Medical Director and one of India’s most distinguished ophthalmologists, whose pioneering work in academics and advanced corneal care has helped shape modern eye care in the country.

Speaking after inaugurating the new hospital, Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Government of India, said, “I congratulate Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital on bringing this advanced eye care facility to Preet Vihar. Institutions like this play an important role in making specialised healthcare accessible within the community. I am confident this centre will not only deliver world-class treatment but also create greater awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups for the timely detection and prevention of vision problems.”

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, former Union Health Minister, said, “Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital has consistently contributed to strengthening India’s ophthalmic care landscape through technology, clinical excellence, and patient-centric services. With rising vision disorders, regular eye examinations and early intervention are critical, and this new centre will help people in East Delhi access quality care closer to home.”

Addressing the media during the launch event, the Chief Business Officer of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Dr. Ashar Agarwal said, “The launch of our Preet Vihar centre brings the full strength of the Dr Agarwals network to Delhi — world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and nationally renowned clinical talent. This is not just the opening of a new hospital, but a significant milestone in our journey to build a strong, future-ready ophthalmic network across NCR. With four centres now operational in the region, we are committed to creating centres of excellence that deliver global standards of care and set new benchmarks in advanced eye care for Delhi.”

The Regional Head – Clinical Services, New Delhi, Dr. Jeewan Singh Titiyal, observed, “The clinical ecosystem at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital is defined by innovation and outcomes-driven care. With pioneering innovations like PDEK, SFT, PPP, and CAIRS, the group continues to define clinical excellence and set new benchmarks in modern ophthalmology. This facility will play a significant role in advancing high-quality ophthalmic care in the region.”

Dr. Siddarth Sain, Clinical Head, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Preet Vihar, said, “Bringing this level of advanced eye care to a community I have served for many years is truly special. In my two decades of ophthalmology practice, I have seen how timely access to the right technology and expertise can transform visual outcomes. At our Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital in Preet Vihar, our focus is to combine cutting-edge technology with personalised care so that patients in East Delhi receive comprehensive, world-class treatment closer to their homes. Through initiatives such as free consultations and patient education, we also hope to encourage people to prioritise regular eye examinations and preventive vision care.”

Backed by its extensive national and international network, the hospital brings globally benchmarked clinical protocols and cutting-edge technology to Delhi NCR.

As part of its inaugural community initiative, free consultations will be available to all patients until 31 April 2026.

Ai+ Smartphone today launched its expansion into the AIoT ecosystem with the launch of NovaPods and NovaWatch. The brand also announced its next wave of smartphones, the Pulse 2 and the Nova 2 series, with Pulse 2 scheduled to launch on March 2, followed by Nova 2 Series.

Ai+ expands into the AIoT ecosystem with NovaPods, NovaWatch, Wearbuds, and the upcoming Pulse 2 smartphone

Positioned as the next step in Ai+ smartphone’s mission to democratise technology in India, Pulse 2 is designed to feel simpler, smoother, and more confidence-building at accessible price points, and will offer a 50MP AI dual camera and 8MP front camera for photography across lighting conditions and the perfect selfie moment, the slimmest 6000mAh battery for all-day use, and Android 16 on NxtQuantum OS out of the box.

The leap into audio and wearables comes less than a year after Ai+ debuted in July 2025, in which time the brand has already built nearly one million users. NovaPods and NovaWatch go on sale on Flipkart from February 27, 12 PM.

The launch spans wireless audio, biometric earbuds, open-wear lifestyle formats, fitness wearables, and kids’ 4G smartwatches, with pricing ranging from Rs. 699 to Rs. 7,999. With all products, the brand extends its promise: to make everyday technology feel more seamless, more useful, and more within reach.

“In under a year, nearly one million users chose Ai+, and that trust is what we’re building on,” said Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies. “This AIoT launch takes our ecosystem from phones to the moments around the phone: music, movement, health, and family safety. We’re entering multiple categories at once, disrupting across price segments from day one, with one clear focus: integration, accessibility, and scale.”

On the audio side, the NovaPods lineup includes Go, Pro, and Clips, engineered to meet distinct listening needs while maintaining consistent performance across daily essentials like endurance and call clarity. Devices offer up to 30 hours of playback (model-dependent), multi-mic ENC for clearer calls, and IPX4 protection across the range. The Clips, particularly, offer a Fashion Forward Tech approach, offering tech that can double as a fashion accessory.

In wearables, NovaWatch extends the same intent: useful features, clean design, and a product experience that fits real routines. The Ai+ Wearbuds introduce an innovative hybrid format that combines a smartwatch with detachable earbuds, giving users more capability without carrying more devices. NovaWatch Kids 4G brings family-first connectivity with geo-fencing, 4G calling, and SOS alerts, while NovaWatch Active features a first-ever squircle display, reminiscent of classic avant-garde designs.

Sujith Agashe, Vice President, Electronics at Flipkart, said, ”At Flipkart, our focus has always been on democratizing access to technology for customers across India. The expansion of Ai+ into the AIoT space is a pivotal step in that journey. With NovaPods and NovaWatch, Ai+ is delivering a connected ecosystem that brings together innovative features, modern design, and compelling price points. Leveraging Flipkart’s scale and wide reach, we are excited to bring the next-generation connected devices to millions of our consumers.”

Across audio and wearables, the portfolio also carries a strong design throughline: bold, expressive finishes spanning deep metallic blacks and forest tones, chrome accents, pastels, and sport-inspired hues, bringing a cohesive identity to the ecosystem.

AIoT Product Portfolio:

About Ai+

Ai+ is India’s fastest-growing technology brand, built from the ground up to serve a future shaped by applied intelligence and sovereign innovation. At its core is NxtQuantum OS, India’s first native mobile operating system, designed for performance, privacy, and purposeful simplicity. Every Ai+ device blends clean design, battery-optimised hardware, and applied intelligent software to elevate everyday experiences by Adding A Plus.

From redefining smartphones under the Ai+ Smartphone banner to pioneering the Laptab and now the NovaPods as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ is creating new product categories and a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

About NxtQuantum Shift Technologies
NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is authored in India and globally competitive.

• Did you think every Six is similar? Sting® Energy’s unique idea “Longer the Six, louder the Sting® sonic”, owning the sound how every Six shot is different

• Cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri bring to life the latest Sting® Energy x Sound of Six, in a high-energy campaign

Sting® Energy, PepsiCo India’s high-voltage energy drink, today unveiled the next chapter of its sonic brand universe — transforming every Six into a signature ‘STIINNGGG’ moment. Building on its growing cultural presence, Sting® Energy enters the season with a bold ambition: to own the sound of every Six. Because when the ball clears the boundary, not every boundary is the same, not every Six is the same. This nationwide campaign positions Sting® Energy at the center of cricket’s most energetic moments with Sting® Energy sonic becoming the qualifier to define every Six shot.

Cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri bring to life the latest Sting® Energy

The campaign’s centerpiece is a high-energy film featuring cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri. Set on a cricket ground charged with nostalgia and flair; the film opens with playful banter and escalates into a power-packed sequence of towering Sixes. With every smasher Six, Yuvraj reveals to the audience that longer the Six, louder the ‘STIINNGGG’ signature sonic.

Campaign Film: https://youtu.be/YtH-MYeXp6Y

Responding in his unmistakable flair, Shastri calls out the evolving energy of every strike, building the drama and proving that no Sixes sound or feel the same. With every hit, Ravi’s commentary ranges from ‘STINNNNNGGGG’ to ‘STIINNGGG’ to ‘STINGGGGGG’, proving that every moment carries its own.

Together, the dynamic duo brings Sting® Energy’s sonic world to life, showing how the ‘STIINNGGG’ stretches, builds and intensifies with every unique towering hit. By the final strike, it is no longer just a sound effect; it becomes the pulse of the moment, reinforcing Sting® Energy as the unmistakable sound of cricket’s peak energy moments.

Commenting on the announcement, Diksha Bajaj, Category Head – Energy Portfolio, PepsiCo India, said, “Cricket is one of the biggest passion points in this country, with the Sixes making for peak energy moments. Our campaign is rooted in the insight that no two sixes are ever the same. Every Six is different in its energy; so, we set out to bring the distinct Sting® sonic identity as a qualifier that redefines every Six. This cricket season, longer the six, louder the ‘STIINNGGG’. So, when you hear a Six, you either go it is a ‘STINNNNNNGGGGG’ Six or a ‘STINGGGG’ Six? We are thrilled to bring this campaign to life with standout cricket icons, Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri, who have brought the right energy to make it a ‘STIINNNGGG’ energy season enjoyed by fans.”

Yuvraj Singh, on the campaign, “Cricket has always been about big moments and big energy for me, and nothing captures that like a Six. What I love about this campaign is how Sting® Energy has turned that feeling into something fans can actually hear and celebrate together. It’s bold, it’s disruptive and it matches the intensity the game deserves. I look forward to be associated with a brand like Sting Energy® that has built a strong connection with today’s youth culture and brings a unique perspective to everything it does.”

Ravi Shastri, on the campaign, “For me, commentary on a Six has always been the most exhilarating part of the game. It’s that split second where the energy shifts rapidly as we race to describe the shot, its length, its power to the listeners. This campaign takes that passion and gives it a whole new dimension by adding a distinct sonic. The idea of owning the sound of every Six is powerful and instantly relatable for cricket fans. I’m thrilled to be part of a campaign with Sting® Energy that celebrates the drama, volume and pure of the sport.”

Vikram Pandey, Chief Creative Officer Leo – South Asia, shared, “To truly bring alive the energy of a six, we gave every six its own ‘STIINNGGG’. And what better way to recreate this than with Yuvraj Singh, the iconic smasher of sixes, paired with Ravi Shastri’s legendary commentary, allowing us to relive most energetic cricketing moments through a fresh, sonic lens.”

The campaign will be rolled out across television, digital and social platforms, aimed at connecting with young audiences who live life at full charge and thrive on energy, passion, and drive.

Creative Agency: Leo India

Raj Deepak Das – Chief Creative Officer – Publicis Groupe South Asia and Chairman – Leo Burnett South Asia

Amitesh Rao – Chief Executive Officer – Leo South Asia

Vikram Pandey – Co-Chief Creative Officer

Anirban Roy – Chief Strategy Officer

Jaikrit Singh Rathore – Managing Partner – Delhi

Shreekant Srinivasan – Executive Vice President

Sakshi Chawla – Vice President

Saarthak Dutt – Executive Creative Director

Hardik Trivedi – Associate Executive Creative Director

Umang Puri – Senior Creative Director

Naman Gera – Brand Services Director

Tushar Verma – Senior Art Director

Manasvi Pandit – Senior Art Director

Mahima Lakhotia – Brand Services Associate

Purahan Bisht – Copywriter

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 $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, 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 beverages, 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 puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people.

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

When reviewing long-term investments, investors might encounter multiple return metrics that appear similar but convey different information. For example, absolute returns describe total growth, while annual return reflects performance in a specific year. In this context, a CAGR or Compound Annual Growth Rate, may be commonly referenced as a way to express long-term portfolio growth in an annualised form.

How investors can use a CAGR calculator to understand portfolio performance over time

For investments held over several years, this measure may help place potential outcomes in perspective rather than focusing on isolated periods. A CAGR calculator can help with estimating the returns earned on an investment. Understanding what a CAGR calculator reflects, and what it ignores, may help investors interpret portfolio results with relatively more clarity.

What CAGR represents in portfolio analysis

CAGR, or Compound Annual Growth Rate, represents the annualised rate at which an investment’s value grew over a defined period, assuming all returns were reinvested.

CAGR does not represent interim volatility, instead it shows the returns as a single annualised figure – the steady rate at which an investment would have theoretically grown year on year to arrive at the final amount. In reality, a portfolio may experience uneven gains and declines during the investment period yet still show a positive CAGR if the final value is higher than the starting value. In this sense, CAGR summarises the outcome rather than the actual return path.

This makes CAGR suitable for a quick assessment of a portfolios long-term performance, rather than a granular view of day-to-day volatility.

Why CAGR is commonly used for long-term portfolios

Over extended horizons, portfolio performance may be influenced by market cycles, economic changes, and shifts in sentiment. Year-on-year returns may therefore vary. A CAGR condenses this variability into a single annualised figure, which may be relatively easy to interpret across longer periods.

For mutual funds, performance communication often relies on CAGR because investors enter and exit schemes at different points. CAGR allows historical performance to be presented without assuming identical investment dates or cash-flow patterns. For this reason, CAGR is treated as a reporting metric rather than an indicator of future potential results.

It is important to note that CAGR reflects only starting and ending values. It does not capture interim drawdowns, recovery phases, or periods of stagnation.

Past performance may or may not be sustained in the future.

How a CAGR calculator works

A CAGR calculator typically requires three inputs:

• the initial investment value

• the final investment value

• the investment duration in years

Using these inputs, the calculator applies a mathematical formula to compute the annualised growth rate:

CAGR = (Ending Value / Beginning Value)^(1/n) − 1

Where:

Beginning Value = initial investment amount

Ending Value = value of the investment at the end of the period

n = number of years the investment is held

The result is typically expressed as a percentage by multiplying the outcome by 100.

For example, if an investment grows from Rs. 4,00,000 to Rs. 6,80,000 over a period of 7 years, the CAGR is calculated as:

CAGR = (6,80,000 / 4,00,000)^(1/7) − 1

This results in an approximate CAGR of 7.9% per annum, indicating that the investment’s value increased at an average annualised rate of about 7.9% over the seven-year period.

Example for illustrative purposes only. The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.

Interpreting CAGR alongside other measures

Although widely referenced, a CAGR calculator does not present a complete picture of portfolio behaviour. CAGR assumes a smooth growth trajectory, which may not reflect actual market movements. As a result, CAGR figures may be viewed alongside other measures such as rolling returns and risk-adjusted return metrics such as beta, standard deviation, information ratio and Sharpe ratio.

In mutual funds, two schemes may report the same CAGR, even though Fund A experienced sharp interim declines and Fund B saw relatively steady performance. This highlights why it is advised to interpret CAGR as a summary measure rather than a standalone assessment.

Using a CAGR calculator for comparisons

One relatively common application of a CAGR calculator is comparing portfolio outcomes across timeframes or strategies. By converting cumulative growth into an annualised rate, CAGR offers a common reference point.

Portfolios with different investment amounts or durations may still be assessed once CAGR is applied. However, such comparisons depend on consistent assumptions, as a CAGR calculator does not adjust for differences in risk, volatility, or liquidity.

Limitations to keep in mind

While useful, a CAGR calculator has certain limitations. It does not reflect the sequence of returns, assumes reinvestment at a uniform implied rate, does not account for volatility or drawdowns, and may mask periods of underperformance.

For portfolios built through staggered investments, such as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), CAGR may not fully represent individual cash-flow timing. In such cases, other measures, such as XIRR, may be referenced for added context.

Conclusion

A CAGR calculator is used for summarising portfolio performance over extended periods. By expressing growth as an annualised rate, it may help investors compare outcomes across different timeframes and investment approaches. When viewed alongside other performance measures and with knowledge of its potential assumptions, a CAGR calculator may help in understanding how a portfolio has evolved over time, without implying certainty about potential future results.

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