A draft curriculum to teach digital accessibility in undergraduate computer science and design courses was unveiled at the Inclusive India Summit, held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2025. The initiative aims to ensure accessibility becomes a core part of how future technologists and designers are trained in India.

The summit brought together academic leaders, accessibility professionals, and disability rights advocates from across the country.

Dr. G.S. Chauhan, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC) speaking at the national consultation on Digital Accessibility Inclusion

The Inclusive India Summit was hosted on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), SBI Foundation (the CSR arm of the State Bank of India), and the National Association for the Blind. It was organised in collaboration with the Association of People with Disability (APD) and Mission Accessibility (Dhananjay Sanjogta Foundation), and held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on May 15. The event was conducted in hybrid mode, with both online and in-person participation.

The proposed curriculum is a response to a longstanding gap: while digital services have expanded rapidly in India, most platforms remain difficult to navigate for persons with disabilities. A 2023 audit by the Centre for Internet and Society found that 98% of leading Indian websites do not meet global accessibility standards. Globally, the picture is no better; WebAIM’s 2023 analysis of the top 1 million homepages found accessibility errors on 96.3% of them. Experts at the summit agreed that the problem lies upstream, in how technologists and designers are trained.

C.P. Gurnani, former CEO, Tech Mahindra, and a speaker at the summit, said, “India’s digital economy can’t afford to treat accessibility as an afterthought. Embedding it into how we educate our technologists is not just timely-it’s essential. This curriculum is a step toward building digital solutions that are truly inclusive, by design.”

The curriculum, developed over several months by a national working group-including contributors from the International Institute of Information Technology, Bengaluru; Design Beku; Mission Accessibility; Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), India; the Xavier’s Resource Center for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC); Artilabs; and BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru-is designed to be modular, adaptable, and grounded in Indian contexts. It introduces students to accessibility principles, web standards like WCAG, assistive technologies, universal design, and disability rights law.

Amar Jain, lawyer and Co-founder of Mission Accessibility, who also led the Supreme Court petition, said, “We have policy and precedent. What’s missing is implementation capacity. This curriculum ensures that we’re not just fixing what’s broken-we’re teaching how to build it right from the start.”

The national consultation on Digital Accessibility Inclusion was chaired by Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, and had participation from the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), Ministry of Education, IIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi & IIT Bombay.

It focused on how the curriculum was designed to equip students with both conceptual and practical skills to build accessible digital products. It covered disability rights, accessibility laws, and technical standards like WCAG 2.2, along with hands-on training using screen readers, audit tools like Axe and WAVE, and real-world user testing. The discussion saw a strong emphasis on designing in collaboration with persons with disabilities, particularly in the Indian context.

Participants also discussed the need to address accessibility in emerging technologies like AI/ML, AR/VR, and Internet of Things (IoT). They highlighted how the curriculum connects academic learning to career opportunities through certifications like the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC).

Inclusive hiring practices were also highlighted as essential, ensuring equal access to jobs by removing barriers in recruitment and workplace systems.

Prof. Amit Prakash of IIIT-Bangalore added, “Our goal is to shift the culture of how digital technology design is taught and understood. Accessibility must become foundational, something that students see intrinsic value in, and internalise as an important design principle and not a post-implementation patchwork.”

The draft curriculum is now open for public consultation and will soon be submitted to India’s key academic regulators.

The emphasis on accessibility by design closely aligns with the Yes to Access project by APD, which advocates for systemic change in how accessibility is integrated into public infrastructure and digital services. A key innovation under this initiative is the Yes to Access app-India’s first AI-powered tool for conducting accessibility audits-which was featured during the summit’s panel discussion on ‘Inclusive Mainstream Technologies’.

While the app enables real-time assessments of the built environment, the curriculum complements it by equipping the next generation of technologists and designers to embed accessibility into digital products from the ground up. Together, these efforts reflect a growing consensus that practical tools and foundational education must work hand in hand to make accessibility the norm, not an afterthought.

About APD
The Association of People with Disability (APD) is a 65-year-old non-profit organisation that empowers individuals with disabilities to lead independent, dignified, and productive lives.

Through its comprehensive Life Cycle Approach, APD supports persons with disabilities at every stage-from early intervention and inclusive education to healthcare access, livelihood support, and advocacy for accessible infrastructure and systems.

For more information, please visit www.apd-india.org.

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water, announced a limited-edition pack collaboration with the global blockbuster franchise, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” starring global icon Tom Cruise. The film is set to release in India on May 17-six days ahead of its U.S. release-and will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Bisleri excites consumers with “Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning” limited edition pack

Expressing enthusiasm on this collaboration, Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International, said,“We are incredibly excited to collaborate with the legendary and iconic ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise for its latest release ‘The Final Reckoning’. This is one of our most prestigious associations and will further strengthen our position in today’s pop culture and generate consumer excitement with the limited-edition collectibles.”

The collaboration will be brought alive with limited edition bottles spanning the water and soda category across key metros. It will further be amplified with co-branded delivery trucks, retail POSM material, and engaging digital content.

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 countrys 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 Mineral 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 Limonata, Spyci Jeera Rev and Pop. 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.

In a move that signals both ambition and intent, Madhav Sheth, India’s most influential smartphone visionary, today unveiled the AI+ logo-offering the first official look at the upcoming smartphone from his new venture, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies.

The logo reveal marks the starting point of a larger ambition, one designed, engineered and manufactured entirely in India. It reflects a commitment to building thoughtful, secure and India-first technology. While details of the product will be showcased in due course, AI+ promises to reflect a new way of thinking about smartphones, one that prioritises trust, user focus and intelligent design.

Madhav Sheth, Founder and CEO of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies

“For us, AI+ is more than a product; it’s a mindset,” said Madhav Sheth, Founder and CEO of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies. “It reflects our belief that India can not only participate in the global tech ecosystem but lead it, with design and purpose that reflect how people truly live and connect.”

The phone will be launched on Flipkart and other channels, a strategic partnership that combines scale with shared intent. Flipkart’s vast PAN India delivery network will be key to bringing AI+ to users across India.

This launch builds on Flipkart’s deep understanding of Indian consumers and its commitment to enabling next-generation technology access at scale. It also reinforces AI+’s intent to meet users where they are, with a product designed for real-world needs, distributed through a platform they trust. Together, this launch sets the stage for a new chapter in India’s smartphone evolution.

The full reveal of the AI+ smartphone and operating system is expected in the coming months. For now, the logo stands as a quiet but confident signal of a brand that intends to shape how India imagines, builds, and experiences technology.

Investors Clinic, a leading real estate services firm, announced the successful closure of INR 755 crore in sales for Signature Global’s projects during FY 2024-2025, at an event held at Apparel House, Gurugram. Those present included Ravi Aggarwal, Managing Director of Signature Global, and Sunny Katyal, Co-founder of Investors Clinic.

Investors Clinic Achieves Record INR 755 Crore Sales with Signature Global in FY 2024-2025

The sales achievement highlights robust investor and homebuyer confidence in Signature Global’s portfolio across Gurugram and its adjoining cities. The transactions included a mix of residential units and strategically located commercial spaces, catering to diverse buyer needs.

“This partnership with Signature Global reflects our shared commitment to delivering value-driven real estate solutions. The overwhelming response from buyers highlights the trust in our curated offerings and Signature Global’s reputation for quality and innovation. We remain focused on bridging aspirations with opportunities in India’s growth corridors,” said Sunny Katyal, Co-founder, Investors Clinic.

“Crossing INR 755 crore in sales with Investors Clinic is a testament to our synergies. Their market expertise and our customer-centric projects have created a win-win for stakeholders. As we expand our footprint in the Delhi-NCR region, collaborations like these will continue to redefine affordable and aspirational living,” said Ravi Aggarwal, Managing Director, Signature Global.

Signature Global’s projects, known for their strategic locations and affordability, have gained traction among first-time buyers and investors. Investors Clinic’s data-driven approach and extensive network played a pivotal role in accelerating sales, particularly in emerging hubs of Gurugram and the adjoining regions.

About Investors Clinic
With over 18 years of experience, Investors Clinic specializes in end-to-end real estate advisory, offering tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and plotted developments. The firm has leveraged deep market insights and partnerships with reputed developers. The firm has expanded globally and is present in Dubai and Singapore.

ICCPL Foundation has been awarded the DO GOOD Award 2024 in the Child Welfare category for its stationery distribution initiative under the #RahatWithICCPL campaign, at an event in New Delhi. The recognition highlights purpose-driven programs that create tangible impact at the grassroots level.

ICCPL Foundation wins DO GOOD Award 2024

The award-winning initiative was part of the broader #RahatWithICCPL campaign, which aims to support children from marginalised communities by ensuring access to basic educational resources. Through this focused stationery distribution drive, the Foundation reached underserved areas where lack of supplies often acts as a barrier to learning. The campaign played a key role in helping children maintain continuity in education, especially during times of hardship.

Ambika Saxena, CEO, ICCPL Foundation, said, “This award reaffirms our belief that meaningful change lies in addressing real, everyday needs. Distributing stationery might seem simple-but for many children, its the bridge between dropping out and staying in school. We’re proud to be part of their journey.”

Beyond this initiative, ICCPL Foundation continues to lead several sustained social programs. These include donation drives in underserved regions, free meals to thousands, observance of International Sign Language Day to promote inclusion, Vivah Utsav to support the weddings of economically weaker couples, and tree plantation drives. Each effort follows a grassroots-first approach, in line with the Foundation’s long-term commitment to equity and empowerment.

About ICCPL Foundation
The ICCPL Foundation is the CSR arm of ICCPL Group, working across child welfare, women empowerment, healthcare, and education. Its mission is to build an equitable society through collaborative, community-first initiatives.

SGT University successfully conducted the International Summit on Holistic Innovations for Nations’ Empowerment (I-SHINE 2025 – AI). The two-day global conference, held in a hybrid format, brought together internationally renowned researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of nation-building.

Centred on the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Growth: Envisioning a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” the summit aimed to align AI innovation with India’s long-term developmental goals.

University Officials and Esteemed Experts gathered for the global I-SHINE 2025 – “AI: A Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence for Nation-Building and Sustainable Growth”

The first day began with a welcome address by Dr. Hemant Verma, Vice-Chancellor of SGT University, who emphasized the transformative power of AI in modernizing higher education and fostering innovation. He highlighted the importance of ethical use and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure inclusive national growth.

The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Mohd. Afshar Alam, Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard University, as the Chief Guest. Mr. Sunil Sharma, Managing Director of Sales (India & SAARC) at Sophos, joined the event as Guest of Honour.

Day one featured an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers and thought leaders addressing diverse dimensions of artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. Dr. Hari Prasad Devkota from Kumamoto University, Japan, spoke on “The Emerging Role of AI in Global Health and Science Communication,” emphasizing AI’s influence on public health messaging and outreach. Dr. Maanak Gupta from Tennessee Tech University presented on “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: AI’s Impact on Society,” focusing on ethical challenges and human-AI dynamics. Dr. Srinivas, Director at Stanome, discussed “Integrating Genomics, Bioinformatics, and AI for Advanced Crop Breeding,” targeting food security and climate resilience. Dr. Vikas Kannojiya showcased India’s advancements in “Developing the First Artificial Heart Assistive Device,” an AI-powered innovation for cardiac care.

The second day opened with a compelling keynote by Prof. Cory Glickman from Infosys, USA, who delved into AI’s transformative potential in driving sustainability. His address provided deep insights into how intelligent systems can accelerate progress toward a greener and more resilient future.

Dr. Waqar M. Naqvi, International FAIMER Fellow and Director at AD Vivum Education & Research, Doha, Qatar, captivated the audience with his presentation on AI integration in healthcare, showcasing its revolutionary impact on diagnostics, treatment protocols, and global patient care.

The day also featured impactful contributions from Dr. Khalid Raza (Jamia Millia Islamia), Mr. Kishan Srivastava (SDLC Corp, Dubai), and Mr. Shivam Dwivedi (Engineering Architect, Code & Theory, New York), each offering unique perspectives on AI’s expanding role across disciplines and industries.

The summit concluded with a valedictory session featuring Shri Indresh Kumar Ji, National Executive Member of the RSS, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Harnath Babu, Partner and CIO at KPMG, as the Guest of Honour.

The summit saw participation from 19 Indian states and numerous prestigious national and international institutions, including AIIMS Delhi, KGMU Lucknow, Central University of Haryana, Maharshi Dayanand University, Amity University, Chandigarh University, Bharati Vidyapeeth, DAV College, and DBS College. Esteemed global collaborators included the University of Nebraska (USA), Harvard Medical School (USA), BAM (Germany), UFMS (Brazil), USDA (USA), and UJM (France).

I-SHINE 2025 – AI was designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among academia, industry, and government stakeholders, addressing both national and global challenges through AI-driven solutions in healthcare, education, the environment, governance, and urban development.

SGT University remains steadfast in its commitment to research excellence and innovation-led progress. Through landmark initiatives like I-SHINE 2025 – AI, the university continues to bridge the gap between knowledge, technology, and policy, contributing meaningfully to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

About SGT University: Nurturing Future Leaders in Gurugram Through Excellence in Education

Accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC, SGT University is a distinguished institution committed to “Nurturing Future Leaders” through academic excellence, research, and industry-driven innovation. With 19 faculties offering multidisciplinary programmes, the university fosters entrepreneurship, groundbreaking research, and global collaborations. Many of its faculty members are recognised in Stanford University’s “Top 2% Scientists” list, reinforcing SGT University’s leadership in research and academics.

As a Ministry of MSME-recognised business incubator and recipient of a 4-star rating from the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, SGT University is at the forefront of technological advancements and skill-based education. It is home to one of Asia’s only National Reference Simulation Centre for Nursing & Medical Sciences, a NABL & NABH-accredited multi-speciality hospital, and cutting-edge labs developed in partnership with IBM, SAP, Oracle, and UNESCO Bioethics. Through strong industry linkages, global partnerships, and a career-focused approach, the university empowers students with real-world exposure, preparing them to excel in their respective fields.

Denim lovers in the Pink City have a new reason to celebrate. Pepe Jeans London, a name synonymous with British street and authentic denim, proudly opens the doors to its largest store in India at the heart of Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur’s fast-emerging retail and lifestyle nucleus.

Spanning 3,138 sq. ft. across two levels, the new Pepe Jeans London flagship store is more than just a shopping destination – it’s a fashion experience. From classic denim fits to seasonal must-haves, the store houses the complete wardrobe collection for Men, Women, and Boys, along with a curated footwear range that includes statement sneakers.

Pepe Jeans Londons largest store now open in Jaipur #StoreLaunch #PepeJeansLondon

Located on Amrapali Marg, the store is poised to become a landmark for shoppers seeking the perfect mix of international style with local sensibilities. Whether youre on the hunt for everyday denim, occasion-ready fashion, or the perfect pair of kicks – this new Pepe Jeans London store is Jaipur’s ultimate style destination.

Visit Us
India’s Largest Pepe Jeans London Store on Amrapali Marg, Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur

About Pepe Jeans London

Pepe Jeans London was born on London’s iconic Portobello Road in 1973. Today, over 50 years later, the brand remains devoted to its initial mantra and pledge to create the world’s most exciting denim-led fashion. The diversity and mix of cultures that define the city of London also define the Pepe Jeans personality, providing a constant source of inspiration for the women’s, men’s, and junior collections. Music, Culture, Fashion, London, and Denim-that’s what Pepe Jeans is all about.

Oliver Healthcare Packaging (“Oliver”), a leading healthcare company driving quality and innovation in medical packaging, has officially opened its new 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Johor, Malaysia. The opening ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of the Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee.

Located strategically within the i-Tech Valley in Iskandar Puteri, the facility will join a growing number of companies operating out of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and will serve Olivers growing customer base across Asia-Pacific.

Grand Opening – Oliver Healthcare Packagings Johor Manufacturing facility

From (L-R): Mr. Mohd Reduan Mohd Zabri, Director, Johor Office Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Mr. Michael Benevento, President & Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Healthcare Packaging, Yang Berhormat Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, Mr. Kenneth De Muynck, General Manager, Asia-Pacific Oliver Healthcare Packaging, Mr. Warren Shaw, Vice President, Global R&D & Quality, Oliver Healthcare Packaging, at the grand opening of Oliver Healthcare Packagings Johor manufacturing facility

The new manufacturing facility will create various roles across quality, engineering, logistics and supply chain, and build resilience in Olivers regional operations. Equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and ISO13845, ISO-7 and ISO-8 cleanrooms, the facility will produce high-quality, medical grade packaging such as pouches, lids and roll stock. Oliver will support customer productivity and regulatory efforts in this diverse regional market.

“Asia-Pacific has fast become a hub for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, and Malaysia alone is home to the highest concentration of medical device manufacturing sites in the region. The new facilitys capabilities will boost in-region sourcing for our operations and will aim to address gaps in demand and expertise for the Asia-Pacific healthcare industry,” said Michael Benevento, President and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver.

With over 50 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of medical-grade packaging, Oliver continues to strengthen its focus on quality and sustainability with the new facility. With state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and a focus on designing out waste before it is created, Oliver is positioned to work with customers to reduce emissions and gain efficiency. Additionally, the new site has enhancements contributing to a more sustainable working environment through features such as auto sensor energy saving LED lights and a rainwater harvesting system.

“We have witnessed tremendous growth in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries in the region, and our new capabilities in Johor aim to handle the growing demand from our customers across a wider geography in Asia-Pacific with a more resilient supply chain. We are committed to delivering unsurpassed innovation and quality, and we look forward to better meeting the evolving needs of the regions healthcare companies,” said Kenneth De Muynck, General Manager, Asia-Pacific, Oliver.

The new Johor facility is part of Olivers commitment to growing globally, with a focus on local support. Across Asia, Oliver has been investing in new capabilities to support the medical industry. This includes an ISO-7 converting facility in Suzhou, China as well as a fully-equipped technical lab in Singapore to collaborate with customers on packaging design, innovation, testing, and troubleshooting.

About Oliver Healthcare Packaging

Oliver is not just a packaging company, but a healthcare company first. With its primary mission to protect patients, Oliver is a leading supplier of medical-grade packaging. Through 9 manufacturing sites across 3 continents, Oliver offers pouches, die-cut lids, HDPE cards, and innovative materials to the medical device, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical markets.

Learn more about how Olivers packaging is Designed to protect at www.oliverhcp.com.