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Anderson Diagnostics and MAHE Launch Groundbreaking Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Genomics

Anderson Diagnostics & Labs, Chennai, in a landmark partnership with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), today announced the formal launch of the MAHE-Anderson Centre of Excellence (COE) in Reproductive Genomics.
 

Inaugural Ceremony of Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Genomics​
 

This strategic collaboration leverages Anderson Diagnostics’ decade of deep expertise in reproductive genomics to fundamentally change the landscape of “prenatal testing” and “women’s healthcare diagnostics” across coastal Karnataka and beyond.
 

The Centre marks a significant milestone by establishing a first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility in-house at the University Hospital — designed to support comprehensive diagnostic services across all institutions under the MAHE umbrella.

 

This initiative is specifically designed to introduce advanced genomic solutions focused on reproductive health, enabling the diagnosis of critical diseases before the birth of a child — a crucial advancement in women’s healthcare.

 

Bridging Research and Real-World Diagnostics 

The core mission of the COE is to integrate cutting-edge academic research with robust, scalable clinical diagnostics — thereby impacting reproductive and foetal medicine.


Addressing the specific expertise brought to the partnership, Dr. Suriyakumar G, Director & Radiologist, Anderson Diagnostics & Labs, stated:


Anderson Diagnostics is bringing over ten years of pioneering experience specifically in ‘Reproductive Genomics’ and high-throughput testing to this collaboration. Our role is to establish the operational backbone — guaranteeing that the cutting-edge research originating from the MAHE-Anderson COE translates reliably and rapidly into actionable diagnostic reports for patients. We are committed to setting new benchmarks in standardised processes — ensuring that this joint venture can change the dynamics of the genomics diagnostics ecosystem, especially concerning complex prenatal scenarios.”


 MAHE-Anderson COE will serve as a hub for academic training, translational research, and comprehensive diagnostic services available to all institutions under the MAHE umbrella and other hospitals in the region.


Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE, Manipal, lauded the synergistic nature of the tie-up, “We are pleased to partner with Anderson Diagnostics & Labs, Chennai – one of the pioneers in delivering advanced diagnostic services across India and neighbouring countries. This collaboration provides an excellent opportunity to expand access to cost-effective genomic solutions and strengthen healthcare delivery in coastal Karnataka.


Dr. Anil K. Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, highlighted the importance of the industry-academia linkage, “We are glad to be a part of this remarkable initiative. The Centre’s efforts in offering advanced genomic healthcare solutions will enable more personalised clinical management in reproductive and foetal medicine.”


Dr. Shubhashree Uppangala, Associate Professor and Head of the Department (Reproductive Sciences), Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, and Coordinator for the MAHE-Anderson COE, emphasised the centre’s broader mission as the vital bridge between the two entities, “The Centre aims to bridge the current knowledge gap related to genomic diagnostic solutions in reproductive health and to support the development of precision medicine and research in women’s health and reproduction.”


About Anderson Diagnostics & Labs
Anderson Diagnostics & Labs is a leading name in advanced diagnostics – renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality standards, and expanding access to specialised testing across India for over a decade.

 

About MAHE (Manipal Academy of Higher Education) 
MAHE is a leading “multi-disciplinary university” with a strong emphasis on health sciences education, research, and patient care through its constituent institutions – including Kasturba Medical College.

 

M3M Foundation Strengthens Education Along the Line of Control: Extends Comprehensive Infrastructure Support to Four Schools in Poonch

Reaffirming its commitment to equitable access to education in India’s most vulnerable geographies, M3M Foundation has extended essential school infrastructure support to four government schools located along the Line of Control (LoC) in District Poonch. This intervention aims to uplift children in remote, high-risk border villages, where the challenges of geography and conflict have restricted access to safe and dignified learning spaces for years.

 

Representatives of the Indian Army, M3M Foundation and local schoolchildren at the school infrastructure handover ceremony in the LoC region of Poonch

 

The handover ceremony took place during the Mendhar Festival and was graced by Major General Kaushik Mukherjee, Sena Medal, Indian Army, symbolising the strong collaboration between M3M Foundation and the Indian Army in improving community development and child welfare in border regions. The event drew the participation of over 2,000 students, teachers, community members, government representatives, NGO partners, and Army officials, demonstrating widespread support and collective responsibility for strengthening education in LoC districts.

 

Through this initiative, the Foundation has provided enhanced classroom infrastructure, digital learning tools, basic utilities, and co-curricular resources—addressing long-standing gaps in these institutions. These improvements are expected to boost attendance, strengthen teaching outcomes, increase digital readiness, and uplift morale among students and teachers. For families living in frontline areas, better school infrastructure represents not just improved learning conditions, but also stability, safety, and hope for a stronger future.

 

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Children in border communities grow up with extraordinary challenges, yet their aspirations remain limitless. Strengthening schools along the LoC is our commitment to ensuring they receive the same dignity, opportunity, and safe learning spaces as any child in the country. Education must be inclusive, resilient, and accessible—and we are honoured to stand with these communities in building a brighter future.”

 

This initiative reinforces M3M Foundation’s broader mission of promoting inclusive and quality education, aligned with India’s development priorities and global commitments such as SDG 4 (Quality Education). By strengthening schools in the LoC region, the Foundation continues its endeavour to reach the last mile and empower communities that face the greatest barriers to progress.

 

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group and is committed to bringing equitable development that ensures a life of dignity for every individual. The Foundation works on key areas such as education, healthcare, environment, disaster management, skill development, and community welfare. Programs like iMpower, Lakshya, Sarvoday, Saakshar, and Sankalp are empowering communities across India with sustainable, inclusive development models.

Pinkathon partners with Zydus to drive breast cancer awareness; Returns to Hyderabad for the 6th edition introducing first-ever Invincible Women

  From 3 km community runs to 100 km ultras, Pinkathon 2025–26 will begin its Hyderabad chapter on February 15 at People’s Plaza, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, December 10, 2025: Pinkathon, India’s biggest women’s run, today announced the 6th edition of Pinkathon Hyderabad, joining hands with global innovation-led healthcare company Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. to strengthen breast cancer awareness in India. The press conference was graciously hosted by Park Hyatt, the Hospitality Partner for the event, adding prestige and warmth to the occasion. The run, scheduled for February 15, 2026, at People’s Plaza in Hyderabad, marks another milestone in Pinkathon’s mission of inspiring women to embrace fitness, community, and preventive health.

Launched in 2012 in Mumbai by actor, entrepreneur and fitness advocate Milind Soman, Pinkathon has grown into a nationwide movement empowering women through sport. Over the years, it has reached more than half a million women, facilitated free breast screenings for thousands, raised over ₹1 crore for underprivileged cancer patients, and built a strong community of ambassadors across India. With Zydus’ preventive-first approach powering its mission, the Pinkathon 2025–26 season continues across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi.

This year in Hyderabad, the run proudly celebrates a diverse and inspiring group of mascots who embody strength, resilience, and the spirit of community running. Leading the lineup is Poonam Metta, representing the 100K category, followed by Devyani Haldar for the 75K and Leena Roy for the 50K distance. The event also honours Mardaku Anitha, a visually impaired runner symbolizing the 10K category, and Sarita Sarkar, a cancer survivor representing the Lifelong 5K run. Preety Khanna, a dedicated babywearing mother, stands as the mascot for the 3K category. Together, these remarkable women reflect the run’s ethos of inclusivity and courage. With categories ranging from 3 km, Lifelong 5 km, 10 km, all the way up to ultradistances, the event encourages participation from both first-time runners and seasoned athletes, making it a true celebration of endurance, empowerment, and community spirit.

Addressing the media at the Hyderabad press conference, Milind Soman, Founder of Pinkathon, said, “Pinkathon is a celebration of women choosing themselves — their health, their fitness, and their wellbeing. Hyderabad has always shown tremendous spirit and support, and this edition gives us another opportunity to amplify conversations around breast cancer. With the partnership of Zydus, we continue our commitment to ensuring that every woman understands the critical importance of early detection and self-care.”

This year’s Hyderabad announcement also spotlighted the growing presence of Invincible Women, an initiative founded by Ankita Konwar to support endurance running for women. Speaking at the event, Ankita Konwar said, “Pinkathon has always been a safe and empowering space for women from every walk of life. Invincible Women is about pushing boundaries and proving to ourselves that we are capable of more than we think. With Zydus joining hands in this mission, we hope to inspire women across Hyderabad to prioritise their health, learn the importance of self-examination, and show up for themselves.”

Built on pillars of women’s health, empowerment, and inspiration, Pinkathon’s 2025–26 edition aligns strongly with Zydus’ belief in preventive healthcare. Through its Easiest Exam campaign, Zydus encourages women to adopt a simple three-minute monthly breast self-exam — a critical step in improving early detection in a country where lakhs of women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

At the Hyderabad announcement, Dr. Mohana Vamsy, Surgical Oncologist said, “Breast cancer still ranks as one of the major cancers that are common in women, and it is indeed unfortunate that a large number of cases are still identified at the late stages. The result of a check that takes not more than three minutes and is done once every month is what would change the face of the outcomes in a great measure. It is therefore very important to have such events as Pinkathon, which provides education to women, makes them comfortable with the issue and thus, making it possible for them to go to the clinic early if they want a test, in the end, giving chances to live.”

 

Speaking on this, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd said, “With the Easiest Exam campaign, we seek to empower women with the knowledge that a simple 3-minute self-examination each month can make a life-saving difference. Joining hands with Pinkathon, we aim to reach many more women, raise awareness, and inspire collective action in the fight against breast cancer. We believe that raising awareness on women’s health and Breast cancer remains equally vital, as early detection has the power to save countless lives.”

 

Over the years, Pinkathon has pioneered inclusive and community-driven formats such as the Saree Run, Grandmothers 10K, Babywearing Mothers Walk, Midnight Fearless Run, and more. These engaging initiatives will continue across Hyderabad in the lead-up to race day, encouraging new participants to join the movement and building momentum for the main run.

Together with Zydus Lifesciences and Invincible Women, Pinkathon continues to grow as a powerful platform uniting fitness, awareness, and solidarity to empower women and fight breast cancer across India.

The event was supported by an esteemed line-up of partners whose contributions added immense value to the initiative. Zydus joined as the Title Partner, while Healthy Master came on board as the Healthy Snacking Partner. Lotus Herbal strengthened the cause as the Sunscreen Partner, and Lifelong supported the fitness-driven spirit as the Fitness Partner. Sirona contributed as the Hygiene Partner, and Park Hyatt extended its association as the Hospitality Partner. Fujifilm further amplified awareness as the Breast Health Partner. The event was supported by SAI and FIT India, with Inc 5 partnering as the Gifting Partner. The initiative was executed by STE, whose efforts ensured a seamless and impactful experience for all participants.

Abput Pinkathon – India’s Biggest Women’s Run

India’s biggest women’s run to encourage and promote fitness & health among women and create awareness for Breast Cancer and other issues relating to women’s health. The focus of India’s biggest women’s only running event is to encourage an active lifestyle and overall fitness amongst women while creating much-needed awareness about breast cancer and encouraging thousands of new or first-timer women to take up running.

About Zydus Lifesciences

Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. with an overarching purpose of empowering people with freedom to live healthier and more fulfilled lives, is an innovative, global lifesciences company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of healthcare therapies. The group has a significant presence in cancer related therapies and offers a wide range of solutions with cytotoxic, supportive & targeted drugs. The group employs over 29,000 people worldwide, including 1,500 scientists engaged in R&D, and is driven by its mission to unlock new possibilities in lifesciences through quality healthcare solutions that impact lives. The group aspires to transform lives through path-breaking discoveries. For more details visit www.zyduslife.com

 About Invincible Women:

Invincible Women an ultramarathon and health awareness event for women founded by Ankita Konwar to promote awareness of healthy lifestyles for women. Designed to encourage and inspire all women to address the issues that might be visible or invisible barriers to prioritizing their health.

About Smiling Tiger Experiences LLP

Founded in 2022 by Niraj Kshirsagar and Prashant Singh, Smiling Tiger Experiences LLP specializes in large-scale participatory sporting events across India, focusing on running and cycling events. Known for its seamless operations and participant-centred approach, the company is dedicated to elevating sporting events nationwide, fostering health, community, and unforgettable experiences.

Jaypee Infratech Secures Occupancy Certificate for Five Additional Towers at Kensington Boulevard Apartment

New Delhi, 12 December 2025: Real estate firm Jaypee Infratech Limited today announced that it has received the Occupancy Certificate (OC) for five additional towers of its housing project, ‘Kensington Boulevard Apartments’. These five towers—1, 5, 6, 12, and 14—collectively comprise 423 units. With the receipt of the OC for these units, Jaypee Infratech has now received the OC for 31 towers comprising 3135 units in total, which is one fifth of the total delivery. Additionally, the company has applied for the OC for 11 more towers comprising 1078 units, and it expects approvals for these towers soon.

Commenting on the development Mr. Jash Panchamia, Executive Director, Jaypee Infratech Limited, said, “At Jaypee Infratech, we remain fully committed to fulfilling our customers’ expectations and are working tirelessly to deliver on our promises. We reiterate our commitment to the timelines outlined in the resolution plan and are well on course to achieving them. Receiving the OC for five additional towers of Kensington Boulevard Apartments is another significant step toward this goal. We are fully committed to handing over all remaining units as per the stipulated timelines. We will continue to work with utmost dedication to ensure timely delivery and complete customer satisfaction.”

Since mid of last year, post taking the reins of the company, the current management at Jaypee Infratech has been working diligently to fulfil all its commitments. The company has already issued tenders and awarded contracts for all the towers. Several towers have already received the Occupancy Certificate (OC), and work is progressing at a brisk pace on the remaining towers. The company continues to focus on accelerating progress and ensuring that all milestones are achieved within the stipulated timelines.

DXP Estate: The New Urban Landmark Redefining Luxury and Wellness in Gurugram

Gurugram has steadily evolved into one of India’s most dynamic real estate markets, with its skyline, infrastructure, and lifestyle offerings transforming at a rapid pace. In this journey, the Dwarka Expressway has emerged as a defining growth corridor, witnessing a sharp surge in demand and property prices—rising up to 3.5 times between 2020 and 2025, as noted by a Square Yards report. Within this emerging belt, DXP Estate by Signature Global in Sector 37D is fast taking centre stage as Gurugram’s new-age urban landmark.

Positioned at the crossroads of Delhi and Gurugram, DXP Estate benefits from strategic connectivity and a future-ready infrastructure ecosystem. The recent inauguration of the Urban Extension Road-II (UER II) and the Delhi stretch of the Dwarka Expressway by the Hon’ble Prime Minister has significantly strengthened links between Gurugram and key parts of Delhi NCR. Reduced travel times, smoother vehicular movement, and better regional access have collectively enhanced the micro-market’s appeal for both end-users and investors.

Adding to its locational strength is the upcoming Global City project, a large-scale mixed-use development spread over more than 1,000 acres across Sectors 36, 36B, 37, and 37B in Gurugram. With its blend of residential, commercial, office, and plotted developments, Global City is expected to become a major economic and lifestyle hub, directly benefitting DXP Estate due to its close proximity. The ongoing work on Gurugram Metro Phase 1 promises improved intra-city connectivity, while the proposed heliport in Sector 84 along the Dwarka Expressway is set to further enhance regional accessibility. Together, these projects are steadily transforming DXP Estate into a well-connected, high-potential destination.

Beyond its investment appeal, DXP Estate is being shaped as a thoughtfully planned, wellness-oriented living environment. The neighbourhood offers access to reputed educational institutions such as Euro International and Suncity schools, as well as healthcare facilities like Civil and Yashroop Hospitals, all within a convenient 30–40-minute radius. Shopping centres, recreational avenues, and social infrastructure further support a balanced lifestyle for families and professionals.

Driving much of this evolution is Signature Global’s strong presence along the corridor, backed by a 53-acre land bank on the Dwarka Expressway and a total saleable area of 9.4 million sq. ft. (of which 3.1 million sq. ft. is already launched).

Through its premium and wellness-centric offerings, including projects like De-Luxe DXP and Sarvam, Signature Global is bringing together high-rise living, contemporary design, and comprehensive amenities—capturing the changing aspirations of urban homebuyers and firmly positioning DXP Estate as one of Gurugram’s most promising real estate destinations.

To further enrich everyday living, Signature Global has partnered with Ileseum, India’s leading sports and leisure club management company, bringing curated lifestyle and wellness services to DXP Estate. Collaborations with brands such as Tatva Spa, the Michael Phelps Swimming Academy, Tiger Shroff’s Matrix Dance Academy, Tagda Raho, and Ajivasan Music Academy by Suresh Wadkar create a vibrant ecosystem where fitness, creativity, and recreation coexist seamlessly.

Building on this wellness-led vision, Signature Global’s philosophy comes to life in its premium project ‘Sarvam’, recently awarded a Vastu-compliant certification by Sayash Vastu, one of India’s leading Vastu Shastra consultants. Inspired by the five elements of nature—Prithvi (stability), Jal (harmony), Vayu (movement), Agni (energy), and Akash (expansion)—Sarvam integrates this ethos into every aspect of its planning and design, with the aim of fostering balance, positivity, and holistic well-being for residents. Generous green open spaces, calming water features, and thoughtfully designed zones for reflection and relaxation reinforce its identity as a true wellness sanctuary within Delhi-NCR.

Extending this same focus on quality, wellness, and experience-led living, DXP Estate is emerging as more than just another residential pocket along the Dwarka Expressway. It is evolving into a holistic urban destination—where infrastructure and investment potential meet wellness, design, and community living. As Gurugram’s next growth hub, it offers a compelling proposition for those seeking modern homes, strong connectivity, and a lifestyle designed for the mind, body, and soul.

Toyow's $TTN Token Lists on CoinDCX, Strengthening India's Position in the Global RWA Economy

CoinDCX, India’s largest crypto exchange, today announced the listing of Toyow’s native token, $TTN, marking a significant milestone in bringing real-world asset (RWA) innovation to one of the world’s most dynamic digital asset markets.
 

Toyow is a next-generation, multi-category tokenization platform designed to make real-world assets accessible, liquid, and transparent through blockchain technology. Built on the Base network, Toyow enables institutions and investors to tokenize, trade, and manage a wide spectrum of physical and financial assets including real estate, art, films, precious metals, and alternative investments on a secure, unified, and compliant marketplace.
 

The listing of $TTN on CoinDCX aligns with India’s accelerating appetite for tokenized financial products. With a rapidly growing, mobile-first investor base and increasing interest in transparent, technology-enabled asset exposure, India represents one of the strongest global markets for RWA adoption.
 

“India is emerging as a pivotal geography in the global RWA landscape,” said George Kushner, Chief Business Officer at Toyow. “Listing on CoinDCX enables us to expand secure, compliant access to tokenized assets for millions of Indian users. Our mission is to democratize ownership and unlock liquidity across traditionally illiquid asset classes for the next billion participants in Web3.”
 

Commenting on the listing, Mridul Gupta Founding Partner, CoinDCX, said, “Real-world asset tokenization is reshaping capital markets globally, and India has the potential to emerge as a major participant in this shift. Listing Toyow’s $TTN token enables our users to engage with one of the fastest-growing themes in the digital asset space. It aligns with our broader vision of expanding meaningful investment opportunities on CoinDCX and giving users access to assets that reflect the future of how value will be created and exchanged.”
 

Toyow brings end-to-end tokenization infrastructure to market, offering smart contract development, STO launchpads, secondary marketplaces, and custodial solutions while prioritizing regulatory integrity and investor protection. Its full-cycle platform is designed to support institutions, creators, and investors seeking scalable and compliant pathways into tokenized finance.
 

The addition of $TTN to CoinDCX builds on the exchange’s strategy of providing users with curated access to high-quality digital assets and emerging blockchain utilities. Through this listing, Indian investors can now participate in the growth of a global, enterprise-grade tokenization ecosystem without making investment promises or performance claims.
 

About DCX Group

Founded in 2018 CoinDCX was established with a mission to make crypto accessible to Indians in a simple and compliant manner, CoinDCX is today India’s largest exchange, trusted by over 2 crore users. Today, the company has evolved into DCX Group, a multi-entity ecosystem with touchpoints across India and international markets.

In 2024, the company took its first step towards international expansion with the acquisition of Dubai- based BitOasis, MENA’s leading virtual assets broker-dealer. In 2025, BitOasis expanded into Bahrain, further strengthening the Group’s presence in the region. Beyond exchanges, the Group powers the Web3 economy through CoinDCX Ventures, which has backed more than 15 pioneering projects, and Okto, its Web3 wallet with 2 crore users globally.
 

The Group is backed by global investors including Pantera, Steadview Capital, Kingsway, Polychain Capital, B Capital Group, Bain Capital Ventures, Cadenza, Draper Dragon, Republic, Kindred, and Coinbase Ventures.
 

About Toyow
Toyow is a next-generation real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform built on the Base network, enabling institutions and investors to tokenize, trade, and manage physical and financial assets on a secure and compliant marketplace. Toyow supports end-to-end tokenization services including smart contract development, STO launchpads, secondary trading, and custodial solutions. Its mission is to democratize ownership and unlock liquidity across traditionally illiquid asset classes for the next billion users in Web3.

To learn more, visit www.toyow.com.

Gaja Capital Business Book Prize Announces Winner of its 7th Edition – Accelerating India's Development by Karthik Muralidharan

Accelerating India’s Development: A State-Led Roadmap for Effective Governance” by renowned Indian economist Karthik Muralidharan has won the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2025, for its rigorous and accessible blueprint to unlock India’s next phase of growth through stronger state capacity and effective public service delivery. This landmark work systematically examines India’s governance challenges, especially in education, health, social protection, and jobs and sets out evidence-based, state-level reform strategies to ensure that growth translates into widespread improvements in citizens’ lives.​​

 

Ranjit Shah, Arindam Bhattacharya, Aparajith Ramnath, Shailesh Haribhakti, UK Sinha, Karthik Muralidharan, Anupam Gupta, C K Venkataraman, Imran Jafar, Gopal Jain (L-R)


Karthik Muralidharan currently serves as the Tata Chancellor’s Professor of Economics at the University of California, San Diego, and holds a PhD from Harvard University. Drawing on over two decades of research, policy engagement, and field experience, Muralidharan combines academic depth with practical insight to demonstrate how better-designed institutions, smarter public spending, and stronger state capacity can dramatically improve development outcomes. The book stands out for translating complex economic and governance ideas into an actionable roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, and citizens interested in a more inclusive and effective Indian state.​


The award was conferred at Gaja Talks 2025, a gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and thinkers that shines a spotlight on ideas shaping India’s future. The evening featured a panel with the shortlisted authors, who discussed issues ranging from institutional reform and federalism to leadership, innovation, and India’s evolving economic landscape​.


Gopal Jain, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Gaja Capital, said, “This year’s winning book combines intellectual rigour with practical vision to show how India can convert its vast potential into tangible outcomes for every citizen, by investing in a stronger, more capable state. In shining a light on governance and state capacity, it aligns closely with the Prize’s mission to celebrate ideas that shape India’s business and development story, and that inspire the next generation of leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.”​​


Manish Sabharwal, Chairman of the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize Jury, commented, “Accelerating India’s Development is more than a book on economics or policy; it is a practical guide to making the Indian state work better for its people. The jury was particularly impressed by how the author balances ambition with feasibility, offering reform pathways that are grounded in evidence, sensitive to political economy, and focused on execution, not just intent.”​​


The 2025 jury brought together leaders from business, investing, public policy, economics, and governance, continuing the tradition of a multidisciplinary panel that evaluates books for originality, depth of research, clarity of argument, and real-world impact. The Prize, now in its seventh edition, has emerged as a benchmark recognition for authors who illuminate India’s entrepreneurial journeys, institutional evolution, and broader economic and social transformation.​​


About the winning author and book
A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Cambridge, Karthik Muralidharan spent a decade as a consultant at the World Bank before transitioning to academia. His research spans development, public, and labour economics, with a focus on enhancing the effectiveness of public spending in the social sector. In addition to advising research institutions around the world, in 2019, Muralidharan founded the Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS), an organisation dedicated to improving lives by helping state governments in India deliver stronger development outcomes. 


“Accelerating India’s Development: A State-Led Roadmap for Effective Governance” offers a comprehensive analysis of why India’s development is constrained not by a lack of ambition or resources, but by weak state capacity and uneven service delivery. Muralidharan argues that sustained progress requires a strategic focus on strengthening the core functions of the state—personnel management, data systems, accountability, fiscal federalism, and program design—rather than simply expanding spending or creating new schemes.​


The book proposes politically feasible and practically implementable reforms to improve outcomes in areas such as education, health, social protection, and jobs, with a strong emphasis on state-level innovation and decentralisation. Written in a clear and engaging style, it brings rigorous ideas into the mainstream and serves as a valuable guide for anyone interested in understanding India’s economic trajectory.

 

ARCH College of Design & Business, Jaipur at the 25th Global CII Design Summit & Exposition 2025, Bengaluru

ARCH College of Design & Business marked an impactful presence at the 25th Global CII Design Summit & Exposition 2025, Bengaluru. The summit, themed “Design for the 4Ps: People, Planet, Purpose, Profitability,” brought together global leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and educators to reimagine the role of design in building a sustainable and future-ready world.
 

Archana Surana & Prof. Pradyumna Vyas sign the Cumulus-CII MoU
 

Founder & Director Ms. Archana Surana participated as a speaker, sharing insights on sustainability, evolving design education, and India’s growing influence in the global design landscape. Reflecting on India’s philosophy of responsible innovation, she stated, “Sustainability is a mindset rooted in India’s tradition of community, inclusivity, and shared growth. When businesses focus on impact and uplift everyone together, it becomes a way of life.”
 

A major highlight of the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Cumulus Association, the world’s largest global network of design and arts institutions. The MoU aims to strengthen international cooperation in design education, research College, mobility, and industry engagement. It will enable joint research College, knowledge exchange, global faculty–student mobility, and collaborative academic initiatives between design institutions and innovation ecosystems worldwide.
 

As Executive Board Member (2025-2028) and former Vice President of the Cumulus Association (2022-2025), Ms. Surana played a pivotal role in facilitating this partnership, reinforcing India’s position in global design dialogue. The MoU was signed by Prof. Pradyumna Vyas, President, World Design Organization & Senior Advisor, CII, and Ms. Archana Surana, representing Cumulus Association. Gratitude was extended to Prof. Lorenzo Imbesi, President, Cumulus, and Ms. Eija Salmi, Secretary General, for their support in advancing this collaboration.
 

The summit was also attended by ARCH College staff members and students, offering them rich exposure to industry practices, expert conversations, and professional networks. The event also featured the CII Design Excellence Awards and industry visits, highlighting India’s rapidly evolving innovation capabilities and the growing synergy between academia and industry.
 

A distinguished leader in the global design community, Archana Surana’s journey combines institution-building with a commitment to shaping responsible creative futures. As Founder & Director of ARCH College, she has led 25 years of innovative design education.
 

Established in 2000 in Jaipur – India’s UNESCO Creative City – ARCH College of Design & Business is a pioneering institution committed to nurturing responsible, future-ready design professionals. The college integrates experiential learning, industry partnerships, cultural engagement, and interdisciplinary exploration to develop creative thinkers equipped for the global creative economy.
 

ARCH College offers internationally benchmarked BTEC qualifications with Pearson (UK) and B. Des programmes in Digital Design, Graphic & Communication Design, Interior & Product Design, Fashion & Textiles, and Jewellery Design, along with postgraduate pathways including Masters in Design & Entrepreneurship. Read more at www.archedu.org.
 

With its mission-driven approach and expanding global partnerships, ARCH College continues to contribute meaningfully to design education, creative industries, and India’s innovation ecosystem – empowering learners to design purposeful, sustainable, and impactful futures.

Terre des hommes India Organises 'Children and Climate 2025', Calls for Integrated Child-Responsive Climate Action

Terre des hommes (Tdh) India, a child rights organisation that has deepened its understanding of how climate change affects children by actively listening to young people in the Sundarbans region and in Jharkhand, organised Children and Climate 2025 on 11th December 2025, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Insights from these communities helped Tdh recognise the direct link between environmental stress and the fulfilment of children’s rights. The event convened donors, researchers, practitioners, youth speakers, and policymakers for an in-depth dialogue on how climate change is rapidly emerging as one of the most urgent child-rights challenges of our time.

 

Children and Climate 2025 conference organised by Terre des hommes (India)

 

In India, the impact of climate change is accelerating, with over 85% of districts exposed to recurring extreme climate events such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. These shocks directly affect children’s nutrition, education, protection, mental health, and long-term development.

 

At the Children and Climate conference, participants explored these intersections through an integrated, child-sensitive lens. Discussions focused on designing climate programmes that strengthen social protection systems, embed child-sensitive health responses, and support families facing climate-induced migration. Manavi Bhardwaj from India Climate Collaborative, Sarbjit Singh Sahota from UNICEF India, Harini Kannan from J-Pal, Pragya Vats from IPE Global, and Dr. Sudeshna Chatterjee from WRI were some of the panelists. The event also amplified community voices, highlighting how local experiences must inform larger climate-resilience frameworks.

 

The conference structure drew from the project cycle management approach, enabling a step-by-step examination of how child-centred climate interventions should be planned, financed, implemented, and evaluated. Panel discussions and breakout sessions encouraged funders, practitioners, and researchers to collectively identify gaps, share evidence, propose innovative financing models, and understand the practical challenges of mainstreaming climate considerations into existing child-focused programmes.

 

Speaking at the event, Anindit Roy Chowdhury, Multi-country Director (India & Nepal), Terre des hommes, said, “Children are not merely victims of the climate crisis, they are essential actors in shaping resilient and inclusive futures. Yet the systems meant to support them still respond in fragments. Climate risks intersect with health, protection, and migration in a child’s life, and our solutions must reflect that. Through this convening, we aim to strengthen the collective resolve to design truly integrated programmes that prioritise children’s rights, safety, and well-being”.

 

Children and Climate 2025 reinforced the need for multi-sectoral partnerships and sustained cooperation across development, climate, and social systems. Tdh India reaffirmed its commitment to advancing integrated solutions that safeguard children in India’s most climate-vulnerable contexts, and to collaborating with stakeholders to shape a more inclusive, resilient future for every child.

 

About Terre des hommes (Tdh) India

Terre des hommes (Tdh) India is a leading child-rights organisation working to strengthen health, protection and resilience systems for vulnerable children, youth and communities across high-risk geographies. With a deep focus on digital innovation, climate-resilient child protection, safe mobility and maternal and child health, Tdh collaborates closely with government departments, frontline workers, and community institutions to drive long-term structural change. Since 2016, Tdh India has reached more than 500,000 children, families, and community members, advancing safer childhoods, stronger systems, and equitable access to care and opportunity.

India Fintech Forum Flagship Event IFTA Focused on BFSI Concludes its 10th Edition; Launches Mentorship Program Mentor Chronicles

  • Digital mentorship program is aimed at early stage founders to handhold them in navigating product, compliance and market challenges

  • The program will create an indexed library of recurring founder challenges and practical responses across payments, lending, wealthtech, insurtech, regtech and embedded finance.

  • Program commences in Jan 2026

  • The IFTA platform also concluded its fintech awards initiative with Sahi winning Fintech Startup of the Year and Pine Labs winning Excellence in Payments award

  • 3rd edition of Fintech Olympiad registered participation from 70,000 students from over 4000 colleges pan India

 

The India FinTech Forum concluded the 10th edition of the India FinTech Awards (IFTA) on 10 December 2025 at Aurika, Mumbai. Supported by Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), State Bank of India (SBI) and Indian Clearing Corporation Limited (ICCL), this year’s event brought together policymakers, financial institutions, technology firms, and investors for discussions on regulatory priorities, digital infrastructure, and sector trends.

 

Celebrating IFTA’s 10th milestone as the longest running fintech event bringing top industry leaders together and honoring excellence, talent, and fintech innovation

 

Sougata Basu, Founder, CashRich, said, “As an Executive Committee Member of India FinTech Forum and the Founder of Fintech Olympiad, I am proud that the India FinTech Awards (IFTA) has become the only fintech event in India to achieve a continuous 10-year journey. This milestone reflects the trust of our fintech community and the growing strength of the ecosystem. With 70000+ participants, the Fintech Olympiad has become a uniquely impactful initiative that builds financial literacy and digital fluency for India. Together, these efforts show how India is shaping the future of finance.”

 

The multi-track event featured keynote addresses from Mr. Ashwini Kumar Tewari, Managing Director, State Bank of India; Mr. Vishal Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, Bandhan AMC Limited; Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO, National Stock Exchange of India (NSE); and Ms. Vaisshali Babu, Managing Director and CEO, ICCL. Their remarks covered developments in banking, capital markets, asset management, and market infrastructure, with a shared focus on stability, governance, and the role of technology in strengthening financial systems.

 

The India FinTech Forum announced the launch of Mentor Chronicles Fintech Edition at IFTA 2025, introducing a structured digital mentorship series aimed at early-stage founders navigating product, compliance, and market challenges. The initiative responds to a tougher operating environment marked by higher customer acquisition costs, longer compliance cycles and intensified investor scrutiny. The programme collects and curates real founder questions, which are then addressed in focused conversations with experienced operators, investors and sector specialists. Positioned as a long-term knowledge resource, Mentor Chronicles will create an indexed library of recurring founder challenges and practical responses across payments, lending, wealthtech, insurtech, regtech and embedded finance.

 

Beginning January 2026, selected founders will participate, with organisers with an objective of not just funding access but sharper decision-making, better product prioritisation and improved regulatory preparedness. The Forum noted that as the fintech sector enters a phase of consolidation and compliance-driven growth, accessible and experience-led guidance has become a critical gap the programme aims to fill.

 

The Forum received over 1,500 applications for IFTA 2025. Shortlisted firms showcased solutions in payments, lending, compliance, insurance, and wealth management, with a jury assessing them for relevance, impact, and scalability.

 

The event also featured the Fintech Olympiad, aimed at strengthening financial and digital literacy among students. Organisers reported rising participation and noted that early exposure to payments, savings, risk, and digital finance is increasingly important as the sector grows. 70,000 students from across the country registered for the Fintech Olympiad from 4000+ colleges. Around 120 students were shortlisted over 10 online and 21 Regional Rounds for the National Finals held in Mumbai at IFTA.

 

IFTA 2025 also announced winners of the year across categories.

 

Winners at IFTA 2025:

  1. Fintech Startup of the Year: Sahi

  2. Fintech Rising Stars: Riskcovry, SaveIN, OnFinance AI, Navanc Data Sciences

  3. Fintech Scaleup of the Year: Timble Technologies

  4. Most Innovative Fintech Product: Fam

  5. Best Innovation in Digital Lending: GetVantage

  6. Best International Fintech in India: Valocity

  7. Best Fintech Initiative For Social Impact: Spice Money

  8. Excellence in Payments: Pine Labs

  9. Best Use of AI in Fintech: GreyLabs AI

  10. Best Innovation in RegTech: CAMS

  11. Best Innovation in WealthTech: Aspero

  12. Excellence in InsurTech: Perfios

  13. Best Technology Company for Fintech Solutions: Falcon

  14. Best Initiative for Financial Literacy: PayNearby

The winners of the National Finals of the Fintech Olympiad 2025 were announced during IFTA.

Students Category:

  1. Winner: Tejas Sayli, JBIMS Mumbai

  2. 1st Runner up: Dhruv Garg, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

  3. 2nd Runner up: Dhruv Patel, Tolani Motwane Institute of Management Studies

Professionals Category:

  1. Winner: Rohan Khanna, Director, Barclays

  2. 1st Runner up: Madhur Tike, Data Analyst, Morningstar

  3. 2nd Runner up: Shashank Rakesh, Regional Manager, BriskPe

About India FinTech Forum:

The India FinTech Forum, a nonprofit platform fostering collaboration among over 4,500 companies and 37,000 individuals, remains dedicated to making India a global fintech leader. Since its founding in 2016, the Forum’s flagship event, IFTA, has spotlighted groundbreaking ideas, bringing together fintech startups, investors, and thought leaders. The Forum launched the Fintech Olympiad, a national initiative for digital and financial literacy in 2023.

 

More details at: www.indiafintech.com and www.fintecholympiad.org