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Innovative & Transformative Technologies Impress at the 32nd Convergence India & 10th Smart Cities India Expo

  • Over 3 days, 1,000+ domestic and international companies, including 250 startups and Smart Cities, presented India’s tech capabilities and achievements.

  • Cutting-edge products from 6G, AI & ML, Big Data, IoT, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Drone Tech, Smart Governance, Fintech, etc., were displayed.

Indias largest technology showcase, the 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities India expo, is an initiative by Exhibitions India Group (EIG) that focuses on transformative technologies and solutions shaping India’s future by creating an ecosystem that supports initiatives such as ‘Digital India, ”Make in India,’ and the ‘Smart Cities Mission’.

32nd Convergence India & 10th Smart Cities India Expo 2025

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, inaugurated the expo. In a special address, the Hon’ble Minister said, “Today, AI is driving our economy. India’s future is connected with technological growth, so we need to push more research and innovations. The good news is that we boast the highest number of young engineers driving innovations and futuristic technologies.”

Under the theme “Imagining an AI-Driven Future Today: Innovating for a Better Tomorrow,” the event was a technological extravaganza and the epicentre of hectic activity, with thousands of visitors and delegates exploring technologies and innovations. They also had the opportunity to experience world-class gadgets, including drones, robotics, AR/VR glasses, mobile and digital gaming devices, etc. Meanwhile, the Smart City Pavilion offered an impressive lineup of smart city projects that deliver quality results and enhance millions of citizens’ lives.

Ms. Chandrika Behl, Managing Director, Exhibitions India Group, said, “This expo has played a pivotal role in fostering technological upgradation and national development, besides promoting an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem across the country. We are the foremost platform for businesses, especially startups, in the Digitech space and have launched several brands that have grown to achieve international acclaim. Taking a cue from the industry’s mood at this year’s show, we will continue providing wholesome opportunities to companies and allow them to thrive and emerge as global brands.”

In addition to product launches, investor meets and collaborations, the venue hosted approx. 40 conference sessions ranging from a wide gambit of subjects. These sessions facilitated discussions between industry representatives, innovators, think tanks, and academia on the latest developments and market trends impacting new-age technologies. Moreover, the industry’s future looks bright, with several ministry representatives participating in these discussions!

Besides, strong representation from the Ministry of Electronics & IT, including Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary & CEO India AI Mission; Sanket Bhondve, Joint Secretary; and Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, Startup Hub; Sanjeev Shankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of IB, and A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Science & Technology, also participated in constructive interactions, proving the Government’s resolve to guide the industry. While interacting with delegates during a conference session focused on Artificial Intelligence, Abhishek Singh observed, “We are building AI-based applications in key sectors that can be scaled, rolled out and deployed at scale. The AI policy alignment opens doors for new tools to detect data bias, machine learning, detecting deepfakes, and watermarking AI-generated content.”

Prominent entrepreneurs such as Aman Gupta (Co-founder & CMO, boAt), journalist Barkha Dutt and Ankur Warikoo, founder of WebVeda, also engaged in deliberations, offering insights into India’s thriving startup ecosystem. During a Fireside Chat session, Aman Gupta said, “The new India is dreaming big. However, Indian brands should not target to be affordable but aspirational. They should also have a competitive mindset.” Talking about the qualities that a successful entrepreneur should have, he shared, “Find your passion and follow it wholeheartedly. Keep yourself grounded, and don’t get carried away. My mantra is – be efficient and take responsibilities seriously.”

Among the highlights were the Investors Pitch competition in the Startup arena that had 10 startups showcase innovative ideas to a distinguished jury. Products and ideas were shared across domains such as healthcare, farming, and safety. Fuselage Innovation, an agri-tech startup from Kerala, emerged as the winner. It received the Prem Behl’s Excellence Award, a cash prize of Rs. 1 Lakh from Exhibition India, and a fully funded participation in the reputed GITEX Dubai and GITEX Morocco, besides guaranteed pitch slots at the Supernova Challenge 2025 in Berlin.

The highly popular Fintech and Smart Cities awards drew a large number of nominations. The Smart Cities awards were given under categories such as Best Use of AI for Urban Development, Best Smart Energy Solution, Digital Inclusion and Citizen Engagement, Innovation in Urban Mobility, etc. Some Fintech awards categories included Best Global Use of AI in FinTech, Best Digital Lending Solution, FinTech for Financial Inclusion, Best Fintech Leader, etc. Meanwhile, the first Mobile India awards were introduced as an extension of the Mobile India Expo to celebrate the outstanding contributions of companies and individuals towards revolutionising the sector.

Notably, Russia-based Alfa Bank bagged awards in two categories: Global Leader in Fintech and Best Global Use of AI in FinTech. Sharing his thoughts upon receiving the award, Alexey Kashirin, Head of the Advanced Analytics Department, said, “I am grateful to the FinTech India Innovation Awards for appreciating our bank’s contribution to innovation development. India is not just a global technology leader, but also one of Russia’s key partners.”

About Convergence India

Since 1992, Convergence India has heralded the telecom and digital revolution in India. It is Indias largest technology showcase event, providing a platform to showcase ‘Brand India’ by supporting the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ campaigns. Convergence India is at the forefront of promoting technological advancements in Telecom, Satcom, Broadcast, Wired & Wireless technologies, 5G & 6G networks and IT solutions.

About Smart Cities India

The Smart Cities India expo displays India’s emerging modernisation and development landscape that aims to deliver better citizen-centric services across the country. The expo showcases the integration of transformative technologies with the key pillars of urban development, i.e., green buildings, rooftop solar, renewable & clean energy, clean environment, clean water, water conservation, urban mobility, and the use of smart ICT solutions for optimising resources that make cities smart and sustainable.

Honeywell India Hosts Inaugural ‘LeadHERS in Tech’ Event, Breaks New Ground in Empowering Women to Lead in Tech

Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today hosted its flagship event, ‘LeadHERS in Tech’, in its Bengaluru campus, bringing together over 200 inspiring women professionals from across the technology industry. This landmark event brought together innovators, thought leaders, and changemakers, highlighting the power of women-led breakthroughs in technology, and fostering a future where women lead the charge in innovation. The full-day event fostered industry-wide discussions on breaking barriers, creating opportunities for women to not just participate but take the lead in driving transformation shaping the future of technology.

Panel Discussion Breaking Barriers in Tech

Anant Maheshwari, President & CEO of Global Regions, Honeywell, in his keynote address emphasized the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of technology. He highlighted that women in tech are not only contributing to current advancements but are also pivotal in driving the innovations that will define the next era. Anant Maheshwari called for greater empowerment of women to lead, and emphasized the role of initiatives like LeadHERS in Tech in providing a platform for women to shape the future of technology.

The event included a fireside chat with Ashish Modi, President of Honeywell India, and Niranjan Kalyandurg, President of Honeywell Technology Solutions. They shed spotlight on the role of male allyship in fostering an inclusive workplace and the importance of sponsorship in advancing women’s careers. The leaders also addressed gender biases and highlighted the need for training to mitigate unconscious blind spots, concluding with a call for women to be bold, vocal, and actively shape the future of technology.

Highlight of the day was a high-profile panel discussion titled “Breaking Barriers in Tech: Stories of Resilience and Innovation”, featuring industry leaders including Latha Chemrakalam, Vice President at Continental; Sidharth Balachandran, Head of the AirBus Innovation Centre; Ashwini Siddhi, AI Head at GoDaddy; and Sumedha Limaye, VP of Engineering at Quest Global. The discussion highlighted how women are challenging the status quo in tech and reshaping the tech landscape with bold, forward-thinking approaches. Inspirational talks were delivered by Vandana Suri, founder of TAXSHE, India’s women-only taxi service, and Nisha Millet, former Olympic swimmer, who shared their journeys of perseverance and success.

Anita Vijaykrishnan, VP of Engineering and India Leader at Honeywell Technology Solutions, emphasized, “Women in tech are not just solving problems-they are shaping the future. ‘LeadHERS in Tech’ marks the beginning of a transformative journey, serving as a call to action to inspire and empower women across the tech industry. At Honeywell, we recognize women’s leadership in every breakthrough and are proud to support and elevate their capabilities and contributions. Our mission is to continue fostering an environment where women-led innovations can thrive and lead the way forward.”

The event also hosted the ‘InnovateHER contest’, showcasing tech-driven solutions from women teams to tackle real-world challenges. The contest demonstrated the power of diverse perspectives in problem-solving and the pivotal role women play in shaping the future of technology. Participants also attended specialized masterclasses and took a tour of the Honeywell Experience Center, exploring the companys innovations in aviation, automation, and energy transition, as well as its diversity and inclusion programs.

Honeywell remains committed to empowering women and driving technical leadership through breakthrough innovations across diverse domains. In building automation, it has enhanced communication technologies with twisted-pair cabling, enabling cost-effective, high-speed networks for seamless upgrades. In fire safety, Honeywell’s cloud-connected and wireless IoT solutions provide real-time alerts, remote monitoring, and smarter evacuation processes for enhanced protection. In industrial automation and energy transition, its Protonium suite optimizes green hydrogen production, addressing renewable energy variability, lowering costs, and improving efficiency for sectors like cement and steel.

About Honeywell

Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the worlds toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter and safer as well as more secure and sustainable.

For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom

TalentNomics India Announces 9th Global Leadership Conference: “Restoring the Equiverse – From Vision to Action”

TalentNomics India, a leading non-profit dedicated to fostering a gender-equitable Universe – Equiverse, is set to host the 9th Global Leadership Conference, titled “Restoring the Equiverse – From Vision to Action”, on March 27, 2025, at Holiday Inn, Aerocity, New Delhi.

Bringing together 200+ global and regional leaders, policymakers, corporate executives, and social change-makers, the conference will foster high-impact discussions on practical strategies to restore gender balance across workplaces, economies, and society. With an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and research presentations, the event is designed to drive real change-moving beyond dialogue to actionable solutions.

Keynote Speakers & Distinguished Guests

The conference will feature inspirational keynote addresses from esteemed global leaders:

  • Her Excellency May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India and Sri Lanka – The Urgency of Restoring the Equiverse: Bridging Gaps, Empowering Futures

  • Neelam Dhawan, Non-Executive Director, ICICI Bank Limited, Hindustan Unilever Ltd, and others – The Path Forward: Visionary Leadership for Restoring the Equiverse

  • Kanta Singh, Deputy Representative, UN Women India – Valedictory Session: A Collective Commitment to Equity

Conference Highlights & Key Panels

The conference will delve into some of the most pressing issues surrounding gender equity, focusing on real-world challenges and solutions. The four dynamic panel discussions and sessions include:

1. Reimagining Workplaces – Building Gender-Responsive Employment Practices
How organizations can redesign work environments to ensure equity, inclusion, and diverse leadership representation.

2. Financial Empowerment – Bridging the Gender Wealth Gap
Exploring systemic barriers, wage gaps, and financial inclusion strategies to support womens economic independence.

3. Allies to Advocates – Transforming the Narrative Around Gender Roles
Engaging men, media, and policymakers in the gender equity movement to drive long-term cultural shifts.

4. Policy Interventions – What’s Next for a Gender-Equal Future
A roundtable discussion that will involve all participants to get inputs on policies and frameworks needed to accelerate systemic change at national and organizational levels.

There will be an interesting Q&A session, Walking the Talk – Fostering an Equiverse between Kishore Ajwani, Managing Editor, News18 India, and Lavang Khare, Strategic Communications Advisor. This conversation will explore how men and media leaders can champion gender equity at work, at home, and in public discourse-moving beyond narratives to real change.

The event will also include the much-anticipated launch of the “4W’s Report: Bridging the Gender Gap in Work, Wealth, Welfare & Well-being,” based on primary and secondary research. The report provides critical insights and specific country based policy recommendations to address persistent inequalities in three South Asian Countries, using Thailand as an anchor country.

Agenda Overview

09:00 AM – 09:15 AM | Opening Remarks by Ipsita Kathuria and Paul Linnarz
09:15 AM – 09:50 AM | Keynote Address 1 – Her Excellency May-Elin Stener
09:50 AM – 10:50 AM | Panel 1: Reimagining Workplaces – Gender-Responsive Employment Practices
11:10 AM – 11:40 AM | Walking the Talk: Fostering an Equiverse
11:40 AM – 12:40 PM | Panel 2: Financial Empowerment – Bridging the Gender Wealth Gap
12:40 PM – 01:00 PM | SEWA Sister’s Journey in Bridging the Wealth Gap
01:00 PM – 01:20 PM | 4W’s Report Launch
02:20 PM – 02:50 PM | Keynote Address 2 – Neelam Dhawan
02:50 PM – 04:00 PM | Panel 3: Allies to Advocates – Transforming the Narrative Around Gender Roles
04:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Roundtable: Policy Interventions for a Gender-Equal Future
05:30 PM – 05:50 PM | Valedictory Session – Kanta Singh

About TalentNomics India

TalentNomics India is a non-profit organization. By equipping women with the tools to lead and advocate for systemic change, TalentNomics aims to create an Equiverse-a world where gender equity is the norm. The organisation works to bridge gaps, build networks, and drive sustainable change through conferences, research initiatives, and leadership programs.

For more details and media registration, visit: www.india.talentnomics.org/annualconference2025

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Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards 2025 Charts the Future of PE-VC with Diversity at the Forefront

Winpe, a gender diversity-focused not-for-profit platform, successfully hosted the third edition of the Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards (WLSA) at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The event convened top private equity and venture capital (PE-VC) leaders to address the pressing need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the investment ecosystem and was followed by an awards ceremony recognising firms and individuals driving meaningful change in the industry.

Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards 2025 Charts the Future of PE-VC with Diversity at the Forefront

The investment ecosystem continues to be a male-dominated space where the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles creates barriers to entry for women entrepreneurs, hindering their career advancement and limiting access to networking and mentorship opportunities. While gender diversity in Indias PE-VC sector has improved over the years, significant gaps persist, particularly in leadership roles.

Leading PE-VC firms such as Warburg Pincus, ChrysCapital, Multiples Alternate Asset Management, Everstone Capital, Gaja Capital, Peak XV Partners, Fireside Ventures, AZB & partners, British International Investment (BII), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, (CPPIB) have been actively collaborating with Winpe, supporting initiatives that drive greater gender diversity and inclusion in the investment ecosystem.

A 2020 survey across 25 Indian PE firms showcased that women constituted only 16% of the workforce, with merely 5% holding senior leadership positions. The ‘Mind the Gender Gap’ report by CFA Institute Research and Policy Center suggests that women constitute less than 20% of the overall workforce and hold only 10% of key managerial personnel (KMP) roles. This gap showcases a lack of representation at key decision-making levels.

Recognising these issues, Nupur Garg, Founder, Winpe, said, “Despite growing evidence that diversity drives better returns, women hold less than 20% of roles in PE-VC and remain significantly underrepresented at leadership levels. In today’s climate, where DEI faces both momentum and backlash, silent support is not enough. Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards 2025 is a call to action-to move from intent to impact, from conversations to measurable change. The future of investing must be built on merit and inclusion, not outdated barriers.”

Featuring 65 speakers and around 400 attendees, WLSA 2025 served as a critical forum to address these gaps and drive solutions. Through expert-led panel discussions on fundraising strategies, mentorship, and leadership acceleration, along with masterclasses focused on pitching and entrepreneurial success, the summit reflected a legacy that stands strong since the WLSA’s inception in 2023. Notable attendees included Ashley Menezes, Partner and COO, ChrysCapital; Manish Kejriwal, Managing Partner and Founder, Kedaara Capital; Upasana Taku, Co-founder and CFO, MobiKwik; Kanwaljit Singh, Founder and Managing Partner, Fireside Ventures; Anita George, Chief Executive Officer, ProsperETE; Renuka Ramnath, Founder, Managing Director, and CEO, Multiples Alternate Asset Management; Vikram Raju, Managing Director and Head of Climate Investing for Private Credit and Equity, Morgan Stanley; Anand Unnikrishnan, Managing Partner- Private Markets, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund; VT Bharadwaj, Co-founder and General Partner, A91 Partners; Sunil Mishra, Partner – Primary Investments, Adams Street Partners; Ralitsa Rizvanolli, Partner and Head of Investments, Sarona Asset Management; Diane Jegam, Regional Director, South Asia, Proparco; Puja Sondhi, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co; and Roshini Bakshi, Managing Director and Head of Impact, Everstone Capital Asia Pte, among others.

The jury for this year’s Winpe Leadership Awards included eminent global leaders such as Debbi Sutuntivorakoon, Partner, Axiom Asia Private Capital; Pamela C. Fung, Partner, Morgan Stanley; Ralitsa Rizvanolli, Partner and Head of Investments, Sarona Asset Management; Sunil Mishra, Partner – Primary Investments, Adams Street Partners; and Thomas Kronsbein, Director, Private Equity, Global Markets, DEG.

The comprehensive list of winners:

  • Firm of the Year: Private Equity – India Alternatives

  • Firm of the Year: Venture Capital – Elevar Equity

  • Deal of the Year: Private Equity – Multiples Alternate Asset Management for their investment in Svatantra Microfinance

  • Deal of the Year: Venture Capital – Fireside Ventures for their investment in Moxie Beauty

  • PE-Backed Company of the Year – Gynoveda and India Alternatives

  • VC-Backed Company of the Year – Eloelo and WaterBridge Ventures

  • Changemaker of the Year: Private Equity – Vishal Tulsyan from Motilal Oswal Alternates

  • Changemaker of the Year – Venture Capital – Manish Kheterpal from WaterBridge Ventures

  • PE Leader of the Year – Nithya Easwaran from Multiples Alternate Asset Management

  • VC Leader of the Year – Richa Bajpai from Campus Fund

  • Special Acknowledgement – Leadership – Shweta Jalan from Advent International

The representation of women in PE-VC and the broader corporate workforce remains a global challenge. The recent backlash against DEI has led companies to practice diversity quietly rather than champion it publicly. However, visibility is critical to driving real change. Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards 2025 brought these issues to the forefront, creating a platform where industry leaders not only discussed the barriers to diversity but also committed to driving measurable progress.

About Winpe
Winpe is an industry forum where stakeholders come together to set the diversity agenda and lead collective action to bring about gender diversity in the investing ecosystem. Winpe is committed to catalysing action by increasing the participation of women as investors and capital allocators and as recipients of investment capital, through a well-rounded and holistic approach that engages key stakeholders of the investing industry.

For more information, please visit winpeforum.com/home.

‘Golf for Good’ with The Empact Project by NeoKred Unites Business Leaders and Sports Icons to Support Child Nutrition through Akshaya Patra

The ‘Golf for Good‘ charity tournament in aid of The Akshaya Patra Foundation supported by Neokred’s CSR initiative, The Empact Project, was successfully organised at the Prestige Golfshire Club in Bengaluru on 21 March 2025. The event brought together corporate leaders, philanthropists and sports enthusiasts and successfully raised funds to feed 1400 children with hot-nutritious mid-day meals (Approx 3,20 122 meals) to government & government-aided school children across Karnataka for the upcoming academic year.

Golf for Good’ unites leaders to support child nutrition with Akshaya Patra

The charity tournament, which is aimed at eradicating classroom hunger and supporting children’s nutrition and education, witnessed participation from prominent personalities, including Dinesh Malkani – Founder & CEO of Smarten Spaces and former President of Cisco; Vaibhav Gupta, MD, Mairav Group of Companies Group CEO, Greenways Group of Companies; Gopinath Ambadithody, VP of the Embassy Group; and Ishwar Subramanian, Director of V Guard Industries Ltd; Saif Mekhri; Nelson Dias.

The proceeds from this event will directly support Akshaya Patra’s efforts as the implementing partner of the Government of India’s flagship school lunch programme, the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (Mid-Day Meals Programme). Akshaya Patra currently serves 2.25 million children in 78 locations across 16 states and 3 UTs in India every day. Every participant teed off for a cause, knowing that each stroke brought children a step closer to a future where they have nutritious food and quality education.

Dinesh Malkani – Founder & CEO of Smarten Spaces and former President of Cisco, said, “Golf for Good is more than just a tournament – its a movement that brings purpose to the fairway. As a long-time well-wisher and supporter of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, I’m honoured to curate this initiative that unites leaders and changemakers for a cause that touches millions of young lives. Feeding children is foundational to shaping a better future, and it’s heartening to see the community come together with such passion and commitment. Together, we are not just playing the game – we are changing the game for children across India.”

Adding to this, Tarun Nazare, Co-founder and Managing Director of Neokred, said, “The Empact Project was created to bridge the gap between change-enablers and change-makers. The success of today’s event exemplifies our core belief that businesses and individuals have the privilege and responsibility to drive positive change. ‘Golf for Good’ was more than a tournament; it was a movement where every participant became part of something bigger, ensuring that no child has to choose between hunger and education. This event marks the beginning of ‘The Empact Project’s’ commitment to making every effort count towards meaningful impact.”

Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to the event. He said, “Golf for Good has been a testament to the power of collective action. Every swing taken today contributed to a child’s future, ensuring that no child has to study on an empty stomach. We are deeply grateful to all the participants and supporters for making this event a grand success. The success of this event is a validation of our long-term commitment to eradicating classroom hunger through collective action. We are deeply grateful to our impact partner, ‘The Empact Project‘- a Neokred initiative, for making this possible. We are also thankful to our venue partner, Prestige Golfshire Club, print partner, Deccan Herald, radio partner, Radio City, and support partner, TiE Bangalore, for their invaluable contributions in turning this idea into reality. A special thanks to Al Mouj for sponsoring the tournament prizes and making it even more rewarding for participants.” Expressing his gratitude on behalf of the organisation, he further added, “As the implementing partner of the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, we are also thankful to the Government of India and various State Governments and UT Administrations for providing us the opportunity to serve the children in the country.“

The successful conclusion of ‘Golf for Good’ is a validation of the idea of collective action to drive profound change. In addition to raising funds, the event also helped raise awareness about Akshaya Patra’s efforts and the power of a mid-day meal in bringing thousands of children to the classroom and ensuring that they receive the nourishment they need to focus, learn and thrive.

About The Empact Project
Neokred, known for its expertise in building innovative tech products, aimed to leverage its capabilities for a greater purpose – one that gives back to society. This vision led to the creation of The Empact Project, a purpose driven platform designed to bridge the gap between CSR-focused corporations and NGOs seeking funding for their initiatives. By ensuring 100% transparency, rigorous program vetting, and comprehensive impact reporting, The Empact Project enables businesses to engage in impactful, measurable, and scalable social responsibility efforts. The Empact Project platform aims to be the cornerstone of collaboration between change enablers (corporates) and change makers (NGOs), paving the way for meaningful, real-world impact. Read more about The Empact Project at www.theempactproject.org

About The Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which strives to address classroom hunger and malnutrition in India. As the implementing partner of the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (Mid-Day Meal Scheme), the Foundation provides hot, nutritious and tasty mid-day meals to children in government and government-aided schools every day to support their nutrition and education.

In partnership with the Government of India, various state governments and UT administrations, and the inestimable support of many philanthropic donors and well-wishers, the Foundation has grown from humble beginnings serving just 1,500 school children across five schools to becoming one of the largest (not-for-profit run) school feeding programme in the world, serving wholesome food to over 2.25 million children from 23,000+ schools across 16 States and 3 Union Territories in India.

Akshaya Patra continuously forges partnerships and leverages technology to cater to millions of children and has served over 4 billion meals since 2000. The momentous milestone was commemorated at a special event at the UN headquarters in New York on 2 April 2024.

For more details, please log on: www.akshayapatra.org

Chitkara University Confers Honorary Doctorate on Joy Alukkas for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Chitkara University conferred the esteemed Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) upon Joy Alukkas, Chairman and Managing Director of the Joyalukkas Group, in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the jewellery industry, leadership in entrepreneurship, and philanthropic endeavours. The special convocation ceremony, held at the university’s campus, was an occasion to honour Alukkas’ outstanding achievements and his unwavering commitment to social and community welfare.

Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University confers the honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) upon Mr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman and Managing Director of Joyalukkas Group

Alukkas, an industry pioneer, has transformed the Joyalukkas Group into one of the largest and most reputable jewellery retail chains globally. His visionary leadership, combined with a deep sense of corporate social responsibility, has positioned him as a leading figure in business and the spheres of education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Through his philanthropic work, Alukkas has significantly contributed to numerous social causes, demonstrating a holistic approach to success that prioritises both economic growth and social good.

The Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) was a recognition of Alukkas’s exceptional entrepreneurial acumen and his enduring legacy of positive social impact. Chitkara University, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and innovation, believes that Alukkas’s work embodies the values the institution holds dear: integrity, innovation, and social responsibility.

Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor of Chitkara University, emphasised the significance of the occasion, “It is with great pride that we confer the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degree upon Joy Alukkas. His career exemplifies the power of visionary leadership in shaping not only industries but entire communities. Alukkas’s contributions serve as an inspiration to our students, faculty, and the broader academic community, motivating us to aspire to excellence in both our professional and personal lives.”

During the convocation ceremony, Alukkas delivered an insightful address on the intersection of entrepreneurship and social responsibility. His reflections on leadership, ethical business practices, and the importance of contributing to societal progress resonated deeply with the audience, encouraging future generations to adopt an integrative approach to both business and philanthropy.

The convocation was attended by esteemed faculty members, university officials, students, and distinguished guests. Later a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Chitkara University and Joy Alukkas, further solidifying its position as a leading academic institution committed to cultivating a culture of excellence, research, and community engagement.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a distinguished private institution known for its commitment to fostering academic excellence, research, and innovation across various disciplines. With a focus on creating leaders of tomorrow, the university offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.

For more information visit: www.chitkara.edu.in.

8 Future Trends of AI in Healthcare

The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) is evident across various industries, and healthcare remains a key beneficiary. Its integration is far from a simple enhancement-it signifies an essential evolution that strengthens patient care, refines administrative functions, and encourages advanced treatment methods. AI-driven diagnostic systems can rapidly assess medical images, facilitating early disease identification and enhanced patient health results. Furthermore, virtual AI assistants provide instant medical information to patients, improving both their engagement with healthcare services and accessibility to crucial resources.

AI In Health Sector

Beyond clinical applications, AI is streamlining operational aspects of healthcare. Hospitals are increasingly adopting AI to automate routine tasks, such as medical documentation, thereby reducing the workload on healthcare professionals and allowing them to focus more on patient care. Moreover, AI is enhancing medical education through advanced tools and technologies, fostering immersive learning experiences that ultimately improve patient care. This article explores eight future trends of AI in healthcare, highlighting how these advancements are poised to revolutionise the industry.

1. Personalised medicine
The ability of AI to process extensive medical data supports the development of treatment plans tailored to individual patients. By incorporating genetic profiles, lifestyle choices, and medical history, AI can assess potential responses to specific therapies, enabling more accurate and targeted treatments. This advancement in personalised medicine holds the potential to boost patient health and minimise negative reactions.

2. Predictive analytics
AI-driven predictive analytics can anticipate health issues before they arise. By analysing past and current data, AI models detect patterns that indicate potential diseases or complications. For example, AI can identify patients who may develop chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes, enabling timely interventions and preventive care.

3. Virtual health assistants
Virtual health assistants powered by AI are transforming patient engagement. These digital tools offer 24/7 assistance by addressing queries, managing appointments, and sending medication reminders. They improve healthcare accessibility while reducing the strain on medical professionals. For example, AI chatbots assist patients in following pre-and post-surgical care instructions, ensuring treatment adherence.

4. Remote patient monitoring
Wearable technology with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities enables continuous patient vital sign monitoring. With this real-time data collection, healthcare providers can see abnormalities early and act quickly. Remote monitoring has the potential to improve quality of life and drastically lower hospital readmissions for the management of chronic diseases. AI analyses the data from these devices to provide actionable insights, facilitating proactive healthcare.

5. AI in medical imaging
AI is revolutionising medical imaging by enhancing the accuracy and speed of image analysis. Machine learning algorithms can detect subtle changes in imaging studies, aiding in early diagnosis of conditions like cancer. For example, AI can analyse mammograms to identify potential malignancies that may be overlooked by the human eye, leading to earlier treatment and better patient outcomes.

6. Drug discovery and development
The pharmaceutical industry is integrating AI to speed up drug discovery. By examining extensive biological data, AI can anticipate how various compounds interact with targets, allowing scientists to pinpoint effective drug candidates more swiftly. This advanced capability significantly reduces the time required for development, minimises research costs, and ultimately expedites the availability of new treatments for patients in need.

7. Mental health support
AI-driven digital mental health tools are significantly broadening access to vital psychological support, making care more accessible to a wider population. These advanced applications provide cognitive behavioural therapy, track mood fluctuations over time, and offer immediate crisis intervention when needed. Additionally, they assess user interactions and behavioural patterns to identify early warning signs of potential mental health issues. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, these tools can personalise recommendations and guide individuals towards appropriate coping strategies.

8. Administrative efficiency
Healthcare facilities are using AI to automate routine administrative duties, including appointment scheduling, billing, and documentation. This reduces human errors and eases the burden on medical staff, allowing them to prioritise patient care. AI can also manage bookings and send reminders, ensuring fewer missed appointments and smoother operations.

Conclusion
The introduction of AI in healthcare is also shifting financial structures in the industry. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are adapting their investment strategies to meet the increasing demand for AI-driven healthcare advancements. With the Reserve Bank of India easing lending norms, NBFCs can now provide better financial backing for AI adoption in medical technology and platforms.

The rise of online marketplaces is transforming the distribution of AI-driven healthcare solutions. These platforms provide medical professionals with access to a broad range of AI tools and services, encouraging industry collaboration and innovation. By acting as a central hub, digital marketplaces are expediting the adoption of advanced AI technologies in everyday healthcare.

To conclude, AI is reshaping healthcare through advancements in personalised medicine, predictive insights, and virtual support. With NBFCs adjusting their financing strategies and online marketplaces streamlining AI adoption, the industry is evolving towards a future where innovation and human expertise enhance patient outcomes.

Classic Elegance, Modern Innovation: Meet the Limited-Edition Samsonite’s New Streamlite

Samsonite, a global leader in travel gear, has a long-standing tradition of blending innovation with elegance, superior craftsmanship, and distinctive flair. In celebration of its 115th anniversary, the brands latest offering, New Streamlite, is truly noteworthy. This collection not only revisits the companys origins but also underscores its commitment to spearheading the future of travel.

Samsonites New Streamlite – superior craftsmanship meets bespoke luxury

The New Streamlite is a modern take on Samsonites iconic Streamlite from the 1940s. Available in Admiral Blue and Bermuda Green, its framed exterior exudes confidence, blending structure with refinement and classic design with modern sensibilities. It features a TSA-approved lock frame with one-touch access for seamless security. The Aero-Trac™ Whirl Suspension Wheels minimize vibration and noise, ensuring stability and effortless movement on any surface.

The collection features three distinct pieces: a briefcase, a Spinner 55, and a Spinner 75. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of travellers who value both aesthetics and practicality. The interior showcases meticulous craftsmanship in a luxurious a satin-like finish featuring a heritage-inspired Resort Print lining. Additionally, intelligent compartments, premium packing cubes, and a matching luggage cover in high-quality jacquard fabric ensure an effortless and elevated packing experience.

Those who value enduring quality over fleeting trends will appreciate the New Streamlite as a true collector’s item. More than mere luggage, the New Streamlite embodies timeless design and thoughtful craftsmanship. Each piece includes a monogrammable tag, offering the unique opportunity to create a personal heirloom. The New Streamlite launched worldwide in March 2025 and is now available at select Samsonite stores, pop-up locations, and online.

Join us as we celebrate the art of travel, where classic artistry meets modern style.

About Samsonite
Founded in 1910, Samsonite is the world’s leading luggage brand with an extensive legacy in trendsetting travel solutions. Renowned for breakthrough research, development and its commitment to innovation, Samsonite has excelled since its inception in a number of industry firsts. Samsonite offers an extensive range of travel, business, kids, casual and personal accessory products. Samsonite helps travellers journey further, with ever-lighter and stronger products.

For more details visit: www.samsonite.in/samsonite-newstreamlite/

Crompton Reimagines Lighting with Launch of INFINIA – 20% Extra Brightness & SlimO – Ultra-Sleek Appeal

Bringing in a new range of decorative and aesthetically superior lighting, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., has expanded its range of Batten Lights portfolio with the launch of two new products – Infinia 24W a unique designed indirect lighting product with Pristech technology. Infinia 24W comes with a unique design with decorative endcaps giving brighter illumination with an aesthetically appealing finish. Also launching SlimO 20W – 15% Slimmer batten with Decorative endcaps, designed to complement modern living spaces. These LED lights combine advanced lighting technology and sleek aesthetics, to create the perfect ambience for both homes and offices. By enhancing decor, these new fixtures not only brighten spaces but also add a contemporary and sophisticated touch. Ideal for transforming interiors, these lights seamlessly blend functionality and elegance, turning environments into inviting and visually captivating settings.

Crompton’s New Batten Lights – SlimO 20W and Infinia 24W

Lighting has transitioned from a basic need to a vital design element that defines ambience and personal style. Modern consumers increasingly want to transform their living spaces with lighting solutions that enhance decor while ensuring optimal illumination. Recognizing this, Crompton introduces its latest range of products designed to strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. These stylish and efficient lighting fixtures are tailored to elevate living rooms-the heart of home transformations-by seamlessly blending illumination with modern design. With this launch, Crompton redefines home lighting, offering solutions that not only brighten but also beautify spaces.

Offering two new models to its Batten range, the following products are designed to blend seamlessly into contemporary living spaces, enhancing both functionality and style

Highlighting its key features:

  • Infinia 24W: The Infinia Batten stands out with its bold, striking design, crafted to be a centerpiece in any room. Combining elegance with functionality, it brings premium aesthetics to your space. Featuring PRISTECH technology and chrome finishing, the Infinia 24W Batten surrounds your room with soft, indirect lighting, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The bright light output, complemented by the Eyesmile feature, ensures a soothing experience.

  • SlimO 20W: The SlimO Batten offers a minimalistic, sleek design, making it an ideal choice for modern interiors. Its unique end caps and slim profile make it the slimmest in class, ensuring a clean and stylish aesthetic. The wider light spread enhances the overall illumination, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Lightweight and easy to install, the SlimO 20W Batten is the perfect choice for those who value both functionality and design in their lighting solutions.

These new additions to the Batten Range offer a perfect mix of style and lighting performance, ideal for any living space. Their sleek, modern design enhances your decor while delivering the soothing brightness. With innovative, glare-free illumination, they provide both comfort and style. These new additions are part of a premium range of consumer lighting products launched by the company.

Speaking about the companys newly added models to the Batten lighting range, Shaleen Nayak, Vice President & Business Head, Lighting, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., shared, “At Crompton, we recognize that lighting has evolved beyond just providing brightness to becoming a key element in home decoration and design, enhancing both the experience and personal style of the user. Our addition of the elegant Infinia24W and sleek SlimO 20W models to the Batten range embodies this transformation. Infinia 24W, not only provides superior illumination but also create a glare-free, comfortable environment. Designed to elevate the ambience of any room, these stylish and efficient lighting options make every space better illuminated, whether in a home or office, ensuring both elegance and functionality.”

These two products provide a simple installation process, making it easy for homeowners to upgrade outdated fixtures with a modern, stylish option. Available at authorized Crompton retailers across the country and on leading e-commerce platforms, this collection is crafted to brighten living spaces and enhance interior decor.

The price of Infinia batten is Rs. 975 & that of SlimO is Rs. 900.

About Crompton

With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products, that cater to the modern consumer, which includes superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc., as well as other home appliances like irons and built-in kitchen appliances. The company has also invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet the consumer needs, but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after sales service to its customers.

The companys consistent focus and drive has helped in developing energy-efficient products and these efforts also received numerous recognitions and awards. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the companys storage water heater in the year 2023. In 2019, the brand also won the award in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of Indias Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and been listed among ‘India’s Top 500 companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in “Brand Top 75” most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

Valuefy marks 15 Years with the Launch of Next-Gen WealthTech Platform, Redefining Global Wealth Management

Valuefy, a global leader in WealthTech innovation, commemorated its 15-year journey with the launch of its all-new, fully integrated WealthTech platform, designed to transform the way wealth managers engage with clients, harness data, and scale operations. The announcement was made at a landmark event held at the prestigious MCA Club, Mumbai, attended by 100+ prominent wealth management leaders, industry veterans, and partners including the likes of Mr. Nilesh Shah, Kotak Mutual Fund, Mr. Ashish Chanda Avendus, Mr. A Balasubramanium, MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Mutual fund, Mr. Ashok Suvarna , CEO, Aditya Birla Money, Sankaran Naren , ED and CIO , ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, Sandeep Das , MD and CEO Centrum.

Launch Event of Valuefy at MCA Club Mumbai

Valuefy, an established and trusted technology partner to leading banks, wealth managers, and family offices worldwide unveiling the next-generation product suite marks a bold leap forward, offering AI-powered analytics, seamless client engagement tools, intuitive dashboards, and end-to-end wealth management capabilities-all within a unified platform.

A Night of Innovation, Insight, and Inspiration

The celebration brought together industry icons and thought leaders to explore the evolving future of wealth management in a technology-driven era.

  • AI and the Future – Keynote by Srikanth Velamakanni, Founder, Fractal.ai

Srikanth, a globally respected leader in AI and analytics, delivered a powerful keynote on the transformational role of AI in financial services. He emphasized how data-driven intelligence and machine learning will enable wealth managers to deliver hyper-personalized client experiences and gain a strategic edge in an increasingly competitive market.

  • Fireside Chat – Lessons from Cricket for the Corporate World

Legendary commentator Harsha Bhogle engaged in a riveting conversation with Vivek Singal, Co-Founder, Valuefy, drawing parallels between cricket and business. From decision-making under pressure to team dynamics, Harsha offered unique insights for leadership and strategy in corporate settings.

  • Product Showcase – Presented by Sharad Singh, Co-founder, Valuefy

Sharad introduced the all-new, fully integrated WealthTech platform, purpose-built for global wealth managers. With an emphasis on scalability, efficiency, and client-centricity, the platform offers an end-to-end solution-from onboarding and portfolio management to analytics, reporting, and personalized client engagement.

Vivek Singal on the Milestone Launch:

“This is more than a celebration-it’s a reflection of the trust our clients have placed in us over 15 years. Our new platform embodies our vision for the future: enabling wealth managers to work smarter, engage better, and scale faster in a digital-first world.”

About Valuefy

Founded in 2010, Valuefy is a leading WealthTech platform that empowers banks, wealth managers, and asset managers with AI-powered solutions for smarter decision-making, superior client engagement, and scalable growth. With a global client base, Valuefy is at the forefront of driving digital transformation in the wealth management industry.

Learn more at www.valuefy.com