Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, today announced the launch of MAGIC (MAHE Agentic Intelligent Console), a major step in its digital transformation journey designed to introduce AI-powered agentic systems across both academic and administrative ecosystems of the university. The launch of MAHE MAGIC marks a significant milestone in MAHE’s technology-driven evolution. The MAGIC platform represents the university’s transition from traditional reactive digital systems to proactive AI-enabled systems, enabling automation, intelligent insights, and improved decision-making for faculty, students, and administrators. The initiative builds on MAHE’s digital transformation program initiated in 2023 to modernise institutional processes and services.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.) Vice Chancellor, MAHE, inaugurates the launch of the MAHE Agentic Intelligent Console (MAGIC) with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp at Manipal on 20 March

The initiative is being implemented by Manipal Academy of Higher Education in collaboration with leading global technology partners, including Microsoft, Salesforce, Deloitte, PwC, and Hitachi.

Senior leadership from MAHE, technology partners, faculty representatives, and administrative teams participated in the initiative rollout and strategic discussions around the adoption of AI-driven platforms in higher education.

MAGIC is designed to introduce intelligent AI agents across critical university functions. The system will initially deploy five AI agents within the Student Life Cycle Management (SLCM) platform, enabling automated support for routine academic processes such as timetable creation, attendance management, exam planning, and performance insights. Beyond academics, AI agents will also transform operational workflows across admissions, procurement, finance, HR, and support services, helping reduce processing time, improve efficiency, and enhance user experience.

The platform will also introduce research-support agents capable of scanning academic databases, summarising literature, and suggesting citations, enabling researchers to focus on innovation rather than administrative tasks.

“In addition, AI-driven systems will support prospective students by streamlining admissions and application processing, and offering selective candidate issuance within minutes.” AI-powered support agents will also provide 24/7 assistance, reducing wait times and improving response efficiency.

MAHE plans to deploy more than 50 AI agents across academic and administrative functions over the next two years, creating an integrated AI ecosystem within the university.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “MAGIC represents a transformative step in our digital evolution. By integrating agentic AI across our academic and administrative ecosystems, we aim to create a proactive and intelligent university environment where technology supports both educators and learners in achieving excellence.”

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, South Asia at Salesforce, said, “The integration of AI agents within higher education institutions like MAHE showcases the potential of intelligent digital platforms to transform learning, research, and institutional operations. We are proud to support MAHE in building an AI-driven ecosystem that empowers students, faculty, and administrators.”

Ashwin Ballal, Leader, Deloitte India, said, “MAHE’s MAGIC initiative represents a forward-looking step in the digital evolution of higher education institutions. By integrating agentic AI into core academic and administrative systems, MAHE is building a scalable, intelligent ecosystem that enhances efficiency, decision-making, and the user experience for students, faculty, and administrators. We are proud to support MAHE in this transformative journey.”

With the launch of MAGIC, MAHE is strengthening its position as a technology-driven global university, advancing towards a future where AI, automation, and emerging technologies such as quantum computing will play a central role in higher education.

The initiative reinforces MAHE’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and enhanced academic experiences, enabling students and faculty to collaborate with intelligent systems and shaping a new model for digitally empowered universities.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.

The pitter-patter of raindrops on the windowpane is a welcome relief after a scorching summer. But for parents of infants, the monsoon brings more than just a cool breeze; it brings the “damp dilemma”. It signals a new set of worries. Increased humidity, sudden temperature drops, damp clothes, and lingering moisture indoors can quietly impact a baby’s comfort and health. Since babies have delicate skin and a still-developing immune system, even small hygiene lapses during this season can lead to rashes, irritation, or infections.
 

Keep your little one comfy and rash-free this monsoon with simple hygiene tips
 

The good news is that with mindful daily habits and the right care choices, monsoon can be just as comfortable for babies as any other season. By combining a few old-school habits with mindful products like those from Mother Sparsh, you can turn this season of sniffles into a season of snuggles.
 

The Monsoon Reality Check: Why the Extra Care?

During the rains, the air is thick with moisture. This leads to excessive sweating, but because the air is already saturated, that sweat doesn’t evaporate. It sits in the tiny folds of your baby’s skin, leading to the dreaded “monsoon rash”. From damp diapers to bedding that feels perpetually moist, the challenges are plenty, but the solutions are simple.
 

1. The “Dry Skin” Protocol: Mastering the Fold

The secret to monsoon skincare isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about drying. Areas like the neck folds, armpits, and behind the knees are magnets for moisture.

• After a bout of humidity-induced sweating, skip the harsh soaps. Reach for Mother Sparsh 99% Pure Water Unscented Baby Wipes. Made with medical-grade fabric, they are as good as cotton and water. They allow you to wipe away sweat and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils or leaving behind chemical residues that react poorly to humidity.

• High humidity means the diaper area stays warmer than usual. Don’t wait for a “heavy” diaper to change it. Frequent changes and a few minutes of “nappy-free time” are essential to prevent infections.
   

2. Light Moisture is Key

It is a common myth that humid weather doesn’t require lotion. In reality, constant wiping and bathing can dehydrate the skin. The trick is to avoid heavy, greasy creams that clog pores.

• Use a lightweight, quick-absorbing formula like Mother Sparsh Natural Care Baby Lotion. Infused with avocado and shea butter, it provides a breathable layer of hydration that protects the skin barrier without feeling sticky.
   

3. Wardrobe Wisdom: Beyond Just “Clean”

The monsoon sun is fickle, often leaving clothes with that dreaded “damp” feeling.

• When it comes to monsoon dressing, 100% cotton is the only way to go. Cotton allows air circulation, absorbs sweat, and dries faster than synthetic fabrics.

• Loose-fitting clothes further reduce sweat retention and keep babies comfortable throughout the day.

• Fungi love damp fabric. If a garment feels even slightly moist, don’t put it on your baby.

• Use a detergent that understands sensitive skin. Mother Sparsh Baby Plant Powered Laundry Detergent is a game-changer here. It’s tough on the bacteria that thrive in damp weather but free from the harsh chemicals and optical brighteners that can trigger allergies on a baby’s damp skin.
   

4. Holistic Hygiene: The Little Things

• If the sun isn’t coming out, a quick run of a warm iron over baby’s clothes and bedding can help zap any residual dampness and bacteria.

• Humid air promotes mould growth on wooden toys and fabric prams. Ensure a weekly deep clean of their play area.

• Hygiene starts with us. Ensure you wash your hands or use a natural sanitiser before picking up your little one, especially after coming in from the rain.
  ​

A Happy, Healthy Monsoon for Your Baby

The monsoon is a beautiful time for your baby to observe the changing world: the sound of thunder, the sight of green leaves, and the smell of wet earth. By staying consistent with a hygiene routine and choosing products that prioritise purity over chemicals, you ensure that the only thing your baby feels this season is the comfort of your arms.
 

With Mother Sparsh by your side, you can let it pour outside while your baby stays perfectly dry and happy inside.

Oaksmith Packaged Drinking Water, from Suntory Global Spirits, today announced its partnership with Rajasthan Royals as the Official Partner for the upcoming cricket carnival. The association marks a seamless alignment between two entities that share a belief in raising standards and advancing the way the game is experienced. Oaksmith brings this philosophy through Oaksmith Style Studio, its platform focused on elevating contemporary Indian style, intent, and excellence around cricket’s cultural moments.

Cricket is no longer viewed solely through on‑field performances; it is increasingly shaped by the stories, personalities and cultural moments that surround it. This shift mirrors the ethos of Oaksmith Style Studio, making Rajasthan Royals a natural and authentic partner for the brand.

Led by captain Riyan Parag and strengthened by marquee names including Ravindra Jadeja, who returns to the franchise for 2026 season, the squad also features experienced players like Ravi Bishnoi and emerging Indian stars such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Dhruv Jurel alongside world-class overseas talent including Shimron Hetmyer and Jofra Archer giving the Royals a dynamic and globally balanced lineup. Over the years, the team has shaped a distinct fan culture one that reflects the way a new generation experiences the game today.

The partnership will come to life across multiple touchpoints during the season, reflecting a 360‑degree presence that builds on the cultural rhythm of the cricket carnival. Oaksmith will feature on the top right chest of the Rajasthan Royals jersey, ensuring prominent, high‑visibility integration throughout the tournament. This on‑ground presence will be complemented by digital storytelling and social content rooted in Oaksmith Style Studio’s lens on contemporary Indian style, along with moments featuring players that highlight the convergence of individuality, fandom, and cricket culture. Through these integrations, Oaksmith aims to engage with audiences in a way that mirrors how fans interact with the tournament today — not just watching it, but living it, expressing it, and identifying with it.

Speaking about the association, Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director, Suntory Global Spirits India said: “Partnering with Rajasthan Royals aligns with our intent to associate Oaksmith with platforms that hold strong cultural relevance in India. The annual high-octane season continues to be one of the country’s most influential shared moments, and Rajasthan Royals represent a franchise that reflects a bold ambition and modern thinking. This partnership allows Oaksmith to engage meaningfully with how today’s audiences experience cricket as part of a broader cultural landscape.”

Rishi Walli, Senior Director – Marketing & IMFL, Suntory Global Spirits, added: “Rajasthan Royals have consistently represented a mindset of ambition, and belief in doing things differently, which aligns with Oaksmith’s philosophy of standing tall and pegging it higher. Our association with Rajasthan Royals offers a unique opportunity where new standards in style, and fandom come together, and Oaksmith Style Studio allows us to bring this spirit alive in a manner that is engaging for our consumers.”    

Alok Chitre, COO, Rajasthan Royals added, “Rajasthan Royals is as much about the culture around the game as it is about the action on the field. Our partnership with Oaksmith reflects a shared intent to engage with fans in ways that feel authentic, contemporary, and relevant to how the new generation experiences cricket. Through Oaksmith Style Studio, we look forward to creating meaningful visibility and fan-first moments throughout the season.”

Throughout the 2026 season, the Oaksmith–Rajasthan Royals partnership will unfold in a consistent and culturally resonant manner, designed to integrate authentically with the franchise’s ethos and the evolving ways fans experience the tournament.      With this association, Oaksmith Style Studio strengthens its presence within India’s most influential cultural arena, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to engaging with the modern, expressive, and ever‑evolving world of contemporary cricket fandom.

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium spirits, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese spirits, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro®, Roku™ and Sipsmith®, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers, and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.

For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals were the champions of the inaugural 2008 season and are one of the 10 teams competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise completed a major shareholding restructure in 2021, with Emerging Media having the majority ownership of the franchise with support from new co-investor RedBird Capital Partners.

For more information, please log on to  www.rajasthanroyals.com.

Philips Home Appliances, announced the launch of Philips OneChef, an innovative all-in-one smart cooking appliance designed to simplify everyday cooking while unlocking a world of culinary possibilities for Indian homes. 

OneChef

The unveiling took place in Mumbai, at an experiential “Chef’s Tasting Table” event curated by Ranveer Brar, where guests were invited to explore India’s diverse culinary flavours through live tastings and interactive food stations. During the event, Brar along with Mr. Gulbahar Taurani, MD & CEO, Versuni India, demonstrated how modern kitchen technology can simplify complex recipes while preserving the authenticity of Indian cooking.

The launch marks Philips’ latest step in reimagining the modern Indian kitchen, with OneChef combining 33 smart cooking functions in a single appliance. Powered by advanced AmbiHeat™ technology, the appliance uses intelligent temperature sensing and uniform heating to adapt to different dishes and cooking stages, delivering consistent taste and texture across a wide range of recipes, from everyday comfort meals to indulgent festive dishes.

Speaking at the launch, Gulbahar Taurani said, “At Versuni, our focus has always been on understanding how Indian households actually cook and designing appliances that fit naturally into those routines. Indian cooking is incredibly diverse and often time-intensive, which is why solutions that simplify processes without compromising flavour are becoming increasingly important. With OneChef, we wanted to bring multiple cooking techniques into a single intelligent platform that makes everyday cooking more intuitive and efficient. It reflects our broader commitment to reimagining the modern Indian kitchen through innovation that is both practical and purposeful.” 

“Indian cooking is incredibly diverse and layered, and technology can play a powerful role in making it more accessible without compromising flavour. OneChef is designed to bring that balance, helping home cooks explore a wide range of dishes with greater ease and confidence,” said chef Ranveer Brar.

With OneChef, Philips aims to address evolving consumer needs by combining multiple cooking techniques such as air frying, stir frying, steaming, and boiling, within a single compact appliance. This approach helps simplify kitchen workflows while enabling home cooks to prepare a wide variety of dishes without juggling multiple appliances. Designed with Indian households in mind, OneChef’s intuitive controls and guided cooking programs help users recreate chef-inspired recipes with ease.

The event also featured a panel conversation on the future of home cooking and kitchen innovation, with Ranveer Brar, Gulbahar Taurani, along with director Farah Khan, and tech expert Rajiv Makhni, exploring how intelligent appliances are reshaping everyday cooking experiences for modern households.

Pricing and Availability
Philips OneChef will be available from 19th March onwards across leading retail stores and e-commerce platforms, including Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, Amazon and Flipkart. 

About Versuni
Versuni’s purpose is turning houses into homes. As a house of home appliances brands, Versuni markets: Philips, Philips Baristina, Philips Walita, Preethi, Senseo, L’OR Barista, Saeco, and Gaggia. With more than 900 patents to its name, Versuni’s portfolio spans coffee and kitchen appliances, garment care, climate care, and floor care. Philips, Saeco and Gaggia products are sold under trademark license from Koninklijke Philips N.V. Products under the Philips brand include the Airfryer, Espresso Machine with LatteGo, Handheld Steamer, Air Purifier and AquaTrio Cordless Vacuum. Versuni is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with innovation, manufacturing, and commercial centers across the globe and a footprint in over 100 countries.

Seismic shifts in geopolitics and rapid technological advancements in the realm of artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven systems are reconfiguring how expertise functions, how organisations are structured, and how professional pathways evolve. Universities must therefore examine whether their institutional design, pedagogy, and leadership priorities are aligned with the complexity students will encounter over decades of technological and geopolitical change.
 

Global academic leaders convened at Ahmedabad University for a cross-continental liberal arts collaborative
 

Ahmedabad University hosted leaders from Vassar College, University of Edinburgh, and University of Global Health Equity as part of the Global Collaborative for the Liberal Arts. The partnership brings together institutions committed to cultivating intellectual agility alongside technological competence through coordinated academic design and institutional reflection.
 

With institutions spread across continents, the Global Collaborative for the Liberal Arts fosters sustained comparative reflection on organisational culture, pedagogy, and educational outcomes within distinct higher education systems. This cross-continental structure allows curricular design and institutional strategy to be informed by varied political, economic, and technological environments, strengthening the capacity of each partner to undertake reform with shared insight and institutional clarity.
 

Professor Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor of Ahmedabad University, said, “Preparing students for the age of artificial intelligence requires more than adding technical modules. Institutions must cultivate intellectual agility as a defined outcome. A concern for long term implications of any technology on society must enter the content as well as the pedagogy so that graduates are able to integrate technical knowledge with ethical reasoning and cross-disciplinary understanding.”
 

Sharing her insights about the urgent need for reimagining higher education, Professor Elizabeth Bradley, President of Vassar College, said, “Technological systems are advancing at extraordinary speed and they’re already having a transformative impact on learning. Higher education institutions must ensure that ethical reasoning, contextual judgment, and interdisciplinary inquiry stay at the forefront. Humanistic technological change requires intentional educational design.”
 

The 2026 shared academic theme, Humanistic Technological Innovation, examines how artificial intelligence, financial technologies, digital health systems, and data infrastructures can expand access and inclusion while strengthening public institutions. Each partner institution contributes a distinct disciplinary perspective, including financial technology and inclusion, planetary health, narrative medicine, and technology ethics.
 

Underscoring the implementation focused approach of the Collaborative, Professor Philip Cotton, Vice Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity, said, “An important academic initiative within the partnership is the Global Scholars Course, a jointly developed programme connecting students across four continents through shared readings, structured dialogue, and collaborative project design. The course culminates in an academic immersion in Kigali, Rwanda, where cross-institutional teams develop proposals addressing gaps in access and inclusion within technological ecosystems.”
 

Hosting the 2026 convening in Ahmedabad reflects the increasingly multipolar character of educational leadership. Institutions across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America are contributing to the redesign of higher education in ways that recognise technological transformation while sustaining the centrality of human judgment.
 

Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, said, “Universities operate in very different national and social contexts, yet many of the challenges we face in the global context are very similar. Collaborations such as the Global Collaborative for the Liberal Arts create opportunities for institutions to learn from one another while bringing diverse perspectives to shared questions about technology, society, and the future of education.”
 

Through the Global Collaborative for the Liberal Arts, the four institutions are advancing a coordinated model of education designed to prepare graduates for responsible leadership in a century defined by artificial intelligence and sustained complexity.
 

About Ahmedabad University

Ahmedabad University is a leading private, non-profit research university offering students a liberal education focused on interdisciplinary learning, practice orientation, and research thinking.
 

The University has been

• Recognised by the Government of Gujarat as a Centre of Excellence.

• Accredited with ‘A’ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

• Awarded Leadership and Management Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025.

• Awarded a 5-star rating, the highest awarded in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) for 2021-22 and 2023-24, by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), Department of Education, Government of Gujarat.

• Awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award for Excellence 2024 for its University Centre.

• Awarded a ‘Platinum Rating’ by the Indian Green Building Council for sustainability and green practices.

• Recognised by the UGC under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, becoming one of the very few private research universities to have been awarded this recognition for select research universities.

• Recognised as a Highly Commended University for Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2023.

• Awarded the AACSB’s Innovations That Inspire Award 2023 for its Foundation Programme.

• Awarded Gold Rating by the Indian Green Building Council for achieving the Green Building Standards at our University Centre.
   

The University, established in 2009, is rooted in the vision of one of India’s finest educational foundations, the Ahmedabad Education Society, which was founded in 1935 by nationalist leaders. Programmes at the University range from bachelors to doctoral levels in humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and management through its 4 Schools and 10 Centres: 
 

Amrut Mody School of Management | Bagchi School of Public Health | School of Arts and Sciences | School of Engineering and Applied Science | Ahmedabad Design Lab | Centre for Heritage Management | Centre for Learning Futures | Global Centre for Environment and Energy | International Centre for Space and Cosmology | Sahyog: Centre for Promoting Health | Stepwell Centre for Asian Futures | The Climate Institute | The Institute of Manufacturing and Economy | VentureStudio
 

An urban university, Ahmedabad promotes independent-mindedness and diversity across all dimensions of its activity and helps students mature into critical thinkers who are analytically equipped, practically oriented, and contextually aware global citizens. The University provides a contemporary educational framework that brings liberal arts, sciences, and the professions to engage together in creating new knowledge for addressing complex challenges of the society and in offering majors that merge the boundaries of disciplines to prepare students for the new economy.