BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin A. Sinha recently visited Haryana-based Parashar Future Defence Technologies and Parashar Industries, engaging with the company’s indigenous drone manufacturing capabilities and its growing role in India’s defence manufacturing and high-technology MSME ecosystem.

BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin A. Sinha interacting with Nagender Parashar, Director, Parashar Industries

The visit assumes particular significance in the backdrop of the Union Budget presented post Operation Sindoor, which has accorded Defence Services an unprecedented allocation of INR 7.85 lakh crore for FY 2026–27. This represents 2% of the estimated GDP for the coming financial year and reflects a 15.19% increase over the Budget Estimates of FY 2025–26. Defence expenditure now accounts for 14.67% of total Central Government spending, the highest among all ministries, underscoring the strategic importance of national security alongside economic development.

The Budget has reinforced a carefully calibrated security–development–self-reliance balance, widely seen as being in the best long-term interest of the nation. Recent disruptions in global supply chains and the increasing prioritisation of domestic requirements over foreign suppliers have once again highlighted the urgency of import substitution and indigenisation, not merely for operational sustenance but for future defence modernisation.

In line with this approach, the Ministry of Defence has further strengthened its policy framework by earmarking INR 1.39 lakh crore—nearly 75% of the Capital Acquisition budget—for procurement from domestic industries in FY 2026–27. Such targeted budgetary support reassures Indian manufacturers about long-term demand visibility, encourages fresh investments, and enables domestic players to assume a progressively larger role in the capability development of the Armed Forces.

During the visit, Tuhin A. Sinha interacted with Nagender Parashar, CEO and Director, Parashar Future Defence Technologies, and the senior technical team. He was briefed on the company’s end-to-end drone development lifecycle, encompassing design, in-house research, precision manufacturing, testing, and deployment—all carried out within India. The interaction showcased Parashar’s emphasis on engineering excellence, quality assurance, and mission-ready performance, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable Indian product brand serving both defence and select civilian applications.

With nearly 28% of the total defence allocation directed towards capital expenditure, upcoming acquisition programmes are expected to cover next-generation fighter aircraft, smart and lethal weapons, ships and submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, and specialised platforms. In this evolving procurement landscape, companies such as Parashar Future Defence Technologies are increasingly positioned as credible MSME partners, capable of delivering agile, technology-driven indigenous solutions aligned with future operational needs.

The visit also highlighted Haryana’s emergence as an important node in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, supported by a strong industrial base, skilled workforce, and improving infrastructure. MSMEs like Parashar Industries are moving steadily up the value chain—from manufacturing to design-led, innovation-driven product development—while contributing to employment generation and regional economic growth under the Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat initiatives.

Speaking after the visit, Tuhin A. Sinha observed that the work being undertaken at Parashar Future Defence Technologies reflects the outcomes of sustained reforms in defence procurement, private sector participation, and ease of doing business. He noted that Indian MSMEs are now playing an increasingly central role in innovation and advanced manufacturing, with direct implications for national security, industrial competitiveness, and job creation.

Nagender Parashar said that the company’s growth mirrors the confidence created by policy stability and a supportive industrial ecosystem. He added that Parashar Future Defence Technologies continues to invest in research, skilled engineering talent, and robust quality systems, enabling the delivery of high-performance indigenous solutions while contributing meaningfully to India’s defence preparedness.

As India accelerates efforts to reduce import dependence and deepen domestic participation in strategic sectors, enterprises such as Parashar Future Defence Technologies exemplify how MSME-led innovation, strong product brands, and manufacturing depth can advance both national security objectives and long-term economic development.

EuroSchool HSR, Bengaluru, one of India’s leading K–12 school campuses, inaugurated its newly developed co-curricular learning spaces, marking a significant milestone in strengthening its holistic education. The inauguration was graced by acclaimed music composer Mr. Ehsaan Noorani, of the legendary Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy trio, reinforcing the school’s focus on arts, creativity, and all-round development as integral to learning.

Ehsaan Noorani Inaugurates Co-Curricular Spaces at EuroSchool HSR

Designed to nurture creativity, emotional well-being, physical fitness, and artistic excellence, the newly launched facilities include a Yoga Room, Multipurpose Hall, Art Room, and dedicated Music Studios for Guitar, Keyboard, and Drums, and a Dance Studio. These purpose-built spaces reflect EuroSchool HSR’s belief that co-curricular education is not an add-on, but a core pillar embedded within the school’s learning framework and pedagogy.

The new learning environment supports skill-based learning across disciplines, mindfulness and wellness yoga, structured music, movement, and visual arts. They enable students to build curiosity, confidence, discipline and emotional intelligence to discover themselves.

Speaking about the initiative, Ms Kavitha Neelayath, Principal, EuroSchool HSR, said, “At EuroSchool HSR, we strongly believe that education must go beyond academics to truly prepare children for life. Our newly inaugurated co-curricular spaces are designed with a clear intent to help students discover their passions early, nurture their talents meaningfully, and grow with confidence. By embedding co-curricular programs within school hours and offering expert-led, structured learning pathways, we ensure that every child receives a balanced and enriching educational experience.”

Mr Noorani’s presence at the inauguration further reflects EuroSchool’s commitment to offering students real-world inspiration through cultural and industry role models, helping them understand the relevance of creative pursuits in today’s evolving world.

About EuroSchool

EuroSchool is one of India’s leading K–12 school networks, with campuses across Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Surat.

30,000+ students | 1,800+ educators | 1000+Digital Classes | 480+ GPS Buses | 111,000+ Library Books

Guided by the philosophy of “Discover Yourself”, EuroSchool empowers children to explore their potential and discover their dreams and talents. From Nursery to Grade 12, EuroSchool is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, building confidence, and preparing every child for a rapidly evolving world.

Its Balanced Schooling approach — anchored in the proprietary Learn–Reinforce–Practice–Apply–Experience (LRPAX) methodology — seamlessly blends academic excellence with co-curricular and extracurricular learning. It offers an extensive range of opportunities to develop life skills, creativity and leadership. With a strong focus on child safety – being India’s first school network to earn the global ‘Safe School’ certification, EuroSchool provides secure spaces where children can truly flourish.

All EuroSchool campuses are affiliated with either the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), ensuring globally benchmarked academic standards with the flexibility and care that today’s learners need.

For more information, visit: www.euroschoolindia.com

About Lighthouse Learning Group

Lighthouse Learning Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, is India’s leading Early Childhood & K-12 Education group, backed by global investment firm KKR. Driven by its purpose to unlock human potential by igniting the love for learning through its institutions, which includes leading brands like EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, Mother’s Pet Kindergarten, EuroSchool, Billabong High International, Centre Point School, Heritage International Xperiential School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Finland International School Maldives and Phoenix Greens School of Learning. Nurturing over 200,000 students every day, Lighthouse Learning emphasizes a ‘Child First’ philosophy, innovative pedagogy, and child safety. With 2,000 Preschools and 60 K-12 Schools, it empowers 1,850 women entrepreneurs and employs a direct and indirect workforce of over 25,000 people.

Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet has successfully performed a highly complex and rare TAVR-in-TAVR-in-SAVR procedure with bioprosthetic valve fracture on a 78-year-old patient, marking one of the first such procedures in the world. The advanced transcatheter intervention was undertaken to treat a repeatedly failing heart valve in a patient with a long and challenging history of aortic valve disease.

Dr R Ananthraman, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, and Dr Aravindan Sevaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director, with cardiology and radiology teams at Kauvery Hospital

The patient was first diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, a condition where the heart’s main valve narrows and restricts blood flow to the body. In 2005, he underwent open-heart surgery (Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement-SAVR) to replace the diseased valve with a bioprosthetic (tissue) valve. Over time, this valve degenerated, and in 2019, he underwent a transcatheter (TAVR) valve-in-valve replacement-a minimally invasive procedure in which a new valve is placed inside the old surgical valve without reopening the chest.

In the years following the second procedure, the patient once again developed symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue.

Investigations revealed increasing pressure gradients across the valve, indicating that blood flow through the heart valve was again being obstructed. Further evaluation suggested leaflet thrombosis (blood clot in the leaflets) and become thickened, and do not open fully. While anticoagulation medication temporarily improved valve function, the problem recurred whenever treatment was stopped, causing early degeneration of the Transcatheter Heart Valve.

Given the patient’s advanced age, multiple prior valve interventions, and high surgical risk, repeat open-heart surgery was considered a higher risk option.

Upon referral to Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, a multidisciplinary heart team led by Dr Rajaram Anantharaman & Dr C Sundar conducted a detailed assessment using advanced 3D echocardiography and CT imaging. These investigations confirmed persistent leaflet thickening and restricted valve opening despite medical therapy, due to under-expandion of the previous placed TAVR allowing leaflets to open in restricted fashion (pin-wheeling). After careful planning, the team decided to proceed with a TAVR-in-TAVR-in-SAVR procedure, placing a new transcatheter valve inside the previously implanted transcatheter valve inside surgical valve. 

To further optimise valve expansion and blood flow, a bioprosthetic valve fracture technique was employed. This involves controlled expansion of the existing TAVR in SAVR to high pressure to fracture the frame of the first surgical valve. This will create more space and full expansion of the newly implanted valve, and function more effectively. Given the high neurological (stroke risk) associated with such complex procedures, dual cerebral protection was used during the intervention with two Spider FX devices placed in both Carotids arteries (supplying brain) to reduce the risk of stroke by capturing the debris and preventing from reaching the brain.

The procedure was particularly challenging due to the patient’s bicuspid aortic valve anatomy (two leaflets rather than three) associated aortopathy with moderately dilated aorta (the main artery from the heart was slightly enlarged, increasing procedural risk), and pseudo-coarctation (a narrowing of part of the thoracic aorta with narrowing and tortousity)mimics coarctation, combined with the failure of both a prior surgical valve and a prior transcatheter valve.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Rajaram Ananthraman, Director for Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, said, “The challenging procedure needed meticulous planning and precision by the Heart Valve Team. Despite these complexities, the procedure was successfully completed. The patient showed rapid recovery, was shifted to the ward the next day, and discharged within 48 hours. Post-procedure assessments confirmed excellent valve function, stable neurological status, absence of major complications, and full mobility.”

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “This case reflects the depth of clinical expertise available at Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet. Managing such high-risk and complex structural heart cases locally reduces the need for patients to seek care abroad and reinforces Chennai’s growing role as a centre for advanced cardiac interventions.”

Kauvery Hospital, Chennai continues to strengthen its leadership in structural heart disease management through advanced transcatheter procedures, state-of-the-art imaging, and comprehensive multidisciplinary cardiac care, offering patients access to world-class treatment close to home.

Delhi Public School, Visakhapatnam, recently conducted a professional development session for its teaching faculty, focusing on Assessment for Learning (AfL) and data-driven teaching strategies for K–12 education. The session was led by Mourya Viswanadha, an education professional working at the intersection of teaching, learning, and educational technology, reinforcing the school’s continued emphasis on reflective teaching practices and future-ready education.

Teachers at DPS Visakhapatnam participate in a reflective professional learning session focused on Assessment for Learning

The interactive session brought together teachers from DPS Anandapuram and DPS Lawsons Bay Colony, creating a collaborative platform to examine how assessment can move beyond traditional evaluation and instead support continuous learning and instructional improvement.

Rather than adopting a lecture-based format, the session encouraged dialogue, reflection, and peer exchange. Teachers explored how assessment practices influence student motivation, engagement, and confidence, and discussed ways to integrate feedback meaningfully into everyday classroom instruction.

A key highlight of the session was the use of Think-Pair-Share methodology, allowing teachers to reflect individually, collaborate in small groups, and share insights collectively. This approach mirrored the very principles of Assessment for Learning, reinforcing the idea that assessment is not an endpoint, but an ongoing process that informs teaching and supports student growth in real time.

Discussions also extended to the role of data in education — not as a source of pressure, but as a tool to better understand learner needs, personalise instruction, and support informed pedagogical decisions. Teachers shared classroom experiences, challenges, and strategies, making the session deeply contextual and practice-oriented.

For Mourya Viswanadha, the session carried special significance, as it marked a full-circle moment of engaging professionally with educators who had once been part of his own learning journey. The exchange underscored the continuity of education, where students evolve into professionals who contribute back to the learning ecosystem.

Speaking about the initiative, DPS Visakhapatnam reiterated its commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice among educators. The school believes that meaningful educational change begins with conversations, collaboration, and a shared willingness to learn and adapt.

The initiative further strengthens Delhi Public School, Visakhapatnam’s commitment to academic excellence, reflective teaching, and continuous professional development, reinforcing its position among the Best Schools in Visakhapatnam that consistently invest in progressive, student-centred educational practices.

Pentad Pavilion—a parliament and playground in one—moves this week to India Art Fair 2026 in New Delhi after a star turn at ADFF:STIR Mumbai. The pavilion, designed by international architecture and design firm UHA, was one of ten curated from 75 entries by Aric Chen, Director of the Zaha Hadid Foundation, with a distinguished jury panel consisting of Hans Ulrich Obrist, Lesley Lokko OBE, Raj Rewal, Ma Yansong, and Martha Thorne, and is the only one to make its way to India Art Fair.

UHA’s Pentad Pavillion on exhibition last month at ADFF:STIR in Mumbai, The Pavilion will be exhibited this week at India Art Fair in Delhi

“With the pavilion, we wanted to reimagine the spaces where decisions are made by bringing together five global modes of assembly: circular, semicircular, horseshoe, opposing benches and classroom,” said Joseph R. Goodwin, UHA’s design lead on the project. “Pentad is about observation, participation, and belonging – and after seeing all the ways visitors interacted at ADFF:STIR Mumbai last month, we’re excited to see continued provocation through play in its second home.”

The competition for ADFF:STIR asked how architecture can frame new social relations, exploring the ties between space, movement and event. Pentad, a two level structure which is 41 square meters and stands 6.4 meters high, takes inspiration from the new Indian parliament, one of almost 100 UN member states to have explored post-colonial identity through a rebalancing of colour, materiality, symbolism, and tradition. The pavilion and the parliament will stand a mere ten kilometres apart for the duration of India Art Fair, bridging the gap between play and politics.

The pavilion design explores the effect of combining the five modes of plenary spaces, allowing visitors the opportunity to explore, engage, and experiment within these modes while they are wrapped, overlapped, or stacked. Pentad mirrors a bicameral approach while being designed to be reconfigurable. Seating, shading, and the play of proximity and transparency dissolve the binary nature of the chambers, becoming multi-cameral and supporting all five modes of meeting.

A hidden system of talk tubes is woven through the structure, enabling visitors to listen and participate, eavesdrop and interrupt. Antechambers become crawl spaces, slides can be fitted to disrupt the rowed seating, and lower chamber swing hooks can be used to hang a new form of judicial seating.

The brief for the initial pavilion design encouraged the team to think beyond a monofunctional space, actively considering its afterlife. Pentad is now in the first phase of that afterlife, making its journey to Delhi after its successful debut in the Jaquar Pavilion Park at ADFF:STIR 2026, in Mumbai. Pentad is supported by STIR for its exhibition at India Art Fair.

Beyond the meaning that the pavilion itself embodies, one important factor for its satisfactory realisation was its public use. Pentad hosted numerous workshops and talks as a part of ADFF:STIR Mumbai’s public programme. Halfway across the country, in New Delhi, Pentad retains its essence by lending itself to public discourse at the India Art Fair. It will offer a space for all its visitors to explore their curiosities.

About UHA

UHA designs and delivers projects that vary in context, function, and scale, encompassing architecture, masterplanning, landscaping, environmental services and interior design. From concept design to turnkey challenges, we have projects on-site from London to Taipei, covering boutique residential towers and luxury villas to high-tech workspaces and educational institutions.

Our asynchronous approach means that somewhere we are always open. Distributed across 7 time zones, our team of architects, designers, urbanists, visualisers, sustainability consultants, and project managers design and deliver projects around the clock. As office hours draw to a close in Tokyo, work continues in Mumbai and construction sites open in London. With multiple projects currently under construction across 3 continents, our multi-nodal studio provides a variety of services within an accelerated timeline.

For more information, visit www.uha.global.

For press inquiries and interview requests, please write to mumbai@uh-architects.com.

Galgotias University marked a significant presence at the QS Quacquarelli Symonds India Summit, Goa, by leading a high-level Presidential Roundtable that convened Presidents, Chancellors, and Vice Chancellors from leading universities across the world. The roundtable focused on rethinking classroom teaching to enable deeper student agency, engagement, and relevance in the context of a rapidly transforming higher education ecosystem.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia chairing the Presidential Roundtable at the QS India Summit 2026

The session was chaired by Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, and co-chaired by Prof. Richard James, an internationally renowned expert in higher education. The discussions reflected a shared recognition that universities must move beyond traditional, syllabus-driven models and instead design learning environments that are adaptive, participatory, and future-oriented.

The dialogue examined how classroom practices can evolve to respond to changing learner expectations, the demands of emerging technologies, and the need for graduates to demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. Participants shared global perspectives on pedagogy, institutional responsibility, and the role of universities in shaping resilient and socially responsive graduates.

Addressing the roundtable, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, underscored that “meaningful transformation in higher education begins inside the classroom. He noted that Galgotias University’s academic vision is anchored in its G-SCALE approach, which prioritises student empowerment, active learning, and the development of future-ready competencies aligned with global realities.”

Galgotias University’s leadership at the QS India Summit highlights its commitment to contributing to international academic discourse and shaping progressive teaching and learning practices. The university continues to engage with global higher education leaders to advance conversations that influence the future direction of universities in India and beyond.

About Galgotias University 
Galgotias University Among the World’s Leading Universities in QS and THE Rankings.

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities-public and private combined-this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education. 

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This significant achievement reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic arena and validates its consistent progress in global higher education benchmarks. 

These recognitions reflect Galgotias University’s strategic focus on teaching quality, research impact, internationalization, and industry relevance, and its mission to shape globally competent graduates prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. 

As the global travel landscape shifts, a provocative new book argues that India is sitting on an “unclaimed throne” of economic and cultural potential. Naveen Kundu, a veteran tourism professional, today announced the release of his book “Reclaiming Incredible: A Blueprint of India Tourism’s Unclaimed Throne,” a visionary roadmap aimed at triggering a trillion-dollar renaissance in the Indian tourism sector by 2047.

Reclaiming Incredible: A Blueprint of India Tourism’s Unclaimed Throne

Despite being home to unparalleled heritage, India’s share of the global tourism market remains under-realized. Reclaiming Incredible moves beyond traditional travelogues, offering a strategic, high-stakes analysis of how the nation can pivot from a spiritual destination to a global economic powerhouse.

The “Make Noise” Mandate: Modernizing the Narrative
In a pivotal new chapter, Kundu argues that India’s greatest hurdle isn’t just infrastructure, but communication. He asserts that India must radically overhaul its marketing landscape to compete on a global stage.

• Cutting-Edge Communication: India must move past dated brochures and generic slogans. Kundu calls for a sophisticated, tech-driven communication strategy that speaks the language of modern international travelers, global travel influencers, and foreign tour operators.

• Narrating the “Story of Bharat”: The book emphasizes shifting the spotlight away from the “post-invasion” era and the usual monument-centric tours. Instead, Kundu advocates for a powerful, coordinated effort to broadcast the story of Pre-Invasion Bharat—showcasing a deep, indigenous civilizational heritage that is more relevant and spiritually resonant than the standard tourist circuit.

Expanded Insights: Rewriting the Indian Narrative
The book introduces critical perspectives on how India presents itself to the world:

• The MICE Opportunity & Global Events: In the chapter “India’s Unfinished Business,” Kundu identifies the promotion of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) as the next frontier. He argues for the “diplomatic muscle” needed to host the world’s largest conventions.

• Reclaiming Pre-Invasion Footprints: A central thesis is the need to highlight India’s indigenous civilizational footprints. By focusing on the roots of Vedic wisdom and ancient innovation, India can offer a more authentic and profound experience to the global traveler.

A Blueprint for Viksit Bharat 2047
To reach the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047, the book proposes a revolutionary administrative overhaul:

• Agnostic Professional Boards: The establishment of Central and State Tourism Boards that are entirely agnostic of bureaucracy.

• Expert-Led Governance: These bodies should be staffed by industry professionals and global experts rather than career administrators, ensuring agility and data-driven results.

• The Trillion-Dollar Renaissance: A roadmap to double tourism’s GDP contribution to 10%, generating 200 million jobs and positioning India as a top-five global destination.

“India must stop whispering its potential and start shouting its truth. We need a modern marketing machinery that narrates the Story of Bharat with the sophistication the 21st century demands.” — Naveen Kundu

Reclaiming Incredible is a must-read for policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs. It provides the intellectual scaffolding for a new era of Indian excellence.

Availability: Reclaiming Incredible is available on Amazon and Kindle in both paperback and digital formats.

About the Author: Naveen Kundu, a notable tourism & hospitality professional, has over 35 years of experience in the industry. He is dedicated to redefining India’s global footprint and mentoring the next generation of travel leaders.

NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), a subsidiary of India’s largest power utility NTPC Ltd., and Assago Industries Pvt. Ltd. (Assago), a fast-growing player in bio-energy and sustainable manufacturing, today announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and operationalize India’s first large-scale Green Urea production ecosystem within the upcoming Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh.

The MoU was signed in the august presence of senior officials and leadership teams from NGEL, NTPC, and Assago, marking a significant milestone for the project

Under the MoU, NGEL will supply Green Ammonia, CO₂, RE power, and other utilities to Assago, enabling the production of Green Urea using clean, renewable feedstock. The collaboration aims to accelerate India’s transition toward sustainable fertilizer production and contribute significantly to the nation’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision.

India’s Urea Challenge & Why This MoU Matters
India currently consumes around 35 to 40 million tonnes of urea annually, of which 8–10 million tonnes are imported each year. Imported urea exposes India to high price volatility, foreign exchange outflow, geopolitical supply risks, and carbon-intensive fertilizer dependence.

The NGEL–Assago partnership directly supports reducing this dependence by creating India’s first indigenous Green Urea value chain powered entirely by renewable hydrogen and green ammonia.

A Leap Toward Indigenous Green Urea
The Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub is designed for 2.5 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of green chemicals (Green Methanol, Green Ammonia, SAF, and Green Urea). Assago Industries will be among the first private companies in India to begin production of Green Urea at scale using renewable ammonia and captured CO₂ — a pioneering step in sustainable fertilizer manufacturing.

Strategic Benefits of the NGEL–Assago Collaboration

• Strengthening India’s Fertilizer Self-Reliance

• Large-Scale Decarbonization

• Boost to Andhra Pradesh’s Green Hydrogen Corridor

• Alignment with National Priorities

Quote from Assago Industries 
“This partnership marks a defining moment for India’s transition towards sustainable fertilizer production. By producing indigenous Green Urea using renewable feedstock, Assago is proud to contribute to India’s goal of self-reliance, decarbonization, and agricultural resilience. We look forward to working closely with NGEL to build a world-class green chemicals ecosystem at Pudimadaka.” – Ashish Gurnani, MD, Assago Industries Private Limited.

ET Money, India’s leading full-stack wealth platform and part of the 360 ONE WAM group, today announced the launch of Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs). This makes ET Money, India’s first investment platform to offer intelligence-led access to this newly introduced category of Mutual Funds.

India’s first platform to offer intelligence-led access to Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs)

With this launch, ET Money extends its long-standing mission of simplifying long-term investing by expanding beyond Mutual Funds. It reinforces their effort to offer access to more advanced, professionally managed investment strategies, while ensuring product suitability, decision clarity and investment confidence.

Why SIFs are for you

Specialized Investment Funds were introduced by SEBI to address a growing gap in the Indian investment landscape. It sits between traditional Mutual Funds and Portfolio Management Services (PMS).

As Indian investors mature, many seek strategies that go beyond simple equity or hybrid allocations. They want:

• Better downside management

• Consistent outcomes across market cycles

• Greater flexibility in deploying larger capital allocations

SIFs are designed with an aim to fill this gap by allowing fund managers to use advanced strategies, including derivatives, long-short positioning, and tactical hedging. All of this within the regulated, tax-efficient Mutual Fund structure.

The Intelligence Layer: Making SIFs Investable

While SIFs unlock powerful possibilities, they are also inherently more complex than traditional Mutual Funds. Funds within the same category can have very different objectives, risk profiles, and outcomes, making evaluation difficult for individual investors.

This is where ET Money’s intelligence-led approach comes in.

Rather than presenting SIFs as a list of products, ET Money decodes them based on their intended role in an investor’s portfolio:

• Stable, tax-efficient return strategies

• Consistent return strategies with controlled risk

• Equity-like growth with lower volatility

By translating technical fund structures into clear use cases and expected outcomes, ET Money enables investors to choose SIFs based on purpose, risk appetite, and investment horizon instead of jargon.

ET Money – A Home for SIF and Big Investments

For years, ET Money has been a preferred platform for long-term retail investing. With SIFs requiring a Rs. 10 lakh minimum investment, the platform now naturally extends into serving investors’ larger capital allocations.

“As our investors’ wealth grows, their needs evolve beyond traditional Mutual Funds,” said Mukesh Kalra, Founder & CEO, ET Money. “SIFs represent the next step for affluent Indian investors who want a better balance of returns and risk management. But access alone isn’t enough. What investors really need is clarity. By adding a strong intelligence layer on top of SIFs and decoding their purpose in one’s portfolio, we are helping investors deploy larger sums with confidence and precision. We’re not just offering a new product. We’re providing a clearer roadmap for long-term wealth.”

Flexible Access, Investor’s Choice

All SIFs available on ET Money can be accessed through the investor’s preferred engagement model. Investors may choose between:

• Advisory-based access

• Distribution-based access

This ensures flexibility, transparency, and alignment with individual preferences.

About ET Money
ET Money, a 360 ONE company, is India’s leading full-stack wealth platform, helping Indians invest with clarity and confidence.

It brings the most important, retail-friendly investment products together in one place. From mutual funds and SIFs to fixed deposits, bonds, insurance and pension solutions, ET Money curates investment-worthy choices and makes them accessible through seamless, paperless digital journeys.

The platform leverages technology and thoughtful design to enhance decision-making with research-driven insights, personalised recommendations and active portfolio supervision. Its suite of investment intelligence includes the ET Money Fund Report Card, Fund Verdicts, Portfolio Health Check and Multi-Asset Allocation Strategies.

ET Money envisions a future where every Indian investor gets unmatched support across every stage of their wealth-building journey — enabling disciplined, long-term investing with exceptional ease, clarity, and confidence.

Disclaimers

Investments in Specialized Investment Fund involve relatively higher risk, including potential loss of capital, liquidity risk and market volatility. Please read all investment strategy-related documents carefully before making the investment decision.

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

Banayantree Services Limited, ARN: 112749, AMFI Registered Mutual Fund Distributor & SIF Distributor, SEBI Registered Non-Individual Investment Advisers, RIA No. INA100006898, Validity January 09, 2017 – Perpetual, BSE Enlistment No. 2369, PFRDA Registered PoP Regn No: 283072019, IRDAI Corporate Agency (Composite) Registration No.- CA0680

Corporate Office: Times Internet Limited Ecstasy IT Park, Plot 391, Udyog Vihar, Phase 3, Gurgaon, Haryana-122016

Registered Address: Express Building, 9-10, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, New Delhi –110002.

Danube Properties, part of the UAE-based real estate conglomerate Danube Group, has announced the appointment of former Australian cricket legend Brett Lee as its official Global Ambassador. This strategic partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Danube’s global brand presence and deepening engagement across international markets.
 

Danube announces Brett Lee as global ambassador
 

Brett Lee’s global recognition, credibility, and strong connection with audiences worldwide will support Danube’s efforts to effectively communicate its core values of performance, reliability, and innovation, while reinforcing its position as a future-focused global real estate developer.
 

Commenting on the association, Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, said, “This partnership reflects our commitment to aligning with personalities who embody excellence, credibility, and a winning mindset. Brett’s professional journey mirrors Danube Group’s culture of consistent growth and long-term value creation. As we continue to expand our global footprint, Brett’s association will play a key role in strengthening our brand narrative and enhancing engagement with customers, investors, and partners across global markets.”
 

Expressing his enthusiasm, Brett Lee said, “I am delighted to join Danube and Mr. Rizwan Sajan as Global Ambassador. Danube Properties has built an outstanding reputation grounded in trust, innovation, and execution excellence. Their iconic 1% per month payment plan has already transformed the market, and when combined with fully furnished apartments, ahead-of-schedule project delivery, and convertible home concepts, it truly positions Mr. Rizwan Sajan and Danube as trendsetters in the industry. I am excited to be part of this inspiring growth journey.”
 

With Brett Lee supporting promotional and brand-building initiatives, Danube aims to strengthen emotional connections with global audiences, enhance brand recall, and further reinforce its reputation as a future-ready real estate conglomerate.

About Danube Properties

Danube Properties, a subsidiary of the Danube Group founded by Rizwan Sajan in 1993, is one of the UAE’s leading private real estate developers and the pioneer of the region’s groundbreaking 1% payment plan.
 

Renowned for offering fully furnished homes with over 40 lifestyle amenities, Danube Properties has earned a strong reputation for timely project delivery, superior build quality, and customer trust. Driven by innovation, accessibility, and reliability, the company continues to redefine modern urban living across the region.