The rapid advancements in the world of technology in recent decades have not only altered but transformed the dynamics of modern warfare completely. Amid rising cyber warfare threats, growing risks of digital espionage and the increasing weaponization of emerging technologies has indeed made it imperative for India to strengthen its cybersecurity resilience and build next-generation secure communication capabilities that not only ensure the expansion of the country’s digital economy but also safeguard the national defence preparedness.

Chandigarh University Officials along with IIT Guwahati management during National Level ISEA Workshop on Secure and Intelligent IoT Systems at Chandigarh University

And to strengthen India’s cybersecurity and secure communication research capabilities, Chandigarh University in collaboration with the India Internet Foundation (IIFON) has established an Internet Technology Research Lab under the AIORI (Advanced Internet Operations Research in India) framework, becoming the first private university in the country and the third institution overall after IIT Guwahati and IISc Bengaluru to set up such a specialized facility.

Internet Technology Lab at Chandigarh University to Strengthen Indigenous Cybersecurity Research and Build Next-Gen Secure Internet Systems

This initiative is aimed at building a robust indigenous research ecosystem wherein this lab will function as a collaborative platform for research, training and capacity building in internet technologies, internet measurement systems, IoT, DNS infrastructure, quantum-safe DNS and next-generation internet systems with technological inputs, tools, testbeds and research support from the India Internet Foundation.

The AIORI collaboration will provide Chandigarh University students and faculty access to a national-scale research testbed spread across multiple locations and hundreds of measurement anchors, enabling advanced experimentation and development in secure and intelligent internet systems. The initiative also supports course delivery through production-grade testbeds for edge computing, distributed systems, IoT and cloud computing, while creating opportunities for internships, live projects and hands-on training for students.

The collaboration will serve as a catalyst for outcome-driven Industry-academia engagement and capacity building in emerging internet technologies through joint workshops, hackathons, faculty development programs, training programmes and collaborative research projects. Moreover, the access to indigenous research infrastructures, datasets and reference architectures will support innovation in software engineering, advanced analytics and system design aligned to the national cybersecurity priorities.

As the modern warfare rapidly expands into cyber and information domains, experts believe that there is an urgent need to enhance indigenous research capabilities, nurture highly skilled professionals in these emerging domains and build secure communication systems that can strengthen nation’s security by protecting the critical digital infrastructure.

India today is among the most targeted countries globally for cyberattacks. As per the record of the Union home ministry, around 65.9 lakh cyber-fraud complaints involving a total amount of Rs 55,659 crore were reported in the country in the last five years through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP). With India accounting for nearly half of the world’s digital payments and rapidly expanding digital infrastructure, there is a need for robust cybersecurity mechanism and skilled manpower to safeguard the nation’s security and protect its critical digital infrastructure.

Responding to this national and economic security concerns, Chandigarh University and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have initiated a strategic academic collaboration aimed at strengthening cybersecurity education, advanced research and innovation through joint initiatives under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme.

IIT Guwahati–Chandigarh University Collaborate to Nurture Future-Ready professionals and build Research Capacity in IoT, Intelligent Systems and 6G Technologies

The collaboration between IIT Guwahati and Chandigarh University expands through the National Level ISEA Workshop (ISEA–SIEEC 2026) on Secure and Intelligent IoT Systems, Edge–Cloud Intelligence and 6G Networks, jointly organized by IIT Guwahati under MeitY’s Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Phase-III initiative and Chandigarh University serving as a key partner institution under the national ISEA framework.

Organized at Chandigarh University on February 6–7, the national workshop that brought together leading academicians, cybersecurity researchers, industry experts and students from across the country, focused on emerging challenges and solutions in secure machine-to-machine communication, intelligent systems and next-generation network security. It is primarily aimed at strengthening capacity building in cybersecurity and digital systems by aligning them to the national priorities.

While IIT Guwahati serves as a hub institution under the ISEA framework, Chandigarh University’s role as a major collaborator enables the dissemination of advanced knowledge, technical training and research opportunities to a larger student and faculty base that in turn will contribute to the capacity building in critical and emerging technology domains.

With India moving toward highly connected digital networks and preparing for future 6G communication technologies, the workshop focused on emerging challenges in secure machine-to-machine communication, edge and cloud intelligence and next-generation network security areas increasingly significant for both for civilian infrastructure and defence communication systems.

The technical sessions delivered by experts from IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Ropar and other premier institutions from the country covered topics such as securing low power computing, confidential computing across IoT edge cloud environments and sustainable security frameworks for edge AI, offering participants insights into cutting-edge research as well as practical challenges in implementing secure digital systems across sectors including defence, telecommunications and critical infrastructure.

Collaborative Indigenous Research to drive India’s Cybersecurity Preparedness and Tech Resilience

One of the main outcomes of the collaboration is enhanced academic and research exposure for students who engage directly with leading researchers and faculty from country’s premier institutions. The students gain access to emerging domains such as IoT security, intelligent systems and secure communication networks that extend beyond the classroom learning and direct exposure to the national-level initiatives like ISEA and AIORI will also help students open new doors to the career opportunities in research institutions, technology industries and government sectors working in defence technologies, cybersecurity and secure communication systems.

The collaboration between institutions like IIT Guwahati and Chandigarh University will also play a pivotal role in advancing India’s technological and cybersecurity objectives. A panel discussion also held on ‘Secure Systems Engineering through Atmanirbhar Bharat’ to showcase the importance of collaborative indigenous research and innovation and trusted digital infrastructure to establish strong connect among academia, industry and national policy initiatives. As India is moving rapidly into a more connected and technology-driven future, there arise an urgent need to build secure digital systems, intelligent networks and skilled professionals. So, such collaborations as the one between institutions like Chandigarh University and IIT Guwahati would be instrumental in strengthening the academic and research capabilities to meet these emerging challenges to enhance India’s cybersecurity preparedness and technological resilience.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in.

• Marks a significant milestone in Delhi NCR with the launch of its fourth hospital, led by renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Siddarth Sain as the Clinical Head.

• As part of its inaugural offer, the hospital is offering free consultations at Preet Vihar for all until 30 April 2026 

India’s largest and most trusted eye care network, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, marked its formal entry into the national capital with the launch of its advanced eye hospital at Preet Vihar in the presence of leading dignitaries and members of the medical fraternity. The launch represents a significant milestone in the group’s continued growth in Delhi NCR, where it now operates four hospitals, bringing world-class ophthalmic care closer to patients across the region.

Dr Ashar Agarwal, Chief Business Officer felicitating Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs

The new hospital was inaugurated by Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs and Dr. Harsh Vardhan, former Union Health Minister, in the presence of Shri Om Prakash Sharma, Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly; and Shri Ramesh Kumar Garg, Municipal Councillor, Preet Vihar.

Spread across three floors and over 7,000 sq. ft., the centre is designed as a comprehensive eye care destination, offering advanced diagnostics and precision-driven surgical care under one roof. The facility features a robotic cataract surgery suite, a comprehensive Contoura LASIK facility, and a surgical viewing gallery that promotes patient awareness and transparency.

A key highlight of the launch is the appointment of Dr. Siddarth Sain as Clinical Head. A widely respected name in East Delhi, he brings deep clinical expertise and a strong connection with the Preet Vihar community. He is joined by Dr. Saumya Sharma, an expert in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive services, and is supported by a team of specialists including Dr. Puneet Jain, Dr. Karthikeya and Dr. Rahul Bhatia.

The centre’s clinical excellence is further strengthened by the guidance of Padma Shri awardee Dr. J. S. Titiyal, Regional Medical Director and one of India’s most distinguished ophthalmologists, whose pioneering work in academics and advanced corneal care has helped shape modern eye care in the country.

Speaking after inaugurating the new hospital, Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Government of India, said, “I congratulate Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital on bringing this advanced eye care facility to Preet Vihar. Institutions like this play an important role in making specialised healthcare accessible within the community. I am confident this centre will not only deliver world-class treatment but also create greater awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups for the timely detection and prevention of vision problems.”

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, former Union Health Minister, said, “Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital has consistently contributed to strengthening India’s ophthalmic care landscape through technology, clinical excellence, and patient-centric services. With rising vision disorders, regular eye examinations and early intervention are critical, and this new centre will help people in East Delhi access quality care closer to home.”

Addressing the media during the launch event, the Chief Business Officer of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Dr. Ashar Agarwal said, “The launch of our Preet Vihar centre brings the full strength of the Dr Agarwals network to Delhi — world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and nationally renowned clinical talent. This is not just the opening of a new hospital, but a significant milestone in our journey to build a strong, future-ready ophthalmic network across NCR. With four centres now operational in the region, we are committed to creating centres of excellence that deliver global standards of care and set new benchmarks in advanced eye care for Delhi.”

The Regional Head – Clinical Services, New Delhi, Dr. Jeewan Singh Titiyal, observed, “The clinical ecosystem at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital is defined by innovation and outcomes-driven care. With pioneering innovations like PDEK, SFT, PPP, and CAIRS, the group continues to define clinical excellence and set new benchmarks in modern ophthalmology. This facility will play a significant role in advancing high-quality ophthalmic care in the region.”

Dr. Siddarth Sain, Clinical Head, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Preet Vihar, said, “Bringing this level of advanced eye care to a community I have served for many years is truly special. In my two decades of ophthalmology practice, I have seen how timely access to the right technology and expertise can transform visual outcomes. At our Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital in Preet Vihar, our focus is to combine cutting-edge technology with personalised care so that patients in East Delhi receive comprehensive, world-class treatment closer to their homes. Through initiatives such as free consultations and patient education, we also hope to encourage people to prioritise regular eye examinations and preventive vision care.”

Backed by its extensive national and international network, the hospital brings globally benchmarked clinical protocols and cutting-edge technology to Delhi NCR.

As part of its inaugural community initiative, free consultations will be available to all patients until 31 April 2026.

Ai+ Smartphone today launched its expansion into the AIoT ecosystem with the launch of NovaPods and NovaWatch. The brand also announced its next wave of smartphones, the Pulse 2 and the Nova 2 series, with Pulse 2 scheduled to launch on March 2, followed by Nova 2 Series.

Ai+ expands into the AIoT ecosystem with NovaPods, NovaWatch, Wearbuds, and the upcoming Pulse 2 smartphone

Positioned as the next step in Ai+ smartphone’s mission to democratise technology in India, Pulse 2 is designed to feel simpler, smoother, and more confidence-building at accessible price points, and will offer a 50MP AI dual camera and 8MP front camera for photography across lighting conditions and the perfect selfie moment, the slimmest 6000mAh battery for all-day use, and Android 16 on NxtQuantum OS out of the box.

The leap into audio and wearables comes less than a year after Ai+ debuted in July 2025, in which time the brand has already built nearly one million users. NovaPods and NovaWatch go on sale on Flipkart from February 27, 12 PM.

The launch spans wireless audio, biometric earbuds, open-wear lifestyle formats, fitness wearables, and kids’ 4G smartwatches, with pricing ranging from Rs. 699 to Rs. 7,999. With all products, the brand extends its promise: to make everyday technology feel more seamless, more useful, and more within reach.

“In under a year, nearly one million users chose Ai+, and that trust is what we’re building on,” said Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies. “This AIoT launch takes our ecosystem from phones to the moments around the phone: music, movement, health, and family safety. We’re entering multiple categories at once, disrupting across price segments from day one, with one clear focus: integration, accessibility, and scale.”

On the audio side, the NovaPods lineup includes Go, Pro, and Clips, engineered to meet distinct listening needs while maintaining consistent performance across daily essentials like endurance and call clarity. Devices offer up to 30 hours of playback (model-dependent), multi-mic ENC for clearer calls, and IPX4 protection across the range. The Clips, particularly, offer a Fashion Forward Tech approach, offering tech that can double as a fashion accessory.

In wearables, NovaWatch extends the same intent: useful features, clean design, and a product experience that fits real routines. The Ai+ Wearbuds introduce an innovative hybrid format that combines a smartwatch with detachable earbuds, giving users more capability without carrying more devices. NovaWatch Kids 4G brings family-first connectivity with geo-fencing, 4G calling, and SOS alerts, while NovaWatch Active features a first-ever squircle display, reminiscent of classic avant-garde designs.

Sujith Agashe, Vice President, Electronics at Flipkart, said, ”At Flipkart, our focus has always been on democratizing access to technology for customers across India. The expansion of Ai+ into the AIoT space is a pivotal step in that journey. With NovaPods and NovaWatch, Ai+ is delivering a connected ecosystem that brings together innovative features, modern design, and compelling price points. Leveraging Flipkart’s scale and wide reach, we are excited to bring the next-generation connected devices to millions of our consumers.”

Across audio and wearables, the portfolio also carries a strong design throughline: bold, expressive finishes spanning deep metallic blacks and forest tones, chrome accents, pastels, and sport-inspired hues, bringing a cohesive identity to the ecosystem.

AIoT Product Portfolio:

About Ai+

Ai+ is India’s fastest-growing technology brand, built from the ground up to serve a future shaped by applied intelligence and sovereign innovation. At its core is NxtQuantum OS, India’s first native mobile operating system, designed for performance, privacy, and purposeful simplicity. Every Ai+ device blends clean design, battery-optimised hardware, and applied intelligent software to elevate everyday experiences by Adding A Plus.

From redefining smartphones under the Ai+ Smartphone banner to pioneering the Laptab and now the NovaPods as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ is creating new product categories and a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

About NxtQuantum Shift Technologies
NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is authored in India and globally competitive.

• Did you think every Six is similar? Sting® Energy’s unique idea “Longer the Six, louder the Sting® sonic”, owning the sound how every Six shot is different

• Cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri bring to life the latest Sting® Energy x Sound of Six, in a high-energy campaign

Sting® Energy, PepsiCo India’s high-voltage energy drink, today unveiled the next chapter of its sonic brand universe — transforming every Six into a signature ‘STIINNGGG’ moment. Building on its growing cultural presence, Sting® Energy enters the season with a bold ambition: to own the sound of every Six. Because when the ball clears the boundary, not every boundary is the same, not every Six is the same. This nationwide campaign positions Sting® Energy at the center of cricket’s most energetic moments with Sting® Energy sonic becoming the qualifier to define every Six shot.

Cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri bring to life the latest Sting® Energy

The campaign’s centerpiece is a high-energy film featuring cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri. Set on a cricket ground charged with nostalgia and flair; the film opens with playful banter and escalates into a power-packed sequence of towering Sixes. With every smasher Six, Yuvraj reveals to the audience that longer the Six, louder the ‘STIINNGGG’ signature sonic.

Campaign Film: https://youtu.be/YtH-MYeXp6Y

Responding in his unmistakable flair, Shastri calls out the evolving energy of every strike, building the drama and proving that no Sixes sound or feel the same. With every hit, Ravi’s commentary ranges from ‘STINNNNNGGGG’ to ‘STIINNGGG’ to ‘STINGGGGGG’, proving that every moment carries its own.

Together, the dynamic duo brings Sting® Energy’s sonic world to life, showing how the ‘STIINNGGG’ stretches, builds and intensifies with every unique towering hit. By the final strike, it is no longer just a sound effect; it becomes the pulse of the moment, reinforcing Sting® Energy as the unmistakable sound of cricket’s peak energy moments.

Commenting on the announcement, Diksha Bajaj, Category Head – Energy Portfolio, PepsiCo India, said, “Cricket is one of the biggest passion points in this country, with the Sixes making for peak energy moments. Our campaign is rooted in the insight that no two sixes are ever the same. Every Six is different in its energy; so, we set out to bring the distinct Sting® sonic identity as a qualifier that redefines every Six. This cricket season, longer the six, louder the ‘STIINNGGG’. So, when you hear a Six, you either go it is a ‘STINNNNNNGGGGG’ Six or a ‘STINGGGG’ Six? We are thrilled to bring this campaign to life with standout cricket icons, Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri, who have brought the right energy to make it a ‘STIINNNGGG’ energy season enjoyed by fans.”

Yuvraj Singh, on the campaign, “Cricket has always been about big moments and big energy for me, and nothing captures that like a Six. What I love about this campaign is how Sting® Energy has turned that feeling into something fans can actually hear and celebrate together. It’s bold, it’s disruptive and it matches the intensity the game deserves. I look forward to be associated with a brand like Sting Energy® that has built a strong connection with today’s youth culture and brings a unique perspective to everything it does.”

Ravi Shastri, on the campaign, “For me, commentary on a Six has always been the most exhilarating part of the game. It’s that split second where the energy shifts rapidly as we race to describe the shot, its length, its power to the listeners. This campaign takes that passion and gives it a whole new dimension by adding a distinct sonic. The idea of owning the sound of every Six is powerful and instantly relatable for cricket fans. I’m thrilled to be part of a campaign with Sting® Energy that celebrates the drama, volume and pure of the sport.”

Vikram Pandey, Chief Creative Officer Leo – South Asia, shared, “To truly bring alive the energy of a six, we gave every six its own ‘STIINNGGG’. And what better way to recreate this than with Yuvraj Singh, the iconic smasher of sixes, paired with Ravi Shastri’s legendary commentary, allowing us to relive most energetic cricketing moments through a fresh, sonic lens.”

The campaign will be rolled out across television, digital and social platforms, aimed at connecting with young audiences who live life at full charge and thrive on energy, passion, and drive.

Creative Agency: Leo India

Raj Deepak Das – Chief Creative Officer – Publicis Groupe South Asia and Chairman – Leo Burnett South Asia

Amitesh Rao – Chief Executive Officer – Leo South Asia

Vikram Pandey – Co-Chief Creative Officer

Anirban Roy – Chief Strategy Officer

Jaikrit Singh Rathore – Managing Partner – Delhi

Shreekant Srinivasan – Executive Vice President

Sakshi Chawla – Vice President

Saarthak Dutt – Executive Creative Director

Hardik Trivedi – Associate Executive Creative Director

Umang Puri – Senior Creative Director

Naman Gera – Brand Services Director

Tushar Verma – Senior Art Director

Manasvi Pandit – Senior Art Director

Mahima Lakhotia – Brand Services Associate

Purahan Bisht – Copywriter

About Pepsico

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s®, Doritos®, Cheetos®, Gatorade®, Pepsi-Cola®, Mountain Dew®, Quaker®, and SodaStream®. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people.

For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

When reviewing long-term investments, investors might encounter multiple return metrics that appear similar but convey different information. For example, absolute returns describe total growth, while annual return reflects performance in a specific year. In this context, a CAGR or Compound Annual Growth Rate, may be commonly referenced as a way to express long-term portfolio growth in an annualised form.

How investors can use a CAGR calculator to understand portfolio performance over time

For investments held over several years, this measure may help place potential outcomes in perspective rather than focusing on isolated periods. A CAGR calculator can help with estimating the returns earned on an investment. Understanding what a CAGR calculator reflects, and what it ignores, may help investors interpret portfolio results with relatively more clarity.

What CAGR represents in portfolio analysis

CAGR, or Compound Annual Growth Rate, represents the annualised rate at which an investment’s value grew over a defined period, assuming all returns were reinvested.

CAGR does not represent interim volatility, instead it shows the returns as a single annualised figure – the steady rate at which an investment would have theoretically grown year on year to arrive at the final amount. In reality, a portfolio may experience uneven gains and declines during the investment period yet still show a positive CAGR if the final value is higher than the starting value. In this sense, CAGR summarises the outcome rather than the actual return path.

This makes CAGR suitable for a quick assessment of a portfolios long-term performance, rather than a granular view of day-to-day volatility.

Why CAGR is commonly used for long-term portfolios

Over extended horizons, portfolio performance may be influenced by market cycles, economic changes, and shifts in sentiment. Year-on-year returns may therefore vary. A CAGR condenses this variability into a single annualised figure, which may be relatively easy to interpret across longer periods.

For mutual funds, performance communication often relies on CAGR because investors enter and exit schemes at different points. CAGR allows historical performance to be presented without assuming identical investment dates or cash-flow patterns. For this reason, CAGR is treated as a reporting metric rather than an indicator of future potential results.

It is important to note that CAGR reflects only starting and ending values. It does not capture interim drawdowns, recovery phases, or periods of stagnation.

Past performance may or may not be sustained in the future.

How a CAGR calculator works

A CAGR calculator typically requires three inputs:

• the initial investment value

• the final investment value

• the investment duration in years

Using these inputs, the calculator applies a mathematical formula to compute the annualised growth rate:

CAGR = (Ending Value / Beginning Value)^(1/n) − 1

Where:

Beginning Value = initial investment amount

Ending Value = value of the investment at the end of the period

n = number of years the investment is held

The result is typically expressed as a percentage by multiplying the outcome by 100.

For example, if an investment grows from Rs. 4,00,000 to Rs. 6,80,000 over a period of 7 years, the CAGR is calculated as:

CAGR = (6,80,000 / 4,00,000)^(1/7) − 1

This results in an approximate CAGR of 7.9% per annum, indicating that the investment’s value increased at an average annualised rate of about 7.9% over the seven-year period.

Example for illustrative purposes only. The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.

Interpreting CAGR alongside other measures

Although widely referenced, a CAGR calculator does not present a complete picture of portfolio behaviour. CAGR assumes a smooth growth trajectory, which may not reflect actual market movements. As a result, CAGR figures may be viewed alongside other measures such as rolling returns and risk-adjusted return metrics such as beta, standard deviation, information ratio and Sharpe ratio.

In mutual funds, two schemes may report the same CAGR, even though Fund A experienced sharp interim declines and Fund B saw relatively steady performance. This highlights why it is advised to interpret CAGR as a summary measure rather than a standalone assessment.

Using a CAGR calculator for comparisons

One relatively common application of a CAGR calculator is comparing portfolio outcomes across timeframes or strategies. By converting cumulative growth into an annualised rate, CAGR offers a common reference point.

Portfolios with different investment amounts or durations may still be assessed once CAGR is applied. However, such comparisons depend on consistent assumptions, as a CAGR calculator does not adjust for differences in risk, volatility, or liquidity.

Limitations to keep in mind

While useful, a CAGR calculator has certain limitations. It does not reflect the sequence of returns, assumes reinvestment at a uniform implied rate, does not account for volatility or drawdowns, and may mask periods of underperformance.

For portfolios built through staggered investments, such as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), CAGR may not fully represent individual cash-flow timing. In such cases, other measures, such as XIRR, may be referenced for added context.

Conclusion

A CAGR calculator is used for summarising portfolio performance over extended periods. By expressing growth as an annualised rate, it may help investors compare outcomes across different timeframes and investment approaches. When viewed alongside other performance measures and with knowledge of its potential assumptions, a CAGR calculator may help in understanding how a portfolio has evolved over time, without implying certainty about potential future results.

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

Swiss technology company SICPA secured a landmark traceability contract, in partnership with Spectra Systems Corporation’s subsidiary, Cartor Security Printers (Cartor), reinforcing its global leadership in secure track and trace (T&T) technology. The program will deliver robust traceability solutions to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for vape products in the United Kingdom.

Building on SICPA’s proven experience in deploying secure T&T systems for excisable products and leveraging Cartor’s advanced security printing capabilities, the consortium will deliver a robust solution combining banknote-grade security features with state-of-the-art digital systems to effectively combat the illicit trade of vape products.

SICPA secures major European award for UK Vaping Duty Stamps Program

The solution will enable HMRC to support excise duty collection, enhance market compliance, protect consumers, and further strengthen its fight against illicit trade.

Following a multistage procurement process launched by HMRC in July 2025, the consortium was appointed upon detailed assessment of technical and financial submissions. The project will run for an initial five-year term, with an option for a further one-year extension. The system will be implemented in phases, beginning with a transitional duty stamp from April 2026, followed by an enhanced stamp supported by a full track and trace solution from October 2026.

Cartor will be responsible for the printing of tax stamps with the provision of core security features. SICPA will complement these with additional material and digital security features that further reinforce the system’s robustness, while also managing tax stamp coding and the track and trace software solutions. Its role also includes managing stakeholder and product registration, tax stamp ordering and payments processes, as well as data collection and compliance monitoring for HMRC across the vape products supply chain. SICPA’s advanced digital market intelligence capabilities will further enable the identification of suspicious patterns and potential fraud hotspots, while audit devices for enforcement authorities and consumer verification applications will support in tackling fraud and fakes.

“We are glad to support His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in its mission to secure the market against illicit trade, building on decades of experience in excisable products secure traceability systems and the successes of our program throughout the world,” said Philippe Amon, Chairman and CEO of SICPA.

“Cartor is proud to work alongside SICPA to deliver this important program for HMRC,” said Andrew Brigham, Cartor’s Managing Director. “By combining our complementary strengths, this partnership delivers a trusted solution for our customer and the UK vapes market, while supporting the UK’s efforts to protect both public revenues and consumers.”

About SICPA
Established in 1927, SICPA is a Swiss private technology company that supports the effective governance and long-term prosperity of nations.

SICPA sets the pulse of sovereignty, enabling governments to protect their citizens, sovereign assets, and economies. Best known for securing the majority of the world’s banknotes, SICPA operates across five continents. Today, our platform for sovereignty delivers integrated solutions safeguarding revenue mobilisation, natural resources, health, and brand protection as well as digital sovereignty and secure public services. www.sicpa.com.

About Spectra Systems Corporation
Spectra Systems is a global provider of advanced authentication, brand protection, and secure transaction technologies. Cartor Security Printers is a part of Spectra Systems and a leading European security printing and brand protection specialist, supporting governments and brand owners with high-security solutions designed to protect revenues and combat illicit trade. Together, they deliver proven overt and covert security features for excise applications, tax stamps and regulated markets worldwide. www.spsy.com, www.cartor.com.

International Rare Disease Day was observed with great commitment and solidarity on 22nd February 2026 through a collaborative initiative of Rare Diseases India Foundation (RDIF) and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow. The event witnessed the participation of hundreds of rare disease patients and their families, along with leading doctors, pediatric specialists, clinicians, physiotherapists, and healthcare professionals.

Lives cannot wait-RDIF observed International Rare Disease Day 2026 at SGPGI, Lucknow

A special “Walk4Rare” Awareness Walk was organized to spread awareness among the general public. The walk created significant visibility and sensitized the community about the challenges faced by rare disease patients and their families.

The primary objective of the event was to provide a comprehensive platform for patients and caregivers to address their concerns related to diagnosis, treatment options, caregiving challenges, physiotherapy, and other essential medical assistance. Experts conducted interactive sessions to answer general queries and guide families regarding available support systems. The program also included cultural performances by patients and families, celebrating resilience and hope within the rare disease community.

Dr. Devendra Gupta, Chief Medical Superintendent of SGPGI, underlined the critical role of Patient Advocacy Groups in bridging the gap between patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. He stressed that collaborative efforts are essential to ensure early diagnosis, accessible treatment, and sustained care.

Dr. Kaushik Mandal, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, SGPGI Lucknow, assured the community that the medical fraternity stands firmly with rare disease patients. He stated, “We are available 24×7 to support this community because we understand their suffering very closely.”

Mr. Saurabh Singh, Co-Founder & Director of Rare Diseases India Foundation (RDIF), stated that the Rs. 50 lakh funding cap under the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021 is insufficient for many high-cost and lifelong treatments, particularly for Group 3 patients. He expressed concern that several patients are deteriorating after exhausting the sanctioned funds, leading to interruption or stoppage of treatment. He also highlighted that some rare diseases are still awaiting inclusion under the policy framework. Emphasizing that patients are not seeking free services but affordable and sustainable access to medicines, he added that the community remains hopeful for positive intervention from the Supreme Court of India to ensure justice and continuity of care.

The Program concluded with a strong message of unity, awareness, and collective responsibility — reaffirming the commitment to build an inclusive healthcare ecosystem where rare disease patients are not invisible but empowered.

The session “AI in Healthcare: Navigating Innovation, Ethics, and Regulatory Compliance”, organized by UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Founder of Spermotile, moderated a high-profile session at the AI Impact Summit 2026, brought together leading clinicians and AI researchers to discuss the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

From left to right, Dr. Tanuj Bhatia, Dr. Swarupa Mitra, Prof Dr. Dilip K Prasad, Dr. Kiran D Sekhar & Dr. Gunjan Gupta Govil

The session featured an interdisciplinary panel including Dr. Kiran D. Sekhar (Medical Director, Kiran Infertility Center), Dr. Tanuj Bhatia (Professor & Head, Director – Clinical Trials & Research, SGRR Medical College & SMI Hospital), Dr. Swarupa Mitra (Director & Unit Head, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Medical), Dr. Gunjan Gupta Govil (Founder, Gunjan IVF World), moderated by Prof. Dilip K. Prasad (UiT The Arctic University of Norway), with the session introduction delivered by Dr. Arif Ahmed Sekh (UiT The Arctic University of Norway).

Speakers emphasized that clinical validation, ethical safeguards, regulatory trust, and human oversight must remain central to AI adoption. The session also highlighted opportunities for international collaboration, including upcoming initiatives such as the AI4Fertility workshop in Tromsø, Norway.

The session saw strong audience engagement and reinforced the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure AI delivers meaningful societal value while maintaining trust, safety, and clinical rigor.

Paisabazaar, India’s leading marketplace for consumer credit and free credit score platform, today announced the launch of Bill Payments along with Mobile Recharge on its App. Consumers on the Paisabazaar App can now complete routine payments conveniently at  zero platform fee, with assured rewards on every transaction.

Consumers on the Paisabazaar App can now complete routine payments conveniently at zero platform fee, with assured rewards on every transaction

With this launch, Paisabazaar aims to make transactions on its App a rewarding and frequent-use experience, by enabling consumers to manage regular financial tasks with ease and benefit from meaningful savings while doing so. Consumers can pay a wide range of bills seamlessly on the Paisabazaar App, including Prepaid Mobile Recharge, Postpaid Mobile bills, Credit Card dues, Loan Repayments, and utilities such as Electricity, DTH, LPG and Piped Gas.

Mobile Recharge alone is a large opportunity, with the total market estimated internally at more than Rs. 15,000 crore per month. It remains one of the most frequent and habit-forming consumer payment categories. By enabling a fast, reliable and rewarding recharge experience, Paisabazaar expects to attract a wider set of consumers across age groups, income segments and geographies, many of whom may begin their journey on the App through recharges and then discover its wider suite of credit, savings and investment offerings.
 

Santosh Agarwal, CEO, Paisabazaar, said, “We are building the Paisabazaar App to play a more active role as an everyday financial companion, beyond just credit. By enabling payments and recharges with zero fees and assured rewards, we are creating strong reasons for consumers to return to the App regularly. Greater frequency drives familiarity, long-term trust, and smarter financial decisions over time. Our focus is to make Paisabazaar a dependable companion for day-to-day money management.”

The addition of Mobile Recharge and Bill Payments builds on Paisabazaar’s decision to build a diverse product suite, beyond credit. Last year, it announced its foray into savings and investments with the introduction of Bonds and Fixed Deposits on its App.
 

With Bill Payments and Mobile Recharge Paisabazaar not only expects to significantly enhance stickiness of the App, but support its long-term vision of serving customers across their full financial lifecycle—from credit awareness and tracking to borrowing to saving, investing, and payments.

About Paisabazaar

Paisabazaar, a part of PB Fintech (listed since 2021), is India’s largest marketplace for consumer credit and free credit score. Over the last 11 years, Paisabazaar has earned the trust of over 55 million consumers. Paisabazaar has built 65+ partnerships withBanks, NBFCs, and fintechs to offer a broad range of credit products. Paisabazaar is ISO (27001:2013) and PCI DSS certified organisation, with industry-best controls, to safeguard the best interest of consumers.

KaarTech, a global digital transformation consulting firm, announced that SAPOCOM Technologies had formally joined as an associate company. This strategic alignment enhances KaarTech’s capabilities in Commodity Trading and Risk Management (CTRM) and marks a focused step toward building deeper vertical expertise for asset-intensive, trading-led enterprises.

KaarTech Bets Big on SAP CTRM as Commodity Market Volatility Fuels Enterprise Transformation Demand

SAPOCOM brings a well-established reputation in the CTRM space, with extensive hands-on experience in SAP-based implementations across the commodity lifecycle. Its portfolio includes successful engagements in contract management, risk reporting, and downstream commodity trading, all of which require both technical depth and nuanced industry expertise.

This association adds agility and depth to KaarTech’s growing CTRM practice. Building on its track record of delivering SAP CTRM and SAP S/4HANA programs across Oil and Gas, Energy, Mining, and Metals, KaarTech continues to support greenfield transformations, global rollouts, and platform modernization initiatives.

With over 75+ SAP S/4HANA engagements globally and 3,200+ SAP transformation projects delivered across 15+ countries, KaarTech brings enterprise-scale execution capabilities to complex trading environments.

“CTRM is a high-impact, niche domain with significant scale in the Oil & Gas sector. Our strategic association with SAPOCOM is a focused market-entry investment for KaarTech, combining deep SAP CTRM expertise with strong cultural and business alignment to accelerate value for global commodity enterprises,” said Selvakumaran M, Co-Founder and Director, KaarTech.

With SAPOCOM’s CTRM expertise embedded into its consulting and delivery approach, KaarTech is well-positioned to advise and execute across both the strategic and operational dimensions of commodity transformation. Together, the two organizations offer a differentiated capability that marries deep domain specialization with enterprise-scale transformation execution.

Together, the two organizations offer a differentiated capability that combines deep CTRM domain specialization with enterprise-scale SAP execution reinforcing KaarTech’s positioning as a solutions-led transformation partner rather than a traditional SAP implementation provider.

This association reinforces KaarTech’s position as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to navigate the evolving demands of global commodity markets with resilience, compliance, and strategic clarity.

About KaarTech

KaarTech is a leading digital transformation consulting organization with 20+ years of experience. The company is a rapidly growing unicorn specializing in IP and digital services, as well as edge and beyond-edge solutions. KaarTech operates across15+ global locations and has successfully executed 3,200+ projects, supported by a workforce of 3,500+ employees. Driven by a strategic focus on customer excellence, KaarTech has earned 23 SAP Quality Awards and 25 business awards worldwide.

With a proven legacy of delivering 75+ SAP S/4HANA digital transformation engagements globally, KaarTech plays a leading role in helping enterprises modernize and scale. Through its flagship intellectual property, KTern.AI, an AI-first approach, KaarTech is committed to reshaping the future of businesses by enabling faster, more intelligent SAP S/4HANA transformations.

For more information, visit www.kaartech.com.

About SAPOCOM Technologies
SAPOCOM Technologies is a specialized SAP consulting firm focused on delivering tailored digital transformation solutions across complex enterprise environments. With deep domain expertise and a strong delivery track record, SAPOCOM helps businesses unlock the full value of SAP platforms to drive operational efficiency, growth, and strategic advantage.

Guided by a commitment to client success, the company brings proven capabilities in SAP implementation, advisory, and support services, particularly in high-stakes, regulated industries. SAPOCOM operates with a global perspective, delivering purpose-driven SAP solutions that align technology with long-term business goals.