Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Japan, has announced a new milestone under its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with Manzil Mystics through its support towards overhauling the Musical Bus—India’s first mobile music classroom and recording studio. The initiative was unveiled recently at Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi, marking a significant step towards making structured music education more accessible and inclusive.

India’s First Mobile Music Classroom & Recording Studio – The Musical Bus

Following the successful pilot of the Learning Through Music project in Patna, this next phase under the Delhi Project strengthens Casio India’s role in expanding access to music education. The Musical Bus is a pioneering, on‑the‑move platform that connects children and young musicians with opportunities to learn, create, and perform, regardless of geographical or socio‑economic barriers.

As an all-in-one mobile solution, the Musical Bus is equipped with a professional-level music classroom, a fully functional recording studio, and a performance setup on wheels. The initiative is designed to foster creativity, build confidence, and provide hands-on exposure to the fundamentals of music production and performance. This bus aims to cover various schools, colleges and other community spaces, thereby bringing the musical experience and access to learning closer to the ground.

Through this association, Casio India and Manzil Mystics aim to empower underserved communities by enabling access to structured music education. The program builds a natural synergy by amalgamating Casio electronic keyboards into curriculum-based instrumental learning modules to facilitate practical skill development, while also creating pathways for livelihood opportunities in the music and creative industries. Currently, the Delhi Project is supporting 50 young musicians through structured upskilling, with plans to expand its reach in the near future.

Under this collaboration, the program will focus on providing structured musical training both vocal and instrumental including Casio electronic keyboards, alongside curriculum-based modules designed to develop practical skills that can translate into future music education. The initiative will particularly target underprivileged students studying in government schools and young musicians from low-income backgrounds, enabling them to access high-quality music education and professional development opportunities.

Casio India was honoured to welcome Mr Vijay Goel, former Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and currently the Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, as the Chief Guest at the event. His presence underscored the importance of inclusive cultural initiatives and reinforced the role of music as a catalyst for education and social empowerment.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Akira Watanabe, Director, Casio India, “At Casio, we have always believed in the transformative power of music as a universal language that inspires creativity and builds confidence. By supporting the Musical Bus, we are reaffirming our commitment to making music education accessible to all. This initiative allows us to nurture talent and enable young musicians to explore sustainable opportunities in the creative ecosystem.”

The launch event at Gandhi Smriti brought together representatives from Casio India and Manzil Mystics, along with young musicians and community members. The event showcased the potential of the Musical Bus as a dynamic learning and performance space, reinforcing the role of music as a powerful medium for education, expression, and social change.

Through its continued partnership with Manzil Mystics, Casio India remains committed to building an inclusive ecosystem that promotes music education, supports aspiring artists, and enables individuals from underserved communities to pursue creative and sustainable career pathways.

About Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd. (CIC) is the Indian subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Casio India has established a dynamic presence in the Indian market since 1996, emerging as a leading and cherished consumer goods manufacturer. Casio India’s range of products include sales and marketing of Timepieces, Electronic Musical Instruments, Desktop Calculators and Scientific Calculators.

Setting the benchmark for excellence, Casio India is dedicated to embodying the spirit of innovation and quality that defines the Casio legacy. With a strong commitment to its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution,” Casio has consistently translated this ethos into the creation of innovative products making a positive impact on society.

For more information, visit www.casio.com/in

As S.L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate marks its 45th year of delivering trusted healthcare, it reinforces its commitment to clinical excellence with the launch of two close-to-heart initiatives: a state-of-the-art Histopathology Department and the introduction of a robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery system. These developments were unveiled today at a special event at the hospital, graced by honourable trustees Mrs. Suman Raheja and Mrs. Jyoti Raheja.

S.L. Raheja Hospital Mumbai’s trustees & clinicians at the inauguration of advanced Histopathology Dept. & Orthopedic Robotic System, advancing precision & patient care in the city

The Histopathology Department, originally established by late Dr. Anita Borges, was relaunched in its upgraded form, seamlessly blending legacy, deep clinical, expertise & enhanced capabilities. Recognised as a coveted Centre of Excellence for Histopathology by leading cancer institutes across India and internationally, the department has, to date, analysed over 2,20,000 samples till date since its inception in 2003. The department receives samples from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as from across major Indian states, covering a wide spectrum of complex cancer diagnoses, including lymphoma, breast, soft tissue, gynaecological, bladder, prostate, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers. The upgraded department is equipped with advanced quality control measures and diagnostic protocols that will ensure accurate, prompt, and dependable results, which will facilitate better decision-making among healthcare providers.

In its continued efforts to leverage technology for better patient care, the hospital also introduced orthopaedic robot which will be a smart assistant to the surgeon and enhance accuracy, precision & patient outcomes. This version of robot that would be used for orthopaedic surgeries facilitates better implant positioning, decreased trauma, precise alignment, and faster recovery times for patients undergoing Unilateral Knee Replacement (UKR) and Total Hip Replacement (THR).

Highlighting the significance of these advancements, Dr Kunal Punamiya, CEO, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate, added, “Over 45years into our journey of delivering exceptional healthcare, these two launches underscore our commitment to enhancing patient experiences across the continuum of care: from diagnosis to treatment. The upgraded Histopathology Department will enable clinicians to make faster, more informed decisions, while our robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery system will bring greater precision to surgical procedures. Through these advancements, we aim to deliver improved clinical outcomes and enhanced patient experiences.”

Dedicating this department to late Dr. Anita Borges, Dr Pravin Mahajan, HOD – Histopathology, S.L.  Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate said, “As a centre of excellence since its inception, our Histopathology Department has built its reputation on a simple promise, accuracy, integrity, and trust. Over the years, it has been called upon across the country to provide second opinions in complex cases, reflecting the deep confidence clinicians place in its expertise. At its heart, however, this journey has always been about patients. Every diagnosis carries a responsibility, and every report a human story.”

The department at S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim has been further reinforced with a dedicated team of specialist doctors like Dr Maria Alina DeSouza, Consultant – Histopathologist & Dr Vivek Parameshwar, Consultant – Histopathologist, adding to its strong capability of diagnostics and clinical precision.

Commenting on the launch of the orthopedic robotic system, Dr. Lalit Panchal, Senior Consultant – Orthopedic Surgery, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate said, “Robotic-assisted surgery acts as an intelligent support to the surgeon, helping improve precision and surgical outcomes. It allows for better planning and execution of procedures. The system helps deliver safer, less invasive surgeries with natural results and faster recovery.”

The orthopaedic robotic programme at S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim is supported by a skilled surgical team, including Dr Vaibhav Kasodekar, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedic Surgeon & Dr Anoop Dhamangaonkar, Consultant – Joint Replacement and Orthopaedic Surgeon, who bring extensive experience in advanced joint replacement procedures.

With these launches, S.L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate reinforces its commitment to delivering quality healthcare, with a strong focus on outcomes, safety, and patient experience. 
 

About IHH Healthcare (“IHH”)
IHH is a leading multinational healthcare provider shaping the future of care. Driven by our aspiration to Care. For Good., we unite medical excellence and innovation, pushing boundaries through our trusted brands such as Acibadem, Gleneagles, Fortis, Island, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai, Parkway and Prince Court. Across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, India and Greater China, our 70,000-strong team delivers world-class excellence every day, within and beyond our 140 healthcare facilities, including more than 80 hospitals. Our comprehensive services span the full healthcare continuum, from primary and ambulatory to quaternary care, complemented by diagnostics, imaging, rehabilitation, telehealth and home care. In partnership with our stakeholders, IHH is advancing value-based care, building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and creating meaningful impact, as we work towards our vision to become the world’s most trusted healthcare services network. www.ihhhealthcare.com 

Chitkara University hosted the 10th edition of its Research Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding contributions in research, innovation, and academic excellence across disciplines. The milestone edition marks a decade of advancing high-impact research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Celebrating brilliance, dedication, and the spirit of innovation at the 10th Research Excellence Awards held at Chitkara University

The awards recognised excellence in research publications, patents, sponsored research funding, technical consultancy, and academic event leadership. The initiative reflects the University’s continued focus on strengthening its research ecosystem and promoting innovation-led education.

This ecosystem is supported by dedicated research centres, industry collaborations, access to advanced laboratories, and a strong emphasis on mentorship, enabling faculty and scholars to pursue meaningful, application-oriented research that addresses real-world challenges.

The event was attended by Ravin Nair, Managing Director, QS I-GAUGE, and Cyril Benz, Associate Director, Client Partnerships, QS I-GAUGE, highlighting the importance of global quality benchmarks in higher education and research.

This year saw a significant rise in awardees, indicating the growing scale and impact of research activities at the University. The increase reflects a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge creation.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Madhu Chitkara said, “At Chitkara University, research is not just an academic pursuit; it is a powerful tool to solve real-world challenges and create meaningful impact. The growing number of awardees this year reflects the passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our academic community. As we celebrate the tenth edition of the Research Excellence Awards, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing an environment where innovation thrives, and ideas translate into outcomes that benefit society.”

The Research Excellence Awards 2026 reinforce Chitkara University’s position as a leading research-driven university in India, contributing to global knowledge, innovation, and societal progress.

About Chitkara University
Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India’s leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.

The University’s academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally.

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

• Strong retail franchise with a Retail Book Size of Rs. 1,19,508 Crore, up 26% Year-on-Year (YoY) for the financial year ended March 31, 2026

• Highest ever annual retail disbursements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 stood at Rs. 83,213 Crore, up 39% YoY

• Consolidated Book stands at Rs. 1,21,728 Crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2026

• Launches 5-year strategic plan Lakshya 2031

• Continuous improvement in credit cost and profitability trajectory

• Board recommends a dividend of Rs. 2.75 per equity share for financial year ended March 31, 2026

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India has recorded highest ever consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 3,003 Crore (before effect of Labour Code considered in the third quarter ended December 31, 2025) for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, up 14% Year-on-Year (YoY). The Company has posted a consolidated PAT of Rs. 807 Crore, up 27% YoY for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026. 

Highlights of L&T Finance Ltd.’s financial performance – FY26 and Q4FY26

The retail book now stands at Rs. 1,19,508 Crore, up 26 % when compared with retail book for the financial year ended March 31, 2025. Consolidated Book stands at Rs. 1,21,728 Crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. The Company has also recorded highest ever annual retail disbursements at Rs. 83,213 Crore, up 39% YoY and highest ever quarterly retail disbursements at Rs. 24,107 Crore, up 62% for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026. The Board recommends a dividend of Rs. 2.75 per equity share for financial year ended March 31, 2026.

The Company accelerates technology deployment momentum to fully transform to an AI-enabled lender. After successfully executing its strategic plan Lakshya 2026, the Company announced its next 5-year strategic plan Lakshya 2031. As a part of its Lakshya 2031 strategy, the Company aims to balance resilient growth with consistent returns and truly transform into a Risk-first, Technology-first, Multi-product Retail Financier of Choice. The Company will be focusing on tech-enabled granular execution and will work towards consistently achieving a Book Growth of 20%+, maintaining Credit Cost of <2%, achieving Return on Assets (RoA) between 3% – 3.2%, and Return on Equity (RoE) between 16% – 18%.

The Company’s customer-facing PLANET app, which has emerged as a powerful digital channel for customers, crossed more than 2.40 Crore downloads as of March 31, 2026, comprising more than 19.2 Lakh customers on the rural side. As of March 31, 2026, this channel has done collections of over Rs. 9,500 Crore while servicing over 12 Crore requests and has sourced loans of around Rs. 29,000 Crore.

Commenting on the financial results Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, LTF, said, “FY26 has been a good year for us, despite significant headwinds in our microfinance business in the initial months of the year and the end of the year closing with geopolitical tensions. Through the course of the year, we remained steadfast in our approach—tightening credit and risk administration frameworks, strengthening collections infrastructure, accelerating our AI-led technology transformation and continuously focusing on growth across all our business lines. On the microfinance business, our focus was on navigating the cycle with prudence and our efforts have yielded results, with business parameters across both disbursements and collection efficiencies now reverting to near pre-crisis levels, giving us confidence that FY27 will be a stable and productive year for this segment. 

FY26 also marks the successful completion of our Lakshya 26 strategic plan, achieving most of our stated objectives even amid volatility in the credit environment. This reflects the resilience of our diversified franchise, disciplined execution, and the strength of the digital and analytics capabilities that we built during the plan period. As we embark on our next five-year strategic roadmap, Lakshya 31, we are setting ourselves ambitious and measurable targets to drive consistent growth with improved profitability. While global geopolitical uncertainties persist, we remain confident that the solid foundation established during the Lakshya 26 period will enable us to deliver steady outcomes and create long-term value for all stakeholders and truly transform L&T Finance into a Risk-first, Technology-first, Multi-product Retail Financier of Choice.”

Key Highlights:

Building a diversified retail franchise:

Rural Business Finance:
Book size up 17% to Rs. 30,805 Crore vs. Rs. 26,320 Crore YoY. Annual disbursements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 25,882 Crore vs. Rs. 20,921 Crore, up 24% YoY. Quarterly disbursements for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 7,208 Crore vs. Rs. 5,114 Crore, up 41% YoY

Farmer Finance:
Book size up 12% to Rs. 16,970 Crore vs. Rs. 15,219 Crore YoY. Annual disbursements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 8,674 Crore vs Rs. 7,935 Crore, up 9% YoY. Quarterly disbursements for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 2,037 Crore vs. Rs. 1,755 Crore, up 16% YoY

Two-Wheeler Finance:
Book size up 17% to Rs. 14,372 Crore vs. Rs. 12,321 Crore YoY. Annual disbursements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 10,787 Crore vs. Rs. 9,285 Crore, up 16% YoY. Quarterly disbursements for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 2,930 Crore vs. Rs. 1,857 Crore, up 58% YoY 

Personal Loans:
Book size up 70% to Rs. 14,666 Crore vs. Rs. 8,648 Crore YoY. Annual disbursements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 12,220 Crore vs. Rs. 6,096 Crore, up 100% YoY. Quarterly disbursements for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 3,786 Crore vs. Rs. 1,915 Crore, up 98% YoY. Scaled up Personal Loans disbursements through Big Tech partnerships, contributing 38% to the total personal loan disbursements in Q4FY26 vs. 22% in Q4FY25 (38% in FY26 vs. 10% in FY25)

Housing Loans and Loan Against Property (LAP):
Book size up 20% to Rs. 30,009 Crore vs. Rs. 24,929 Crore YoY. Annual disbursements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 11,507 Crore vs. Rs. 9,582 Crore, up 20% YoY. Quarterly disbursements for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 3,134 Crore vs. Rs. 2,332 Crore, up 34% YoY

SME Finance:
Book size up 30% to Rs. 8,507 Crore vs. Rs. 6,524 Crore YoY. Annual disbursements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 6,130 Crore vs Rs. 5,000 Crore, up 23% YoY. Quarterly disbursements for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 1,838 Crore vs Rs. 1,528 Crore, up 20% YoY

Gold Finance:
Book size reached Rs. 2,845 Crore in Q4FY26. Annual Disbursements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 at Rs. 6,700 Crore in FY26. Gained momentum in Gold Finance branches expansion, exiting Q4FY26 with 330 branches addition of 200 new branches since acquisition of the business in June 2025

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF):

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) ( www.LTFINANCE.com ), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’ — the highest credit rating — by four leading domestic rating agencies. In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3”. Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project – “Digital Sakhi”- which focuses on women’s empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on transforming into a Risk-first, Technology-first, Multi-product Retail Financier of Choice as part of the Lakshya 2031 strategic plan. The Company has over 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.
 

X: x.com/LnTFinance

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LnTFS

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lntfinance

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance

In a spectacular celebration that blended sporting excellence, lifestyle innovation, and community spirit, Sumadhura Group unveiled Bengaluru’s first-ever Residential Branded Clubhouse at Folium, Whitefield—setting a bold new benchmark for luxury living in India. The grand unveiling event was marked by the presence of some of India’s most celebrated sports icons, including Saina Nehwal – Olympic medallist, former World No. 1 Badminton champion and Co-founder of Badminton Pros, Saurav Ghosal – Commonwealth Games medallist and Founder of Saurav Ghosal Squash, Puja Tomar- India’s only woman UFC fighter and Brand partner of UFC FIT. Their presence elevated the event into a truly iconic gathering, symbolizing the convergence of global sporting excellence with next-generation residential living.

(L–R): Bharat Kumar Kandukuri, Srinivas Moramchetty, Ali Kasmani, Paresh Prabhakar, Puja Tomar, Saina Nehwal, Saurav Ghosal and Pavit Singh at Folium by Sumadhura launch, Bengaluru

The other dignitaries who graced the grand unveil included Paresh Prabhakar, Tiger Shroff’s mentor & Business Head at Matrix Dance Academy, Ali Kasmani, Head of Operations, Michael Phelps Swimming along with Mr. Srinivas Moramchetty, Director- Sales & Marketing, Sumadhura Group, Mr. Bharat Kumar Kandukuri, Director, Sumadhura Group and Pavit Singh, Founder, Ileseum Clubs.

Adding an unforgettable experiential layer to the evening, the event featured exclusive celebrity-led activities, where residents won a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience immersive sessions with sports legends at their respective branded academies within the clubhouse. Participants stepped onto the court with Saina Nehwal for an interactive badminton session, rallied with Saurav Ghosal on the squash court, engaged in an energizing MMA session led by Puja Tomar, and joined high-energy, professionally guided dance sessions conducted by Matrix Dance Academy—adding a dynamic layer of creativity, movement, and engagement to the experience.

The event drew an impressive turnout of 1000+ participants including residents and lifestyle enthusiasts, reflecting strong interest in this pioneering concept.

With this collaboration at Folium by Sumadhura, world-class academies such as Michael Phelps Swimming, UFC FIT, Saurav Ghosal Squash, and Matrix Dance Academy are entering Bengaluru, bringing global-standard lifestyle experiences to the city. Additionally, Badminton Pros is launching its first-ever residential community academy in Bengaluru at Folium.

Commenting on this momentous occasion, Mr. Srinivas Moramchetty, Director-Sales & Marketing, Sumadhura Group said, “Folium is one of our signature developments, and this Branded Clubhouse reflects how we are reimagining urban living in Bengaluru. In a city shaped by long commutes and traffic, access to quality lifestyle experiences is often limited. With this initiative, Sumadhura has redefined and elevated urban lifestyles by bringing professionally managed, world-class sports, fitness, recreation, and wellness experiences directly into residents’ everyday lives, bringing in global experiences to one’s doorstep, eliminating the need to travel, and giving time back to what truly matters. For us, curating Bengaluru and Hyderabad’s first residential Branded Clubhouse goes far beyond convenience; it reflects a conscious effort to elevate lifestyle standards, enabling healthier routines, nurturing talent, and fostering stronger community connections. We have gone above and beyond to deliver a future-ready lifestyle that is active, seamless, and truly world-class for our customers.”

Expressing enthusiasm, Saina Nehwal, Co-Founder of Badminton Pros Academy said, ”Partnering with Folium to bring my badminton academy into a branded residential clubhouse alongside other iconic academies is a very special opportunity. In a city like Bengaluru, where badminton is deeply loved and part of the sporting culture, this initiative feels especially meaningful. It allows residents to access structured coaching, professional training, and best mentorship within their own community, bringing the sport closer to everyday life. This can help nurture young talent, encourage more families to take up badminton, and strengthen the city’s already vibrant sporting ecosystem, shaping India’s next generation of badminton champions and elevating the country’s presence on the global stage. I am happy to be part of a vision that makes world-class badminton a natural part of daily living.”

Managed by Ileseum Clubs – one of India’s fastest growing lifestyle delivery companies, the Branded Clubhouse at Folium is not just an amenity—it is a fully integrated, professionally curated lifestyle ecosystem. Through strategic collaborations with six globally recognized academies at Folium, residents gain unparalleled access to world-class training, featuring global, Olympic-level methodologies, thoughtfully designed programs, and immersive experiences delivered in association with distinguished academies such as:

• Badminton Pros by Saina Nehwal

• Saurav Ghosal Squash

• UFC FIT

• Matrix Dance Academy

• Michael Phelps Swimming

• Mahesh Bhupathi Tennis Academies

With Ileseum Clubs overseeing program design, global partnerships, certified coach onboarding, and day-to-day operations, the Branded Clubhouse at Folium benefits from strong operational and experiential support. This ensures seamless, year-round engagement that sustains wellness routines, skill development, and continuous talent progression for residents.

Sumadhura Group plans to integrate Branded Clubhouses across select upcoming marquee residential projects in Bengaluru.

About Sumadhura Group

With three decades of legacy, Sumadhura Group is known for its prime locations, ahead-of-time delivery, high quality, and smart design in residential, commercial and warehousing projects, catering to a cross-section of home buyers and business entities in the real estate landscape of South India.

Sumadhura’s unique customer-centric approach and commitment to delivering excellence and superior products have earned the company-wide recognition as a credible and reliable entity in the industry, across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The brand promise of “Foundation of Happiness” mirrors the group’s commitment to becoming the very foundation upon which happiness is built.

With over 56 projects delivered, spanning over 17 million square feet, and over 40 million square feet in the pipeline, Sumadhura has emerged as a prominent brand in the fast-evolving market of developers. Evolving beyond residential developments, the group has expanded its portfolio into commercial, warehousing, co-living, and other real estate verticals to cater to diverse customer needs.

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) welcomes the regulatory clarity following the notification of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 (Rules) under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The association notes that the framework provides greater clarity on categorization, compliance expectations and institutional mechanisms, which will support responsible growth of the sector while safeguarding user interests.

The IAMAI appreciates the consultative approach adopted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which has enabled constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders. It believes the rules will bring in the much-needed regulatory clarity, allowing the industry to operate, innovate and re-build with greater confidence.

The notification marks an important step towards establishing a clear, consistent and forward-looking regulatory framework for the online gaming ecosystem in India. The incorporation of several industry recommendations in the Rules has ensured that the regulatory framework is implementable, future-ready and aligned with the evolving nature of technology and digital platforms.

The IAMAI will continue to work closely with both the industry and the Government to facilitate smooth and effective implementation of the Rules, ensuring outcomes that are beneficial for the industry as well as for the users.

The IAMAI remains committed to supporting the development of a robust, responsible and futuristic digital gaming ecosystem, and to strengthening India’s position as a global leader in digital innovation and emerging technologies.

Marking Earth Day, the Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, strengthened its portfolio-wide climate action strategy that embeds sustainability into core business decision-making across its diverse operations. Aligned with India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the DS Group’s roadmap focuses on decarbonization, resource efficiency and responsible growth. A comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for FY 2024–25, covering operations, energy use and the supply chain, is being developed in alignment with Scope 1, Scope 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions to enable targeted, data-led interventions across the value chain at DS Group.

DS Group HQ earned recognition with LEED Platinum (No.1 globally existing buildings) and LEED Zero Carbon from USGBC, setting a benchmark in sustainable, carbon-neutral operations

This rigorous audit covers the full spectrum of emissions, including direct operations, purchased energy, and critical supply chain activities. By identifying the most significant emission drivers across its entire value chain, DS Group is moving from broad intent to focused, data-backed interventions. This scientific approach ensures that the DS Group can address its carbon footprint with precision, offering tangible relief to the environment while hardwiring climate considerations into its internal governance and future decision-making processes.

Announcing this, on the Earth Day, Mr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group said, “This multi-dimensional strategy prioritizes decarbonization and resource integrity as non-negotiable metrics. The DS Group is accelerating its transition toward renewable energy to decrease the carbon intensity of its products and services, while simultaneously advancing circular economy principles to manage water and materials with maximum efficiency. Furthermore, by engaging supply chain partners in sustainable sourcing, DS Group is mitigating the indirect environmental impacts that often go unaddressed. This commitment goes beyond mere compliance, actively shaping the DS Group’s identity and ensuring that every strategic decision is fueled by a clear, intentional drive to create meaningful impact. Every future expansion will now be screened through a climate-risk lens to ensure that growth remains aligned to India’s updated NDC Goals.”

In the Indian industrial landscape, the proactive stance of DS Group serves as a vital blueprint for how private enterprises can catalyze the nation’s green transition. By voluntarily adopting high standards for carbon accounting, the DS Group proves that leadership driven by internal values creates a lasting ripple effect for the community. The progress is anchored in a robust governance framework, with zero regulatory non-compliance, stakeholder complaints, product recalls on account of quality issues, 100% pay parity and zero data breaches, besides focussed commitment towards renewable energy adoption. Going forward, DS Group will evaluate all investments through a climate-risk lens while advancing renewable energy adoption, circularity and responsible sourcing across its ecosystem.

About DS Group
The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a one of the leading FMCG conglomerates and a Multi-Business Corporation with a strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. It has an extensive and diverse portfolio with presence in Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Mouth Freshener, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail businesses, and other investments. Catch, Pulse, Pass Pass, Silver Pearls, Ksheer, Rajnigandha, Ovino, L’Opera, Le Marche, Birthright, LuvIt, Chingles, Golmol, Namah are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today.

As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC. DS Group has aligned its financial performance with global ESG priorities with the launch of a pioneering Double Materiality Assessment across all businesses. Further demonstrating its environmental leadership, the DS Group has a water positivity index at 1.8 across its business units in 30 locations of India.

Joint Solar, a trusted name in the renewable energy segment has announced next phase of growth with higher efficiency solar modules manufacturing among its key focus areas. Backed by more than two decades in business, the company has established a 1.3 GW manufacturing base and executed over five lakh installations pan-India.
 

Mr. Vinod Sharma, Managing Director, Joint Solar
 

Founded by engineer duo Mr. Vinod Sharma and Mrs. Pratibha Sharma, Joint Solar began operations in the year 2000 when awareness around solar energy was still limited or almost negligible in most parts of the country. Joint Solar initially focused on products such as solar street lights, solar power plants, solar high mast systems and solar pumps, before expanding its operations in 2009 and widening its footprint across multiple regions.

Over the years, the company has executed more than five lakh installations pan-India, with a strong presence across North India, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi-NCR, while also expanding into eastern markets such as Odisha, West Bengal, Nagaland and Mizoram.

Joint Solar said it currently manufactures solar panels across poly, mono and TOPCon technologies, aligned with changing customer demand and evolving efficiency requirements. The company operates two plants, including a major manufacturing facility in Pilakhua near Hapur with 1.3 GW capacity, supporting its focus on large-scale production and advanced solar modules.

The company has also set a target to produce more than 5,000 higher-efficiency modules daily, as it aligns manufacturing capabilities with rising demand in the sector.

Speaking on the company’s journey, Mr. Vinod Sharma, Managing Director, Joint Solar, said, “When we started in 2000, awareness around solar energy was limited. Over the years, the market has changed significantly and customer expectations have evolved. We have grown with these changes by upgrading technologies, expanding manufacturing and staying focused on dependable products.”

He added, “Our approach has been to combine experience with continuous improvement. We have an R&D division that works on technology upgrades and product development, and we remain committed to contributing to India’s renewable energy goals through quality manufacturing.”

Joint Solar said customer demand is increasingly shifting towards advanced and higher-efficiency technologies, prompting manufacturers to stay aligned with product innovation. The company said its focus remains on upgrading product offerings and strengthening its position in line with changing market requirements.

The company also said continuous technology upgradation and in-house research remain important areas of focus, with efforts directed at aligning product offerings with evolving market needs. Joint Solar said its recent industry recognition, including the Award for Excellence in Renewable Energy, has added encouragement to its focus on quality manufacturing and long-term growth.

Commenting on wider solar adoption in India, Mr. Sharma said awareness remains a key challenge. “Lack of awareness continues to be one of the reasons solar has not expanded to its full potential. We have been making continuous efforts to spread awareness about renewable energy and help build confidence around solar solutions,” he said.

The company said smaller cities and emerging markets continue to present opportunities, with dealer-led growth and stronger distribution remaining important focus areas. Joint Solar said its long-term priorities remain centered on advanced manufacturing, technology upgradation and supporting the broader clean energy transition through reliable solar solutions.

For more information, please visit www.jointsolar.in.