31, Mar 2026
ZEISS India Strengthens R&D Focus by Appointing Sharath Sirivolu to Lead CARIn
Bengaluru, Mar 31: ZEISS India, a pioneer of science in optics today announced the appointment of Sharath Sirivolu as the Head of Center for Applied Research in India (CARIn). This strategic appointment highlights the company’s commitment to strengthen its leadership to accelerate transformation through its dedicated research and development center in Bengaluru.
In this role, Sharath will report to Miguel Gonzalez Diaz, Managing Director, in India, and to Robin Schmidt, Head of Digital Health – MED segment, globally. He will also be a member of the India Leadership Team and a key partner in driving our culture and transformation agenda.
Santana Ramakrishnan, CHRO, ZEISS India shared,
“Innovation is at the core of ZEISS India’s DNA by shaping how we continuously evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly advancing ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome Sharath to the team at a time when we are strengthening our focus on building a future-ready research ecosystem. His extensive experience in leading global R&D initiatives will be instrumental in advancing ZEISS India CARIn’s journey. We are confident that his leadership will further accelerate our vision while contributing meaningfully to ZEISS’ global growth ambitions.”
Sharath will be responsible for the building-blocks of the MED digital ecosystem, made in India. Supporting the MED segment across devices, platforms and applications, he will lead CARIn’s transformation into a world-class R&D organization, building on its strong foundations and further strengthening CARIn’s value proposition for the ZEISS MED segment globally and in India.
With over 25 years of experience, Sharath brings deep expertise in leading R&D across global organizations such as GE Healthcare and Schneider Electric. He has delivered innovative solutions across healthcare, energy, and industrial automation sectors, as well as driving large-scale technology initiatives and incubating early-stage ventures that enable strategic growth and organizational impact.
ZEISS India remains committed to building a culture rooted in strong values, nurturing future-ready skills, and creating meaningful pathways for growth, while fostering a workplace driven by purpose.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
31, Mar 2026
Harnessing AI to Revolutionize Organ Transplants in India
Bhubaneswar, March 31: Emphasizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, Subhasish Panda, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted how AI could significantly enhance organ transplantation in India. Speaking at a workshop-cum-regional Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on “Organ Transplantation and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare,” he said AI can integrate large datasets to support smarter, faster, and more informed clinical decisions.
“AI has the ability to revolutionize the organ transplantation ecosystem,” Panda noted. “It can streamline donor-recipient matching using genetic, clinical, and laboratory data, track organ availability in real time, optimize transport logistics for timely delivery, and assist clinicians through predictive analytics and intelligent dashboards.”
India currently ranks third globally in organ transplantation, with approximately 20,000 procedures performed in the past year. However, Panda expressed concern that 82 percent of donations come from living donors, with women representing the majority. He also highlighted that most transplants are conducted in the private sector, which affects affordability, and stressed the need for greater public awareness and increased participation from government healthcare institutions.
The programme was organized by AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS). It brought together more than 300 doctors from Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand to discuss innovations in transplantation and the role of AI in improving patient outcomes.
Panda’s remarks underscored the importance of combining technology, awareness, and policy support to make organ transplantation more efficient, accessible, and equitable across India.
31, Mar 2026
Odisha Governor Urges Stronger Awareness and Early Detection to Fight Cancer
On Monday, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati urged everyone to come together to fight the rising number of cancer cases in the state. Speaking at the “Cancer-Free Odisha” Awareness Conclave and the Mahanayak–2026 Awards, he said cancer is not just a medical problem—it affects families and communities across Odisha.
The Governor pointed out that lifestyle changes, tobacco use, environmental factors, and late diagnosis are contributing to the steady rise in cancer cases. He stressed that prevention is better than cure. By spreading awareness about healthy diets, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco, many cancer cases could be prevented.
He also emphasized the importance of early detection. Strong primary healthcare and wider screening, especially in rural areas, can help identify cancer early, improve survival rates, and reduce the emotional and financial burden on families.
Governor Kambhampati called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to ensure cancer care reaches every corner of the state. He also congratulated the Mahanayak–2026 awardees for their contributions and encouraged continued efforts to create a cancer-aware Odisha.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Korei MLA Akash Dasnayak and former Balasore MP Rabindra Kumar Jena, while the welcome address was delivered by Asim Odisha Foundation Trust Chairperson Asima Das.
The conclave made it clear that tackling cancer in Odisha will require awareness, early detection, and the support of the entire community.
31, Mar 2026
Oil India Limited Partners with CSIR-IMMT to Boost Critical Minerals Research
Bhubaneswar, March 30: In a significant move to strengthen India’s strategic mineral ecosystem, Oil India Limited (OIL) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) to establish a Centre of Excellence for critical minerals.
The collaboration, formalized in Bhubaneswar, is aligned with the National Critical Mineral Mission under the Ministry of Mines and aims to enhance research, exploration, and processing of critical minerals, supporting the country’s self-reliance objectives.
Under this agreement, OIL will become the first “Industry Spoke” of CSIR-IMMT under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, creating a new model of partnership between India’s energy and mining sectors.
The MoU was signed by Saloma Yomdo, Director (Exploration & Development), Oil India Limited, and Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, in the presence of OIL CMD Ranjit Rath. Senior officials from OIL and CSIR-IMMT scientists, including Kali Sanjay and Satyajit Rath, also attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, CMD Ranjit Rath emphasized that the partnership would expand OIL’s role beyond hydrocarbons, boosting its contribution to the National Critical Mineral Mission. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in identifying mineral resources, noting that OIL has already pinpointed ten focus areas for technology-driven initiatives in consultation with the CSIR Director General.
Director Ramanuj Narayan underlined CSIR-IMMT’s expertise in research and technology solutions for the mining, minerals, and metals sectors, with a particular focus on critical minerals. He expressed optimism that the Centre of Excellence would drive innovation and support India’s long-term goals in mineral self-reliance.
This collaboration represents a strategic convergence of energy and mining expertise, aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in critical mineral exploration and processing, while leveraging advanced technologies for sustainable resource development.
31, Mar 2026
ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Limited Secures Another ADAS Business Nomination from an Indian CV OEM
Chennai, Mar 31: ZF continues to work on its ADAS roadmap for commercial vehicles. Driven by increasing demand from India’s leading OEMs and evolving regulatory requirements, ZF Commercial Vehicles is steadily investing in and delivering ADAS innovations tailored to the needs of the commercial transport industry.
In India, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Limited (CVCS) has recently secured a business nomination from a new-age mobility OEM to develop and supply an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite for its upcoming bus platforms.
At the core of the awarded solution is ZF’s OnGuardMAX, the company’s most advanced driver assistance platform for commercial vehicles. It integrates a front camera, mid-range radar and an image processing module to enable Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) along with a broad suite of advanced driver assistance functions.
Complementing OnGuardMAX, ZF’s Short‑Range Radar (SRR) provides near‑field coverage on the sides and front of the vehicle, addressing critical blind spots to protect vulnerable road users (VRU). The latest SRR generation is engineered to support compliance with MOIS and BSIS requirements. SRRs can also interface with OnGuardMAX to deliver extended coverage – an especially valuable capability for large bus platforms.
“ADAS was and remains a strategic priority for ZF Commercial Vehicles in India. With a legacy of deep customer understanding and proven technological competence that make commercial transportation safer, smarter and more efficient, we also offer ADAS solutions that fit the specific driving conditions in India and at the same time have the backing of our global expertise.” said Paramjit Singh Chadha, Managing Director, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Limited.
“We see a rapid acceleration in India in the adoption of advanced driver assistance technologies that enhance road safety and operational efficiency. ZF Commercial Vehicles Division offers made-to-fit market solutions that address the specific needs of leading and new-age e-mobility OEMs with the strength of ZF’s global engineering expertise and combining it with deep regional insights. This enables Indian OEMs in meeting rising safety expectations and preparing the industry for the next level of automation.” Akash Passey, Non-Executive Chairman, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Limited & President – ZF Group India.
Integrated Technology Highlights & Safety Benefits for India’s EV Buses
- OnGuardMAX multi-sensor fusion (camera + mid-range radar + image processing) enabling AEBS, LDWS and DDAW.
- Short-Range Radar (SRR) supports BSIS and MOIS requirements while enhancing VRUs protection. Up to three SRRs can be integrated to provide front and side blind spot coverage.
- EBS + ESC integration for precise, faster braking and improved vehicle stability, resulting in shorter stopping distances, controlled deceleration and better rollover resistance for EV platforms.
- Unified ADAS-braking-stability architecture delivers stronger collision avoidance performance, enhanced VRUs safety and improved stability across diverse operating conditions.
- Operational advantages include reduced accident exposure, optimized brake wear, lower downtime and more consistent route performance.
- India‑ready and regulation‑aligned fully compliant with GSR 184(E) requirements for AEBS, LDWS, DDAW, BSIS and MOIS, validated over 4,50,000 km and ARAI‑certified.
- Future‑ready and scalable, with platform architecture capable of supporting a comprehensive set of 16 advanced features which include key features AEBS, LDWS, DDAW, MOIS and BSIS.
Program Scope & Roadmap
The business nomination covers system supply, vehicle integration, calibration and validation for bus platforms, with SOP targeted for Q1 2027. The architecture is scalable to SAE Level 2 and engineered to support future automation requirements.
ZF Commercial Vehicles continues to advance the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in India. ZF clarifies that the earlier press note referred specifically to the divestment of ADAS activities within ZF’s passenger car division. This divestment has no impact on ZF’s commitment to developing and supporting ADAS technologies for commercial vehicles.
ZF will continue its driver assistance and autonomous driving initiatives in the commercial vehicle sector with dedicated teams and governance fully retained within the Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division. These efforts span trucks, tippers, trailers, coaches and bus applications, bringing together global expertise with strong local validation capabilities to meet India-specific operating conditions.
ZF delivers ADAS solutions engineered to meet stringent current and future regulatory requirements. With globally proven reliability, inclusive system design and a strong commitment to road safety, ZF is helping drive India toward smarter, safer and more sustainable transportation – Redefining India’s Mobility
31, Mar 2026
IESA Hails Kaynes Semicon Inauguration as a Landmark in India’s Semiconductor Execution Journey
The inauguration, along with the commercial launch of the Multi-Chip Intelligent Module (MCM), underscores India’s growing strength in advanced packaging, system integration, and scalable semiconductor manufacturing. It reflects tangible progress on the ground as India builds a resilient and globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem.
The Kaynes semiconductor facility in Sanand, with an investment of approximately ₹3,300 crore, represents a decisive step beyond design into advanced assembly, testing, and packaging (ATMP). With an expected capacity of nearly 60 lakh chips per day, the facility will significantly boost domestic manufacturing capability while driving local economic development and strengthening ancillary industries.
As a valued member of IESA, Kaynes Semicon’s achievement highlights the increasing depth and maturity of India’s semiconductor ecosystem—from design and engineering to packaging and product commercialisation. The successful launch of the Multi-Chip Module is a strong indicator that India is now not only designing but also manufacturing sophisticated semiconductor products at scale.
Notably, the inauguration of two semiconductor facilities within a single month, with several more projects slated for rollout this year, reinforces India’s unwavering commitment to building a robust semiconductor ecosystem. This rapid pace of execution reflects strong policy alignment and effective coordination led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), and proactive support from state governments such as Government of Gujarat. It sends a clear signal to global investors and industry stakeholders that India is accelerating from intent to sustained, large-scale execution in the semiconductor sector.
This milestone assumes even greater significance as India targets a $400 billion electronics market and a $103 billion semiconductor market by 2030. Achieving these ambitions will require sustained execution across the value chain, and developments such as Kaynes’ facility demonstrate that India is firmly on that path.
Strengthening domestic semiconductor capabilities will be critical for supply chain resilience, technological leadership, and the creation of high-quality skilled jobs. Importantly, India is now converting global supply chain shifts into a strategic advantage by building a comprehensive, end-to-end semiconductor ecosystem.
The transformation of Sanand from an automobile hub into a fast-emerging semiconductor cluster further reinforces the momentum of the Make in India vision and positions India as a credible and competitive player in the global semiconductor landscape.
31, Mar 2026
‘Odia Pakhya’ to Be Celebrated from April 1 to Showcase Odisha’s Culture and Heritage
The Government of Odisha will celebrate ‘Odia Pakhya’ from April 1 to April 14 with the aim of promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, lifestyle, food, and attire on a wider platform.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference held at Sanskruti Bhawan, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said that a series of events will be organized across all districts of the state, including the capital city Bhubaneswar, with active participation from various government departments.
The celebration will begin on April 1 with Utkal Divas, observed by the Information and Public Relations Department. On April 2, the School and Mass Education Department will mark ‘Khadi Chuan Day’, welcoming young children enrolling in early education.
On April 3, the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department will promote traditional attire through ‘Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya’ (Our Dress, Our Identity) Day. This will be followed by a campaign on April 4 encouraging the use of Odia language in signboards.
To highlight heritage and fitness, a heritage run will be organized near historical sites on April 5, along with a cleanliness drive on April 6.
Further events include Children’s Storytelling Day on April 7, a blood donation drive on April 8, and a book-buying campaign on April 9 to encourage reading habits. April 10 will be dedicated to folk arts, celebrating Odisha’s traditional art forms.
The programme will continue with cultural events such as ‘Amrutapidhi Samaroha’ on April 11 and ‘Bandaniya Baraputra’ on April 12, honoring notable personalities.
On April 13, ‘Ama Ruchi Ama Khadya Day’ will focus on promoting traditional and local cuisine, highlighting Odisha’s diverse food culture.
The ‘Odia Pakhya’ initiative reflects the state government’s efforts to preserve and promote Odia identity, while engaging people across all sections of society in celebrating their cultural roots.
31, Mar 2026
Viceroy Properties Launches ‘Brew on Wheels’ for Community-First Marketing
Mumbai, Mar 31: In a category where engagement is often limited to site visits and sales galleries, Viceroy Properties is reimagining how real estate brands enter new micro-markets. With the launch of “Brew on Wheels” on March 28th & 29th in Versova, the developer has introduced a refreshing, on-ground initiative that blends hospitality with hyperlocal brand-building.
Conceptualized as a moving coffee experience, the Viceroy Coffee Truck travelled through key pockets of Versova, offering residents complimentary cups of coffee – simply as a gesture of appreciation for welcoming the brand into the neighbourhood. More than just a giveaway, the initiative was designed to spark organic conversations, create recall, and build familiarity within the community.
At a time when real estate marketing is increasingly digital-first, “Brew on Wheels” stands out for bringing back the power of physical, human interaction meeting residents where they are, in their everyday environments.
“At Viceroy Properties, we believe that entering a new neighbourhood goes beyond development—it’s about earning a place within the community,” said Cyrus Mody, Founder & CEO, Viceroy Properties. “Brew on Wheels is a simple yet meaningful way for us to say thank you to Versova, while beginning to build relationships that go far beyond real estate.”
The initiative also serves as a strategic extension of the brand’s presence in Versova, driving awareness and footfalls to its newly launched Experience Centre, while positioning Viceroy Properties as approachable, thoughtful, and community-first.
“Our approach to marketing is deeply human,” said Serena Paes, Head of Marketing, Viceroy Properties. “In a market cluttered with transactional messaging, we wanted to create something that feels personal and memorable. Brew on Wheels is about showing up in a way that’s warm, unexpected, and genuinely engaging because the strongest brands are built not just through visibility, but through how they make people feel.”
By merging experiential marketing with a neighbourhood-first mindset, Viceroy Properties continues to demonstrate how real estate brands can move beyond conventional outreach to create meaningful, lasting impressions one cup at a time.
31, Mar 2026
SaveIN expands beyond healthcare, aims to hit Rs 2000 cr loan run rate in FY 27
Mar 31: SaveIN, a fintech platform that helps people pay for services through easy EMIs, has announced its expansion beyond healthcare into new categories such as travel, furniture, lifestyle, home improvement, insurance premium financing, and consumer durables. The move aims to make premium products and services more affordable for aspirational Indians.
Since its launch in 2022, SaveIN has focused on making private healthcare accessible by offering simple financing options. Over the last four years, the company has built a strong network of over 7,500 healthcare locations and has served more than 8 lakh customers across India. The platform currently operates at an annual loan run rate of ₹600 crore and is expected to grow three times over the next 12–18 months.
SaveIN works closely with leading banks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and IDFC First Bank, multiple NBFCs, and also accepts over 15 credit cards on its platform, to provide 3-in-1, fast, paperless and transparent financing options at the point of purchase.
Jitin Bhasin, Founder & CEO, SaveIN, said, “We started in the year 2022 and have developed an ecosystem to make private healthcare accessible and affordable. While building and interacting with over 8 lakh customers and merchants, we realised that there is a tremendous need for a solution like SaveIN in other segments like travel, furniture, lifestyle, home improvement, insurance premium financing, and consumer durables as well. Together, these domains present over $50 bn in market size; we aim to simplify how Indians can avail premium products and services, without large down payments, while paying in easy EMIs, driven by our unique 3-in-1 financing model.”
Having raised over $12 million so far, SaveIN has launched an online checkout module, aimed at integrating with major brands and payment gateways and is also developing a consumer-facing mobile app and marketplace to help customers easily discover and finance premium services across categories.
At the heart of SaveIN’s model is its unique 3-in-1 financing architecture, which connects three distinct customer segments: crores of pre-approved bank customers, existing credit card holders, and those seeking fresh credit limits from SaveIN’s bouquet of lending partners. SaveIN is anchoring itself in the premium segment, where the average ticket size ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 and the maximum transaction amount goes up to ₹10 lakh. This delivers a much higher conversion rate for merchants as against existing BNPL options.
“Unlike other ‘buy now-pay later’ players, we are focusing on the premium ‘pay later’ space with an average transaction size of ₹50,000. We believe that as India grows, the average middle-class person would want to move upward, while upper-class customers thoroughly enjoy no-cost/low-cost EMIs. SaveIN wants to be the platform of choice, driving responsible consumption across quality customers, making informed purchase decisions, simplified with EMIs,” added Bhasin.
With this expansion, SaveIN aims to simplify how Indians pay for important life purchases while continuing to grow its presence in healthcare. The company has already onboarded leading brands like SOTC, Cashify, Royal Oak, EMotorad, and Duroflex among others in new categories and is aiming to triple its topline in the coming year.
31, Mar 2026
ECMS Scheme Crosses Investment Target as Government Approves 75 Proposals
New Delhi: The Government of India has approved 75 applications under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), marking a major boost to the country’s electronics manufacturing sector.
Originally, the scheme aimed to attract investments worth ₹59,350 crore. However, approvals have already surpassed this target, reaching ₹61,671 crore, reflecting strong interest from both domestic and international companies.
The ECMS is designed to strengthen India’s capabilities in manufacturing key electronic components and reduce dependence on imports. It also seeks to position the country as a global hub for electronics production by encouraging large-scale investments and building a robust supply chain.
In terms of output, the scheme had set a production target of ₹4.56 lakh crore. Current approvals are expected to generate production close to ₹4.51 lakh crore, indicating that the initiative is on track to meet its goals.
Several leading companies have committed significant investments under the scheme. Dixon Display plans to invest ₹1,100 crore in display module sub-assemblies, while Syrma Strategic Electronics will invest ₹588 crore in laminates and flexible PCBs. Munoth Lithium Battery Pvt. Ltd. is set to invest ₹500 crore in Andhra Pradesh.
Other firms such as Vikas Components India, Wangda, O/E/N India Ltd., BG Electricals and Electronics, and Terminal Technologies have also announced investments across various electronic components. Additionally, companies like Lohum Cleantech, ASM Technologies, Indo-MIM Ltd., and Bharat FIH are contributing substantial capital to expand manufacturing capacity.
According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, these investments are expected to enhance domestic production, create employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s position in the global electronics value chain.
The ECMS initiative highlights the government’s continued focus on building a self-reliant and globally competitive electronics industry.
