Category Archives: Business

VST Tillers Tractors Passes GST Reduction Benefits to Customers, Enhancing Value and Transparency

September, 26, 2025: In response to recent tax reforms by the Government of India, VST Tillers Tractors, one of India’s leading farm equipment manufacturers, announced that it has passed on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reduction directly to its customers.

The GST rate on agricultural machinery has been reduced from 12% to 5%, and VST has promptly transferred this benefit to its customers. By adjusting prices in line with the revised GST rates, VST ensures that farmers directly benefit from the government’s fiscal policies, fostering greater trust and loyalty.

Mr. Antony Cherukara, CEO, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., said, “VST has always been at the forefront of the Make in India movement. As a pioneer in the development of Power Tillers and Compact Tractors in India, we have consistently brought world-class, affordable, and efficient farm equipment to Indian farmers. Our team draws inspiration from the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister of India on promoting Swadeshi products. Passing on this GST reduction is in line with our commitment to support small and marginal farmers in mechanizing their farms. We have also developed and produced 100% Made-in-India power weeders, which can be used with multiple attachments to perform a variety of tasks in small fields, while addressing labour shortages and the narrow operational window for de-weeding in precision crops.”

This GST reduction will further encourage farmers to purchase Swadeshi products, reducing dependence on lower-quality imports that are often unreliable, non-serviceable, and detrimental to long-term farm income. By choosing trusted Indian products, farmers not only gain access to durable and efficient machinery but also contribute to strengthening the rural economy

ARAPL Clears Fund Infusion for Subsidiary Humro to Tap Global Robotics Opportunity

Pune, 26 September 2025 – Affordable Robotic & Automation Ltd (ARAPL), (BSE: 541402 | NSE: AFFORDABLE), India’s first listed robotics company, has cleared a fresh round of fund infusion into its subsidiary Humro (formerly ARAPL RaaS), as it looks to scale operations and deepen its presence in overseas markets.

At a board meeting held on 18 September 2025, the company cleared an interest-free loan of Rs 25 crore from promoter and managing director Milind Padole, with a provision to convert the amount into equity or warrants at a later date. The board also approved raising an additional Rs 50–60 crore via a preferential issue, the proceeds of which will be reinvested into Humro and subsequently converted into equity, subject to regulatory approvals.

The move follows an earlier announcement this month of an USD 8–10 million investment plan into Humro, formerly known as ARAPL RaaS, through a mix of promoter contribution, preferential issue and debt. Of this, Padole has committed USD 3 million in his personal capacity by diluting part of his shareholding in ARAPL. The balance is expected to be raised from institutional investors and debt markets.

The fresh capital will be deployed towards capex, order book execution and working capital requirements as Humro looks to scale up its operations. The Pune-based subsidiary has built a strong order pipeline of around Rs 32 crore, expected to start translating into revenues by FY26. It has also secured in-principle technology approvals from global clients in the United States and Europe, a step seen as critical for scaling its export business.

“Humro has built a robust product portfolio and secured validations from leading global clients, which is a significant endorsement for an Indian robotics company operating in such a competitive space,” said Mr. Milind Padole, Chairman and Managing Director, ARAPL.

“Over the past four years, we have steadily invested in R&D, intellectual property, and software-led automation platforms, giving us the confidence to compete with established global players. This fresh round of funding will allow us to accelerate our growth trajectory by scaling production, deepening customer engagements, and investing in our talent base. Importantly, it positions us to strengthen our US presence at a time when supply chain diversification and tariff-led cost dynamics are opening up new opportunities for Indian companies in advanced automation. Our focus will be on leveraging India’s cost advantage while continuing to deliver high-quality, reliable solutions that meet global benchmarks,” added Mr Padole.

Founded in 2005, ARAPL has emerged as a significant player in India’s automation landscape. The company has deployed more than 7,500 robots and 14,000 automated car parking systems, employs over 400 professionals, and operates a 350,000 sq. ft. facility on the outskirts of Pune. Its intellectual property portfolio includes nine patents and three proprietary software platforms.

The capital raising comes at a time when Indian automation firms are benefitting from global supply chain realignments and rising tariffs on Chinese imports into the US. With its mix of cost competitiveness and proprietary technology, ARAPL is seeking to position Humro as a serious contender in the fast-growing robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) and autonomous mobile robotics market, where demand is being driven by warehousing, logistics and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Currently, the global robotics market is dominated by Japanese, European and American majors, Indian players like ARAPL are beginning to carve out a niche by offering affordability and faster deployment cycles. The latest infusion underscores the company’s ambition to tap this opening and emerge as a credible global challenger.

The Estee Lauder Companies, Nykaa, & Startup India Announce Finalists for BEAUTY&YOU India 2025

India’s most promising beauty entrepreneurs will present their bold, category-defining ideas for a chance to win financial, distribution, and strategic support

NEW YORK, U.S. & MUMBAI, INDIA – September 25, 2025 – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.’s (NYSE: EL) New Incubation Ventures, with lead partner Nykaa and the support of Startup India, are proud to announce the finalists for BEAUTY&YOU India 2025. Now in its fourth year, the program continues its mission to discover and support the next generation of India-focused entrepreneurs shaping the future of beauty in India.

Under the 2025 theme of Beauty Frontiers, 13 finalists have been selected representing some of the most promising talent and ideas across skin care, makeup, hair care, and fragrance. Blending creativity, technology, cultural insight, and innovation, they reflect the diversity and dynamism of India’s beauty ecosystem, with concepts spanning Ayurvedic science, microbiome innovation, inclusive beauty solutions, sustainability, and novel delivery formats.

Finalists were selected across three award categories: IMAGINE (best pre-launch beauty concepts), GROW (best in-market beauty brands), and BREAKTHROUGH (leading innovations in product, technology, or business model). Finalists will pitch their brands and concepts to an esteemed panel of industry leaders in Mumbai on October 7. Winners will be announced that evening at a special event with leaders across India’s beauty, startup, creative, and innovation ecosystems.

As the program continues to grow each year, women entrepreneurs are the ones leading the charge. Over 80% of this year’s applicants included at least one woman founder. For the first time, BEAUTY&YOU India will debut the Visionary Women’s Award, a new jury prize presented with Startup India, the Government of India’s initiative to strengthen the nation’s innovation ecosystem and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Inspired by The Estée Lauder Companies’ legacy as a beauty company founded by a trailblazing woman, the award will recognize the innovation and impact of an outstanding woman entrepreneur, with the winner announced during the final event.

All winners will receive mentorship from global beauty leaders and gain access to a broad network of strategic support. They will also receive financial support from a prize pool of up to $500,000, national visibility through Startup India, as well as brand-building and distribution support through Nykaa’s powerful ecosystem—spanning discovery, consumer insights, digital amplification, omnichannel presence, and access to its extensive network.

The 2025 BEAUTY&YOU India finalists are:

IMAGINE
Best pre-launch beauty concepts

Atypiical – Milli Patel, CEO: ATYPIICAL creates hybrid suncare that blends SPF, skin care, and makeup and is engineered for the modern Indian woman’s climate, skin tone, and beauty routine.

DRENCH – Srishti Kumar, Founder: DRENCH is an ingredient-first luxury body care brand that aims to make body care as effective as skin care, with clinically powered, sensorially indulgent products.

Skiom Pvt. Ltd. – Dr. Gautam Banerjee, Cofounder & CEO and Balaknath Datta, Cofounder & COO: Skiom is an Indian skin care brand that believes microbiome is the foundation of healthy skin, offering science-driven solutions that are tested on Indian skin.

Mimiq – Harsha Soundararajan, Founder: Mimiq is a complexion-focused makeup brand, creating inclusive, high-performance, long-lasting products for people with visible skin differences, such as vitiligo.

Allyv – Surabhi Sundarka, Founder & CEO: Allyv aims to bring the joy back into skin care by offering multi-functional, effective, and highly sensorial products.

GROW
Best in-market beauty brands

Antinorm – Aparna Saxena, Founder & CEO: Antinorm simplifies beauty with high-performance, climate-tailored, and multitasking products that replace multi-step routines.

Dermis Oracle – Ankit Tripathi, Founder & CEO and Kaksha Patel, Cofounder & Head of Product: Dermis Oracle is a pharmaceutical company offering clinically proven solutions to address specific skin concerns through its family of brands, including Seekcaus (suncare) and Anable (hair care).

Justhuman – Roshini Sanah Jaiswal, Founder & CEO and Nitin Chawla, Cofounder & Head of Strategy and Compliance: Justhuman offers neurocosmetics that make people look and feel good by harnessing the skin-brain connection to support both skin health and emotional well-being.

Project Qaafi – Aahan Chatterjee, Founder: Qaafi is a contemporary expression of Indian skin care, blending Ayurveda, botanicals, and science-backed actives with a design-first approach that’s culturally nuanced and crafted for today’s discerning consumer.

BREAKTHROUGH

Leading innovations in product, technology, or business model

Atmiya Innovations Foundation – Dr. Mousumi Das, Founder & Assistant Professor: Dr. Das has created CYALIP, an advanced lipcare product that utilizes stabilization technology to offer vibrant, pH-resistant, and light-stable coloration while preserving the pigment’s bioactive properties.

Cosmos Bio Private Limited – Dr. Bharat Somireddy, Cofounder & CEO and Sowjanya Venkata, Cofounder: Cosmos Bio is an industrial biotech company pioneering sustainable, cruelty-free bioactives for beauty and personal care.

Hitech Formulations – Jaspreet Singh Gulati, Founder & Director: Hitech Formulations created Lipocell™, a breakthrough encapsulation technology that stabilizes retinoids and other unstable actives without solvents—delivering safer, more effective formulations for pigmentation, anti-aging, and antioxidant-driven skin care.

Nanospin Technologies LLP – Naman H. Barot, Founder: Nanospin Technology LLP is changing skin care at the speed of sustainability with a quick-dissolve face sheet mask that delivers deep moisture and glow-boosting ingredients in seconds.

This year’s jury panel is composed of experts across The Estée Lauder Companies (“ELC”) and industry leaders including Akhil Shrivastava (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, ELC), Michelle Freyre (Global Brand President, Clinique and Dermatological Brands, ELC), Sumit Bhasin (Senior Vice President, Global R&D and Innovation for Fragrance, Makeup, and External Partnerships, ELC), Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois (Senior Vice President & Global General Manager, MAC Cosmetics), Rohan Vaziralli (General Manager, The ELC India), Anchit Nayar (Executive Director & CEO, Nykaa Beauty), Nivruti Rai (Head of Invest India), Katrina Kaif (Actor and Co-Founder, Kay Beauty), Gianandrea Ferrari (Chief Commercial Officer, Intercos Group), Dr. Jaishree Sharad (Celebrated Cosmetic Dermatologist, Author, and TEDX Speaker), Aabha Bakaya (Founder & CEO, Ladies Who Lead), and Gaurav Gupta (Couturier, Artist, and Designer).

Envision Energy India performs Ground-Breaking ceremony for Blade Plant in Gujarat

September 25, 2025: Envision Energy, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, performed the ground-breaking ceremony for its 2 GW/PA Blade Manufacturing Facility in Kalyangadh, Bavla Taluka, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat. The new facility marks Envision’s third manufacturing site in India and is a significant step in the company’s ₹500 crore expansion plan to deepen its presence and strengthen manufacturing capabilities in the country.

The ground-breaking ceremony was graced by Shri Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Kheda, Gujarat as Chief Guest in the presence of dignitaries including Shri Kiritsinh Sardarsang Dabhi, MLA, Dholka Assembly, Shri Om Prakash Jat, SP, Shri Durgesh Agarwal, Founder, DA Group, Shri Prateek Agarwal, Director, Ashwika Warehousing LLP, S H Rana, Divya Estate, Management and senior management from Envision Energy India, led by Mr. RPV Prasad, Managing Director among others.

The launch of Envision Energy’s new facility is fully aligned with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) Make-in-India mandate, strengthening domestic manufacturing of renewable energy components and reducing reliance on imports. In addition, this milestone directly supports India’s national commitment to achieve 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, underscoring Envision’s role as a trusted strategic partner in advancing the country’s clean energy transition.

The Gujarat facility will manufacture up to 1,500 blades annually using six moulds and will be equipped to produce blades for both 3.3 MW and 5 MW wind turbine platforms. In total, the project will support more than 4 GW of wind energy projects across 10+ sites in five districts of Gujarat, significantly strengthening the state’s renewable energy capacity.

The project will also generate significant local employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s industrial ecosystem by integrating with local supply chains and supporting ancillary industries. The Gujarat facility is expected to generate around 4,000 direct and indirect jobs by mid-2027 once it becomes fully operational.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. RPV Prasad, Managing Director, Envision Energy India said, “This new facility in Gujarat is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in India’s clean energy future. It reflects our commitment to supporting the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening domestic manufacturing, creating local employment and fostering industrial growth in the region.”

While addressing the event, Shri Devusinh Jesingbhai Chauhan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Kheda, Gujarat said, “Gujarat has always been an industry-friendly state with unmatched ease of doing business and energy will continue to play a vital role in driving our nation’s economic success. Employment generation and skill development are critical and I urge our youth to make themselves employment worthy, as India builds a sustainable future. With its commitment to clean energy and innovation, Envision represents the kind of vision that will help India become a developed nation by 2047. We welcome Envision to Gujarat and look forward to their contribution in nation building.” This facility in Gujarat is being developed by DA Group and constructed by Ashwika Warehousing LLP, jointly contributing to the creation of a greener and better India.

The Great Eastern Home Brings Ceramic Craftsmanship into Furniture Design

Mumbai, 24 September 2025 – The Great Eastern Home introduces its latest innovation: a stunning collection of handcrafted ceramic furniture that masterfully fuses form, function, and artistry. Inspired by the global trend of material fusion in interiors, the collection brings together timeless ceramic with the warmth and durability of wood, offering visually striking, yet highly functional pieces for contemporary and classic spaces alike.

Innovation Meets Artistry

Born in The Great Eastern Design Studio, this unique concept reimagines ceramic beyond its traditional use. Master artisans and designers have developed advanced shaping, glazing, and firing techniques to give ceramic the structural integrity needed for furniture, while wood complements the designs with natural character and warmth.

“This collection pushes the boundaries of craft by transforming ceramic into a primary structural material, not just an accent,” says a spokesperson from The Great Eastern Home.

Crafted by Hand, Designed to Last

• Each piece begins as a hand-drawn sketch in the in-house Ceramic Workshop.

• Artisans sculpt the clay, apply custom glazes, and fire it at high temperatures to achieve both strength and deep color.

• Wooden components are carefully shaped and paired to create a harmonious balance of materials.

• Every piece is individually hand-finished, making it a unique, functional work of art.

A Testament to Timeless Craft

More than furniture, this collection embodies The Great Eastern Home’s commitment to artisanal heritage, while redefining what’s possible in furniture design. The result is a line of statement center tables, refined side pieces, and distinctive accents that celebrate both material innovation and timeless elegance.

Standard Chartered’s Future of Trade Report: India Emerges as a Top Destination for Global Corporates

24 September 2025, India: Standard Chartered’s latest report, “Future of Trade: Resilience,” highlights a significant shift in global corporate strategies, with India emerging as the leading market of interest for companies looking to realign their trade and manufacturing activities.

As per the survey, India is the leading market of interest, where almost half of the respondents are looking to ramp up or maintain trade activities with the world’s fastest-growing major economy, while two in five intend to ramp up or continue manufacturing activities. In particular, more than 60 per cent of corporates from the US, the UK, Mainland China and Hong Kong are looking to increase trade with India.

The report presents inputs from 1,200 C-suite and senior leaders at multinational corporations based in 17 key markets across four industries, on their views for global trade and their strategies over the next three to five years.

Overall, globally the Future of Trade report, reveals that while trade tariffs are top of mind, emerging technologies and global economic growth are equally critical factors, with 53% of corporates respectively ranking those as the top strategic drivers shaping the future of global trade.

Sunil Kaushal, Global Co-head, Corporate & Investment Banking and CEO, ASEAN and South Asia, Standard Chartered, said, “We are seeing strong demand from clients to evolve their global trade and supply chain ecosystems and accelerate the adoption of smart manufacturing and AI to drive efficiencies and offset rising costs. Although trade fragmentation is likely to hinder global growth in the short term, rising prosperity in developing economies and emerging technology mean that the picture, while complex, is still compelling.

The Future of Trade report offers a forward-looking perspective on global corporate priorities to build resilience. It serves as a strategic compass, highlighting the top destinations that multinational companies are considering for realigning their sourcing, manufacturing, and exports. It also provides actionable insights to shape decision making, such as investing in supply chain finance platforms and digitalisation to improve treasury management, corporate cashflows, and supply chain diversification,” Kaushal added.

Corporate leaders believe that Asia will continue to drive trade growth in the next three to five years, with rising prominence from the Middle East and the US remaining as a heavyweight. The report also reveals corridors that will see increased trade and manufacturing activities.

Table: Top six markets of interest for global corporates realigning their supply chains geographically

Net intention is the net proportion of surveyed corporates who are planning to increase or maintain activities with the target market.

A Symphony in Pastels: Discover Kalyan Jewellers’ Huescape

The world of fine jewellery is witnessing a refreshing shift from traditional all-gold pieces to vibrant designs adorned with coloured gemstones. More and more people, including today’s modern-day brides, are embracing coloured jewellery as a way to express individuality and add personality to their look. With their soft yet striking appeal, coloured gemstones are redefining what heirloom-worthy jewellery can look like. Kalyan Jewellers’ Huescape collection captures this very essence, where handcrafted gold meets a delicate palette of pastel-hued stones, creating pieces that are timeless yet contemporary.

Product Description

Pastel Heritage Set

This gold choker and earring duo reimagines heritage craft with a playful pastel twist. Rounded gemstones in ametrine, aquamarine, morganite, prehnite, chrysoprase, and sunstone, sit like soft drops of colour against intricate gold. The design balances ornate detailing with a light, whimsical mood, while echoing the growing trend of coloured gemstone jewellery that even today’s modern brides are embracing. The earrings mirror the necklace with gentle movement and pastel charm. A statement of tradition made refreshingly modern, perfect for adding a pop of colour to everyday elegance.

Pastel Mosaic Necklace Set

A tapestry of design, this long necklace pairs intricate gold craft with pastel stones in aqua, blush, and amber tones featuring aquamarine, morganite, sunstone, and prehnite. The centrepiece glows with a mosaic of gemstones, framed by layered golden detailing. Delicate pearl strands soften the look, adding fluidity to the structured pendant. Matching earrings echo the pastel play, balancing tradition with a modern touch. An artistic statement that turns jewellery into a wearable design, reflecting the growing allure of coloured gemstones among contemporary connoisseurs and brides alike.

Pastel Harmony Necklace Set

Gold meets colour in perfect balance, with gemstones like morganite in blush pink, aquamarine in soft blue, and tiger’s eye in earthy browns set against intricate detailing. The necklace flows with ornate motifs and dangling elements that add lightness and rhythm. A central green chrysoprase stone anchors the design, lending depth to the pastel palette. The matching earrings highlight soft pink morganite drops with a playful finish. A piece that blends tradition with a softer, more modern mood.

Pastel Radiance Necklace Set

A golden canvas lit up with gemstones in lilac ametrine, aqua aquamarine, blush morganite, and deep berry hessonite garnet. The necklace’s centrepiece features a striking green chrysoprase framed by pastel accents and intricate gold danglers.

Each gem along the neckline tells its own story, creating a spectrum of soft yet vivid hues. The earrings echo the bold palette with stacked colour and ornate goldwork.
A radiant expression of how tradition can shine in softer shades.

Pastel Blossom Necklace Set

Teardrop green chrysoprase gemstones framed in delicate pearls form the heart of this gold necklace. Blush pink rhodochrosite stones add a soft contrast, creating a fresh pastel harmony. The ornate gold detailing flows around each gem, giving depth and texture to the design. Matching earrings mirror the teardrop motif, balancing boldness with grace. A piece that feels rooted in tradition yet painted in lighter, modern hues.

Pastel Prism Necklace Set

A radiant line-up of gemstones in lilac amethyst, rich emerald, deep ruby, and soft rose quartz, each framed in gold.

The necklace forms a rhythmic pattern, where every pastel gem feels like a brushstroke of colour. Dangling gold motifs add light movement, enhancing the playful charm. Matching earrings pick up the same vibrant palette in a compact form.

A piece that transforms gold into a kaleidoscope of soft, modern hues.

Kotak Mahindra Bank and United Way Bengaluru Join Hands for ‘Model Anganwadi Project’ in Rural Karnataka

22 September 2025, Karnataka: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), with CSR support from Kotak Mahindra Bank and in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka, is refurbishing 30 Anganwadi centres across Dharwad and Gadag districts.

The initiative aims to support holistic early childhood development for children aged 0-6 years.

The ‘Model Anganwadi Project’ focuses on creating child-friendly spaces equipped with safe learning materials, improved sanitation facilities, and access to nutritious food for children as well as pregnant and lactating mothers. Covering 30 villages, the project will benefit a total population of approximately 30,000. The launch event that took place at Anganwadi centre of Gadag (Kadampura 1 and 2), and Dharwad district (Aarekurahalli-5 and Annigere-21), on 19th September 2025 also marked the celebration of Nutrition Day, highlighting the importance of nutrition and holistic development in early childhood.

The refurbished Anganwadi Centres were inaugurated in the presence of key representatives from Women and Child Development (WCD), Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Zilla Panchayat, Kotak Mahindra Bank and the UWBe team.

Himanshu Nivsarkar, Head – CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank said “For many families in rural areas, Anganwadis are lifelines. Through the Model Anganwadi Project, we aim to empower communities by fostering healthier beginnings and brighter futures for children and mothers. It is a privilege to collaborate with United Way Bengaluru and the Women and Child Development Department on this meaningful initiative, as we continue to invest in the long-term well-being of our communities.”

Under the Born Learning Campaign, our vision for early childhood care is to transform Anganwadis into vibrant, safe, and inclusive spaces that foster learning and growth. For many children, Anganwadis are their first step into education and through our partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank, we are building an ecosystem where every child has the opportunity to thrive. This initiative strongly reflects our commitment to education, health, and holistic community development,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

As part of its CSR vision, Kotak Mahindra Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful and sustainable impact, especially in the areas of education, health, and livelihood. The ‘Model Anganwadi Project’ aligns with this commitment by addressing critical early childhood needs in rural Karnataka and reinforcing Kotak’s focus on empowering communities from the ground up.

16th Convocation at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS)

Chennai, 21th September 2025: The 16th Convocation of The Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) was held at the Bay Range Campus. H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of Diplomatic Corps (India), graced the event as the chief guest. Mr. Rajesh Nambiar – NASSCOM president, Dr. Abraham Varughese- Director, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), DRDO, and Dr. C. Emmanuel – Director, Academics and Research, Gleneagles Health City, Chennai, were the guest of honours for HITS’s most prestigious event of the year. The celebration was presided over by the Chancellor, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese. The event was also attended by esteemed officials of HITS.

More than 2500 graduating students received their UG, PG degrees and Ph.Ds in multiple streams including Engineering, Architecture, Law, Management, Basic and applied sciences, liberal arts, Health Science and Hindustan online – CODE. The prizes were awarded to 88 rank holders, underlining their exceptional achievements. The Chief Guest and Chancellor conferred the awards and the degrees to the recipients, with immense pride and honour.

During the convocation ceremony, the University awarded the chief guest H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam with Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for his boundless contribution in humanities, culture, peace and society. The University awarded the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) to Mr. Rajesh Nambiar, for his three decades of excellence in digital transformation, and to Dr. Abraham Varughese for his outstanding achievements in technology and global research, and to Dr. C. Emmanuel for his contribution and leadership in healthcare development.

On the 16th Convocation Day, HITS also inaugurated CPSL (Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory), in partnership with iHub – AwaDH, IIT Ropar, National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), DST, Government of India. The Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science offers hands-on training and research experience for Undergraduate Research Interns & Junior Research Fellows across interdisciplinary areas at the intersection of Agriculture Automation, Information Systems, and Water Treatment Technologies. The program is designed to equip students and researchers with cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience in developing sustainable, AI-enabled cyber-physical solutions for agriculture and water systems.

HITS also inaugurated the TANCAM Spoke Centre at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science giving students direct access to world-class facilities and hands-on training in advanced manufacturing using the acclaimed 3D EXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systèmes. Through this collaboration, students will gain practical experience, industry-relevant skills, and exposure to leading-edge technology to make them career-ready and globally competitive.

During the convocation ceremony, the Founder Dr. K.C.G. Verghese Award for Best Research was conferred by Ms. Swathi N, Ph.D. Scholar ECE for her exemplary contributions towards research, growth and development. Founder Chancellor, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Verghese Award for best academic proficiency was presented to Mr. Vishnu Priyan J, B.Tech IT (CS), in recognition of his academic excellence. Chancellor Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese award for best outgoing student was bagged by Ms. Shivaranjeni from B.Tech, Aero in recognition of her excellent performance in academic curricular and co-curricular throughout her journey at the campus.

Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor of HITS and Chairman of the Hindustan Group of Institutions, addressed the students, offering words of encouragement and empowerment. He congratulated the degree holders on their academic accomplishments and urged them to continue their pursuit of knowledge for decades to come. Dr. Anand, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, curiosity, research and innovation irrespective of challenges and opportunity in life.

During his address, the chief guest H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, shared life altering instances from his own academic and professional journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities, encouraging the graduates to embrace a spirit of curiosity, learning, and the compassion to follow their passions with uncompromised determination.

Vice-Chancellor (I/C), Dr. S. Ganesan presented his Annual Report on the occasion of 16th Convocation, highlighting the milestones and achievements of the year 2024 -2025, the wide opportunities created, benchmarks accomplished, global MOUs, one-of-a-kind infrastructure, mapping the hard work and dedication from every individual involved to mark such a historic year at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science.

The event epitomized the mission of HITS to empower the next generation leaders, researchers, innovators, market trend-setters and beyond.

DFS secretary awards Hackathon winners in BOI FinShield conclave

Mumbai, 20 September 2025: The Grand Finale of FinShield Hackathon 2025 organised by Bank of India in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad as part of PSBs Hackathon Series 2025, was concluded at the Head office of BOI. Mumbai.   Shri M Nagaraju, Secretary DFS, Govt of India, Sh. Manoj Ayappan, Jt. Secretary, Govt of India & Nominee Director on BOI Board, Sh. Rajneesh Karnatak, MD & CEO, Sh. Shoban, Asst Prof. & in charge Centre of Excellence for FinTech IIT Hyderabad, All the Executive Directors of Bank of India and Senior Management and staff of BOI have attended this function.