Category Archives: News

National Science Day Performance ‘There is No Planet B’ Drives Awareness and Action

Thane, 03rd March 2025 – Korum Mall, a leader in sustainability-driven initiatives, successfully hosted an inspiring science awareness campaign in collaboration with Nalanda Public School on National Science Day. Eighty young visionaries from Grade 7 took the stage to deliver a thought-provoking performance on the urgency of climate action. With students from Grade 6, parents, and mall shoppers in attendance, the play served as a wake-up call for a sustainable future.

Bringing science to life, the event made learning interactive and engaging. Through live performances, students demonstrated how the Earth has evolved. They further stressed how human intervention has slowly degraded Earth and inspired young minds to be proactive in saving our planet. A street march led by students further emphasized sustainability and environmental conservation, perfectly aligning with Korum Mall’s commitment to these causes.

“The dedication of the students of Nalanda Public School was truly remarkable. Science is crucial in shaping a sustainable future, and this event ignited curiosity and awareness among children and adults alike,” — Mr. Deva Jyotula, Senior Vice President of Retail, KORUM MALL

Nalanda Public School also expressed appreciation for Korum Mall’s support. “We sincerely thank Korum Mall for being a valuable venue partner. Their commitment to sustainability and education provided an ideal platform for our students to showcase their creativity and spread awareness about climate action,” said [Mrs. Nandita Khanna], [Principal] of Nalanda Public School.

ISB Commemorates Graduation Day for PGP MAX, PGP PRO, PGP MFAB, and AMPBA Programs

[March 3, 2025]: The Indian School of Business (ISB) today celebrated the graduation of 505 students across PGP MAX Co2024, PGP PRO Co2024, PGP MFAB Co2024 and AMPBA Co2023 (Winter) and AMPBA Co2024 (Summer) programmes at the school’s Hyderabad campus. The graduation day commenced with the ceremonial procession led by the Dean of ISB, Chief Guest Shri Mahesh Kolli, Founder and Group President, Greenko Group, and senior faculty members of ISB.

In his address, Shri Mahesh Kolli urged the graduates to embrace the transformative opportunities that lay ahead of them. He emphasised the importance of cultivating strong beliefs, identifying megatrends, and fostering sustainable partnerships as essential pillars for impactful careers and entrepreneurial success. Kolli underscored that sustainability is not merely an environmental necessity, but a powerful economic opportunity, capable of driving growth through innovation.

Drawing from Greenko’s journey, he explained how integrating nature’s value into business models can unlock affordability and accessibility without compromising on environmental goals. Kolli concluded by inspiring the graduating class to lead with curiosity, creativity, and purpose in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.

Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, congratulated the graduating classes on their remarkable achievement of completing rigorous programmes, while balancing careers and personal commitments. The Dean also urged graduates to reflect on the knowledge and skills gained at ISB and use them not only for professional success, but also to create meaningful impact in their industries and communities. He encouraged the graduates to lead with kindness, address global challenges, and support those less fortunate. He also emphasised the need to be lifelong learners to stay relevant and achieve great success. He reaffirmed ISB’s pride in their accomplishments, pledging the school’s continued support as they move forward in their journeys.

Students from the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Professionals (PGP PRO Class of 2024-Hyderabad; Delhi; Mumbai and Bengaluru cohorts: 221; Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives (PGP MAX Class of 2024): 62; Post Graduate Programme in Management for Family Business (PGP MFAB Class of 2024): 59 and Advanced Management Programme in Business Analytics (AMPBA) Class of 2023 (Winter): 71 and Class of 2024 (Summer): 92 graduated today from ISB.

ISB celebrated academic and leadership achievements, wherein Scholar of Excellence awards were presented to outstanding students from each programme. The graduation ceremony also honoured faculty members and academic associates for their important role in the students’ learning journeys. The ceremony ended with graduates tossing their hats in celebration, joined by their jubilant families and friends.

COWE’s Women’s International Summit on Entrepreneurship Kicks Off with Global Focus

Hyderabad, February 2025: The prestigious two-day Women’s International Summit on Entrepreneurship (WISE) & B2B Expo 2025, being hosted by The Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs (COWE), was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Jishnu Dev Verma, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana; today at the Engineering Staff College in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, India. Guests of Honor Smt. Konda Surekha, Minister for Environment and Forests, Govt of Telangana; Smt. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises; Eminent Guests Smt Meghana Rao, Founder, Meru International Schools; Smt Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group; Shri C. Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman – CII, Indian Green Building Council; Smt Saroj Bajaj, President, Mahila Dakshata Samithi; International Speakers Mr Anurag Singh, COO, UFG LAB, UAE; Mr Nicolas Cary, President and Co-Founder, Blockchain.com, UK; Mr Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner, UK Consulate; Mr Ovais Sarmad, Former Deputy Executive Secretary, UNCC, Spain; Ms Rubylyn Hernandez, Aartees Education Foundation Inc, Philippines; graced the occasion. Ms. Lalitha Aluri, National President, COWE India; Ms. Uma Gurkha, Founder Director, COWE India; Ms. Nidhi Toshniwal, National Vice President, COWE India; Ms. Madhu Tyagi, Past National President, COWE India; Ms. Neeraja Reddy, National Secretary-1, Ms. Jyotsna Cheruvu, National Secretary-2, COWE India; Ms. Darsi Aparna, National Treasurer; Ms. Meetu Puri, National Jt. Secretary-1; and were present on the occasion.

WISE is a transformative event empowering women entrepreneurs by providing a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. This premier event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, global trade representatives, and women entrepreneurs. During the two days It has eight panel discussions on topics like e-vehicles, emerging technologies, rural to global. Women entrepreneurs will showcase their products and services at a B2B Expo. Over 40 buyers including PSUs, Software and other major companies and 70 sellers are participating in a unique buyer seller meet. Over 108 women entrepreneurs from across the country will be recognised their individual fields are being honoured for contributions to COWE and felicitated with Shakti Awards for their outstanding contribution at the valedictory on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jishnu Dev Verma said, this event truly embodies the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and cross border collaboration. Today as we discuss empowering women entrepreneurs through technology, the future of business is digital, inclusive, and globally connected. We should go beyond participation, equity axis and expansion. Technology is the key enabler to bridge gender gaps, open new markets and make businesses scalable. The rural women have woken up, they are family makers and society makers. Women are half the population and we can’t talk about vikasit Bharat with out vikasit women. We need to empower women through education, entrepreneurship.

Smt. Konda Surekha said, our Government is committed to create an inclusive, empowering eco-system where women entrepreneurs thrive and lead the state’s economic growth. Today empowerment of women is not just a matter of social justice, it is a catalyst for economic development. Our government is focussed on transforming women into wealth creators through the Indira Mahila Shakti program, this flagship program will enable one lakh crore in bank linkages over five years, the vision is to create one lakh women crorepatis, interest free loans are provided for SHGs, establishment of Indira Mahila Shakti bazars, integration of SHG products with e-commerce. I commend COWE for its two decades of remarkable work in fostering women entrepreneurship across India. It has empowered women through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship development programs. Their contribution in developing women specific industrial estates, skill training and grassroot mentorship has created transformative opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Smt. Mercy said, we at the ministry of MSME run a whole lot of schemes for women. If you would like to access some of these schemes, look up at the GIFT scheme, also at the zero effect and zero defect scheme. At the Central level we are working towards onboarding all MSMEs on ONDC and also, we want to encourage all our MSMEs to be on e-commerce platform. We are also aggressive on digitalisation.

Smt Sangita Reddy, digital knowledge is very important, and you can begin your journey on digital learning today by logging on to techequity.com, this platform was India’s gift to women of the world during G20. It is a completely free platform, it has over 500 courses in 120 languages, and over 3 lakh women already benefited from this platform.

The goal of WISE is to foster cross-sector collaborations, technological innovations, and sustainable business growth. The prestigious event, funded under the International Cooperation Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, is highlighting the critical role women entrepreneurs play in driving India’s economy. Women-led enterprises contribute significantly, representing 20% of MSMEs, employing over 23% of the workforce, and accounting for nearly 13.5 to 15% of the GDP.

Ms. Lalitha Aluri said, COWE has empowered over 2 lakh women entrepreneurs during the last two decades bridging gaps in the market access, finance and business development. Our initiatives including women specific industrial estates, Spoorthi and micro cluster development at district level in all the states continue to drive women led entrepreneurship. Our vision is to expand COWE across all states, reaching ten thousand registered members, support 20 plus micro clusters and establish women specific industrial zones in five states with corporate partnerships, incubator tie ups, and integration with key government schemes, we aim to strengthen women led businesses nationally. WISE 2025 is not just an event, it’s a movement.

Ms. Uma Gurkha said, our vision in starting COWE was to empower women through entrepreneurship. We worked to bring awareness, skilling, marketing support, networking, advocacy with the governments. We touched the lives of more than ten thousand women during this period.

Ms. Jyotsna Cheruvu said, the vision and objective of WISE 2025 is to focus on MSME sectors and MSME led women entrepreneurs at the micro level. We want to create a platform for learning and also to understand the various tools available across the globe, with several foreign speakers sharing their insights.

The theme of the event, “Innovation, Sustainability, and Cross-Border Collaboration”, underscores the significance of adopting cutting-edge practices, promoting eco-friendly initiatives, and cultivating international alliances to empower women entrepreneurs in a rapidly evolving business landscape, fostering their growth and success.

COWE is commemorating the 20 years of its glorious journey with the prestigious Women’s International Summit on Entrepreneurship. During these two decades it built its network pan India with 1800 life members in 12 Chapters with a footprint across Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, UP, Uttara Khand, West Bengal, Haryana. COWE empowers women to be successful entrepreneurs and will be spreading its network across the country.

Mumbaikars Experience Top-Tier Padel at IPT City Open – Mumbai Edition by PadelPark India

Mumbai, 1st March 2025: PadelPark is proud to present the Indian Padel Tour 2025, an exciting initiative to bring the sport of padel to a wider audience across India on March 1st and 2nd, 2025. Kicking off this prestigious Indian Padel Tour calendar for Mumbaikars is the IPT City Open – Mumbai Edition, a tournament designed exclusively for beginners and intermediate players, set to take place at World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade. This tournament aims to encourage broader participation in the sport while creating a competitive yet welcoming environment for aspiring padel players.

The tournament features three categories, ensuring an inclusive playing field for all skill levels. With 48 players in the Men’s Beginner category, 20 players in the Women’s Beginner category, and 26 players in the Mixed Intermediate category, the event will see a total of 94 participants battling it out on the court. Whether you’re a spectator or taking your first steps into padel or honing your skills at the intermediate level, this tournament promises an exhilarating experience filled with intense rallies, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.

The IPT City Open – Mumbai Edition is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the growing padel community in India. With the Indian Padel Tour 2025 set to feature multiple events across the country, this marks the beginning of an exciting journey for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport.

Where: PadelPark, World Trade Center, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai

When: March 1st and 2nd, 2025

Timings: 9am to 8:30pm

Phoebe Litchfield: “Kashvee is Going to Be a Major Talent for India. As an Aussie, I’m a Little Scared”

Speaking exclusively on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, Phoebe Litchfield praised Ashleigh Gardner, She said:

“She’s awesome. I think it’s a nice taste of home when you’re batting with her. She’s very calm, very collected, and can take games away with her destructive batting. We needed a big over, and she pretty much provided that against the leg-spinner, getting us back to a run-a-ball rate. From there, it was just about finishing the chase. Her ability to captain, bowl well, and bat explosively is a huge asset for the team. We love having her on our side.”

Speaking on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, Phoebe Litchfield credited the Gujarat Giants’ bowlers for their match-winning performance, saying:

“Our bowlers have been outstanding—they won us the game today for sure. Taking three wickets in the powerplay puts the opposition on the back foot. We’ve been in that situation ourselves in the last two games as a batting unit, so we know the pressure it creates. The way Kashvee [Gautam] and Deandra [Dottin] bowled up front was simply superb. I think Kashvee is going to be a real talent in the future. As an Aussie, I have to say—I’m a little scared! It’s awesome to have her on our side in the WPL.”

Discussing her personal goals for the WPL, Phoebe Litchfield reflected on how she aims to evolve her game through the tournament, She said:

“I’ve used this platform to learn heaps. It’s one of the best tournaments in the world, featuring world-class players, and it’s a great challenge. Now that I’ve got my chance in the middle order, I hope to keep it. Laura Wolvaardt is still knocking on the door with some amazing shots in the nets, so it’s a pretty competitive environment. But I’m glad to have this opportunity. With a World Cup coming up in a few months, I’m soaking up all the insights and tricks I can get in India while also enjoying the experience—because playing cricket here is the best thing ever! Tonight was a lot of fun.”

Speaking exclusively on Amul Cricket Live on JioHotstar, Anjum Chopra analyzed Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) performance and pinpointed where they lost the game. She said:

“Losing wickets early is never ideal, and if you lose more than two wickets in the powerplay while facing over 30-35 dot balls in a 120-ball contest, you’re likely to end up on the losing side. Today was no different. For RCB, the biggest blows were the dismissals of Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry in the powerplay. All credit to the Gujarat Giants’ bowlers. We expected Gujarat to come out stronger, especially after their last game, where they posted over 200 runs but still lost in Vadodara. Certain things play on players’ and captains’ minds. Tonight was one of those days when the three early wickets put RCB in a hole they couldn’t climb out of. Defending that target required more breakthroughs from their bowlers. Apart from Renuka Singh Thakur, they needed someone from the other end to step up and take wickets, but it didn’t happen.”

Anjum Chopra also spoke about Ashleigh Gardner’s impact and the strength of Australian cricketers in the TATA WPL, She said:

“Look at the depth of talent with players like Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry. This is why Australia is so dominant. Even when they’re under pressure, they find a way to fight back. If it’s not Perry, it’s Gardner. If it’s not Gardner, it’s Phoebe Litchfield. If it’s not Litchfield, it’s Georgia Wareham. They might be playing for different teams in tonight’s contest, but they all come from the same winning culture—the nursery that teaches them how to win matches and make life difficult for the opposition. Gardner’s first shot tonight—a crisp cover drive—was brilliant. It’s that kind of confidence and skill that makes Australian players so formidable.”

AI and Machine Learning in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA): The Future of Risk Assessment

By-Mr. Vidhya Sagar Verma, Consulting Engineer, Sigma HSE India

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) has been a cornerstone of industrial safety, helping organizations identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with hazardous processes. Traditionally, PHA has relied on qualitative methods such as Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA). However, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the field of risk assessment is undergoing a transformation. These technologies offer the potential to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and predictive capabilities in PHA.

 One of the key advantages of AI in PHA is the ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. Traditional PHA relies on human expertise to analyze historical incident reports, operational data, and safety performance metrics. AI-powered algorithms can automate this process, identifying patterns and correlations that might be overlooked by human analysts. By leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP), AI can also analyze safety documentation, regulatory reports, and technical manuals to extract relevant risk information efficiently.

 Machine Learning enables organizations to move beyond historical data analysis and into predictive risk assessment. By using ML models trained on past incident data, AI can predict potential failures and hazardous scenarios before they occur. Advanced algorithms can assess the likelihood of specific failure modes based on real-time data from industrial sensors, leading to proactive maintenance and improved hazard identification. AI-powered systems can continuously monitor industrial operations in real time, using sensor data to detect deviations from normal operating conditions. By applying anomaly detection algorithms, these systems can identify early warning signs of potential hazards, such as pressure build-ups, temperature fluctuations, or equipment malfunctions. This real-time hazard detection capability enhances operational safety by allowing operators to take immediate corrective actions before an incident escalates.

 AI can act as an intelligent decision-support tool for risk assessment teams. By integrating AI with existing PHA methodologies, organizations can receive recommendations on risk mitigation strategies, ranking them based on effectiveness and feasibility. AI-driven simulation tools can also model various risk scenarios, providing safety engineers with data-driven insights to optimize safety measures. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical system that can be used to simulate different operational scenarios. AI-driven digital twins enable organizations to conduct virtual PHAs, allowing safety professionals to test the impact of various hazards and mitigation strategies without exposing personnel or assets to real-world risks. These simulations can enhance safety planning and improve the robustness of risk assessments.
Human factors play a significant role in traditional PHA, where subjective judgment and experience influence risk evaluations. AI helps reduce human error by standardizing risk assessments and ensuring that decisions are based on data-driven insights rather than personal biases. Additionally, AI-powered checklists and automation tools ensure consistency in safety evaluations across different teams and locations. Ensuring compliance with safety regulations is a critical aspect of PHA. AI can streamline the compliance process by automatically reviewing regulatory requirements, cross-referencing safety reports, and generating documentation in line with industry standards. This not only reduces the administrative burden on safety professionals but also ensures that risk assessments remain aligned with evolving regulatory frameworks.

 While AI and ML offer transformative benefits to PHA, their adoption comes with challenges. Data quality and availability are crucial for training effective ML models, and organizations must invest in reliable data collection systems. Additionally, AI-based risk assessments should complement, rather than replace, human expertise, as critical safety decisions still require human oversight. Ethical considerations, such as transparency in AI decision-making and potential biases in ML algorithms, also need to be addressed.

 AI and Machine Learning are revolutionizing Process Hazard Analysis, offering enhanced efficiency, predictive capabilities, and real-time risk assessment. By integrating these technologies into PHA methodologies, organizations can improve safety outcomes, reduce downtime, and ensure regulatory compliance. While challenges remain, the future of risk assessment will increasingly rely on AI-driven insights to create safer industrial environments. Embracing AI in PHA is not just a technological advancement—it is a step toward a more proactive and data-driven approach to process safety.

Vice President Celebrates 150th Advent of Srila Prabhupad with Gaudiya Mission, Honoring His Legacy

Kolkata,1st March 2025: Gaudiya Mission hosted the 150th Advent Commemoration of Srila Prabhupad on Friday at Science City Auditorium. The closing ceremony featured His Excellence, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India; Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal; Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism; and Srimad Bhakti Sundar Sanyasi Goswami Maharaj, Acharya & President of Gaudiya Mission.

The distinguished guests also unveiled two books, furthering the Mission’s legacy of spiritual and philosophical discourse.

His Excellence, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Vice President of India, said, “It is a moment of immense pride and spiritual fulfillment to be part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur. His teachings continue to illuminate the path of devotion, knowledge and righteousness, shaping the spiritual consciousness of countless individuals across the world. The recognition of this historic occasion by UNESCO signifies the global importance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s message. His legacy is a guiding light, reinforcing the values of unity, service, and unwavering faith. The issuance of a commemorative coin and stamp by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji symbolises our civilisational heritage and the profound impact of spiritual wisdom on national unity. These timeless values will continue to inspire generations. India has always been the spiritual center of the world. Our rich heritage, deeply rooted in dharma and culture, has withstood the tests of time. The vision of great spiritual leaders like Srila Bhaktisiddhanta strengthens our collective resolve to uphold these values. Our culture is our identity. It is imperative to preserve and sustain it for future generations. True progress is not merely material but also deeply rooted in spiritual awakening. The teachings of our saints and sages remind us to embrace humility, wisdom, and the pursuit of higher consciousness. As we gather today to honour Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, let us pledge to carry forward his vision of a just, harmonious and spiritually enriched society. May his wisdom continue to guide us towards truth, righteousness and universal well-being. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.”

His Excellence, Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal, said, “This is an occasion I will always cherish. It is an honour to be associated with such a great spiritual leader. India is recognised as a prominent spiritual centre. Kolkata, a historic spiritual and cultural hub has been at the heart of many discussions. The gathering highlighted figures like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, emphasising their role in shaping India’s identity. However, if we lose our traditions, we lose ourselves. Ideological subversion is a real threat—we must stay vigilant. The Bhagavad Gita’s teachings were referenced as a guide to maintaining focus and national purpose. Sanatan Dharma stands for inclusivity, universal well-being, and moral strength. It is our duty to preserve and propagate it. India’s spiritual fabric is its greatest strength. We must protect it—not just for ourselves but for the world.”

Kia India Recognized for Excellence in Workplace Culture with ‘Great Place to Work’ Award

New Delhi, 1 March 2025 – Country of Chief Mass, a premium car manufacturing company, received the iconic “Great Place to Work” certification for the period from February 2025 to February 2026. This recognition highlights the company’s unbreakable commitment to creating a faith-based, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture, where employees feel valued, powerful, and inspired.

With over 92% of employees from nationwide corporate, regional, and plant offices participating, this achievement reflects India’s employee-friendly policies, which prioritize the all-round professional development of its employees.

Commenting on this achievement, Shri Guanggu, Managing Director and CEO of Kia India, said, “Receiving the ‘Great Place to Work’ recognition is a proud moment for all of us. Our customer-focused, people-centric approach, combined with a team culture that is rooted in collaboration and trust, is what makes our working style unique. This certification is proof of our continuous journey. We are committed to listening to our people, learning from their insights, and investing in their development, which has helped make Kia India one of the most inspirational workplaces. Our mission is clear: to redefine mobility through innovation and development, and build a workplace culture that remains unshakable.”

The authentication process followed the Great Place to Work® model, which evaluates five key dimensions of workplace culture: trustworthiness, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. Kia India excelled in all these areas, demonstrating a strong commitment to employee participation, welfare, and excellence. Kia India is now one of the select few automobile manufacturers to receive this prestigious recognition.

Private Hospitals Set to Boost Bed Capacity by 10,000 in the Upcoming Fiscal Periods

1 March 2025

Healthy cash accruals to fund expansion plans; credit profiles to remain stable

Private hospitals in India will increase their capacity by over ~4,000 beds next fiscal, at an investment of ~Rs 11,500 crore, after an aggressive addition of around ~6,000 beds this fiscal. The bed addition in just these two fiscals will equal those added between fiscals 2020 and 2024.

A Crisil Ratings analysis of 91 private hospitals, with a combined revenue of about ~Rs 64,000 crore last fiscal, indicates as much.

For the record, private hospitals account for ~63% of the sectoral revenue in India. Over fiscals 2020-2024, private hospitals clocked a compound annual growth rate of ~18% in revenue and healthy operating profitability of ~18%, ensuring strong cash flow. Their strong performance and the relatively low bed capacity per person in India vis-a-vis developed and developing nations has spurred substantial investments through private equity and initial public offerings (IPOs). This has strengthened balance sheets and enabled hospitals to pursue ambitious bed additions without materially impacting their credit profiles.

Says Anuj Sethi, Senior Director, Crisil Ratings, “With occupancy close to the peak of 65-70% and continued demand for quality healthcare, private hospitals are investing ~Rs 25,000 crore this fiscal and the next, nearly 80% higher than the average annual investment in the previous four fiscals. Three-fourths of the capex will be funded through internal accruals. Plus, healthy return metrics have attracted a substantial investment of Rs 55,000-60,000 crore from private equity and equity markets since fiscal 2022.”

Half of the new beds will come from greenfield expansions, highlighting significant investment in new healthcare infrastructure. About 40% will comprise brownfield development, focusing on modernising and optimising existing facilities. The remaining 10% will result from large players taking over under-construction hospitals and small and mid-sized hospitals, reinforcing organic growth efforts.

Says Naren Kartic.K, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings, “The large proportion of greenfield expansion poses risks related to timely completion and ramp-up in occupancies. However, given that ~70% of these projects are in metropolitan/Tier 1 cities, where hospitals reach optimal occupancy and breakeven in 12-15 months, the pressure on profitability and associated return metrics is likely to be limited. Moreover, recent equity raises have strengthened balance sheets, allowing for absorption of capex debt without materially impacting debt protection metrics.”

Interest coverage ratio and total debt to Ebitda1, both key debt protection metrics, are expected to stay healthy at ~8.0 times and ~1.2 times, respectively, mirroring last year’s performance and lending stability to credit profiles.

While healthy demand for quality healthcare should keep occupancy high despite the bed addition, the ability of hospitals to sustain operating profitability and regulatory changes will remain monitorable in the road ahead.

A Complete Guide to the Best NEET SS Pediatrics Courses for Medical Aspirants in India

Medical professionals aspiring to specialize in Pediatrics face a complex journey that demands comprehensive knowledge, practical expertise, and systematic preparation. The field encompasses diverse areas from General Pediatrics to specialized domains like Neonatology, Pediatric Neurology, and Critical Care. For medical students, NEET SS aspirants, and practicing pediatricians seeking to enhance their expertise, structured courses serve as vital stepping stones toward mastery of this discipline. India offers a range of specialized Pediatrics preparation courses through various institutions and platforms, combining innovative teaching methodologies with practical training. These programs integrate video-based learning, interactive case studies, assessment modules, and expert mentorship to create well-rounded medical professionals. Here’s an analysis of the leading Pediatrics preparation courses available across India:

1. DocTutorials’ NEET SS Pediatrics Online Coaching

DocTutorials is one of India’s top online coaching platforms for NEET SS preparation, offering a Pediatrics course that covers General Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care, and Pediatric Genetics in depth. The course is structured with high-quality video lectures by renowned pediatricians, ensuring students gain both theoretical clarity and practical insights. A key highlight of this program is the Quick Revision Module, which allows students to review core concepts efficiently before exams. Additionally, DocTutorials provides a comprehensive question bank with detailed explanations, mock tests, and personalized mentorship to enhance learning. The live and recorded sessions ensure that students can learn at their convenience while also engaging in real-time discussions with faculty members.

2. DigiNerve’s Pediatrics MD (Residency + NEET SS) Course

DigiNerve’s Pediatrics MD (Residency + NEET SS) course is designed for medical graduates pursuing a residency in Pediatrics as well as those preparing for NEET SS Pediatrics. Backed by Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, this program offers a structured, concept-based learning experience that ensures residents build both theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise. The course consists of 200+ hours of expert-led video lectures, focusing on key topics like General Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, and Pediatric Neurology. A unique feature of this course is the Diagnosis & Treatment (DxTx) modules, which provide real-world case studies to enhance decision-making skills. The course also includes 4,400+ high-yield practice questions, 200+ OSCE scenarios, and AI-powered learning through Dr. Wise Chatbot for instant query resolution. With flexible duration options ranging from 6 to 36 months, DigiNerve ensures that medical professionals can tailor their learning experience based on their schedules.

3. PrepLadder’s NEET SS Pediatrics Online Course

PrepLadder is a trusted platform for medical entrance exam coaching, and its NEET SS Pediatrics course is designed to offer a comprehensive, structured approach to exam preparation. The course includes 300+ hours of expert-led video lectures covering all sub-specialties of Pediatrics, including Neonatology, Pediatric Endocrinology, and Pediatric Rheumatology. One of the standout features of PrepLadder’s course is its 4,000+ MCQ question bank, which helps students strengthen their problem-solving skills through real-world clinical scenarios. The program also provides high-yield mock exams, topic-wise tests, and interactive doubt-clearing sessions with subject matter experts. With a focus on conceptual clarity, strategic revision, and practical application, PrepLadder’s course is an excellent choice for NEET SS aspirants.

4. Marrow’s SS Pediatrics Course

Marrow’s NEET SS Pediatrics course is one of the most sought-after programs in India, known for its high-quality content and structured learning methodology. This course offers 250+ hours of video lectures, with over 60 hours dedicated to General Pediatrics and the rest covering specialized topics like Neonatology, Pediatric Cardiology, and Pediatric Neurology. The course includes a comprehensive question bank, grand tests, and periodic assessments that help students evaluate their progress. Additionally, Marrow provides image-based learning modules to help students understand clinical scenarios better. One of the key advantages of this course is its integrated approach, ensuring that students not only prepare for exams but also develop strong clinical reasoning skills.

5. SPEED’s NEET SS Pediatrics Preparation

SPEED is a well-known platform in India for medical entrance and super-specialty exam coaching, and its NEET SS Pediatrics course is no exception. This program is structured to provide a 360-degree learning experience, combining live online classes, recorded lectures, and interactive learning sessions. SPEED’s course is led by top pediatricians from reputed Indian medical institutes, ensuring students receive expert guidance and up-to-date clinical insights. The course also includes a vast collection of study materials, high-yield notes, and thousands of practice questions to help students reinforce their understanding. One of the key highlights is the mock exam series and last-minute revision programs, which enable students to assess their preparedness effectively. The SPEED Learning App also provides easy access to course materials, allowing students to study on the go.