Category Archives: News

WeSchool Set to Host ACBSP Region 10 Conference 2025, Advancing Business Education

Hyderabad, 5th March, 2025– Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, (PGDM), WeSchool, proudly hosted the ACBSP Region 10 Conference 2025, a premier global platform fostering thought leadership, academic excellence, and industry collaboration. Centered around the theme “Bridges Across Borders: Collaborative Strategies for Academic and Professional Success”, the conference facilitated insightful and enriching discussions on the future of business education, cross-border partnerships, and the transformative role of research and innovation. The conference was jointly organised by WeSchool, Mumbai & Bengaluru campuses, under the aegis of their governing trust – SP Mandali, a renowned educational trust.

 With over 300 registrations of individual authors comprising academicians research scholars and students, the two-day conference brought together participants from several South Asian countries and showcased around 150 research papers and entrepreneurial ideas under ‘Best of Region’ and ‘Student Showcase’, and business pitches under ‘School of Thought’. This significant engagement reinforced WeSchool’s commitment to a research-driven academic culture and global knowledge exchange.

 The Region 10 winners of these competitions will be eligible an at the ACBSP Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, competing against participants from 11 ACBSP regions worldwide.

 Dr. Venugopal Reddy, IAS Officer, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra an esteemed Chief Guest for the valedictory function, lauded the impact of ACBSP, expressing gratitude to WeSchool for organizing such a meaningful program: “My heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Uday Salunkhe for hosting this outstanding event that highlights the benefits of participating with ACBSP. It’s truly a great opportunity for educational institutions.”

 Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Chair-Elect, ACBSP Region 10 & Group Director, WeSchool, emphasized the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence: “The theme of this conference is highly relevant in today’s evolving world. At Prin. L.N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (PGDM), our brand identity as ‘WeSchool’ reflects our core belief in interdependence, co- creation, and togetherness. Over the past 22 years, we have grown rapidly, working with multiple global partners to shape future-ready leaders. ACBSP plays a crucial role in raising academic standards and empowering students with the skills needed for success. Our journey has been fueled by collective belief and collaboration, and we remain committed to fostering innovation, excellence, and inclusive growth.”

 Mr. Jeffrey Alderman, President & CEO, ACBSP, USA, highlighted the significance of collaboration: “It is a privilege to be in India, where the spirit of limitless possibilities thrives. Indians have always embraced me as part of their family, and that is the ‘We’ of WeSchool, which has organized this wonderful event. At ACBSP, we believe true progress comes from collaboration, and this summit—Bridges Across Borders: Collaborative Strategies for Academic and Professional Success—embodies that vision. More than a gathering, it is a bridge connecting institutions and thought leaders with a shared mission: empowering students, driving innovation, and shaping a future without borders. Opportunities like this are rare. When institutions unite with a common purpose, we don’t just exchange ideas—we build pathways for success, fostering a global community dedicated to lifelong learning and transformation.”

 Dr. Uttara Sok, Chair of ACBSP Region 10 & Vice President for Internal Quality Assurance and Internal Audit (IQA-IA), CamEd Business School, Cambodia, commended WeSchool’s commitment to collaboration: “WeSchool truly embodies the spirit of ‘We’— fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. With a strong commitment, we return to India in 2025, this time to Mumbai—a vibrant cultural hub and a fitting location for this gathering. As technology, particularly AI, rapidly transforms education, the need for collaboration has never been greater. This evolution enhances learning, drives knowledge exchange, and unlocks new opportunities, contributing to collective growth. This event serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration, recognizing talent and contributions while fostering excellence through competitions and more. Together, we shape the future of education in an interconnected world.”

 Advocate Shri S. K. Jain, Chairman, Managing Council, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, Pune (the governing trust of WeSchool), & Chairman – College Development Committee, WeSchool, Mumbai, emphasized the importance of adapting to change: “Change is the rule of nature. While practices from the 1970s may still hold relevance, they must evolve to suit today’s environment. Adapting to change comes with challenges, and conferences like this play a crucial role in driving that transformation. Business, trade, and academics must keep pace with industry needs, global practices, and emerging disruptions. Professors must equip students to lead in this dynamic landscape, balancing ethical values with innovation. With insights from industry stalwarts, the ACBSP conference at WeSchool provides the knowledge and strategies to navigate change and shape the future.”

Teach For India Announces Last Chance to Apply for 2025 Fellowship

Bengaluru, March 5th, 2025: Teach For India, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing educational equity, has announced the final deadline for its 2025 Fellowship. Aspiring fellows have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of children and inspire the leaders of tomorrow. The final deadline to apply is March 9, 2025.

The Teach For India Fellowship is a two-year, full-time, paid program that brings together individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Fellows are selected from more than 500 universities, colleges, and over 300 companies across the country. The Fellowship application process is very rigid, and receives applications from India’s brilliant and most promising individuals.

Once selected, fellows will teach full-time in affordable private schools or English-medium government schools, where they will focus on guiding students through the challenges of India’s inequities. The program also provides fellows with invaluable leadership training, focusing on emotional intelligence skills such as empathy, active listening, and relationship-building, which contribute to both personal and professional growth.

To date, over 670 fellow have joined the 2024 Cohort, united by a common goal: to build a more compassionate and equitable India through education. The fact that differentiates the Teach For India Fellowship is the unique opportunity to significantly reshape the education landscape and drive meaningful change.

Central Government Officials Empowered Through Rashtriya Karmayogi Seva-Bhav Training by MSDE

Mumbai, March 5, 2025 – In a significant step towards strengthening governance through capacity building, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) successfully conducted a training session today under the Rashtriya Karmayogi Seva-Bhav Program of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC). This initiative is part of the government’s broader Mission Karmayogi framework, which aims to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of public service by instilling a deep sense of service, accountability, and collaboration among government officials.

During the session, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, “Skilling is not just about individuals – it’s about empowering institutions, strengthening governance, and ensuring that every decision we take aligns with the larger goal of national development. This session reaffirmed our commitment to proactive leadership and transforming governance into a purpose-driven, people-first mission. I extend my gratitude to our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his vision of Mission Karmayogi, which is modernizing civil services and equipping officials with the right mindset and skills to drive India towards Viksit Bharat @2047.”

The National Karmayogi Seva-Bhav Program is designed as a large-scale intervention that focuses on shaping mindsets rather than merely imparting skills. The objective is to reinforce the spirit of Seva-Bhav among government employees, ensuring that their everyday responsibilities are aligned with the larger goal of citizen welfare. Under Phase – I of this initiative, Shri Pritam Dutta, Director, MSDE, was trained as a Master Trainer by CBC. The training session held today at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi, was conducted under his leadership for nominated officers across the Ministry.

Through a structured and interactive format, the session engaged participants in reflective discussions, experience-sharing, and problem-solving exercises. The training was structured into four modules, each lasting 1.5 hours, and emphasized a collaborative approach to governance. By focusing on the real-world challenges faced by officials, the program encouraged participants to develop solutions that enhance public service delivery, improve inter-departmental coordination, and strengthen citizen engagement.

With today’s successful session, the Ministry has set the stage for continued engagement under this initiative. As the program unfolds in the coming months, it is expected to bring about a meaningful shift in the way government officials perceive their roles and responsibilities, ultimately leading to more effective, transparent, and accountable governance.

Aster Medcity Offers Free Treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis at Dedicated Health Camp

Kochi, 05-03-2025: As part of World Lymphedema Day, Aster Medcity’s Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery is organizing Lymphatic Filariasis treatment camp from this month 5th to 12th. The camp offers a 50% discount on doctor consultations, and a 30% discount on Lymphedema related procedures.

Arnesh Ghose Brings the Rich Tradition of Bengali Folk Music and Stories to Mumbai

Indiawide Release, 05 March 2025: To uphold the folk music roots of India, Arnesh Ghose, a multi-disciplinary artist, in collaboration with Mythopia, one of India’s leading organisations and authorities on Indian and world mythology, is bringing a memorable evening of Bengali folk music Baul to Mumbai. Celebrating the vivid colours of spring and the spirit of Holi, an evening filled with Bengali folk songs, and storytelling is awaiting on March 9th, 2025, at Mukti Manch in Versova.

India is a mosaic of cultures, and there have been many cultural legacies that remain underrepresented in the mainstream. Baul music is one of those untapped musical legacies that has inspired many who hailed from West Bengal, including the works of Rabindranath Tagore. The Baul songs are listed under UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Through the Bombay Baul Project, Ghose is attempting to introduce folk music hailing from Bengal to a metropolitan, young audience, helping them to stay connected with India’s cultural heritage. Arnesh, a writer and storyteller, has also been a trained Hindustani Classical singer, along with receiving training in Rabindrasangeet. From an early age, due to his visits to Shantiniketan, where he first absorbed the melodies, writings, and teachings, Arnesh has taken interest in its philosophy and music. Through the Bombay Baul Project, he wants Bengal’s folk experience to be celebrated by a wider audience. He aims to spread the message embedded in the music’s philosophy that different faiths and philosophies often convey the same truths.

Baul culture, with its roots in history dating back several thousand years, is a harmonious confluence of various philosophies and progressive spiritual movements. These wandering minstrels, often called bauls, spread the message of the philosophy that is a vibrant mix of Sufism, Vaishnav, Buddhist, and Tantric traditions.

Their hymns celebrate the spirit of being a human, divine longing, and the quest for enlightenment, centred on the search for moner manush (inner man). Their music, accompanied by ektara (a one-stringed instrument) and khomok (hand drum), reveres gods merely as a path to enlightenment and not an end itself.

Simplifying Health Insurance Claims: Your Complete Guide to the Process

Navigating the health insurance claims process doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience while getting the support you need. Here’s a detailed, actionable guide to help you avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your health insurance policy. This article will give insights into pre-purchase and post-purchase stages, supported by the latest updates from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Setting the Foundation for a Smooth Claims Process

1. Know Your Policy Inside Out: Before purchasing a health insurance policy, familiarise yourself with coverage details, waiting periods for specific illnesses or pre-existing conditions (PEDs), and cost-related limits like room rent caps.
2. Additionally, review the IRDAI’s updated Customer Information Sheet (CIS) which provides a simplified, easy-to-read overview of these terms.
3. Check Claim Settlement Ratios and Co-Payment Details: Always review the claim settlement ratio of the insurer to assess their track record in settling claims. Understand co-payment clauses, where a portion of the claim amount needs to be paid by the policyholder, to avoid surprises during claims.
4. Look for No-Claim Bonus (NCB) Options: Opt for policies that offer a No-Claim Bonus, which rewards you with increased coverage for every claim-free year. This can be a valuable benefit when you don’t file a claim.
5. Room Rent Limits: Choose policies with higher or no room rent limits to avoid out-of-pocket expenses for room upgrades during hospital stays. Understanding these limits at the pre-purchase stage helps prevent unexpected costs.

  Ensuring a Smooth Claims Experience

1. Opt for Network Hospitals for Cashless Claims: Choosing a network hospital significantly eases the claims process by enabling cashless treatment, where the insurer directly settles bills with the hospital. For emergency hospitalisations, notify the insurer or Third-Party Administrator (TPA) within 24 hours. For planned admissions, inform them at least two to three days in advance.
2. Keep the Documentation Ready: Accurate and complete documentation is crucial for a successful claim. Ensure you collect and organise:
   Doctor’s prescriptions
   Lab test reports
   Detailed hospital bills and discharge summaries For accident-related claims, precise documentation becomes even more critical to prevent delays or rejections.
3. Leverage Relationship Manager Support: Many insurers and brokers provide dedicated relationship managers who can assist with the claims process, including documentation and claim filing. Seek their guidance for faster and smoother resolutions.
4. Be Transparent with Information: Always make full and honest disclosures when purchasing a policy and during claims. Concealing pre-existing conditions, family medical history, or past surgeries can lead to claim rejections. For example, a claim involving a condition linked to undisclosed health issues may fall under the pre-existing waiting period clause and be denied.
5. Room Rent Compliance: Avoid choosing rooms beyond your policy’s room rent limits. Opting for higher-priced rooms can result in additional expenses for doctor fees and medicines. Always confirm your room eligibility with your insurer or broker.
6. Get Cost Estimates and Advice for Planned Treatment: Before undergoing planned treatments, get cost estimates from multiple hospitals and consult your insurer or broker to select one that aligns with your policy coverage. This helps minimise out-of-pocket expenses and avoids disputes with insurers over charges deemed unreasonable.
7. Avoid Unnecessary Hospitalisation: Ensure outpatient care is not wrongly converted into in-patient hospitalisation. For genuine cases, gather supporting proof like diagnostic reports and doctor’s certificates to validate your claim.
8. Stay Updated with Digital Tools and Technological Advancements: Embrace the digital features offered by insurers, such as mobile apps for claim filing and status tracking. These tools provide a faster and more transparent claims experience.
9. Seek Assistance When in Doubt: If you face challenges during the claims process, contact your insurer’s helpline or customer service. Unresolved issues can be escalated to the insurance ombudsman for resolution.

Shakti Conclave Draws to a Close, Promising Stronger Action for Women’s Leadership Development

New Delhi, March 5, 2025: Work Integrated Learning for Leadership (WILL), in collaboration with UPES, successfully hosted Shakti: Be the Champion for Accelerating Action at The Claridges, New Delhi, strengthening its commitment to shaping the future of women’s learning and leadership in India. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and changemakers to address the critical need for upskilling, future readiness, and inclusive leadership in today’s corporate landscape.

Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES, delivered the welcome note followed by a keynote address by Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, Chairman, 5F World, GTT Data Solutions, Lighthouse Communities, EPPS, and Honeywell Automation India Ltd.

Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, while complimenting WILL and UPES on the Shakti initiative, said, “The time has come for women to move beyond the equality agenda and train themselves to be leaders of a new world.”

Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES, highlighted the urgency for action, stating, “Leadership has no gender, yet cognitive biases often associate terms like CEO, CXO, or leader with men. India’s spiritual wisdom teaches that while bodies have gender, the soul does not—a perspective that, if integrated into leadership, could help redefine it as truly inclusive. Through WILL and the Shakti Leadership Program, in collaboration with UPES, we are not just equipping women for leadership roles; we are reshaping the very foundation of future-ready, inclusive organizations—ones built on the core belief that every individual, regardless of gender or identity, possesses infinite potential.”

The event featured a fireside chat ‘Turn Up the Volume’ with Nisha Narayan, Director & COO, Red FM and Magic FM, moderated by Stuti Gandhi, Senior Director, Brand Strategy and Communications, GUS Global Services.

An engaging panel discussion on Disrupting the Workforce was led by Raginie Singh, Senior Director – HR, GUS Global Services, featuring key industry voices, including Seema Anand, Senior Human Resource Leader, DLF; Renu Rohtagi, CHRO, Air Liquide; and Pooja Dagar, Chief Manager, Human Resources, Air India.

Another thought-provoking panel discussion ‘Beyond the Status Quo’ was moderated by Vinod Sood, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Hughes Systique Corporation (HSC). This session brought together distinguished speakers such as Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Representative – UN Women, India; Snehlata Shrivastava, Retired IAS and Ex-Secretary, Justice, Government of India; Reena Asthana Khair, Senior Partner & Head of International Trade and Indirect Taxation Practice, Kochhar & Co.; and Salil Lal, CHRO, Maruti Suzuki India.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Antarpreet Singh, Director (Academics), WILL Education, emphasised on the transformative role of leadership programs like Shakti, saying, “The future of leadership focuses on judiciously embracing AI. The women must be at the forefront of leading the change in an era marked with high level of complexity, fluidity, and turbulence. WILL Education’s ‘SHAKTI’ initiative is actively bridging the gap by equipping women with the key competencies at personal, interpersonal, and strategic levels in a rapidly evolving business landscape.”

WILL’s flagship initiative equips women with the skills and strategic vision to excel in senior roles. With its hybrid model and industry-aligned curriculum, the program has already impacted women across industries, including PSUs. WILL now aims to scale it further, empowering over 10,000 women leaders by FY27 while forging global partnerships for lasting change.

British Council Library Kolkata Unveils Innovative Research Section on Arts, Culture, and Education

Kolkata, 05 March 2025: The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, recently announced the launch of a research and publication section at its Kolkata library, reinforcing its commitment to advancing research and knowledge-sharing in the fields of arts, culture, and education. The dedicated space was officially inaugurated by Prof Nimai Chandra Saha, Director of Public Instructions, Education Department, Government of West Bengal.

After the inauguration, a panel discussion took place on “From Evidence to Impact: How Research in Culture, Arts, and Education is Shaping Our Future”. Bringing together thought leaders from academia, healthcare and cultural sectors, the discussion explored the role of evidence-based research in shaping policies, driving meaningful societal change, and advancing educational and cultural development.

Chaired by Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director British Council, East and Northeast India, the panel featured Dr Swati Guha, Director, Institute for Language Studies and Research (ILSR); Sohini Chakraborty, Secretary and Founder Director of Kolkata Sanved; Dr Amit Ghose, Urologist, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata, and lead of the medical council of IBSA (Indo British Scholars’ Association) and Prof Amlan Chakrabarti, Professor and Director, A.K. Choudhury School of Information Technology, University of Calcutta, an expert on quantum computing and AI.

Mr Binod Kuma, IAS, Principal Secretary of Education, Government of West Bengal, said, “I am delighted that British Council library, which plays such an important role in the lives of students of all ages in Kolkata, is launching a section dedicated to research. West Bengal is one of the most important centres of science and humanities research, not just in India but the whole world. And we have an excellent track record of collaboration in research with UK universities through British Council’s initiatives like Going Global Partnerships and UKIERI, and in English language learning and teacher education at the school level through Ujjiban Charcha.”

In an era where evidence-based research is driving global transformation, British Council’s Research Corner initiative aims to showcase how academic inquiry leads to real-world impact.

Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, who is also one of the South Asia Research Champions of the British Council, said, “The launch of this research and publication section is an important step to spotlight all the research the British Council does across arts, English and education, and how that drives the work that we do. Kolkata has been recently recognised as India’s top city for scientific research in the latest Nature Index and this space is a modest celebration of the city’s intellectual ethos. Our work in research across the globe fosters collaboration and helps researchers, educators, policymakers, and cultural practitioners drive meaningful progress in education, creativity and social development.”

Cosmo First Welcomes Yamini Kumar as Whole-Time Director

Mumbai,5th March 2025: The Board of Cosmo First Limited, an over four-decade old conglomerate with a global presence, has appointed Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria as Whole Time Director, Corporate Strategy, ESG & CSR, for a 5-year term, effective immediately. Ms Kumar is an accomplished business leader with nearly two decades of experience as Vice President, Human Resources at GE Europe, Asia, and India. along with significant contributions as Corporate Advisor to Cosmo First since 2020.

Ms Jaipuria will support the Chairman & Managing Director in transforming the Company into a ‘Future Ready’ organization and work closely with the Board, Group CEO, and business/functional heads on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) including Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics. Her focus areas will also include Social Media, Employer and Corporate Branding, and Diversity and Inclusion, along with leadership building and nurturing of the next generation of leaders within the organisation.

LS Digital’s DataQuark: A Dedicated Business Unit Set to Transform Data and Insights

INDIA – March 05, 2025 – LS Digital, India’s leading integrated Digital Business Transformation (DBT) company, today announced the launch of DataQuark, a dedicated business unit focused on revolutionising the Data & Insights; designed to revolutionize the measurement, analysis, and reporting of data, empowering modern businesses to thrive. Following an overwhelming response to the Data & Insights pillar of LS Digital’s DBT framework, the company decided to give it a strategic identity of its own. Vinay Tamboli, who was leading this domain as CEO of Data & Insights, will now take charge as the CEO of DataQuark.

The name DataQuark is inspired by the fundamental principles of data and physics. Quarks are the elementary particles that form the foundation of matter, just as data forms the foundation of every digital enterprise. DataQuark symbolises the building blocks of intelligence, enabling businesses to unify, process, and activate data to drive strategic growth and AI-led transformation.

Commenting on the launch of DataQuark business unit, Prasad Shejale, Founder & CEO, LS Digital said, “In today’s digital-first world, businesses must do more than just collect data; they must harness its full potential. The launch of DataQuark is a natural progression in our journey, ensuring data is not only a foundational asset but a key driver of business transformation. Just as bringing in Langoor, f1studioz, and Social Panga helped strengthened the respective pillars within our DBT framework, DataQuark will now lead the charge in Data & AI. This move is an integral part of our business growth strategy underscoring our commitment to empowering brands to reach new heights of success.”

Turning Data into a Competitive Advantage DataQuark is designed to bridge the gap between raw data and actionable intelligence, helping brands elevate their AI maturity and drive measurable business impact. The business unit follows the methodology of “Collect – Collate – Activate”, ensuring data integrity, privacy, and activation at scale. With a robust suite of offerings, DataQuark enables brands to transform their data infrastructure, enhance AI capabilities, and optimise marketing effectiveness.

“Over the years, we have witnessed how Data & Insights have been instrumental in driving digital business transformation across industries. As AI continues to evolve, the role of data has never been more critical. Through DataQuark, we are building a powerful ecosystem that integrates AI-driven solutions, advanced analytics, and strategic partnerships to help brands break data silos and accelerate innovation. The demand for privacy-first, AI-ready data solutions is soaring, and DataQuark is uniquely positioned to meet this need,” said Vinay Tamboli, CEO, DataQuark.

DataQuark offers four key services to help businesses unlock the full potential of their data. Marketing Data Infrastructure lays the foundation for growth by integrating first-party data with advertising platforms to drive revenue and conversions. Business Data Infrastructure connects finance, marketing, operations, and sales, using data lakes and streamlined engineering for better decision-making. With AI & ML Solutions, we deliver actionable insights, predict business KPIs, and automate processes to boost efficiency. Lastly, Data and AI Readiness services ensure organisations are primed for AI adoption through audits, strategy development, and customised playbooks.

By leveraging Google cloud partnership and Meta partnership DataQuark is future ready with latest AI technologies.

Powering the Future with AI & Strategic Partnerships DataQuark’s advanced solutions include DigiVerse, AI-powered data platforms, and partnerships with leading industry players such as Aqilliz, DataMorph, and VWO, enabling businesses to leverage blockchain-powered data collaboration, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights.

By launching DataQuark as a standalone business unit, LS Digital is reaffirming its commitment to redefining how brands interact with data in an AI-driven economy. This launch is a strategic step in empowering CXOs to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape with data as their competitive edge.