Category Archives: News

Water ATMs Handed Over to Delhi Police by M3M Foundation in a Ceremony Graced by Hon’ble MP Bansuri Swaraj

New Delhi, July 28, 2025: In a significant step toward public welfare and sustainable access to clean water, M3M Foundation, under its flagship program “Sankalp” successfully installed and handed over 5 Water ATM at the DCP Office Complex, Sarita Vihar today. This vital initiative is part of a larger public health drive aimed at ensuring easy access to safe, clean drinking water for police staff, visitors, and the public frequenting police station premises. The ATMs were installed by The Pacific Creative Society.

This event marked five Water ATMs being set up across key police station locations in Delhi, including Lajpat Nagar Police Station, Barakhamba Road Police Station, Civil Lines Police Station, Sarita Vihar Police Station—where the handover took place today—and Connaught Place Police Station. The handover event at Sarita Vihar was graced by prominent dignitaries including Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, New Delhi; Dr. Hemant Tiwari, DCP South East Delhi; Ms. Aishwarya Sharma, Additional DCP-I; and Mr. Ishan Bhardwaj, Additional DCP-II.

Hon’ble MP Ms. Bansuri Swaraj also lauded the initiative “Access to clean water is essential for public health and efficiency, especially in service environments like police stations. I commend M3M Foundation for championing this effort and ensuring that our frontline personnel and citizens are provided with this basic yet life-sustaining necessity”.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson  & Trustee of M3M Foundation, stated “Clean drinking water is a fundamental right, and we are proud to take this step toward healthier, more dignified civic infrastructure. Through this initiative between M3M Foundation and Pacific Creative Society, we reaffirm our commitment to social equity and environmental responsibility — one drop, one community, one future at a time”.

The Water ATMs are designed to promote health, hygiene, and overall well-being while reducing dependence on single-use plastic bottles and ensuring sustainable water access in public spaces. This meaningful collaboration reflects the shared vision of creating healthier, more resilient cities and symbolizes a small but powerful step toward water equity and public welfare.

Vegas Mall Hosts Kargil Vijay Diwas Half Marathon to Honour India’s Bravehearts

New Delhi; 28th July, 2025: Vegas Mall, Dwarka, proudly hosted the Kargil Vijay Diwas Half Marathon, paying tribute to the valour and sacrifice of India’s armed forces. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 1,000+ enthusiastic participants to run for a cause that resonates with every Indian heart.

Held from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the marathon featured three categories to accommodate all fitness levels: the 21.1 km Half Marathon, 10.5 km Run, and 5 km Run. Runners from all walks of life, including fitness enthusiasts, professionals, senior citizens, and children, took part in this high-energy event, showcasing patriotic fervour and community spirit.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, said, “At Vegas Mall, we believe in creating meaningful community experiences that go beyond shopping and entertainment. Hosting the Kargil Vijay Diwas Half Marathon was our humble tribute to the heroes who laid down their lives for the nation. It was heartening to witness such spirited participation, proving once again that patriotism and unity remain at the core of our society.”

With fitness, patriotism, and purpose woven seamlessly into the fabric of this event, the marathon concluded with medal distribution and heartfelt tributes to the Kargil war heroes. Vegas Mall continues to be a hub for community engagement and values-led initiatives in the capital.

SBI General Grows 2.4 times Faster Than Industry with 21.5 Percentage Q1 FY26 Growth

Mumbai; July 25th, 2025: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, today announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, posting a topline growth of 21.5%, significantly higher than the industry (Private & SAHI) growth of 6.2%, marking the Company as one of the fastest-growing general insurers in the country. The Company reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 3250 crores, maintaining its upward momentum. Excluding the impact of 1/n accounting norm, the GWP of the Company grew by 25.6% for Q1FY26.

The Company gained 78 basis points improvement in private market share, i.e. 6.19% reflecting growing customer preference and an expanding footprint across key markets. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at INR 249 crores, while the loss ratio improved significantly from 86.2% to 81.7%, indicating stronger portfolio quality and disciplined underwriting. Continuing to outpace industry growth, the company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 188 crores. The solvency ratio stood at 2.08, well above the regulatory requirement demonstrating strong financial stability.

SBI General Insurance continues to lead the Personal Accident (PA) segment, maintaining its position as the No. 1 private insurer. The company gained market share in the key categories of Health by 72 bps , Motor by 47 bps and Personal Accident by 49 bps. The Health and Motor Insurance lines of business remain key growth drivers, while other segments, such as Fire, Engineering, and Liability, have also contributed significantly to the growth. This growth has been propelled by rising awareness, increased demand for comprehensive coverage, growing digital adoption, and supportive government policies.

Commenting on the Company’s quarterly performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “We have started FY26 on a strong note with sustained growth across all key parameters. Our GWP stood at INR 3250 crores, reflecting focus on balanced growth and profitability, backed by customer trust and agile execution. The insurance industry is evolving rapidly, shaped by rising awareness, regulatory momentum, and increasing adoption of digital platforms. Our performance is a reflection of our steadfast dedication to customer-focused innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. We remain committed to further strengthening our capabilities and delivering on our promise of protecting what matters most to our customers.”

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added, “Our Q1 FY26 performance reflects a strong improvement across key financial metrics. Despite growing at 3.5X compared to private industry growth, our Loss ratio has shown significant improvement demonstrating disciplined underwriting, risk management, strong business portfolio and cost efficiency. The significant increase in profitability and solvency highlights our robust business fundamentals and our ability to foresee and adapt to a dynamic market environment. We will continue to focus on delivering value to all stakeholders while sustaining our growth momentum.”

With a clear focus on customer-centricity, innovation, and operational strength, SBI General Insurance remains well-positioned to drive responsible growth and create long-term value in the evolving insurance landscape.

Intel and Times of India Launch ‘The Learning Curve’ to Bridge Digital Trust Gap in Education

NEW DELHI, India – July 24, 2025 – Intel, in partnership with The Times of India, today announced the launch of The Learning Curve, a landmark campaign focused on reshaping how Indian parents and educators view the role of technologyparticularly PCs and AIin school education. With over 248 million school students across the country (Economic Survey 2024-25) and persistent gaps in digital infrastructure, this initiative takes on the urgent task of rebuilding trust in technology as an enabler of responsible, personalized learning.

The campaign draws attention to stark disparities in India’s educational ecosystem: only 57.2% of schools have functional computers (UDISE Plus, 2023-24), and a mere 53.9% (UDISE Plus, 2023-24) have internet access. Yet, the pressure on students to succeed academically continues to rise. The Learning Curve leverages real stories, expert insights, and survey data from over 100,000 Indian parents and educators to tackle common fears around screen time, distraction, misinformation, and the perceived replacement of teachers by machines.

The campaign takes root in a significant mindset gap: while many parents acknowledge the benefits of technology, 55% still view AI as potentially risky or harmful to critical thinking. Nearly one in three cite academic stress as a top concern, while 43% are actively seeking expert guidance on how to use technology effectively for their children’s education.

To address these concerns, The Learning Curve is built around three core pillars:

• Empowerment Through Education: Positioning the PC as a personalized tutor and productivity partner in a child’s learning journeyfrom discovery to mastery.

• Ethical, Safe Technology Use: Advocating for Intel-powered PCs with parental controls, privacy safeguards, and secure learning environments.

• Cultural Relevance & Local Stories: Featuring parenting voices across India, from celebrities like Soha Ali Khan and Kranti Redkar to regional teachers transforming classrooms with tech.

One of the defining features of The Learning Curve is its emotionally grounded storytelling. The campaign features well-known parenting voices such as Soha Ali Khan, Kranti Redkar, and Prithi Ashwin, who reflect on their own children’s evolving learning journeys. From watching their kids engage with interactive educational content to navigating questions around screen time and online safety, these mothers bring authenticity and vulnerability to the conversation. Their stories strike a chord with Indian parentsbalancing curiosity with caution, and change with care.

In fact, a striking 66% of parents surveyed believe technology can be a powerful educational allyif guided well. This highlights that the barrier isn’t belief in tech itself, but a lack of clarity and trusted direction. The Learning Curve aims to bridge this gap with credible voices and real-world stories that show what responsible, effective tech use can actually look like.

These stories will include voices from the education frontlines, such as Ranjitsinh Disale, the Global Teacher Prize 2020 winner known for transforming rural classrooms through innovative, tech-enabled teaching methods. Disale, who famously introduced QR-coded textbooks in a government school in Maharashtra, lends his expertise to advocate for meaningful tech integration in classrooms. His participation underscores the campaign’s belief that the right toolsused mindfullycan democratize learning, boost accessibility, and empower both teachers and students to achieve more.

Aligned with national policy frameworks such as the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and global calls for digital inclusion, The Learning Curve complements India’s push toward future-ready education. With the AI-in-education market expected to grow at around 40% CAGR in Asia-Pacific, Intel is investing in campaigns that not only address access but also perception and trust.

From expert-led videos to myth-busting explainers and regional-language guides, The Learning Curve offers a dynamic mix of content in English, Hindi, Marathi, and Tamilcrafted to challenge assumptions and spark fresh thinking about tech in education. Now streaming across TOI’s digital platforms and social channels, these stories and insights invite audiences to explore how AI-powered PCs are quietly transforming learning across India. Dive into the conversation at www.thelearningcurve.ai.

Santhosh Viswanathan, Managing Director of Intel India, emphasizes the urgent need for both infrastructural and attitudinal change in education:“Technology is now the bedrock of education. It’s democratising access to learning, enabling personalised experiences, and connecting students and educators like never before. At Intel, we align with UNESCO’s view that digital technologies are evolving into integrated networks, forming the infrastructure of modern learning.To truly harness this power, we must prioritise areas like digital infrastructure, AI-based learning tools, and intelligent tutoring systems. However, we also need a critical mindset shift. Computers are still seen as distractions, and rote learning is deeply ingrained. With only 57% of Indian schools equipped with functional computers and 53% with internet access (as per the UDISE report), this gap must be urgently addressed.”

Intel’s long-standing commitment to inclusive innovation and ecosystem development continues to drive its work in India. Through collaboration with local partners and institutions, the brand aims to build the infrastructure, awareness, and capabilities needed to make every child’s learning journey truly limitless.

Intel’s vision for education in India is rooted in the belief that technology, when thoughtfully deployed, can be a powerful equalizer. With only about half of the schools having functional computers, Intel is committed to bridging this digital divide while transforming mindsets around tech-enabled learning. The company envisions a future where every child has access to an AI-powered PCserving not as a distraction, but as a personalized tutor and productivity partner. By fostering digital literacy, enhancing infrastructure, and championing safe, responsible use of technology, Intel aims to unlock every student’s potential and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the AI age.

N. Ramchander Rao Outlines Vision for Inclusive Industrial Growth at FTCCI Meet

“I Will Be the Bridge Between Telangana Industry and Union Government”: BJP State President N. Ramchander Rao Assures FTCCI Members

Railway Ministry is considering Regional Railway Ring Road to complement RRR: TG BJP Chief

Hyderabad, July 24, 2025: In his first non-political public interaction after taking over as the President of the Telangana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mr. N. Ramchander Rao addressed over 300 industrialists at a special interactive meeting organized by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) on Wednesday till late evening.

Themed “Roadmap for Inclusive Industrial Growth in Telangana” with a focus on the MSME sector, the meeting served as a platform for dialogue between industry and political leadership.

“I will be the bridge between the Telangana industry and the Union Government,” declared Mr. Rao, emphasising his commitment to raise the state’s industrial issues with the Centre and ensure necessary policy support and attention.

“BJP has often been labelled as a corporate-friendly government. But can a country grow without its industries and entrepreneurs? Industries, both big and small, are nation builders. They generate employment, produce goods and services, pay taxes, and create wealth,” he stated.

Highlighting the global success of Non-Resident Indians, he remarked, “Indians thrive abroad but not always in India. This gap is often a result of policy and governance. However, in the past 11 years under the NDA regime, India has seen substantial progress — particularly in MSME growth and skill development. A dedicated Ministry for Skill Development was a landmark step,” he added.

On Telangana’s Industrial Landscape, Mr. Rao called for decentralisation of industrial development in Telangana. “Development is concentrated in and around Hyderabad. Tier-II and Tier-III cities must also grow. Inclusive growth is the need of the hour.”

He shared that the Railway Ministry is considering a Regional Railway Ring Road to complement the proposed Regional Ring Road (RRR), creating new connectivity corridors for industry.

Mr. Rao urged youth to shift from a job-seeking mindset to becoming job creators and called for healthy competition among states and companies to drive growth.

“There’s no discrimination by the Union Government based on ideologies. Initiatives like UPI are transforming the nation and proving our collective strength,” he said.

Welcoming the gathering, FTCCI President Mr. R. Ravi Kumar stated, “This is the first time a state party president is addressing our members — and it won’t be the last. We believe continuous engagement between industry and political leaders is essential for progressive governance.”

Mr. Srinivas Gabriella, Chairman of FTCCI’s Industrial Development Committee, emphasized the disparity in district-wise development. “Just five districts around Hyderabad are developing. Local sourcing must be promoted. Women’s employment is still in single digits — this needs urgent attention.”

Mr. Shekhar Reddy, CMD, CSR Estates Ltd and former CII President, said, “We have the potential to outcompete China. Our long-pending concerns like GST and Stamp Duty must be resolved.”

Mr. K. Sudhir Reddy, President, Telangana Industrialists Federation, highlighted the absence of mega industries in the state over the past 16–17 years. “MSMEs thrive when large industries co-exist.”

The interactive session concluded with an engaging Q&A, reflecting the stakeholders’ hope for more such open platforms.

Can Policy Reforms Fuel India’s Energy Independence Dream?

India must intensify efforts to increase domestic oil production to address its heavy import dependence, which currently stands at 88%. The recent fluctuation in global oil prices—briefly spiking to $81 a barrel before settling around $67 following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and a fragile ceasefire—highlights the vulnerability of oil-importing nations like India to global geopolitical tensions. Even as oil supply remains sufficient, price volatility is expected to persist, prompting energy producers, including the U.S., to ramp up domestic production.

For India, which has seen a steady decline in domestic oil output since FY12, reversing this trend is critical. Key challenges include outdated regulations, high taxes, ageing fields, and limited deep-water exploration capabilities. Moreover, no major hydrocarbon discoveries have been made recently.

The government is taking steps to address this. The recently enacted Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025 aims to attract both domestic and international investment into exploration and production (E&P). According to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the goal is to increase exploration acreage to 1 million sq. km by 2030, including in areas that were previously classified as no-go zones. Encouragingly, 38% of bids in the 9th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy targeted these areas.

Progress is evident: ONGC drilled 578 wells in FY25—the highest in 35 years—and has committed $7.2 billion in capital expenditure. It has also partnered with BP to enhance recovery from Mumbai High. Private players like Cairn Oil & Gas are stepping up too, planning to triple their output and invest $3–4 billion in E&P over the next five years to eventually contribute half of India’s total oil production.

While the policy direction towards production maximisation is promising, significant progress depends on discovering new reserves. For this, the participation of global oil majors is essential. India’s untapped regions, such as the Andaman basin, are believed to hold immense potential—possibly on par with Guyana—but attracting foreign investment remains a challenge. Legal and financial concerns, particularly around arbitration and compensation, have kept FDI in the sector modest—only $8.2 billion between April 2000 and September 2024.

Moreover, India’s current tax structure—where companies pay up to 65% of revenues in taxes compared to the global average of 35%—and high operational costs further deter investment. A more investor-friendly, facilitative tax regime is crucial to unlocking the $100 billion E&P opportunity and reducing the country’s vulnerability to external oil shocks.

In summary, achieving greater energy self-sufficiency requires an enabling policy environment, increased investment, and active collaboration between public and private stakeholders—both domestic and international.

Guru Ranjana Gauhar Leads 20th ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’ Dance Festival

Guru Ranjana Gauhar Leads Utsav Society into the Twentieth Year of ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’

23rd July 2025: This August, the Utsav Educational and Cultural Society, founded and led by Padmashree and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Guru Ranjana Gauhar, marks the 20th glorious year of Saare Jahan Se Accha – a pioneering festival that has become a cultural landmark in India’s classical arts calendar. The two-day celebration will take place on August 12th and 13th, 2025 at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, with performances beginning at 6:30 PM on both evenings. Entry is open to all, and audiences are invited to witness this rare confluence of legacy, innovation and devotion to the arts.

Founded in 2005 by Guru Ranjana Gauhar, Saare Jahan Se Accha began as a heartfelt tribute to India’s independence and has since evolved into one of India’s most respected platforms for classical dance. This milestone edition of the festival is dedicated to the memory of her own Guru, the legendary Guru Mayadhar Raut, whose teachings continue to inspire generations.

Looking forward to opening the 20th edition of Saare Jahan Se Accha to the audiences, Guru Ranjana Gauhar says, “When I began Saare Jahan Se Accha two decades ago, it was a humble offering to honour our freedom through the eternal language of classical dance. Today, as we celebrate 20 years, I feel immense gratitude for the artists, gurus, disciples, and rasikas who have walked this path with us. This festival is not just a stage, instead it is a living tribute to our cultural heritage, our shared memories, and the unbroken thread of tradition that binds us all.”

The festival, spanned over two days has the following layout:

Day 1 – Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 :

The festival opens with Nal-Damayanti, an original dance production choreographed by Guru Ranjana Gauhar. Based on an episode from the Mahabharata, the production will be presented in a fusion of Odissi and Chhau, featuring live dancers interacting with a fully computer-generated visual environment — a rare blend of classical aesthetics and cutting-edge storytelling.

The evening will also feature the prestigious Utsav Samman – Lifetime Achievement Awards, honouring:

– Guru Geeta Mahalik – Padmashree & SNA Awardee (Odissi)

– Guru Geeta Chandran – Padmashree & SNA Awardee (Bharatanatyam)

– Prof. Ashish Mohan Khokar – Dance historian, author, and critic

Day 2 – Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 :

The second evening presents a bouquet of classical dance performances by distinguished artists and disciples from across India and the world:

– Disciples of Guru Ranjana Gauhar – Odissi

– Dr. Sunanda Nair (USA) – Mohiniyattam

– Guru Deepika Reddy & disciples – Kuchipudi (Telangana)

– Guru Vidha Lal & disciples – Kathak (Delhi)

– Guru Shrimati Madkholkar – Bharatanatyam (Nagpur)

Through the platform of Utsav Educational and Cultural Society, Guru Ranjana Gauhar has cultivated more than just performances — she has nurtured a movement. With a deep commitment to pedagogy, cultural revival, and artistic innovation, her efforts have empowered countless young dancers and ensured that the legacy of classical arts continues to thrive, evolve, and enchant.

This 20th anniversary of Saare Jahan Se Accha stands as a tribute not only to India’s artistic soul, but also to the singular vision of a woman who has spent her life in its service.

IC3 Movement Invites Educators to Register for the Biggest Global Conference on Counseling and Career Readiness

National, 22nd July 2025: The 2025 Annual IC3 Conference & Expo by the IC3 Movement will be held on 20–21 August, this year at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, with limited registrations now open for schools and colleges. Drawing educators, university representatives, policymakers, and experts from over 95 countries, the conference offers an unmatched platform to address student mental health, career readiness, and the evolving role of counseling in school education. The conference offers a valuable space for meaningful dialogue within the counseling community, along with panel discussions led by prominent voices shaping the future of education.

With the theme “Counseling as a Culture”, this year’s conference will explore how schools can embed counseling into core educational practices, which foster proactive, long-term systems that support student well-being and development.

The conference will feature 35 expert-led sessions, as well as pre-conference workshops and Inner Child Workshops, all open to registered participants. The IC3 Presidential Forum, held by invitation only, will bring together the senior global university leaders such as presidents, chancellors, and vice chancellors; top high school leaders and principals from across the world; and senior officials from government, trade organisations, and the media.

The 2025 Annual IC3 Conference & Expo will host a diverse lineup of speakers spanning education, policy, psychology, leadership, and the creative arts. Mythologist and author Devdutt Pattanaik and spiritual leader Gauranga Das, Director at Govardhan Eco Village, will deliver keynote addresses that invite reflection on culture and consciousness in education.

Among the special invitees are key figures shaping Indian education policy including Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations at CBSE, Dr Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive and Secretary of CISCE, and Dr Indu Shahani, Founding President of ATLAS SkillTech University.

The IC3 Presidential Forum, an invite-only dialogue platform, will feature leaders from across continents and disciplines: Michelle Whittingham (University of California, Santa Cruz), Vanita Uppal OBE (The British School New Delhi), Nargish Khambatta (GEMS Education, U.A.E.), and actor-author Soha Ali Khan among others. Also speaking are education innovators and institutional heads such as Barry Craig (Huron University, Canada), Ben Schmidt (Cambridge University Press & Assessment), and Dr Francisco Marmolejo (Qatar Foundation). Experts like Dr Samir H. Dalwai, developmental paediatrician, and entrepreneurial voices including Pratham Mittal, Preeti Vyas, and Ruchira Chaudhary add further depth to the cross-sectoral dialogue.

The conference will also serve as a vital venue for educators to connect with the global counseling community, engage in high-impact discussions, and gain actionable insights from renowned voices shaping the future of education. The previous conference, held in 2024, welcomed 2,044 delegates from 57 countries. The upcoming event is expected to cover themes such as student mobility, subject selection, counselor training, and institutional collaboration.

A key highlight will be the release of the third edition of the IC3 Institute’s Student Suicides Report, offering research-based insights on the mental health landscape of students in India and the impact of counseling access in schools. Another key highlight will be the launch of the fifth edition of the IC3 Institute’s Annual Student Quest Report, a pioneering global survey that aims to understand the challenges and opportunities for both students and career counselors and educators in a school’s ecosystem.

“As career and college counseling becomes a more integral part of school education, there is a growing need for structured, collaborative frameworks within institutions. The 2025 IC3 Annual Conference & Expo offers a meaningful platform for educators to engage with global perspectives, practical tools, and collective insights that can help embed counseling deeply into the educational experience. With thoughtfully curated experiences such as the IC3 Host School Student-Parent Expo and the Inner Child Workshop in partnership with the Aha Movement, the conference also brings the counseling conversation closer to students and families, ensuring a more holistic, human-centered approach to education,” said Ganesh Kohli, Founder of the IC3 Movement.

Since its inception, the Annual IC3 Conference & Expo has engaged over 6,615 schools and 912 universities, reaching more than 3.3 million students across 104 countries. This 2025 conference will also include the IC3 Awards, the IC3 Host School Student & Parent Conference, and immersive learning workshops which have been curated to support educators in building meaningful, student-centred guidance frameworks.

VESIT Signs MoU to Open Tinkerers’ Laboratory

Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Technology (VESIT) Inks MOU with Maker Bhavan Foundation and Addverb Technologies to Unveil The Tinkerers’ Laboratory

MUMBAI, India, July 22, 2025 – Vivekanand Education Society’s Institute of Technology (VESIT), The Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF) and Addverb Technologies Limited, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a cutting-edge MBF-Tinkerers’ Laboratory (MBF-TL) at the VESIT campus in Chembur, Mumbai. This initiative aims to foster innovation, hands-on learning, and industry-relevant skill development among students. The project is co-sponsored by MBF, providing prototyping equipment and Addverb Technologies contributing a 6-axis collaborative robotic arm (cobot).

The core purpose of this MoU is to provide students with a hands-on learning environment through the MBF-TL, enabling them to experiment and acquire practical skills. Beyond equipment donation, the initiative includes a series of workshops, courses, boot camps, and teacher training programs conducted by the LEAP (Learning Engineering by Activity through Projects) Program of the IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITM IC). This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing STEM education and research in India.

Dr. Jayalekshmi Nair, Principal of VESIT, expressed profound gratitude for this collaboration, stating, “For the past five years, VESIT has established Tinkerers’ Labs across all departments as dedicated spaces for students to explore new ideas, implement solutions, and test their innovations — all aligned with the “Learning by Doing” philosophy. This initiative has significantly contributed to developing problem-solving abilities and fostering critical thinking among our students. The provision of extended lab hours has further empowered students to undertake extra projects and achieve remarkable success in competitions such as the Inventors Challenge, Automation Challenge, and various Hackathons. Notably, VESIT has consistently excelled in the prestigious Smart India Hackathon conducted by AICTE since its inception. We are now immensely grateful to MBF and ADDVERB for establishing the state-of-the-art MBF-Tinkerers’ Lab, which offers enhanced facilities for our students. A special thanks to ADDVERB for providing a 6-axis COBOT equipped with the latest technology. This invaluable addition will offer exceptional hands-on exposure, especially for students specializing in Automation and Robotics.”

On behalf of the Maker Bhavan Foundation, Damayanti Bhattacharya, CEO, remarked, “This collaboration is about more than just a lab—it’s about igniting a mindset of curiosity and invention. The MBF-Tinkerers’ Laboratory at VESIT will become a launchpad for students to explore, experiment, and engineer solutions for real-world challenges. We’re proud to partner with institutions that share our vision of transforming technical education through hands-on, purpose-driven learning.”

“This partnership is a significant milestone in VESIT’s journey toward experiential and industry-aligned education. The MBF-Tinkerers’ Laboratory will empower our students to go beyond textbooks and become creators, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.” concluded, Dr. Jayalekshmi Nair, Principal of VESIT.

“At MBF, we are committed to transforming engineering education in India by promoting project-based learning. The Tinkerers’ Lab at VESIT is yet another step towards equipping students with the mindset and skills needed for the real world.” Mr Sandeep Natekar, Maker Bhavan Foundation added.

The establishment of the MBF-Tinkerers’ Laboratory marks a pivotal moment for VESIT, further solidifying its reputation as a forward-thinking institution committed to academic excellence and practical skill development. As VESIT continues to expand its collaborative initiatives and embrace emerging technologies, it is poised to strengthen its brand as a leader in technical education, producing highly competent and industry-ready graduates who will drive future advancements.

Sun Pharma’s ILUMYA® Hits Primary Goal in Phase 3 Psoriatic Arthritis Trials

Sun Pharma’s Phase 3 Clinical Studies Evaluating Tildrakizumab 100 mg (ILUMYA®) in Active Psoriatic Arthritis Meet their Primary Endpoint

MUMBAI, India & PRINCETON, N.J., July 21, 2025 – Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Reuters: SUN.BO, Bloomberg: SUNP IN, NSE: SUNPHARMA, BSE: 524715 (together with its subsidiaries and/or affiliated companies, “Sun Pharma”) today announced top line results from two Phase 3 clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab 100 mg (ILUMYA^®) administered over 24 weeks for treatment of active psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment with tildrakizumab 100 mg (ILUMYA) resulted in greater improvements in PsA signs and symptoms at Week 24 compared to treatment with placebo. Both the INSPIRE-1 and INSPIRE-2 studies achieved the primary endpoint, with a higher proportion of patients in the INSPIRE-1 and INSPIRE-2 studies treated with tildrakizumab achieving ACR20 responses at week 24, compared to those receiving placebo (p < 0.05).

“We are excited to share that both the INSPIRE-1 and INSPIRE-2 clinical trials have successfully met their primary endpoints. These top-line results reinforce the therapeutic potential of ILUMYA as a treatment option for patients with active psoriatic arthritis. We extend our sincere gratitude to the patients, healthcare professionals and administrators whose contributions made the studies possible. We look forward to sharing the complete clinical data in the near future,” said Marek Honczarenko, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Specialty Development at Sun Pharma.

Safety data in the studies was consistent with the well documented safety profile of ILUMYA, which is approved for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. No new safety signals were identified in the INSPIRE-1 and INSPIRE-2 studies.

Findings from the INSPIRE studies will be presented at upcoming medical conferences and published in a peer- reviewed medical journal. Use of tildrakizumab 100 mg (ILUMYA) in psoriatic arthritis is not approved, and its safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by regulatory authorities.