29, Jun 2026
Ariel University Honors World Chess Legend Boris Gelfand, Israel Prize Laureate Prof. Yonina Eldar and War Hero Avigdor Kahalani
Academic Excellence, Social Impact and National Leadership: Ariel University Awards 2026 Honorary Doctorates to Efrat and Hanoch Daum, Avigdor Kahalani, Adi Altschuler, Prof. Yonina Eldar, Prof. Avraham Gover and Grandmaster Boris Gelfand
The seven recipients embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, leadership, and commitment to Israeli society.
Ariel University held its annual Honorary Doctorate ceremony this morning, Wednesday, on the university campus. The ceremony was attended by Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman; Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov; representatives of the Board of Trustees; members of the academic faculty; and public figures.
This year, Honorary Doctorates were awarded to seven prominent individuals from the fields of science, security, education, public service and culture. In recognition of outstanding achievements, values-based leadership, and long-standing contributions to the resilience of the State of Israel and the advancement of human knowledge.
Recipients of Ariel University’s 2026 Honorary Doctorates:
Prof. Yonina Eldar: One of the world’s leading researchers in the fields of signal processing, computer vision and artificial intelligence, and recipient of the Israel Prize in 2025. Prof. Eldar was recognized for her development of the field of sub-Nyquist sampling, a scientific breakthrough with applications in medical imaging, radar systems and smart sensors, and for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of Israeli scientists and researchers.
Adi Altschuler: A leading social entrepreneur and changemaker.
The degree was awarded to her for founding and leading groundbreaking national and international initiatives, including the Krembo Wings youth movement, the civic commemoration initiative Zikaron BaSalon, and the Inclu network of inclusive schools, which have helped promote the values of inclusion, equality and mutual responsibility.
Prof. Avraham Gover: An internationally renowned researcher and physicist in the field of applied physics. The degree was awarded to him for decades of groundbreaking research in laser, electron and radiation technologies, combining basic science with advanced engineering developments that have industrial and defence applications, and positioning Israel at the forefront of global research in his field.
Grandmaster Boris Gelfand: One of the world’s leading chess players, who has represented the State of Israel on the international stage for more than three decades, including his historic challenge for the title of World Chess Champion in 2012. The degree was awarded to him for his extraordinary achievements, which placed Israel at the top of the global chess world making him a symbol of excellence, strategic thinking, and perseverance.
Efrat and Hanoch Daum: Efrat is a social entrepreneur, and Hanoch is a journalist, satirist and bestselling author whose books have dealt extensively with Israeli identity. The degree was awarded to them in recognition of their contribution to strengthening social cohesion and their wide-ranging civic activity, led by the national emergency initiative “Embracing Reservists,” which supported thousands of reservist families and businesses impacted by the war.
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Avigdor Kahalani: One of the outstanding heroes of the State of Israel, recipient of the Medal of Valor and the Medal of Distinguished Service. The degree was awarded to him for his many years of contribution to the security of the state, his exemplary leadership on the battlefield, and his public service as Minister of Internal Security, Chairman of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers, and as an author and lecturer on leadership and national responsibility.
Hanoch Daum, who spoke on behalf of the Honorary Doctorate recipients, first turned to his mother, who was seated in the audience, and apologized to her for not having a matriculation certificate. “At least now I am a doctor,” he said with a smile. He then thanked Ariel University for the recognition and addressed the President of the University, saying that he was not surprised by the impressive figures regarding the high proportion of reservists among Ariel University students. He added: “I believe Ariel University is cultivating the next generation of leadership for the State of Israel.”
Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman, and Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov, congratulated the recipients and emphasized their extraordinary contributions.
President of Ariel University, Prof. Ehud Grossman:
“This year’s recipients represent excellence across a range of fields: science, security, society and culture. Each of them has shown that personal achievement gains its greatest significance when it serves society, the State of Israel, and the advancement of humanity. In their own way, this year’s recipients have shaped reality, expanded the boundaries of what is possible, and left a significant mark on Israeli society and on their respective fields.”
Rector of Ariel University, Prof. Albert Pinhasov:
“When looking at this year’s recipients of our Honorary Doctorates, it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride. These are individuals whose achievements continue to drive Israel’s growth, innovation, and progress. For academia, the privilege of honoring them is also an opportunity to present the next generation with a model of excellence, leadership and commitment to society.”
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- By Neel Achary
29, Jun 2026
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Concludes 37th iCARE Initiative
Chandigarh,June 29 : Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced the successful completion of its 37th iCARE initiative under its Employee Volunteerism Program. It marks another milestone in TKM’s efforts to create meaningful social impact through employee volunteering and community engagement. Guided by the company’s core principles of continuous improvement and respect for people, the activity focused on strengthening educational infrastructure and encouraging students to make better use of library resources.
Held at Government High School, Doddaghollarahatti, Karnataka, in observance of National Reading Day, the initiative brought together 250 iCARE volunteers, including TKM employees, their family members and students.
As part of the initiative, volunteers revitalized the school’s library into a lively and student-friendly reading space by adding colorful mural arts, dusting, arranging and cataloguing books, assembling furniture and installing signage to improve visibility. Volunteers also contributed both new and pre-owned books, helping expand the library’s collection and providing students with greater access to reading material. The iCARE volunteers worked on every aspect & stage of the refurbishment, renovation & transformation process of making the library into a bright and welcoming one, ensuring that it is both functional and inviting for students.
This initiative reflects Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s ongoing commitment towards supporting national development goals, particularly in the education sector. Through its CSR efforts, TKM aligns and reinforces the Government of India’s vision under the National Education Policy 2020, which underscores the critical role of libraries as dynamic learning spaces. These institutions are essential for building foundational literacy, encouraging multilingual proficiency, enabling research capabilities and nurturing a culture of lifelong learning.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said,
“At Toyota, we believe that every child deserves access to spaces that inspire learning and curiosity. A library is often the first place where students discover new ideas, perspectives and opportunities beyond the classroom. Through the 37th iCARE initiative, we have worked to create a more welcoming and engaging environment that encourages students to read, explore and learn. By strengthening access to books and learning resources, we hope to support students in building knowledge, confidence and aspirations that can help shape their future.”
Since its inception in 2017, iCARE has served as TKM’s flagship employee volunteerism initiative, encouraging employees and their families to contribute towards meaningful social causes. To date, over 4,500 volunteers have participated in 37 community programs, positively impacting more than 68,800 lives. By collaborating with local institutions and communities, TKM remains committed to creating sustainable and long-term impact across its six core CSR pillars- Education, Health & Hygiene, Environment, Skill Development, Road Safety and Disaster Management.
29, Jun 2026
Bengaluru rail network to get four-track corridors within 100 km radius
Bengaluru , June 29: The Union Minister for Railways has announced the development of four-track railway corridors within a 100-km radius of Bengaluru as part of a major infrastructure expansion plan aimed at decongesting one of India’s busiest rail networks and improving regional connectivity.
The initiative is expected to significantly enhance both passenger and freight movement in and around the Bengaluru metropolitan region, which has been experiencing rapidly increasing rail traffic due to urban expansion, industrial growth, and rising commuter demand.
According to the announcement, the proposed corridor upgrades will include the addition of extra railway lines on key saturated routes, enabling smoother train operations, reduced delays, and higher service frequency. The project forms part of the broader strategy to modernize railway infrastructure in Karnataka and integrate Bengaluru more efficiently with surrounding economic hubs.
Officials indicated that the upgraded corridors will support faster movement of goods and passengers, particularly along critical routes connecting Bengaluru with industrial and logistics centres within a 100-km radius. The project is also expected to complement ongoing suburban rail and high-speed rail initiatives in the region.
The Ministry of Railways emphasized that the expansion aligns with India’s long-term vision of capacity augmentation, network decongestion, and improved multimodal connectivity in major urban clusters.
Further detailed project reports, alignment plans, and implementation timelines are expected to be released in subsequent phases.
29, Jun 2026
Delhi Cabinet Approves EV Policy 2026 Under Leadership of CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi, June 29: The Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the Delhi EV Policy 2026, marking a major step towards accelerating electric mobility in the national capital.
The new policy aims to promote wider adoption of electric vehicles, reduce air pollution, and strengthen the city’s clean transport ecosystem. It focuses on expanding EV infrastructure, including charging stations, battery-swapping facilities, and incentives to encourage the use of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers.
Officials said the policy is designed to make Delhi a leading EV-ready city by improving accessibility, affordability, and convenience for users while supporting manufacturers and service providers in the EV sector.
The government emphasized that the policy aligns with its broader environmental goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in Delhi. It also seeks to encourage investment, innovation, and job creation in the clean mobility sector.
The Delhi EV Policy 2026 will be implemented in phases, with detailed guidelines to be issued for stakeholders in the coming weeks.
29, Jun 2026
India’s airport sector may attract INR 4.2 lakh crore investment by 2029
New Delhi, June 29: India’s airport infrastructure sector is expected to attract investments of up to ₹4.2 lakh crore by 2029, driven by rapid growth in air traffic, expansion of regional connectivity, and large-scale modernization of aviation facilities across the country.
The projected investment reflects ongoing and planned development of new greenfield airports, expansion of existing terminals, upgradation of cargo facilities, and enhancement of aviation-related services to meet rising passenger demand.
Officials said the growth in the sector is being supported by policy reforms, increasing private sector participation, and the government’s focus on improving regional air connectivity under key aviation development programmes. The expansion is also expected to boost tourism, trade, logistics, and employment opportunities.
Industry stakeholders noted that India’s aviation sector is among the fastest-growing in the world, with rising middle-class travel demand and increased connectivity to smaller cities playing a major role in driving infrastructure requirements.
The development is expected to position India as one of the leading aviation markets globally over the coming years, with a strong emphasis on modern, efficient, and sustainable airport infrastructure.
29, Jun 2026
BPCL to acquire 40 pc stake in Tiki Tar, Shell India for INR 85 crore
June 29: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has announced that it will acquire a 40% stake in Tiki Tar Industries and Shell India Markets Private Limited for ₹85 crore as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the infrastructure and bitumen segment.
The move is aimed at expanding BPCL’s portfolio beyond traditional fuels and into value-added products used widely in road construction and infrastructure development. Bitumen and related materials play a key role in highways, urban roads, and waterproofing applications, and demand for these products is expected to grow with India’s infrastructure push.
Officials said the partnership is expected to bring together BPCL’s refining and distribution strengths with the technical expertise and market reach of the companies involved, creating operational synergies and improving product availability.
The acquisition is part of BPCL’s broader plan to diversify its downstream business and tap into emerging opportunities linked to India’s rapid infrastructure growth. The deal will be completed after receiving necessary regulatory approvals.
29, Jun 2026
Govt invites proposals to cut import dependence in medical devices
June 29: The government has invited proposals from industry, startups, academic institutions, research organisations, and innovators to reduce India’s dependence on imported medical devices and strengthen the country’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
The initiative aims to identify practical solutions that can accelerate indigenous production, promote innovation, and address critical technology gaps in the medical devices sector. It seeks to encourage the development of high-quality, affordable medical equipment that can meet India’s growing healthcare needs while reducing reliance on overseas suppliers.
Officials said the proposals will help shape policies and support mechanisms to strengthen research and development, encourage investment in advanced manufacturing, and foster collaboration between industry, academia, and government. The move is also expected to improve supply chain resilience, enhance India’s competitiveness in the global medical devices market, and create new opportunities for startups and manufacturers.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader vision of building a self-reliant healthcare ecosystem under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, ensuring reliable access to critical medical technologies while positioning India as a global hub for medical device innovation and manufacturing.
29, Jun 2026
Gujarat’s iNDEXTb earns Guinness World Records recognition
Gandhinagar, June 29: Gujarat’s Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb) has received a Guinness World Records certificate for successfully bringing together 350 exhibitors in just 11 days, marking a significant achievement in promoting trade, industry, and investment.
The recognition highlights iNDEXTb’s ability to organise large-scale business events within a short timeframe, showcasing Gujarat’s strong ecosystem for commerce, innovation, and industrial collaboration.
Officials said the achievement reflects the coordinated efforts of government departments, industry partners, and event organisers in creating a platform that connected businesses, investors, startups, and entrepreneurs. The initiative also helped showcase emerging technologies, products, and investment opportunities across diverse sectors.
The Guinness World Records recognition reinforces Gujarat’s reputation as a leading destination for business and investment and underlines the state’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
29, Jun 2026
Vadodara hosts Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference and Trade Exhibition
Vadodara, June 29: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference and Trade Exhibition in Vadodara, reaffirming the state’s commitment to promoting industrial growth, innovation, and investment-led development.
Addressing industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, the Chief Minister highlighted Gujarat’s business-friendly policies, robust infrastructure, and skilled workforce, which continue to make the state a preferred destination for domestic and global investments.
The conference and exhibition brought together representatives from industry, trade bodies, startups, and government agencies to showcase emerging technologies, innovative products, and new business opportunities. The platform is expected to strengthen collaboration between industry and government while encouraging investment across key sectors.
Patel said the Vibrant Gujarat initiative has played a significant role in accelerating the state’s economic growth by fostering partnerships, attracting investments, and creating employment opportunities. He encouraged businesses to leverage the conference to explore new collaborations and contribute to Gujarat’s vision of sustainable and inclusive development.
The event also featured exhibitions by leading companies, business networking sessions, and discussions on innovation, manufacturing, exports, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing Gujarat’s position as one of India’s leading industrial and investment destinations.
29, Jun 2026
Swift government action kept fuel supplies stable during West Asia crisis: Navdeep Suri
June 29: Navdeep Suri said the government acted promptly to safeguard India’s fuel supplies during the recent West Asia crisis, ensuring there was no major disruption despite rising geopolitical tensions.
He said timely coordination between government agencies, energy companies, and diplomatic channels helped maintain steady imports of crude oil and other fuels. These measures prevented supply shortages and helped keep the country’s energy needs on track.
Suri added that the government’s proactive approach demonstrated India’s preparedness to handle global uncertainties and ensured that consumers and industries continued to receive an uninterrupted fuel supply.
