6, Mar 2026
Kia India Expands ‘Buckle Up’ Road Safety Initiative with Phase II; Signs MoU with TSL Foundation, Inaugurated by MoRTH
Mumbai, India, Mar 06: Reinforcing its role as a responsible mobility leader, Kia India, one of the country’s leading mass premium carmakers, announced the launch of Phase II of its flagship road safety initiative, ‘Buckle Up’, in partnership with The Social Lab Foundation (TSL), under the aegis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Marking the next phase, Kia India and TSL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the initiative’s reach and impact. Phase II was inaugurated by Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoRTH, at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of senior government officials and Kia India leadership.
During Phase I of the Buckle–Up project (February 2024 – February 2026), Kia India partnered with the Gurugram Traffic Police to address road safety through a dual focus on Infrastructure and behavioural awareness. The programme facilitated the installation of 750 crash barriers across identified high-risk stretches in Gurugram, strengthening on-ground preventive infrastructure. Complementing these efforts, Kia India conducted structured road safety education programmes across 100 schools, reaching nearly 32,000 students and fostering early awareness among young road users.
By integrating tangible infrastructure upgrades with youth-focused engagement and working in close coordination with local authorities, Phase I established a scalable and outcome-driven model for community-led road safety. This structured foundation now evolves into Phase II, reinforcing Kia India’s long-term commitment to building safer mobility ecosystems through measurable and sustainable interventions.
Building on this strong foundation, Phase II (April 2026 – March 2028) significantly expands the initiative’s scale and geographic footprint. The programme will extend across Delhi–NCR and Uttarakhand, engaging nearly 20,000 students across 100 colleges through advanced driving simulators and structured experiential learning modules. These are designed to help young road users understand real-world risks and adopt safer driving behaviours. The initiative will also strengthen road safety infrastructure through the installation of additional crash barriers in high-risk zones, including Gurgaon and along the Delhi–Uttarakhand highway. These efforts will be supported by integrated awareness campaigns across different platforms of online and on-ground engagement programmes, further advancing Kia India’s long-term vision of building safer mobility ecosystems across communities.
During the MoU signing, Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoRTH, commended Kia India’s structured approach to strengthening road safety through infrastructure and awareness interventions. He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between industry and government to reduce road fatalities and advance national road safety awareness efforts.
On the progression of the initiative, Mr. Sood, said, “At Kia India, safety is a fundamental pillar of our mobility vision, extending beyond our vehicles to the communities we serve. ‘Buckle Up’ reflects our long-term commitment to creating safer mobility ecosystems through infrastructure enhancement and sustained behavioural change initiatives. With Phase II, we are scaling our efforts to reach young and first-time drivers while strengthening on-ground safety interventions. Through this initiative, we are proud to support the Government of India’s vision of safer roads and contribute meaningfully towards building a stronger culture of road safety across communities.”
Commenting on the occasion, Apoorva Sharma, Executive Director of TSL Foundation said, “Our collaboration with Kia India in Phase I laid a strong operational foundation through targeted infrastructure and school-level engagement. With Phase II, we are building on these learnings to scale the programme across new geographies and age groups, further strengthening its impact through structured, experiential road safety interventions.”
Through the ‘Buckle Up’ initiative, Kia India continues to advance a structured and scalable model for community-led road safety, aligned with national priorities and built on measurable impact. As the programme evolves into its next phase, the company reaffirms its commitment to working alongside government bodies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to foster safer road behaviours and strengthen mobility ecosystems across India.
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- By Neel Achary
6, Mar 2026
WeNaturalists Mobilises 3,000 Students Nationwide Through Campus Champions Program and Expanding to 15 Plus Campuses
Mar 6: Across India’s campuses, a new wave of student-led sustainability action is quietly taking shape. Through its Campus Champions Program, WeNaturalists is enabling college students to lead environmental & sustainable initiatives that are rooted in real-world impact and long-term cultural change. What began just over a year ago has already grown into a pan-India movement, spanning more than 15 college campuses and reaching approximately 3,000 students across schools and colleges combined.
The Campus Champions Program is designed around a simple idea: students are not just participants in sustainability conversations, but leaders of them. Each Campus Champion leads a group of students from their campus who work closely with the WeNaturalists team, receiving guidance, mentorship, resources, and access to digital tools that help translate ideas into on-ground action. The program is active across campuses in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, reflecting its reach beyond metro cities into diverse regional contexts.
Unlike conventional eco-clubs, the initiative focuses on building continuity and ownership. Campus Champions are supported to design and execute projects that respond to their campus context, while also gaining early exposure to sustainability-linked career pathways. For college students, the emphasis is on career exploration within the green economy, supported through one-on-one guidance, mentorship, and access to relevant networks, depending on each student’s area of interest and study.
The program is currently in its second year, shifting from proof of concept to scale. Students and Campuses that have completed their first year of participation are now positioned as peer mentors for newer students and institutions entering the ecosystem. Student-created content from these campuses gets amplified via WeNaturalists’ growing media ecosystem and connects participants to a wider community of over 500,000 like-minded community members on the WeNaturalists’ digital platform.
Amit Banka, Founder & CEO of WeNaturalists said,
“Through the Campus Champions Program, we’ve seen how powerful student ownership can be when it’s supported by the right structure and community. Our vision is to build sustainable cultures on campuses that don’t disappear when one student graduates, but continue to grow year after year. Over the last few years, students across different states have shown that meaningful climate action can begin right where they are. As we move forward, our focus is on scale with intention, bringing campuses together, amplifying student voices, and creating documented proof of grassroots action from an early age. We believe that when students are given trust, mentorship, and a platform, they don’t just participate in change, they lead it.”
Measurable outcomes have already begun to emerge through these efforts. At a Mumbai college, over 100 students conducted a campus water audit that helped reduce water wastage by nearly 20 percent, translating learning into tangible infrastructure impact. Campus Champions have also led awareness initiatives such as film screenings on plastic pollution and sustainable fishing, and environmental education sessions designed for differently-abled groups in Indore, extending sustainability action beyond campus boundaries. These activities have helped build visible, on-ground change while strengthening student ownership of environmental work.
Over the next three years, WeNaturalists aims to establish active Campus Champions on at least 50 campuses across India, ensuring that sustainability efforts continue beyond individual academic years. The long-term vision is to create a recognized credential for student-led environmental action, offering documented proof of contribution while strengthening the bridge between campus energy and long-term climate action.
6, Mar 2026
Omaxe Curates Ludhiana’s First Holi Sundowner, Draws Enthusiastic Response
Ludhiana: Leading real estate developer Omaxe Group recently curated Ludhiana’s first-ever Holi Sundowner, presenting a structured and experience-led celebration that brought together music, colours, and curated hospitality in a secure and vibrant setting.
Held between 2 PM and 8 PM, the afternoon-to-evening event offered a refreshing alternative to conventional Holi gatherings. Designed as a limited-access celebration, the event followed an exclusive 1500-ticket entry-only format, ensuring controlled attendance and a comfortable ambience for all participants.
The Holi Sundowner witnessed a lively turnout, with live DJ performances energising the atmosphere throughout the evening. Carefully organised colour play segments kept the festive spirit alive, while dedicated hospitality zones and curated food and beverage offerings elevated the overall guest experience. The organisers also prioritised streamlined entry management and strict security protocols, ensuring the celebration proceeded smoothly and safely.
The initiative reflects a growing preference among urban audiences for responsibly managed and thoughtfully curated festive celebrations that combine enjoyment with comfort and exclusivity. The format allowed guests to celebrate Holi in a well-organised environment, adding a distinctive experience to Ludhiana’s evolving social calendar.
Commenting on the occasion, Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Group, said:
“Celebrations today are increasingly centred around experience and comfort. Our endeavour was to create a platform where people could come together in a vibrant yet well-managed environment. The encouraging response reinforces the demand for curated and secure festive formats.”
With its limited-access concept, vibrant ambience, and seamless execution, the Holi Sundowner concluded on a high note, setting a refined benchmark for future experiential gatherings in the city.
6, Mar 2026
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Remains Among Top Institutions for NIH Funding
New York, Mar 05: The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, part of the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, continues to rank among the top institutions for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding, sustaining its overall standing as No. 11 nationally.
Including grants and contracts, the School received $501.7 million from the NIH in the most recent federal fiscal year, placing it in the 99th percentile among private U.S. medical schools in research dollars per investigator, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Additionally, recently released department rankings published by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) further underline the institution’s expanding prominence in biomedical research across multiple disciplines. The BRIMR rankings are derived from data gleaned from the NIH for the federal fiscal year ending in September 2025.
Overall, 13 departments representing basic and clinical science at Mount Sinai placed within the top 10 nationwide for NIH funding, a strong indicator of sustained institutional momentum in high-impact research. Notably, the Department of Pharmacology moved up to No. 1 in the standings from No. 2 in 2024. The Department, part of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, succeeded in the standings largely due to its advances into understanding the mechanisms of disease, in addition to leveraging these discoveries for the development of novel therapeutics.
“I am tremendously proud of our faculty, staff, and trainees whose relentless pursuit of discovery continues to elevate Mount Sinai’s research enterprise,” said Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine and Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System. “These NIH rankings reflect our enduring commitment to scientific excellence and the translational impact of our work across basic science, clinical research, education, and patient-focused innovation.”
Highlights of NIH Funding Performance and Departmental Standings
- Overall, eight clinical and five basic science departments or fields were ranked among the top 10 across the United States. The clinical departments/fields were Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Medicine, Neurosurgery, Physical Medicine, Psychiatry, Public Health, and Urology; in the basic sciences, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Twelve departments moved up in the standings in 2025, reflecting strong progress year over year.
- Mount Sinai is now ranked No. 1 in Pharmacology; No. 2 in Neuroscience; No. 3 in Dermatology, Microbiology, and Psychiatry; and No. 4 in Public Health funding.
- The Department of Microbiology secured the largest dollar increase, adding $8.1 million to its funding base for a total of $26.5 million last year.
- The Department of Dermatology’s continuing excellence in skin biology and translational research propelled the Department in securing high-level NIH funding and a top spot in the rankings.
Mount Sinai’s No. 4 ranking in Public Health reflects the established excellence of the Department of Environmental Medicine along with a department established just two years ago, the new Department of Public Health. The former is led by Robert O. Wright, MD, MPH, Ethel H. Wise Professor of Community Medicine, Chair of the Department of Environmental Medicine, and Co-Director of the Institute for Exposomic Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. And the Department of Public Health, which emphasizes a transdisciplinary team approach in understanding and treating disease, underscoring a deeper integration of public health and translational sciences, is led by Rosalind J. Wright, MD, MPH, the Horace W. Goldsmith Professor in Children’s Health Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
In addition to institutional ranking success, Icahn School of Medicine researchers continue to secure targeted NIH awards that advance discovery across health priorities. Recent support includes multimillion-dollar grants for studies on neurological aging, congenital heart disease outcomes, and several translational research programs that bridge basic science with potential new interventions.
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6, Mar 2026
ACCENTUM Open Sakura Pink Edition: A Stylish Pick for Women’s Day
Bright, lightweight, and thoughtfully designed, the ACCENTUM Open Sakura Pink Edition is a perfect Women’s Day pick that celebrates individuality, confidence, and style. The soft Sakura Pink finish adds a subtle, elegant touch, making it a chic accessory for women who embrace both fashion and functionality in their everyday lives.
With its open-ear design and custom 11 mm dynamic transducers, ACCENTUM Open delivers clear, balanced audio while allowing her to stay aware of her surroundings. Whether she’s heading to work, going for a walk, or managing a busy day on the move, it keeps her connected without missing a beat. Featuring Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, intuitive touch controls, and up to 28 hours of battery life with the case, it blends convenience with modern design.
This makes ACCENTUM Open Sakura Pink ideal for:
• Her: A stylish audio companion that celebrates everyday confidence
• Busy lifestyles such as work, commutes, workouts, or travel
• Women who value both fashion and function in their everyday tech
6, Mar 2026
PhysicsWallah Alumna, Modge-by Land of Cakes Raises INR 1 Crore from Anupam Mittal on Shark Tank India Season 5
New Delhi, Mar 06: Alumna of PW School of Startups, the entrepreneurship arm of education company, PhysicsWallah (PW), Megha Sarayan, founder of Kolkata-based Modge – by Land of Cakes, has raised ₹1 crore in funding on Shark Tank India Season 5. The investment was made by Anupam Mittal, founder and CEO of People Group and angel investor, in exchange for 9% equity. Mittal backed the venture after recognising the founder’s determination and clarity of vision during the pitch.
Sarayan, a 26-year-old entrepreneur, has been building Modge as a mood-based cravings brand offering a range of vegetarian cakes, desserts, and savoury treats. Founded in 2017, it operates across cloud kitchens and physical outlets in Kolkata and Hyderabad. The brand has built a strong affinity around handcrafted baked goods that combine creativity, indulgence, and innovation. Her journey reflects a shift from instinct-driven entrepreneurship to a process-led, scalable business model, a transition that gained national visibility with her appearance on the show.
Reflecting on her journey, Sarayan said, “Shark Tank was always a dream for me, and I knew that to stand on that stage, I couldn’t just have a good product; I needed a business that could speak for itself. I had been running Modge for years, but I realised I needed an organised system to scale ahead. I enrolled myself in the Aarambh, a 5-day residential startup immersion program by PW School of Startups. The mentorship changed my perception of numbers and scale. The programme helped me bring structure to what I had built. This further helped me build confidence to walk into Shark Tank and present my business.”
Megha is an alumna of Aarambh 6.0, a startup mentorship bootcamp under PW School of Startups, where early-stage and growth-stage founders are guided on business structuring, operational discipline, and investor readiness. The programme focuses on helping founders refine their ideas into organised ventures with long-term scalability.
Commenting on the development, Gopal Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, PhysicsWallah (PW) said, “Seeing Megha secure funding on a platform like Shark Tank India makes us immensely proud. These achievements bring forth the importance of mentorship that nurtures ideas and instils real-world business thinking. Our aim at PW SOS has been to support founders in building sustainable organisations and supporting them in structuring their ideas and nurturing them, so these young entrepreneurs can build lasting foundations.”
With the new funding, Sarayan plans to strengthen Modge’s offline presence while continuing to scale its cloud kitchen operations, further building the brand as a cravings-led consumer business.
6, Mar 2026
Women’s Day Story: The Mumbai-born woman who broke barriers in medicine in the 1800s
Mar 6: The first cohort of students on the University of Glasgow and Biocon Academy partnership MSc successfully graduated today (27 February), marking a significant milestone for the industry-integrated programme.
Born in Bombay in 1868, Dr Vakil was a pioneering figure in women’s education at a time when women in India – and across the world – faced significant barriers to formal study, particularly in medicine. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Wilson College in 1888, she pursued medical training at the London School of Medicine for Women before joining Queen Margaret College Medical School in Glasgow in 1893. She graduated MB CM in 1897, becoming a trailblazer for Indian women in medicine and international education.
Following her graduation, Dr Vakil worked for two years in Glasgow hospitals as a postgraduate, before returning to Bombay to serve in local hospitals. Her medical career later took her to Aden where she worked in both Government service and private practice until 1941.
Dr Vakil’s achievements highlight the enduring partnership between the University of Glasgow and India. Indian students have been part of the University community since the late 19th century, and today India remains one of the University’s most significant international partners, with collaborations spanning health, engineering, the arts, global challenges and student mobility.
Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Glasgow, said:
“Dr Merbai Ardesir Vakil’s story is one of courage and determination. At a time when opportunities for women in medicine were scarce worldwide, she crossed borders in pursuit of her ambition and went on to serve communities in India and beyond. As we continue to expand our partnerships across India, we do so inspired by trailblazers like Dr Vakil, whose brilliance helped open doors for generations of women who followed.”
The University continues to build on its historic links with India through joint research initiatives, academic partnerships, alumni networks and programmes that expand opportunities for students from across the region.
6, Mar 2026
First Gene Regulation Clinical Trials for Epilepsy Show Promising Results
Groundbreaking Phase 1/2a clinical trials co-led by Linda Laux, MD, from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, show that the first gene regulation treatment for epilepsy is safe and well tolerated by patients with Dravet syndrome for whom antiseizure medications are not effective. Results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, include significant seizure reduction and improvement in other symptoms of Dravet syndrome, such as language, motor and behavior issues. Researchers also report sustained treatment benefits in ongoing open-label extension studies.
“Our results are highly promising, especially since currently there are no approved treatments that address the underlying cause of Dravet syndrome,” said Dr. Laux, Head of the Epilepsy Center and Associate Division Head of Neurology at Lurie Children’s, as well as Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Since this gene regulation product targets the actual root cause of Dravet syndrome, we observed improvements in other developmental and cognitive symptoms, in addition to seizure control. This is unprecedented.”
Dravet syndrome includes a spectrum of symptoms that emerge in infancy and evolve. Most patients experience cognitive deficits, communication and behavioral impairments, motor dysfunction, growth delays and autistic traits. Difficulties with feeding, poor appetite, and weight loss are also common.
As Dr. Laux explained, patients with Dravet syndrome have a mutation on one SCN1A (sodium channel receptor) gene with one normal SCN1A gene. The mutation causes a haploinsufficiency (only half of the amount of the alpha 1 sodium receptor subunit is made). This causes seizures, as well as cognitive and motor issues. The study medication (zorevunersen) acts on the normal SCN1A gene to make it work harder and overcome the deficit caused by the mutated SCN1A gene. Zorevunersen is injected into the spinal fluid by a lumber puncture.
Owen – a Lurie Children’s patient who participated in the clinical trial and now continues in the open label extension study – is a 12-year-old boy with Dravet syndrome, whose seizures were not controlled by medications. He also had intellectual disability and gait abnormalities. With zorevunersen, Owen’s seizures are significantly reduced and he has had marked improvement in language and behavior, according to Dr. Laux.
“He is able to make friends, which is kind of a new development,” said Owen’s mother Austin. “His quality of life has increased substantially so that he’s able to enjoy more activities with neurotypical peers.”
The two Phase 1/2a, open-label, multicenter studies (one in the U.S. and the other in the U.K.) enrolled 81 patients with Dravet syndrome aged 2–18 years on standard antiseizure medications.
Patients who received two to three doses of 70 mg zorevunersen had reduction of motor seizures of nearly 85% at three months and 73% at six months from dosing.
Eligible patients, like Owen, rolled over to the open-label extension studies. These patients were given 45 mg of zorevunersen every four months, and they continued to have significant seizure reduction ranging from 58% to 90% over the first 20 months. For patients in the extension studies for more than 36 months, expressive and receptive communication were significantly improved.
While nearly all patients had a treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE), most of these were mild to moderate. The most common TEAE in the Phase 1/2a trials was post-lumbar puncture syndrome (nearly 25%) while the most common event in the extension studies was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein increase (45%). However, none of the patients with CSF protein increase had increased intracranial pressure or hydrocephalus. Of the serious TEAE, only one was considered treatment related.
“Our data support zorevunersen safety and tolerability, as well as improvement in overall clinical status, quality of life and adaptive behavior following continued dosing in the extension studies,” said Dr. Laux.
A Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of zorevunersen for Dravet syndrome is currently underway.
Funding was provided by Stoke Therapeutics.
Dr. Laux holds the Lorna S. and James P. Langdon Chair in Pediatric Neurology at Lurie Children’s.
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois and one of less than 35 nationally. This is where the top doctors go to train, practice pediatric medicine, teach, advocate, research and stay up to date on the latest treatments. Exclusively focused on children, all Lurie Children’s resources are devoted to serving their needs. Research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children’s is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. It is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
6, Mar 2026
Rohde & Schwarz enables rapid validation of next-gen Wi-Fi 8 networking platforms, including 5×5 MIMO capabilities
Mar 6: Using the advanced MIMO test capabilities of the CMP180 radio communication tester from Rohde & Schwarz, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. successfully completed comprehensive validation and performance testing of its advanced 5×5 radio technology designed for its latest Wi-Fi 8 networking platforms. As a result, Rohde & Schwarz now offers pre-built test routines for its test platform.
The CMP180 validates Wi-Fi 8 features including 5×5 MIMO.
Qualcomm Technologies has used the CMP180 radio communication tester from Rohde & Schwarz to validate advanced multi-antenna capabilities that are designed into its next-generation Wi-Fi 8 platforms, including support for 5×5 MIMO in the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz band. Advanced 5×5 MIMO architectures help Wi‑Fi 8 platforms deliver higher capacity and more reliable connectivity across a wider range of real‑world deployment scenarios.
The industry leading CMP180 delivers full bandwidth and seamless scalability for testing leading Wi Fi 8 chipsets across the entire device lifecycle — from development to production. As a result of this collaboration, Rohde & Schwarz now offers pre built test routines and early access to key resources, enabling device manufacturers to accelerate time to market of their products.
Wi-Fi 8, based on the IEEE 802.11bn specification, builds on the foundation of Wi-Fi 7 to deliver next-level reliability, efficiency and seamless mobility. New PHY and MAC layer technologies work together to extend range, improve spectrum utilization, reduce latency and enable coordinated access across dense environments, setting the stage for ultra-high reliability (UHR) performance. Advanced antenna architectures such as 5×5 MIMO help enhance spatial efficiency and link robustness and provide a more consistent performance in real-world environments.
This new feature set of Wi-Fi 8 will accelerate the wireless LAN performance at home, in offices, venues and factories and enable applications like extended reality (XR), AI-assisted applications, real-time cloud gaming and ultra-high-definition content streaming. To realize these benefits, test equipment must support all bands, full channel bandwidths, multi-antenna operation (MIMO) and deliver best-in-class measurement accuracy at benchmarking test efficiency. Rohde & Schwarz has designed the CMP180 radio communication tester with these capabilities in mind.
The CMP180 enables Qualcomm Technologies to validate essential features of its latest Wi-Fi innovation, including:
• 5×5 MIMO performance to further improve maximum data throughput per link
• Advanced modulation and coding schemes that enable fine grained adaptation to real time radio conditions.
• Distributed-tone resource units to improve uplink performance under regulatory limits.
Goce Talaganov, Vice President Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “We are excited to strengthen our long-time collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies to provide a unique testing solution for the next area of Wi-Fi innovations. The CMP180’s advanced features and our close collaboration will empower device manufacturers to bring innovative Wi-Fi 8 products to market quickly and confidently.”
Ganesh Swaminathan, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Infrastructure and Networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. said: “Qualcomm Technologies’ Wi-Fi 8 portfolio is engineered to deliver next level performance, reliability and scalability across a broad range of networking use cases. As part of this portfolio approach, we are advancing innovations such as higher order MIMO to help increase performance in real world environments. Our collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz highlights the progress of these capabilities as the Wi-Fi 8 ecosystem builds momentum.”
6, Mar 2026
XLRI Delhi-NCR Successfully Concludes MAXI Mela 2026 at DLF CyberHub: Where Market Research Meets Carnival
Delhi-NCR, Mar 06: XLRI Delhi-NCR, a premier management institution recognised for academic excellence, industry engagement, and policy-focused research, successfully concluded its flagship marketing initiative, MAXI Mela 2026, at DLF CyberHub. Organised by the Marketing Association of XLRI (MAXI), the two-day event brought together over 1.5 lakh attendees, establishing itself as one of the largest student-led marketing activities in the National Capital Region.
MAXI Mela 2026 was conceptualised as a live marketing laboratory, carrying forward the four-decade legacy of “Disguised Market Research.” Centred around an Indie Pop Art theme, the event blended entertainment with academic rigour, enabling students to apply classroom marketing frameworks within a real-world consumer environment. Moving beyond conventional survey methods, the initiative employed immersive and gamified engagement formats to capture authentic consumer insights. A key highlight was student collaboration with leading organisations such as Mahindra Group, AB InBev, and Procter & Gamble, allowing brands to gather organic insights into evolving Gen Z preferences, lifestyle aspirations, and consumption behaviour in a naturalistic setting.
Beyond its research focus, the Mela evolved into a vibrant cultural showcase. The event featured “Taal,” an inter-college dance competition with participation from institutions across Delhi University and the NCR region, alongside live musical performances by Aayushi Sharma, Rocknaama, and Project Dnox. A curated Commercial Bazaar further enriched the experience by bringing together local businesses, IEV startups, and lifestyle brands, collectively transforming the Amphitheatre into an energetic experiential space that seamlessly integrated large-scale public engagement with data-driven marketing insights.
Speaking on the successful conclusion of the event, Fr. Nelson A. D’Silva, S.J., Acting Director, XLRI Delhi-NCR said,
“MAXI Mela reflects XLRI’s commitment to experiential learning and industry collaboration. By enabling students to conceptualise and execute large-scale consumer research projects for leading organisations, we bridge the gap between academic theory and market realities. The overwhelming public participation demonstrates that research, when innovatively designed, can be both insightful and engaging.”
With the successful completion of its third Delhi-NCR edition, MAXI Mela 2026 reinforces XLRI Delhi-NCR’s growing regional footprint and sets a strong benchmark for student-driven industry engagement initiatives.
