28, Mar 2026
785 students graduate with nine winning gold medals at the 51st Convocation of IIMB
PhD scholar receives award for excellence in research
Mar 28, Bengaluru: “Congratulations to the Class of 2026 at the 51st Convocation of IIM Bangalore. As you enter a rapidly evolving business environment, remember that lasting success is built through consistent choices, not just moments of acceleration. The real test of leadership lies in balancing short-term performance with long-term value creation. It is possible to have it all, but not always at the same time – prioritization and resilience act as the key. I wish you the wisdom to play the long game and create meaningful, enduring impact”, said Chief Guest Ms Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Life, during her special address at IIM Bangalore’s Convocation ceremony, this evening.
Ms Padalkar explained the graduating students that life should go beyond the fast pace of the sprint to make way for a more resilient and enduring marathon. She explained that institutions and careers are not built in sprints but through a process of evolution of a long distance race, with doses of energy, ambition, confidence and courage, and that leadership was about integrating multiple lenses. She also emphasized on the importance of precision meeting persuasion, trust built over years and slowing down to accelerate, to have sustainable careers.
Ms Padalkar also shared that three key decisions proved to be the turning points in her own life – choosing finance as her career, returning to India to build a life in the financial capital Mumbai, and choosing the life partner that she did.
Ms Vibha Padalkar advised the students that the ability to anticipate, discipline to pause and wisdom to choose deliberately, will stand them in good stead in the long run. “IIMB has honed your decision making skills. So, as you enter a new phase of your lives, remember that you need to run fast when it matters, slow down when it counts and stay in the long race.”
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore hosted its 51st Convocation on 27th March 2026. A total of 785 students from various programmes graduated, this evening. Degrees were awarded to the students of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme and the MBA programmes – the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM), Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP), Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) and Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). Students of the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) received the Master of Management Studies (Public Policy) degree. One PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research, while gold medals were awarded for Best All Round Performance, First Rank and Second Rank.
The students graduated from the prestigious institution this year in the presence of the Chief Guest, Board Members, Director-in-charge, Deans, faculty, alumni and staff of the Institute, alongside proud smiles and loud cheers from their families.
Gold medallists and PhD award winner: This year, a total of nine students have won gold medals. Moreover, a PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research.
In the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) 2024-2026,Manasi Anju Mertia is the First Rank Holder, whileDhvit Jayen Mehtais the Second Rank Holder.
Mayur Dattatray Khule is the Gold Medallist for Best All Round Performance for Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026 combined.
For the Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026, Bharat Mundra is the First Rank Holder.
In Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) 2025-2026, Aysha Shaba PP is the First Rank Holder andRajasilpi SP is the Best All Round Performer.
In Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) 2024-2026,Lakshmi R is the First Rank Holder, while Biswaranjan Mishra is the Best All Round Performer.
In the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM), Anirudh has won the gold medal for Best Academic Performance.
The Institute Research Award 2026 was won by Divya Dwivedi, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student of the Information Systems area of the graduating batch. The award seeks to inspire the school’s Doctoral students to achieve greater heights in terms of research quality and productivity.
Address by Prof. Malavika R Harita, Member, IIMB Board of Governors
The day’s events also included an inspiring address by Prof. Malavika R. Harita, Founder & CEO, Brand Circle, and Member, IIMB Board of Governors. She made mention of IIMB’s new Centres such as the Centre for Digital Public Goods as well as the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, the newly set up IIMB Development Foundation – the Institute’s fundraising and development arm, and the Institute’s collaborations with leading national and global organizations which play a significant role in enhancing the Institute’s reputation. She also highlighted IIMB’s achievements in terms of placements and the Institute’s position in prestigious national as well as global rankings.
“Be focussed on gaining knowledge, stay authentic, relevant and original, and create the impact you want to”, she advised the budding managers and entrepreneurs.”
Director’s address
Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIM Bangalore, highlighted some of the achievements of the Institute as well as of faculty, students and alumni, and shared details on IIMB’s programmes, centres, events, digital learning initiatives, rankings, placements, entrepreneurship, and more.
“With a vision to elevate undergraduate education in India with the same academic rigour that defines our postgraduate offerings, we introduced two undergraduate offerings: BSc Honors in Economics, and BSc Honors in Data Science.”
While sharing his message, Prof. Dinesh Kumar commended the Institute for its initiatives on sustainability, inclusivity as well as nation building, apart from academics and research. “The Office of Diversity and Inclusion convened important conversations on accessibility and universal design, and student-led efforts play an important role in our outreach.”
“Sustainability remains our key priority. We released our Sustainability Report on World Environment Day and introduced a new core course on Responsible Business and Sustainability. These efforts were accompanied by practical steps toward greener campus operations, including the introduction of an EV fleet on campus, donated by the PGP 1998 batch. IIM Bangalore won the Award for Excellence in Biodiversity Management and the Award for Excellence in Social Welfare and Community Services, at the ELCITA Sustainability Awards 2025.”
He also congratulated IIMB’s incubation centre, NSRCEL, on completing 25 years of supporting entrepreneurs in November last year.
Prof. Dinesh Kumar also shared three Zen stories to emphasize on the importance of mindfulness to the graduating students. “The destination is not so important, but the journey is, and the journey has to be full of happiness. Be compassionate, which again is necessary to make life happier. Also, make integrity your life motto. These three elements will go a long may in making your lives happier.”
“Consider IIMB to be your home – come back, share your life stories and be an inspiration to the entire country.”
As the graduating students get a step closer to their dreams – with new beginnings, hopes and possibilities in the horizon – the campus today was witness to moments full of emotional farewells, group photos, selfies and other celebrations.
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- By Neel Achary
27, Mar 2026
Innovation Paradox at Work: 41% of U.S. Employees Fear Job Loss for Mistakes Despite Pressure to Innovate
New INTOO/Harris Poll Study Reveals Innovation Paradox in the American Workplace: Employees Are Expected to Innovate — Yet 41% Fear Being Fired for Making a Mistake
27, Mar 2026
Lamp of Unity Illuminated at IFFCO, New Delhi, Signaling Global Commitment to Unity and Sustainability
New Delhi, Mar 27: In a symbolic and powerful ceremony, the Lamp of Unity was lit at IFFCO, Saket, marking a significant milestone in the global movement We Are the New World, a vision dedicated to promoting unity, humanity, and sustainability worldwide.
The ceremonial lamp was illuminated by Dileep Sanghani, Chairman of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, highlighting a shared commitment to dispel ignorance and foster collective consciousness.
The Lamp of Unity has previously been lit by several revered spiritual and humanitarian leaders, including Pope Leo at the Vatican, the Mother Teresa Foundation, Sudarshan Maharaj ji (ISKON), Mata Amritanandamayi AMMA, Aushim Khetarpal, and the Sai Baba Peace Foundation. Each act underscores a timeless message: One World. One Humanity. One Shared Future.
Commenting on the event, Dileep Sanghani said:
“Lighting this lamp is not merely symbolic—it is a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility towards unity, sustainability, and collective progress. In alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we stand together as one global family working towards a better future.”
Dr. Sanjaanaa Jon, Founder of PACT & H2OMovement, added:
“From India to the world, this movement carries forward the profound vision of Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi—Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Each lamp lit across continents is a reminder that humanity is interconnected, and that peace, sustainability, and consciousness must guide our collective journey forward.”
The Lighting of the Lamp of Unity serves as a beacon of hope in uncertain times, uniting leaders, institutions, and communities to inspire awareness, action, and transformative change. This initiative is part of a growing global movement committed to shaping a future rooted in collective responsibility and human solidarity.
Created & Curated by:
Dr. Sanjaanaa Jon
PACT | H2OMovement | GIVE LIFE FOUNDATION – We Are the New World
27, Mar 2026
VST Tillers Tractors Showcases Advanced Farm Mechanization Solutions at Rashtriya Krishi Uday Expo 2026
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan Visits Stall
Budni, Madhya Pradesh, Mar 27: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., a pioneer in farm mechanization in India, an undisputed leader in the power tiller segment and a pioneer in 4WD compact agricultural machinery, showcased its comprehensive range of advanced farm mechanization solutions at Rashtriya Krishi Uday Expo 2026, held at the Central Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute (CFMTTI), Budni.
VST was privileged to welcome Shri. Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, to its stall at the expo. The interaction provided an opportunity to showcase VST’s innovative mechanization solutions, including its distinctive power tiller and 4WD compact tractor, both designed to deliver affordability and ease of operation for small and marginal farmers. Backed by a legacy of nearly six decades, VST products have consistently supported farmers in addressing complex mechanization needs in a simple, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
VST Tillers Tractors also presented its diverse portfolio of products, designed to meet the evolving needs of Indian farmers across varying landholding sizes. The display highlighted the company’s innovation-driven approach, offering solutions that enhance productivity, reduce labour dependency, and promote sustainable farming practices.
The Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute, Budni (commonly known as FMTTI Budni) plays a critical and foundational role in strengthening farm mechanization in India. It drives inclusive farm mechanization by validating affordable solutions for small and marginal farmers, promoting region-specific technologies, bridging manufacturers with end users, standardizing machinery for quality assurance, and enabling sustainable, efficient agricultural practices. Rashtriya Krishi Uday 2026 Hosted at CFMTTI, Budni is a unique initiative by the Agriculture Ministry, bringing together farmers, agri-tech professionals, manufacturers, policymakers, institutions, and international stakeholders. The event serves as a premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, facilitating knowledge exchange, and enabling high-impact business collaborations within the agricultural sector.
Through its participation at the expo, VST Tillers Tractors reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Indian agriculture through smart mechanization and innovation to enable a more productive, profitable, and future-ready agricultural ecosystem in India.
27, Mar 2026
Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Rising Oil Prices and Stronger Dollar
The Indian rupee weakened sharply on Friday, dropping 74 paise to touch a new record low of 94.70 against the US dollar in intra-day trading. The decline comes amid rising global crude oil prices and a firm US dollar, with ongoing tensions in West Asia showing no signs of resolution.
The currency opened at 94.18 and continued to fall through the session, slipping past the 94.50 level before hitting its lowest-ever mark.
Market participants say the rupee is under pressure from multiple fronts. Strong demand for dollars from oil-importing companies, coupled with continued foreign investor outflows from Indian equities, has weighed heavily on the local currency. Exporters, meanwhile, are delaying conversions in anticipation of more favorable rates, further tightening dollar supply.
The weakness in the currency also coincides with a downturn in domestic stock markets, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.
In the previous session on Wednesday, the rupee had already fallen to 93.96, which was its closing record low at the time. Financial markets remained shut on Thursday due to Ram Navami.
Experts note that sustained demand for the US dollar—especially from importers—continues to keep the rupee under pressure.
Globally, the US dollar remains firm, with the dollar index edging higher, indicating strength against major currencies. At the same time, Brent crude prices climbed significantly before easing slightly, hovering around $107 per barrel. Elevated oil prices are particularly impactful for India, which depends heavily on imports to meet its energy needs.
27, Mar 2026
Digital Science Announces Altmetric Attention Digest to Transform Research Impact Communication
Digital Science, a leading technology company serving stakeholders across the research ecosystem, is pleased to announce a new AI-powered feature for Altmetric that makes it easier to understand and communicate research impact.
The new Altmetric Attention Digest streamlines the process of demonstrating research value by automatically generating concise, narrative summaries of a research output’s attention and influence.
This capability moves beyond simply quantifying mentions – it provides a deeper understanding of who’s engaging with the research, how it’s being received, and the nature of its real-world impact across diverse channels.
Available to users of Altmetric Explorer, this innovative feature is designed to address the growing challenge of translating complex research attention metrics into clear, credible, and actionable narratives.
Altmetric Attention Digest is ideal for researchers or research admin teams, medical affairs teams, pharma professionals, publishers assessing article performance and editorial strategy, and governments and funders who need to track the reach and influence of funded research.
The new tool enables users to:
- Save time and maximize efficiency
- Demonstrate impact effectively
- Enhance reporting
- Assess content performance
- Make smarter, data-driven decisions
Miguel Garcia, VP of Product, Digital Science, said:
“We’re all interested in understanding how research impacts society, and although we already have solid ways of assessing academic impact, societal impact analyses could be improved.
“Altmetric has been counting mentions from multiple sources but it has been hard to explain how the research conversation proliferated, what were the main triggers and what real impact happened, especially at scale. Our dream at Altmetric has always been to provide a clean narrative for this.
“The new Altmetric Attention Digest leverages artificial intelligence to cut through data complexity, offering instant, comprehensive insights that empower users to understand the impact of research at a glance, gain strategic insights and make smarter decisions. It gets us much closer to that dream.”
27, Mar 2026
Silver Prices Drop Sharply in Bhubaneswar Amid Global Uncertainty
Pic Credit: Pexel
Bhubaneswar: Silver prices witnessed a significant decline in Bhubaneswar today, falling by ₹15,000 per kilogram. As a result, the price of silver now stands at ₹2,45,000 per kg.
In recent days, both gold and silver prices have shown noticeable fluctuations. Market experts attribute this volatility to ongoing global uncertainties, particularly concerns related to geopolitical tensions and the possibility of war.
Meanwhile, gold prices have moved in the opposite direction. The price of 22-carat gold increased by ₹150, reaching ₹1,32,650. Similarly, 24-carat gold rose by ₹160 and is now priced at ₹1,44,710.
The current trend reflects an unstable market, with precious metal prices continuing to react to global developments.
27, Mar 2026
IMS Noida Students Win First and Second Prizes at National-Level Hackathon
Noida, Mar 27: Students of IMS Noida’s BCA program showcased exceptional talent at the exclusive GeeksforGeeks Classroom All India Level Grand Finale Hackathon, bringing laurels to the institute. The event was held in Sector-63, Noida, and witnessed participation from 50 teams representing prestigious institutions from Delhi-NCR and across the country.
The hackathon challenged participants to develop an AI-based fact-checking engine, incorporating key components such as claim extraction, real-time evidence retrieval, and accuracy reporting. Demonstrating remarkable innovation, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities, IMS Noida students impressed the judges with their impactful solutions.
Congratulating the students, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta, President, IMS Noida, stated that this outstanding achievement reflects the students’ dedication, perseverance, innovative mindset, and strong technical skills. He emphasized that securing both first and second positions at a national-level competition is a matter of immense pride. He further added that such hackathons provide students with opportunities to solve real-world problems while strengthening their creativity, teamwork, and industry-ready skills.
IMS Noida Advisor, Professor (Dr.) J.K. Sharma, highlighted that the institute remains committed to providing a dynamic learning environment where students can apply their knowledge practically and prepare themselves to tackle global challenges. He expressed confidence that IMS students will continue to excel and contribute significantly to the fields of technology and innovation.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta, Head of IMS School of IT, remarked that this achievement reflects the institute’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. He congratulated the students and wished them continued success in their future endeavors.
Dr. Jyoti Kumari Tripathi, Coordinator of the IMS Coding Club, informed that in the GeeksforGeeks Classroom Hackathon, Team “Stack Sprinters” (Mudit Tyagi and Shubh) secured the First Position, winning a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹25,000. Meanwhile, Team “Jha Himanshu” (Himanshu Jha, Shivkant Mishra, and Nitin Prakash) secured the Second Position, winning a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹15,000.
This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to IMS Noida’s continuous efforts to nurture innovation, technical excellence, and industry-oriented learning among its students.
27, Mar 2026
Nykaa Brings the Ingredient-First Revolution to India with Exclusive Launch of Q+A Skincare
~ UK’s iconic brand joins Nykaa’s global skincare portfolio, offering transparent, hero-ingredient-led solutions for India’s informed beauty consumer~
Mumbai, Mar 27: In today’s beauty landscape, skincare has become more than just a routine, it’s a conscious ritual. Indian consumers are increasingly curious about what goes into their products, seeking out formulations that are transparent, ingredient-led, and designed to deliver real results. From decoding actives like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to building personalised routines, skincare today is as much about knowledge as it is about results.
At the forefront of this shift is Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and lifestyle destination, which continues to shape how consumers discover, learn about, and experience skincare. Expanding its portfolio of globally loved brands, Nykaa now introduces Q+A Skincare exclusively, the fast-growing UK-based brand known for its ingredient-first philosophy and refreshingly straightforward approach to skincare.
Built on the belief that skincare should be simple, transparent and effective, Q+A Skincare has earned a loyal global following for its no-fuss formulations that spotlight hero ingredients directly in the product name. By making actives easy to identify and understand, the brand removes the confusion often associated with complex routines, helping consumers build skincare rituals that are both effective and easy to navigate. The brand’s entry into India reflects a larger evolution underway in the market. Ingredient literacy among Indian consumers has grown dramatically in recent years, fueled by access to information, digital communities, and a deeper interest in skin health. This has created a demand for brands that combine efficacy with transparency, an intersection where Q+A Skincare naturally fits.
Commenting on the launch, Nykaa spokesperson said, “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a clear shift in how Indian consumers approach skincare. The conversation has moved from brand-led discovery to ingredient-led decision making, with consumers actively seeking transparency, efficacy, and education before they purchase. This evolution is shaping the next phase of the beauty industry in India, where informed choices and personalised routines are becoming central to the skincare journey.
At Nykaa, our role has always been to stay ahead of these shifts, whether by educating consumers, building access to global brands, or investing in technology that helps people make better choices for their skin. Q+A Skincare fits perfectly into this new ingredient-first mindset with its simple, transparent and efficacy-led approach. We see this as a brand that can grow meaningfully in India as consumers continue to become more knowledgeable, more experimental, and more invested in understanding their skin.”
“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Nykaa to bring Q+A to India – a market that is fast becoming one of the most sophisticated and dynamic in global beauty. What’s been particularly striking to us is the pace at which Indian consumers have embraced ingredient-led skincare. There is a clear shift toward informed decision-making, with customers actively seeking transparency, efficacy, and products that genuinely deliver on their claims – which sits perfectly at the heart of what we’ve built with Q+A. Our mission has always been to simplify skincare without compromising on performance creating high-quality, British-made formulations that are both accessible and easy to understand. We believe this approach resonates strongly with the modern Indian consumer. Nykaa has built an exceptional platform and deep connection with its audience, and we see this as a long-term partnership to grow the brand meaningfully in the region. We’re just at the beginning, and we’re excited about what we can build together,” saysFreddy Furber, Founder & CEO, Q+A / Ellipsis Brands
True to its ethos of simplicity, Q+A Skincare also encourages consumers to better understand their own skin before building routines. Its product ecosystem is designed to address key concerns such as hydration, exfoliation, balance, and barrier support, allowing users to mix and match solutions that suit their individual needs without unnecessary complexity. The formulations are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and built for everyday use, reflecting the values of a new generation of conscious beauty consumers.
Shop the bestsellers now:
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Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cleanser A gentle gel cleanser that removes impurities while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance, leaving skin refreshed and comfortably hydrated
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Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturiser A lightweight everyday moisturiser that delivers lasting hydration and supports soft, smooth and balanced skin
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Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum A hydration-focused serum designed to help boost moisture levels and improve skin suppleness for a plumper, healthier-looking complexion
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Glycolic Acid Daily Toner An exfoliating toner formulated to help refine skin texture and reveal a smoother, brighter-looking complexion with regular use
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Niacinamide Daily Toner A balancing toner designed to help refine the appearance of pores while promoting a more even-looking complexion
Nykaa’s Next Frontier: Personalising Skincare Through Education and AILong before personalised skin diagnostics became a buzzword, Nykaa invested in educating and empowering beauty consumers – creating rich content across expert guides, ingredient explainers, how‑to tutorials and step‑by‑step routine frameworks that turn curiosity into confidence. Through initiatives like Stepification of Beauty, Nykaa simplified what once felt complex, breaking skincare down into easy, actionable routines that helped consumers adopt comprehensive regimens with clarity and purpose.Nykaa has also been investing in technology that helps consumers better understand their skin and make more informed product choices. As part of this vision, the platform recently launchedSkin Scan, an AI-powered diagnostic tool on the Nykaa app that transforms a simple selfie into a personalized skin consultation.
Powered by deep-learning technology trained on over 70,000 medically graded images, Skin Scan evaluates multiple parameters—from hydration levels and texture to pores, dark spots and redness – within seconds. The results appear as a visual map directly on the user’s photograph, offering clear insights into skin health alongside curated product recommendations tailored to individual concerns.
Together, initiatives like Skin Scan and the introduction of ingredient-led brands such as Q+A reflect Nykaa’s larger ambition: to move the skincare conversation beyond product discovery toward data-led, personalised beauty experiences.
Q+A Skincare is now available exclusively on Nykaa.com and the Nykaa app.
27, Mar 2026
IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Colombo, Strengthening India–Sri Lanka Connectivity
Mar 27: IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has announced the launch of new direct flights connecting Delhi and Colombo. Effective March 29, 2026, the airline will operate six weekly flights on this route using its A320 aircraft, offering enhanced convenience and seamless travel for passengers.
The new route is expected to significantly boost connectivity between India and Sri Lanka, further strengthening longstanding cultural, economic, and tourism ties between the two neighboring nations.
With this addition, IndiGo will now operate over 55 weekly flights to Colombo from five Indian cities—Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Delhi. The airline also connects Chennai and Tiruchirappalli to Jaffna with 10 weekly flights, reinforcing its strong network across Sri Lanka.
This expanded connectivity underscores IndiGo’s commitment to providing affordable, reliable, and hassle-free travel experiences while catering to growing passenger demand for regional and international travel.
Flight Schedule (Effective March 29, 2026):
- Delhi to Colombo (Flight 6E 1169):
Operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
Departure: 18:40 | Arrival: 22:20 - Colombo to Delhi (Flight 6E 1170):
Operates on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
Departure: 23:20 | Arrival: 02:55 (+1 day)
Passengers can book tickets via IndiGo’s official website, mobile app, or authorised travel partners. The airline also offers a range of add-on services, including pre-booked meals and beverages, preferred seating options, and flexible booking plans such as UpFront and Flexi for enhanced comfort and convenience.
With this new launch, IndiGo continues to expand its international footprint while strengthening regional connectivity and supporting tourism and trade growth across South Asia.
