Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Flipkart Foundation Deepens Partnerships....



Flipkart Foundation Deepens Partnerships to Drive Sustainable and Inclusive Development 
Partner organisations discussed AI, organisational capability and collaboration to strengthen long-term community impact
Flipkart Foundation shared ecosystem capabilities and best practices to help partners scale programmes and improve outcomes
Since 2022, the Foundation has reached over 4 million underserved individuals across 17 states through 35 projects with 21 partners
Bengaluru - June 30, 2026: Flipkart Foundation convened its third annual Partners' Meet, bringing together representatives from 10 partner organisations working across skilling, entrepreneurship, education, digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, community resilience and social welfare. Across two days, partner organisations came together to exchange on-ground learnings, build on what is working, and engage in dialogue on scaling sustainable impact for underserved communities and strengthening systems that enable long-term social change.
Since its establishment in 2022, Flipkart Foundation has worked with 21 organisations across 35 projects in 17 states and union territories, positively impacting over 4 million underserved and marginalised individuals. Its work is anchored in four areas: skill development, market access through entrepreneurship, environmental responsibility, and community development. 
Participating organisations at the Annual Meet included Akshaya Patra Foundation, Buddy4Study India Foundation, Haqdarshak, Pratham InfoTech Foundation, S M Sehgal Foundation, SankalpTaru Foundation, Smile Foundation, SOS Children's Villages India, Vihaan, and WWF-India, among others. 
Bringing Technology and Organisational Capacity into Social Impact
The Partners' Meet featured capacity-building sessions on cybersecurity, data protection, organisational culture, and artificial intelligence, equipping partners with capabilities and frameworks to strengthen how they work and deliver on the ground. Participants were also introduced to Flipkart initiatives such as Flipkart Samarth, which supports artisans and entrepreneurs in accessing e-commerce opportunities, and the Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA), which trains youth for evolving supply chain roles. Together, these sessions reflected Flipkart Foundation's commitment to sharing expertise and capabilities from across the Flipkart ecosystem to support long-term social impact.
Addressing the gathering, Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group and Board Member, Flipkart Foundation, said, "India’s next decade will be defined not just by economic growth, but by how widely opportunity is shared. As AI and technology reshape the future of work, strengthening the capabilities of communities and institutions becomes even more important. Organisations working closest to communities bring invaluable insight, trust and experience, and partnerships with them are essential to creating lasting impact. At Flipkart Foundation, we believe our role is to strengthen that ecosystem so that opportunity reaches more people, more sustainably."
The annual Partners’ Meet is part of how the Foundation deepens its partnerships - creating space for shared learning and candid conversation that supports continuous improvement across the partner network. This year's gathering reinforced a shared commitment among partner organisations to build on what is working and push further where the work demands it, as the Foundation looks to deepen its impact across communities.
Mr. Prem Yadav, Co-Founder and CEO, Pratham InfoTech Foundation, said, "Partnerships play a critical role in ensuring that technology becomes an enabler of inclusion rather than a barrier. Our collaboration with Flipkart Foundation has focused on helping underserved youth build digital competencies and future-ready skills that improve employability. The discussions during the Partners' Meet highlighted the value of collective learning and reaffirmed the importance of working together to create opportunities for communities that are often left behind."
Speaking of this partnership, Ms. Chandrani Bhattacharya, Senior Director - Resource Mobilisation, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, "What makes this partnership truly meaningful is our shared commitment to addressing child nutrition in a holistic way. We are grateful to Flipkart Foundation for supporting the Morning Nutrition Programme, an initiative that recognises the importance of nourishing children at the start of their day. Equally valuable was the Partners' Meet, which brought together like-minded organisations to exchange ideas, share learnings, and explore collaborative approaches to maximising social impact. This collaboration reflects how purpose-driven partnerships can create lasting impact and bring us closer to our vision that no child in India is deprived of education because of hunger."
Mr. Subroto Roy, Chief Resource Officer, Smile Foundation, said, "Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities requires more than skills training – it requires collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of community needs. Our engagement with Flipkart Foundation has enabled us to support underserved youth in building careers within the BFSI sector. The Partners' Meet reinforced the importance of learning from one another and working together to address evolving social and economic challenges at scale."
The Foundation's partner-driven approach remains central to its efforts to create lasting social impact. As it deepens its work across communities, the partnerships and conversations that emerged from its Annual Partners’ Meet will inform how it strengthens its collaborative approach and continues to contribute to a more inclusive growth story for India. 
About the Flipkart Group
The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities with a strong technology-first foundation and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Cleartrip, and super.money. Established in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India's digital commerce revolution. With a registered user base of more than 500 million, Flipkart’s marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 1.4 million sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has pioneered services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI, Easy Returns, and UPI payments. Beyond shopping, Flipkart continues to create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and strengthen India’s digital economy.

Life Insurance Delivers Long-Term Value, with Benefits Far Outweighing Occasional Concerns







Mumbai, June 1, 2026: The life insurance industry is highlighting the need for a more balanced understanding of life insurance, emphasizing that its long-term benefits including financial protection, security, and disciplined savings, far outweigh isolated concerns that may arise, including instances of mis-selling.

The Insurance Awareness Committee – Life Insurance (IAC-Life) encourages customers and stakeholders to view life insurance as a long-term financial protection instrument, rather than assess it solely through immediate or short-term outcomes.

“Life insurance is designed to deliver value over time—through financial security, protection for families, and disciplined savings. While concerns such as mis-selling do exist and must be addressed by the industry, they represent a small part of the overall ecosystem, which continues to deliver significant value to millions of policyholders,” said Kamlesh Rao, Chairperson, Insurance Awareness Committee (IAC-Life).

Importantly, life insurance is the only financial instrument that offers a ‘free-look period’, which allows policyholders to review their policy after purchase and return it within a stipulated timeframe if they feel it does not meet their needs. This feature provides an added layer of transparency and customer protection at the point of purchase.

Life insurance products are structured to encourage long-term holding, and outcomes are closely linked to this lifecycle. When policies are evaluated prematurely, the full extent of these benefits may not be immediately apparent. “Assessing long-term financial solutions through a short-term lens may lead to incomplete conclusions about their overall value,” Mr. Rao added.

The core purpose of life insurance remains financial protection during critical life events. In FY 2024–25 alone, the industry paid out over ₹6.3 lakh crore in claims, including death benefits, maturities, annuities, and withdrawals—providing crucial financial support to millions of families.

While market-linked instruments play an important role in wealth creation, life insurance serves a distinct purpose—offering income protection, financial continuity, and long-term financial discipline. These complementary roles are essential for holistic financial planning.
The Insurance Awareness Committee urges stakeholders—including insurers, intermediaries, and consumers—to align expectations with the long-term nature of life insurance and recognise the broader value it delivers over time.

About Insurance Awareness Committee–Life Insurance:
87% of India continues to grapple with a significant life insurance protection gap, which continues to increase, exceeding 90% amongst those aged 18–35. This growing vulnerability is a threat to families’ financial security and aspirations.
Addressing this challenge on a war footing is crucial to maintaining our society’s socio-economic resilience and security. The Insurance Awareness Committee was formed under the aegis of the Life Insurance Council to take action on this issue.
Formed in 2019, 24 Life Insurance firms have come together to contribute under the guidance of six CEOs nominated to lead the agenda. Further comprised of a cross-industry marketing team supported by creative/ media agencies, the Insurance Awareness Committee researches, plans, creates and deploys nationwide campaigns that drive awareness, understanding and consideration of life insurance products.

19th HGH India opens with a grand inaugural ceremony in Mumbai





 

Government, design, and trade leadership convene to mark the opening of India's leading annual home trade show


Mumbai, 30th June 2026: The 19th edition of HGH India, the country's leading annual trade show for Home Textiles, Home Décor, Houseware, and Gifts, was officially inaugurated today at Hall 6, Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Mumbai.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai (IRS), Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Guests of Honour included Mr. Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy and Mr. Vikas Pansare (IAS), Managing Director, MSSIDC.. The ceremony was further attended by Special Guests ID. Ketan Sheth, Chairman, IIID MRC, Ar. Reza Kabul, President and Principal Architect, ARK Reza Kabul Architects, Ar. Raajeev Kasat, Principal Architect and Owner, Raajeev Kasat and Associates, and Ar. Makrand Pataskar, Principal Architect, Makrand Pataskar Architect. The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Arun Roongta, Managing Director, Texzone Information Services Pvt. Ltd., and Dr. Geert Böttger, Director, Expo + Consulting Associates Ltd., organisers of HGH India.

The opening marks the beginning of a four-day showcase bringing together 700+ Indian and international brands and manufacturers, with 50,000+ expected trade buyers from across India and internationally.

"HGH India has been built on the belief that the Indian home industry deserves a platform that matches its ambition," said Mr. Arun Roongta, Managing Director, Texzone Information Services Pvt. Ltd. "The 19th edition reflects the extraordinary pace at which this sector is evolving — in design, in sustainability, and in its global outlook. We are proud to welcome 700+ brands, thousands of trade buyers, and some of the finest names in government and design to Mumbai, and we look forward to four days of meaningful business and ideas."

Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai (IRS), Textile Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, said, “It is encouraging to see the industry's strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it has become an integral part of business strategy. Today, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable textiles, circularity, and traceability across the home textiles value chain. HGH India provides an excellent platform for manufacturers, buyers, and designers to come together, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful collaborations. I congratulate the organisers for creating such a diverse and dynamic platform that supports industry growth, innovation, and a more sustainable future."

Mr. Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy, commented, “India is one of the world's most dynamic and fast-growing markets, with a rapidly expanding demand for premium home furnishings, décor, and design-led products. Italy and India share a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, innovation, and quality, creating strong opportunities for collaboration between our industries. Through the official Italian Pavilion at HGH India, we are proud to showcase the excellence of five distinguished Italian brands. Together, they represent the finest traditions of Italian design, creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. We look forward to strengthening business partnerships and further deepening the trade relationship between Italy and India."

Organised by Texzone, with over 40 years of experience in market development, knowledge sharing, trend forecasting, and product intelligence, the 19th edition of HGH India advances with a clear three-pillar focus: Contemporary, Futuristic, and Sustainable.

This year's highlights include:

PreSense: Trend Forecast 2026-27 — Dedicated pavilion showcasing four themes bringing HGH India's design and colour forecast to life across all the categories.

Technical Textiles Pavilion — A dedicated showcase of high-performance home fabrics spanning flame-retardant furnishings, antimicrobial upholstery, thermal-regulated sleep solutions, and more, in a market projected to reach USD 50 billion by 2028.

Italian Pavilion — Organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Italian Pavilion brings five prestigious Italian brands to India — IBIAGI, Kutyna, Laudarte, Moschella Sedute, and Rossini — showcasing home décor, accessories, seating, luxury lighting, glassware, and ceramics.

Sustainability Pavilion — Innovations in eco-conscious home products spanning natural and recycled materials, biodegradable composites, natural dyes, and responsible manufacturing.

Smart Kitchen Pavilion — Showcasing trends and the next generation of cookware, appliances, hydration and kitchen tools at the intersection of function, technology, and convenience.

H-Circle Product Innovation Awards — Recognising exhibitors across all categories for design innovation, functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, judged by a diversified jury.

Indian Heritage Pavilion — Connecting national award-winning artisans and handloom producers with retailers and institutional buyers, supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of MSME, EPCH, HEPC, and more.

HGH India Interactive — Expert-led panel discussions and presentations covering retail innovation, consumer trends, technical textiles, sustainability, and the future of the Indian home market.


With 90% buyer retention and 80% exhibitor return across editions, HGH India continues to serve as a vital business enabler and thought leader for India's home and lifestyle industry.

Monday, June 29, 2026

As AI Reshapes Careers, NMIMS Horizon Brings AI-Enabled Learning




Mumbai, June 29, 2026: As Artificial Intelligence rapidly transforms industries, jobs, and the skills required for future careers, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) has announced NMIMS Horizon, a university-wide future skills initiative designed to prepare students for an AI-driven economy.

Developed in collaboration with Coursera, the initiative will provide nearly 40,000 student users across NMIMS campuses access to AI-enabled learning pathways, globally recognised certifications, and industry-relevant skill development opportunities integrated directly into their academic journey.

The initiative marks a significant shift in how higher education institutions are responding to the growing demand for AI literacy and future-ready skills. While employers increasingly seek graduates who can work alongside emerging technologies, NMIMS is embedding AI-enabled learning into the curriculum across multiple programs. Through NMIMS Horizon, students will gain access to various courses available on Coursera, including a bucket of courses focused on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Technologies. The learning pathways have been curated to complement academic programmes while helping students build practical skills aligned with evolving industry requirements.

Unlike traditional online certification offerings, the Coursera learning pathways at NMIMS are integrated into the academic curriculum and form a mandatory component of the student learning experience. Faculty-guided, assessment-linked, and programme-specific, the initiative enables students to acquire industry-relevant skills while earning globally recognised certificates from leading universities and industry partners.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chandrima Sikdar, Professor and Dean – Academics and Learning Experience, SBM, NMIMS, said, "The role of universities today extends far beyond imparting knowledge. It is about preparing students for a world where Artificial Intelligence, technology, and data will influence every profession and every industry. At NMIMS, we are continuously re-imagining the learning experience to ensure our students graduate with the skills, adaptability, and mindset required to thrive in a rapidly changing workplace. NMIMS Horizon is a significant step in that direction, providing students with access to globally relevant learning pathways and industry-recognised certifications that complement classroom learning and strengthen career readiness."

Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Provost (Administration), NMIMS, added, "The future workforce will be defined not only by what individuals know, but by how quickly they can learn, adapt, and collaborate with emerging technologies. Universities have a responsibility to evolve ahead of industry needs. Through NMIMS Horizon, we are embedding AI literacy, future skills, and global learning opportunities into the student experience, ensuring our graduates are equipped to lead and succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world."

With approximately 40,000 licences deployed across the university, NMIMS Horizon represents one of the largest university-wide AI and future skills learning initiatives in Indian higher education. The university has fully funded the initiative, ensuring students can access global learning opportunities and industry-recognised certifications without any additional financial burden.


ICAI Celebrates International MSME Day; Hosts National ScaleUp India Summit 2026 to Strengthen MSME and Startup Ecosystem



• Summit focused on Policy Reforms, Compliance and Funding aimed towards Handholding & Strengthening India’s MSME & Startup Ecosystem 
• Organised ICAI MSME Clinics to provide free advisory services across 186 Branches and 5 Regional Council pan India

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), through its Committee on MSME & Startup, successfully organized a two-day ICAI ScaleUp India Summit 2026 for MSMEs & Startups at Jio World Convention Centre in, Mumbai on 26th and 27th June 2026.
The summit was supported by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, National Small Industries Corporation, Laghu Udyog Bharati and All India Association of Industries, NSE, i-Hub, CAIT, AIAI, FICCI FLO, SIDBI, Leading Banks and Ecosystem Partners. The two-day summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, Chartered Accountants, startups, entrepreneurs and key stakeholders, including representatives from NABARD, Bank of India, NaBFID, Bank of Baroda, NKGSB Co-operative Bank, CFO T-Hub, CEO I-Hub, NSE, and other leading financial institutions, to deliberate on key issues shaping the MSME and startup ecosystem.
The Summit commenced on 26 June 2026 with the esteemed presence of Shri Rahul Narwekar, Hon'ble Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, as the Guest of Honour.
The Summit was inaugurated, by CA. Prasanna Kumar D, President, ICAI, and CA. Mangesh Kinare, Vice President, ICAI in presence of CA. Gyan Chandra Misra, Chairman, Committee on MSME & Startup and CA. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Vice Chairman, Committee on MSME & Startup, along with the Central Council and Regional Council Members of ICAI.
On this occasion, CA. Prasanna Kumar D, President, ICAI, said, "Through the ICAI Scale Up India Summit, we are bringing MSMEs and startups together on a common platform to help them understand the complete entrepreneurial journey, from transforming an idea into an enterprise to scaling it into a successful business. Chartered Accountants possess a deep understanding of the entire business ecosystem, economic growth and the various stages of building and growing an enterprise. With their knowledge and expertise, they are well-equipped to guide entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from beginning to scaling up their businesses sustainably. As a trusted partner-in-nation building, ICAI aims to mentor, handhold, and guide entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey, empowering them with the knowledge, expertise, and support required for sustainable growth”
A major highlight of the summit was the “Start up – Scale Up Tank”, which enabled selected startups to present their business ideas before investors and industry experts, creating opportunities for collaboration, investment and growth. More than 100 startups registered their presence at the Summit with top 12 qualified for pitching their ideas in front of six big venture capitalists of the Country. 
Addressing the event, CA. Mangesh Kinare, Vice-President, ICAI, said "This programme has been conceptualised to promote the MSME ecosystem and encourage greater MSME registrations. While the Government of India has introduced several schemes and benefits for MSMEs, many of these have yet to reach the intended beneficiaries effectively. Through this initiative, ICAI aims to bridge that gap by creating greater awareness about the various government schemes and benefits available to MSMEs.”
The summit featured insightful technical sessions and panel discussions covering a wide range of contemporary themes, including The Next Big Wave: Startups Shaping Tomorrow’s Industries, Mapping the Future of Startup Innovation” & Opportunities for Professionals, Data Protection & Cybersecurity for New Economy, Future in Investment Banking & Venture Capital, Resolving the Payment Crisis through MSME Samadhaan & ODR, SME IPOs, and MSME Working Capital Finance, GeM Portal, ECLGS 5.0 & Digital Marketplaces, the MSME Seller's Gateway to Government.
Further, the summit also witnessed deliberations by eminent experts from industry, finance and policy circles, including representatives from NeSL, NaBFID, Ratnaafin Capital, SEBI and M1xchange, further strengthening dialogue around innovation, access to finance and business scalability
The summit served as a valuable knowledge-sharing platform and reaffirmed ICAI’s commitment towards supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs and enabling sustainable economic growth through professional excellence and policy engagement.
About ICAI
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body set up by an Act of Parliament under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 for the regulation and development of the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. The Institute functions under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. With over 15 Lakh Members and Students, today ICAI is the largest professional accountancy body in the world. ICAI has a wide network of 5 Regional Councils and 186 Branches within India and a global presence with 54 Overseas Chapters and 31 Representative Offices spanning 85 cities across 47 Countries worldwide.

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Padma Shri Dr. Mukesh Batra Launches Toxic with Amish Tripathi, Sparking a Powerful Conversation on Emotional, Spiritual and Relationship Well-being

Padma Shri Dr Mukesh Batra’s and Amish Tripathi


Mumbai, June 27, 2026: In an evening marked by profound reflection and compelling dialogue, renowned homeopath and wellness pioneer Dr Mukesh Batra officially launched his latest book, Toxic: Stories, Science and Remedies for a Cleaner Mind, Body and Spirit, in conversation with bestselling author, broadcaster and former diplomat Amish Tripathi.

Published by Bloomsbury India, Toxic expands the understanding of toxicity beyond environmental pollution to include the invisible yet pervasive toxins of the mind, emotions, relationships and spirit. The book examines how anxiety, fear, unhealthy relationships, rigid beliefs and unchecked ego can quietly erode well-being, while also offering practical pathways towards healing and inner transformation.

Opening the discussion, Padma Shri Dr. Mukesh, Founder and Chairman Emeritus at Dr Batra’s® Healthcare reflected on what inspired him to broaden the conventional understanding of toxicity.

 "When we think of pollution, we think of the air we breathe or the water we drink. But toxicity is also present in our thoughts, our emotions, our relationships and even our belief systems. Unless we recognise these inner toxins, true healing remains incomplete."

Amish Tripathi renowned author echoed this sentiment, observing that Indic civilisation has long emphasised inner purification as the foundation of well-being.

 "Material progress is important, but civilisations endure because of inner balance. Our ancient wisdom traditions repeatedly remind us that external success without inner clarity ultimately creates suffering."

The conversation then turned to one of the book's most resonant themes—relationship toxicity. Dr. Batra emphasised the importance of distinguishing between difficult relationships and genuinely toxic ones.

 "Every relationship encounters conflict. A relationship becomes toxic when there is repeated disrespect, manipulation, emotional depletion and a gradual erosion of self-worth. Healthy relationships energise us; toxic ones diminish us."

The speakers explored how love itself can sometimes become unhealthy when care transforms into control, possessiveness or dependency. Drawing on examples from Indian epics, Amish reflected on the timeless lessons embedded within relationships such as those between Kaikeyi and Dasharatha, Karna and Duryodhana, and Ravana and Mandodari, underscoring how power, attachment and ego continue to shape modern relationships.

A particularly moving segment focused on family dynamics and the challenge of recognising toxicity within families.

 "Family relationships are often the hardest to evaluate objectively because they are intertwined with duty, conditioning and guilt," said Dr Batra. "Boundaries are not acts of rebellion. They are acts of self-respect."

The discussion also addressed whether healing always requires reconciliation, with both speakers agreeing that forgiveness can be deeply liberating, but reconciliation is not always necessary for emotional healing.
The evening then shifted to the theme of spiritual toxicity, a central pillar of Toxic. Dr Batra cautioned against blind belief, performative spirituality and the rise of spiritual superiority.

 "Spirituality becomes toxic when it discourages inquiry, promotes ego or reduces compassion. Ritual without inner transformation is merely performance."

Addressing the paradox of rising anxiety despite growing interest in spiritual practices, the speakers noted how social media has transformed spirituality into a performative exercise, often prioritising appearances over authentic inner work.
Responding to a question on the antidote to ego, Amish Tripathi drew upon Indic philosophy, emphasising humility, self-awareness and service as enduring pathways to spiritual growth.
The conversation concluded with practical suggestions for detoxifying one's inner life, including cultivating daily silence, practising self-observation, limiting digital noise, nurturing conscious relationships and embracing gratitude and service.

Speaking about the book, Padma Shri Dr. Mukesh Batra said:

 "Toxic is ultimately a book of hope. It invites readers to recognise the many visible and invisible toxins shaping our lives and empowers them to make conscious choices that lead to healing—of the body, mind and spirit."

The event was conducted by Simran Ahuja, international celebrity anchor.

Toxic: Stories, Science and Remedies for a Cleaner Mind, Body and Spirit, co-authored by Dr Mukesh Batra and Swami Shailendra Saraswati, is now available across bookstores and online platforms. The book explores physical, mental, emotional and spiritual toxicity through a combination of stories, scientific insights, practical exercises and holistic approaches to healing.


About the Book
Toxic examines the many forms of toxicity that define modern life—from polluted air, water and food to anxiety, fear, toxic relationships, belief systems and spiritual ego—and offers readers practical strategies for creating a cleaner mind, body and spirit.

Venezuela Crisis: India Sends Message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” as a Global First Responder





Mumbai/New Delhi– India has launched "Operation Amistad" to deliver relief and medical assistance to northern Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that struck the region. As part of this humanitarian mission, two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft have departed carrying a 41-member medical team, a field hospital unit, medicines, two BHISHM Cubes, and approximately 35 tonnes of relief supplies.

In the wake of two successive devastating earthquakes in Venezuela (measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale), India has once again emerged as a global "first responder." The Spanish word Amistad means "friendship."

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account on June 26, "Operation Amistad underway! Two Indian Air Force C17s took-off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts. The assistance contains an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment, including two BHISHM Cubes. India is committed to support the Government and people of Venezuela in this difficult time."

The Indian Army's medical contingent departed from Hindon Air Force Station for Venezuela on Friday afternoon. The 41-member specialist medical team from the Indian Army's renowned 60 Para Field Hospital includes nine military medical officers. The team is equipped to provide emergency treatment to the injured, trauma management, and perform complex surgical procedures in the disaster-affected areas.

The highlight of Operation Amistad is the deployment of two state-of-the-art, indigenously developed BHISHM Cubes, built under India's Aarogya Maitri Project. A BHISHM Cube is a mobile, rapidly deployable modular field hospital that can become operational at a disaster site within minutes. Equipped with portable ventilators, surgical instruments, and oxygen support systems, it is capable of providing critical medical care to approximately 200 patients at a time.

This is not the first time India has emerged as a lifeline during an international disaster. Guided by the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" ("The world is one family"), India has carried out several successful international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the past. These include providing swift assistance during the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, following Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar, and extending rapid support to several other countries in times of crisis. Earlier, in 2015, India launched its largest-ever overseas civilian relief operation by deploying the Indian Air Force and Army to Nepal within hours of the devastating earthquake. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied indigenously developed vaccines to more than 100 countries, either free of cost or at highly affordable prices.

According to various media reports, the earthquakes in Venezuela have so far claimed the lives of more than 235 people, while over 4,300 people have been injured. India's assistance, travelling nearly 14,300 kilometres to reach the affected nation during this difficult time, reflects the deep bilateral ties between the two countries and reinforces India's position on the global stage as a responsible and compassionate major power.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Kratikal Tech Limited IPO Opens on June 30, 2026

Left to Right 

Mr. Saurabh Jain
Beeline Capital Advisors Private Limited

Mr. Pavan Kumar
Kratikal Tech Limited

Mr. Paratosh Kumar
Kratikal Tech Limited

Mr. Dip Jung Thapa
Kratikal Tech Limited

Mr. Vinay Singh
Kratikal Tech Limited






Total Issue Size - Up To 29,40,000 Equity Shares of ₹ 10 each
IPO Size - ₹ 39.69 Crore (At Upper Price Band)
Price Band - ₹ 128 - ₹ 135 Per Share
Lot Size – 1,000 Equity Shares
Mumbai, June 23, 2026 – Kratikal Tech Limited is an AI driven, Software-as-a-Service based cybersecurity company, proposes to open its Initial Public Offering on June 30, 2026, aiming to raise ₹ 39.69 Crores (at upper price band) with shares to be listed on the BSE SME.
The issue size is 29,40,000 equity shares with a face value of ₹ 10 each with a price band of ₹ 128 - ₹ 135 Per Share.
Equity Share Allocation
QIB Anchor Portion – Upto 8,31,000 Equity Shares
Qualified Institutional Buyer – Not more than 5,58,000 Equity Shares
Non-Institutional Investors - Not less than 4,23,000 Equity Shares
Individual Investors - Not less than 9,78,000 Equity Shares
Market Maker - Up to 1,50,000 Equity Shares
The net proceeds from the IPO will be utilized for Investment in Threatcop FZ LLC, UAE and Threatcop AI Inc, USA (subsidiaries) for expenditure towards sales & marketing activities and development of workforce resources, Investment in product development, and general corporate purposes. The anchor portion will open on Monday, June 29, 2026. The Issue will open on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 and will close on Thursday, July 02, 2026.
The Book Running Lead Manager to the Issue is Beeline Capital Advisors Private Limited & KFin Technologies Limited is Registrar to the Issue.
Mr. Pavan Kumar, Chairman, Managing Director & CEO of Kratikal Tech Limited expressed, “The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, and organizations today require intelligent, proactive, and comprehensive solutions to safeguard their people, processes, and technology. At Kratikal Tech, we have built a differentiated AI-driven cybersecurity platform that enables enterprises to strengthen their cyber resilience and stay ahead of emerging threats.

The launch of our IPO represents a significant milestone in our journey and reflects the confidence we have in our business model, technology capabilities, and growth prospects. The proceeds from the issue will enable us to accelerate our global expansion, strengthen our product portfolio, invest in innovation, and further enhance our sales, marketing, and talent capabilities across key markets.

As digital transformation continues to gain momentum worldwide, the demand for robust cybersecurity solutions is expected to grow substantially. With our proven track record, strong client relationships, and scalable SaaS-led platform, we are well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.”





About Kratikal Tech Limited:

Kratikal Tech Limited is an AI driven, Software-as-a-Service based cybersecurity company protecting more than 677 clients with a workforce 200 skilled professionals. The Company operates through two integrated business lines and services designed to reduce cyber risk and enhance organizational resilience through a unique dual-layered approach:

People Security Management (PSM): Through its Threatcop platform, the Company mitigates human-centric cyber risks (like phishing) by assessing and training employees.
Technology & Process Security: Under the Kratikal brand, it provides comprehensive defense for the technology stack.
Together, these offerings deliver integrated protection across the People–Process–Technology framework in an increasingly complex threat environment.

In FY26, The Company achieved a Revenue of ₹ 3,671.59 Lakhs, EBITDA of ₹ 908.08 Lakhs & PAT of ₹ 614.25 Lakhs.
Disclaimer: 
Certain statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties like government actions, local, political or economic developments, technological risks, and many other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. The Company will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Monday, June 22, 2026

CSM Technologies Limited ’s (the “Company” or “Issuer”) Initial Public Offering to open on Wednesday, June 24, 2026


Price band fixed at ₹ 107 – ₹ 113 per equity share of face value of Rs 10 each (“Equity Shares”).
Bid/Issue will open on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and close on Monday, June 29, 2026. The Anchor Investor Bidding Date shall be Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Bids can be made for a minimum of 132 Equity Shares and in multiples of 132 Equity Shares thereafter.
Mumbai, June 22, 2026: CSM Technologies Limited shall open its Bid / Issue in relation to its initial public offering of Equity Shares on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 and shall close on Monday, June 29, 2026. 
3,87,02,472 Equity shares of face value ₹ 10 each are outstanding prior to the Issue and as on date. 
The Issue comprises of a Fresh Issue of up to 1,29,01,000 Equity Shares of face value of ₹10 each.
The proceeds from the Fresh Issue will be utilised towards funding working capital requirements of the Company, prepayment or repayment of all or a portion of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the Company, achieving inorganic growth through unidentified acquisitions and other strategic initiatives, and general corporate purposes (collectively, the “Object of Issue”).
Keynote Financial Services Limited is the book running lead manager to the Issue (“Book Running Lead Manager” or “BRLM”). 
KFin Technologies Limited is the Registrar to the Issue (“Registrar to the Issue”).
The Equity Shares are being issued through the red herring prospectus of the Company dated June 17, 2026 (the “RHP”) filed with the Registrar of Companies, Orissa at Cuttack (the “RoC”), Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) along with corrigendum to the RHP dated June 19, 2026 and are proposed to be listed on BSE Limited (“BSE”) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“NSE”, collectively the “Stock Exchanges”). 
About the Company:
Incorporated in 1998, the company is amongst the few IT solutions companies, who have delivered first-of-its-kind projects for government as well as for the private sector. The Company also specialises in providing GovTech solutions and digital transformation services.
It provides technology solutions across sectors such as mining and allied services, government & public services, agriculture and allied services, industry and trade facilitation, education, healthcare and tourism (Source: CARE Report).
These solutions are aimed at streamlining operations, improving data-driven decision-making, and facilitating citizen-centric services. The Company also offers consulting and advisory services and also provides self-service technologies that enable government organisations and corporate clients to migrate, automate, and manage customer-facing business processes through self-service channels (Source: CARE Report).
As of the date of the Red Herring Prospectus, the Company has executed projects across 20 cities in India and 14 countries internationally. 
Also, the Company has executed multiple projects focused on the development of public digital infrastructure and implementation of scalable e-governance platforms across various economic and social sectors in India and other countries. 
Its revenue from operations was Rs 165.5 crore for the nine-months ended 31 December, 2025 and its net profit was ₹ 14.7 crore. Its revenue from operations was ₹ 199.24 crore during FY25 as against ₹ 196.71 crore during FY24.
Its net profit was ₹ 14.08 crore during FY25 as against ₹ 12.54 crore during FY24
The Issue is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the Issue is allocated to qualified institutional buyers, and not less than 15% of the Issue is assigned to non-institutional bidders and not less than 35% of the Issue is assigned to retail individual bidders respectively.
Disclaimer: CSM Technologies Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its Equity Shares and has filed a red herring prospectus dated June 17, 2026 (“RHP”), with the RoC, SEBI and the Stock Exchanges along with corrigendum to the RHP dated June 19, 2026. The RHP is made available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, as well as on the website of the BRLM i.e., https://www.keynoteindia.net/, the website of the NSE at www.nseindia.com, and the website of the BSE at www.bseindia.com, and the website of the Company at https://www.csm.tech/. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risks, please see the section “Risk Factors” beginning on page 24 of the RHP. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for making any investment decision but should only rely on the information included in the RHP filed by the Company with the RoC, SEBI and the Stock Exchanges.
The Equity Shares offered in the Issue have not been and will not be registered, listed or otherwise qualified in any jurisdiction except India and may not be offered or sold to persons outside of India except in compliance with the applicable laws of each such jurisdiction. In particular, the Equity Shares offered in the Issue have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Equity Shares offered in the Issue are being offered and sold only outside the United States in “offshore transactions” as defined in and in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act (“Regulation S”).
Disclaimer Clause of Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”):  SEBI only gives its observations on the offer documents, and this does not constitute approval of either the Issue or the specified securities stated in the Issue Documents. The investors are advised to refer to the full text of disclaimer clause by SEBI, beginning on page 425 of the RHP. 
Disclaimer Clause of BSE: It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by BSE Limited should not in any way be deemed or construed that the RHP has been cleared or approved by BSE Limited, nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the RHP. The investors are advised to refer to the page 428 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of BSE. 
Disclaimer Clause of NSE: It is to be distinctly understood that the permission given by NSE should not in any way be deemed or construed that the Offer Document has been cleared or approved by NSE nor does it certify the correctness or completeness of any of the contents of the Offer Document. The investors are advised to refer to page 428 of the RHP for the full text of the disclaimer clause of NSE.
 
 
 

ILSKCOM–2026 का NMIMS, शिरपुर परिसर में सफलतापूर्वक समापन



शिरपुर, जून 2026:
एसवीकेएम के नरसी मोनजी इंस्टीट्यूट ऑफ मैनेजमेंट स्टडीज़ (एनएमआईएमएस), डीम्ड-टू-बी यूनिवर्सिटी, शिरपुर परिसर ने केंद्रीय पुस्तकालय तथा खोन केन विश्वविद्यालय, थाईलैंड के सहयोग से 12–13 जून 2026 को International Library Symposium on Knowledge and Communication (ILSKCOM–2026) का सफल आयोजन किया।
“Transforming Knowledge Frontiers: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open Access (OA) for Sustainable Library Development” विषय पर आधारित इस दो दिवसीय संगोष्ठी में भारत एवं विदेशों से पुस्तकालय एवं सूचना विज्ञान विशेषज्ञों, शिक्षाविदों, शोधकर्ताओं, नीति-निर्माताओं तथा उद्योग जगत के प्रतिनिधियों ने भाग लिया। इस मंच ने ज्ञान-विनिमय, अकादमिक संवाद तथा अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहयोग को बढ़ावा दिया।
संगोष्ठी में भारत एवं विदेशों के प्रतिष्ठित विशेषज्ञों की उल्लेखनीय भागीदारी रही। कार्यक्रम को अत्यंत उत्साहजनक प्रतिसाद प्राप्त हुआ, जिसमें कुल 305 प्रतिनिधियों ने सहभागिता की तथा 135 शोध-पत्र प्रस्तुत किए गए। तकनीकी सत्रों में Artificial Intelligence (AI), Open Access (OA), Digital Transformation, Knowledge Management, Library Innovation एवं Sustainable Development जैसे विषयों पर व्यापक चर्चा हुई।
संगोष्ठी का उद्घाटन विश्वविद्यालय अनुदान आयोग (यूजीसी) के पूर्व अध्यक्ष एवं उपाध्यक्ष प्रो. डॉ. वी. एन. राजशेखरन पिल्लई द्वारा किया गया। अपने संबोधन में उन्होंने एआई के युग में पुस्तकालयों की बदलती भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालते हुए उन्हें विश्वसनीय ज्ञान संस्थानों के रूप में रेखांकित किया तथा नैतिकता, मानवीय बुद्धिमत्ता और सामुदायिक ज्ञान के महत्व को विशेष रूप से रेखांकित किया।
मुख्य वक्तव्य प्रो. डॉ. महेंद्र प्रताप सिंह द्वारा प्रस्तुत किया गया। उन्होंने पुस्तकालय सेवाओं पर AI एवं Open Access के परिवर्तनकारी प्रभावों पर चर्चा की तथा उभरती प्रौद्योगिकियों को जिम्मेदारीपूर्वक अपनाने के साथ-साथ पुस्तकालयों की मानवीय और सामाजिक भूमिका को बनाए रखने की आवश्यकता पर बल दिया।
इस अवसर पर डॉ. सुनीता पाटिल, निदेशक, एसवीकेएम एनएमआईएमएस एमपीएसटीएमई शिरपुर परिसर ने संस्थान की अकादमिक उत्कृष्टता, अनुसंधान, नवाचार और वैश्विक सहयोग के प्रति प्रतिबद्धता को रेखांकित करते हुए पुस्तकालयों को ज्ञान-सृजन केंद्र तथा शिक्षा एवं अनुसंधान के रणनीतिक सहयोगी के रूप में वर्णित किया।
ILSKCOM–2026 के सफल आयोजन में श्री अमरीशभाई पटेल, अध्यक्ष, श्री विले पार्ले केलवाणी मंडल एवं कुलाधिपति, एसवीकेएम एनएमआईएमएस डीम्ड-टू-बी यूनिवर्सिटी तथा श्री भूपेशभाई पटेल, संयुक्त अध्यक्ष, श्री विले पार्ले केलवाणी मंडल के मार्गदर्शन एवं प्रोत्साहन की महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका रही।
संस्थान ने डॉ. रविंद्र मेंढे, उप-पुस्तकालयाध्यक्ष एवं संगोष्ठी समन्वयक, संकाय सदस्यों, कर्मचारियों तथा एनएमआईएमएस शिरपुर परिसर की पुस्तकालय टीम के योगदान की सराहना की। साथ ही श्री शिवाजी गायकवाड़, प्रशासनिक अधिकारी को उनके अमूल्य सहयोग एवं समन्वय के लिए विशेष रूप से धन्यवाद ज्ञापित किया गया।
संगोष्ठी का समापन वैश्विक अकादमिक साझेदारियों को सुदृढ़ बनाने, मुक्त ज्ञान पहलों को प्रोत्साहित करने तथा सतत एवं समावेशी ज्ञान विकास के लिए उभरती प्रौद्योगिकियों के प्रभावी उपयोग के संकल्प के साथ हुआ। इस अवसर पर एनएमआईएमएस शिरपुर परिसर ने अनुसंधान, नवाचार एवं अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहयोग के प्रति अपनी प्रतिबद्धता को पुनः दृढ़ता से व्यक्त किया।