Archives December 2025

Hyderabad, Dec 10: India’s ₹50,000-crore basmati export story is running into a silent yet serious hurdle—pesticide residues—warned experts at BioAgri 2025, the country’s largest Bio-Agri Input Professionals Conference that opened today at Ramoji Film City.

Delegates pointed out that key import destinations—including the European Union, Japan and Iran—are insisting on “clean rice” with near-zero pesticide residues. The EU has already reduced maximum residue limits (MRLs) for fungicides like tricyclazole to 0.01 ppm—literally 1 gram in 100 tonnes—making compliance a make-or-break for Indian exporters.

EU rejections of Indian rice have risen sharply—from 3 alerts in 2020 to 37 in 2024—even as India’s rice exports to the EU grew over 100% between 2019 and 2023, increasing both market opportunity and export risk.

Experts said the demand is not only international. India’s 300–400 million middle-class consumers are now asking for residue-free food that remains affordable—putting scientific biological inputs at the centre of the next agricultural transition.

Inaugurating the conference, Dr Sagar Hanuman Singh, Director-General, National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), a premier body under the Ministry of Agriculture, underlined the need for a formal national soil-health framework, comparable to soil-health policies in Europe and the US.

“Chemical agriculture has done enormous damage to soil. Plant health and human health cannot be separated. We now need soil-health policy, guidelines and rejuvenation programmes at a national scale,” he said.

He added that pesticide overuse is making several crops—including Telangana’s chillies—unacceptable for export, and urged immediate action to ensure India’s produce remains residue-safe and export-ready.

“Biological agriculture is not an alternative—it is essential”, said Prof M S Reddy. Delivering the Keynote, Prof M S Reddy, a globally recognised expert in sustainable agriculture (USA) said, “Two decades ago, when biological agriculture lacked legitimacy, BIPA built the ecosystem. Today, biologicals are not optional tools—they are foundational pathways for soil regeneration, public health and farmer prosperity.”

He added that fatigued soils, water stress, climate volatility and rising residue intolerance now make a biological shift in Indian agriculture inevitable.

“Healthier soils mean healthier cities”, — Dr Bakul Joshi said, and reminded that soil health is ultimately public health. “Parks are empty, and hospitals are full. We need to shift from chemical-dependent agriculture to integrated, biological crop management.”

V. Praveen Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Kaveri University and former VC, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), a state-run University, stressed that collaboration between public institutions and the biological industry must now become central to agricultural transition.

Dr John Peter, President, BIPA, said biological agriculture is not new to India. We practised biological agriculture eight decades ago. Then came the chemical phase. We now need to reverse the trend and reclaim our biological heritage.”

Bio Agri 2025 is being organised by BIPA, the world’s oldest trade body for Agricultural Biology—older than BPIA – Biological Products Industry Alliance of the USA and IBMA – International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association – Europe. “We are exploring overseas expansion beginning with Sri Lanka and have signed an MoU with Kaveri Agri University for skill development,” informed Dr Venkatesh Devanur, Secretary-General, BIPA.

BIPA represents over 100 industry members, supporting innovation, regulation, quality frameworks and policy advocacy in biological agriculture. Its vision is to position India as a global leader in biological inputs, powered by science and sustainability.

BioAgri 2025, now in its 5th edition, is organised by BIPA—the world’s oldest trade body for agricultural biology. The conference, themed “Nurturing Nature, Nourishing the Future,” brings together more than 200 delegates and features over 40 exhibition stalls showcasing cutting-edge biological technologies. The two-day event includes sessions and discussions on biologicals, biotechnology innovations, climate resilience, regulatory developments and emerging market trends in sustainable agriculture.

Dr Linga Srinivasa Rao, CMD, Srikar Biotech (Eldorado Agritech), informed that the company is preparing for a ₹1,000-crore IPO, and said preliminary filings have already been submitted to SEBI.

Trehan Iris Appoints Wellness Icon Milind Soman as Wellness Advisor to Champion Holistic, Nature-Led Living Across Its Developments

Gurugram, Dec 10: Trehan Iris, a pioneering name in Indian real estate for over seven decades, has announced a major strategic initiative to embed holistic wellness at the core of all its upcoming developments. Aligning with its guiding philosophy “Nourish Your Being” the company is integrating biophilic design elements, nature-led environments, and mindful community amenities to create living and working ecosystems that elevate everyday well-being.

In a significant step toward strengthening this vision, Trehan Iris has appointed an actor, model, film producer, fitness and a wellness icon ‘Milind Soman’ as its Wellness Advisor. Widely regarded for promoting holistic health, endurance, and sustainable lifestyle practices, Milind will consult on the wellness framework for Trehan Iris’ upcoming projects in Gurugram and Noida. His guidance will help shape-built environments that inspire residents and professionals to adopt healthier, more mindful ways of living.

Speaking about the collaboration, Abhishek Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, said

“At Trehan Iris, we believe that wellness is the ultimate luxury. Our partnership with Milind Soman marks a significant step in translating this belief into built environments where every design element, amenity, and experience fosters holistic well-being. His philosophy of balanced, mindful living aligns seamlessly with our vision for the future of real estate.”

While Aman Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris adds:

 “Real estate must evolve to meet the changing needs of people, and wellness is central to that evolution. With Milind Soman onboard, we’re bringing sharper insight into designing spaces that encourage healthier lifestyles, from the architecture to the everyday experiences. This partnership reinforces our mission to build the next generation of wellness-led developments.”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Milind Soman commented:

 “Wellness is not about doing something extra, it’s about integrating healthy habits and mindful choices into everyday life. I’m glad to associate with Trehan Iris as their Wellness Advisor to shape communities that make well-being an intrinsic part of how people live, move, and connect.”

With this collaboration, Trehan Iris reinforces its commitment to redefining luxury real estate by placing holistic wellness at the heart of its design philosophy and community planning. The company continues to craft future-ready spaces that promote harmony, balance, vitality, and a deeper connection with nature.

Zebra Study: Over 8-in-10 of APAC including India Retailers Believe Gen AI to Have Significant Impact on Loss Prevention

New Delhi, DeE 10: Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating workflows to deliver intelligent operations, today unveiled the findings of its 18th Annual Global Shopper Study. The research shows Gen AI and automation solutions emerging as critical tools, with 87% of retail leaders citing their importance in loss prevention efforts.

“Businesses that increasingly thrive in retail’s future are agile leaders engaging the “phygital experience” through intelligent workflows,” said Subramaniam Thiruppathi, Director, Sales, India and Sub-Continent, Zebra Technologies. “Tapping on AI, automation, and improved workflows, retailers are empowered to deliver the fast, seamless, and personalized experiences that today’s shoppers demand.”

The data indicates shopper satisfaction levels have dipped for the second consecutive year, declining for both in-store (79% globally, 75% in APAC including India) and online experiences (73% globally, 69% in APAC including India). This marks a further decline compared to the past two years, with the highest satisfaction levels recorded in 2023 at 85% globally (for both in-store and online) and 81% in APAC including India (for online experiences).

The research also highlights a shift in shopper priorities. While increasingly drawn to convenience, speed, and value, nearly eight-in-ten shoppers (78% globally, 74% in APAC including India) prioritize discounts and promotions as inflation pressures persist. At the same time, consumers demand operational excellence, expressing frustration with out-of-stocks (68% globally, 63% in APAC including India), locked-up products (70% globally, 67% in APAC including India) or a lack of self-checkout lanes (62% globally, 56% in APAC, including India).

Connecting Frontline Teams with Advanced Technology

Retailers are increasingly recognizing the importance technology plays in enhancing the shopping experience, as delays in accessing information can hinder associates and disrupt service. According to the study, 88% of associates report challenges in obtaining timely assistance or information, up from 82% last year. This is similarly echoed by APAC including India associates, at 85% and 76% respectively.

Providing the right technology alleviates stress and boosts job satisfaction. More than 8-in-10 surveyed associates (87% globally, 84% in APAC including India) believe effective tools make their work more enjoyable and less stressful while helping them provide better service to customers. Plus, the large majority (90% globally, 86% in APAC including India) believe the right technology helps them complete tasks faster. Discover more insights behind this data in this blog post.

Optimizing Inventory and Mitigating Shrinkage Remain Priorities

Unsurprisingly, inventory challenges continue to impact shopper satisfaction and retailer profitability. While improvement is evident year-over-year, almost half of shoppers (Global’s 52% in 2025 vs 57% in 2024; APAC including India’s 47% in 2025 vs 49% in 2024) are still leaving stores without all the items they intended to purchase, often due to out-of-stocks or difficulties locating products.

Retailers acknowledge these gaps, with 84% of global decision-makers (85% in APAC including India) citing real-time inventory synchronization as a top priority for their organizations. In fact, many of them plan to implement advanced technologies such as computer vision (57% globally, 55% in APAC including India), RFID (54% globally and in APAC including India) and Gen AI (51% globally and 62% in APAC including India) over the next five years as they are viewed as essential tools for improving inventory visibility and reducing shrinkage.

Boosting Revenue and Profitability with Improved Workflows

Improving inventory management also has a positive impact on retailers’ bottom line. Based on a recent research study from Zebra in collaboration with Oxford Economics titled, “Impact of Intelligent Operations,” retailers achieved up to 1.8-percentage-point increases in revenue growth and profitability through improvements in their prioritized workflow of inventory management.

According to the Global Shopper Study, retail decision-makers recognize the importance of making these improvements to drive online and in-store sales. Optimizing inventory processes jumped nine percentage points (38% globally vs 36% in APAC including India), as the leading way retailers believe they can boost profits from online orders.

Inventory optimization also ranked in the top three for in-store profitability drivers (38% globally, 36% in APAC including India), topped by automation for more real-time inventory visibility (39% globally and 36% in APAC including India) and in-store digital ads and retail media networks which rose to 43% globally (42% in APAC including India). Likewise, Zebra recently acquired Elo which provides solutions that retailers use to build their own retail media networks and enhance the customer experience.

“Shoppers deserve to fully enjoy a modern store experience – beyond finding great deals and their desired products, retailers should focus on creating meaningful connections and seamless, hassle-free interactions. With advanced retail solutions like ZD421 Desktop Printer, ZT621/ZT611 Industrial Printers, ZT421/ZT411 Industrial Printers, ZQ630 Plus/ZQ620 Plus/ZQ610 Plus Mobile Printers, Elo I-Series 5 with Android, and EloPOS Z30, Zebra is dedicated to building trust, fostering loyalty, and empowering retailers to remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape,” added Thiruppathi.

Some of the latest solutions from Zebra improve inventory visibility, associate productivity and loss prevention while those from Elo expand in-store engagement and digital media capabilities:

KEY REGIONAL FINDINGS

Asia Pacific (APAC including India)

• 84% of store associates in APAC including India – compared to 89% globally – agree that AI will help them become more productive.

Europe

• 84% of retail decision-makers are under pressure to synchronize real-time inventory across channels to better forecast demand and replenishment; this is 10 percentage points higher than those who feel pressure to improve pricing and promotions management.

Latin America

• Compared to 52% globally, 60% of shoppers surveyed in Latin America say they’ve left a store within the last three months without all the items they intended to purchase.

North America

• This region has the second highest percentage of retail associates (80%) who agreed that maintaining real-time visibility of out-of-stock products is a significant challenge. The highest region is Latin America at 88%.

WHAT IS THE 18TH ANNUAL GLOBAL SHOPPER STUDY?

Zebra Technologies commissioned this global research study to analyze the attitudes, opinions, and expectations of shoppers, retail associates, and decision-makers across various retail experiences. Conducted online by MAVRIX during May and June 2025, the study surveyed over 4,200 respondents from North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. It explores key trends in shopper behavior, technology adoption, and operational strategies shaping the future of retail.

WHO IS ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES?

Zebra provides the foundation for intelligent operations with an award-winning portfolio of connected frontline, asset visibility and automation solutions powered by AI. Organizations globally across retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and other industries rely on us to deliver outcomes today while driving innovation for what’s next. Together with our partners, we create new ways of working that improve productivity and empower organizations to be better every day

Kolkata, Dec 10: FTS Yuva, the youth wing of Friends of Tribals Society (FTS), is excited to announce the 7th edition of its flagship event, the Ekal Run, which will take place at Godrej Waterside, Kolkata, on 4th January 2026. This year, the event will be inaugurated by India’s trailblazing badminton icon, Saina Nehwal. A sporting legend with over 24 international titles, Saina created history at the 2012 London Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in badminton.

The Ekal Run, which draws thousands of fitness enthusiasts every year, continues its commitment to promoting health, community engagement, and a noble social mission – educating rural and tribal children across India through the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative. The 7th edition is expected to witness massive participation across multiple race formats, including 21km, 10km, 5km, and a non-timed 3km fun run, encouraging people of all age groups and fitness levels to be part of the movement.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Rishabh Saraogi, President of FTS Yuva, Kolkata Chapter, said, “We are immensely honored to welcome Saina Nehwal as the inaugurator of the 7th edition of the Ekal Run. Her groundbreaking achievements and extraordinary journey reflect the spirit of resilience, excellence, and empowerment that Ekal Run stands for. This event not only promotes fitness but also supports the noble cause of educating rural children across India. We look forward to another impactful edition that brings communities together for a greater mission.”

On this occasion, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, National Coordinator of Ekal Run, said, “Ekal Run is more than just a marathon – it is a collective stride towards shaping a brighter future for rural India. Having Saina Nehwal inaugurate this edition adds immense motivation for our participants and reinforces our mission of empowering communities through education.”

The Ekal Run is not just a sporting event but a movement to raise funds for the education of rural children through the Ekal Vidyalaya. Over the past editions, the event has garnered immense support and enthusiasm, uniting people from all walks of life to promote education and empowerment for children in rural and tribal areas.

This is further to our intimation dated October 2, 2025, with respect to the proposed acquisition of controlling stake in the Company by Avenir Investment RSC Ltd (“Investor”), which is owned and controlled by International Holding Company PJSC (“Proposed Transaction”).

Pursuant to applicable provisions of the Listing Regulations, this is to update you that the Competition Commission of India (“CCI”) has approved the Proposed Transaction. A copy of the press release of the CCI is enclosed. The detailed order of CCI is awaited.

The only regulatory approvals pending for consummation of the Proposed Transaction are from (a) the Securities and Exchange Board of India for the Open Offer by the Investor and other related approvals and (b) the Reserve Bank of India, for which the Company and the Investor are in active engagement with the respective regulators to ensure expeditious receipt of the approvals, towards timely completion of the Proposed Transaction.

Shipwaves Online Limited, a Mangalore-based digital freight forwarding and logistics-tech company, has announced the launch of its INR 56.35 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the BSE SME platform, opening on December 10, 2025, and closing on December 12, 2025.

The company will issue 4.69 crore equity shares of face value INR 1/- each at a fixed price of INR 12 per share, representing a 33.19% dilution post-issue.

Unified Logistics & SaaS Solutions Company

Founded in 2015, Shipwaves operates as a multimodal logistics platform providing ocean, air, and road freight solutions alongside a suite of enterprise SaaS tools for supply chain optimization.

Its offerings include real-time visibility, automated documentation, online booking, demand forecasting, and digital freight management, enabling seamless, end-to-end logistics operations.

Strong Financial Growth

Shipwaves has demonstrated robust growth, with consolidated revenue rising to INR108.28 crore in FY25, up from INR 96.71 crore in FY24.

Profit after tax nearly doubled to INR 10.83 crore in FY25, compared to INR 5.83 crore in FY24, while EBITDA margin improved to 17.51%, reflecting enhanced operational efficiencies.

For the six-month period ending September 30, 2025, the company recorded INR 40.98 crore in revenue and INR 4.45 crorePAT, maintaining a 10.88% profit margin.

Use of IPO Proceeds

As per the prospectus, Shipwaves will utilize the IPO funds for:

• Working capital requirements
• Investment in its subsidiary
• Partial repayment/prepayment of borrowings
• General corporate purposes and issue-related expenses

Post-Issue Capital Structure

Post-IPO:

• Net worth will increase from INR 30.76 crore to INR 87.12 crore
• Share capital will rise from INR 9.45 crore to INR 14.14 crore, comprising equity shares of face value INR 1/- each

Promoter shareholding, currently at 99.96%, will reduce to 66.79% post-issue.

Major promoters include Kalandan Mohammed Haris, Kalandan Mohammed Althaf, Kalandan Mohammad Arif, Abid Ali, Bibi Hajira, and Mohammed Sahim Haris.

Industry Tailwinds

Shipwaves operates within two rapidly expanding sectors:

• India’s logistics market, projected to reach US$ 591 billion by FY27
• India’s SaaS market, expected to grow to US$ 50 billion by 2030

These trends provide significant growth momentum for Shipwaves’ hybrid logistics + SaaS business model.

IPO Intermediaries

• Lead Manager: Finshore Management Services Pvt Ltd
• Registrar: Cameo Corporate Services Ltd
• Market Maker: Anant Securities

Listing

Following the issue, the equity shares of face value ₹1/- each will be listed on the BSE SME platform.

Bengaluru, Dec 10: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, unveiled a diverse portfolio of advanced solutions at EXCON 2025, South Asia’s premier construction equipment exhibition, to support the nation’s rapidly expanding infrastructure and construction sector. Reflecting its theme, ‘Productivity Unleashed’, the company introduces heavy-duty, future-ready vehicles designed to enhance operational efficiency and fleet profitability. Leading the launches is the Prima 3540.K AutoShift  Tata Motors’ most powerful tipper, engineered for deep mining applications alongside the all-electric Prima E.28K, and the Signa 2820.TK CNG, India’s first factory-fitted CNG tipper. Complementing these is a comprehensive display of aggregates, including industrial engines, axles, and gensets, reinforcing Tata Motors’ commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Launching the commercial vehicles at EXCON 2025, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., said,

 “EXCON remains a pivotal platform for Tata Motors to showcase the engineering advancements and customer-focused solutions we are bringing to support India’s growing construction and mining landscape. As infrastructure activity accelerates across the country, customers seek reliable, high-productivity offerings that enhance operational efficiency and profitability. With the introduction of the flagship Prima 3540.K, we are proud to mark our entry into the deep-mining segment with a purpose-built solution engineered for the most demanding conditions. Furthering our commitment to sustainable mobility, we are excited to also launch the Prima E.28K, our first all-electric tipper, designed to deliver zero-emission performance without compromising on power or productivity.”

Tata Motors also unveiled its wide range of aggregates, backed by robust engineering and rigorous validation. Designed for reliable, long-lasting performance, these aggregates support a broad spectrum of applications across the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Unveiling the Aggregates portfolio, Mr. Vikram Agrawal, Head Spares and Non-Vehicular Business, Tata Motors Ltd, said,

“Our aggregate offerings at EXCON 2025 reflects Tata Motors’ commitment to delivering rugged, reliable and customer-centric solutions that support uninterrupted operations in the construction and infrastructure segments. With the introduction of our new 15 kVA and 35 kVA gensets and an expanded range of CEV BS V industrial engines, we are strengthening our focus on performance, uptime and operating efficiency. We will continue to enhance our portfolio with offerings that keep our customers’ operations efficient, productive and future-ready.”

Tata Motors’ Exhibits 

Commercial Vehicles

• Tata Prima 3540.K AutoShift: Powered by Cummins 8.5L engine, delivers 375hp and 1800Nm torque for deep-mining operations with superior fuel efficiency and reliability. Its 12-speed AMT ensures seamless performance, complemented by a premium cabin and advanced safety features for demanding heavy-haulage applications
• Prima E.28K: 28-tonne battery-electric tipper, built for high-uptime, zero-emission applications across shallow mining, mineral movement, bulk cargo movement, port application
• Signa 2820.TK CNG: India’s first factory-fitted CNG tipper in the 28-tonne category, delivering lower TCO and higher profitability, ideal for sustainable construction operations
• Signa 4832.TK: Country’s first 48-tonne, 5-axle tipper equipped with a 32m³ load body designed for coal movement, enabling highest payload per trip
• Prima 3532.TK: Offering 26m³ – the most voluminous load body in the segment – the Prima 3532.TK is ideal for construction aggregates surface transportation
• Prima E.55S: Battery-electric prime mover engineered to decarbonise logistics operations. Offers range up to 350 km with integrated 3 speed e-axle with traction motor, delivering best in class grade-ability and performance

Aggregates and Gensets

• Tata Motors Gensets: Featuring the newly-introduced 15 kVA and 35 kVA gensets built on efficient engines, along with the proven 125 kVA offering for varied applications
• Tata Motors Industrial Engines: CEV BS V-compliant engine designed for backhoe loaders, self-loading concrete mixers and other construction equipment
• Tata Motors Live Axles: Engineered for durability, high load-bearing capability and reliable performance across demanding duty cycles
• Tata Motors Trailer Axles and Components: A robust range including trailer axles, after-treatment and urea systems for seamless integration with prime movers

Tata Motors commercial vehicles are supported by a robust suite of value-added services under the Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative, offering comprehensive lifecycle management to maximise customer uptime and efficiency. This is further strengthened by Fleet Edge, Tata Motors’ next-generation digital platform that enables smarter fleet management, improved uptime and lower total cost of ownership, backed by 24×7 assistance through India’s widest service network. 

Ranchi,  Dec 10:- The Institute of Company Secretaries of India  organised its Convocation for Eastern Region on 7 December 2025, at Gangotri Convention Centre, Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest, where around 102 young members from the Eastern Region were awarded the Certificate of Membership of the ICSI.

Congratulating the newly inducted members of the ICSI, Shri Sanjay Seth said,

“With Start-Ups accelerating India’s economic growth, Company Secretaries’ role in ensuring governance and compliance becomes all the more crucial. Your contribution will be integral to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

Addressing the gathering, CS Dhananjay Shukla, President, The ICSI, said,

“ICSI continues to strengthen the governance landscape through its progressive initiatives and I am confident that as you step into the corporate world, these will empower you to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth trajectory”.

He highlighted some of the key initiatives of the ICSI including the Fee Waiver scheme for Indian armed forces, Paramilitary forces, Agni veers, Families of Martyrs and Wards of Indian armed forces & paramilitary forces, and for students registering from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh. He also outlined some of the recent initiatives for ICSI stakeholders:

• 2-year Full-time MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management, in collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University, that encompasses CS curriculum and maritime laws and regulatory practices to enhance employability of CS students.
• Joint Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances (CSMC) – Executive & Professional Programme, with National Institute of Securities Markets NISM, for ICSI students.
• ICSI Certificate Course on UAE Business Manager aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills for roles in the United Arab Emirates.
• ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship (IGPS) outlines best practices for responsible investment, encompassing environmental, social, and governance factors, to empower Institutional Investors and Service Providers.
• ICSI Principles on Climate Change Governance (IPCG) is a set of Principles that provide guidance on establishing metrics and targets to evaluate sustainability performance and progress toward climate goals.
• ICSI Stakeholder Engagement Toolkit on ESG is aimed to assist and equip Company Secretaries and Boards in devising a comprehensive ESG policy for companies.

CS Pawan G Chandak, Vice President, the ICSI, urged the new members to embrace opportunities and understand their responsibility towards the profession and the ICSI, which is today being looked upon as the leading body in promoting good governance across the globe.

CS Rupanjana De, Council Member, the ICSI, and CS Anuj Saraswat, Chairman, EIRC of the ICSI, were also present on the occasion.

Satyaa Sachee Actress Aanandita Sahoo Talks About Her Childhood Dream of Becoming an Actor: I remember spending hours in front of the mirror

“Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming an actor. I never imagined that one day I would actually pursue it, or whether my family would even support me. But deep inside, I always had this passion. I remember spending hours in front of the mirror, watching TV shows and imitating the actors I admired. Whenever I saw someone’s performance that inspired me, I would try to recreate it, feel their emotions, and express them in my own little way. Acting was like a secret world where I could be anyone, and it fascinated me endlessly.”

“Growing up, my parents and everyone at home constantly asked me to focus on my studies. “Study, study, study!” was all I heard. At that time, I never thought I would step into the world of television or make acting a career. But slowly, step by step, that childhood passion started turning into reality. Today, when I look back, I realize those quiet moments in front of the mirror and my little dreams shaped the path I am walking on. Acting is no longer just a dream it’s my life, my joy, and my way of expressing myself.”

Manipal,  Dec 10: Manipal Academy of Higher Education  an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, was conferred the CII Industry–Academia Partnership Award in the Platinum Category at the CII Industry Academia Partnership Summit held on December 5, 2025, in New Delhi. Dr. Harish Kumar S, Director  Corporate Relations, received the award on behalf of MAHE.

The Summit brought together leaders from industry, academia, government bodies, startups, technology innovators, and venture capital communities. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the event served as a collective platform for science leaders, business pioneers, policy makers, and emerging entrepreneurs.

The CII Global Summit on Industry  Academia Partnership 2025 aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and government. It showcases path-breaking innovations, highlights transformative partnership opportunities, and recognizes institutions demonstrating excellence in industry-aligned research and innovation.

Expressing his happiness on this award, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, “We are extremely honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from CII. This truly reiterates our commitment of students, faculty and industry partners who work together relentlessly and constantly push boundaries of knowledge and innovation. At MAHE, we are aligned to expand such partnerships so we can contribute towards transformative outcomes.”

Speaking on the recognition, Dr. Harish Kumar S, Director  Corporate Relations, MAHE, expressed that, “the award reaffirms MAHE’s vision of driving purposeful collaboration that delivers real-world impact. He added that MAHE remains committed to fostering partnerships that accelerate research, innovation, and talent development for national progress.

This milestone reinforces MAHE’s continuing efforts to build strong, future-ready industry connections and contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation ecosystem. The recognition enhances MAHE’s visibility as a leading university driving collaborative research, cutting-edge technology development, and impactful academic–industry engagement across sectors.