Archives February 2026

Hyderabad, Feb 23: The grand finale of Radha TMT’s unique initiative, “Creators of Tomorrow – Buildathon 2026,” a first-of-its-kind Civil Engineering Innovation Platform organised exclusively for civil engineering students across Telangana held on Saturday night at Shilpakala Vedika, Madhapur.

 CVR College of Engineering emerged as the winner for their innovative proposal titled “Water Treatment Waste into Sustainable Building Solutions.” The team was declared the winner of the challenge and walked away with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh.

 Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), Basara, secured the first runner-up position and bagged Rs 1 lakh, while JNTU Hyderabad was declared the second runner-up and received Rs 50,000. Consolation prizes of Rs 25,000 each were awarded to Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology (SNIST), University College of Engineering (Osmania University), Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology (GRIET), and VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology (VNR VJIET).

 Over 100 engineering colleges and a couple of hundred civil engineering students participated in the multi-level competition, culminating in seven finalist teams. The finalists included teams from JNTU Hyderabad, University College of Engineering–Osmania University, GRIET, VNR VJIET, SNIST, RGUKT Basara, and CVR College of Engineering.

 The competition showcased pioneering and practical ideas addressing real-world infrastructure challenges. One of the notable presentations focused on pothole-free roads. Highlighting that nearly 2,161 people die annually due to pothole-related accidents and that the government spends between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore annually on maintenance, students proposed a preventive solution using micro-encapsulation technology with waste and used cooking oil. Their approach targeted micro-level cracks in roads, aiming to prevent crack expansion, block water penetration, maintain structural integrity, and eliminate the root causes of potholes.

 Students from OU College of Engineering presented “Alga Nova,” an algae-based cement additive that reduces cement usage by 2.5 percent. While not a complete replacement for cement, the team positioned it as a sustainable alternative component. A jury member remarked that while the Romans invented concrete, a well-developed alternative cement innovation could create history.

 An all-women team from GRIET showcased “Sugarcrete,” lightweight bricks made from sugarcane bagasse, presenting it as a sustainable and viable construction material. The VNR VJIET team proposed algae-based sustainable paints, claiming the product to be 40 percent cheaper and a biodegradable alternative to conventional paints.

SNIST students proposed Geopolymer Concrete, a 100 percent cement-free concrete solution capable of reducing carbon emissions by 70–80 percent. Meanwhile, RGUKT students presented Green Concrete reinforced with natural bamboo fibre to reduce cracks and enhance structural performance. During the discussion, a jury member noted that bamboo has been recognised as a national building material and represents the future of sustainable construction.

 Smt. Harichandana Dasari, IAS, District Collector of Hyderabad, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Addressing more than 1,000 students, she said that the problems identified and solutions proposed by the finalist teams addressed real-life challenges awaiting scalable solutions. She expressed admiration for the innovative and industry-first nature of several ideas and said that with further development and persistence, many of these concepts could solve perennial infrastructure challenges in the country.

 Describing the initiative as the need of the hour, she emphasised the importance of industry–academia collaboration and urged students to build a better tomorrow and a more liveable world. “Big buildings are not great buildings; buildings that are liveable are great,” she remarked, encouraging students to pursue their ideas with persistence until they are commercialised.

 Sunil Saraf, Chairman of Radha TMT, stated that the Creators of Tomorrow initiative was conceptualised to celebrate young engineering talent and foster innovation. He highlighted that civil engineering forms the backbone of national development, as infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, buildings, and water systems is fundamental to trade, public health, water security, and economic growth. In this context, Radha TMT launched the Buildathon to inspire the next generation of nation-builders.

 Akshat Saraf, Director of Radha TMT, added that centred on the theme “Green & Sustainable Construction for a Greener Future,” the competition aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industry requirements. Students were encouraged to propose innovative, scalable, and practical solutions addressing modern infrastructure challenges.

 The competition offered cash prizes worth over Rs 5 lakh, along with internship opportunities, industry-recognised certifications, factory visits, ISO training exposure, and direct interaction with leading construction professionals.

 As a leading TMT bar manufacturer associated with the construction ecosystem, Radha TMT reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future-ready civil engineers, promoting sustainable construction practices, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and contributing responsibly to India’s infrastructure growth.

 The jury members comprised: Mr Sridhar Gopisetti – Founder & Principal Architect, Team One India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr Zaki Ahmed – Founder, Zaki & Associates; Mr Surya Prakash – Managing Director, SatyaVani Projects & Consultants Pvt. Ltd.; Dr Mahendra Kumar Madhavan – Professor, Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad; Mr C. Shekar Reddy – Vice Chairman, IGBC; Managing Director, CSR Estates Ltd.; Mr Rajkumar Kancherla – Managing Director, Kancherla Projects Pvt. Ltd.

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New Delhi: Feb 23:Surya Brasil, the Brazilian clean beauty brand known globally for its natural henna-based hair colour solutions, has announced the expansion of its product portfolio in India. The company aims to further reinforce and amplify its flagship Henna Cream while introducing a wider range of hair care and treatment products tailored for the Indian market.

With a presence in over 40 countries, Surya Brasil is strengthening its focus on key growth markets including India, supported by increased investments in marketing and trade engagement to deepen reach and visibility.

The expansion builds on Surya Brasil’s strong growth momentum in the United States, where the brand recorded 30% growth last year and outpaced the hair colour category by 16 percentage points, according to NielsenIQ data. This performance reflects rising consumer preference for natural and clean beauty alternatives.

The timing aligns with the rapid growth of the global natural cosmetics industry, which is projected to reach USD 74 billion by 2028. Increasing consumer awareness around ingredient transparency and sustainability is reshaping buying behaviour in India, particularly in the hair care segment. Surya Brasil’s expanded range aims to serve both professional salons and conscious consumers looking for effective, plant-based alternatives.

“At Surya Brasil, we have always believed that what you apply to your hair and skin matters,” said Clelia Angelon, Founder and CEO of Surya Brasil. “India has been an inspiration to us through Ayurveda, and expanding our portfolio here feels both strategic and meaningful.”

As part of its expansion, Surya Brasil is introducing a broader portfolio of complementary hair care and treatment products designed to create a complete clean beauty routine. The new additions include The Color Fixation line, The Hair Therapy range, The Balanced Cleansing Shampoo, The Nourishment & Protection conditioner, Brazilian Vegetable Keratin, The Force line and The Bio Finishers range. Henna Clean and Henna Force further extend the brand’s offering with treatment-focused solutions aimed at improving scalp health and strengthening hair from root to tip.

The flagship product Henna Cream remains at the centre of Surya Brasil’s India strategy. Formulated with up to 98% natural ingredients, the product offers full grey coverage while nourishing and strengthening the hair. Free from harsh chemicals such as ammonia and its by-products, including ethanolamine and triethanolamine, as well as PPD, Surya Brasil is aiming for a considerable market penetration in the natural hair care category with this flagship product.

With manufacturing headquartered in São Paulo and operations in Houston and Milan, Surya Brasil brings international quality standards and long-standing clean beauty credentials to the Indian market. The company says it remains committed to ethical formulations, responsible sourcing, and long-term investment in the region.

Language is the foundation of identity, the bridge of opportunity, and the heartbeat of human connection — Dr. Birbal Jha

Patna, Feb 23: On the solemn and globally observed occasion of International Mother Language Day, the auditorium of British Lingua resonated with ideas that transcended grammar and vocabulary. The seminar, titled “Language, Identity, and Opportunity,” evolved into a compelling reflection on how words shape worlds and how language can transform lives.

Delivering the keynote address, noted educationist and social reform advocate Dr. Birbal Jha offered a sweeping vision of multilingual empowerment. His central thesis was both simple and profound:
“Language is not only a medium of communication; it is the foundation of identity, the bridge of opportunity, and the heartbeat of human connection.”

The audience — comprising educators, students, and thought leaders — listened in rapt attention as Dr. Jha unfolded what he described as the three pillars of linguistic strength: mother tongue, Hindi, and English.

The Mother Tongue: Where Identity Takes Root

In a deeply evocative passage, noted author Dr Birbal Jha described the mother tongue as “the first music we hear” — the language of lullabies, affection, and formative dreams. It is here, Dr Jha argued, that identity is first forged and confidence begins to grow.

Dr Jha reminded the gathering that linguistic roots anchor emotional stability and cultural continuity. “Modernity should expand our horizons, not erase our roots,” he observed, urging families and institutions alike to safeguard indigenous languages as repositories of collective memory.

The mother tongue, Dr Jha said, does not merely communicate thought; it nurtures self-respect and strengthens the psychological foundation upon which future aspirations stand.

Hindi: A Bridge Across Diversity

Turning to Hindi, Dr. Jha underscored its role as a vital instrument of social cohesion in India’s vast linguistic landscape. From public discourse to marketplaces, from governance to cinema, Hindi connects diverse communities without demanding uniformity.

“Language is the bridge between diversity and unity,” Dr Jha declared, emphasizing that inclusive communication reduces prejudice and fosters cooperation. In his view, Hindi in India enables participation and strengthens democratic dialogue by amplifying voices from villages, towns, and cities alike.
In a country of many tongues, Dr Jha suggested, a shared language of connection strengthens the social fabric.

English: A Gateway to Global Possibility

If the mother tongue roots identity and Hindi binds society, English, Dr. Jha argued, unlocks the world. In an age defined by globalization, English serves as the language of science, technology, business, and international collaboration.

“English does not define your identity; it multiplies your opportunity,” Dr Birbal Jha asserted, challenging the perception of English as a marker of superiority. Instead, he described it as a pragmatic tool — one that converts talent into visibility and ambition into achievement.

At British Lingua, Dr Jha noted, English education is not about imitation of accents but about articulation, clarity, confidence, and employability. Fluency, he stressed, empowers youth from small towns to compete on global platforms.

Language as Social Justice

Perhaps the most resonant moment of the address came when Dr. Jha framed language education as an instrument of social justice.

“Language education is social justice in action,” Dr Jha proclaimed. When individuals cannot express themselves, he said, their abilities remain hidden. When communication improves, confidence rises — and with confidence comes opportunity.

By equipping young minds with linguistic competence, educational institutions are not merely teaching grammar; they are dismantling barriers and expanding socio-economic mobility.

A Vision for a Multilingual Future

As the seminar drew to a close, Dr. Jha called upon the audience to embrace multilingualism as strength rather than confusion.

“Multilingualism is not confusion; it is competence,” Dr Birbal affirmed.
Dr Jha urged citizens to preserve their mother tongues, strengthen Hindi for national harmony, and master English for global excellence. A nation that values its languages, Dr concluded, secures its intellectual richness and social cohesion.

The applause that followed was not merely for a speech well delivered, but for an idea powerfully conveyed — that language is identity, dignity, and destiny intertwined.
On this International Mother Language Day, the message from British Lingua was clear and compelling:
Language connects hearts, builds society, and shapes careers — and in doing so, it shapes the future.

Delhi, Feb 22: Dr. Bhargav Mallappa will continue serving as the National Deputy Chairman of the People Forum of India after the National Chairman Dr. S. Manimozhyaan, formally declined to accept his resignation and urged him to remain in office in view of the organisation’s ongoing social responsibilities and long-term mission.

In an official communication issued on Sunday, the National Chairman acknowledged Dr. Mallappa’s sustained contributions to the organisation’s administrative strengthening and grassroots social initiatives, expressing confidence in his leadership and requesting him to continue his responsibilities in the larger interest of the mission.

Responding to the development, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa said the decision to step back from his resignation was guided not by position, but by purpose. He said, “Public service is not about titles; it is about responsibility. The trust shown by the organisation carries moral weight. After thoughtful reflection, I felt it was important to prioritise continuity and collective vision over personal considerations. Our shared objective remains the upliftment of society, and that commitment must remain uninterrupted.” 

Dr. Mallappa further said that moments of introspection often strengthen institutions rather than weaken them. “This phase has brought clarity. It has reinforced why we began this journey — to build structured, accountable, and impactful social initiatives. With renewed focus and stronger coordination, we will move forward with greater discipline and deeper engagement at the grassroots level.”

He expressed optimism that the organisation will now work with sharper alignment and enhanced energy, ensuring that its social outreach efforts expand in both scale and substance.

Dr. Mallappa will continue to serve as National Deputy Chairman with immediate effect, reaffirming his dedication to strengthening institutional processes and advancing meaningful social change.

Hyderabad, February 21, 2026:

The grand finale of Radha TMT’s unique initiative, “Creators of Tomorrow – Buildathon 2026,” a first-of-its-kind Civil Engineering Innovation Platform organised exclusively for civil engineering students across Telangana, was held on Saturday evening at Shilpakala Vedika, Madhapur.

CVR College of Engineering emerged as the winner for their innovative proposal titled “Water Treatment Waste into Sustainable Building Solutions.” The team was declared the winner of the challenge and walked away with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh.

Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), Basara, secured the first runner-up position and bagged Rs 1 lakh, while JNTU Hyderabad was declared the second runner-up and received Rs 50,000. Consolation prizes of Rs 25,000 each were awarded to Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology (SNIST), University College of Engineering (Osmania University), Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology (GRIET), and VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology (VNR VJIET).

Over 100 engineering colleges and a couple of hundred civil engineering students participated in the multi-level competition, culminating in seven finalist teams. The finalists included teams from JNTU Hyderabad, University College of Engineering–Osmania University, GRIET, VNR VJIET, SNIST, RGUKT Basara, and CVR College of Engineering.

The competition showcased pioneering and practical ideas addressing real-world infrastructure challenges. One of the notable presentations focused on pothole-free roads. Highlighting that nearly 2,161 people die annually due to pothole-related accidents and that the government spends between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore annually on maintenance, students proposed a preventive solution using micro-encapsulation technology with waste and used cooking oil. Their approach targeted micro-level cracks in roads, aiming to prevent crack expansion, block water penetration, maintain structural integrity, and eliminate the root causes of potholes.

Students from OU College of Engineering presented “Alga Nova,” an algae-based cement additive that reduces cement usage by 2.5 percent. While not a complete replacement for cement, the team positioned it as a sustainable alternative component. A jury member remarked that while the Romans invented concrete, a well-developed alternative cement innovation could create history.

An all-women team from GRIET showcased “Sugarcrete,” lightweight bricks made from sugarcane bagasse, presenting it as a sustainable and viable construction material. The VNR VJIET team proposed algae-based sustainable paints, claiming the product to be 40 percent cheaper and a biodegradable alternative to conventional paints.

SNIST students proposed Geopolymer Concrete, a 100 percent cement-free concrete solution capable of reducing carbon emissions by 70–80 percent. Meanwhile, RGUKT students presented Green Concrete reinforced with natural bamboo fibre to reduce cracks and enhance structural performance. During the discussion, a jury member noted that bamboo has been recognised as a national building material and represents the future of sustainable construction.

Smt. Harichandana Dasari, IAS, District Collector of Hyderabad, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Addressing more than 1,000 students, she said that the problems identified and solutions proposed by the finalist teams addressed real-life challenges awaiting scalable solutions. She expressed admiration for the innovative and industry-first nature of several ideas and said that with further development and persistence, many of these concepts could solve perennial infrastructure challenges in the country.

Describing the initiative as the need of the hour, she emphasised the importance of industry–academia collaboration and urged students to build a better tomorrow and a more liveable world. “Big buildings are not great buildings; buildings that are liveable are great,” she remarked, encouraging students to pursue their ideas with persistence until they are commercialised.

Sunil Saraf, Chairman of Radha TMT, stated that the Creators of Tomorrow initiative was conceptualised to celebrate young engineering talent and foster innovation. He highlighted that civil engineering forms the backbone of national development, as infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, buildings, and water systems is fundamental to trade, public health, water security, and economic growth. In this context, Radha TMT launched the Buildathon to inspire the next generation of nation-builders.

Akshat Saraf, Director of Radha TMT, added that centred on the theme “Green & Sustainable Construction for a Greener Future,” the competition aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industry requirements. Students were encouraged to propose innovative, scalable, and practical solutions addressing modern infrastructure challenges.

The competition offered cash prizes worth over Rs 5 lakh, along with internship opportunities, industry-recognised certifications, factory visits, ISO training exposure, and direct interaction with leading construction professionals.

As a leading TMT bar manufacturer associated with the construction ecosystem, Radha TMT reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future-ready civil engineers, promoting sustainable construction practices, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and contributing responsibly to India’s infrastructure growth.

The jury members comprised:

Mr. Sridhar Gopisetti – Founder & Principal Architect, Team One India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Zaki Ahmed – Founder, Zaki & Associates; Mr. Surya Prakash – Managing Director, SatyaVani Projects & Consultants Pvt. Ltd.;

Dr. Mahendra Kumar Madhavan – Professor, Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad;

Mr. C. Shekar Reddy – Vice Chairman, IGBC; Managing Director, CSR Estates Ltd.; Mr. Rajkumar Kancherla – Managing Director, Kancherla Projects Pvt. Ltd.

GSTAT is designed to provide a transparent, efficient and fully digital platform for GST appeals, says President, GSTAT

Hyderabad, Feb 21,: Hon’ble Dr Justice (Retd.) Sanjaya Kumar Mishra, President of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), inaugurated a half-day Summit on GST Appellate Tribunal in the city on Saturday.

 Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, he observed that multiple lakh appeals are expected to be filed before June 30, 2026, the notified cut-off date for filing appeals before GSTAT.

 Creating awareness about the newly operational tribunal, Justice Mishra said that GSTAT is a specialised appellate body that hears disputes related to GST and functions as the second appellate authority in the GST dispute resolution mechanism.

 The operationalisation of GSTAT marks a transformative step in India’s indirect tax dispute resolution framework. It is designed to provide a transparent, efficient, and fully digital platform for addressing GST-related appeals, he said.

 He further urged taxpayers and practitioners not to wait until the last moment to file appeals.

 With a significant number of appeals expected before the June 30, 2026 deadline, I strongly advise taxpayers and professionals to file well in advance. Early filing will ensure smoother processing and avoid unnecessary hardship, he said.

 Explaining the appellate framework, he stated that under the GST Act, if a taxpayer is aggrieved by an order passed by a GST Officer, an appeal can first be filed before the First Appellate Authority. If still dissatisfied, the taxpayer can approach GSTAT.

 Prior to GSTAT becoming operational, taxpayers had to approach High Courts directly after the first appeal, which led to delays and increased litigation costs.

 Justice Mishra noted that GSTAT will handle tax demand disputes, Input Tax Credit (ITC) issues, refund claims, penalties, classification disputes, and interpretation of GST provisions. The tribunal offers a structured technical and judicial forum, speeds up dispute resolution, and reduces the burden on High Courts.

 He informed that the system is transparent, paperless, and fully online, with appeals to be filed electronically through the designated GST portal.

 Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the summit, Justice Mishra observed that the proposed simplification under GST 2.0 could potentially reduce litigation in the long run.

 He earlier inaugurated the summit in the presence of several luminaries from the GST regime, R Ravi Kumar, KK Maheshwari, Srinivas Garimella, and the office bearers of the FTCCI

 The operationalisation of the GST Appellate Tribunal marks a defining moment for the business and professional community. A structured and specialised appellate forum like GSTAT strengthens confidence in the GST framework by ensuring timely and expert resolution of disputes. As industry stakeholders, we welcome this development and encourage businesses and tax professionals to understand the procedures thoroughly and make proactive use of the system. FTCCI remains committed to creating platforms that bridge policymakers, administrators, and industry for a more transparent and efficient tax ecosystem, said R Ravi Kumar, President of FTCCI giving his welcome address

 The summit was organised by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) at Hyatt Place, Banjara Hills.

 Titled “GSTAT: Navigating the New Era of GST Litigation,” the summit was conducted in the backdrop of the formation and operationalisation of GSTAT.

 Members of GSTAT from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh participated in the programme, along with senior officials and experts from GSTN and the State GST Department.

 In his opening remarks, Mohd. Irshad Ahmed, Chair, GST & Customs Committee, FTCCI, said that the summit was organised at a crucial juncture in the GST framework.

 “With GSTAT becoming operational, it marks a significant step in strengthening the GST dispute resolution mechanism. The programme aims to equip professionals and businesses with clarity and practical insights into the functioning and procedures of the newly formed appellate body,” he said.

 The half-day summit featured technical sessions on the structure and functioning of GSTAT, a practical walkthrough of the GSTAT e-filing system by experts from GSTN/NIC, and a panel discussion involving senior tax practitioners, legal experts, and departmental officials on emerging challenges and best practices in GST litigation.

 Over 250 participants attended the summit, including Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, Cost Accountants, Advocates, tax practitioners, business executives handling GST matters, and finance professionals.

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By Ashok Chandak, President : IESA and SEMI India.

Pax Silica represents a new strategic framework for the world where cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals and AI infrastructure , potentially replaces conflict over technology. In the 20th century, global stability was shaped by energy and oil; in the 21st century it will be shaped by silicon, data and trusted supply chains. Pax Silica aims to build a resilient, democratic and diversified technology ecosystem so that no single geography can disrupt the global flow of chips and compute. India formally signed the Pax Silica declaration during AI Impact Summit at the hands of Hon’ble Union Minister Sh. Ashvini Vaishnaw.

For India, this is a transformational opportunity. We are moving from being a large consumer of electronics to becoming a global design and manufacturing partner. With our strong semiconductor design talent, growing fabrication and packaging ecosystem, and large domestic demand, India can serve as the trusted bridge between East and West in this emerging alliance. Pax Silica also strengthens India’s digital sovereignty by ensuring secure access to semiconductors and AI infrastructure, which are now critical to defence, telecom, mobility and economic growth.

The message is clear: the future of technology will be built on trusted partnerships. Pax Silica gives India an opportunity to convert talent leadership into technology and manufacturing leadership.”

• “Pax Silica isn’t just a trade deal; it’s the Declaration of Independence for the global technology supply chain. It ensures that the ‘brains’ of our future—the chips and the AI—are built on a foundation of trust, not coercion.”
• “For India, Pax Silica is the Silicon Shield. It protects our digital sovereignty and ensures that no single nation can ‘switch off’ India’s growth by choking our chip supply.”
• “We are moving from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Design and Innovate in India – Create in India.’ This alliance will turn our engineering talent into a global workforce that powers everything from smartphones to satellite systems.”
• “This isn’t just about high-tech factories; it’s about a million new high-value jobs.  

Bengaluru, Feb 21st: Perfios.ai, India’s leading B2B SaaS TechFin, today announced the launch of KScan AI, an innovative artificial intelligence-powered platform for fast, contextual KYC (Know Your Customer), KYB (Know Your Business), and extensive entity and individual due diligence. It is an intelligence infrastructure layer purpose-built for MSME discovery, risk evaluation, and compliance automation.

KScan AI equips the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector with AI-powered deep understanding of all the parties involved while taking decisions related to onboarding, underwriting, GTM optimization, risk assessment; specifically for India’s vast network of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The platform offers unparalleled access to data on over 30 million Indian businesses, transforming complex information into actionable insights using cutting-edge AI.

The Indian MSME sector, while a critical economic engine, presents a significant hurdle for lending institutions for accurate risk assessment and credit evaluation due to fragmented data and intricate business structures. KScan AI directly addresses these challenges, empowering the BFSI sector with the only platform of its kind that aggregates data from over 900 distinct official sources, delivering an unparalleled, comprehensive view of the Indian business landscape.

The Gross Non-Performing Asset (NPA) ratio for MSME loans improved, declining from 4.5% in March 2024 to 3.6% by March 2025. This is a positive indicator for the lending industry and application of KScan will enable lenders to have faster due diligence and enables lenders to lend more at lower risks.

• Early pilot tests of KScan AI have showcased significant operational improvements and risk mitigation capabilities for banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs):
• Enhanced Lead Generation: Pilot participants reported generating 10x more MSME lending leads, while achieving up to 5x lower customer acquisition cost.
• Streamlined Due Diligence: KScan AI facilitated approximately 1.8 lakh due diligences in one year, enabling financial institutions to confidently lend to the right companies and individuals.
• Robust Risk Screening: The platform conducted 2 lakh litigation checks and performed 6 million sanction screenings within a year, significantly bolstering efforts to curb anti-money laundering activities.

“Our mission has always been to simplify and enhance financial decision-making through cutting-edge data-driven innovation. Kscan AI represents a monumental leap forward in how financial institutions engage with and understand India’s 30 million+ MSME ecosystem. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge AI and an unparalleled data lake, we are not just providing data; we are delivering actionable intelligence that drives smarter lending decisions”, said B Krishna Chaitanya, Chief Product Officer, Perfios. 

KScan AI is built upon the robust KScan data lake, exposed via Perfios’ Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools. This architecture ensures that AI agent responses remain grounded and accurate, while also providing unparalleled flexibility for users to configure their own agents or integrate custom models according to specific policy requirements.

Hyderabad, Feb 21st: The prestigious two-day Regional Cost and Management Accountants’ Convention (RCMAC 2026), hosted by the Southern India Regional Council of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), a statutory body under an Act of Parliament functioning under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest CMA Dr. A. S. Durga Prasad, Chairman, NCC and Former President, ICMAI. today at Leonia Resorts, Shamirpet. CMA Dr. K.Ch.A.V.S.N. Murthy, Central Council Member, ICMAI; CMA Vijay Kiran Agastya, Chairman – SIRC of ICMAI; CMA KVN Lavanya, Treasurer – SIRC; and CMA Khaja Jalal Uddin, Chairman – ICMAI Hyderabad Chapter, graced the occasion. CMA A.N. Raman, Former President – SAFA, delivered the keynote address.

RCMAC 2026 has brought together over 500 delegates, including industry leaders, academicians, policymakers, and CMA professionals from across India and abroad. Anchored around the theme “Reimagining the CMA Profession: Driving Sustainable Value & Strategic Impact,” the convention focuses on strengthening the CMA’s role at the intersection of performance excellence, responsible growth, and future-ready leadership.

Addressing the gathering, CMA Dr. A. S. Durga Prasad underscored the importance of integrated cost leadership, execution discipline, and data-driven decision-making in strengthening enterprise performance and nation-building infrastructure. He said, we are not in a period of incremental change, we are in the midst of a very structural transformation that is going on across the globe. The geo-politics and the economic crisis are reminding us of the trade barriers, therefore the Boards are redrawing their strategies. Inside enterprises, the signals are very clear and risk is no longer a linear item, it is interconnected with multiple parameters. The CMA should look to have complete digital fluency or ESG literacy or he will risk a strategic marginalisation, the day is not very far off. India stands very optimistic, is optimism alone sufficient, we need to have the right architecture to get to that optimism. CMAs, as risk enterprise integrators or value architects will shape India’s growth architecture. That architecture will be shaped, if we don’t step in, without us. This is not a routine moment, it is a strategic intersection point. We have remained in the functional line for too long, we need to move to the role of leadership, for this from reporting to foresight, from cost control to value architecture and from compliance to governance design, from functional excellence to enterprise influence, is what we need to look forward to. Let us help the Indian enterprise compete not merely on scale but on credibility. Let us ensure, excellence in performance is not a slogan but it results in a system and future of CMA professionals will not be defined by a legacy we had in the past, but defined by the relevance we have today. Relevance will be earned through integration, integrity and insight.    

CMA A.N. Raman said, post covid the profession started witnessing digitisation along with AI becoming a major force behind getting insights of the basic data.  

CMA TCA Srinivas Prasad highlighted the evolving role of CMAs as strategic business partners and called upon professionals to lead in critical areas such as ESG, governance, and value engineering, reinforcing the profession’s commitment to sustainable and responsible growth. He said, we are talking about value creation, which is the need of the hour, this convention will make us future ready. The focus will be on sustainable and responsible growth, which will ultimately depend on people. We are trained to give the best in challenging circumstances and are geared to do it.

The convention is being conducted under the leadership of CMA Vijay Kiran Agastya, Chairman – SIRC, who stated that RCMAC 2026 is envisioned as a platform for action-oriented knowledge sharing to equip CMA professionals to lead enterprise transformation through value engineering, digital performance management, and sustainable growth initiatives. He said, this is a conversation about strategic value addition, value creation has become the mandate today. The focus of this Convention is from a spread sheet to strategy.  

CMA KVN Lavanya said, the focus of a Cost Accountant was on what would happen tomorrow, purely on the future and internal efficiencies on how managers look at operations. The focus has to be on supply chain management, where we contribute and we have a very crucial role in Viksit Bharat. We need to see tomorrows costs today and tomorrows aberrations today and suggest to the management. Unless we have these forecasting techniques, we will not be in a position to do due justice to our roles. Our curriculum has also changed from traditional subjects to subjects with industrial impact, such that students are on the job right from day one. We need to rise up to the occasion and ensure we add value wherever we are.

The two-day convention will feature technical sessions, panel discussions, keynote addresses, and expert deliberations on emerging trends in industry, finance, governance, and management, including Sustainable & Responsible Growth, Integrated Performance Excellence, and Reimagining the CMA Profession.