Archives 2026

New Delhi, India, Feb 18th: Eka Care, a leader in AI-led digital health and connected care, today announced that it will collaborate with NVIDIA to develop a next-generation medical scribe for doctors. This initiative will help Eka Care build a consolidated, end-to-end, multilingual medical scribe model, a variant of which would be capable of running entirely offline, a breakthrough that promises to bring AI-powered documentation to even the most remote clinics in India.

The collaboration will leverage NVIDIA’s AI software and compute infrastructure to accelerate the development of Eka Care’s proprietary medical AI solutions. By combining Eka Care’s deep clinical data expertise with NVIDIA AI infrastructure and domain expertise, the initiative will address critical challenges in healthcare such as data privacy, internet dependency, and the need for real-time, low-latency transcription.

Powering the Next Wave of Clinical AI: 

Eka Care will utilise NVIDIA NeMo Curator to refine its massive datasets of Indian medical conversations. Eka Care is using NeMo Curator to clean and organise clinical data, ensuring the highest standards of data hygiene. To prevent “catastrophic forgetting”—a common issue where AI models lose previously learned knowledge as they take on new tasks—Eka Care is integrating the NVIDIA Nemotron CC dataset for replay during the pre-training phase. This ensures the model remains robust and generalizable while becoming a specialist in medical terminology.

Evaluating State-of-the-Art Architectures: As part of this initiative, Eka Care is actively evaluating NVIDIA Nemotron Speech models, including Parakeet automated speech recognition (ASR) to power its end-to-end application. The goal is to merge ASR and Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities into a single, efficient architecture that reduces computational overhead without sacrificing clinical precision. As of part of its open innovation initiative, Eka Care will be exploring potential open-sourcing of this consolidated model.

“Building a medical scribe for India requires navigating complex code-mixing and diverse accents. By collaborating with NVIDIA, we aren’t just improving our accuracy; we are building a sovereignty-first model that can live on a doctor’s mobile, independent of cloud connectivity. This is the future of secure, private patient documentation” said Vikalp Sahni, Founder & CEO, Eka Care. 

“India’s AI startup ecosystem is primed for acceleration, driven by exceptional technical talent and global ambition,” said Tobias Halloran, director of EMEAI startups and venture capital at NVIDIA. “NVIDIA is accelerating this momentum by giving founders direct access to accelerated computing, scalable AI infrastructure, and programs like NVIDIA Inception for startups and the NVIDIA VC Alliance—helping startups scale faster and build for global markets.”

This announcement aligns with the broader momentum around the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, a flagship gathering hosted by the Government of India under the IndiaAI Mission, taking place in New Delhi.

India, Feb 18th: Exponent Energy, a Bengaluru-based energy-tech company, announced a 360-degree fintech and asset management business venture, Exponent One, aimed at addressing a key barrier to scaling commercial EV adoption: access to viable financing. Financing and mobility veteran Sandeep Divakaran will helm the new venture as Co-founder and CEO.

Exponent Energy has built a deep energy ecosystem in commercial EVs by solving charging speed, battery reliability, and high-uptime operations resulting in deep energy intelligence in the real world of commercial mobility. While EV technology has advanced significantly, adoption continues to be constrained by access to viable financing.

Exponent One is designed to address this gap through a 360-degree underwriting and asset management platform built specifically for commercial EVs leveraging the above energy intelligence. This platform aims to bring financing parity between EVs and ICE commercial vehicles by offering adaptive financing and risk-sharing through assurance and buybacks. In partnership with traditional financiers, Exponent One intends to deliver large-scale EV financing for commercial operators. The financing arm to work exclusively with Commercial Electric Vehicles – three wheelers, four-wheelers/ LCV and buses/ trucks- supporting driver-owners and fleets from ownership to lifecycle management to upgrades.

Sandeep Divakaran, with over two decades of experience across intersection financial, leasing and mobility (CXO roles at Ola and evfin by Greaves), will lead the company as Co Founder and CEO to build-out a full-stack fintech and asset management platform.

Talking about the financing venture, Sandeep, said, “Commercial Vehicle driver-owners operate real-world businesses with daily variable earnings and limited buffers, yet lending models are still run on personal credit rails, with fixed monthly assumptions (EMIs). This rigid approach, focuses on only output metrics of timely payments, and hence fails the driver and leads to the ecosystem viewing commercial EV financing as risky.

At Exponent One, we believe in something fundamental: if the driver-owner fails, the system fails.

Our vision is to enable sustainable micro-entrepreneurship in electric mobility by building financing that adapts to real world earnings and not monthly averages, manages asset risk, provides buffers and gives drivers the confidence to switch and grow with EVs. Our adaptive lending model focuses on input metrics – asset quality, charging patterns, energy consumption, giving us the ability to differentiate between bad luck and bad intent and help support driver-owners through their circle of life.”

Built on Exponent’s energy intelligence, Exponent One’s AI-based adaptive financing stack enables access to livelihoods. Insurance is embedded to respond meaningfully to health and asset shocks, while assured buybacks create a strong secondary market that adds a critical layer of assurance for commercial vehicle owners and partner financiers. Savings, top-up loans, and upgrade opportunities support drivers’ aspirations to grow, progress, and move forward.

Elaborating further on the vision, Arun Vinayak, Founder and CEO, Exponent Energy, said,
“Energy in EVs is an upfront capex problem, hence viable-financing products are needed to transform this higher capex to meaningful opex benefits to the driver-owners.

Electric Commercial Vehicles are fundamentally energy assets. Our ability to influence battery life and manage them on a daily basis with real time energy data gives us an edge in understanding these assets better and in knowing their residual value. EVs are digital, earnings are digital and the energy stack with Exponent is digital, and all these input metrics layered with innovations in AI tech, enhances our ability to contextually underwrite and support the driver-owners through their circle of life. This is a first of its kind partnership, with energy and financing coming together to provide integrated adaptive finance and asset management solutions. We’re excited to have Sandeep lead this effort to build the financial layer needed to address the commercial EV financing gap.

Together, Exponent Energy will power the assets and Exponent One will power the driver-owner.“

Exponent One has also raised $2 million in pre-seed funding from AdvantEdge Founders to accelerate the early rollout and expand its presence across key commercial EV hubs, bringing adaptive financing to a wider base of driver-owners.

Kunal Khattar, Founder, AdvantEdge Founders, said, “Commercial EV scale in India isn’t just a technology challenge; it’s a data and capital challenge. Lenders must understand how these assets actually earn and age to unlock true scale. At AdvantEdge, we’re backing Exponent One because they’ve replaced ICE-era assumptions with real-time operational intelligence, aligning financing with daily earnings and long-term asset performance. By building a durable financial layer tailored to the EV ownership lifecycle, they are addressing the core risk mismatches that have held this industry back. We believe this is the missing piece that will finally move electric fleets from pilot to mass adoption.“

Bangalore, Feb 18th: Students from Karnataka were recognized among national winners at the OpenAI Academy x NxtWave Buildathon finale at the India AI Impact Summit, held at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, New Delhi. LineLens built by students from MS Ramaiah Engineering College secured 4th position for creating an AI-driven CRM research workspace powered by agentic AI. LineLens converts a researcher’s browser into an intelligent CRM workspace that automates discovery, outreach, and collaboration tracking through agentic AI. Karnataka’s representation reinforces the strong pipeline of industry-ready AI student talent from the state.

Organized as a flagship pre-summit initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) IndiaAI Mission, the Buildathon brought together more than 70,000 young innovators in 7 states – Delhi, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu around the country. Identifying talent from universities through regional rounds across, the buildathon underscored the depth of India’s AI capabilities beyond metropolitan hubs. 90 teams advanced to the national finale, where they were evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising Raghav Gupta, Head of Education, India & Asia Pacific, OpenAI; Sandeep N, GTM APAC, OpenAI; Dr. Buddha Chandrasekhar, Chief Coordinating Officer, AICTE, Ministry of Education and Saharsh Sharma, VP, Chiratae Ventures along with industry leaders from JP Morgan Chase and Make My Trip. The review process prioritized the effective use of Large Language Models (LLMs), scalability, and system architecture, ensuring that student innovations translated into practical, deployment-ready solutions.

Guest of Honor Rama Lanka Devi, Lead Architect, Niti Frontier Tech Hub, Niti Ayog said, “India’s youth are not just learning AI, they are the first generation of AI nation-builders. And when they build with purpose, transformation becomes inevitable.”

Speaking at the national finale, Rahul Attuluri, CEO and Co-Founder of NxtWave, said, “With the OpenAI Academy x NxtWave Buildathon, we built the country’s largest GenAI challenge for students under the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Together with OpenAI, NxtWave is contributing to India’s mission of developing the largest pool of young AI talent. It’s a proud moment to see students from across regions present practical AI solutions on a global stage, and we will continue to expand this initiative to reach more cities and learners.”

Bonnie Chatterjee, Global Head of AI Deployment Engineering, OpenAI, said, “India is rapidly becoming a global epicenter for AI talent. What truly sets this ecosystem apart is the shift from experimentation to application. Students are building solutions rooted in reality, tackling everything from rural healthcare to agricultural yields. Through the OpenAI Academy, we’re bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact, proving that Indian innovation is practical, essential and inclusive.”

By mobilizing talent to solve challenges rooted in their own regional contexts, the initiative ensured that AI innovation is not just imported but indigenous, reinforcing the Summit’s mandate for inclusive, impact-led adoption at scale. Winning teams were awarded a total prize pool of ₹10 lakh, along with ecosystem support to scale their innovations reinforcing the buildathon’s focus on innovation.

Bangalore, Feb 18th: The Class of 1990 of Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur returned to campus to celebrate their Coral Jubilee Reunion, marking 35 years since graduation.

The reunion brought together alumni from across India and abroad to reconnect with classmates, revisit their campus memories, and renew their shared bond with their alma mater.

As part of the Coral Jubilee celebrations, the Class of 1990 announced a collective pledge of ₹13.2 crore toward the institute’s academic, research, and student-focused initiatives. The commitment reflects the batch’s deep sense of gratitude and its forward-looking vision to contribute meaningfully to the institute’s continued growth and impact.

The reunion program included interactive sessions with institute leadership, faculty, and students, along with presentations on ongoing developments in research, innovation, and infrastructure. Alumni also shared reflections on their formative years at the institute and the long-term influence of their education and campus experiences.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, “The institute takes immense pride in the accomplishments and continued engagement of the Class of 1990. Their Coral Jubilee Reunion is not just a celebratory milestone but a powerful expression of their lifelong connection with the institute. Their generous pledge will significantly strengthen scholarships, promote research excellence, and support institutional advancement, helping shape opportunities for future generations of students.”

Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni, IIT Kanpur, added, “The Class of 1990 truly represents the spirit of sustained alumni engagement. Coming together to contribute collectively at this milestone reflects both gratitude and responsibility. Such support enables the institute to expand scholarship programs, establish endowed Chairs to advance research, and develop infrastructure aligned with our long-term strategic vision.”

Reflecting on behalf of the batch, Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Batch Coordinator, Class of 1990, noted that the class’s Silver Jubilee contribution of ₹70 lakhs had grown to ₹1.5 crore and continues to support scholarships. He shared that the batch has now exceeded its Coral Jubilee target of ₹13 crore, emphasizing that the milestone represents not just a financial achievement but a collective expression of gratitude to the institution. The new commitment will further strengthen scholarships, enable innovation through endowed Chairs across departments, and contribute to unrestricted funds for infrastructure development. He expressed confidence that the Class of 1990 will remain actively engaged with the institute in the years ahead.

The Coral Jubilee Reunion concluded on a note of nostalgia, camaraderie, and renewed purpose. The institute expressed its appreciation to the Class of 1990 for their continued commitment and looks forward to their ongoing partnership in advancing education, research, and innovation.

Mumbai, Feb 18th: The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a SeleQtions hotel in Devanahalli, Bengaluru, a conversion of a standalone resort with expansion of inventory to 120 keys.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Bengaluru is among the fastest-growing cities in the country, powered by its thriving IT and entrepreneurial ecosystem. North Bengaluru, particularly Devanahalli, is witnessing rapid development driven by the expansion of the airport and the presence of sectors such as aerospace, biotechnology, defence and education. The signing of this hotel, the first SeleQtions in Bengaluru, will cater to this growth and expand our brandscape in this key lodging market. We are delighted to partner with BABA Developers Private Limited for this project.”

The 115-key SeleQtions Prakruthi Resort, Devanahalli, Bengaluru, will feature an eclectic culinary offering, including an all-day diner, a specialty restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Guests can enjoy wellness and recreational facilities such as a spa, gym and swimming pool. The hotel will also offer expansive banqueting facilities spanning over 6,000 sq. ft., supported by versatile meeting rooms, making it an ideal venue for social and corporate events.

Mr. Parvataneni Sasibhushan, Managing Director, BABA Developers Private Limited, said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to bring the SeleQtions brand to Bengaluru and create a distinctive hospitality experience in Devanahalli.”

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 20 hotels in Bengaluru, including 11 under development.

Vemagal, Karnataka, India, Feb 18th: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has inaugurated India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line for the Airbus H125 at Vemagal in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.

The H125 helicopter Final Assembly Line facility was inaugurated virtually by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, and Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of France.

Present at the event in Vemagal were Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Defence Minister, Government of India, Ms Catherine Vautrin, Hon’ble Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Government of France, and Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation, Government of India. Also present were Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus senior leadership teams.

This partnership is a watershed for ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) in aerospace, marking the first time the Indian private sector will undertake the manufacturing, integration, testing and maintenance of a sophisticated rotary-wing platform in India. By building the civil H125 and potentially its military variant H125M in Vemagal, Tata and Airbus are ensuring that Indian operators have immediate access to world-class technology with localised maintenance and lifecycle support, maximising helicopter availability.

We are proud to establish the H125 Helicopter Final Assembly Line, a first in the private sector in India— a landmark step in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance in aerospace and defence. This facility reflects the growing depth of India’s industrial capabilities and the strength of our long-standing partnership with Airbus. Together, we are contributing to the creation of a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem in India,” said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons.

“The inauguration of the H125 FAL is a defining step towards India’s civil and defence sovereignty when it comes to vertical lift capabilities. By establishing this facility with the Tata Group, Airbus is offering the Indian market a versatile and competitive platform with unrivaled performance that is ‘Made in India’ and tailored for missions across the country’s unique topography,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The FAL will also be able to produce the military version H125M with a level of local manufacturing that ensures the Indian forces remain mission-ready at all times. It will also be a game-changer for the development of the civil helicopter market,” he added.

The ‘Made in India’ H125 is set to become an essential tool for nation-building by supporting the development of critical civil and para-public market segments such as emergency medical service and disaster management as well as law enforcement and regional connectivity under the Government of India’s regional connectivity scheme, UDAN, to bridge the last-mile for tourism and passenger transport.

The H125M is optimised to serve as a high-altitude force multiplier across a spectrum of critical missions. This versatile platform is designed to excel in tactical reconnaissance and surveillance by leveraging its low acoustic and thermal signatures. Additionally, the H125M provides a decisive edge in high-altitude logistics, ensuring the delivery of vital supplies to remote frontline outposts, and serves as a rapid-response asset for search and rescue or medical evacuation operations.

The H125 is the only helicopter in history to have landed on the summit of Mount Everest, giving it a performance ceiling that exceeds existing light utility fleets. For the Indian military, which operates in some of the most challenging high-and-hot environments in the world, this performance can be a critical differentiator.

The H125 is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter and a member of the Écureuil family, which has accumulated more than 40 million flight hours worldwide. The H125 is also the most popular helicopter in India and South Asia. The first ‘Made in India’ H125 is expected to be delivered early 2027, and will also be available for export across the South Asian region.

This is the second major Tata and Airbus industrial collaboration, following the C295 military transport Final Assembly Line, cementing a comprehensive military aerospace ecosystem in India. Together, these programmes underscore Airbus’ long-term commitment to building a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India across manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, design, digital capabilities and human capital development. Airbus currently sources components and services worth over $1.5 billion annually from India, including complex aerostructures and systems, reinforcing the country’s growing role in Airbus’ global supply chain.

Dignitaries at E&E Symposium & Industry Quiz 2026 Held in Chennai

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Feb 18th: India’s first-ever Elevator & Escalator Symposium & Quiz 2026, held on 13th & 14th February 2026 in Chennai and dedicated exclusively to vertical transportation professionals, brought together leading experts who strongly emphasised the urgent need for uniform codes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance across the country. The two-day landmark event was organised by ISEEVENTUS Pvt Ltd, India’s leading Elevator and Escalator exhibition organisation, and witnessed extensive technical discussions on emerging technologies, safety innovations, and best practices for the elevator and escalator ecosystem. The gala event concluded with announcement and felicitation of the winners of National Industry Quiz 2026.

The Symposium was inaugurated by Mr. V. Ramakrishnan, Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government of Tamil Nadu, and was graced by the presence of distinguished industry leaders including Mr. R. Balakrishnan, Vice President and Head – MEP Design, L&T Construction; Mr U Viswanathan, KONE Elevator India Pvt Ltd, Mr. Suraj Thodimarath, President, EECMAI and President, Asia Pacific, Wittur Group; Mr. Ravishanker Thandavan, FOCUS (VP), REVROY Pvt Ltd.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. V. Ramakrishnan appreciated the initiative and stressed the need for greater awareness of safety standards and strict adherence to the respective state Lift Acts across the country. He underlined that consistent implementation and compliance remain vital to improving public safety in vertical transportation.

Mr. R. Balakrishnan said such symposiums should be organised regularly across the nation to ensure the adoption of best manufacturing and engineering practices. He added that strengthening quality and safety in the industry will significantly contribute towards India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation.

Highlighting the motivation behind the initiative, Mr. TAK Mathews, Principal Consultant, TAK Consulting and organiser of the Symposium, said, “Tamil Nadu has one of the highest concentrations of elevator manufacturing companies in the country, and the enthusiasm of the industry here encouraged us to choose Chennai as the maiden city for this symposium. I am delighted to witness professionals coming together to exchange knowledge, innovations, and insights, while staying updated on evolving technologies, best practices, and regulatory requirements.”

Winners of National Industry Quiz (Who Will Be MAHAGURU?) Announced

Running parallel to the symposium, the grand finale of the ISEE Elevator Industry Quiz 2026 conducted over the past two months—was held at the conclusion of the event. The winners were announced and felicitated in the presence of eminent industry leaders and delegates.

The winners of the National Industry Quiz “Who Will Be MAHAGURU?” are:

Mahaguru: Mr. Akshay Mahadik and Mr. Vaibhav Baravkar (Schindler India) – Prize Money: Rs. 5 lakh.

1st Runner-Up: Mr. V. Sreekanth (Fujitec India Pvt. Ltd.) – Prize Money: Rs. 3 lakh.

2nd Runner-Up: Mr. Boopathi and Mr. Ramkumar Seeralan (Fujitec India) – Prize Money: Rs. 1 lakh.

All finalists and semi-finalists were also awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each in recognition of their outstanding performance.

The pioneering initiative aimed to create a high-impact knowledge-sharing platform focused on the most critical challenges and opportunities facing the industry today ranging from safety and compliance to innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.

The structure and flow of the sessions were carefully designed to address the most pressing challenges faced by the elevator and component manufacturing industry today. Ultimately, the objective of this collective learning is to elevate industry-wide standards of quality, safety, and compliance. The sessions were designed to strengthen technical knowledge, improve operational efficiency, and enhance future readiness across the elevator and escalator industry.

The two-day Symposium was supported by leading industry partners including Fermator, Fujitec, Johnson Lifts & Escalators, KONE, Mitsubishi Elevator India, OTIS India, Schindler India, TAK Consulting and Tectronics Techworld.

Mumbai, Feb 18th:  Setting off a thundering call to reduce road fatalities on our roads, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted the 2nd Summit on Automotive Future Advancement in Road Safety (SAFAR) today, with the theme: ‘Drive to Zero: Strengthening Policies, Preparedness, and Partnerships’. As part of SIAM Sustainable Mobility Week 2026, the summit focused on strengthening road safety policies, improving preparedness, fostering partnerships, and enhancing post-crash response systems in line with national and global targets.

The four-day initiative, being held from February 16 to 19, serves as a unified platform bringing together stakeholders, visionary policymakers, industry leaders, emergency care experts, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and civil society leaders to discuss key sustainability priorities including decarbonisation, road safety, post-crash care, circularity, material compliance and collaborations.

Running alongside the conference sessions, SIAM’s Sustainable Mobility Zone continues to draw attention as a live technology showcase featuring next-generation vehicle platforms, advanced safety systems, alternative fuel solutions and enabling infrastructure. The exhibition, open to participants and visitors, presents real-world demonstrations of industry-led innovations designed to make mobility cleaner, safer and more efficient.

The inaugural session, “Strengthening India’s Road Safety Framework Through Government & Industry Collaboration”, showcased deep dives into policy and industry synergies to enhance road safety. The session was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Dr. Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, Sethu Aayog, and Guest of Honour Mr. Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, Member, Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, along with leading industry figures and experts.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Mr. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “India takes pride in being the third-largest automobile industry in the world, a growth that brings with it the responsibility of road safety. It is essential for students and young citizens to take up this challenge and play an active role in building safer and more stable roads for the future. ‘Sadak Suraksha’ and ‘Jeevan Raksha’ have become paramount, and initiatives such as SIAM’s ‘Surakshit Safar’ reflect how collective efforts can address the road safety challenges our country faces.”

While addressing the summit, Chief Guest Dr. Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, Sethu Aayog, Uttarakhand, said, “We need a mission-oriented approach to education that addresses not only the social but also the economic impact of road safety, as safer vehicles and safer roads reinforce each other. AI can help identify black spots and strengthen response systems, while effective awareness campaigns on social media can further enhance road safety reforms.”

Guest of Honour Mr. Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, Member, Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, remarked, “We seek regular reports from states and hold them accountable for victims and their families, as enforcement is a critical component of road safety. Police, health, transport and insurance authorities must work together to strengthen implementation. The Government of India’s zero-fatality programme across 100 districts and financial support for victims, along with the integration of AI-based safety measures, can significantly improve outcomes.”

While giving the opening address, Mr. Alok Jaitley, President SAFE & Ex VP, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., stated, “Every day millions step onto the roads hoping to return home safely, yet many do not, and every life lost is a loss to the nation. India records nearly 4.8 lakh accidents annually, reflecting system gaps. Road safety must be a shared responsibility, supported by stronger policy, preparedness and partnerships, better behaviour, faster response and proper use of technology.”

Mr. Vinay Dhingra, Sr Director, Honda Motorcycle and Scooters (I) Ltd., said, “Road safety is a vital pillar of Viksit Bharat and a national development imperative. Basic behavioural issues like not wearing helmets and seat belts must be addressed. While safer vehicles are being enabled, they cannot compensate for dangerous roads or unsafe behaviour, which is why stronger, technology-driven licensing systems are essential.”

Mr. Chalumuri Ravi Shekhar, Director, CRRI, remarked, “AI-powered road safety initiatives like iRASTE in Telangana aim to cut road crashes and fatalities by 50% through a focused approach combining infrastructure safety, mobility analysis and vehicle safety. Technologies such as ADAS and Driver Monitoring Systems can detect risks early and help prevent accidents, making roads significantly safer.”

Dr. Manish Jaiswal, Director, NATREX, said, “Around 10–12% of accidents in India are linked to road infrastructure, making safety infrastructure equally important. Features such as crash-barrier testing on highways can strengthen protection, especially for heavy vehicles, and stronger policies are needed to mandate them. We must evolve our framework for next-generation highways and city planning to ensure better traffic management and integration of intelligent systems.”

Mr. Saurabh Dalela, Director, ICAT, added, “In India, rear seat-belt usage remains low, and nearly 70% of road accidents involve two-wheelers. Clear SOPs for post-accident response and stronger institutional coordination are essential, as collaboration is the only way forward.”

This was followed by a thematic presentation by Mr. Pratik Sha, Partner, E & Y Parthenon on “Strengthening India’s Road Safety Framework through Government and Industry Collaboration”. The session concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Bhagwan Bindiganavile, Treasurer SAFE & Executive Vice President-Strategic Planning, Brand and Communication, VE Commercial Vehicles, by adding, “Helmets, ADAS and passenger safety systems are critical, but behaviour ultimately determines their effectiveness. Road fatalities impact families and lead to significant loss of productivity, making this a collective moral responsibility. Even the most advanced solutions cannot succeed without collaboration. Our focus must be on what truly saves lives, and with opportunities such as AI, we can strengthen efforts toward the ultimate goal of zero fatalities.”

During the summit, SIAM has also launched the Context Paper on “Advancing Road Safety Through Systemic Policy Reform”.

The Technical Session on “Innovation in Vehicular Safety Technology” was moderated by Mr. Deepanshu Taumar, Editor, ET Auto. It featured presentations by Mr. Kulbhushan Kumar, Partner, GT, on Need for a Connected Safety Chain; Mr. Alexander Zink, Chief Business Development Manager, Digital Radio, Fraunhofer, on Digital Radio Innovations (DRM); Mr. Gururaj Ravi, Vice President Global Regulatory Affairs & Policy, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. on continuos improvements on vehicular safety; Mr. S Ramanathan, MD, Automotive Test Systems, on ADAS; Mr. Pranjal Nadhani, Co-Founder & CTO, Cautio, on cautionary technologies; Dr. Jayant Ratti, Founder & CEO, Nayan Tech, on vision-based safety tech; Mr. Hutesh Kumar Gautam, Founder, Drivomate Technologies, on driver assistance, and Mr. Arbab Ahmad, Partner, Studio Urbanlinq LLP, on Road Safety & Mobility Patterns.

The “Workshop on Saving Lives Post Crashes” focused on post-crash response and life-saving skills, including a presentation by Captain Sandhya Shanker Pandey, Corporate Chief of Nursing, Fortis, on how the medical trauma team is forced into damange control instead of early care.

The final Panel Discussion, moderated by Mr. Sumit Chaturvedi, Founder and Editor in Chief, VoiWorld.com, centered on shared education, shared data, community-focused vehicle technology, and future-ready partnership models.

Panellists included Mr. Prabhu Nagraj, Head Operating Officer, Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India Ltd.; Ms. Latika Taneja, Head of Corporate Communications, Corp Affairs and CSR, Hero MotoCorp Ltd.; Mr. Saurabh Verma, Co-Founder, Synergie; Ms. Rajni Gandhi, Founder & General Secretary, TRAX; Mr. Deepak Sharma, Founder, Mayank Foundation; and Prof. (Dr) Prerana Arora Singh, Managing Director- Asian Road Safety Academy, India & Director, Centre for Road Safety Management, Nirwan University, Jaipur.

As part of the ongoing Sustainable Mobility Week, SIAM will host the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Circularity (ICSC) on 18 February 2026, continuing the dialogue on sustainability across the mobility ecosystem. The four-day initiative will conclude on 19 February 2026 with the 1st International Conference on Automotive Material Compliance & Sustainability (AMCS) which will further advance discussions on responsible manufacturing, compliance and future-ready mobility solutions.

Over the years, SIAM has consistently collaborated with governments, industry leaders, corporations, and key stakeholders to champion the transition to cleaner fuels and cutting-edge technologies. These purposeful engagements reflect SIAM’s core mission of ‘Building the Nation Responsibly’ while advancing sustainable mobility and contributing meaningfully to India’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Nizamabad. Feb 18: Strengthening its presence in South India, Centuary Mattresses and Sofas, India’s trusted Sleep Specialist brand with over three decades of legacy, has announced the grand inauguration of its new Centuary Mattresses & Sofas Experience Store in Vinayak Nagar, Nizamabad. The launch marks another milestone in the brand’s aggressive retail expansion across Telangana, bringing advanced sleep and comfort solutions closer to customers in emerging urban markets.

As part of the grand launch celebrations, customers can avail up to 20% off on mattresses along with complimentary pillows, bed sheets, and mattress protectors on eligible purchases during the inaugural period. Customers can also benefit from Buy 1 Get 1 Free on select accessories, making it easier to upgrade their complete sleep ecosystem. In addition, customers purchasing mattresses can avail up to 40% off on sofas, enabling them to upgrade both bedroom and living room comfort simultaneously.

The store also offers easy financing options through Bajaj Finserv, fast and free delivery on select orders, and exclusive inaugural gift hampers for early customers. The outlet is designed with ample parking and a customer-first retail layout to ensure a seamless and convenient shopping experience.
Strategically located at Building No. 1-13-4052, beside Rukmini Chambers, Vinayak Nagar, Hyderabad Road, the new experience store is designed to provide customers with a hands-on, immersive shopping experience. The outlet showcases a wide range of mattresses, sofas, and sleep accessories catering to diverse comfort, health, and lifestyle needs.

The store was inaugurated by Uttam Malani, Executive Director, Centuary Mattresses and Sofas, in the presence of local partners, customers, and industry stakeholders. The inauguration witnessed strong local participation, reflecting the growing demand for premium and technologically advanced sleep solutions in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Uttam Malani said, “At Centuary, we are committed to redefining comfort through continuous innovation and consumer-focused design. The launch of our Nizamabad experience store is an important step in strengthening our presence in Telangana. We aim to offer customers a personalised and educational buying experience that helps them choose the right sleep solutions for long-term well-being.”

The new experience store offers an extensive portfolio including orthopaedic mattresses, memory foam solutions, advanced spring systems, and ergonomic sofas. The products are engineered using high-density foam technologies, cooling comfort layers, and antimicrobial protection solutions, ensuring durability, hygiene, and enhanced sleep quality.

Designed as a one-stop destination for comfort solutions, the store also enables customers to physically experience products before purchase, supported by trained sleep advisors who guide customers based on individual comfort and health requirements.

With a strong network of over 4,500 dealer outlets and 450+ exclusive brand stores across India, Centuary continues to expand its retail footprint while staying committed to its core vision of helping customers achieve better sleep and improved lifestyle comfort.

New Delhi, Feb 18th: Reinforcing its commitment to emerging technologies and future-ready governance, Goa is making a strong and strategic presence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The summit, being held from February 16 to 20, 2026, marks the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South and aims to shape an inclusive, responsible and resilient Artificial Intelligence ecosystem.

Aligned with the broader vision of People, Planet and Progress, the summit has drawn global attention, with participation from key political leaders, industry leaders, startups and stakeholders from across the world. The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, presence at the summit underscores its strategic efforts to position the state as an emerging AI-driven innovation hub, across India’s growing AI ecosystem and on the international stage.

On the inaugural day, during the knowledge-sharing Workshop on AI adoption, Shri. Heramb Kanekar, Startup and IT Promotion Cell, DITE&C outlined Goa’s AI initiatives and affirmed the state’s commitment to building ethical and scalable AI solutions that benefit citizens and enable startups to innovate responsibly.

Under the Goa AI Mission 2027, the state has launched initiatives like the AI for Governance & Social Impact workshop, an AI Hackathon and a new AI Chatbot on Goa Online Portal. These efforts highlight Goa’s approach to leverage AI not merely as a technological advancement, but as a tool to improve public service delivery, enhance transparency, empower startups and create sustainable economic growth.

Among the flagship initiatives at the summit, the AI Impact Expo at the Bharat Mandapam serves as an experiential showcase featuring international, state, enterprise and startup pavilions. Spanning over 70,000 square metres across 10 arenas and hosting more than 840 exhibitors, the expo was inaugurated by Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on day one.

Supported by the DITE&C, five innovative startups from Goa are exhibiting at the expo. These include DivvyUp and Grow by Shri. Gaurish Datta Pangam and Shri. Shivam Kamat; Frover Labs Pvt. Ltd. by Shri. Siddharth Manjrekar and Shri. Sarvesh Patkar; Neural Kissan by Shri. Sai Vitthal Rane; Kverty by Shri. Mexson Fernandes; and Phosic India Pvt. Ltd. by Shri. Dewansh Choudhary. These startups are demonstrating AI applications across sectors, highlighting the diversity of Goa’s growing innovation ecosystem.

While the expo remains open to delegates and visitors throughout the summit, the final two days of the summit, February 19 and 20, will feature Leaders’ Plenary Sessions, roundtables and panel discussions focused on how AI can serve humanity, foster inclusive growth and drive sustainable development.

Through strategic collaboration, forward-looking policy and a growing startup ecosystem, Goa is positioning itself as a responsible and future-ready AI destination. The state invites delegates, industry leaders, investors and visitors to explore the Goa pavilion (Stall No. 4F.21) in Hall No. 4 to experience firsthand how Goan innovators are harnessing Artificial Intelligence to create meaningful, inclusive and sustainable impact.