All posts by Neel Achary

Mumbai India, Feb 26: Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Pharmacy (Autonomous), Mumbai has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saint Louis University (USA), marking a significant step towards expanding its international academic and research collaborations. 

The strategic partnership aims to foster structured cooperation in joint research initiatives, academic exchange programs, faculty and student mobility, collaborative publications, and knowledge-sharing platforms. The agreement reflects a shared commitment by both institutions to promote excellence in pharmaceutical education and advance impactful research outcomes. The MoU was formalized under the leadership of Dr. Supriya Shidhaye, Principal, VESCOP, along with the leadership team of Saint Louis University. The Department of Students Development, University of Mumbai, played a key facilitating role in establishing and strengthening this collaboration between the two institutions. The execution and coordination of the agreement was supported by Dr. Pradnya Shinde Korlekar, Assistant Professor, VESCOP. The two institutions initiated discussions in May 2025 to advance this collaboration, culminating in the formalization of the MoU in February 2026. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Supriya Shidhaye, Principal, VESCOP, said, “This collaboration with Saint Louis University represents a meaningful step in strengthening our global academic engagement. It will create valuable opportunities for our students and faculty through collaborative research, academic exchange, and shared learning experiences. At VESCOP, we remain committed to building sustainable international partnerships that enhance research capabilities and broaden global exposure for our academic community.”

 The partnership reinforces VESCOP’s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint and position itself as a forward-looking institution focused on innovation, research excellence, and international academic integration.

About Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is located in St. Louis, Missouri, with an additional campus in Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1818, it is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. The University is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

 Guided by its enduring Jesuit mission, the University provides more than 13,300 students with a highly rigorous and deeply transformative education designed to develop bold, confident leaders. Academically, ethics, spirituality, and compassion are central to the student experience.

 Saint Louis University has earned the prestigious “R1” designation from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching — the highest classification awarded to universities for research activity — placing it among an elite group of research institutions in the United States.

Mumbai, Feb 26: In a resounding call to elevate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the 7th SIAM CSR Conclave under the theme “CSR Partnerships – From Shared Vision to Shared Value.” This Conclave united industry titans, CSR practitioners, policymakers, NGOs, and development experts to reimagine collaborative partnership models that drive inclusive growth, community empowerment, and self-reliant national development.

The Opening Session on “CSR as National Development Catalyst – Building the Nation, Responsibly” set a powerful tone for discussions on the automobile industry’s commitment to a sustainable future and responsible nation-building.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Mr. Prashant K. Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, underlined the role of industry-led CSR initiatives in improving lives across communities. He said, “The whole idea of SIAM’s focus on CSR comes from the fact that we believe in building the nation responsibly. Our founders always believed that the industry must contribute to society in the best possible capacity. The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision can only be realised through an ecosystem where businesses look beyond sectoral growth and include civil society, health, sanitation, and social development in every part of the country. As a diversified and deeply integrated industry with a presence across the country, we have meaningful touchpoints with communities. Reaching them in a sustainable and socially responsible manner is our collective contribution.”

Later in the session, a screening of SIAM CSR Initiatives followed in the presence of the dignitaries. The occasion also marked the release of SIAM’s CSR Compendium, showcasing key CSR initiatives undertaken by SIAM member companies. 

Guest of Honour Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, IAS (Retd.), Director General & CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, who engaged in an insightful dialogue, discussed about, “Corporates must remain relevant to both the planet and the people around them. In India, CSR began as charity at home, with public sector enterprises taking nearly a four-year lead over the private sector, and was long seen as the government’s responsibility before evolving into a powerful opportunity. The next phase of CSR 2.0 calls for fresh thinking and stronger impact, enabled by technology such as AI for on-ground, verifiable data, along with third-party evaluation and greater professionalisation of the field. Sectors like automobiles must also address priorities such as waste management, process re-engineering, and carbon capture. CSR must move from the backroom to the boardroom, driven by robust governance and a long-term commitment to social change.” 

Mr. Puneet Anand, Chairman, SIAM CSR & Community Services Group and Associate Vice President & Vertical Head, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating long-term social value. He stated, “India is the first country to mandate CSR through legislation, with nearly 800 organisations participating and about ₹2.2 lakh crore invested so far. Over time, CSR has matured into a structured pillar of corporate governance, guided by alignment, accountability, and impact. The sector must now move beyond the statutory 2% threshold to deliver measurable outcomes, strengthen skill development and employability, build community resilience, and create replicable district-level models through collaborations that enable lasting national transformation.” 

Mr. Prabhakant Jain, CSR Head, D S Group; Mr. Yashpal Sachar, Vice President (Corporate Affairs), Ashok Leyland Ltd.; Mr. Tarun Agarwal, Sr. Vice President & Head-CSR, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., and Ms. Sulekha Kaul, Partner, Vaish & Associates Advocates, also shared their insights on impactful CSR models as a catalyst to drive sustainable change. 

The session concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Rajeev Taneja, Co-Chair SIAM CSR & Community Services Group and Vertical Head – CSR Operation, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Ltd. He added, “CSR is central to India’s automobile sector’s journey toward inclusive growth. In the next phase, we must rapidly evolve from compliance to conviction. It must now be pursued intentionally and measurably through collaboration for real impact. Behind every CSR program lies a human story, and at its core, CSR is about empathy, dignity, and tangible change that improves lives. While the statutory framework has provided structure, the industry must now focus on outcomes through stronger transparency, alignment with national priorities, and cross-industry collaboration, especially in priority geographies.”

The Thematic Session on “Educational and Corporate Outreach towards CSR Pillars” was moderated by Mr. Anuj Guglani, Founder & CEO, WAF Group, where he discussed about the four pillars of CSR including Environmental Rejuvenation & Circular Economy, Road Safety & Education, Health Sanitation & Well-being, and Skills Development & Employability. 

The session was chaired by Mr. Rajendra Raut, Co-Chair, SIAM CSR & Community Services Group and Director (Corporate & Govt. Affairs), JSW MG Motor India, who stated, “Education is the enabling force in CSR which strengthens other pillars. Our CSR outreach must shift from donor-recipient approach to partnership and co-creation. It is evident that education and corporate engagement are foundational enablers. Without informed community and empowered youth, the most well-designed CSR programs will struggle achieving scale. Corporate outreach is evolving and it is no longer limited to philanthropy.” 

The session included important presentations by Ms. Sanchita Vaish, Lead Specialist-Global Entity Governance & CSR Lead (India), Baker Hughes; Mr. Praveen Karn, Group Head Sustainability & CSR, Minda Group; Dr. (Ms.) Veenu Shankar, Assistant Professor, Delhi School of Management (DSM), Delhi Technological University (DTU); Ms. Anjali Makhija, CEO, S. M. Sehgal Foundation; and Dr. Chitra, CEO, Indian Head Injury Foundation (IHIF). This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by the session moderator, with closing remarks by the session chairman. 

The Panel Discussion on “NGO & Corporate Perspective on Successful Collaboration Models towards CSR Execution” was moderated by Ms. Mugdha Mishra, Editor, Auto Media Strategy, Autocar India. 

Esteemed panellists included Mr. Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC; Mr. Rahul Bansal, Head of Private & Public Sector Partnerships, UNICEF; Mr. Shailendra Singh, Director, Dhartie Warriors Foundation; Ms. Pritika Chand, Corporate Head, Jindal Stainless; Mr. Prabhu Nagaraj, Head – Corporate Affairs, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. & Co-Chairman, SIAM Skilling Group; Mr. Ajay Bhatt, Head-Comm., Ex. Affairs, Sustainability & CSR, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Saurabh Sharma, Head CSR & ESG, Hyundai Motor India Ltd.; and Ms. Runa Ahlawat, General Manager, JSW MG Motor India, who emphasised the importance of collaboration towards CSR execution.

 The highlight of the day was the Fireside Chat on the theme “CSR Partnerships — From Shared Vision to Shared Value”, moderated by Ms. Mugdha Mishra, Editor, Auto Media Strategy, Autocar India, where Guest of Honour Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, IAS (Retd.), Director General & CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, emphasised that sustainability practices such as waste management, process re-engineering, and carbon capture are critical priorities for the automobile industry. 

This was followed by an Award Ceremony, which recognised outstanding CSR contributions. Mr. Puneet Anand, Chairman, SIAM CSR & Community Services Group, delivered the opening remarks. The prestigious SIAM CSR awards were distributed by dignitaries, including Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, IAS (Retd.), Director General & CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs; Mr. Alok Jaitley, President – SAFE & EVP, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd; Mr. Puneet Anand, Chairman, SIAM CSR & Community Services Group; Mr. Rajeev Taneja, Co-Chair, SIAM CSR & Community Services Group; Mr Rajendra Raut, Co-Chair, SIAM CSR & Community Services Group; Mr. Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM; and Mr. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM. 

The SIAM CSR awards presented under Category – Skill Enhancement and Education to Kedman Skilled India Foundation (Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.) and Centum Foundation (Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.); under Category – Healthcare & Sanitation to Karma Healthcare Trust (Hyundai Motor India Ltd.) and Sparsha Trust (Toyota); under Category – Road Safety to Learning Links Foundation (Ashok Leyland Ltd.) and The TSL Foundation (Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.); and under Category – Environmental Rejuvenation to Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.) and NAAM Foundation (TATA Motors). 

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.

LONDON, United Kingdom, Feb 26 — Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), has confirmed the full repayment of its ZAR term loan and USD revolving credit facility.

In tandem with this repayment, Liquid has agreed $410 million in new ZAR and USD credit facilities from a syndicate of commercial and development finance lenders. Cassava Technologies is further reinforcing Liquid’s financial position by injecting $195 million in fresh capital into the business.

Commenting on these developments, Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO stated: “These transactions, alongside the recent sale of a minority stake in a data centre subsidiary in South Africa, are part of a significant strengthening of our capital structure as we position the Group for accelerated growth. Through our One Cassava ecosystem, we are delivering innovative AI, cloud, data centre, payments, and low latency broadband connectivity solutions to enterprise customers across Africa.”

Africa Data Centre Holdings (“ADCH”) remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Cassava Technologies as the minority stake sale was in the ADCH South Africa business.

Looking ahead, Liquid intends to issue a new $300 million bond to replace its existing $620 million bond in advance of its maturity in September 2026. This move will reduce Liquid’s overall leverage and further strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

Los Altos, CA, Feb 26: As events become more global and multilingual, organizers are under increasing pressure to deliver seamless, inclusive experiences without adding operational complexity. Wordly, the pioneer and leader in live AI translation and captioning, on February 25 announced new mobile-first enhancements to the Wordly Translation App designed specifically for conference, tradeshow, and events.

The latest updates include background audio and screen-lock functionality, allowing attendees to listen to live translations while multitasking and conserving battery life, along with instant language search for faster onboarding. Speakers also benefit from push-to-talk and automatic language detection, enabling seamless, two-way multilingual communication in dynamic sessions, all at no additional cost to existing customers.

“Event professionals are rethinking accessibility as a core part of the attendee experience,” said Lakshman Rathnam, Founder and CEO of Wordly. “These mobile enhancements give organizers a scalable way to provide inclusive, multilingual access without additional hardware, staffing, or logistical burden.”

Designed for the Realities of Live Events

The updated Wordly Translation App introduces several features tailored to how attendees and speakers engage during events, including:

•  Background Audio for Multitasking: Attendees can now continue listening to translated audio while switching between apps on their mobile device. Whether checking the event app, reviewing presentation materials, or responding to messages, participants remain connected to the session without interruption.
•  Screen-Lock Battery Optimization: With extended conference days in mind, the app now allows translated audio to continue playing while a device screen is locked. This feature helps conserve battery life, critical for multi-session agendas and large-scale conventions.
•  Instant Language Search: A newly added search function enables users to quickly locate their preferred language from dozens of options, reducing onboarding friction and minimizing the need for onsite support.

New Capabilities for Speakers and Session Leaders

In addition to enhancing the attendee experience, Wordly has expanded functionality for presenters and facilitators, including:

•  Push-to-Talk Functionality: Speakers can now use push-to-talk directly within the app, allowing for two-way communication in multilingual settings. The feature is particularly well-suited for breakout discussions, workshops, hosted buyer meetings, and small-group sessions, where interactive dialogue is essential.
•  Automatic Language Detection and Switching: For sessions where presenters shift between languages, the app automatically recognizes language changes and adjusts translations accordingly to ensure a smooth experience for diverse audiences without manual resets.

Scalable Language Access Without Headsets or Booths

Unlike traditional interpretation models that require physical equipment, interpreters onsite, or dedicated booths, the Wordly mobile app operates on attendees’ own iOS or Android devices. Participants simply enter a Session ID provided by the organizer and select their language, no account creation is required. For speakers, access to advanced features such as push-to-talk is granted through a secure passcode.

Meeting Industry Demand for Inclusive Design

With international attendance rebounding and hybrid formats remaining standard, language accessibility has become a strategic priority for event organizers, associations, and corporate planners. Wordly’s mobile enhancements support:

•  Global events and tradeshows seeking to broaden international participation
•  Corporate events connecting distributed teams
•  Association meetings aiming to increase member engagement
• Education and campus events serving multilingual communities
• Government and civic gatherings prioritizing public access

By eliminating hardware requirements and simplifying user onboarding, the updated Wordly Translation App enables planners to scale multilingual access across general sessions, breakouts, and ancillary meetings with minimal operational lift.

Financial performance analysis is the systematic assessment of an organization’s financial health, profitability, and operational efficiency. It evaluates how effectively a company manages resources, controls costs, and maintains long-term stability. For corporate organizations, it supports strategic decision-making by helping executives improve planning, enabling investors and creditors to assess risk and returns, and ensuring regulatory compliance through transparent reporting.

Core Financial Metrics

Evaluating financial performance requires the use of measurable indicators that reflect various aspects of business health.

Revenue Growth

Revenue growth measures the increase in sales over a specific period. Consistent growth often signals strong market demand and competitive positioning.

Profit Margins

Profitability is commonly assessed through gross, operating, and net profit margins. These ratios show how efficiently a company converts revenue into profit at different operational levels. Higher margins generally reflect effective cost management and pricing strategies.

Return on Equity (ROE)

ROE indicates how effectively a company generates profits from shareholders’ investments. It is calculated by dividing net income by shareholder equity. A strong ROE suggests efficient capital utilization.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

EPS measures profitability on a per-share basis and plays a significant role in influencing investor confidence and stock valuation.

Together, these metrics provide a comprehensive understanding of corporate financial strength.

Understanding Financial Statements

Financial statements are the primary sources of data for performance analysis. The three key statements include:

Income Statement

This statement reports revenues, expenses, and profits over a defined period. It helps stakeholders evaluate operational efficiency and overall profitability.

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet presents assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity at a specific point in time. It reveals financial structure, liquidity, and long-term stability.

Cash Flow Statement

This statement tracks cash inflows and outflows from operating, investing, and financing activities. It highlights the organization’s ability to maintain liquidity and fund future growth.Collectively, these documents provide a complete financial overview and support accurate performance evaluation.

Analytical Tools and Techniques

Organizations apply various analytical methods to interpret financial data effectively.

Ratio Analysis

Financial ratios assess relationships between statement items to evaluate liquidity, profitability, leverage, and efficiency.

Trend Analysis

Trend analysis examines financial data across multiple periods to identify patterns and predict future performance.

Common-Size Statements

By expressing financial statement items as percentages of a base figure, common-size analysis simplifies comparisons across time periods or industry benchmarks.

These techniques enhance decision-making by translating raw financial data into meaningful insights.

Comparative and Benchmark Analysis

Comparative analysis enables organizations to evaluate their financial performance against competitors and industry standards. By benchmarking key metrics such as profit margins, ROE, and debt ratios, companies can identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.

This approach not only reveals relative strengths and weaknesses but also encourages the adoption of best practices, strengthening competitive positioning in the marketplace.

Challenges in Financial Performance Analysis

Despite its importance, financial analysis presents several challenges:

• Data inconsistency: Variations in reporting systems can lead to inaccuracies.

• Non-recurring items: One-time gains or losses may distort financial results.

• Accounting standard differences: Variations across regions complicate comparisons, especially for multinational corporations.

To overcome these challenges, organizations should standardize reporting practices, adjust for unusual items, and ensure alignment with recognized accounting frameworks.

Practical Applications in Corporate Settings

Financial performance analysis directly influences corporate strategy and operational improvement. Companies use it to:

• Identify cost inefficiencies

• Evaluate investment opportunities

• Optimize capital allocation

• Support expansion and diversification decisions

Organizations that consistently apply structured financial analysis are better positioned to enhance profitability, manage risk, and sustain long-term growth.

Emerging Trends in Financial Performance Analysis

Technological innovation is reshaping financial evaluation methods.

Advanced Analytics Software

Modern platforms enable real-time tracking and faster data processing, improving accuracy and responsiveness.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI-driven tools enhance predictive analysis, automate routine financial tasks, and improve forecasting capabilities.

Data Visualization Tools

Interactive dashboards and graphical reports make complex financial information easier to interpret, supporting quicker and more informed decisions.

As these technologies evolve, they will continue to strengthen the precision and strategic value of financial analysis.

Conclusion

Financial performance analysis is essential to corporate success, helping organizations assess profitability, manage risk, and align financial strategies with long-term goals. By consistently monitoring key metrics, applying diverse analytical methods, adapting to changing market conditions, and fostering cross-functional collaboration, companies can strengthen financial resilience, remain competitive, and support sustainable growth in a complex business environment.

Jaipur : Buying decorative lighting online has become easier than ever. With access to global styles, finishes, and formats at the click of a button, homeowners are no longer limited to local showrooms. Yet with this convenience comes confusion. Too often, lighting is chosen based on appearance alone, leading to fixtures that feel oversized, underwhelming, or impractical once installed.

As Indian homeowners become more design aware, the process of buying lighting online is also becoming more deliberate. Understanding what to look for beyond aesthetics is key to making choices that last.

Start with Scale, Not Style

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when buying decorative lighting online is ignoring scale. A chandelier that looks balanced on screen can easily overwhelm a room or disappear into it if proportions are misjudged.

Before selecting a fixture, it is essential to consider ceiling height, room dimensions, and furniture placement. Dining tables, coffee tables, and beds often act as natural reference points. Lighting should feel connected to these elements rather than floating arbitrarily above them.

“Scale is the foundation of good lighting,” says Naman Jain, Founder of Lumeil.
“Online platforms give you access to beautiful designs, but homeowners need clarity on proportions. When the scale is right, even a simple light feels elevated.”

This is why detailed product dimensions and clear application guidance matter as much as design.

Understand the Purpose of the Space

Every room in a home demands a different lighting approach. A living room needs a balance of presence and flexibility. A bedroom calls for softer, more controlled light. Entryways benefit from visual impact, while dining spaces require focus and warmth.

When buying online, homeowners should ask one simple question. What role will this light play. Is it meant to anchor the room, support daily activity, or add atmosphere.

Lumeil’s curated collections are structured around this understanding. Instead of overwhelming buyers with endless variations, the platform focuses on helping homeowners identify fixtures that suit specific spaces and functions.

Look Beyond Brightness

Brightness alone does not determine comfort. Colour temperature plays an equally important role. Warm light creates a sense of ease and intimacy, while cooler light can feel sharp and impersonal in residential settings.

Decorative lighting should enhance mood rather than dominate it. Warm and neutral tones are generally better suited for living areas and bedrooms, while controlled brightness works well in dining and social spaces.

“Good lighting should feel natural,” Jain explains.
“It should complement how people live, not interrupt it. That is why understanding warmth and output is just as important as choosing the design.”

Online buyers should always check specifications related to light tone, wattage compatibility, and diffuser materials.

Material and Finish Matter More Online

When shopping in person, finishes can be examined closely. Online, this requires trust. Material quality and finish consistency directly affect how a light ages over time.

Polished metals, brushed finishes, glass thickness, and craftsmanship details all influence durability and visual appeal. Choosing a platform that prioritises quality curation helps reduce uncertainty.

Lumeil’s approach centres on premium materials and finishes that translate well from screen to space. This focus has made it a preferred choice for homeowners looking to invest in decorative lighting without compromise.

Installation Clarity Is Not Optional

A common oversight in online lighting purchases is installation complexity. Fixtures that look effortless in images may require specific ceiling support, wiring preparation, or professional assistance.

Clear installation guidance, mounting details, and support information should always be reviewed before purchasing. This ensures that the lighting experience remains seamless from delivery to installation.

“Buying lighting online should not feel intimidating,” says Jain.
“When the right information is available upfront, homeowners feel confident making decisions.”

Why Buying from a Curated Platform Matters

With countless options available online, curation has become a form of trust. Platforms that filter products through design relevance, quality benchmarks, and functional clarity help homeowners make better choices faster.

Lumeil positions itself not just as an online lighting store, but as a design-led destination. Its collections are built to simplify decision making, offering pieces that are visually strong, technically sound, and appropriate for contemporary Indian homes.

For homeowners navigating online lighting purchases, this balance of inspiration and information makes all the difference.

A Smarter Way to Buy Lighting Online

Decorative lighting is no longer an impulse buy. It is a design decision that shapes how a home looks and feels every day. Buying it online requires attention to scale, purpose, warmth, material, and installation clarity.

When these factors are considered carefully, online platforms open up new possibilities for thoughtful, lasting interiors.

As Indian homes continue to evolve, homeowners are learning that the best lighting choices are not the loudest or the trendiest. They are the ones made with understanding and intention. And increasingly, they are being made online, with trusted brands like Lumeil guiding the way.

New Delhi, Feb 25: Thimme Gowda D.T., a senior Congress leader from Mysuru, on Wednesday met senior party leader and CWC member Gurdeep Singh Sappal in Delhi and discussed issues relating to organisational coordination and cadre strengthening.

Mr. Gowda lauded Mr. Sappal’s role as a permanent member of the Congress Working Committee and his responsibilities as the administration-in-charge at the All India Congress Committee (AICC). He said structured administrative functioning and coordination at the central level play a key role in maintaining institutional continuity within the party.

He lauded Mr. Sappal’s role as adviser to Congress president Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and his coordination of the party president’s office. According to Mr. Gowda, effective alignment between national leadership and State and district units remains essential for strengthening the party’s outreach.

Mr. Gowda, who has been associated with the Congress for over 25 years, has worked with the Youth Congress and the Mysuru District Congress unit in various organisational capacities. Party members in the district describe him as a grassroots worker who has remained engaged in booth-level management, voter outreach and campaign coordination during Lok Sabha, Assembly and Panchayat elections.

Over the years, he has focused on strengthening local networks and maintaining communication between party leadership and cadre at the block and village levels. Colleagues attribute to him a consistent presence in organisational activities rather than pursuit of formal positions.

Apart from electoral responsibilities, Mr. Gowda has participated in social initiatives and relief activities, particularly during periods of crisis. Party sources said his engagement combines organisational discipline with community outreach.

Researchers have discovered and characterized at the atomic level a mechanism that enables bacterial pathogens—including hospital bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa—to assemble antibiotic-resistant three-dimensional (3D) biofilms. These findings open a new avenue for developing therapies against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections by targeting the biofilm assembly.  Many pathogenic bacteria form 3D biofilms to protect themselves from the immune system, antibiotic treatments, and drying on environmental surfaces. Some of the most problematic hospital bacteria, such as multidrug-resistant A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, use specialized hair-like filaments called adhesive pili to attach to tissues or abiotic surfaces. After attaching, the bacteria then grow into thick 3D biofilms consisting of multiple layers of bacteria. This process is also mediated by adhesive pili, but until now it has been unclear how they prevent the growing 3D biofilm from falling apart. 

Using a combination of advanced electron microscopy methods, the researchers at the MediCity Research Laboratory of the University of Turku in Finland, led by S. Jusélius Senior Researcher Anton Zavialov, discovered that adhesive Csu pili from neighboring A. baumannii bacteria attach to each other in an antiparallel manner. These pili rapidly assemble into flat sheets that link bacteria together and shield them from hostile environments. 

“Impressively, Csu pili can self-assemble into huge, complex networks connecting hundreds of bacterial cells,” says Dr. Zavialov. 

The team demonstrated that Csu pili can form at least two types of flat structures and resolved them at a near-atomic resolution.  

“Cryo-electron microscopy methods are developing very rapidly. To obtain the first model, I initially developed a manual approach, and only later did we apply computational tools to solve these exceptionally large assemblies in 3D,” explains first author, Doctoral Researcher Henri Malmi. 

The researchers also found that the pilus network becomes embedded in a less defined matrix composed of polysaccharides and DNA secreted by the bacteria.  

“This final structure somewhat resembles reinforced concrete: the pili act like steel bars, while polysaccharides and DNA form the concrete. In this way, the bacteria effectively hide in a bunker,” adds Dr. Zavialov. 

The team is now focused on developing inhibitors that target the connections between pili. Such inhibitors could be used in combination therapies to prevent 3D biofilm assembly and help antibiotics eliminate the pathogens more effectively. 

Wootzwork is scaling a new manufacturing model that gives global OEMs a single, accountable partner for complex industrial programs across India and Southeast Asia. 

 

Houston, Dallas – Feb 25; As global manufacturing shifts across regions, supply chains, and regulatory environments, execution risk has quietly become one of the biggest constraints on industrial growth. For many OEMs, the challenge is no longer access to factories, but the complexity of coordinating dozens of suppliers, quality systems, timelines, and interfaces across borders. Wootzwork was built to solve that problem. Today, the company announced a $6.6 million Series A round to scale a new model of manufacturing execution built around single-point accountability. 

 The round was led by Z47, with continued participation from Nexus Venture Partners and AdvantEdge Founders, and the addition of Stride Ventures. The capital will be used to expand Wootzwork’s global engineering and program teams, support larger and more complex OEM programs, and scale its manufacturing control systems across regions.

 As industrial supply chains globalise, execution has become increasingly fragmented. Programs now span multiple countries, dozens of suppliers, and different quality frameworks, creating coordination gaps that lead to delays, rework, and cost overruns. It is estimated that 15 to 30 percent of anticipated offshore savings are typically lost through these breakdowns. What should be a strategic advantage often turns into an operational burden that absorbs time, talent, and leadership attention.

 Wootzwork was built as an alternative to that model. The company operates as a single, accountable manufacturing partner to global OEM’s for complex industrial programs across India and Southeast Asia, with on-shore manufacturing where required in customer markets. This allows OEMs to execute at scale without managing factories, interfaces, or execution risk internally. Wootzwork operates with engineering and program teams across India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, enabling close coordination with enterprise customers while retaining deep on-ground manufacturing control.

 “Most companies treat manufacturing complexity as a risk to be minimised,” said Karan Anand, co-founder and CEO of Wootzwork. “We treat it as a competitive advantage. When the system is engineered properly, complexity becomes leverage – not chaos.” 

 No factory in the world is fully efficient for any complex product. Modern OEM programs involve high-mix parts, specialised processes, and sequencing that rarely exist under one roof and often shouldn’t, for economic reasons. Even when capacity exists, the right machine, process maturity, or quality discipline is usually fragmented across suppliers. By mapping, qualifying, and governing manufacturing capacity across regions, Wootzwork orchestrates the journey of a product from concept to factory-level output in weeks rather than years. For global enterprises, this translates into faster time to production, fewer internal teams tied up in supplier coordination, and full visibility and control from raw materials through final delivery which allows them to stay focused on product, engineering, and customers instead of execution complexity.

 Over the past year, Wootzwork has executed highly complex, cross-border manufacturing programs for more than 22 global enterprises across 12 international trade lanes spanning North America, Europe, and APAC. These include the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. 

 The company has activated a network of more than 300 suppliers, executing over 30 million parts and assemblies across precision components, heavy and structural fabrication, industrial fasteners and hardware, custom industrial machines, process equipment and skids, and multi-part assemblies. Programs span industries including food processing, packaging, renewable energy, data centres, automotive engineering, material handling, warehousing, and industrial hardware. Across these programs, Wootzwork has maintained greater than 98 percent on-time delivery and quality compliance under stringent international quality frameworks.

 “Even as a relatively new partner, Wootzwork moved very quickly to support us across a broad range of work, including programs tied to demanding end customers,” said Felix Franke, managing director at Saxonia-Franke GmbH & Co. KG. “Their ability to ramp up fast while maintaining quality gave us confidence early on.”

 “Working with Wootzwork has been a seamless experience,” added Curtis Bishop, director of sales at AFC Industries. “The team stands out for its responsiveness and ability to stay flexible as our requirements evolve. Their quoting process is extremely thorough, and they remain highly adaptable to our needs. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Wootzwork in 2026 and beyond.”

 Under the hood, Wootzwork overlays its proprietary engineering, governance, and execution systems on top of existing factory infrastructure, enabling manufacturing partners to operate at global standards without being replaced or rebuilt. “Scale usually breaks quality because systems don’t scale with it,” explains Himanshu Uniyal, co-founder and COO of Wootzwork. “We built the system so quality scales with execution, not against it.”

 “Wootzwork represents the kind of founder-led global ambition in advanced manufacturing that we want to back from India,” said Sudipto Sannigrahi, Managing Partner and Investor at Z47. “Karan and Himanshu have built deep execution capability in a space where trust is earned over years, not quarters. We are happy to see the AI driven manufacturing engine that Wootzwork has built and the quality of global customers they are adding value to. We’re proud to support them with patient capital, conviction, and partnership as they build a globally relevant manufacturing company.” 

 The Series A will enable Wootzwork to expand its engineering footprint, deepen its manufacturing control capabilities, and take on larger, more mission-critical OEM programs. As global supply chains continue to rebalance, the company believes the next phase of industrial manufacturing will be defined less by geography and more by who owns execution.

 

Mumbai, Feb 25: From the classrooms of ITM Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) to the high-energy environment of a national television set, ITM IHM students recently experienced the thrill and challenges of live show production on the set of MasterChef India. MasterChef India is a competitive cooking reality TV series where amateur and home chefs compete for the coveted title, making it one of the country’s most popular culinary platforms.

The experience gave students direct insight into television production workflows, including scheduling, coordination across departments, and adherence to broadcast timelines. During the event, the students executed a coordinated on-stage movement by placing cloches on specific contestant tables at the center of the set while maintaining a perfectly timed walk-in sequence. Each member was assigned a particular contestant’s apron and walked in a line in the exact order, ensuring synchronized entry and precise placements.

Prior to going on set, students practiced their formation and timing, focusing on alignment, pace, and clean, coordinated movements. Their preparation translated seamlessly into performance, offering first-hand insight into the precision required in live production, where every action must be accurate and camera-ready. With the live streaming market projected to grow at 26.74% annually and reach $318 billion by 2031, mastering live production disciplines has never been more career-critical.The experience underscored a critical lesson: whether in a bustling kitchen or on a live show floor, teamwork, discipline, and timing are essential for success.

The participating students from FY BBA-IHTM and SY BBA-IHTM included Shaun Mascarenhas, Fahyan Hussian, Madhusudan Mahendran, Astan Correa, Giriraj Bale, Ranveer Shinde, and Mohammad Kaif. They demonstrated exceptional professionalism and adaptability while navigating the fast-paced demands of show production.

Dr. Purva Tawade, Director & Dean of ITM IMH said, “Seeing our students bring the same discipline and professionalism from the classroom to a national stage like MasterChef India is truly inspiring. Experiences like these prepare them to excel in the fast-paced world of hospitality and beyond.”

This experience reflects ITM IHM’s commitment to bridging academic learning with real-world exposure, preparing students to excel in dynamic hospitality and event environments.