Patna, 30 May 2026: Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna – Business Incubation and Innovation Foundation (CIMP-BIIF) and Annapurna Finance Private Limited (AFPL), one of India’s leading microfinance institutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to collaborate in the areas of professional training, capacity building, and skill development for employees working in the microfinance sector.

The partnership aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of microfinance professionals through industry-oriented training programmes. Under the MoU, CIMP-BIIF and AFPL will jointly design and deliver training modules focusing on microfinance operations, regulatory compliance, customer relationship management, and best practices in financial inclusion.

The collaboration will also focus on developing leadership capabilities, problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, and effective time-management practices among employees. Participants will benefit from hands-on learning through practical modules, case studies, simulations, and experiential learning approaches designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Dr. Rana Singh, Director, Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), said:

“At CIMP, we are committed to fostering meaningful industry-academia collaborations that create value for organizations and society alike. This partnership with Annapurna Finance Private Limited reflects our vision of strengthening the financial inclusion ecosystem through knowledge, innovation, and capacity building. We are confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to enhancing professional excellence and leadership capabilities in the microfinance sector.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kumod Kumar, CEO, CIMP-BIIF, said, “This partnership reflects our commitment to building a skilled and future-ready workforce for the financial inclusion ecosystem. By combining academic excellence with industry expertise, we aim to create impactful learning experiences that enhance professional competence and organizational effectiveness.”

Professor Sunil Kumar, Associate Dean (Academics), CIMP, stated, “The microfinance sector plays a critical role in promoting inclusive growth and economic empowerment. Through this collaboration, we seek to provide high-quality training interventions that strengthen operational excellence, leadership capabilities, and customer-centric service delivery among professionals in the sector.”

Mr. Subrat Sabyasachi Roy, Head – Strategy, Annapurna Finance Private Limited, remarked, “Continuous learning and capability enhancement are essential for sustaining growth and delivering greater value to our clients. We are pleased to partner with CIMP-BIIF to develop structured learning programmes that will support employee development and contribute to the long-term success of the microfinance industry.”

The MoU marks an important step towards fostering industry-academia collaboration and promoting excellence in professional development within the financial inclusion and microfinance ecosystem.

Kolkata, May 30: Driven by the Government’s proactive and industry-friendly stance, the State has become a premier destination for large-scale investments. The Group particularly welcomes the administration’s continuous focus on infrastructure, industrialization, and streamlining business operations

In one of the largest industrial expansion announcements in Eastern India, Rashmi Group has unveiled a massive ₹35,000 crore investment blueprint for West Bengal, reiterating its longstanding commitment to the State’s industrial transformation and economic progress. The proposed investments across steel manufacturing, power, and resource development are expected to generate up to 50,000 new employment opportunities while significantly strengthening the region’s industrial ecosystem.

A trusted partner in West Bengal’s growth story for over four decades, Rashmi Group has consistently expanded its industrial footprint with a vision of inclusive development. The Group has already invested nearly ₹25,000 crores in the State, establishing a 10 MTPA Steel Plant, an 850 MW Captive Power Plant, and a 1.45 MTPA Cement Manufacturing Unit. Strategically located in underdeveloped regions, these facilities have played a pivotal role in driving socio-economic upliftment and currently support nearly 50,000 direct and indirect livelihoods, predominantly benefiting people from West Bengal.

Building on the State’s favourable industrial climate and progressive business environment, Rashmi Group has now finalized robust expansion plans across Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Jhargram, and Paschim Medinipur.

As part of the mega expansion blueprint, the Group will invest over ₹30,000 crores towards increasing its iron & steel manufacturing capacity by an additional 7 MTPA. The expansion is expected to substantially enhance industrial output, contribute significantly to state revenues, and create nearly to 35,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Further strengthening its integrated operations, Rashmi Group has also acquired three coal mines in Birbhum and Paschim Bardhaman. The Group plans to invest another ₹5,000 crores towards operationalising these mines, which is projected to generate an additional to 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

With a strong financial foundation and one of the lowest-leveraged balance sheets in the manufacturing sector, Rashmi Group remains committed to sustainable growth, community empowerment, and nation-building. Through this landmark investment initiative, the Group is poised to play a transformative role in positioning West Bengal as the industrial growth engine of Eastern India while contributing meaningfully towards socio-economic progress, regional development, and enhanced livelihood opportunities for communities across the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Lal Babu Chourasia, Joint President – Commercial, Mining Strategy & Corporate Planning, Rashmi Group said,

 “West Bengal continues to emerge as one of India’s most promising industrial destinations with immense potential for large-scale manufacturing and infrastructure growth. Our proposed investments reflect our deep-rooted confidence in the State’s future and our unwavering commitment towards sustainable industrial progress, employment generation, and long-term socio-economic development.”

Mountain biking along the dirt trails in Tennessee was a favorite pastime for then 15-year-old Maggie Weiss. Even while living with juvenile arthritis, Maggie remained a highly athletic teenager who enjoyed competitive swimming, attending NASA Space Camp, and nurturing a growing interest in medicine.

But in August 2025, that momentum was suddenly interrupted. A diagnosis of histoplasmosis forced Maggie off the trails and onto a far more uncertain path, one defined by months of treatment, recovery, and a long-term course of antifungal therapy expected to last up to three years.

The answer pointed back to the trails

Histoplasma capsulatum, a dimorphic fungus that causes histoplasmosis, found its way into Maggie’s lungs. For Maggie, the likely source of exposure was the very environment she loved, disturbed soil along mountain biking trails combined with an already suppressed immune system because of her arthritis treatment.

The fungus is often found in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. When these areas are disturbed, microscopic spores can become airborne and, once inhaled, lead to infection in the lungs. Histoplasmosis is endemic in the Ohio-Mississippi Valley, where Maggie and her family live. Experts also noticed a surge in cases around this time.

When symptoms didn’t add up

For two weeks, Maggie experienced low-grade fever, chills, extreme fatigue, and headaches, symptoms that are often nonspecific and can point towards a wide range of other conditions. In patients who are immunosuppressed, these signs may be even less indicative of a clear diagnosis.

“She didn’t have a cough or anything that would have made me think of histoplasmosis, said Dr. Vivian Weiss, a Pathologist at Vanderbilt Health, and Maggie’s mother. But sometimes people without functional immune systems don’t display typical symptoms.”

Ruling out the usual suspects

After two weeks of persistent illness, Maggie visited her pediatrician, where initial testing ruled out common viral infections such as mononucleosis. When those results came back negative, she was referred to her rheumatologist, who immediately ordered testing for histoplasmosis. The results confirmed the diagnosis.

The test that brought clarity

At Vanderbilt Health, additional laboratory testing, including rapid urine antigen testing and blood analysis, provided critical confirmation and helped guide next steps in care. Within 24 hours of receiving results, Maggie began a course of oral antifungal therapy.

“Being able to get that rapid turnaround in urine testing is key,” Dr. Vivian Weiss said. “In Maggie’s case, her symptoms were very vague. Without laboratory testing, there was no clear way to know what this was and how to treat it appropriately.”

When the situation escalated

Due to the immunosuppressive effects of her arthritis medications, Maggie’s recovery was not as straightforward as other patients. Early in her treatment, the once mountain-biking teen was hospitalized after developing disseminated histoplasmosis, a severe form of the infection that spreads beyond the lungs. A CT scan revealed that the infection had progressed extensively throughout her lungs, disrupting her school year, sports, and daily life. Despite these challenges, Maggie had the support of a strong medical team at Vanderbilt Health, including dedicated laboratory professionals equipped to navigate even the most complex infectious disease cases.

A more complex course of treatment

“The infectious disease team put her on an oral antifungal within about 24 hours of testing with a follow up in a few days in clinic,” Dr. Vivian Weiss said. “For most patients that’s all that’s needed. But for Maggie, she was a lot more sick than we initially appreciated. She’s a tough kid. She was still trying to start the school year. Ultimately, the team decided to hospitalize her for disseminated disease. We were fortunate to have such good care, because that critical decision significantly improved her course.”

The challenges of recovery

Maggie underwent in-patient treatment at Vanderbilt Health, where she received intravenous amphotericin, a potent antifungal used to treat invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis. However, both the oral and IV treatments led to significant side effects, including dangerously low potassium levels, which proved debilitating. As a result, she was readmitted to Vanderbilt Health, where her care team worked tirelessly to stabilize her and support her recovery.

“Maggie’s journey changed my perspective quite a bit. I’m a pathologist and diagnose many patients with histoplasmosis,” said Dr. Vivian Weiss. “While I’m not directly involved in treatment and management, I hadn’t fully appreciated how toxic these drugs can be, especially for children with suppressed immune systems. It was very eye-opening. Now, when I see a case of histoplasmosis, I have a much deeper appreciation for what patients and their families experience.”

The return to what matters

Once back home, Maggie continued her recovery. Despite challenges she faced, a year later, she has returned to swimming and continues to nurture her passion for NASA and science, a reflection of both her resilience and the care she received.

Her case also led to meaningful changes at Vanderbilt Health, strengthening laboratory systems through the implementation of rapid in-house blood testing capabilities that were not previously available.

“The levels in the blood are critical in deciding how long you’re going to treat a patient,” Vivian said, “I’m thrilled to know now that patients who get hospitalized not only have rapid urine testing but also have rapid blood testing.”

As for Maggie, the experience may have changed her life in some ways, but she remains a determined young woman who uses her challenges to fuel her ambitions. During her time at Vanderbilt Health, she had the opportunity to tour the laboratory and meet the professionals working behind the scenes, those who played a critical role in helping her recover and return to herself.

Maggie now aspires to be a doctor for NASA one day, with the goal of providing medical care for astronauts embarking on space missions. While she may have stepped away from mountain biking, she remains committed to swimming, an activity that offers both competition and therapeutic benefits for her arthritis. Thanks to the care she received, Maggie continues to move forward, taking steady strokes toward the future she envisions.

Why laboratory work matters

Stories like Maggie’s underscore the critical role laboratory professionals play in shaping patient outcomes, often behind the scenes, but never without impact.

“Every sample has so much value, it represents a person, a path forward, an illness,” said Dr. Vivian Weiss. “There is a patient on the other end of every result. I am deeply grateful for the work laboratory professionals do. Even if they don’t always see the impact, it truly makes a difference for families.”

Bhubaneswar, May 30: Shreyas WebMedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd. participated in an interactive session with Shri Smruti Ranjan Pradhan, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Startup Odisha, Government of Odisha, held on May 29, 2026, at the IDCO Conference Hall, 5th Floor, IDCO Towers, Janpath, Bhubaneswar. The programme was jointly organized by World Trade Center (WTC) Bhubaneswar and Startup Odisha, bringing together entrepreneurs, startup founders, business leaders, innovators, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the growth and future of Odisha’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The session served as an important platform to familiarize participants with the initiatives and interventions undertaken by Startup Odisha to promote innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem. Discussions focused on government policies, startup funding opportunities, incubation support, innovation-led business development, and strategies for positioning Odisha as a leading destination for startups and emerging enterprises.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Smruti Ranjan Pradhan shared insights into the evolving startup landscape in Odisha and highlighted the support mechanisms available to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. Emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, he stated, “A thriving startup ecosystem cannot emerge in isolation; it requires collaboration, incubation, and a strong foundation of education.”

He further underscored the need to nurture innovation from an early age, strengthen incubation infrastructure, and create an enabling environment where young entrepreneurs can transform ideas into sustainable enterprises. The discussions also explored emerging opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, agritech, and technology-driven businesses, which are expected to play a significant role in Odisha’s economic growth.

Dr. Ashwini Kumar Rath, CEO, Batoi Systems, attended the programme as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the importance of stronger partnerships among industry, startups, academia, and government institutions in driving innovation-led growth. 

He highlighted that a collaborative ecosystem is essential for nurturing entrepreneurship, accelerating technological advancement, and creating sustainable opportunities for emerging enterprises. Dr. Rath further stressed that continuous knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and strategic partnerships will play a crucial role in accelerating Odisha’s journey towards becoming a leading innovation hub and contributing to the state’s long-term economic development.

Representing Shreyas WebMedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd., senior management team Ms. Bhumika Lenka  and Ms. K. Puspa attended the event. The representatives actively engaged in the interactive discussions and networking sessions, gaining valuable insights into entrepreneurship, startup development, innovation ecosystems, and emerging business opportunities within the state.

The programme facilitated meaningful exchanges between government officials, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and startup stakeholders, fostering dialogue on collaboration, innovation, and ecosystem development. The interactive format enabled participants to share perspectives, seek guidance, and explore potential partnerships that can contribute to Odisha’s growing startup landscape.

The event reinforced Odisha’s commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem and empowering entrepreneurs through policy support, mentorship, incubation, and access to growth opportunities. It also highlighted the collective efforts being undertaken to realize the vision of a progressive, innovation-driven, and economically prosperous Odisha.

May 30 : The Sand Stone collection by Technogym offers a renewed aesthetic inspired by nature, combining careful design and advanced materials to differentiate and elevate the design of the most exclusive wellness spaces. The authenticity and warmth of typical Mediterranean sandstone give rise to a versatile and sophisticated palette, capable of combining performance, sustainability, and timeless elegance in a wide variety of premium wellness contexts. The neutral tones and meticulously designed finishes allow the products to blend perfectly with wood, stone, and other high-quality materials, creating authentic and immersive spaces. 

UNICA, the Technogym multifunctional gym, offers you a complete strength and toning workout at home with the same quality and safety of the best gyms. Over 25 exercises involving all the muscles of the body: from pectorals, shoulders, lats, glutes, deltoids, biceps and many more.

UNICA’s advanced biomechanics ensure that the exercises can be performed following natural trajectories, distributing the load optimally throughout the entire range of movement to achieve results while preventing injury. The built-in ‘Easy Start’ system allows correct and safe use of the equipment for all types of users, assisting the user in start phase of the exercise and avoiding joints overload. The adjustable seat, the wide backrest, the ergonomic padding, and the non-slip grips offer maximum comfort when performing exercises.

Designed for both homes and high-end wellness spaces in hotels, residential complexes, and fitness clubs, Sand Stone allows you to create highly distinctive environments. Thanks to Sand Stone, architects can differentiate their offerings thanks to a consistent and uniform aesthetic that helps improve brand identity, customer experience, and perceived value. Every space becomes an opportunity to communicate quality, refinement, and a wellness-conscious approach.

Sand Stone’s versatile and cross-cutting aesthetic offering is the only one that enables the creation of wall-to-wall wellness spaces that include products for cardio, strength and functional training in a complete family feeling. This creates a refined environment where design and performance merge into a seamless experience across different lines and products: Technogym Checkup, Artis cardio, Artis strength, Biostrength, up to Personal Tools and Technogym Reform. The new Technogym collection for the most exclusive wellness spaces, characterized by a warm, textured, and enveloping aesthetic that blends authenticity and innovation, redefining the standards of wellness interior design.

Sand Stone’s innovation extends to its materials and finishes, designed to foster a renewed connection with nature through textures, colors and sensations inspired by the natural world.

Speckled Stone, the product casings are made from an innovative plastic material that contains 2-3% natural mica for a texturized effect reminiscent of real stone. 30% of these components come from recycled materials to reduce production impact.

Warm Titanium, frames and inlays (the details that define the silhouettes of Artis products) in a metalized titanium finish express both luxury and technology, inspired by contemporary design’s most iconic hi-tech objects.

Clay, all the tactile surfaces that come into direct contact with the user, such as handles and seats in vegan leather, are made from an opaque warm material that is pleasing to the touch, designed for natural and comfortable interaction.

Beech and ash wood: the presence of natural wood veining reflects the most organic, living dimension of the material (in the Personal Tools handles and Technogym Reform frame).

Together, these elements create a holistic and exclusive design language made up of warm and welcoming tones that invite everyone to train without intimidation, offering users a unique wellness experience and operators the opportunity to create unique and differentiated spaces.

Bhubaneswar, May 30: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Odisha successfully organized the CII MSME Connect Series 2026: Expanding Business Horizon in Bhubaneswar, bringing together senior government officials, industry leaders and MSMEs to strengthen industrial collaboration and create new business opportunities for Odisha’s MSME sector.

The conference was graced by Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Government of Odisha, as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Sampad Chandra Swain emphasized that achieving the vision of Samrudha Odisha and Viksit Bharat by 2036 and 2047 would require MSMEs to grow alongside large industries. He stressed the need for stronger coordination between MSMEs and anchor industries, along with industrial area mapping to identify MSME opportunities around large industries. Highlighting Odisha’s industrial progress, he stated that Odisha has emerged as the second-highest investment destination in the country after Andhra Pradesh under the Utkarsh Odisha initiative.

Smt Rashmita Panda, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Government of Odisha, highlighted the growing strength of Odisha’s MSME ecosystem, stating that the state has more than 14 lakh MSMEs registered under Udyam. She emphasized the importance of vendor development, stronger industry connect, and ease of doing business, while noting the Government’s focus on sectors such as food processing, mineral & metal and textiles.

Delivering the opening remarks, Mr Anil Kumar Singh, Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, highlighted the contribution of MSMEs towards employment generation and economic growth in Odisha and stressed the need for MSMEs to scale up capabilities to leverage upcoming industrial investments. Mr Manikanta Naik, Vice Chairman, CII Odisha State Council emphasized collaboration between large industries and MSMEs to bridge the industrial growth gap and encouraged enterprises to actively engage with industries for business expansion.

Dr Pradipta Mohanty, Past Chairman, CII Odisha State Council stressed focused development of MSMEs in textiles, food processing and agriculture, along with affordable infrastructure and technology adoption. Mr Sanjay Pattnaik, Past Chairman, CII Odisha State Council highlighted challenges related to land, finance, digital transformation, sustainability and risk management for MSMEs.

The conference enabled MSMEs to interact directly with industries including Vedanta Ltd, Jindal Stainless Ltd, HINDALCO Industries Ltd, JSW Steel Ltd, IFFCO, Talcher Fertilizers Ltd, Calderys India Refractories Ltd, NALCO Ltd, L&T, TPCODL and Shri Mahavir Ferro Alloys. More than 200 MSMEs participated in the conference.