Archives July 2025

One Goal, Many Hands: 5 Ways Rajasthan Is Advancing Girls’ Education & Development

Rajasthan has emerged as a powerful example of how public-private collaboration can move the needle on gender equity. Today, it is at the forefront of pioneering models that bridge government schemes, NGO efforts, and grassroots participation. A growing number of partnerships are now working across sectors to ensure that girls not only enter classrooms but thrive well beyond them. From foundational learning and digital access to nutrition and community support, the state is building a stronger, more inclusive future, an initiative at a time.

Here is a snapshot of five standout partnerships powering progress for girls:

Sampark Foundation Champions Early Learning for Every Child

Strong foundations build bright futures, especially for girls just entering the world of classrooms. Through a visionary five-year MoU with the Rajasthan Council of School Education (RCSE), Sampark Foundation is transforming government schools from classes 1 to 8. By bringing in interactive teaching methods, digital resources, and teacher development, this partnership is unlocking foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Young girls who are too often at risk of falling behind now have a better start, and classroom learning becomes a launchpad for lifelong achievement.

Educate Girls Unlocks Doors With Shiksha Setu Yojana

Educate Girls is working closely with the Government of Rajasthan under the Shiksha Setu Yojana to help more adolescent girls and young women return to education. This initiative is part of a larger effort to support girls in accessing future opportunities in skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship. As a part of this, Educate Girls is working alongside the Directorate of Women Empowerment to reach girls in remote communities, so they know that giving education a second chance is not just possible, but within their reach.

Moinee Foundation Connects Girls to Tomorrow’s Opportunities

For girls growing up in smaller towns and remote communities, digital access can be life-changing. The Moinee Foundation, based in Jaipur, is closing the digital divide in partnership with Rajasthan’s Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and district-level education bodies. Their programs bring computer labs, engaging digital content, and robust teacher training to secondary schools. This focus on digital empowerment gives girls the tools and confidence they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Anil Agarwal Foundation’s Nand Ghars Light Early Pathways

The Anil Agarwal Foundation is nurturing Rajasthan’s littlest learners and their mothers by rolling out 25,000 modernized “Nand Ghars” (next-generation Anganwadi centres) in collaboration with the Women & Child Development Department. Renewed in January 2025, this effort transforms early childhood spaces with integrated pre-primary education, nutrition, healthcare, and livelihood support for women. Every Nand Ghar becomes a beacon of opportunity, giving young girls a healthy, stimulating start and helping mothers support their daughters’ journeys from the very beginning.

World Vision India Rallies Communities for Girls’ Health

Behind every healthy schoolgirl is a community that cares. World Vision India’s partnership with Rajasthan’s Women & Child Development Department targets nearly 500 Anganwadi Centres across districts like Alwar and Udaipur to strengthen nutrition, health, and outreach. By deploying “Poshan Doots” and empowering local self-help groups (SHGs), the program mobilizes women and girls, improves tracking, and revives grassroots support networks. The result? Girls who are not only present in classrooms, but also nourished, confident, and surrounded by champions in their own communities.

Can Pregnancy Worsen Pre-Existing Eye Conditions

Dr. Sriram; CMO and Consultant VitreoRetina, Sankara Eye Hospital, Hyderabad

Synopsis: During every pregnancy, bodily changes occur, and eye changes are no exception. If you currently suffer from an eye condition, you may question whether it will get worse while you’re pregnant. This blog will help you understand what happens to your eyes during pregnancy, why certain symptoms appear, and what precautions you should take to save your vision during these all-important nine months.

Pregnancy is all about transformations. Your body undergoes numerous adjustments to support the development of your baby. You may expect changes in your skin and weight, but almost all women are surprised to find changes in their vision as well.

Something like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or dry eyes- if you have any dry eye conditions, it is normal to think about whether pregnancy will worsen the condition. Let’s walk you through what happens to your eyes during pregnancy and what you can do to take care of them.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Eyes ?

During pregnancy, your hormone levels fluctuate. These hormonal changes can influence different parts of your body, including your eyes. Some of the common eye-related symptoms during pregnancy include:

● Blurry vision

● Dryness or irritation in the eyes

● Sensitivity to light

● Temporary changes in prescription

Typically minor, these problems disappear after birth. However, if you already have an eye condition, the changes might feel more noticeable.

Common Eye Problems That Can Get Worse During Pregnancy

1. Diabetic Retinopathy

 If you have diabetes, pregnancy may accelerate the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a condition affecting the small blood vessels in your retina. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to loss of vision.
Pregnancy comes with unpredictable blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels further strain the vessels that carry blood to your eyes. If you already have diabetic retinopathy, regular eye appointments during your pregnancy are very important.

What you can do: Make at least a single visit to the eye specialist every trimester. Also, work closely with your gynaecologist and a diabetes specialist to manage your blood sugar levels.

2. Glaucoma

When excessive pressure accumulates in the eye, it can damage the optic nerve, leading to glaucoma and vision problems. If you are currently being treated with glaucoma medications, you may need to switch medications or possibly stop the medications completely during pregnancy.
The baby may be impacted by certain glaucoma medications, particularly during the first trimester. However, there is some evidence to suggest that some women, while pregnant, may have lower pressures in their eyes, and this lower pressure could mean that during the pregnancy, they don’t need medication for glaucoma at all.
What you can do: Do not stop your medication on your own. Speak with your eye specialist and your obstetrician to work out the proper treatment plan that considers your health and the safety of the baby.

3. Graves’ Eye Disease (Thyroid Eye Disease)

Pregnancy might occasionally exacerbate symptoms if you have thyroid-related ocular conditions such as Graves’ disease. You can experience increased discomfort, redness, or eye bulging.
The immune system is impacted by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which may cause autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease to flare up.

What you can do: Pay careful attention to the symptoms. Inform your physician of any bulging, pain, or changes in vision. After delivery, symptoms usually subside.

4. Retinal Issues

If you previously experienced retinal problems, retinal tear, detachment, or had prior surgery, pregnancy itself does not worsen the problem. However, stress from labour and pushing could potentially be a concern in rare instances.
Normal practice for doctors is to examine the integrity of your retina to determine if having a normal vaginal delivery is safe or if a C-section is more appropriate.

What you can do: Have an examination of your retina in the third trimester of pregnancy, and consult with your gynaecologist and eye doctor so they can guide you on the most appropriate, safest way to deliver your baby.

Eye Problems That Can Develop During Pregnancy

Even if you’ve never had an eye issue before, some problems may show up during pregnancy:
a. Preeclampsia-related vision changes: Blurred vision, light sensitivity, or seeing spots, can be signs of preeclampsia, a condition characterised by high blood pressure.

b. Temporary vision shifts: You may feel that your glasses are no longer working properly. This happens due to fluid retention in the cornea.

c. Dry eyes: Hormones can reduce tear production, leading to dry, itchy eyes.

These are usually temporary and go away after your baby is born. But if they’re bothering you, don’t ignore them, talk to your doctor.

Tips to Take Care of Your Eyes During Pregnancy

1. Keep sugar levels in control: If you have diabetes, regular monitoring and a healthy diet are key. It helps prevent complications like diabetic retinopathy.

2. Don’t skip eye check-ups: If you already have an eye condition, continue visiting your eye specialist regularly. Pregnancy is not the time to miss appointments.

3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps reduce dryness in the eyes.

4. Use safe eye drops: If your eyes feel dry or irritated, ask your doctor to recommend pregnancy-safe lubricating eye drops.

5. Adjust your screen time: Long hours spent on phones or laptops can further strain your eyes. Take breaks and blink often to avoid discomfort.

6. Wear sunglasses: Your eyes may become more sensitive to light during pregnancy. Sunglasses with UV protection can help reduce eye strain and protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays outdoors.

During pregnancy, one should care for their eyes at least as much as any other part of their body, especially if they have a pre-existing eye condition. Awareness, regular eye check-ups with a specialist, and managing any existing eye conditions will help maintain her eyesight throughout her pregnancy journey. After all, it’s not just about seeing the baby clearly when it appears. It’s about seeing everything in one’s life with great clarity and comfort.

FAQs on Can Pregnancy Worsen Pre-Existing Eye Conditions?

1. Can I wear contact lenses during pregnancy if I have dry eyes?

Contact lenses can be worn, but dry eyes may make them uncomfortable for many pregnant women. Subject to your doctor’s approval, consider switching to glasses during these months or using lubricating drops.

2. Will my eyeglass prescription change permanently after pregnancy?

The changes are usually temporary. After delivery, your vision should adjust to normal within a matter of weeks. It is preferable to wait a few months after delivery to get a new glasses prescription.

Nothing launches first-ever “Nothing Incubator”, competition for India’s young innovators to build the future

New Delhi, July 30, 2025 : London-based technology company Nothing has launched its first-ever student competition in India – Nothing Incubator – a bold initiative to unlock raw, unfiltered ideas from the country’s brightest young minds and spotlight India’s growing influence on the global tech scene.

NOTHING

Open to students from over 60 top institutions – including IIM Ahmedabad, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, BITS Pilani, FMS Delhi, XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, and more – the program invites participants to break conventions, challenge assumptions, and reimagine what’s possible.

The competition unfolds in three phases:

Round 1: Idea Submission (now live) – Teams submit a one-slide pitch that brings to life the theme “Making Tech Fun Again.”

Round 2: Strategic Roadmap – Shortlisted teams build a three-year vision and go-to-market plan

Grand Finale – Finalists will pitch their ideas in a live three-minute presentation to a jury of industry leaders, venture capitalists, and startup mentors

Winners will receive a ₹2 lakh cash prize, a winner’s certificate, and the latest Nothing Phone (3). Runners-up will also take home Nothing products and certificates. Finalists showing exceptional promise may be considered for career opportunities with the company.

“India is no longer just a growth market – it’s becoming a creative and innovation powerhouse with global impact,” said Akis Evangelidis, Co-founder and India President of Nothing. “We see a generation that is not only tech-savvy but unafraid to challenge the norm. With the Nothing Incubator, we’re tapping into that mindset – giving young talent a platform to shape the future of technology, not just for India, but the world.”

Open to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students (BE/BTech, dual-degree, MBA/PGDM), teams must consist of 1 to 3 members from the same college, with interdisciplinary teams encouraged.

Registrations are now open on Unstop. More than just a competition, the Nothing Incubator is a call to India’s next wave of innovators to step forward — and show the world what happens when bold ideas meet real opportunity.

Tata Power DDL, Magna Yuma to Set Up Battery Swapping Stations in Delhi

Tata Power-DDL Collaborates with Magna Yuma Private Ltd. to establish Battery Swapping Stations in Delhi

TATA POWER

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL), a leading power utility supplying electricity to a populace of around 9 million in North Delhi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Magna Yuma Private Limited, a battery swapping service provider for augmenting and setting up of Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Swapping Stations across its operational areas.

As per the agreement, Tata Power-DDL will provide dedicated space for establishing battery swapping stations, while Magna Yuma Private Limited will be responsible for designing, procuring, installing, and maintaining these stations.

The MoU was signed between Tata Power-DDL & M/s Magna Yuma Private Limited in presence of senior officials from both the organizations including Mr. Dwijadas Basak, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Power-DDL, Ms. Kiran Gupta, Chief-Customer Experience, Comm, Govt. Affairs, EAC & Consumer Litigation, Tata Power-DDL, Mr. Praveen Agrawal, Chief – HR, IR, FM & HS, Tata Power-DDL, Mr. Raj Kumar Rastogi, Chief-Operations & Safety, Tata Power-DDL, Mr. Surender Singh, Chief – Network Services & Stores and Mr. Abhilash Kumar, Lead Business Head of M/s Magna Yuma Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Harshal Gupta, Lead- Public Policy & Govt Affairs, M/s Magna Yuma Pvt. Ltd.

This strategic collaboration aims to build a robust EV ecosystem focused on commercial electric two-wheelers, especially in the gig economy. By combining Tata Power-DDL’s infrastructure expertise with M/s Magna Yuma’s advanced battery-swapping technology, the initiative seeks to accelerate the adoption of sustainable transport solutions, curb pollution, and enhance income opportunities for gig workers and delivery partners in the city. The association is also expected to reduce power theft and improve remunerative opportunities for shared e-mobility.

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Dwijadas Basak, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited said, “Tata Power-DDL is pleased to partner with Magna Yuma in expanding the battery-swapping network in Delhi. This initiative is aligned with our commitment to drive clean energy adoption and promote sustainable mobility. Together, we aim to reduce air and noise pollution while creating socio-economic opportunities for the city’s youth and strengthening the gig economy.”

Initially, Magna Yuma will set up two Battery Swapping Stations in Tata Power-DDL grid substations at Shalimar Bagh facility Centre Grid and Badli Grid.

Hyatt Regency Pune Welcomes Sakshi Upadhyay as Assistant Director of Sales

30th July 2025: Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences is pleased to announce the return of Ms. Sakshi Upadhyay as Assistant Director of Sales. A seasoned hospitality professional with extensive experience in corporate and luxury hotel sales, Sakshi rejoins our team to lead and enhance strategic sales initiatives across key business segments.

sakshi

Sakshi’s previous tenure with Hyatt Regency Pune was marked by remarkable contributions in building strong corporate relationships, driving revenue, and executing high-impact sales strategies. Her in-depth understanding of the Pune hospitality market and her client-centric approach helped elevate the hotel’s positioning within the city’s competitive landscape.

Over the course of her career, she has worked with renowned hospitality brands including Sheraton, The Leela, and Hilton, where she successfully handled key accounts, formulated revenue-generating plans, and demonstrated outstanding performance in guest relationship management. Her diversified experience across leading hotels in India gives her a distinct edge in anticipating market trends and building sustainable client relationships.

Sakshi’s return not only marks a homecoming but also reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and reinforcing a culture of growth. As she resumes her role, Sakshi will be focusing on expanding our corporate portfolio, strengthening client engagement, and supporting the hotel’s commercial leadership with innovative strategies that align with the evolving needs of the market.

Her vibrant energy, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence make her a perfect fit for our dynamic commercial team. We are confident that under her leadership, the sales division will achieve new milestones.

New Initiative Expands Health Benefits to Rural Missouri Child Care Educators

Child Care Aware of Missouri secures $15,000 to support 51 child care educators with a comprehensive health care plan.

Rural Missouri Child Educators' funding -Child Care Aware of Missouri

(St. Louis, Mo., July 30, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently obtained $15,000 in funding to launch a new initiative that will deliver vital health and mental health services to 51 rural child care educators across five Missouri counties. Through this project, led by CCAMO, participating educators will receive memberships to Show Me Child Care Resources and access to comprehensive telehealth and mental health benefits – all at no personal cost.

The 51 child care educators residing in Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Warren, and Washington counties will have access to unlimited health visits with zero copay along with 10 free mental health therapy sessions per year. According to County Health Rankings & Roadmaps by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, between 12% to 18% of rural professionals remain uninsured in these counties. The American Community Survey also reports poverty rates ranging from 8.6% to 19.7%, highlighting the critical need for support in these communities.

Since 2010, CCAMO has served as the exclusive statewide license holder for Show Me Child Care Resources, a web-based portal providing more than 2,000 resources for child care educators and business owners. The organization also provides consulting, training, and technical assistance to child care business owners to help them understand operational activities, leadership development, expense budgeting, and revenue recognition training to improve business viability.

“Child care professionals don’t often receive benefits, yet their well-being is essential to our communities so they can be present in the child care classroom,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of CCAMO. “Show Me Child Care Resources delivers not only peace of mind to child care staff but also convenient 24/7 access to doctors through our telehealth feature.” Phillips added, “our nonprofit is committed to pursuing ongoing funding annually to continue supporting educators’ health and well-being as they care for Missouri’s children.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

EThames Business School’s BBA course ranks top in Telangana in the BBA Education Ranking Survey 2025

Hyderabad, July 29, 2025: The BBA program at Hyderabad-based EThames College has been ranked No. 1 in Placements and No. 2 among Top Private BBA Institutes in Hyderabad in the Times BBA Education Ranking Survey 2025 (TBERS). Nationally, EThames secured the 47th position among BBA colleges across India.

Conducted by TBERS, the survey was based on a robust three-phase methodology comprising Desk Research, Perceptual Survey, and Factual (Participatory) Analysis, aimed at identifying and ranking India’s most impactful BBA institutions. “This business school is turning students into startup-ready graduates,” observes an industry insider. Additionally, the BBA program is nurturing women business leaders in Telangana.

BBA IS THE NEW B.TECH

With India chasing a $5 trillion economy, the demand for skilled managers is exploding, and BBA is replacing BTech as the top choice for Gen Z. This shift in educational priorities reflects how India’s youth is gearing up not just to get jobs, but to create them.

“You can’t build a strong economy without strong managers,” said Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo.

According to YourDegree, India has approximately 3,729 BBA colleges, including 142 government and 3,261 private institutions. Shiksha.com puts the number even higher, estimating over 6,400 institutions offering BBA and related programs across various modes, including full-time, part-time, online, and distance. Varthana confirms that over 4,600 colleges offer full-time BBA programs, underscoring the course’s rising popularity nationwide.

As per Statista, nearly 100,000 students enroll in BBA programs annually, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13%. With India’s total higher education enrolment crossing 43 million, of which 79% are undergraduates, BBA is rapidly emerging as one of the most in-demand UG programs in India’s evolving academic landscape.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman of EThames and former Regional Managing Partner at EY, said, “We operate on a simple principle: education must stay ahead of the curve. Students need more than theory; they need preparation for the dynamic, ever-evolving real world. Our campus is designed like a startup lab, and our TAP model – Theory, Application, Practice – ensures that learning is immersive, relevant, and industry-connected. The BBA program at EThames is built for the future.”

EThames College has a unique distinction, where industry becomes faculty. What sets EThames apart is its collaborative academic model. Through its partnership with KPMG in India, EThames integrates real-world business challenges, simulations, and practitioner-led sessions directly into the BBA classroom adds Mr. Gadiraju.

ONGC, BP, Reliance Sign Joint Deal for Saurashtra Offshore Block

ONGC, BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd, and Reliance Industries Ltd Sign Joint Operating Agreement for Offshore Block in Saurashtra Basin

New Delhi , 29 July 2025: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), in partnership with BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has formally signed a Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) for offshore exploration of Block GS-OSHP-2022/2, awarded under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Bid Round-IX. The agreement was signed on 28 July 2025 at ONGC’s Deendayal Urja Bhavan, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

The block, located off the western coast in the Saurashtra Basin, spans an area of approximately 5,454 square kilometres and is classified under Category-II basins. The consortium, with ONGC designated as the Operator, is set to undertake exploratory activities aimed at assessing and harnessing the hydrocarbon potential of the region.

The signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Director (Finance), BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited; and Mr. Avinash Kumar Pathak, Senior Vice President, Reliance Industries Limited, including Mr. Arunangshu Sarkar, Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs), ONGC; Mr. Om Prakash Sinha, Director (Exploration), ONGC; and Mr. Sanjay Baveja, Chief (Exploration- JV & BD).

This agreement marks a significant milestone in collaborative energy exploration and reflects the consortium’s shared commitment to advancing India’s energy security and contributing to the nation’s long-term energy goals.

Shangri-La New Delhi Hosts Chocolate High Tea at Sorrento

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Presents the Second Series of Rooted in Nature: A Chocolate High Tea at Sorrento

Mr. Chai

New Delhi, 29th July 2025 : A decadent amalgamation of heritage and sustainability unfolded at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi as the hotel unveiled the second chapter of its global ‘Rooted in Nature’ initiative, celebrating responsibly sourced ingredients and environmentally mindful dining. Held on July 26th, the event welcomed discerning guests and chocolate enthusiasts to an expertly crafted chocolate high tea at Sorrento, spotlighting the renowned craftsmanship of Callebaut, under the guidance of Executive Chef Gagandeep Sawhney and his talented culinary team.

‘Rooted in Nature’ is a mindful sustainability journey that reflects the group’s evolving relationship with the land and its people. Going beyond a culinary philosophy, it champions locally grown, responsibly sourced ingredients, supports small producers, and restores ecological balance through everyday dining choices. With its second series, the initiative deepens its focus and takes a step toward more honest hospitality, where every meal nurtures both the palate and the planet.

This experience brought to life Callebaut’s storied journey since 1911, a legacy rooted in traditional Belgian chocolate mastery and modern sustainability values. Through engaging, hands-on sessions of melting, tempering, and molding, guests were introduced to the process behind the preferred chocolate of chefs across the world. The celebration honoured Octaaf Callebaut’s original vision, grounded in rich flavor, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility that continues to shape the brand’s global legacy.
Chef Sawhney led attendees through a curated exploration of chocolate techniques, offering insight into the skill and finesse required to craft nuanced flavor profiles and refined textures. The session served as a reflection of how ethically sourced ingredients power Shangri-La’s wider ‘Rooted in Nature’ movement, where culinary expression meets purposeful sourcing across its global properties.

The experience concluded with a curated high tea, designed to translate the day’s learning into a series of beautifully balanced flavors and textures. Each creation was a tribute to the harmony of Belgian chocolate heritage and eco-conscious practices, offering a dining moment that feels indulgent yet grounded in purpose.

Guests can continue their chocolate journey with the Rooted in Nature Chocolate-themed high tea at Mister Chai, available from July 27th to August 3rd. This extended experience allows the essence of the event to live on, welcoming guests to reconnect with Callebaut’s timeless craftsmanship and the hotel’s ongoing commitment to meaningful, modern luxury.

New UAE-India Partnership to Fast-Track Global Scale-Up for Indian Start-ups from NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore

Bengaluru, 29 July 2025: The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), in collaboration with NSRCEL at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), one of India’s most prestigious academic incubators, convened an interactive session as part of the UAE-India CEPA Start-up Series, a strategic initiative designed to nurture globally scalable Indian start-ups.

UICC

Held in Bengaluru, a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship, the event marked another significant step in advancing the Start-up Series across India. With its strong start-up infrastructure, dense network of venture capital firms, and deep talent pool in technology and management, Bengaluru continues to serve as the nucleus of India’s global-facing entrepreneurial ambitions.

The centrepiece of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSRCEL and the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), formalising their partnership to identify and support high-potential Indian ventures from the IIM Bangalore ecosystem seeking to participate in the UAE-India Start-up Series.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UICC, outlined the vision and structure of the CEPA Start-up Series, emphasising its focus on international scaling and strategic mentorship. “NSRCEL is a proven engine of entrepreneurial excellence, and we are proud to welcome it into the CEPA Start-up Series network. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to unlocking global opportunities for India’s brightest founders, starting right here at IIM Bangalore,” he said.

Mr. Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO, NSRCEL, added: “We are delighted to partner with the UAE-India CEPA Council on this important initiative. At NSRCEL, we are committed to helping founders build scalable, impact-driven ventures. Through this collaboration, our entrepreneurs will gain a valuable bridge to the UAE market – an ecosystem that offers exciting opportunities for cross-border innovation and growth.”

As part of the event, attendees viewed the official trailer for the UAE-India Start-up Series, which showcased the programme’s offerings and the roadmap for selected start-ups to engage with the UAE innovation ecosystem. This was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where Mr. Aljneibi responded to queries from students and entrepreneurs, addressing a wide range of topics from venture readiness and sector focus to post-selection support in the UAE. This interaction provided invaluable clarity for founders considering cross-border expansion.

The Bengaluru leg of the CEPA Start-up Series Roadshow reflects the UICC’s continued effort to forge tangible linkages with India’s leading academic incubators, ensuring that the benefits of CEPA reach the country’s most promising entrepreneurial talent.

Applications for the CEPA Start-Up Series are open until 31 July 2025.