New Delhi, 27 February 2025: EDF India today announced a strategic joint venture (JV) with Actis, a leading global investor in sustainable infrastructure. This collaboration aims to operate a dedicated platform company for Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) concessions, reinforcing EDF India’s and Actis’ commitment to investing in the Indian power sector. Under this joint venture, EDF India and Actis will bring together their global expertise in energy solutions and infrastructure investments.

The Indian government is actively driving the National Smart Metering Project under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), targeting the deployment of 250 million smart meters by 2025. These advanced metering solutions are designed to enhance operational efficiencies, reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses, and bolster the financial sustainability of India’s power distribution companies (DISCOMs).

Commenting on the joint venture, Federico D’Amico, CEO of EDF India, stated: “We are excited to join hands with Actis to accelerate the deployment of smart metering infrastructure in India. This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting India’s energy transition by leveraging our global expertise and innovation in digital grid technologies.”

Asanka Rodrigo, Partner at Actis, added: “This collaboration marks a significant step in our continued commitment to India’s power sector. Smart metering is a critical component in ensuring efficient energy consumption, reducing losses, and improving billing accuracy for consumers. We look forward to working with EDF, a leader in the sector globally, to scale our joint venture in India.”

The joint venture between EDF India and Actis aligns with India’s broader vision of achieving a more resilient and efficient power distribution network. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and global best practices, the initiative aims to drive a transformative impact on the country’s power sector, benefiting both utilities and consumers alike.

Dr. Yathish G C, Lead Consultant – Rheumatology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

Imagine that your body is a construction site. Every day, millions of cells are busy reconstructing and regenerating bones. They break down the old worn-out bone tissues and replace them with new stronger material. It’s a very smooth process that helps to keep the skeleton healthy and strong throughout your life. However, sometimes these cells go into overdrive, breaking down and repairing bone at an accelerated rate. That is the curious case of Paget’s disease.

What is Paget’s Disease of the Bone?

Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic disease where the normal cycle of breaking down and rebuilding bone goes wrong. Instead of operating in sync, the cells start working too fast which results in the bone becoming larger and weaker in addition to it being prone to fractures and deformities.

The exact cause of Paget’s disease remains unknown, though scientists believe that it is due to a mix of genetics and environmental factors. Various research carried out with people who had a family history of Paget’s disease showed that they developed the disease much more often than their healthy counterparts. Therefore, most researchers assume the existence of a strong hereditary component as the cause of this disease. So, if there is a history of Paget’s disease in your family, the likelihood that you could be afflicted with the same increases. Also, some researchers assume that in such genetically predisposed people, certain viral infections can cause this disease as well. These infections might change the bone cell’s working mechanism, thereby resulting in characteristic overactivity, as observed in Paget’s disease.

Paget’s disease is more common in adults above 50 years and affects men more than women. Although prevalent among the European population, more cases have been observed in India over the past two decades as well.

What Are the Signs of Paget’s Disease?

The tricky thing about Paget’s disease is that it often doesn’t show any noticeable symptoms. Many people may have it and not even know! But when symptoms do appear, they can include:

• · Bone pain – Often confused with arthritis, this pain can be persistent and nagging.
• · Misshapen Bones – You will realize that some of the bones may start to deform. For example, the legs may begin to bow or the spine starts to curve.
• · Fractures – With weak bones, people can easily break their bones.
• · Hearing loss – In some cases, Paget’s disease can affect the bones in the skull, which might lead to hearing problems as well.

These symptoms often manifest gradually and many people don’t notice them until the damage is done. It is therefore important to be vigilant about any unusual aches or pains and have them checked out by a doctor.

The good news is that Paget’s disease can be well managed, even if it cannot be cured. The treatment usually slows down the overly active bone cells and helps restore balance in the body. Mainly, this involves taking medicines that prevent further breakdown of bones. For people with pain or deformities, other alternatives like physical therapy or even surgery might be advised. Early treatment is important so that complications like fractures or arthritis can be prevented. So, do not delay to visit your doctor when you feel that there is some unusual bone pain or structural changes in the body. It is quite easy to ignore joint pain or slight changes in bone shape and attribute them to “old age”, but that could be an indication of something more serious. Awareness regarding Paget’s disease helps people receive the care they need before things get worse.

It’s interesting to see how the body, trying to repair and fix itself, ends up doing more harm than good. This is a reminder that the human body is very complex and sometimes even the best efforts of healing can go wrong. The next time you experience pain or notice something odd about your bones, remember the curious case of Paget’s disease. Understanding Paget’s disease may not only help you identify signs in yourself or a loved one but can be the first step towards better bone health and a more vibrant, active life.

BARCELONA, Spain – February 27, 2025 – At Mobile World Congress 2025, MediaTek is showcasing several key technologies that enable wireless evolution towards 6G, including hybrid computing, a live LEO broadband NR-NTN trial, sub-band full duplex (SBFD), along with the new M90 5G Advanced modem. In addition, the company is also sharing its latest developments in Dimensity Auto and Dimensity Smartphone SoCs. The newest MediaTek-powered devices from some of the world’s leading brands will be on display at their booth in Hall 3.

“We’re pushing forward industry-leading connectivity and AI applications through high-quality products and global standardization, which create significant new opportunities to enrich everyday living for more people around the world,” said Joe Chen, President of MediaTek. “This is exemplified by our most recent developments in leading-edge 6G-era technologies, generative AI hybrid computing, and 5G-Advanced solutions, which will be on display this week.”

Enabling 6G with Integrated Communications & Computing

MediaTek is demonstrating its Hybrid Computing innovation (Integrated Communication & Computing) that brings together a device cloud + RAN as an ‘edge cloud’, a key technology component proposed for upcoming 6G standardization, that extends ambient computing from device to RAN, achieving low latency in activities such as Generative AI (Gen-AI), carrier-grade privacy & personal data governance, and dynamic computing resource scheduling. The implementations are exhibited in collaboration with NVIDIA, Intel, and G REIGNS, respectively.

Ultra Power-Efficient Envelope Assisted RFFE positioned for next-generation wireless products

MediaTek’s Envelope Assisted RFFE System increases power amplifier efficiency by 25%, reducing device heating rate, widening addressable bandwidth by over 100MHz in the same power envelope, and allowing higher power delivery for wider coverage.

Sub-Band Full Duplex for efficient use of 6G spectrum

Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD), a key physical layer technology applicable to 5G-Advanced and 6G, will feature unprecedented improvements in unpaired TDD spectrum, significantly boosting uplink coverage and reducing latency. Both factors are key enablers of new services. In cooperation with Keysight, MediaTek is demonstrating a major technological breakthrough: Mitigating self-interference of SBFD, which is particularly problematic in small devices such as smartphones because of the proximity of the transmitting and receiving antennas.

MediaTek M90 5G Advanced Modem

The upcoming M90 5G-Advanced modem will deliver speeds of up to 12Gbps, support for 3GPP- standard Release 17 and the forthcoming Release 18 specifications, simultaneous FR1+FR2 connectivity, and a novel Smart Antenna technology that leverages AI to enable user scenario identification and significantly boosts data throughput. The M90 utilizes MediaTek UltraSave

technology, which reduces average power consumption by up to 18% compared to the previous generation modem. During MWC 2025, MediaTek will show it has achieved an industry-leading 10Gbps throughput using FR1 3CC + FR2 8CC using an M90-based device on a live Ericsson network configuration.

Smart AI Antenna

The M90 modem supports Smart AI Antenna, which provides native body proximity sensing without requiring external sensors. The feedback response and intelligent signal analysis can detect how the device is held, as well as its network environment, and it will actively tune the antenna and uplink power to ensure that signal quality is maintained. MediaTek will demonstrate Smart AI Antenna in collaboration with Anritsu at MWC 2025.

Intelligent CPE: Generative AI Gateway

MediaTek is exhibiting its Generative AI infrastructure, consisting of a Gateway and Context Synchronization system. This decentralizes Gen-AI capabilities beyond smartphones and smart home devices, providing Gen-AI functionality to all connected devices. It enhances device capabilities while fostering wider adoption and new service opportunities, all without compromising data privacy and security. The latest MediaTek-powered CPE devices and modules are also on display from partners. Unique technologies on display include a 1.9x uplink performance boost achieved through three transmission antennas (3TX), applicable across 5G NR band combinations, as well as Low-Latency, Low-Loss, and Scalable throughput (L4S), which reduces network latency by over 20x and minimizes packet loss. These advancements greatly enhance the user experience compared to legacy designs.

Next-Generation Satellite (NTN) Connectivity

At the show, MediaTek will present its continuing industry leadership in 5G-Advanced Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology. This next generation of satellite connectivity – Ku-band NR-NTN – will bring a future of ubiquitous broadband connectivity to 5G devices. This follows a recent successful field trial of Ku-band NR-NTN over a commercial OneWeb sLow Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. The field trial was conducted with Eutelsat infrastructure, AIRBUS in-orbit satellites connecting to a MediaTek Ku-band NR-NTN test chip, ITRI NR NTN test gNB, and Sharp array with support by Rodhe & Schwartz testing equipment.

MediaTek Dimensity Auto

With rapid progress in automotive, MediaTek’s Dimensity Auto development platform will be at the show, highlighting its leading capabilities in multimedia, 3D graphics, and AI processing capabilities across multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a hypervisor. The innovative cockpit features an 8K display and is developed in collaboration with strategic partners, illustrating what people can expect from next-generation in-vehicle experiences.

MediaTek Dimensity 9400

Various smartphones powered by the flagship Dimensity 9400 5G chip will be showcased, demonstrating their leading-edge Generative and Agentic AI applications and services. The showcase will also include the latest advancements in photography and videography, such as AI Audio Focus, AI Telephoto, Best Snapshot capabilities, AI Depth Engine for video playback, and the newest feature-rich games with ray-traced graphics.

224G SerDes for ASIC

MediaTek’s 224G SerDes represents a significant advancement in technology leadership, offering exceptional performance, reliability, and efficiency. This solution is designed to meet the rigorous interconnect demands of AI, hyperscale computing, data centers, and networking infrastructure. Our SerDes expertise is integral to our ASIC offerings, driving the next generation of AI acceleration and many other interconnect applications. MediaTek SerDes solutions empower ASIC customers with advanced process technology that enhances performance and bandwidth density, making them both power-friendly and cost-effective.

These 224G SerDes solutions are silicon-proven, and the development of the next-generation SerDes is already underway. MediaTek collaborates with major foundries on the most advanced process nodes, chip-to-chip interconnect, high-speed I/O, on-package memory, and ultra-large package design. This effort also enables MediaTek to optimize performance, power, and area (PPA) through Design Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) to best fit customers’ domain-specific requirements.

National, February 27, 2025 – JSW MG Motor India, the country’s leading electric carmaker, has introduced the BLACKSTORM edition to the COMET EV portfolio, enhancing the style and appeal of India’s Street-SmartEV. Launched at an ex-showroom price of INR 7.80L + Battery Rental @ INR 2.5/km, the COMET BLACKSTORM will be positioned as the top variant. Customers seeking a stylish and tech-savvy city commuter, can now visit their nearest MG dealership and book the new MG COMET BLACKSTORM, by paying a sum of INR 11,000.

The COMET BLACKSTORM exudes sophistication and style through its ‘Starry Black’ exteriors, which enhances the overall appeal of the car. The COMET EV nameplate is carved in dark chrome and the INTERNET INSIDE emblem is finished in black, commanding attention from on-lookers. The black theme is carried over in the interiors with the word ‘BLACKSTORM’ embroidered in red on the leatherette seats, promising a premium experience.

For the music aficionados, the company has now equipped the COMET BLACKSTORM with 4 speakers to make traffic congestion a little smoothing. Under the hood, this new edition is equipped with a 17.4 kWh battery that supports fast charging and delivers a certified range of 230 kilometers*. Customers can further personalize their COMET BLACKSTORM with an exclusive accessory pack, including a unique badge, wheel cover, and optional styling elements like hood branding and skid plates.

Commenting on this, Rakesh Sen, Head of Sales, JSW MG Motor India said, “The modern-day Indian car buyers are seeking choices that are unique and are a representation of their personality. They are gravitating towards bolder color options, that set them apart and make their choices stand out. We are delighted to launch the COMET BLACKSTORM that promises to enhance everyday commutes by infusing style and sophistication. The COMET BLACKSTORM highlights our dedication to constantly meeting our customers’ evolving needs by regularly refreshing our line-up.”

The MG COMET EV combines the functionality that an urban commuter needs with their desired style, all within a safe and smart package. The COMET EV’s sales impressively grew by 29% in CY’24 over CY’23, signalling its strong acceptance among car buyers. Its innovative design and practicality have resonated with consumers nationwide, making it a preferred choice for city dwellers seeking a stylish, eco-friendly mobility solution.

Chandigarh, 27th February 2025: Locks and Architectural Solutions, a business unit of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has been honored with the esteemed India Design Mark Award 2024 for eight of its pioneering products. This recognition reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, superior functionality, and cutting-edge design.

The award-winning products include Home Décor handles—HDH 01, HDH 02, HDH 03, HDH 06, HDH 07 and HDH 10—along with the Wardrobe side Lock for Sliding Doors and the Catus Hotel Interconnected Lock. These products represent a new approach to addressing the needs of modern Indian homes, offering enhanced usability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. They set new industry standards, ensuring seamless integration into contemporary living spaces.

Mr. Shyam Motwani, Executive Vice President & Business Head, of Locks and Architectural Solutions, Godrej Enterprises Group, stated:

“Innovation and design excellence are at the core of Locks and Architectural Solutions. Design thinking is embedded in every product, ensuring that each solution offers practical benefits while aligning with the latest trends in architecture and design. Winning the prestigious India Design Mark Awards year on year reaffirms our commitment to setting new industry benchmarks in home safety, functionality, and aesthetics. From pioneering India’s first ‘Made in India’ IoT9 digital lock to innovating our portfolio in architectural fittings and systems, we continue to push the boundaries of safety and design. Receiving this recognition year after year is a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence. It inspires us to go further, creating solutions that not only meet but exceed customer expectations, making homes smarter, safer, and more stylish.”

As a brand dedicated to advancing home safety and architectural solutions, Locks and Architectural Solutions remains committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology and user-centric design to meet the evolving needs of consumers. The India Design Mark Award 2024 stands as a testament to its unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Chandigarh, February 27, 2025: Gromax Agri Equipment Ltd. (erstwhile Mahindra Gujarat Tractor Ltd.), a joint venture between Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and the Government of Gujarat celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the tractor makers journey towards empowering Indian farmers with affordable mechanized solutions.

Rechristened Mahindra Gujarat Tractor Ltd. with Mahindra acquiring a major stake in the company in 1999 and renamed to Gromax Agri Equipment Ltd. in 2017, this signaled a strategic shift for the brand towards providing a distinctive and affordable range of mechanization solutions for India’s farming community. In the last 25 years Gromax has expanded its tractor range from about only 4 tractor models to over 40 variants in the 20-50HP segment under the TRAKSTAR (launched in 2017) and HINDUSTAN brand of tractors, and farm implements under the TRAKMATE brand.

To commemorate the company’s 25th anniversary Gromax has launched all-new 4WD tractor models – the Trakstar 525 and Trakstar 536 during the year. The company has also introduced

new 2WD tractor variants under the 24HP, 31HP, and 36HP categories to cater to the specific needs of the orchard segment. To attract young farmers and drive differentiation, Gromax has also introduced tractors in saffron and black color themes.

Commenting on 25 years of Gromax, Mr. Hemant Sikka – President, Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd said, “A milestone year for us at Mahindra & Mahindra, we are extremely proud of Gromax’s remarkable journey of 25 years. A reflection of our shared commitment to ‘Transform Farming and Enrich Lives’, Gromax is a brand defined to serve the farmers of our nation with the best farm equipment that are both affordable and accessible. We express our sincere gratitude to our customers, partners and the Government of Gujarat, as well as our employees who have supported us through this journey. As we move forward, we look forward to the next chapter of growth with Gromax, as we further aim to enable Indian farmers to mechanize their farms.”

Gromax Agri Equipment Ltd. is a jointly owned company between Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and the Government of Gujarat with an equity ratio of 60:40 respectively. The company’s manufacturing plant is based out of Vadodara.

Mumbai, India – February 27, 2025 – Renowned artist, entrepreneur, and thought leader Thomson Andrews has been honored with the Hindustan Times Media Group’s “Crafting Bharat Awards 2025 – 40 Under 40” for his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. Known for his innovative projects and mentorship, Thomson continues to redefine music, media, and creativity in India.

At just 37, Thomson has built a legacy as a multi-faceted artist and entrepreneur.With partnerships on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and Apple TV, his beautiful voice and precision have made him a global icon. His reputation as a creative force is cemented by the fact that his musical skills are used in projects like Michelle Obama’s “Waffles and Mochi” , Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming motion pictures and working alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan.

Beyond music, Thomson is the founder of Throan Of Art, a platform that has influenced MTV Unplugged, MTV Coke Studio, and Hungama Music Bus in addition to music. His Glamstyle Fashion Tour (GFT 1.0) pushes the limits of artistic innovation by fusing fashion, technology, and music.

Committed to nurturing the next generation of artists, Thomson’s indie label, Throan Of Art Music, has mentored aspiring talents, bridging the gap between raw creativity and mainstream success. His workshops and mentorship programs empower young artists, providing them with a stage to grow and thrive.

Thomson, a three-time TEDx speaker, inspires both artists and business owners with his thoughts on innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. He has established himself as a role model in the entertainment industry thanks to his ability to combine financial savvy with artistic talent.

On receiving the award, Thomson Andrews shared:
“This honor is a celebration of creativity and innovation. I am deeply grateful to Hindustan Times and everyone who has supported my journey. This award reaffirms my commitment to shaping the future of music, media, and entertainment.”

Greater Noida, 25 February 2025: Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, and Springer Nature have signed a groundbreaking Fully Open Access (FOA) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at the India Sustainability Conclave 2025. The MoU also includes a partnership with the Cureus series of journals covering engineering, computer science, business, and economics. This landmark agreement will provide wider access to the University’s high-impact, multi-disciplinary research, enabling greater global knowledge exchange and innovation.

Professor Ananya Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR, said, “This agreement marks a milestone in our vision for a more open, accessible research landscape. By broadening the reach of our academic work, we are contributing to the global discourse on sustainability and empowering change-makers across the world to drive innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Sustainability is a collective effort, and it will be great if we all can work together to advance this crucial mission.”

The event, hosted at the University’s campus, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and researchers with a shared goal of advancing sustainability and aligning efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Delivering the keynote address, Shikhar Malhotra, Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR said, “At Shiv Nadar University, we believe that transformative research thrives at the intersection of academic rigor and real-world relevance. With Springer Nature, we begin a new partnership today, and I urge our faculty, research scholars, and students to maximise the benefits of this relationship for both partners. We see Shiv Nadar University, Delhi – NCR to be at the forefront of leading change, and through the questions we ask and the solutions we provide, we can truly shape the future.”

This was followed by a special address from Professor Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), who highlighted the importance of research and innovation in addressing global sustainability challenges.

Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director, Springer Nature India Private Limited added, “We are pleased to see that the India Sustainability Conclave 2025 has brought together key stakeholders from across industry, academia and government to develop solutions for sustainability challenges. We are delighted to partner with Shiv Nadar University via our Fully Open Access agreement, reinforcing our shared vision of making high-quality research widely available to drive real-world change. I am sure this partnership will help provide impetus to ethical and indigenous research on sustainability and help widen its reach globally.”

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Bridging Research Through Industry and Academia,” moderated by Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director of Springer Nature. The discussion featured esteemed panellists, including Dr. Shashank Shah, Director, Higher Education, NITI Aayog; Dr. Suneet Tuli, Dean School Of Engineering, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi – NCR; Dr. Gitanjali Yadav, Group Leader, National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR); PP Sunil Acharya, India & South Asia Lead: Education, Space, NPO, Channels & Alliances, AWS. Together they explored the collaborative role of industry, academia, and government in advancing impactful sustainability initiatives.

During the event, six outstanding women faculty members from Shiv Nadar University, Delhi – NCR were felicitated for their immense contributions. These faculty members included Professor Bimlesh Lochab, Department of Chemistry; Dr. Geetanjali Chawla, Department of Life Sciences; Dr. Ipsita Mandal, Department of Physics; Dr. Vijayata Fulzele, School of Management and Entrepreneurship; and Dr. Sumedha Moharana, Department of Civil Engineering.

Hyderabad, 25th February 2025 – The 22nd edition of BioAsia 2025, Asia’s largest life sciences and healthcare conference, themed ‘Catalysts of Change – Expanding Global Healthcare Frontiers, Transforming Healthcare with Innovation, Collaboration and Progress’ was inaugurated by Mr. A Revanth Reddy, Hon’ble CM of Telangana, Dr. Jeannette Young, Hon’ble Governor of Queensland, and Mr D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana along with other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, Mr. A Revanth Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana said “BioAsia over the years has helped position Hyderabad as the global Life Sciences capital of the country. This event is of great significance and will help position India as an important player in the growth of the healthcare sector. The city of Hyderabad has a long history of excellence in healthcare, biosciences, life sciences, pharma, bulk drugs, generics, contract manufacturing and biotech industries. We are excited to host Bio Asia today. We will develop Hyderabad and Telangana into one of the largest ecosystems for biosciences, biotech and life sciences innovation, R&D, manufacturing, skill development, and investment. We are the number 1 state which has attracted both domestic and foreign investment. We have the lowest inflation rate and are creating employment opportunities in the state of Telangana. We already have 160 Km ORR and we are building a Regional Ring Road of 360 KM outside the core urban area along with a network of radial roads connecting the two ring roads with radial roads and creating manufacturing hubs for pharma, EVs data centres, green energy, seed manufacturing, agri-processing and other sectors. We are developing 10 pharma Villages between ORR and RRR which will generate over 5 lakh jobs. The Green Pharma city is also a key initiative under the Future City Project and is progressing rapidly. We have already signed 6 MOUs and signing another 11 MOUs today creating more jobs for the youth. We are all set to launch a new Life Sciences Policy which will chart a bold new growth trajectory for the sector. With this, we will enter new domains such as cell and gene therapy, genomics, biologics, precision medicine, peptides, digital innovation, advanced R&D and complex manufacturing.”

Mr. Sridhar Babu, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana, said: “The BioAsia has been built over the past 2 decades as a culmination of excellence and it has become a cornerstone for the healthcare and sciences industry. For the past 12 months, we have witnessed a huge surge of investment from several international and domestic companies who have chosen Telangana as the gateway to India which is rapidly growing in terms of the life sciences ecosystem. From Pharma manufacturing and R&D centres to GCCS innovation hubs. We have witnessed several global life sciences companies open operations in the city and have created more than 51,000 direct jobs and 1,50,000 indirect jobs over here. We inaugurated Amgen’s largest innovation centre yesterday along with Miltenyi, a cutting-edge cell and gene therapy centre. As we look to the future, our focus remains steadfast on skilling and workforce development. We have established a skills university Young India Skills University which will focus on covering this gap. A key pillar in this mission is to establish a life sciences university which is progressing rapidly to equip the Hyderabad workforce with industry-relevant expertise. By collaborating closely with GCC Hyderabad we are designing a specialised curriculum in science and technology ensuring our talent remains globally competitive and Future-ready. I am delighted to share that the first batch of the chemistry skill programme successfully concluded this month. We are determined to insert Telangana into the global Pharma supply chain as a key player in terms of Bulk drug and also in generic pharma and be a world leader in the life sciences space”

The inaugural day also featured four insightful panel discussions. The session on AI Transformation in Healthcare brought together eminent speakers, including Dr. Ken Washington, CTO, Medtronic; Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman and Founder, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG); Dr Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health and Healthcare; Dr. Olga Kubassova, President, Image Analysis Group (IAG); and Dr. Ricardo Gaminha Pacheco, Director, Insilico Medicine.

The second-panel discussion, ‘Unleashing the Tiger: The Indian CRDMO Sector,’ featured industry leaders such as Peter Bains, CEO Designate, Syngene; Manni Kantipudi, CEO, Aragon Lifesciences; Krishna Kanumuri, Managing Director & CEO, Sai Lifesciences; Nandini Piramal, Chairperson, Piramal Pharma Ltd; Ramesh Subramaniam, CEO, PI Health Sciences; Guilano Perfetti, Managing Director & CEO, Jubilant Biosys; and Akhil Ravi, CEO, Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services.

Additionally, the panel on ‘Innovations Shaping the Future of the Global Life Sciences Landscape’ featured distinguished speakers such as Dr. Shekar Mande, Former Director General, CSIR; Dr. Boris Stoffel, Managing Director, Miltenyi Biotec; Christian Jones, Chief Commercial Officer, Nanoform; Nitin Dharmadhikari, Chief Operating Officer, SPARC; Sandhya Sreepathy, Novartis Biomedical Research Head; and Dr. Anil Kaul, Vice President & Head, Global Public Health Discovery, Johnson & Johnson.

In the last panel of the day, Strengthening the Global Bioeconomy and Transforming Human Health Through Generative Biology (in collaboration with the World Economic Forum), key insights were shared by Dr. Toon Overstijns, CEO, of Miltenyi Biomedicine; Dr. Marinna Madrid, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, Cellino Biotec; Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited; Sanjiv Navangul, Managing Director and CEO, Bharat Serums and Vaccines Ltd; Prof. Ullas S Kolthur, Director, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics; and Sai Prasad, Executive Director, Bharat Biotech International Ltd.

Lastly, a high-profile CEO Conclave, titled ‘India’s Century: Leading the Global Innovation Charge in Life Sciences,’ also took place, featuring distinguished speakers, including Dr. S. Somanath, Former Chairman, ISRO; G.V. Prasad, Co-Chairman & Managing Director, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories; Dr. Satyanarayana Chava, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Laurus Labs; Cesar Concepcion, Chief Commercial Officer, APMA Region, Novartis; and Winslow Tucker, President and General Manager, Lilly India, USA.

25th, February 2025: InsuranceDekho, India’s fastest-growing Insurtech platform, today announced a remarkable expansion in its agent partner network. In the past year, the company has onboarded more than 95K new agent partners, reflecting a 92 % year-on-year surge in its partner network, now totaling 2,20K Dec 2024.

This aggressive growth has enabled InsuranceDekho to extend its reach to 99% of the country’s pin codes, with an impressive 86% of its agents operating in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

The company’s expansion is particularly evident in Tier 3 towns such as Sikdar in Rajasthan, Krishnanagar in West Bengal, Zunheboto in Nagaland, and Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. It has even reached some of the country’s most remote regions, including Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and Serchhip in Mizoram, showcasing its commitment to providing insurance services to every corner of the nation.

Pankaj Goenka, Vice President and Head of B2B2C at InsuranceDekho, commented on this achievement, stating, “The remarkable expansion of our agent network reflects our dedication to making insurance accessible to every corner of the country. By reaching 99% of India’s pin codes, we are addressing critical gaps in accessibility and bringing financial protection closer to underserved communities. This milestone is not just about numbers; it represents our commitment to empowering individuals and families at the last mile with reliable insurance solutions. The resulting growth in our premium run rate further underscores the impact of our efforts, reinforcing our role as a trusted enabler in the insurance ecosystem.”

Driven by a tech-first approach, InsuranceDekho’s platform offers a diverse range of over 720 insurance plans from 49 insurers, providing comprehensive options for every customer. This wide range of choices, combined with the platform’s seamless digital experience, has contributed to the company’s stellar financial growth.

As of March 2024, InsuranceDekho’s annual premium run rate hit INR 3,300 crore, nearly doubling from the previous year. Further, its ambitious vision includes expanding its footprint to 6 lakh villages, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for job creation and financial inclusion in rural India.

This expansion is not just about growth but about empowering individuals and businesses across the country by making insurance accessible to all.