CIS Teachers’ Strong Performance Commends Their Victory at Bergman Mysore Triathlon
Bangalore, March 12, 2025: Canadian International School, Bangalore, teachers Ms. Misti Mokros and Mr. Nicholas McGregor placed 1st each in the 41–50 age group category male and female respectively — at the Bergman Olympic Triathlon held in Mysore recently.
Bergman Triathlon, organised by the Deccan Sports Club (DSC), is a premier endurance sports event in India. Established in 2019 by two triathletes, DSC is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting triathlons, duathlons and marathons. The club brings together athletes of all levels, offering events across India and abroad, and is committed to community engagement through various CSR activities.
Their victory at the Bergman Olympic Triathlon came with its own set of challenges. The Olympic triathlon category involves a 1,500-meter swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run – all of which they conquered with disciplined preparation and mental resilience. “It was a tough course, with extreme terrain and climate, but we gave it everything we had,” said Ms. Misti and Mr. Nicholas.
The couple, who have long been advocates for fitness and student engagement, began their endurance journey in India in 2023 when the CIS community introduced them to the IRONMAN challenge in Goa. Initially intrigued by the event, they soon found themselves forming a CIS team to participate in the Goa IRONMAN. With the support of the school community, they took on the challenge despite not having prior experience in long-distance triathlons. “We weren’t in the best shape when we moved to India two years ago. We always try to stay somewhat fit, but we weren’t in great shape. The wide variety of endurance competitions in India gave us the motivation to push ourselves further,” said Mr. Nicholas.
From that first experience, their passion for endurance sports only grew. They began training rigorously, participating in various triathlons and endurance races across India, including the Devil’s Circuit, Yoddha and Spartan races. Their journey became more than personal – it turned into a family and community movement.
“We run at the lake, we bike at another lake, and we started noticing more CIS parents and children getting involved,” said Ms. Misti. “It’s become a whole-family affair and that’s what motivates us. Our kids see us training, and now they want to join in. It’s important for them to understand that you don’t have to stop just because you’re 40 or 50; you can keep doing it and still be successful.”
Beyond their personal achievements, their commitment to fitness has had a lasting impact on the CIS community. In just two years, they have built a thriving track team at CIS from scratch, growing it to nearly 60 athletes. Their dedication continues to inspire students to push their own limits, instilling in them the mindset that success – whether in sports, academics or life – requires consistent effort and perseverance.
“At Canadian International School (CIS), nurture, challenge and empower are at the heart of our community. It is truly inspiring to see our teachers not only uphold these values but also serve as real-life role models, motivating our students every day. As a triathlete myself, I am inspired by the achievements of Misti and Nicholas – it exemplifies dedication, resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence”, commented Ms. Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bangalore.
“You don’t just wake up and win races. You train, you struggle, you push through and then you succeed,” the couple emphasised. “We want our students to see that hard work pays off, whether it’s in the classroom, on the track or in life.”
Their journey is a powerful reminder that discipline, resilience and the courage to challenge oneself can lead to incredible achievements. As they prepare for future races, they continue to inspire not just their students, but an entire school community to embrace an active and determined lifestyle
Bessemer Commends India’s Startup Ecosystem with dollar 350 Million Fund Raise
Bangalore, 12th March 2025 – Bessemer Venture Partners today announced the close of $350 million in capital for its second dedicated India fund, reinforcing the firm’s long-standing commitment to backing founders in the region as they build enduring companies.
The new fund will enhance the firm’s focus on early-stage investments, across AI-enabled services and SaaS, fintech, digital health, direct-to-consumer brands, and cybersecurity. Bessemer has a long-standing history of partnering with companies early and supporting them through their growth. More than 80 percent of its investments in India over the last five years have been in early-stage companies.
Speaking on the fund raise, Vishal Gupta, Partner and Managing Director of the firm’s Bangalore office said, “This fund deepens our commitment to India’s startup ecosystem as we continue backing the next generation of entrepreneurs building technology-led businesses. We remain focused on identifying and investing in founders who are driving innovation, solving complex challenges, and building market-defining companies. Beyond providing capital, we bring deep sector expertise, a global network, and hands-on support to help founders navigate their growth journeys and scale sustainably.”
Bessemer Partner Anant Vidur Puri added, “India is at the forefront of the AI-driven transformation, with founders building domestic as well as globally-competitive businesses across enterprise software, fintech, and consumer technology. As AI adoption accelerates, we see immense opportunities for innovation, and this fund allows us to back entrepreneurs shaping the next phase of India’s digital economy.”
Bessemer first established its India presence nearly two decades ago in 2006 and has since invested in more than 80 startups in the country. The partnership’s strategy centres around being patient, long-term partners to visionary founders from the early stages. The firm has a history of taking a roadmap-driven investment approach that enables its investors to build conviction in emerging areas across industries before they become obvious, and better help founders navigate evolving industry landscapes. This approach has led Bessemer to invest early in shifts in the market like the onset of the mobile revolution, India’s digital infrastructure, and its healthcare revolution, resulting in investments such as Urban Company, Perfios, and Medi Assist.
The firm’s first dedicated India fund backed notable startups including Boldfit, MoveInSync, Pepper Content, Shopdeck, Vetic, and Zopper, while its broader portfolio includes category leaders like BigBasket, Livspace, Perfios, Swiggy, and Urban Company. The firm has also seen nine IPOs within its India portfolio.
With investment teams positioned across five countries, Bessemer is a globally integrated platform that is committed to supporting innovative startups and fostering the next generation of industry leaders
NSE Clearing Ltd Reaffirms ‘CRISIL AAA/Stable’ for 17th Year
Mumbai, 12 March 2025: NSE Clearing Limited (NSE Clearing), has received reaffirmation of its credit rating of ‘‘CRISIL AAA/Stable” from CRISIL. ‘‘CRISIL AAA/Stable” rating indicates the highest degree of strength with regards to honouring debt obligations. NSE Clearing is a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE. As per CRISIL, the rating reflects NSE Clearing’s “strategic importance to, and the strong support from, its parent, National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE)”. The rating also factor in NSE Clearing’s “comfortable capital position and comprehensive risk management systems”.
CRISIL has stated that “The systems are regularly upgraded to pre-empt market failures”. CRISIL has reaffirmed the outlook for NSE Clearing as “Stable” and states that, “NSE Clearing will maintain its strong market position due to its association with NSE and will sustain its comprehensive risk management systems and adequate core SGF commensurate with the clearing volumes, over the medium term.” On an ongoing basis, NSE Clearing continues to address the risks in clearing and settlement with its stringent norms for selection of members, robust margining system, and risk-based position limits and surveillance mechanism.
PhonePe Celebrates Milestone: 600 Million Registered Users and Counting
March 12,2025:PhonePe, today announced that it has crossed 600 million (60 crore) registered users on its platform. This marks a significant milestone for the company, which will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this year, and has grown to serve hundreds of millions of customers with its financial services and technology solutions.
PhonePe’s consistent enhancement of its product and service offerings, combined with growing customer preference for the platform, has contributed to reaching this milestone. The company’s development of a secure payment system focused on reliability, speed, and personalized transaction experiences has gained traction among millions of users. This growth can also be attributed to PhonePe’s widespread adoption across its merchant network throughout the country, creating a robust digital payment ecosystem that serves both consumers and businesses alike.
Speaking about the milestone, Sameer Nigam, Co-founder & CEO, of PhonePe said, “Reaching 60 crore registered users is a proud moment for all of us at PhonePe. Every milestone we achieve brings us a step closer to realizing our vision of building a truly inclusive financial ecosystem. We will continue building homegrown solutions to meet the evolving needs of our users and help drive India’s digital transformation.”
Wockhardt Mira Road Achieves 50 Kidney Transplants First ABO Swap
Mumbai, 12th March 2025: In a significant development that could improve quality of life of people suffering from kidney related ailments, a team of Nephrologists, Urologists and Transplant Surgeons headed by Dr Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road successfully performed the first Swap Kidney Transplant that saved two precious lives.
This accomplishment coincides with the Hospital achieving a remarkable milestone of completing 50 successful kidney transplants, demonstrating Wockhardt Mira Road’s expertise and excellence in Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation. The Hospital’s first Swap Kidney Transplant was successfully conducted on two blood group incompatible (ABO) donor-recipient pairs matched through kidney-paired donation. The first pair, a wife aged 52 (B) and husband aged 58 (A) as well as the second pair of a mother age 56 (A) and her daughter aged 30 (B) had incompatible blood groups. However, through a paired exchange, wife (B) from the first pair ended up donating to daughter (B) in the second pair, while the mother (A) from the second pair donated to husband (A) in the first pair.
Terming the swap kidney transplant as a ray of hope for families and patients, Dr Puneet Bhuwania said, “For those who might otherwise get excluded from transplantation due to blood group mismatch, utilizing paired kidney exchange overcomes the traditional barriers of ABO mismatch and expands the living donor pool that offers patients a chance to healthier, dialysis free life. Each of the 50 transplants we did represent a new lease on life for our patients. Our goal is not just to perform surgeries but to ensure long-term health and well-being through continuous post-transplant care and support.”
He further added, “The simultaneous surgeries on all four people required meticulous coordination across four operating rooms, with every member of the team working in perfect harmony. The results are rapid donor recovery, excellent recipient outcomes, and no complications highlight the safety and effectiveness of swap kidney transplants. Further, healthcare costs are reduced as long term dialysis is avoided.”
The procedure demonstrates how precision, innovation, and teamwork can converge to achieve extraordinary outcomes for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. All the donors and recipients recovered well, with excellent graft function and no complications, and have been discharged from the Hospital. Both the donors and recipients thanked each other and the team of doctors for the life-saving transplant and are recovering well.
The life saving transplant was conducted by a team headed Dr Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician along with Dr. Jayesh Dhabalia, Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Pradeep Vyavahare, Consultant Urologist, Transplant & Robotic Surgeon, Dr Prakash Tejwani, Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon and Dr Ashutosh Baghel, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon
Urology and Renal Transplant Team, emphasized the importance of early detection and awareness, stating, “Timely diagnosis and intervention are key to improving kidney health. All the successful transplants and especially the first swap kidney transplant motivate us to further our mission of providing world-class nephrology care.”
The hospital’s expert team of nephrologists, urologists, and transplant surgeons has played a pivotal role in ensuring safe and effective transplants, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing quality of life. The success rate of these procedures underscores Wockhardt Hospital’s advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Pankaj Dhamija, Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Raod added “Wockhardt Hospital remains at the forefront of swap kidney transplants, minimally invasive procedures, and comprehensive renal care, reinforcing its position as a leader in the field. The hospital continues to drive awareness on the prevention and management of kidney disease, encouraging patients to seek timely medical attention.”
MatCare: Indira IVF’s Foray into Maternity and Child Healthcare
12 March 2025, Mumbai: Indira IVF has announced its foray into maternity and child healthcare with the launch of MatCare Maternity & Child Hospital in Varanasi. This marks an expansion within the core offering of reproductive care, highlighting Indira IVF’s commitment to providing high-quality, integrated services that comprehensively address the needs of families. The hospital is designed to provide expertise, advanced infrastructure, critical neonatal care (Level III NICU), and personalized care under one roof for expectant mothers, newborns, and high-risk pregnancies.
With the launch of its first hospital in Varanasi, Matcare Wellness Private Limited – a wholly owned subsidiary of Indira IVF Hospital Limited expands functioning in mother & child healthcare.
Equipped with advanced delivery rooms, modern operating theatres, and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), MatCare is designed to provide seamless, end-to-end care from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond. Additionally, the facility will offer high-risk pregnancy management, minimally invasive gynaecological surgeries, neonatal surgical interventions, foetal medicine services, and postnatal rehabilitation, ensuring that mothers and newborns receive comprehensive, expert-led medical attention.
Speaking on the launch, Dr Kshitiz Murdia, Whole Time Director and CEO of Indira IVF, said, “Maternity care is an inclusive process that goes beyond childbirth, it is about ensuring the holistic well-being of both mother and child at every stage. Built on the principle that every mother and new-born deserves expert-led, compassionate care, MatCare brings together advanced medical technology and a highly specialized team of paediatricians, gynaecologists, obstetricians, neonatologists, and foetal medicine experts to set new benchmarks in maternity and neonatal healthcare. Our goal is not just to provide treatment but to create a supportive ecosystem where families feel confident, reassured, and empowered throughout their journey into parenthood and beyond.”
The hospital has been designed to provide high-quality treatment and critical care, offering 24/7 laboratory services, an in-house pharmacy, physiotherapy, lactation counselling, and a neonatal retrieval transport system, reinforcing its commitment to seamless, patient-centric care.
MatCare Maternity & Child Hospital aims to bridge critical gaps in maternity and neonatal healthcare, making high-quality, specialized care more accessible to families across India. By prioritizing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to advanced maternal and neonatal services remains largely unmet, MatCare brings medical expertise and infrastructure to these regions, providing more families with the care they deserve.
Delightful Holi Treats from ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar Await Your Celebration
Experience the vibrant festival of Holi like never before with ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar’s exclusive Holi Collection from Nutmeg, available from March 7th to 16th. Celebrate the season of color, love, and joy with our specially curated menu that showcases a delightful array of traditional mithai and savory snacks, perfect for enhancing your festive gatherings. At the heart of our offerings are the beloved batches of Gujiya, expertly crafted to encapsulate the essence of Holi, these classic confections are filled with a rich blend of cashew and khoya, promising a delightful taste explosion in every bite. Complementing the Gujiya is our Lavang Latika Box, also priced at ₹899+ taxes, featuring rose-infused reduced milk dumplings with exquisite hints of cardamom, elevating your sweet experience to new heights. Don’t miss out on our delectable Peda Box, These dried fig and nut-stuffed ghee-fried wheat parcels, studded with cloves, are perfect for anyone who loves a touch of indulgence during the festivities. For those who wish to explore a wider selection, our Holi Goodies Box is a splendid option., it includes a mix of 32 pieces: 8 Gujiya, 8 Lavang Latika, and 8 Peda, making it an ideal treat to share with family and friends. Elevate your celebration with our Holi Hamper This lavish compilation includes everything from the Gujiya and Lavang Latika to a generous 16 Peda, plus enticing additions like Mint n’ Chili Roasted Nuts, Kaju Ajwain Nimki, and Saunf Gud Paare. Each of these components is designed to enchant your taste buds and create an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of Holi. Join us in welcoming this festive season with open arms and colorful plates. Make your Holi celebrations truly special with ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar’s Holi Collection—where every bite is a celebration!
Celebrate the Colours of Holi in Style at The Fern Hotels and Resorts
Mumbai, March 11, 2025: This Holi, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, invites guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant colours, joyous festivities and cherished traditions of one of India’s most beloved festivals. With properties spanning across the country, The Fern Hotels & Resorts offers the perfect backdrop for families, friends and solo travellers to celebrate the spirit of togetherness, joy and renewal.
The Fern Hotels & Resorts has curated exclusive Holi celebration packages designed to make this festival unforgettable at select properties. These thoughtfully crafted packages include special weekend getaways, vibrant Holi-themed decorations, live entertainment and exhilarating parties, ensuring a truly immersive experience for every guest. Whether guests are looking to revel in the energetic atmosphere of a lively Holi celebration or relax in a serene, nature-inspired setting, The Fern offers a variety of options to suit every preference.
Culinary delights are at the heart of Holi celebrations with properties featuring festive Holi-centric menus, offering traditional delicacies such as gujiya, thandai and an array of other festive treats, along with exquisite multi-cuisine spreads. Guests will enjoy vibrant, colour-inspired dishes that celebrate the flavors and colours of the season. The Holi festivities will be brought to life with specially designed décor, featuring colourful splashes of hues throughout the properties. Expect an atmosphere filled with festive cheer as guests can enjoy live performances and DJ beats at Holi parties that promise plenty of colour-filled fun.
Celebrate the magic of Holi with The Fern Hotels & Resorts and experience the colours, music and joy of one of India’s most iconic festivals. Let this Holi be a time to create lasting memories, surrounded by loved ones in the warmth and beauty of The Fern Hotels & Resorts’ unique properties
Experience Luxury in the Alps with Club Med’s All-Inclusive Mountain Retreats
India, 11 March 2025 –With 70 years of expertise in curating mountain holidays since 1967, Club Med offers travellers the opportunity to indulge in snow-covered getaways effortlessly. From world-class slopes to après-ski indulgence, Club Med’s premium all-inclusive winter holidays are thoughtfully designed to deliver effortless perfection. With stunning resorts spanning Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, every moment—whether on the slopes or by the fire—is crafted to inspire adventure, connection, and pure joy.
Rediscover the Magic of A Hassle-free Winter Holiday
Club Med stands out as a seamless blend of indulgence and adventure, offering something for everyone. Guests can enjoy complimentary ski experiences with doorstep access to powdery slopes in breathtaking locations like the French and Italian Alps, as well as Japan’s Hokkaido and China’s scenic mountain domains. Every detail is designed to make holidays hassle-free— including ski passes and equipment for professional lessons for beginners and advanced skiers alike for each stay. Off the slopes, guests can relax with spa treatments, savour gourmet international cuisine and enjoy vibrant après-ski activities that bring a festive charm daily.
What truly sets Club Med apart is its thoughtful focus on families. With expert childcare services for children aged 4 months* to 17 years, parents can enjoy the freedom to explore while kids engage in the signature positive education programme where age-appropriate activities blend fun and learning holistically. This all-inclusive approach ensures that even the youngest members have a memorable stay and allows families to fully immerse themselves in the joys of a winter getaway.
CIE IIITH Secures Spotlight for 25 Startups at Annual R&D Exhibition
Hyderabad, March 11, 2025:The International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) celebrated its research excellence at R&D Showcase 2025, featuring over 400+ recent research works from 28 research centers. As part of this grand celebration, CIE (Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship), the institute’s innovation and entrepreneurship hub, showcased its deep tech startups. These startups have been actively engaging with IIITH’s research and faculty.
Among the 40+ startups that have engaged with IIITH faculty and research, 25 promising startups were featured at the R&D Startup Showcase on March 8, 2025. These ventures span multiple deeptech domains, including DeepAI, Lifesciences, Engineering/Mobility, and SaaS/ServiceTech, demonstrating impactful technological advancements.
The Hyderabad Innovation Ecosystem including VCs, corporates, mentors, ecosystem enablers, faculty, researchers, and students was invited to interact with these trailblazing startups and witness their innovations firsthand.
Featured Startups at R&D Showcase 2025
From revolutionizing AI-driven automation in fashion, healthcare, and education to advancing frontier technologies in mobility, sustainability, and defense, the startups demonstrated next-gen deeptech solutions. The innovations spanned low-code AI model deployment, contactless health monitoring, and precision diagnostics, transforming industries from life sciences to aerospace. Blockchain-powered trade solutions, secure document automation, and multimodal language AI pushed the frontiers of enterprise technology and digital trust. Meanwhile, breakthroughs in smart EV charging, LENR energy, and climate analytics reshaped the future of sustainable infrastructure. The showcase underscored a transformational shift from research-driven prototypes to industry-ready deeptech solutions, driving global impact.
Through R&D Showcase 2025, CIE IIITH continues to bridge academia, research, and entrepreneurship, fostering deeptech innovations that drive real-world impact. This event reaffirmed IIITH’s commitment to advancing technology-driven startups and enabling transformative solutions for the future.