New Delhi, 21 March 2025: EY, the leading professional services organization, announced the winners of ‘Techathon 5.0: Harnessing AI to transform Bharat’. This year’s EY Techathon 5.0 showcased students developing Generative AI (GenAI) based solutions to address real-world challenges in sectors such as education, healthcare, BPM/BPO, financial inclusion, and citizen services, thereby contributing to Bharat’s progress. With over 1.5 lakh+ individuals registering, the competition attracted more than 6,500 team submissions from colleges across the country.

Team CaseWizz (Siddharth Asthana, Sanyam Jhuria, and Ayush Sikarwal) from IIT Kharagpur bagged the winning trophy of EY Techathon 5.0 for showcasing their creatively designed AI-powered financial assistant names V.A.R.U.N (Voice Assistant for Rural Users’ Needs). Throughout the challenge, they consistently demonstrated innovative product design keeping customer at the centre, new age architecture drive approach, delivering tangible benefits to end users.

Team SE827 (Dastageer Siddiqui and Arun Bhattachrya) from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar secured the runner-up position for their exemplary work in developing Polyphen; an AI-powered mobile health platform for visiting physicians, that will enable efficient rural healthcare with online/offline patient registration, QR-based history access, and AI-driven chronic disease prediction.

The People’s Choice Award was clinched by team Catalyst (Tejaswini Atluri, Pabitha Kommineni, Rishik KNR, and Akshay Pulla) from Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, Telangana. The team garnered maximum number of votes from individuals and tech enthusiasts nationwide, who casted their votes for their most preferred entries in the competition.

Mahesh Makhija, Partner and Technology Consulting Leader, EY India, said, “As emerging technologies like GenAI reshape businesses, our focus remains on nurturing talent that can solve real-world challenges and propel India’s leadership on the global stage. EY Techathon exemplifies our commitment by fostering the next-generation leaders who can drive meaningful innovation. This year’s participants demonstrated not only a strong grasp of emerging technologies like GenAI but also the ability to apply them to solve real-world industry challenges. The ingenuity and problem-solving mindset of India’s tech professionals reinforce our belief in the country’s potential to shape the future of technology.”

Techathon is a key component of EY Technology Consulting’s undergraduate outreach program, aimed at nurturing and recruiting talented young professionals to join over 15,000 technologists and data scientists at EY in India.

Raghavendra Rengaswamy, Consulting Leader, EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) added, “EY Techathon 5.0 has been a remarkable showcase of talent, innovation, and problem-solving excellence. I congratulate the winners as well as the participants of the event. The creativity and depth of AI-driven solutions presented by them have been truly inspiring, demonstrating the potential to transform Bharat at scale. At EY GDS, we are committed to harnessing technology for meaningful impact, and this event reaffirms our dedication to driving AI-led innovation that shapes a smarter, more sustainable future. The passion and ingenuity displayed here today are a testament to the limitless possibilities when technology and purpose come together.”

The winners were announced at the Grand Finale held in Bengaluru, where an independent jury evaluated the solutions presented by the shortlisted finalists. The jury comprised Abhijit Khasnis, VP Technology, HealthifyMe; A. Prashanth, Executive Director, Bosch Mobility Platform & Solutions, India; Debashis Singh, Chief Information Officer, Persistent Systems; Dr. Harsha Rajaram, CEO, Aster Digital Health, India; Praveen Shrikhande, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.; Rakesh Bhardwaj, Global CIO, Lupin; Mohua Sengupta, GCC Leader; Alok Gupta, Chief Solutions and Product Officer, EkStep; Shashidhar Lingaraj, Executive Director and Head, Arcolab; Sudeep Dey, Chief Information Officer, Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited; Sajid Ahmed, Technology Leader; along with Mahesh Makhija, Partner and Technology Consulting Leader, EY India and Raghavendra Rengaswamy, Consulting Leader, EY GDS.

The winning team received a cash prize of INR 3,00,000 while the runner-up team was awarded INR 2,00,000. The winners will also receive mentorship by EY Leadership to develop strategic solutions for global enterprises.

Kolkata, 20th March 2025: Anooshka Soham Bathwal, CEO and Founder of Dhanvesttor has been honored with the Editor’s Choice Award for Trailblazer in Women’s Financial Empowerment at the Her Zindagi Womenpreneur Awards 2025. Organized by Jagran New Media, the event took place at The Lalit, Delhi to celebrate women entrepreneurs from across the nation who are making a meaningful impact in their industries. The ceremony brought together leading women entrepreneurs under one roof along with distinguished dignitaries, with Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Member of Parliament gracing the event as the Chief Guest.

As the driving force behind Dhanvesttor, India’s only women-centric wealth management and community empowerment platform, Anooshka has been recognized for helping women across the nation to take charge of their financial futures. She has worked tirelessly to make financial literacy and investment opportunities more accessible to women, breaking barriers in wealth management and bridging the gender gap in finance.

Commenting on the recognition, Anooshka said, “I am incredibly honored to receive this award from Her Zindagi. At Dhanvesttor, we believe financial empowerment is not just about numbers—it is about enabling women to make informed choices, gain confidence in managing their wealth, and ultimately build a secure future for themselves and their families. Financial literacy should not be a privilege but a right, and this recognition reaffirms our commitment to making financial education and investment solutions more accessible to women from all walks of life. It is heartening to see an increasing number of women stepping up, investing in themselves, and actively participating in wealth creation. I dedicate this award to every woman who has dared to take control of her financial journey, and I hope to continue driving this mission forward with even greater passion and impact.”

Since its inception in 2024, Dhanvesttor has rapidly emerged as a trusted platform championing women-friendly investment strategies and accessible financial education.

March 20,2025:In association with the Ministry of MSMEs (Government of India), PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) is organizing the 1st edition of the “Chhattisgarh International Trade Expo 2025 (CITEX 2025)” on 20-23 March 2025 at St. Paul’s Church Compound, Civil Lines, Raipur. CITEX 2025 will be inaugurated on 20 March. CITEX 2025, a flagship initiative dedicated to supporting the “MSMEs & Linked Export Ecosystems” from Chhattisgarh, will be a uniquely focused Expo in Central India. The Expo shall enhance the business prospects of micro, small and medium businesses—with helping them find the opportune market linkages besides offering opportunities to also align with the large corporates as ancillary units or suppliers.

Through Expo, dialogues and networking, CITEX 2025 will be drawing the interests and participations of the senior government officials, industry stakeholders, crafts-persons, professionals, international agencies, members of civil society, media and end consumers. Among others, as a multi-sectoral Expo, CITEX 2025 shall have the representations of MSMEs from the sectors: Handicrafts, Furniture & Toys; Gems & Jewelry; Construction Equipment; Agro & Food Processing; AYUSH; Education, Green & Alternate Energy; Hotel Industry; Adventure Tourism.

With the necessity to support the MSMEs and linked exporters of Chhattisgarh for the sustainable development of the state, CITEX 2025 is a transformative initiative that will help in further deepening the stakeholders’ collaboration for aptly placing at right spots the local products and MSMEs involved with them. CITEX 2025 shall open up meaningful opportunities to showcase the industrial products to a diverse audience including industry stakeholders and end consumers. CITEX 2025 should witness a huge footfall of visitors, enabling about sixty MSMEs participating in this, putting their stalls, greatly benefitted with market linkage opportunities and business leads.

CITEX, a multi-sectoral Expo with a resolve to further accelerate the growth of MSMEs in Chhattisgarh and the linked export ecosystem, will be an annual flagship initiative of PHDCCI. Essentially CITEX 2025 is expected to be a single most impactful platform for Chhattisgarh’s MSME community and other concerned industry stakeholders of different sizes to come forward for being part of a transformative platform.

New Delhi; March 20, 2025: Member of the Organizing Committee of Startup Mahakumbh and Chair of the Agritech panel, Founder and Vice Chairman of Aavishkaar Group, Vineet Rai, will be anchoring the Agritech Pavilion at the 2nd Edition of the Startup Mahakumbh, the world’s largest celebration of innovation and Entrepreneurship, set to take place from April 3–5, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. C M Patil, Chief Executive Officer of KrishiKalpa Foundation will be the Co-Lead of the Agritech Pavilion.

With the focal theme as ‘Startup India @ 2047—Unfolding the Bharat Story’, the convening will feature 3,000+ startups, 1,000+ investors and incubators, 10,000+ delegates from 50+ countries, creating an unparalleled platform to shape the future of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Supported by Next Bharat Ventures, Aavishkaar Capital and Intellecap, part of the Aavishkaar Group, and IIT Kharagpur, the Agritech pavilion will celebrate startups and technologies driving sustainable agriculture and improving livelihoods across rural India.

The overwhelming participation and response from entrepreneurs and innovators alike from the previous edition has resulted in a more interactive and creative format for this edition. With ~100 promising startups alone being showcased, there will also be an ‘Agri-Bazaar’, bespoke Masterclasses, and exciting discussions with Agritech luminaries at the Summit. As a 1st time addition to the Summit, the ‘Startup Maharathi Challenge’, with a funding pool for INR 30Cr, will provide an opportunity for visionary startups to showcase transformative solutions, secure nation-wide recognition, and access the right funding and mentorship to scale.

 “Startup Mahakumbh as the name suggest is the grand celebration of Indian Startup ecosystem. As the member of Startup Mahakumbh Organizing Committee and as Chair and Lead of the Agritech Pavilion, we look forward to welcoming exciting new startups to showcase their transformative capacity, specifically in the space of Agriculture and Rural Development. As we chart the course towards ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ the Agritech pavilion will showcase how Indian farmers are sharing their experience with the startup founders and their technological prowess to paint a new narrative around food security, job creation and income enhancement. At the Agritech Pavillion, farmers and stock market experts, venture funds, Investment bankers, agritech startups and farmer producer companies, would weave a rich tapestry of insights, ideas, investments and impact.” shared Vineet Rai, Founder and Vice Chairman, Aavishkaar Group.

Aavishkaar Group is also delighted to present NABARD as the lead partner of the Agritech pavilion. As the pre-eminent institution of choice for building rural India, the partnership will shed light on the latest advancements, disruptive technologies, and opportunities reshaping the future of agriculture in India.  NABARD is India’s apex development finance institution promoting sustainable, equitable agriculture and rural development. This pivotal collaboration highlights NABARD’s commitment to nurturing the agri-sector’s growth and innovation. At the pavilion, NABARD will also showcase 30 startups from their cohort, showcasing the dynamic and transformative potential within India’s agri startup ecosystem.

 Shaji KV, Chairman, NABARD said, “Innovation and entrepreneurship in rural India are the cornerstones of inclusive development. By fostering startups, we empower communities, strengthen agriculture, and pave the way for a sustainable future, NABARD will continue to provide support for initiatives that propel the agritech ecosystem to make strides in the agriculture space.  At Startup Mahakumbh, we aim to highlight the contributions of the enterprises we support and scale, to our agri-ecosystem. We look forward to a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture in India.”

The ‘Entrepreneur-first’ agenda will ensure that Startups get unprecedented access to one-on-one mentoring sessions, live pitches, best practices on Governance, and the opportunity to participate and win Awards for their startup innovations. The Startup Mahakumbh agenda has been curated to facilitate a vibrant exchange of ideas and best practices at the forefront of agricultural innovation in India.

The comprehensive program is curated by an Organizing Committee featuring prominent leaders from India’s startup ecosystem. Led by FICCI, the key organizers include ASSOCHAM, Nasscom, TiE, IVCA and Bootstrap Foundation. The event is well supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at a national level.

Bengaluru, March 20, 2025: Indegene, a digital-first life sciences commercialization company, today announced the launch of a new center in London. This aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy in Europe, reiterating its commitment to enable life sciences clients in the region to be future-ready.

Indegene’s Europe-based clients can now benefit from this center as a strategic hub for consulting and commercialization solutions and modernize their operations with an AI-first approach. The company is strengthening its existing employee base in the region, with skillsets spanning a wide range of areas – consulting, creative, data and analytics, engineering and customer experience.

“London is a vital healthcare, technology and business innovation hub, with a great talent pool – making it an important market for life sciences companies in the region”, said Manish Gupta, Chairman and CEO, Indegene. “With our new center, we are better positioned to dial up innovation and engagement with our clients here and help them holistically improve their commercialization processes with an AI-first approach and stay ahead of the curve.”

Mumbai, 20th March 2025 – Recreate Spaces, the ultimate playground for Mumbai’s creative and cultural movers and shakers! Nestled in the heart of Andheri, this all-in-one hub has become the go-to destination for everything from star-studded photoshoots to binge-worthy OTT productions. With clients ranging from Nawazuddin Siddiqui to Masaba Gupta, Vijay Varma, and Debina Bonnerjee, it’s no surprise Recreate Spaces is making waves in Bollywood and beyond.

Whether it’s a glamorous photoshoot with Dabboo Ratnani, an edgy social media campaign by Uorfi Jadav, or behind-the-scenes magic for Yash Raj Films, Recreate Spaces is where creative dreams take flight.

“We wanted to create a space that feels like an extension of your vision. From the lighting to the vibe, every detail is curated to inspire creativity,” shares Komal Kothari, founder of Recreate Space. “It’s amazing to see such incredible talent walk through our doors—from Dolly Singh to Bollywood Bubble, and even iconic productions like The Wedding Podcast. It’s proof that when you build something with passion, magic follows.”

What Makes Recreate Spaces a Cut Above

• All-in-One Flexibility: From fashion and wedding shoots to virtual events, conferences, and workshops—every setup is customizable.
• Sleek Amenities: Think fully equipped studios, chic makeup rooms, luxe lounge areas, and a high-speed internet setup perfect for live streams.
• Endless Inspiration: The space reflects the energy of Mumbai’s hustle, designed to fuel creative brilliance.

Recreate Spaces offers a wide array of amenities designed for creative and professional use.

• Coworking Stations: Flexible workspaces ideal for freelancers and teams looking for an inspiring environment.
• Co-Working Cabins: Private cabins that provide a focused atmosphere for uninterrupted work.
• Meeting Rooms with VC Facilities: Equipped with advanced audio-visual technology for seamless virtual meetings.
• PR Events Venues: Perfect settings for press releases and promotional events.
• Small Gathering Events: Intimate spaces designed for networking or casual meet-ups.

New Delhi, 20th March 2025: OPPO India unveiled its latest campaign, #ZindagikeRealHeroes, honouring the unwavering resilience of everyday champions — from delivery agents and cab drivers to countless gig workers who confront daily challenges while serving society. The brand film captures the dynamic rhythm of their lives while positioning the new OPPO F29 Series as their trusted partner, engineered to deliver exceptional durability and seamless connectivity.

Launched across OPPO India’s social media, OTT, and other platforms, the film opens in the basement of a commercial building where two cab drivers struggle with poor connectivity. Meanwhile, another driver—having completed nine rides—receives a bonus alert for his tenth ride on his F29 smartphone. Empowered by the device’s 300% Network Boost, he secures the ride even in low-signal conditions, underscoring the role of the smartphone in providing dependable connectivity that supports daily livelihoods. The narrative then shifts to a bustling cloud kitchen, where a manager’s smartphone withstands an accidental spill of multiple beverages—remaining fully functional with a simple rinse, thanks to the F29 Series’ IP69, IP68, and IP66 ratings, protecting against 18 liquids.

From the cloud kitchen, the film follows a delivery agent who, despite navigating congested traffic and a sudden speed bump that dislodges his phone into a mud puddle, retrieves an undamaged device safeguarded by the Damage-Proof 360° Armour Body. In a touching moment, a child offers the delivery agent a glass of water, reinforcing the enduring spirit of community support. Collectively, these episodes highlight the resilience of millions of hardworking professionals who form the backbone of our society and positions the F29 Series as their reliable companion in every challenge.

Bangalore, 20th March 2025: Transteel, a leading manufacturer of ergonomic office furniture, proudly announces their collaboration with Deriveit IT Innovations LLP and Vaibhav Inter Décor Pvt Ltd. This partnership aims at providing AI-powered, technology-driven, and precision-focused solutions for comprehensive design consultancy, design & build, and general contracting in commercial workspace interiors. 

With a strong commitment to sustainability, this strategic alliance will cater to corporate offices, educational institutions, hospitality, manufacturing units, and healthcare sectors. As part of its growth strategy, Transteel has set a target of achieving INR 100 crores in revenue within their first year of this new vertical. With a robust deal pipeline already in place, Transteel is strategically positioned to execute large-scale commercial workspace interior projects across various industries.

Commenting on this, Mr. Shiraz Ibrahim, Managing Director, Transteel, said, “At Transteel, we are revolutionizing commercial workspace interiors by combining cutting-edge AI technology with sustainable solutions. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and excellence in workplace transformation. Our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and excellence ensures that every project we undertake transforms workspaces into dynamic, future-ready environments.”

Mr. Gururaj Raghavendra N, Founder, Deriveit IT Innovations expressed his thoughts on this partnership, said “We are excited to extend our partnership with Transteel in transforming commercial workspace interiors. This collaboration combines our expertise in AI-driven technology with Transteel’s leadership in ergonomic office furniture, allowing us to deliver cutting-edge, precision-focused solutions that elevate workspace design to new heights of innovation and efficiency.”

“Vaibhav Inter Décor is elated to collaborating with Transteel to revolutionize commercial workspace interiors. By combining our expertise in high-quality interior solutions with Transteel’s innovation-driven approach, we aim to deliver seamless, technology-enabled, and sustainable work environments that set new industry benchmarks in design and functionality” said Mr. Dhiraj Makkad, Founder, Vaibhav Inter Décor. 

New Delhi, March 20th, 2025: The National School of Drama (NSD) is all set to present the 7th Edition of ADI RANG MAHOTSAV 2025, an esteemed festival that celebrates the spirited and multifaceted art, culture and heritage of India’s tribal communities. This distinguished event will take place from March 21st to 23rd, 2025, at the NSD Campus in New Delhi, offering a rare and enriching experience of India’s indigenous traditions.

ADI RANG MAHOTSAV, a vibrant confluence of theatre, music, dance, seminars and craft, offers a unique platform to showcase the profound cultural, artistic and spiritual heritage that tribal societies have cultivated over centuries. The festival promises an extraordinary cultural experience that will bring together approximately 300 tribal artists from rural India, presenting their timeless creations and unique craftsmanship.

Under the guidance of Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, the Mahotsav seeks to nurture a deeper appreciation, cultivate meaningful connections and ensure that these priceless traditions are both celebrated and preserved for future generations. To achieve this, the festival will feature a vibrant array of 15 dance and music performances representing 13 states, alongside a captivating showcase of tribal craftsmanship from 11 states.

A standout highlight of the festival will be two enthralling theatre performances. ‘Bir Birsa’, hailing from Jharkhand, beautifully honours the legacy of the legendary tribal hero Birsa Munda. Meanwhile, ‘Bana Guda’ from Odisha, weaves an enchanting tale of bravery and folklore, giving audiences a bedazzling glimpse into the vivacious soul of tribal culture.

The festival will showcase a diverse array of dance and music performances, along with exquisite crafts, from various states across India. From Assam, the rhythmic Rabha dance will be accompanied by displays of Assamese handlooms and handicrafts. Andhra Pradesh will present the energetic Gussadi dance, paired with intricate leather puppetry and crochet lace creations. Arunachal Pradesh will highlight the vibrant Juju Jaja and Rikam Pada dances, while Gujarat will feature the colourful Siddi Dhamal and Padhar Dance, complemented by patchwork, copper bells and beadwork.

Himachal Pradesh will enchant audiences with the graceful Kinnauri Nat dance, and Jharkhand will showcase the traditional Paika, Mardani, and Jhhomer performances. Madhya Pradesh will offer the lively Gudum Baja and a display of traditional herbal Tulsi products, bell metal Bharewa art, as well as paper mâché and sand crafts. Maharashtra will present the Songi Mukhawate dance, accompanied by beautiful wire craft creations, while Rajasthan will showcase the lively Chakri dance alongside leather footwear craftsmanship.

Nagaland will present the War Dance and Odisha will feature the captivating Durua and Singari dances. Tripura will bring to the stage the Sangrai Mog dance and West Bengal will offer the vibrant Natua dance, alongside traditional Bengal boutique jewellery, clay dolls and Santhal ritual artifacts. Telangana will highlight the iconic Ekat Saree and Uttar Pradesh will showcase intricate horn and bone craftwork.

Ahead of the festival, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, shared, “ADI RANG MAHOTSAV is not just a celebration of art and culture; it is an opportunity to showcase the deep-rooted connection between India’s tribal populations and the natural world, along with the timeless wisdom they embody. Through this festival, we aim to create an inclusive platform that brings these unique traditions to the forefront, allowing them to be experienced and appreciated by people from all walks of life. It is a significant step toward presenting tribal heritage to the world and ensuring its preservation for generations to come.”