PUNE: Accelerating India’s trajectory toward Viksit Bharat 2047, the Pune Chapter of the Hindu Economic Forum (HEF) successfully concluded its high-profile Shakti Summit 2026 at the Pune International Centre. The summit represented an operational launchpad for Bharat’s Strategic Power Framework: Strategic Defence & Aerospace, Hindu Temple Economy, Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge & Media, Technology, and Infrastructure. 

The Summit delivered extensively on its multipronged objective: anchoring indigenous Artificial Intelligence, unlocking domestic venture capital, and reinforcing strategic self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) across critical defence and economic ecosystems

Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, graced the event as the Chief Guest, delivering the special address. He underlined the importance of stronger collaboration between government, industry, investors, and knowledge institutions in sectors central to India’s long-term growth and strategic self-reliance.

Gaurav Tripathi, President, HEF Pune District Chapter, and Co-founder & CTO, Partex.AI said, “The SHAKTI Summit 2026 marks a paradigm shift in how we approach economic growth. We are now building an execution-first ecosystem where serious capital, strategic industrial sectors, and civilizational clarity converge.

The Pune AI Grid is positioning Pune as the Applied AI and Strategic Capital of Bharat by redoubling its manufacturing and digital prowess. By aligning our deep research talent, robust industrial shopfloors, and foundational infrastructure, we are turning national priorities like Atmanirbhar Bharat into measurable economic milestones.”

The $500 Million Pune AI Vision:

Partex.AI presented a comprehensive roadmap to establish Pune as the global capital of applied AI: from a $50 million foundation phase with distributed GPU clusters and an AI Model Foundry, scaling to a $500 million platform aimed at training 100,000 professionals and developing exportable solutions for defence, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Dr. Gunjan Bharadwaj, Founder & CEO, Partex.AI, stated: “The Pune AI Vision is an opportunity to leverage exploratory and exploitative innovation on a scale that few cities globally can match. By unifying Pune’s unique constellation of talent, we can build decision-making technology that transforms not just Indian industry, but the world. Partex is committed to being a partner in this vision, bringing our expertise in AI-driven platforms to accelerate innovation across defence, manufacturing, and life sciences.”

India’s First Indigenous Autonomous Surface Vehicle on Display for the First Time:

Accurate Industrial Controls displayed ISACA, India’s first indigenously developed Autonomous Surface Vessel. Validated through Indian Navy-evaluated trials, ISACA combines AI, sensor fusion, and indigenous collision-avoidance software, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime autonomy.

Shri Kiran Jadhav, Chairman & Managing Director, Accurate Group, said: “Indigenous autonomous vessel technology is a statement of India’s capability and our resolve for Atmanirbharta. At the SHAKTI Summit, we created the conditions for transformative solutions that will serve our nation’s defence and maritime strength.”

Strategic Discussions on critical sectors: formed a highlight of the summit, covering defence, aerospace, rare earths, infrastructure, technology, temple economy, AI, startups – by a diverse selection of industry leaders, founders, and experts.

To ensure these strategic conversations yield tangible results, the HEF Pune District Chapter announced the formation of a Defence Working Group, reinforcing their commitment to structured, post-summit follow-through.

The post HEF Pune’s SHAKTI Summit 2026: A $500M AI Roadmap and Strategic MoUs to Propel Startup Investments appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has pledged its full support to help establish the Pune Grand Tour (PGT) as the world’s fourth Grand Tour and position Pune as a leading global sports tourism destination.

During a special presentation of the organizing team of PGT before the UCI Management Committee in Lake Garda, Italy, the world governing body for cycling praised the Pune Grand Tour for delivering a race of a quality comparable to the finest cycling events in the world and expressed amazement that an event of such a big scale and international standard was successfully conceived, planned, and executed within just six months.

The UCI also lauded the exemplary discipline displayed by the more than 2.5 million spectators (the largest for any sporting event in India) who attended the five-day event and commended the police and district administration for ensuring exceptional safety and security arrangements despite the unprecedented crowds.

Recognizing the race as the first genuine opportunity to create a future Grand Tour outside Europe, UCI President David Lappartient extended the organization’s full cooperation to support the event’s long-term growth, including expertise in urban mobility planning and assistance in strengthening grassroots cycling development programs across India. The Pune Grand Tour received a significant boost on the global cycling stage as the UCI endorsed the event’s long-term vision and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its growth.

A delegation comprising Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Cycling Federation of India (CFI) Secretary General Maninder Pal Singh, and Bajaj Auto Director Abhinav Bindra was invited by UCI President David Lappartient to present the remarkable journey and future roadmap of the Pune Grand Tour, whose inaugural edition was successfully held in January 2026.

Sharing the key outcomes of the presentation and subsequent interaction with the UCI Management Committee, Jitendra Dudi said, “The UCI Management Committee not only appreciated the quality and execution of the race, but also approved the upgrade of the Pune Grand Tour to UCI 2.1 Status, marking a major milestone in the event’s international recognition. The committee also gave its consent for the 2027 edition to be held between January 26 and January 31, allowing the event to incorporate three national holidays, while leaving the final scheduling decision to the Pune district administration.”

(UCI 2.1 status is a Class 1 stage race classification that attracts a higher caliber of teams, allowing up to 50 per cent of the participants to be elite UCI World Teams. It also features larger prize purses, more UCI ranking points, and stricter organizational standards.)

Representing the unique partnership between government, federation, and corporate stakeholders that delivered the inaugural edition of the race, the delegation of PGT outlined Pune’s ambition to establish the Pune Grand Tour among the world’s premier cycling events during the presentation to the UCI Management Committee.

During the 90-minute presentation, Jitendra Dudi detailed the development of the Pune Grand Tour from its conceptualization in the summer of 2025 to its successful execution within a span of just six months. He highlighted the extensive infrastructure efforts involving more than 1,200 engineers and a workforce of over 10,000 personnel who upgraded over 400 kilometer long roads across the Pune district to meet international UCI standards.

Dudi presented a long-term vision for the event with the ultimate goal of transforming the Pune Grand Tour into road cycling’s fourth Grand Tour alongside the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, featuring elite competitions for both men and women.

He credited the visionary leadership, strategic guidance, and strong support of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the late Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, for playing a pivotal role in bringing the event to fruition.

Speaking on the occasion, Maninder Pal Singh outlined the Cycling Federation of India’s strategy to build upon the country’s recent successes in track cycling and create a robust athlete development pathway aimed at winning cycling medals at the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Abhinav Bindra reaffirmed Bajaj Auto’s long-term commitment to the Pune Grand Tour and its broader vision of nurturing grassroots cycling and community sports development throughout the district.

The governing body further recognized the Pune Grand Tour as the first genuine opportunity to create a future Grand Tour outside Europe and described it as a true “people’s race.”

The presentation was attended by senior cycling administrators from across the world, reflecting the growing international significance of the Pune Grand Tour. UCI President David Lappartient also announced that he would personally attend the race next year.

The strong endorsement from world cycling’s governing body represents a major step forward in Pune’s emergence as a global cycling destination and reinforces the city’s ambition to host one of the most prestigious road cycling events in the world.

The post UCI Commits to Elevating the Pune Grand Tour Cycle Race to Global Prestige as the Fourth Grand Tour appeared first on NRI News.

BENGALURU: Schneider Electric, a global leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, continues to strengthen its partner ecosystem through its long-standing collaboration with Allied Engineers, a leading manufacturer of Medium Voltage (MV), Low Voltage (LV), and Type-Tested Assembly (TTA) electrical panels.

The collaboration continues to focus on supporting the deployment of Schneider Electric’s intelligent and sustainable power distribution technologies across industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects in India. By combining Schneider Electric’s advanced electrical solutions with Allied Engineers’ engineering and manufacturing capabilities, the partnership has enabled the delivery of efficient, compliant, and digitally enabled power distribution solutions across sectors.

The partnership between Schneider Electric and Allied Engineers has contributed to enabling smarter and more efficient operations through digitally enabled and compliant power distribution solutions. Key outcomes achieved through this collaboration include:

• 60% improvement in operational efficiency
• 30% reduction in downtime with PrismaSeT i panels
• 30% optimization in panel space with EasyPact NW

Highlighting the importance of a strong partner ecosystem in driving efficient and sustainable infrastructure solutions, Amit Sharma, Vice President – Power Products and Digital Energy, Schneider Electric, said, “At Schneider Electric, our partner ecosystem plays an important role in enabling the wider adoption of intelligent and sustainable electrical infrastructure solutions across industries. Our collaboration with Allied Engineers reflects a shared focus on delivering reliable, efficient, and digitally enabled power distribution technologies that support evolving customer requirements across industrial and infrastructure projects.”

Established in 2005 and headquartered in Lucknow, Allied Engineers offers end-to-end electrical solutions spanning design, engineering, installation, and commissioning. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company utilizing CPRI-tested materials, Allied Engineers serves over 100 clients across India as a trusted channel partner of Schneider Electric. Through its strong presence across government, infrastructure, industrial, and commercial projects, the collaboration continues to support the wider deployment of Schneider Electric’s intelligent power distribution technologies across diverse operating environments, enabling efficient, reliable, compliant, and digitally enabled electrical infrastructure solutions.

Quote from the Partner: “Our partnership with Schneider Electric as a licensed PrismaSeT i Panel Builder goes beyond business; it is built on a shared belief in innovation and sustainability.”

The partnership has also been recognized through Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Impact Awards, celebrating Allied Engineers’ contributions towards sustainability, operational efficiency, reliability, and digital transformation.

The post Schneider Electric and Allied Engineers Collaborate to Enhance Intelligent Power Distribution Systems appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Intangles, a global AI-powered predictive intelligence company specialising in the commercial vehicle domain, released an analysis of commercial vehicle performance on the Mumbai-Pune corridor following the opening of the Connecting Link. The analysis indicates that improved corridor movement could generate 2.7 crore litres in potential annual fuel savings, translating into approximately ₹272 crore in annual fuel cost reduction across the corridor stretch.

The estimated fuel savings could also help avoid 64,905 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Together, the findings point to the wider economic and environmental value of smoother movement on a corridor critical to the Mumbai-Pune-Bangalore route and Maharashtra’s freight and passenger economy.

The analysis recorded performance gains across the four commercial vehicle categories studied: buses, MCV trucks, three-axle vehicles, and multi-axle trucks. MCV trucks recorded the highest increase in average speed at 18%, alongside a 19% reduction in travel time and 17% reduction in fuel consumption. Three-axle vehicles saw the highest reduction in travel time at 20%, while buses achieved the greatest improvement in fuel consumption at 24% per trip. Multi-axle trucks also recorded gains across speed, travel time, and fuel use, indicating that improved corridor movement can create value across heavier vehicle categories too.

Anup Patil, CEO, Intangles, said, “Fuel is a direct measure of operational efficiency, and on a corridor carrying this volume of freight, even modest per-trip savings compound into material economic impact. What this analysis demonstrates is that vehicle data, collected and processed at scale, can quantify infrastructure value in the terms that actually matter to fleet operators: litres saved, minutes recovered, emissions reduced. At Intangles, we build predictive intelligence using our proprietary digital twin technology that helps fleets capture this value continuously, not just when a new road opens, but across every route, every trip, and every vehicle in operation. India’s infrastructure investment is accelerating. It is just a matter of time before the fleets that deploy advanced intelligence will benefit vastly alongside India’s growth story.”

Hariharan Ravishankar, Chief AI Scientist, Intangles, added, “Most infrastructure impact assessments rely on modelled assumptions with fixed consumption rates applied to traffic volumes. What makes this analysis different is that every fuel figure comes from actual vehicle sensor streams, processed through terrain-aware algorithms that account for gradient, load behaviour, and real-time driving patterns. The finding that heavier vehicle categories showed the strongest proportional gains is not intuitive, but it is exactly what physics predicts. Vehicles most constrained by stop-go conditions on steep gradients benefit most when that constraint is removed. As India’s transport infrastructure expands, this kind of sensor-based measurement framework gives planners, operators, and policymakers something they have not had before: infrastructure ROI expressed in operating terms, not projections.”

The analysis also observed an early reduction in hard braking events across the commercial vehicle categories studied. While these findings require longer-term tracking before conclusions can be drawn on sustained safety impact, they provide an early indication of improved driving conditions on the stretch under consideration.

Methodology

The analysis tracked 1,849 unique commercial vehicles across buses, MCV trucks, 3-axle vehicles, and multi-axle trucks, covering more than 2,200 trips through the ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune corridor. Vehicle performance was compared across two periods: 26 to 30 April 2026, before the Connecting Link opening, and 2 to 15 May 2026, after the opening, allowing one day for traffic stabilisation. Speed and travel time were measured through GPS and geo-location data. Fuel consumption for the assessed commercial vehicle categories was derived using Intangles’ proprietary algorithms based on terrain analysis and real-time driving patterns.

The post Mumbai-Pune Connecting Link: Projected Annual Fuel Savings of ₹272 Crore appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: Kiwi General Insurance, a digital-native insurer built from the ground up to redefine how insurance is experienced in India, today announced its official market entry with a clear philosophy centred around “Your Peace, Our Policy,” reflecting the company’s focus on making insurance simpler, faster, and more dependable for customers. The company begins operations with motor insurance for private cars, designed around claims rather than just premiums.

Founded by industry veterans Neelesh Garg and Saurav Jaiswal, Kiwi received regulatory approval in March 2026 and is backed by Westbridge Capital, bringing both credibility and long-term scale to its ambition. Powered by a proprietary, in-house technology stack, Kiwi has been designed to eliminate legacy friction and deliver hyper-personalized solutions grounded in customer-centric underwriting.

Motor insurance is Kiwi’s first mass product, chosen deliberately as a category where customer pain points are both visible and widespread. Customers often hesitate to file claims because they fear losing benefits, claims can be slow and unclear, and there is little support while a vehicle is under repair. Kiwi’s motor insurance is designed to directly address these issues and remove the anxiety around claims.

The product introduces industry-first features intended to eliminate real consumer pain points. Super NCB allows customers to file claims with confidence, without the fear of a significant hit to their renewal premium, as even after a claim, they drop only one level down on the discount scale instead of resetting to zero. Besides, customers earn up to 40 percent more discount than standard no-claim bonus structures, and Flexi Repair gives customers the flexibility to bank minor damages and combine them with a larger claim later. This removes the need to file multiple smaller claims for minor incidents, each of which would attract a compulsory deductible. Customers can wait until a repair event is worthwhile, and recover all banked damages together in a single, seamless settlement. InstaCash provides immediate cash support on the day the vehicle is booked in for repair – with funds transferred directly to the customer’s account without requiring them to first file a claim. Customers are never left managing out-of-pocket expenses while their vehicle is being repaired. In addition, customers benefit from an extensive cashless garage network.

True to its standing in bringing peace to the minds of its consumers, Kiwi is also launching  “PayFirst”, a unique garage experience where the consumer can take their car to a garage of their choice, and get an instant payout, if the garage is outside Kiwi’s network, giving customers the freedom to choose any trusted garage with complete confidence.

Kiwi’s anxiety-free promise extends to its distributor network. A dedicated partner ecosystem featuring same-day digital onboarding, Instant reconciliation, performance dashboards, and shared claim trackers eliminates internal bottlenecks, empowering agents to focus entirely on client service.

The launch comes at a time when insurance continues to be associated with complexity, delays, and low trust. Kiwi’s operating model combines technology with human support to deliver both speed and accountability. From instant policy issuance and real-time claim tracking to faster claim decisions and single-point ownership of customer queries, every element is designed to reduce ambiguity and improve responsiveness. This tech-driven simplicity also transforms post-purchase servicing; routine policy endorsements are designed to be entirely frictionless, allowing customers to update their coverage without the typical administrative lag. By pairing its agile technology with a hybrid distribution model that retains crucial human touchpoints, Kiwi ensures empathy and fairness across the entire lifecycle.

Speaking on the launch, Neelesh Garg, Founder, Kiwi General Insurance, highlighted the need for systemic change, “The insurance industry has long been shaped by legacy processes that create customer apprehension. Our goal is to rebuild it from first principles using technology, data, and disciplined execution. We are focused on making insurance simple, fast, and consistent. With Kiwi, we are building an institution that customers and partners can truly rely on. Our philosophy, ‘Your Peace, Our Policy,’ reflects our commitment to creating a more dependable insurance experience.”

Saurav Jaiswal, MD and CEO, Kiwi General Insurance, added, “Customers today expect clarity, speed, and reliability, especially in moments that matter. At Kiwi, we are focused on making every interaction simple, fast, and predictable. From instant policy issuance and real-time claim tracking to faster decisions and single-point ownership, every element is designed to reduce ambiguity. Starting with motor insurance, we aim to set a new standard for how insurance is delivered. For us, “Your Peace, Our Policy’ is not just our philosophy – it is the commitment behind every product we build and every interaction we design.”

Kiwi plans to expand into multiple insurance categories over the coming months, continuing its focus on building products that are easy to understand and reliable in real-world situations.

The post How Kiwi General Insurance is Transforming the Indian Motor Insurance Market appeared first on NRI News.

Suzlon 2.0: FY 31 Ambition

Suzlon is entering a transformative growth phase – Suzlon 2.0 with a clear ambition to become one of the world’s most integrated renewable energy companies. By FY31, the company aims to expand annual renewable energy sales fourfold to 10 GW, grow its orderbook to 15 GW, and scale its Asset Under Management (AUM) fourfold to 70 GW, building a strong annuity-led business. This growth will be supported by a ~40% market share in India’s wind market, 3 GW export order intake, and a shift towards a higher-value mix by targeting a ~60% volume contribution from RE DevCo.

Wind-first full-stack RE solutions

Suzlon is India’s first full-stack renewable energy company encompassing all technologies – Wind + Solar + BESS + Energy Management Service under a single, bankable delivery model. The ambition is to scale annual renewable sales to 10 GW by FY31 by becoming a lifetime trusted partner for clients for all their renewable energy needs. In wind, it will continue to innovate market-defining turbines, while in solar, Suzlon is going for an asset-light model where it will leverage ecosystem partnerships. The model solves the challenge of fragmented renewable procurement and execution through a single accountable partner.

Wind

Wind remains Suzlon’s core growth engine, with ambitions to maintain ~40% market share in India and secure 3 GW of order intake in exports by FY31. Growth will be driven by ‘BlueSky’ product platform with next-generation high-capacity wind turbines – S175 (5 MW) and S163 (6.3 MW), alongside a comprehensive portfolio spanning 2 MW to 6+ MW.

Storage

Suzlon is foraying into intelligent battery energy storage systems (BESS) to make renewable energy more reliable, dispatchable, and grid-ready. The company plans to establish a BESS manufacturing facility by 2027, focused on developing intelligent storage solutions tailored to Indian grid conditions. The business solves renewable energy intermittency and grid reliability challenges.

RE DevCo

RE DevCo is India’s first and only integrated co-development platform converting renewable potential into execution-ready sites at scale. Built on long-horizon partnerships of 3-5 years, it helps customers scale their renewable energy portfolios faster than ever through end-to-end development capabilities across land, grid connectivity, approvals, and project execution. Backed by 30-years of wind leadership, the platform solves one of the biggest bottlenecks of the sector – project readiness, speed to market, and scale.

RE Projects

Suzlon is scaling its EPC platform to deliver integrated Wind, Solar, and BESS projects with greater speed, quality, and predictability. It solves execution challenges by reducing project delays and improving delivery certainty.

RE Asset Management Services

Suzlon aims to grow its asset under management fourfold to 70 GW by FY31, creating a large annuity business. The company is expanding its asset management services across wind, solar, hybrid, and multi-brand portfolios. Leveraging digital pathways and a nationwide service network, it will maximize asset performance across the lifecycle. The business solves the challenge of maintaining long-term reliability, efficiency, and returns from renewable energy assets.

Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman, Suzlon Group said, “As the world enters a super-cycle of electrification, Suzlon 2.0 is built to partner with customers and nations to accelerate the energy transition. We deliver energy security through firm, reliable, and affordable wind-first, full-stack renewable solutions- from concept to commissioning to lifetime asset management. In the next 5 years, we aim to grow our renewable fleet under management by 4x to 70 GW and annual RE sales of 10 GW.”

Ajay Kapur, Chief Executive Officer, Suzlon Group, said, “RE DevCo will be the growth engine of Suzlon 2.0. As India’s first integrated renewable energy co-development platform, it is designed to solve the industry’s biggest challenge by accelerating project readiness, scale, and reducing time-to-market. We aim to capture 60% of our volume contribution from RE DevCo, leading to 40% market share in the Indian wind market. We are targeting 15 GW of RE orderbook and 3 GW of export order intake by FY31. “

Dharini Mishra, Chief Brand and Reputation Officer, Suzlon Group, said, “The world no longer needs just more clean energy – it needs clean energy that works. As energy becomes the foundation of economic growth and human progress, reliability matters as much as sustainability. “

Our Brand Promise and Purpose

Our new brand promise – “Good Energy That Works” captures our belief that good energy enables human possibility. It is our commitment to delivering renewable energy that is dependable, accessible, affordable, integrated, and intelligent – because good energy must do more than exist – it must work.

In essence, “Good” reflects the positive impact we create on customers, communities, economies, and the environment. “Energies” represents the clean, renewable power we harness and scale. “That Works” is our commitment to delivering on demand, performing under pressure, and proving capability through consistent execution.

The post Suzlon’s Strategic Growth Plan: Targeting 10 GW in Renewable Energy Sales and 70 GW AUM Expansion appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: On World Environment Day, AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest Small Finance Bank and the first institution in over a decade to receive in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to transition into a Universal Bank, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting India’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future through a focused and integrated sustainability strategy.

The Bank’s approach to climate action is anchored in three key pillars – Climate Finance, Greening Operations, and Community Engagement, enabling it to drive meaningful impact across its business and beyond.

Commenting on World Environment Day, Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “Climate action requires a sustained and collective effort, and financial institutions have a critical role to play in enabling this transition. At AU Small Finance Bank, we are integrating sustainability across our core business through climate-focused financing, responsible operations, and community engagement. Our strong momentum in renewable energy financing, supported by our Green Deposit mobilisation, reflects our commitment to creating long-term value while contributing meaningfully to India’s climate goals.”

Driving Climate Finance with a Strong Focus on Renewable Energy

AU SFB has strengthened its climate finance efforts through its Green Fixed Deposit (Green FD) offering, a specialised deposit product with dedicated deployment towards eligible green assets.

As on 31 March 2026, the Bank has mobilised 24,520 Green Fixed Deposits, aggregating to approximately ₹2,950 crore, with 100% deployment into green assets. These include renewable energy (primarily solar projects), clean transportation (electric vehicles), and green buildings, with renewable energy emerging as the dominant focus area.

Renewable energy has become a key segment within AU SFB’s green asset portfolio, reflecting both strong market demand and the Bank’s strategic commitment to enabling low-carbon growth. The Bank continues to play an active role in financing India’s clean energy transition by supporting businesses and entrepreneurs across solar, wind, and other emerging clean energy segments through tailored financing solutions.

The Bank’s renewable financing footprint spans key high-growth corridors, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Telangana, and Haryana, positioning AU SFB as a credible partner in India’s expanding clean energy ecosystem.

Greening Operations through Digital and Efficient Banking

Alongside financing climate solutions, AU SFB is committed to reducing its own environmental footprint through responsible and efficient operational practices.

The Bank is actively promoting video banking solutions, enabling customers to access services seamlessly while reducing the need for physical visits to branches. This shift helps lower commute-related emissions while also improving customer convenience and operational efficiency.  Further strengthening its digital-first approach, the Bank has expanded end-to-end digital onboarding and sourcing journeys, including paperless customer acquisition through its digital sales platform and Straight-Through Processing (STP) capabilities. AI-powered customer onboarding, digital loan journeys, workflow automation across back-office functions, and integrated digital servicing platforms have helped reduce manual interventions, physical documentation, and paper consumption.

Strengthening Communities through Environmental Initiatives

As part of its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, AU SFB continues to invest in community-led environmental initiatives.

The Bank undertakes afforestation drives and water conservation programmes, contributing to ecosystem restoration, groundwater recharge, and climate resilience at the grassroots level. These initiatives are designed to deliver measurable environmental and social impact. Recent initiatives, including the restoration of Chennai’s Medavakkam Lake, exemplify the bank’s commitment to rejuvenation projects that boost regional groundwater and biodiversity.

The post AU Small Finance Bank Enhances Climate Action Initiatives with Sustainable Finance Commitment appeared first on NRI News.

CHENNAI: TVS Supply Chain Solutions (TVS SCS) (NSE: TVSSCS, BSE: 543965), a leading global supply chain solutions provider and one of India’s largest and fastest-growing integrated supply chain companies, today announced the formation of a joint venture with ALA Group, an Italy-based aerospace and defence supply-chain integrator, to address opportunities in India’s fast-growing aerospace and defence sectors. TVS SCS will hold a 51% stake in the JV, while ALA will own the remaining 49%. The JV is expected to emerge as a significant growth driver for TVS SCS in India, with cumulative revenues projected to exceed ₹2,000 Cr by 2031.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year, TVS SCS and ALA Group witnessed strong engagement and active interest from multiple industry participants across the aerospace and defence ecosystem. This momentum accelerated the decision to formalise the partnership through a dedicated joint venture platform.

Aerospace and defence supply-chain solutions globally are characterised by specialised procurement, inventory management, and mission-critical fulfilment capabilities, making them structurally higher-margin businesses with strong returns on capital employed (RoCE). Quality companies in this sector have consistently delivered strong profitability metrics, with PBT margins in the range of 8-9%, reflective of this high-value segment.

The JV will initially focus on opportunities in India, while TVS SCS and ALA will continue to evaluate opportunities to support aerospace and defence supply-chain requirements across select international markets over time.

R. Dinesh, Executive Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, said, “This joint venture marks our entry into the high-growth and globally significant aerospace and defence supply chain market. India is emerging as one of the most important growth engines for the global aerospace and defence industry, driven by localisation initiatives, strategic investments, and expanding international collaborations between India and key global aerospace and defence ecosystems.

He further added, “ALA brings deep domain expertise, strong global customer relationships and proven capabilities in specialised aerospace and defence supply chain solutions, which complement TVS SCS’ extensive network, digital capabilities and execution strength. Together, we are building a scalable and future-ready platform for global aerospace and defence companies to serve Indian requirements for both the aerospace and defence sectors.”

Vittorio Genna, Vice President and Co-Founder, ALA Group, added, “India is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace and defence markets, driven by increasing defence modernisation programmes and expanding global partnerships. We have strong customer relationships across the aerospace sector, and many global companies in this sector are actively evaluating and expanding their presence in India, creating significant opportunities for specialised supply chain services.

Through this partnership with TVS SCS, we will be well-positioned to support the evolving requirements of our global customers in India. In TVS SCS, we have found a partner with deep market understanding, a strong domestic network, proven execution capabilities, and a trusted brand. Their strong operational and technology-led execution capabilities, combined with extensive supply chain infrastructure, make them an ideal partner to build a scalable and differentiated aerospace and defence logistics platform.”

Says Vikas Chadha, Global Chief Executive Officer, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, “The industry is characterised by stringent certification, compliance and traceability requirements, creating a need for specialised supply chain capabilities. Our strong presence in India, extensive supply chain infrastructure, and experience in working with complex customer and regulatory ecosystems, together with ALA’s global aerospace and defence expertise, create a compelling platform to help customers navigate these complexities more efficiently. Given the specialised and high-value nature of this business, we expect the venture to become profitable within its first twelve months of operations and be a meaningful contributor to our growth and profitability in India.”

Mauro Romano, CEO of ALA MENA, said, “Our experience across global aerospace and defence programmes has demonstrated the growing importance of integrated procurement and inventory management solutions. India represents a strategically important market for long-term growth, and this partnership provides a strong platform to support customers with localised and globally integrated supply chain solutions.”

The joint venture will specialise in end-to-end integrated supply chain solutions, including sourcing and supply of aerospace and defence components, kitting and sub-assembly operations, as well as consolidation, imports, warehousing, and delivery. India’s defence logistics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 8.6%.

Building on proven Defence and Utilities Credentials

TVS SCS brings deep supply chain experience from its long-standing Defence and Utility sector operations in Europe, and accounts for over 30% of the company’s Europe business. The company has been supporting the UK Ministry of Defence and leading defence prime contractors for several years, managing approximately 250,000 NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs) and fulfilling around 1 million defence demands annually through a global supplier base of over 1,000 vendors. Its defence operations span land, sea, and air platforms and are governed by stringent quality, security, and compliance standards, supported by digitally enabled logistics systems that enhance visibility, resilience, and operational readiness. TVS SCS also works closely with defence prime contractors on multi-year programmes, reinforcing its credentials as a trusted global defence logistics partner.

ALA Group, on the other hand, brings more than 35 years of experience as a specialised aerospace and defence supply-chain integrator, supporting leading OEMs, MROs, and defence programmes across Europe, North America, and selected international markets. Headquartered in Italy, ALA operates a global network of commercial offices and state-of-the-art logistics and kitting facilities, supporting major global aerospace and defence platforms and programmes. The various players in this sector are Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Safran Group, Rolls-Royce, Collins Aerospace, and Thales Group, among others. Many of these global aerospace and defence companies are also expanding their partnerships and joint ventures with Indian companies as part of their long-term localisation and manufacturing strategies in India.

The ALA Group supports a wide range of aerospace and defence platforms across air, land, and naval domains, providing certified spare-parts distribution, inventory optimisation, kitting, Direct Line Feed, consignment stock, and defence-grade logistics engineering services. ALA’s operations are governed by stringent quality, security, compliance standards, and operational readiness. This proven capability positions ALA as a trusted partner for complex, regulated aerospace and defence supply chains, enabling scalable and compliant solutions across multiple geographies. ALA is also at the forefront of technology, investing heavily in cybersecurity and maintaining exceptionally high-level security infrastructure. It is the only company in the Aerospace & Defence sector to track and certify products with legally binding value using patented IAC (Instant Automatic Certification) technology worldwide.

The post Building a Robust Aerospace and Defence Supply Chain in India appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Cardiovascular disease is affecting Indians at increasingly younger ages. Studies indicate that over 50 percent of coronary artery disease-related deaths in India occur in individuals under the age of 50, while nearly one in four heart attacks is reported in people younger than 40. Maharashtra has also witnessed a growing burden of heart disease among younger populations, with rising cases among men in their 30s and women between 40 and 60 years of age. Pune, too, has seen an increase in heart attack cases among teenagers and young adults under 30, a trend experts attribute to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, rising stress levels, and other lifestyle-related risk factors.

As more patients undergo angioplasty and live longer after their initial treatment, cardiologists are increasingly seeing patients return years later with recurrent blockages, narrowed stents, and complex coronary artery disease. For many, treatment often means another stent, repeat interventions, or even bypass surgery. At Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, advanced cardiac laser therapy is helping expand treatment options for such patients, offering a minimally invasive approach that can help restore blood flow, support faster recovery, and, in selected cases, avoid additional stents or bypass surgery.

The impact of the therapy is reflected in the lives of patients across age groups and life stages. A 76-year-old man was able to avoid bypass surgery after developing a severe blockage inside a previously implanted stent, allowing him to return to the comfort of everyday life. For a 21-year-old man with a complex coronary blockage, the treatment restored blood flow while avoiding additional permanent implants, helping safeguard a future filled with ambitions and milestones yet to come. Similarly, a 56-year-old man who had already survived two heart attacks underwent laser-assisted angioplasty for recurrent blockages, enabling him to move forward without the burden of another major cardiac procedure. While their journeys were different, the outcome was the same—a renewed chance at life, health, and hope.

Advanced cardiac laser therapy is very helpful for treating stents that didn’t work, complicated blockages, and arteries with a lot of calcium, using a method that doesn’t require big cuts, and most patients go home within 24 hours.

Speaking about the growing role of technology, Dr. Abhijeet Palshikar, Director – Cardiology, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, said, “As more patients undergo angioplasty and live longer after their initial treatment, we are witnessing a rise in complex coronary artery disease requiring repeat intervention. Advanced cardiac laser technology has significantly strengthened our ability to manage these challenging cases with greater precision. We are increasingly utilising this technique for specialised redo angioplasties where previously implanted stents have failed, enabling effective treatment while helping many patients avoid bypass surgery.”

Dr. Nilesh Singh, Hospital Director, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, “The introduction and use of advanced cardiac laser technology reflect our focus on expanding access to contemporary cardiovascular care for patients. This approach has supported the management of complex coronary conditions through a minimally invasive method. Such innovations contribute to improved clinical outcomes and patient experience, while helping reduce the need for repeat interventions in suitable cases. Over time, this has also supported the care of many patients across different clinical profiles.”

For patients living with failed stents, recurrent blockages, and complex coronary artery disease, advanced cardiac laser therapy is offering more than an alternative treatment option—it is helping many return to their families, careers, and everyday lives with renewed confidence and hope.

The post Laser Interventions in Cardiac Care: Offering New Hope When Stents Are No Longer Effective appeared first on NRI News.

Conceived and directed by Guru Sindhu Mishra, Nrityadhara 3 showcased the Bharatanatyam bani of Guru K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai, a tradition known for its rhythmic sophistication, striking visual geometry, and dramatic movement vocabulary. The lineage was transmitted to Sindhu Mishra by her guru, Sri K.N. Dakshinamoorthy, and remains the foundation of her pedagogy and choreography at Aayam, which she established over two decades ago.

The programme opened with an effervescent rendition of a Kriti, Ananda Nartana Ganapatim Bhavaye, performed by senior disciples Apoorva Bhatnagar, Satakshi Gupta, and Vibhooti Bhardwaj, setting a tone of devotion and artistic inquiry. Aayam’s youngest dancers followed with Angikam Bhuvanam, an invocatory shloka introduced to beginners as an offering to Lord Shiva, presented with sincerity and enthusiasm by the little dancers.

Senior disciple Arundhati Chakravarty then brought warmth and emotional depth to Krishna Nee Begane Baro, a beloved composition depicting Yashoda’s search for her mischievous son Krishna. Junior students followed with Mushak Vaahan, a Pushpanjali dedicated to Lord Ganesha, showcasing the young dancers’ enthusiasm and dedication through a combination of nritta and abhinaya.

This was followed by another presentation by the intermediate students- Jatiswaram in Ragamalika set to Misra Chapu tala, foregrounding their command over intricate rhythmic structures and elegant korvais.

Senior disciple Tanusha Tyagi performed beautifully a padam, “तन छार �याल कपाल भूषन,” which is also an unusual excerpt from Ramcharitmanas. It relates an episode from Shiva and Parvati’s wedding celebrations, where the people of Himachal, upon seeing Shiva’s wedding procession, are shocked to see a terrifying band of ghosts, demons, and spirits. Maena, the mother, unwilling to believe that her beautiful daughter is fated to marry such a fiend, attempts to convince Parvati
into abandoning the wedding, to the extent that she is ready to give up her life for it!

The programme was followed with a piece, the well-known Sri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhajamana, which was admirably presented by the beginner batch of adult students. For many of them, this was their first experience on stage as they showcased the diligence with which they had grasped the intricacies of the choreography in a very short time.  The evening concluded with a thillana set to Paras raga and Adi tala, performed by the senior batch of Aayam. The vibrant choreography showcased intricate rhythmic patterns and quick footwork, offering a quintessential visualisation of the Dandayudhapani Pillai bani.

Commenting on the evening, Guru Sindhu Mishra said, “Nrityadhara is not merely a performance, it is a mirror of the learning process itself. When over a hundred students come together on one stage, each at a different point in their journey, what you witness is not just technique but devotion, discipline, and the living continuity of a tradition. The bani of Guru K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai carries within it a vocabulary that has been shaped over generations, and it is our privilege and responsibility to carry it forward. This evening belongs to every student who has trusted the process and every guru who came before us.”

Nrityadhara 3 stood as a testament to Aayam’s enduring commitment to classical excellence and not merely preserving a tradition, but passing it forward, one dancer at a time.

The post Aayam’s Nrityadhara 3 Features 100+ Dancers in Bharatanatyam at LTG Auditorium appeared first on NRI News.