Author: Faisal Mahmood

A significant decline in the number of Indian students opting for higher education abroad is prompting a larger conversation around the readiness of India’s education ecosystem, according to Sushma Bharath, an independent education strategist and consultant.   Sushma Bharath   Recent data indicates that the number of Indians travelling overseas for higher education has dropped from 908,000 in 2023 to 626,000 in 2025, with US student visas alone witnessing a sharp 62 per cent decline between June and July 2025. While this trend may appear encouraging for India, Bharath notes that the reasons behind it warrant closer scrutiny. (Source: The…

Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, successfully hosted a train-the-trainer live surgical workshop on 28th March 2026, focusing on advanced gynecological endoscopy skill development amongst young practitioners. The workshop offered a valuable opportunity for medical professionals to enhance their expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which allows for faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery. Helmed by Dr. Prashant Bhamare, HOD & Director – Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, the workshop was designed to enhance the capabilities of doctors in performing complex surgeries by adopting and embracing advanced techniques.   L–R: Dr Sujay…

Purpose-built to help banks meet the Responsible Business Conduct regime, which will eliminate mis-selling risk by design ZENOVA is a policy-driven control layer that sits between core banking systems, insurer platforms, and all customer-facing channels Zopper’s multi-insurer platform ZENOVA will help banks and BFSI players across India to configure institutions’ policies and architecture without multi-year build cycles.   Zopper, India’s leading insurtech company, announced the launch of ZENOVA, an agentic layer designed to transform how banks distribute insurance products. ZENOVA embeds suitability, disclosure, and evidence generation directly into every insurance sale — helping reduce mis-selling risks across every channel. ZENOVA…

For years, the narrative of luxury housing in India has been defined by an aspirational drift toward metropolitan skylines. That axis is now reversing. Tier 2 cities are no longer only shedding their status of being merely ‘emerging’ to reveal themselves to be self-sustaining ecosystems of high aspirations where luxury is no longer merely an import, but an inherent attribute of their very fabric.   Luxury living takes root in emerging cities, where modern residences, green spaces, and community-driven design reflect evolving aspirations and local prosperity   The fulcrum has shifted from salary-driven wealth to enterprise-driven prosperity, with family-owned businesses…

A strong call to move beyond access and focus on meaningful learning outcomes defined discussions at the North East Shiksha Samvaad in Nagaland, where educators, policymakers, and civil society leaders came together to reimagine education for a rapidly changing world.   Stakeholders unite at North East Shiksha Samvaad to reimagine future-ready education in Nagaland   Held at Tetso College, Chumukidema, the convening, part of the larger Shikshagraha movement, brought together stakeholders from across the ecosystem under the theme “Reimagining Education in the Northeast for a Future-Ready Generation.” The focus was on bridging the gap between policy intent and classroom realities…

Hong Kong Riding on the wave of a spectacular line‑up of mega events throughout March and April, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) rolled out the “Hong Kong Mega 8” campaign. The campaign brings together eight highlighted world‑class mega events of arts, pop culture and sports, and citywide programmes, inviting visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant arts scenes in local neighbourhoods and discover Hong Kong’s captivating allure as the “Events Capital of Asia.”   (From left to right) Aniko Berman, Director of AOTM Gallery, Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok, GBM, GBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board and…

Dr. SS Mantha, Chancellor, Nagpur University, graces the occasion as Chief Guest Actress Madhoo Shah, Mickey Mehta, Wellness Expert, Nisha JamVwal, Social influencer & Blogger, Social Work & Brand Strategist and AP Jayaram, Nuclear Scientist, BARC, President STEAM Academy, Principal Scientific Advisor, Nehru Group of Institutions & Director CIIA attended as Guest of Honour   Cosmo-scientist and Rashtrapati Award-winning innovator Baldevkrishan Sharma unveiled his latest book, ‘Secrets of the Universe’ revealed through Hindu Gods, Symbols, Signs & Sounds, at the Conference Hall of the Nehru Science Centre, Worli, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.   Rashtrapati Award-winning author Baldevkrishan Sharma at…

India’s creator economy is growing rapidly, with thousands of independent influencers, vloggers and digital storytellers producing content every day. However, many creators face a common challenge – finding professional, well-designed and visually appealing spaces where they can shoot high-quality content. Studio rentals and premium locations are often expensive and not easily accessible for emerging creators.   Nilkamal Homes   Nilkamal Homes identified this gap and addressed it with Safe Space Studios by Nilkamal Homes, a one-of-its-kind initiative that gives creators access to beautifully designed showroom spaces that can be used as ready-to-shoot sets, free of cost. The pioneering initiative transforms its flagship Bengaluru showroom at NTR Plaza, Outer Ring Rd,…

This Holi, Dulux brought alive the core promise of its flagship exterior paint brand Dulux Weathershield – “It’s Colourful. It’s Powerful” to life through a playful campaign.   Building on its earlier campaigns showcasing performance in extreme climates such as the scorching +50°C heat of Jodhpur and the freezing –30°C temperatures of Spiti Valley, the brand created a festive ‘Colourful and Powerful’ Holi activation.   As part of the “Colourful & Powerful Holi” campaign, Dulux Weathershield collaborated with Blinkit to surprise consumers in select cities. During the Holi period, some Blinkit orders included a complimentary gulal packed inside adorable miniature Dulux…

The “New Entrant Of The Year” VinFast brings two solid EV SUVs to India, each with a different focus. Here’s how to pick the one that fits your daily drive in India. So you’ve decided to go electric, and VinFast has caught your eye. The brand is new, the designs are hard to miss, and increasing sightings on Indian roads hint at growing curiosity. For now, the choice is straightforward: the compact B-SUV VF 6 or the larger, more assertive C-SUV VF 7.   The “New Entrant Of The Year” VinFast brings two solid EV SUVs to India, each with…