Author: Faisal Mahmood

India has over 1 million government schools, 121 million children who depend on them, and nearly 9.4 million teachers working within the system every day. Most of them work without recognition, without visibility, and often without institutional support. The Shikshagraha Awards exist to change that, and the evidence shows it is working.    Nominations for the 3rd Shikshagraha Awards, instituted by SFPI, are open until July 31, 2026 Shikshagraha, the people-led movement to improve public schools across India, has announced that nominations for the 3rd edition of the Shikshagraha Awards, instituted by The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives, are now open…

The Ramaiah Group has partnered with the University at Albany, State University of New York, a leading public research university, to establish the Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management (RISM) – India’s first distinct greenfield deemed‑to‑be university in Bangalore. Conceived as a next‑generation STEM and management university, RISM will offer a globally benchmarked, industry‑embedded engineering curriculum that prioritizes resilience and translational research. A distinctive mix of internationally reputed faculty, on‑campus industry mentors, and a three‑year capstone experience beginning in the second year will prepare graduates to meet and exceed the technology and enterprise needs of India’s next decade.   Dr. M. R.…

Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a leading FMCG conglomerate and multi-business corporation, has officially announced an exclusive partnership with Ben’s Cookies, the beloved British curator of artisanal, freshly baked treats and dessert QSR. Established in 1983 at Oxford’s Covered Market, Ben’s Cookies has earned a global following for its signature “chunky and gooey” texture. This partnership brings Ben’s Cookies’ traditional, quality-focused approach to the Indian market, introducing a “bakery-first” retail format that prioritizes in-store freshness and simple, honest ingredients.    DS Group Inks Exclusive Partnership with Iconic British Brand ‘Ben’s Cookies’ for India Entry   Reflecting on the brand’s uncompromising…

Layan LIFE by Anantara, the brand’s flagship wellness retreat nestled within the luxurious Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, has unveiled a new collection of women-focused retreats designed to support, celebrate and empower women across all chapters of life — from tech-overloaded teens and women navigating the hormonal fluctuations of midlife, to those entering their wiser years wanting to stay strong, mobile and well.   Anantara Layan Life – Wellness Centre   Each programme combines advanced diagnostics, nutrition, movement and therapeutic treatments with Thailand’s time-honoured healing traditions, creating a personalised experience rooted in evidence, empathy and balance.   The launch comes at…

The winner beats 12,000 nominations from 129 countries to take top prize in Cambridge’s teacher competition Indian teacher’s contributions to education include positioning climate education and professional development at the heart of student learning   The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) today announced that science teacher Soma Mandal from GD Goenka Public School, Delhi, is the global winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. In a close race with eight other regional winners from around the globe, Soma earned 40 percent of the public vote to become the first ever overall winner from India. …

Balu Forge Industries Ltd (BSE: 531112 | NSE: BALUFORGE), a leading precision engineering and manufacturing company, is pleased to announce the receipt of a significant order in the large-calibre ammunition segment. The company has secured an initial contract to supply 30,000 units of 152 mm artillery shells to a major Indian energetics player. This partnership marks a critical milestone in BFIL’s expanding footprint within the domestic defence sector.   Supplies for this strategic order are scheduled to commence in June 2026.   Order Scalability and Future Variants This initial contract lays the groundwork for a robust, long-term collaboration. The order…

Doctors at Prayag Hospital and Research Centre Pvt. Ltd. successfully managed a highly critical and life-threatening abdominal emergency in a 74-year-old patient through timely surgical intervention, advanced ICU care, and coordinated multidisciplinary management.   Doctors at Prayag Hospital successfully performed a complex high-risk trauma surgery on a 74-year-old road accident patient   Mr. Ram Sharan Lal, a known case of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism, was admitted under the Ayushman panel at the hospital on January 5, 2026, in an extremely critical condition. He presented with severe abdominal pain and distension, repeated vomiting, fever, and shock, all signs suggestive…

Leading scale-up Spiro has secured a landmark USD 215 million investment round backed by major institutional investors including Impact Fund Denmark and Equitane. Spiro’s Global Technology and Engineering Center in Pune, will lead the R&D, AI-driven energy analytics, and software innovation backing the expansion Founded by Indian entrepreneur Gagan Gupta, Spiro has already enabled over 1 billion kilometers of eco-friendly travel across Africa With Spiro already operating across seven of Africa’s fastest-growing urban markets, this transaction positions Spiro among the continent’s leading clean infrastructure platforms. This investment will accelerate the expansion of Spiro’s battery-swapping network, industrial footprint and next-generation electric…

NJF Holdings, the global investment group founded by Nicole Junkermann, has identified the convergence of professional sport, human performance, and life sciences as an emerging investment frontier in India, arguing that the country is uniquely positioned to develop world-class capabilities at the intersection of athletic performance, longevity science and health technology.   Nicole Junkermann points to sports science and longevity as fast-growing investment themes   The announcement reflects NJF Holdings’ position across two sectors that are increasingly connected but rarely addressed together. Through its venture arm NJF Capital, the group has built a portfolio of more than 40 technology and…

Dr. Morepen and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Bhopal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a fully integrated Dr. Morepen Health Centre within the university campus. The MoU was signed by Dr. G. Viswanathan, Founder & Chancellor, VIT Group of Institutions, in the presence of Dr. Sankar Viswanathan, Vice President, VIT Bhopal, along with senior leadership from Dr. Morepen.   From L to R: Amrit Ravi, VP Dr. Morepen Group and G Viswanathan, Founder & Chancellor VIT The initiative marks the launch of a new healthcare model designed specifically for educational institutions with Dr. Morepen planning similar Health…