Category: National

New Delhi, [India], February 14: The National Conference on “Mission Viksit Bharat @2047: Through Comprehensive Socio-Economic Development”, jointly hosted by the Indian Achievers’ Forum and All India Business & Community Foundation (AIBCF) in association with Achievers’ World, was successfully held on 11th February 2026 at Le Méridien, New Delhi. The summit brought together eminent policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders, CSR professionals, educationists, and sustainability advocates to deliberate on the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainability, and education in advancing India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the inaugural lamp, followed by a warm welcome speech of Shri Harish Chandra, Publisher and Group Editor – CSR TIMES and Achievers’ World. Setting the summit’s tone, he articulated the vision behind the event: “Our objective is to fortify business communities and individuals across the nation so that growth is not only economic but equitable, ethical, and empowering.”

The occasion was graced by eminent guests of honours including Shri Harsh Malhotra, Hon’ble Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Corporate Affairs, Government of India, Smt. Lalrinpuii, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Health and Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram, H.E. Mrs. Anisa K. Mbega, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to India, Dr. Manoj Garg, Retd. IAS, Hon. President – All India Business Community Foundation, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, Former Director General & CEO, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.

Esteemed Guests of Honours contributed valuable insights to the summit’s overarching vision, starting with Shri Ravi Shankar, Secretary – Indian Achievers’ Forum, who highlighted that the realization of Viksit Bharat 2047 rests not only on macroeconomic policy but also on grassroots enterprise, MSMEs, and ethical corporate leadership.

Taking the dialogue forward, Smt. Lalrinpuii underscored the importance of inclusive social development, women and child welfare, and healthcare partnerships in achieving sustainable community impact.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee reflected on the evolution of CSR in India and its transformative journey. “CSR in India has evolved from compliance to conscience. The future lies in strategic, measurable, outcome-driven CSR that creates long-term social capital and strengthens the socio-economic fabric of our nation,” he said.

As the lens widened beyond national borders, H.E. Mrs. Anisa K. Mbega spoke on strengthening international collaboration to advance sustainable development and shared prosperity.

In a landmark announcement, Ms. Vatika Singh, Head – Strategic Partnerships, CSR Times officially launched the CSR TIMES Global Council for CSR & Sustainability, a strategic initiative aimed at fostering global dialogue, collaboration, and best practices in CSR and sustainability. She urged participation from Corporates, PSUs, and NGOs to strengthen the doer-donor synergy.

A thought-provoking panel discussion on “CSR & Sustainability – Powering SDGs for Viksit Bharat”, moderated by Dr. K.K. Upadhyay, Professor & Chairperson, Centre for Sustainability and CSR, BIMTECH, brought together leading voices including Brig (Retd) Rajiv Williams, Advisor and Consultant CSR, Mr. Manish Mangal, President and Head – Americas Communication Business, Tech Mahindra, Mr Chinu Kwatra, Founder, Khushiyan Foundation, Dr Senorita Isaac, Trade Commissioner, Latin American Caribbean Trade Council, and Dr. Mamta Tomar, Director, Thetanox Consulting & Envirotech Pvt. Ltd. The panel deliberated on innovation, global partnerships, corporate accountability, and cross-sector collaboration as catalysts for achieving SDGs.

The afternoon session focused on education and its assimilation in Viksit Bharat, marking a transition from corporate responsibility to human capital development. The afternoon inauguration was graced by Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying of India, as Chief Guest, along with distinguished Guests of Honour including Ms Ira Singhal (IAS), Dy Secretary Dept. of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Government of India, Shri Sunil Shastri, President – Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Foundation & Chief Patron – Indian Achievers’ Forum, Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Retd. IAS, Director General, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Ms Shahnaz Husain, Founder, Managing Director & Chairperson, Shahnaz Husain Group, Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, International Consumer Policy Expert, and Dr. Somnath Singh, Deputy Director at UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI).

Highlighting the need for synergy across sectors, Shri S. P. Singh Baghel called for deeper collaboration between government institutions, industry leaders, civil society, and community stakeholders to build a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive India.

Building on this momentum, a compelling panel discussion on “Role of Education in Achieving Viksit Bharat Mission”, moderated by Dr. Somnath Singh (UN GCNI), featured eminent academicians and experts including Prof. Pushpanjali Jha, Delhi School of Social Work, Shri Ajay Kumar Garg, Head Digital Tech & Law, Anand & Anand, Ms Sunila Athley, Principal, Amity International School, Ms V Suprabha, Co-Founder, Consort Consultants, Shri Ravi Shankar, Hon. Secretary – Indian Achievers’ Forum, and Ms Swarnima Luthra, Principal, ASN Senior Secondary School. The discussion focused on digital transformation, policy innovation, social inclusion, and skill-based education as pillars of national development.

During the summit, prestigious honours including the Indian Achievers’ Awards, Achievers’ World Awards, Business and Community Awards, and Shiksha Bharati Awards were presented to distinguished individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions across diverse fields.

Some of the award winners were:

• Ms. Lalrinpuii – Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, and Health & Family Welfare, Government of Mizoram
• H.E. Mrs. Anisa K. Mbega – High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to India, New Delhi
• Ms. Ira Singhal – Deputy Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Government of India
• Mrs. Shahnaz Husain – Founder, Managing Director & Chairperson, Shahnaz Husain Group
• Mr. Rahul Makin – Radio Jockey
• Dr. Nobert Leo Raja Susai , UAE
  
• Mr. Shivkumar Krishnamoorthy Yeleshwaram – Co-Founder, KNEX Solutions Private Limited
• Mr. Siba Prasad Patnaik – Director Finance and CFO, Gliders India Limited, Kanpur – A CPSU under Ministry of Defence
• Mr. Chandan Agarwal – CFO, Olam Food Ingredients
• Dr. Deepti Maramganti – Co-Founder & Head, QRC Assurance & Solutions
• Mr. Arun Kumar Elengovan – Director, Engineering Security, Okta, Inc.
• Ms. Ketaki Borkar – Senior Director, Sapiens Limited
• Mr. Senthil Raj Subramaniam – Program Manager, Cognizant Technology Solutions, USA
• Mr. Suhas Diwakar Zele – Head of Marketing, PR & Partnerships, Equifax India
• Mr. Aswin Budaraju – Solutions Architect, USA
• Ms. Durga Das – Founder & CEO, Aeronero Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Samyak Asit Shah – Founder & Managing Director, Instaclaus Fintech Private Limited, Gujarat
• Mr. Karthick Jayakumara Sarma – Supply Chain Data Lead, Canada
• Mr. Prasit Kumar Dutta – Chief Technology Officer, Voltrez Tech Private Limited
• Mrs. Sravya Yelamanchili – Engineering Manager, USA
• Mr. Anjan Kumar Gundaboina – Senior Cloud DevOps Engineer, Optum, UHG, USA
• Mr. Pavan Kumar Mantha – Principal Data Engineer, USA
• Mr. Prakash Chandra Baror – General Manager, State Bank of India
• Mr. Mohankumar R – Manager – Talent Acquisition, GRB Dairy Foods Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Shyamal Kumar – CEO, Lavelle Networks
• Mr. Thanigaivel Mani – CEO, FOSDesk Outsourcing Services Private Limited
• Mr. Manoj Kumar Papneja – Principal Consultant, FIS Global Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.
• Dr. Kulvinder Kochar Kaur – Scientific Director, Dr Kulvinder Kaur Centre for Human Reproduction
• Dr. Vinesh Sukumar – VP – Head of AI Product, Qualcomm, USA
• Mr. Vaibhav Kelkar – Founder, Madhavsrushti Pratishthan LLP
• Mr. Gandharv Sachdeva – Country Head – India, Hybrid Adtech Private Limited
• Mr. Ravinder Goel   – Founder & CEO , Little Nap Designs Pvt. Ltd.

Concluding the event, in the vote of thanks Ms Maanisa Das, Sr Sub Editor – CSR TIMES delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing sincere appreciation to all valued partners and sponsors: Co-Sponsor Tata Sons, Associate Sponsors THDC, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, State Bank of India, Canara Bank, and BPCL. She also reiterated that the conversations initiated at the summit must translate into sustained action, measurable impact, and enduring partnerships.

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Param Pujya Muniraj Shri Shaurya Bhushan Vijay Ji Maharaj Saheb seen taking Diksha from Gurudev Pandit Maharaj Saheb

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 11: The Diksha Mahotsav of Mulund-based businessman Sharadbhai Zaveri was held in a grand and meaningful manner today, on 11^th February, 2026 at Mulund West, Mumbai.

At the age of 69, with the energy and enthusiasm of a young seeker, Mumukshu Ratna Shri Sharadbhai Chatrabhujbhai Zaveri accepted Diksha in a memorable ceremony that has become a proud moment in the history of Mulund. He will now be known as ” Param Pujya Muniraj Shri Shaurya Bhushan Vijay Ji Maharaj Saheb”.

The Gurudev of the newly initiated monk, well known in the Jain community for his depth of knowledge—Gachchhadhipati Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Yugbhushan Surishwarji Maharaja (Pandit Maharaj Saheb)—while giving his Heetshiksha (guidance), said:

“You have taken Diksha like a lion at a later age—now live it with the same strength and courage. Walk firmly on the path shown by the Tirthankars, keeping their Aagnya at the centre of your spiritual life. Make such a strong effort in your life that what you have renounced never returns, even in thought.”

The Gurudev’s words deeply touched everyone present.

It is worth mentioning that during the celebrations, thousands of visitors viewed the ‘Jinshasanam’ exhibition. People were surprised and inspired to learn about the contributions of the Mohajit Samuday to Jainism. The main attractions included the 11 stages of the path to liberation, a 9-foot idol, and replicas of important Jain Tirths.

A video on the protection of Shatrunjaya Tirth drew special attention and became a key topic of discussion among visitors. This was shared by Shri Nishitbhai Zaveri.

Hemant M. Shah – jyot public relation and govt relation, based in Canada, specially flew to Mumbai for this Diksha Mahotsav. He informed that for the First Time, a Diksha exhibition was held, highlighting importance of jain Shashan! This.5 days Diksha Vijay Prasthan with the auspicious blessings of his holiness Yugbhushan Suri Ji.M.S. was truly unique and memorable.

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Kharkhoda (Haryana) [India], February 11: In a major boost to inclusive education and social responsibility, Bhupender Dhaiya, Founder and Chairman of KD International School and JB Land Developers, has announced a life-changing initiative for underprivileged children in the region.

Under this noble initiative, 100 deserving children will receive completely free education every year. All expenses—including school fees, books, uniforms, and other academic requirements—will be fully sponsored by Bhupender Dhaiya, ensuring that financial limitations never become a barrier to quality education.

Widely known as a dedicated social worker, Bhupender Dhaiya has been consistently involved in community welfare, education support, and social upliftment activities for several years. Recently, he also donated ₹7,51,000 to the Kharkhoda Gau Shala, contributing towards the care and welfare of cows, which further highlights his deep commitment to social and cultural values.

While sharing his thoughts, Bhupender Dhaiya stated that education is the strongest foundation for a successful, dignified, and self-reliant life. He emphasized that this initiative is not just an act of charity, but a long-term commitment to nation-building and empowering future generations.

The program will be implemented through KD International School, with a strong focus on quality education, discipline, moral values, and overall personality development. The objective is to provide equal opportunities to children from economically weaker sections and help them realize their true potential.

Education experts, parents, and local residents from Kharkhoda and surrounding areas of Sonipat have warmly welcomed this announcement, calling it a rare and inspiring example of how educational institutions and business leaders can genuinely give back to society.

Through this education initiative and his continued contributions—such as the recent Gau Shala donation—Bhupender Dhaiya has once again proven that true leadership is defined not just by personal success, but by the positive and lasting impact created in people’s lives.

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 09: The Shatak Dhwaj Yatra marking 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh began on a historic and emotional note. The journey commenced at Srinagar’s iconic Lal Chowk where, for the first time since Independence, the Bhagwa flag was waved proudly, accompanied by chants of Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai, creating a powerful moment of togetherness as citizens joined the march.

In Jammu, the yatra received a warm public welcome, carrying forward the spirit of service, discipline and unity inspired by the hundred-year journey of RSS under Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar ji and Guruji Golwalkar ji.

The first leg concluded in Ludhiana with energetic celebrations, traditional dhol beats and a rally of 100 bikers symbolising 100 years of the Sangh, followed by a felicitation ceremony honouring community heroes.

Speaking on the occasion, karyakarta and producer Vir Kapur said, “Starting the Shatak Dhwaj Yatra at Lal Chowk where Bhagwa was raised again after Independence with chants of Vande Mataram was a moment of deep pride and emotion. Through Shatak The Film, and through this Yatra across cities, we are celebrating the hundred years of RSS, it’s service and the unity that binds our nation together.”

Produced by Vir Kapur in association with PANORAMA Studio, co-produced by Aashish Tiwari and directed by Aashish Mall, Shatak: Sangh’s 100 Years releases in theatres on February 19, 2026.

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New Delhi [India], February 07: The India-US interim trade deal is not flashy, not dramatic, and not loud. That is exactly why it matters. This is trade policy doing its job quietly, efficiently, and with intent.

The Importance of the India US Interim Trade Deal

The structure of the India US interim trade deal is a calculated move away off the negotiating exhaustion to quantifiable steps. The two parties have settled on an organised interim agreement that reduces tariffs on goods of Indian origin to 18 percent and opens negotiations on a non-tariff barrier that have existed long enough. It is not a free trade agreement that is headline grabbing. It is a more practical thing. It is a working bridge.

Trade negotiations between the United States and India have been going round and round over the years. There was strategic alignment. Economic logic existed. Execution lagged. Such a tentative structure transforms that dynamic by reducing the area and establishing attainable standards. It is significant only because of that.

The Real Meaning of the 18% Tariff Signal

The lowering of tariffs on goods of Indian origin to 18 percent is not a figure of speech. It is a signal. It informs the exporters that access is key. It informs investors that predictability is enhancing. It informs negotiators that the two parties are prepared to get beyond defensiveness.

To Indian manufacturers and exporters, the tariff rationalisation of the pricing power is straight to the US market. The world is operating on slim margins. Freight costs fluctuate. The volatility of the currency is permanent. An expected tariff ceiling minimizes the uncertainty and enhances planning.

This applies particularly to industries that run on volume and size and not on the premium pricing. Textiles, engineering products, chemicals and some electronics areas would also have an advantage of access ease. No miracles here. Just math.

The Barriers of Non-tariffs: The Real Warfront

Tariffs make headlines. The results are determined by non-tariff barriers. The interim trade deal framework is a clear start in the non-tariff barriers. This entails regulatory thresholds, compliance procedures, certification sloths, and procedural smacking to death a competitiveness without noise.

These obstacles are typically more expensive than the tariffs to the Indian exporters. Documentation, redundant testing and ambiguous regulatory channels slow transportation and increase expenses.

The India US interim trade agreement accepts reality by explicitly putting non-tariff barriers on the negotiation table. Customs gates are no longer the only barriers to trade. It has been hampered by bureaucracy, lack of transparency, and regulatory disfit. This will mark the start of actual trade reform.

[Internal Link → placeholder: The changing framework of India trade policy.]

Digital Trade, Supply Chains and Services

The framework also preconditions the further collaboration in the field of goods, services, supply chain, and digital trade. This is important since the power of Indian trade can no longer be restricted to the physical exports.

India still depends on exports of services as the anchor to the external balance. IT services, consulting, engineering design and business process outsourcing are still competitive in the world. Digital trade regulations define the flow of data and functionality of platforms and the scaling of cross-border services.

Cooperation of the supply chain is also important. International firms are re-balancing risk. They want redundancy. They want reliability. They desire spouses able to climb Mount Everest without unexpected policy changes.

India US interim trade agreement makes India a more reliable go-to supply chain player as opposed to being an alternative. It is an up-to-quiet improvement.

The Implications of this to Indian Businesses

To Indian business, the message is obvious. This deal is not theoretical. Tariff transparency is achieved by exporters. Service companies perceive an avenue to easier entry. Manufacturers receive the signal that there is more integration in the market.

Stability is an advantage to MSMEs. Regulatory uncertainty can usually hurt smaller exporters. An established interim structure minimises guesses and enhances creditworthiness.

Policy risk decreases and banks are able to lend more easily. Insurers are more rational in pricing risk. There is an easy time of signing supply contracts. Demand is not made through trade structures. They enable it.

The India Context: Why Timing is Important

This accord comes at a time when the world trade is undergoing a crisis. Protectionism is rising. Supply chains are being re-conceived. The tariff wars are trending again.

The move taken by India, which opted to enter into an interim trade agreement rather than wait indefinitely before securing a flawless agreement can be viewed as pragmatism. It has nothing to do with ideological chastity. It is of the economic momentum.

The export ambitions of India need opening and not applause. Creeping deals generate trust. Capital is drawn in by credibility. Capital funds expansion. That is more significant than slogans.

What This Deal Is Not

Let’s be clear. It is not a free trade arrangement. This is by no means the last thing to say about the India US trade relations. And it is no political triumph lap.

It not only eradicates some obstacles. It is not an assurance of export booms. It does not overcome all the sectoral conflicts.

What it does is make friction smaller. It establishes a work structure. It demonstrates that negotiations may be put into practice. In trade, that is progress.

The Road Ahead

The India US interim trade deal structure is the first step and not the last. The extent to which tariffs are reduced will be determined in future negotiations. They will dictate ways in which digital trade regulations are going to evolve. They will find out the seriousness of both sides on regulatory alignment.

But transitional structures are important since they develop trust by achievement. In trade diplomacy, there is currency in trust. This deal does not shout. It works. And that is what matters in international commerce.

PNN NATIONAL

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 07: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak today unveiled the official logo of ‘Dr. Cancer’, a homeopathy-led supportive care initiative for cancer patients. The logo launch took place at his residence in Lucknow in the presence of senior doctors and healthcare representatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Brajesh Pathak said that prevention and treatment are among society’s most important health responsibilities. He added that efforts like Dr. Cancer can strengthen patient support systems and improve access to care.

The Deputy Chief Minister was briefed about the initiative’s vision and planned activities by Dr. Gauri Shankar, Director of Dr. Cancer and Sanvedana Homeopathic Clinic, along with senior physician Dr. Amit Srivastava and Mr. Ram Mohan Agarwal. Dr. A. M. Reddy, Founder of Dr. Care Group, and Mr. Paras, Director at Dr. Cancer, were also present during the ceremony.

Focus on Supportive Care and Quality of Life

Dr. Gauri Shankar shared that Dr. Cancer is focused on supportive therapy through homeopathy, with the goal of improving the quality of life for cancer patients. He explained that homeopathy is being positioned as a supportive approach to help manage symptoms and patient comfort alongside standard medical care.

Deputy Chief Minister Extends Best Wishes

Shri Brajesh Pathak appreciated the initiative and said that every medical system has a role to play in the fight against cancer. He expressed confidence that Dr. Gauri Shankar and his team will contribute meaningfully through service, awareness, and patient support.

Upcoming Awareness and Screening Camps

Dr. Amit Srivastava said that the team will conduct screening and awareness camps across Uttar Pradesh in the coming months. Mr. Ram Mohan Agarwal highlighted the importance of social participation and community support to expand awareness and reach more families.

A memento was presented to the Deputy Chief Minister, and the team also discussed future healthcare topics and research-oriented initiatives aimed at improving patient support.

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 07: CA Shalesh Ghedia, along with senior SLT (Senior Leadership Team of the Professional Cell and other fellow mates) members, has formally written a detailed representation to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji, highlighting several pressing issues faced by schools, teachers, students, and parents across the state.

In the Letter CA Shailesh Ghedia, as his role as the BJP Professional Cell Mumbai President has requested the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s intervention to address these concerns at the policy and administrative levels. Members expressed confidence that timely resolution of these issues will reduce stress on educators, enhance institutional transparency, and significantly improve the quality of education across Maharashtra.

The letter focuses on practical, solution-oriented reforms aimed at strengthening school education administration, reducing unnecessary burdens on teachers, and ensuring uninterrupted academic delivery for students.

Key Issues Highlighted in the Representation include:

• Rationalisation of School Inspections: Recommendation to conduct inspections under a single framework—either SQAAF or Mukhyamantri Sunder Shala—to avoid duplication and excessive documentation pressure on teachers.
• NMMS Income Certificate Difficulties: Simplification and digitisation of income certificate verification to ensure deserving students do not miss out on scholarships due to procedural delays.
• Structured NMMS Guidance Lectures: Request for official orientation sessions at school or block level to improve awareness and success rates among students and parents.
• Clarity on TET Examination Policy: Proposal to mandate TET only for newly appointed or recently qualified teachers, while exempting senior and experienced educators to prevent demotivation.
• Excessive Online & Non-Academic Workload: Appeal to reduce repetitive clerical tasks and allow teachers to focus on core academic responsibilities.
• Server & Technical Issues: Recommendation for stronger digital infrastructure and flexible deadlines during technical failures.
• ABHA Card Creation for Students: Call for a fully online, centralised system to avoid coordination challenges between schools and health departments.
• Election Duties for Teachers: Suggestion to deploy teachers judiciously for election work to prevent disruption of academic schedules and loss of teaching days.
• Seniority Scale Approval & Transparency: Strong emphasis on time-bound, transparent approval of seniority scale files, online tracking systems, and zero tolerance against any form of corruption or harassment.

Leadership Viewpoint

Confirming the development, Mr. Mahesh Bhambwani, Media Secretary – BJP Professional Cell, stated that “the representation has been officially submitted to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, keeping in mind the larger public interest and the long-term vision of strengthening Maharashtra’s education ecosystem.”

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Mahesh Bhambwani emphasized that the BJP Professional Cell continues to act as a bridge between grassroots professionals and the government, ensuring that genuine concerns are communicated through structured and policy-oriented dialogue. Known for his clear communication and issue-based advocacy, Mr. Bhambwani aims to promote good governance, transparency, and people-centric reforms under the leadership of Hon’ble CM Devendra Fadnavis.

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New Delhi [India], February 06: Serious concerns have surfaced over a Government of India–funded school IT procurement in Andhra Pradesh, with documents indicating that the tender process for Chromebooks may have been structured and modified to favour select bidders, potentially causing a significant loss to the public exchequer.

The controversy relates to the procurement of 51,885 Chromebooks for government schools under a Project Approval Board (PAB)–approved scheme of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The e-tender, issued by the State Project Director, AP Samagra Shiksha Society (APSSS), closed on January 24.

A review of tender documents, corrigenda, official replies, industry representations, and Government of India advisories reveals a series of red flags suggesting that competition, quality safeguards, and value-for-money principles may have been compromised.

GeM flags restrictive conditions

In a key development, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)—the central procurement platform—formally flagged that the tender mandated multiple foreign certifications such as EPEAT Gold, TCO, FCC, Energy Star, and MIL-STD-810H, cautioning that these conditions “may be restrictive and beyond MeitY/DPIIT/PPP-MII norms, thereby limiting competition.” GeM advised the department to review the matter and take corrective action.

Despite this explicit advisory, no meaningful correction appears to have been made before bid closure, raising questions about why a central procurement platform’s warning was disregarded in a centrally funded project.

Deviation from central procurement norms

Industry sources point out that the insistence on EPEAT Gold and TCO certifications contradicts the DPIIT Office Memorandum dated 20.12.2022, which discourages restrictive and discriminatory tender conditions. Equivalent globally accepted certifications such as CB, CE, FCC, UL, and BIS were not permitted, effectively narrowing the field to a limited set of vendors.

Observers argue that this exclusionary design does not appear incidental, particularly after GeM itself highlighted the non-compliance. 

Tender allegedly tailored to a single OEM

Stakeholders further allege that the tender’s over-reliance on the highly restrictive EPEAT Gold certification had the practical effect of aligning eligibility with the product portfolio of a single OEM, even though multiple OEMs operate in India and meet functional and safety requirements through other accepted standards. According to industry participants, EPEAT Gold at the specified configuration level is available with only one vendor, making the tender effectively single-OEM in design.

This concern is compounded by participation patterns: only three relatively small bidders reportedly qualified, leading to allegations of coordinated participation aligned to the restrictive framework. While no wrongdoing has been established, critics say such outcomes raise serious questions about genuine competition and price discovery.

National players sidelined, local firms favoured

By restricting nationally established OEMs and system integrators—who have proven, pan-India experience in executing large education deployments—the tender allegedly tilted towards local players. Critics say these firms lack comparable manufacturing depth, nationwide service networks, and execution capacity for a project of this scale, heightening delivery and long-term support risks.

Public savings ignored

Adding to the concern, manufacturers warned of severe global RAM and SSD price volatility and sought a two-to-three week bid extension, projecting savings of at least 10% of the total contract value. The request was rejected without recorded justification, and the tender was rushed to closure.

Quality benchmark diluted

The original tender included an IDC-based quality benchmark, a neutral indicator of product maturity and reliability. This clause was later removed through a corrigendum, even as other restrictive conditions were retained—effectively lowering quality safeguards while preserving entry barriers.

Call for investigation

“This is not a routine state purchase; it is a GoI-funded, PAB-approved project meant for school education,” industry sources said. Taken together—GeM’s warning, restrictive certifications, denial of extension despite potential savings, dilution of quality benchmarks, sidelining of national players, and allegations of a single-OEM-aligned design—the sequence of actions forms a pattern that warrants independent investigation.

The key question now is whether authorities will intervene to protect taxpayers’ money and students’ interests, or allow the concerns flagged—even by GeM—to go unexamined.

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Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], February 03: Renowned homoeopathic physician Dr. A.K. Dwivedi, regarded as one of the best homoeopathic doctors in India, has been nominated as Member (Homoeopathy Expert) of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong. The nomination has been made by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, through an official communication dated 23 January 2026, for a three-year tenure.

In this role, Dr. Dwivedi will provide expert guidance on academic development, research priorities, and institutional planning, thereby strengthening the institute’s academic and clinical frameworks. NEIAH is an autonomous national institute and the only AYUSH institution in North-Eastern India where Ayurveda and Homoeopathy function together on a single campus, playing a pivotal role in education, research, and healthcare delivery across the region.

Dr. Dwivedi is widely known worldwide for his best homoeopathic treatment outcomes in complex and life-threatening conditions such as aplastic anemia, prostate cancer, hematohidrosis, and pancytopenia developing after chemotherapy and radiation therapy in cancer patients, earning him international recognition and trust among patients and professionals alike.

Dr. Dwivedi also brings extensive national-level experience, having served since 2015 on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), Ministry of AYUSH. His association with both CCRH and NEIAH highlights his stature as a respected thought leader in the field of homoeopathy.

The nomination has been warmly welcomed by academic and medical circles, who are confident that Dr. Dwivedi’s leadership and research acumen will elevate academic standards, strengthen research initiatives, and further enhance Indore’s contribution to national AYUSH activities.

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New Delhi [India], January 28: As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, Gujarat’s leading corporate voices have outlined clear expectations to sustain India’s growth momentum and advance the vision of a Viksit Bharat. Industry leaders across manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and consulting emphasise the need for higher capital expenditure, policy continuity, ease of doing business and reforms that unlock scale and risk capital. From boosting infrastructure, housing and green construction to strengthening primary sectors, healthcare spending and regulatory simplification, Gujarat Inc. believes the Budget can play a catalytic role in accelerating investment, job creation, innovation and long-term, sustainable economic growth across the country.

1. Gokul Jaykrishna, Chairman, FICCI – Gujarat and Joint MD & CEO, Asahi Songwon Colors Ltd

We’ve travelled far from the suffocating licence raj, under Prime Minister Modi ji’s decisive push, growth roared back, catapulting us amongst world’s top 4 economies. The Indian engine is now humming at 7%. Yet settling at 5 trillion dollars feels modest. True parity with giants demands vaulting to ten trillion, fast. India needs two things, Scale and Risk Capital, to build an ecosystem that ignites animal spirits. PM gave the runway; now tax breaks and capex fuel must ignite takeoff, turning potential into powerhouse scale to realize India’s true potential.

Key tasks:

• Increase infra capex, link it to mega corridors.
• Widen PLI schemes for electronics, drones, EVs.
• Cut long-term gains tax, smooth FDI windows to compete with US and China, and attract more risk capital.

 2. Rajiv Gandhi, Founder, MD & CEO, Hester Biosciences Ltd and President AMA

Rajiv Gandhi

In stable economies, annual budgets do not witness wide variations. The changes are largely aimed at refining ongoing reforms and maintaining continuity in policy direction. So is the case with India. From the upcoming Budget, I would particularly like to see enhanced public expenditure towards agriculture, animal husbandry and infrastructure creation. Strengthening the primary sector can provide a strong foundation for agricultural & industrial growth, leading to a boost to MSMEs. This, in turn, would generate employment, raise disposable incomes, stimulate consumption and ultimately strengthen domestic demand, creating a cycle of sustainable economic growth.

3. Mohit Saboo, CFO & Director, BigBloc Construction Ltd

We view Union Budget 2026 as a pivotal opportunity to accelerate India’s infrastructure and housing growth through sustainable construction. Higher capital allocation for housing, urban development and green infrastructure can significantly boost demand for innovative building materials. We expect incentives such as higher FSI for projects using AAC blocks and panels, tax benefits for green materials, and phased curbs on polluting red bricks to encourage cleaner alternatives. Continued PMAY support, faster approvals for infrastructure projects, and a targeted liquidity push for real estate will further aid sector momentum. Prioritising sustainable urban infrastructure, logistics and railways can drive job creation while supporting ESG-compliant, efficient construction solutions.

4. Nrupesh Shah, Founder and Chairman, Nrups Consultants LLP

To achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat (by 2047) with an economy size of US$ 30 trillion per capita income US$ 18,000, must unleash series of bold economic reforms. Restricting to three major suggestions:

i) Ease of Doing Business:

While several steps have been taken, businesses still require much greater simplification in regulatory compliances. Transformative reforms are needed across Factories Act, GST, Income Tax, Company Law, SEBI, and listing regulations to truly match Southeast Asian economies and China.

  ii) Massive Divestment:

As announced in Budget 23, the government should divest majority stakes in non-strategic PSUs, releasing resources to rationalize taxation and support SMEs, making Indian industry globally competitive.

iii) Unleashing Land Reforms:

Land acquisition remains a major bottleneck—complex, contentious, and time-consuming. Amid global geopolitical, AI, and economic challenges, above reforms will revive India’s entrepreneurial spirit.

5. Amarendra Kumar Gupta, CFO, Sterling Hospitals

Amarendra Kumar Gupta

“Ahead of the Union Budget, a higher allocation for public healthcare, aligned with the National Health Policy target of 2.5% of GDP, will strengthen care delivery and ease operational pressures. Increased outlay for Ayushman Bharat can help streamline reimbursements and improve system efficiency. Incentives for private hospitals, indigenous medical devices, AI-enabled healthcare, and faster clearances for domestic drug and vaccine development will support capacity building, reduce costs, and improve affordability for patients across the country.”

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