Tag: national

New Delhi [India], February 18: Water shortages, polluted rivers, and irregular supply have quietly become part of daily life for many Indians. To address this, Mirchi has launched Jal Vaani, a nationwide campaign in association with the National Water Mission and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Singer Mohit Chauhan, actor Taapsee Pannu, and filmmaker Anubhav Sinha are supporting the initiative to encourage people to take small steps to save water.

Jal Vaani uses familiar voices and everyday situations to spark natural conversations about water. Rooted in the philosophy of Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari, the campaign puts communities at the centre of the story. The message is clear: long-term water security depends on both policy and individual action. Each episode features government recognised Water Warriors from across India who have taken practical steps to conserve water and mobilise their communities.

Mohit Chauhan expressed, “Water is something we all take for granted until it becomes scarce. Being part of Jal Vaani gave me a chance to remind people that every action counts. Turning off a tap, saving every drop, or just noticing wastage around you. These small steps build a bigger culture of care. I hope my voice helps people pause, reflect, and take action because water is a shared responsibility and the time to act is now. I’m happy that the Ministry of Jal Shakti and Mirchi have come up with this initiative, and I hope we start seeing these positive changes in the times to come.”

Taapsee Pannu emphasized the collective responsibility, stating, “Water conservation isn’t just a policy matter, it’s a personal responsibility each of us must embrace. Every drop we save today is a promise we keep for future generations.”

Echoing a shared commitment to sustainable water management, the Water Warriors who were part of Mirchi Jal Vaani articulated a unified vision, stating, “India’s water situation is a result of years of overuse, pollution and disregard for natural limits. The challenge is not just about availability; it is about awareness and attitude. Governments can create systems and policies, but conservation will only succeed when citizens recognise water as a shared and finite resource.”

The campaign is supported through RJ-led digital content, helping the message reach urban audiences and younger listeners who are shaping everyday consumption habits. Through Jal Vaani, the National Water Mission and the Ministry of Jal Shakti hope to inspire more people to treat water as a precious, shared resource.

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New Delhi [India], February 17: Vast, the company developing next-generation space stations, has signed an order with NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida. It is Vast’s first private astronaut mission to the space station in partnership with NASA.

“Vast is honored to have been selected by NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station,” said Max Haot, CEO of Vast. “Leveraging the remaining life of the International Space Station with science and research-led commercial crewed missions is a critical part of the transition to commercial space stations and fully unlocking the orbital economy.”

The Vast private astronaut mission crew is expected to spend up to 14 days aboard the space station. A specific launch date will depend on overall spacecraft traffic at the orbital outpost and other planning considerations. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch the crew on a Dragon spacecraft to the space station as previously announced.

The mission will generate invaluable insights into the infrastructure and processes required for Vast to safely accomplish human spaceflight missions. The mission supports deeper collaboration with NASA and international space agencies in addition to strengthening Vast’s position as a candidate to deliver its proposed successor to the space station, the multi-module, continuously crewed Haven-2.

Vast is planning a robust science and research portfolio with a focus on biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, human research, and technology demonstrations for the mission. Last year, Vast announced a call for research proposals for a potential PAM mission. In addition, Vast’s current agreement with CASIS will enable increased throughput of high-quality science that aligns with its science strategy.

To submit a research proposal for consideration, visit: https://www.vastspace.com/science-rfp-eligibility.

About Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030.

With more than 1,000 employees at its Long Beach, California headquarters and over a billion dollars in private capital invested, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

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New Delhi [India], February 16: Indicatively, India has recently inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit, and it is already clear that this is not just another technology event. The scale is bigger, the message stronger, and the intent unmistakable. From global CEOs to heads of state, artificial intelligence is no longer a side conversation. India is treating it as a serious national and global priority.

India AI Impact Summit Takes Centre Stage

The India AI Impact Summit is a five-day international conference being held in New Delhi. It focuses on artificial intelligence, its future potential, and the risks that come with rapid adoption. Beginning on February 16, the summit has brought together world leaders, senior policymakers, and top executives from some of the largest technology companies in the world.

This is not a routine industry gathering. It is a strategic statement. By hosting the summit, India is placing itself firmly at the centre of global discussions on how AI should evolve. The theme of the summit, People, Progress, Planet, reflects an effort to balance innovation with responsibility. For a country that is still developing its AI ecosystem, this move is ambitious and deliberate.

Beyond the Hype: Safety, Jobs, and Digital Harms

The conversations at the summit go well beyond showcasing new tools or breakthroughs. The focus is on real-world concerns. Panels and discussions have addressed issues such as child safety online, the spread of misinformation, deepfakes, and the impact of AI on jobs.

Experts have warned that while AI can increase efficiency and profits, it can also cause serious harm if left unchecked. Some speakers have raised concerns about the broad scope of the agenda. When a summit tries to cover too much, there is a risk that discussions remain high-level without clear outcomes. This matters because many people in the room are decision-makers expected to take action, not just listen.

The message is clear. AI is no longer only a technology issue. It is a social issue, and the risks rise alongside the rewards.

Who Is in the Room and Why It Matters

The list of attendees explains the importance of this summit. National leaders, heads of state, and senior government officials are present alongside CEOs of major AI and cloud computing companies. Industry figures such as Sam Altman of OpenAI and Sundar Pichai of Google are part of the discussions.

Delegations from over 45 governments, hundreds of thousands of visitors, and hundreds of exhibitors have gathered at the event. This rare mix of political power and corporate influence signals something important. India is not just hosting the summit. It is helping shape the global conversation.

For the first time, a Global South nation is taking the lead in setting the agenda on how AI should be developed and governed. This marks a shift from being a technology user to becoming a rule-maker. The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with leaders like Emmanuel Macron of France and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, underlines another reality. AI policy has become part of global geopolitics.

India’s Global South Moment

Technology summits have traditionally been dominated by the United States, Europe, and China. Holding a major AI summit in India represents a clear shift. The goal is to ensure that global AI policies reflect the needs of developing countries, not just advanced economies that export technology.

The summit emphasizes cooperation and shared responsibility rather than control by a few powerful players. At its core, the event seeks to create a shared understanding of how AI should be governed across borders. It recognizes that technology affects everyone and that its risks and benefits cannot be managed by one country alone.

This is India asserting its place in the global technology order, with a clear awareness of both the opportunities and the dangers involved.

Critics and Constraints

Despite the scale and ambition, the summit is not without criticism. Some observers worry that covering too many issues, from job losses to misinformation, could reduce the effectiveness of the discussions. Broad themes sound impressive, but turning them into clear action plans is difficult.

There is also concern about voluntary commitments from technology companies. Critics argue that self-regulation often looks strong on paper but leads to limited real-world change. The challenge lies in finding the right balance. Too much regulation can slow innovation. Too little oversight can create serious risks. This balance is difficult, and India’s effort to manage it is being closely watched.

AI in India: Background and Opportunities

India’s AI ecosystem has its own strengths and limits. While the country does not yet lead in developing core AI models, it benefits from a large market, a skilled workforce, and widespread adoption of digital tools.

India is reportedly the largest user base for OpenAI’s ChatGPT, with tens of millions of daily users. This gives India valuable experience in how AI is used in everyday life. At the same time, concerns remain about job disruption, especially in IT and service sectors that rely heavily on outsourcing.

However, new roles are also emerging. Fields such as data analysis, AI training, system monitoring, and safety auditing are creating fresh opportunities. If managed well, India’s human talent could become its biggest advantage in the AI era.

What the Summit Could Deliver

Global summits are often criticised for producing more talk than results. Still, the India AI Impact Summit has the potential to influence future policy. While no binding agreements are expected, the summit may lead to shared frameworks on AI ethics, safety standards, inclusion, and ways to counter misinformation and deepfakes.

It may also encourage stronger partnerships between governments and the private sector. With so many global leaders present, even common language in official statements can shape future policies. Today’s discussions could become tomorrow’s global norms.

Final Word

This summit is not about showing power. It is about setting direction. India is making it clear that the future of AI should be guided by cooperation, responsibility, and inclusion. Whether the promises turn into concrete action will take time to assess. But one thing is certain. AI has become a global concern, and India has stepped forward to help shape its future.

PNN NATIONAL

New Delhi [India], February 14: Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 comes at a time when capital discipline has replaced capital excess. Valuations are sober. Due diligence is regaining prominence. Founders are being evaluated less on pitch decks and more on execution.

Against this backdrop, the Union Cabinet’s decision to approve a Fund of Funds with a ₹10,000 crore corpus is not a vanity announcement. It is a stabiliser.

This is not about sprinkling cash among startups. It is about strengthening the plumbing of the Indian venture capital system so that good companies do not perish during periods of market conservatism.

What Has Been Approved

The Cabinet has approved Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with a total corpus of ₹10,000 crore, to be disbursed over time through SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

The structure remains aligned with the original design philosophy. The government does not invest directly in startups. Instead, it acts as a catalytic investor in professionally managed venture funds.

Implementation will continue through Startup India, with supervision by selected public financial institutions.

This is policy forbearance in action. No drama. No disruption. Just scale.

Why a Fund of Funds, Not Direct Cheques

Governments are not venture capitalists, and they should not attempt to act like one.

The Fund of Funds model recognises this reality. Rather than selecting winners from North Block, the state backs fund managers who understand opportunity, risk management, and founder dynamics.

This approach offers three clear advantages.

First, it multiplies impact. Every rupee invested by the Fund of Funds tends to attract several more rupees of private capital.

Second, it avoids bureaucratic micromanagement.

Third, it builds a long-term venture ecosystem instead of short-term subsidy dependence.

Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 remains firmly rooted in this logic.

Lessons from the First Fund of Funds

The original Fund of Funds, launched in 2016 with an announced corpus of ₹10,000 crore, played a subtle but significant role in India’s startup decade.

Official data shows commitments to dozens of AIFs, which in turn supported hundreds of startups across sectors such as fintech, healthtech, SaaS, agritech, and deep tech.

It did not create unicorns overnight. That was never the objective.

What it did was enable early- and growth-stage funding at a time when India’s domestic venture capital base was still evolving. Many of today’s established fund managers emerged from that period.

Fund of Funds 2.0 builds on this institutional memory.

What Changes with Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0

The environment has evolved, and the design reflects that shift.

India today has a larger and more diverse startup universe. There are more regional founders, more sector-specialist funds, and increased focus on hardware, climate technologies, and manufacturing-linked innovation.

The second fund is expected to place greater emphasis on:

• Early-stage capital gaps

• Emerging fund managers

• Sector-focused AIFs

• Wider geographic reach beyond metros

This is less about chasing headlines and more about expanding the base.

In simple terms, less froth and more fundamentals.

India’s Startup Moment in 2026

India no longer needs to prove that it can create startups. That debate is settled.

The more pressing question is whether the ecosystem can produce sustainable companies at scale, across economic cycles.

The approval of Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 signals that the government understands this transition. The goal is not speed. It is sustainability.

This matters because global capital is watching closely. Long-term investors favour countries that demonstrate policy consistency, capital depth, and institutional maturity. Trend chasers do not.

Once again, India is choosing the quieter but more effective path.

Implications for Founders and Investors

This does not make money easy for founders. It makes money available.

Capital will remain selective. Tough questions will continue. Burn rates will be scrutinised. That is healthy.

For venture capital firms, especially first- and second-time managers, Fund of Funds 2.0 adds credibility. A government anchor investment can often determine whether a fund closes or stalls.

For the broader economy, it reinforces a simple truth. Innovation is no longer peripheral. It has become core infrastructure.

The Global Capital Signal

This is also a message to the world.

At a time when many economies are tightening their belts, India is signalling continuity. Rules are not being rewritten mid-cycle. The state is not stepping back from innovation financing.

That predictability matters to long-horizon investors who value stability over hype.

It also aligns with India’s broader push in manufacturing, digital public infrastructure, and technology-driven growth.

PNN NATIONAL

New Delhi [India], February 14: When China declared that it would eliminate tariffs on imports from the majority of Africa from May 1, 2026, the policy was couched in terms of being development-friendly. But when looked at in terms of strategic trade, it is a measured step that reconfigures supply chains, diplomatic correlations, and competitive constructs – particularly for India.

The decision increases an earlier zero duty arrangement that applied strictly to 33 African Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Now, the policy includes all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing. This is a critical distinction: the new list brings under the zero-tariff umbrella Africa’s economic heavyweights – South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya. It is not merely a symbolic concession to the poorest nations; it is a structural change to how the commodities, agricultural goods, and now industrial products will flow into the world’s second-largest economy.

For policymakers and business leaders, however, the importance is not so much in the tariff cut itself as in the signal it sends.

A strategy for Market Access Disguised as Development Policy
Tariffs are one of the most effective levers in international economics. When a large market eliminates them, it is more or less an invitation for particular supply chains to deepen and expand. China’s decision tells African producers one thing very clearly: sell to us, and sell more.

This complements Beijing’s long-standing infrastructure push throughout the continent through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. Roads, ports, railways, and industrial parks have already lowered logistical barriers. Zero tariffs have now eliminated the price barrier.

The result is a vertically integrated trade corridor where African raw materials and agricultural products come into China at a lower cost, are processed into products at Chinese factories, and return to the world’s general markets. It is a classic industrial strategy, carried out at the scale of the continent.

Why This is Important For Global Trade

For African exporters, the policy is simple: enhanced price competitiveness in one of the biggest consumer markets in the world. Duty-free access boosts margins and produces less uncertainty, and stimulates production.

To China, the advantages are a sheer volume game. In 2025, China had an estimated trade of $348 billion with Africa, with Chinese exports dominating the trade. By getting rid of tariffs, China is essentially subsidizing its own supply chain. Lower-cost imports of minerals, metals, and agricultural inputs lower the cost base for Chinese manufacturers, making their exports even cheaper globally. Furthermore, Beijing has introduced “Green Lanes” to fast-track African agricultural goods that have created a logistical efficiency to which competitors will struggle to match.

In a period of trade animosities and disintegration of global supply chains, having the cheapest inputs from a whole continent – including its industrial backyard – is not merely an economic choice. It is a geopolitical one.

India’s Position: Cultural Goodwill Vs. Market Incentives
India’s engagement with Africa, which today stands at about $100 billion of annual trade, has been based historically on common political histories with a large diaspora, development co-operation, and educational partnerships. Indian pharmaceuticals, IT services, and small-scale industrial ventures have earned a lot of goodwill from all African economies.

But the key to trade is incentives.

If African exporters are given zero-tariff access to the Chinese market, the gravitational force of that $348 billion ecosystem will be that much stronger. For the commodity exporters, even small differences in duty structures can change whole flows of trade. Over the years, then, China may emerge as the default destination for a greater variety of African exports.

This change has two implications for India.

First, there is the possibility that Indian importers will be subjected to more vigorous competition for Africa’s resources and agricultural products.

Second, cheaper African inputs to Chinese factories could make Chinese-manufactured exports more competitive in the world economy – often at the expense of Indian producers, especially in sectors such as textiles and automotive components, in which South Africa and Egypt are key players.

The Hidden Opportunity of Indian Business

Despite the competitive dangers, China’s move also throws up indirect opportunities for Indian firms.

Duty-free access to China will presumably lead African countries to expand production in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and simple manufacturing. As production scales up, these economies will experience a “services gap.” They will require supporting industries – logistics, pharmaceuticals, financial services, digital infrastructure, and skill development – which are also sectors where China’s hard-infrastructure focus is lacking.

These are areas in which Indian companies have a natural advantage. India can present itself as a “Soft Power Integrator” for the growth of Africa. India’s private sector is especially robust in cheap healthcare, IT services, fintech (like Google model-based payments), education technology, small-scale manufacturing partnerships, etc. Rather than fighting China head-to-head on infrastructure or raw material trade, India can specialize in value-added layers around African growth.

In effect, while China may have a monopoly over the extraction and commodity pipelines, India can still influence the service and industrial ecosystems that sit above them.

Three Strategic Moves for India to Consider

Targeted trade agreements
Instead of generalized, symbolic frameworks, India should go in for selective trade deals with key African economies where it enjoys advantages in terms of sectors.

Stronger export financing
One reason why Indian firms are often losing ground is not due to poor quality or bad prices, but the lack of access to competitive financing. Expanding export credit and project finance tools may change that equation.

Supply Chain Partnerships, Not Just Exports
India’s Africa policy must be focused on co-production and local manufacturing, and not just as an export market.

The Bigger Lesson: Market Access Is the New Diplomacy

China’s zero-tariff policy is part of an overall trend in world economics. Market access is increasingly being used as a diplomatic instrument. Countries that make it easier to get their products into their markets can often achieve much more influence than the trade statistics indicate.

For India, it is not a question of copying China’s tariff policy. The challenge is to create a coherent, long-term trade architecture with Africa that includes investment, supply chains, services, and strategic partnerships.

Africa is to become one of the fastest-growing economic regions for the next two decades. The real question is not whether or not India participates, but how it positions itself.

In China, China has opened the door of its market.

India must now decide in which direction and to what extent it wants to open its own.

PNN 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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