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  • Aurora Ventures launches to back the boldest female tech founders across emerging markets, including Egypt

    Aurora Ventures launches with backing from inDrive – a global mobility and delivery platform scaled to unicorn status across the same emerging markets the program is investing in – for its 2026 pilot year. Egypt is one of the priority markets for the project.
     
    The launch follows the successful conclusion of the 2026 Aurora Tech Award in Santiago, Chile, where a Nigerian, Adeola Ayoola-Famasi, was named among the top 10 finalists from a record-breaking field of 3,400 applicants.
     
    Other women founders that make up the 2026 Aurora Tech Award top 10 finalists include: Adriana Gonzalez-Tizo (Panama), Angela Acosta-Morado(Colombia), Catalina Isaza- Innmetec (Colombia), Estefania Abello- Muta(Colombia), Maria Kawas- DomestikCo(Chile), Mariana Zuliani-OncoAI (Brazil), Mercedes Bidart- Quipu(Colombia), Patricia Florencia- Pilou (Mexico), and Penny Musengi- Pesira Technologies (Kenya).

    Aurora Ventures launches to back the boldest female tech founders across emerging markets, including Egypt

     
    Aurora Ventures, an early-stage investment program, is designed to leverage one of the world’s largest pipelines of underserved female talent. It is built on a proprietary sourcing advantage derived from five years of Aurora Tech Award data.  
     
    With applications exploding by nearly 30 times since 2021, the Award noticed a persistent gap in market inefficiency  fuelled by high-traction, high-growth businesses led by women in MENA, Africa, and Latin America, which are consistently undervalued and overlooked by traditional venture capital.
     
    A new Aurora research study involving 900+ founders across 127 countries found that women founders face systemic “competence scepticism” and higher traction standards.
     
    The program, Aurora Ventures, aims to capture the “mispricing” faced by women founders by investing $180k–$250k at the pre-seed and seed stages. The program also utilises the Aurora Tech Award’s network to identify companies before their valuations fully reflect their performance, creating a repeatable model for generating alpha in emerging markets.
     
    Speaking on the initiative, Head of Aurora Ventures, Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, described the launch of Aurora Ventures as a disciplined investment program built on the conviction that women founders are one of the most overlooked opportunities in venture capital today.
     
    “Over the past five years, we’ve seen a repeating pattern: exceptional women building rigorous businesses but reaching institutional capital later and on worse terms than their performance justifies,” says Ghassemi-Smith.
     
    She stated that the success stories of the top 10  finalists underscore the calibre of startups the initiative intends to back.
     
    Also speaking, Chief Growth Businesses Officer, inDrive, Andries Smit, explained that “We built inDrive against all odds, competing against better-funded incumbents. We see the same thing playing out with women founders in emerging markets today. Backing Aurora Ventures is not charity; it is the same bet we made on ourselves.”
     
    The 2026 pilot program focuses on building an initial portfolio and generating the track record necessary to transition into a formal GP/LP fund structure. By providing capital, network access, and operational guidance, Aurora Ventures seeks to accelerate portfolio companies toward subsequent funding rounds on more equitable terms.

  • Padma Shri 2026 for Devaki Amma G. for Extraordinary Contribution to Conservation

    Alappuzha(Kerala), May 24 (BNP): Veteran environmentalist Devaki Amma G will be honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri 2026 for her extraordinary contribution to environmental conservation and afforestation. The 92-year-old conservationist from Muthukulam in Kerala’s Alappuzha district has earned national recognition for transforming barren land into a thriving green ecosystem through decades of tireless dedication.

    Padma Shri 2026 for Devaki Amma G. for Extraordinary Contribution to Conservation

    Over the last four decades, Devaki Amma single-handedly developed a five-acre man-made forest, popularly known as “Tapovanam,” on sandy and once unproductive ancestral land. What began as a personal effort gradually evolved into a self-sustaining ecosystem with thousands of trees, medicinal plants, birds, insects, and aquatic life, making it a model of grassroots environmental restoration.

    Padma Shri 2026 for Devaki Amma G. for Extraordinary Contribution to Conservation

    Recognised among the country’s “unsung heroes,” Devaki Amma has been honoured for her unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation and afforestation. Despite physical challenges and limited institutional support, she continued planting and nurturing saplings for over 40 years, inspiring generations through her dedication to protecting nature.

    Today, Tapovanam serves as a living classroom for students, researchers, and environmental enthusiasts, while also offering medicinal resources to local communities. Devaki Amma’s Padma Shri recognition highlights the importance of individual efforts in ecological preservation and sustainable living.

  • India Issues Fresh Ebola Advisory After WHO Global Health Emergency Warning

    New Delhi, May 24 (BNP): India has issued a fresh health and travel advisory following the World Health Organization declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Africa. The advisory comes amid growing concerns over the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

    News In Pics

     Representational image

    According to the advisory issued by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, citizens have been urged to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan as a precautionary measure. Health authorities have also advised travellers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected regions to immediately report symptoms and seek medical attention if required.

    News In Pics

    The WHO recently declared the Ebola outbreak a global public health emergency after a rapid rise in suspected and confirmed infections in affected regions. The outbreak, linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, has raised concerns due to the absence of an approved vaccine or targeted treatment for the virus. Health officials, however, have stressed that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and is not transmitted as easily as airborne diseases.

    Indian health authorities said surveillance and preparedness measures are being strengthened to prevent any possible import of cases, while urging the public to remain cautious but avoid panic. Experts have emphasised that early detection, reporting of symptoms, and timely medical intervention remain critical to containing the spread of the disease.

  • Excelsoft Technologies Reports Strong Q4 & FY26 Performance Net Profit Surges 25% YoY in FY26

    Total income rises 17% YoY to ₹291.14 crore in FY26; PAT jumps to ₹43.38 crore vs ₹34.70 crore in FY25, driven by broad-based business momentum and operational efficiencies 

    Mysore, May 22, 2026: Excelsoft Technologies Ltd., a global provider of next-generation digital learning, assessment, and education technology solutions, announced its audited consolidated financial results for the quarter and full year ended March 31, 2026. The key highlights are as follows:

    Consolidated Financial Highlights – FY26

    • Total Income: ₹291.13 crore, up 17% YoY from ₹248.80 crore in FY25
    • EBITDA: ₹73.13 crore, up 1% YoY
    • Net Profit: ₹43.38 crore, up 25% YoY from ₹34.70 crore in FY25
    • EPS: ₹4.12 (vs ₹3.47 in FY25)

    The improved profitability was driven by scale benefits, stronger performance in high-margin segments, and disciplined cost management.

    Operational & Strategic Highlights

    • Balanced Revenue Mix (Q4 & FY):
    • Educational Technology Services contributed 53.67% (Q4) and 56.37% (FY)
    • Assessment & Proctoring Solutions 29.30% (Q4) and 27.29% (FY)
    • Learning & Student Success Solutions 14.31% (Q4) and 11.80% (FY)
    • Learning Design & Content Solutions 2.73% (Q4) and 4.54% (FY)
    • Geographical Diversification:
    • North America contributed 62.75% (Q4) and 64.86% (FY)
    • Europe & UK 25.41% (Q4) and 22.70% (FY)
    • India 5.02% (Q4) and 5.94% (FY)
    • Asia ex-India 6.08% (Q4) and 5.71% (FY);
    • Australia 0.73% (Q4) and 0.79% (FY) 
    • Client Base Strength & Retention: Top 5 clients contributed 63.00% in Q4, while Top 10 contributed 72.03%, with an average client relationship tenure of 11 years among the top 10.
    • Operational Scale & Delivery Strength: Workforce stood at 1,109 employees, supported by stable delivery capabilities across engineering, platform services, assessment operations, and content development.
    • Continued Client Expansion: The Company added 4 new clients during this full year period, reinforcing our relevance across education, assessment, and enterprise segments.
    • During the year we finalized one of the largest engagements in Excelsoft’s history — a landmark partnership with a leading examination body in the United Kingdom. This engagement is expected to go live in the coming quarter and represents a transformational milestone for the Company, both from a revenue perspective and in terms of strategic positioning within the UK and European assessment ecosystem.
    • Within Learning Design and Content Solutions, we secured a strategic engagement with one of the world’s leading online course content providers in the United States. This partnership is particularly significant because it reflects increasing recognition of Excelsoft’s AI-led content transformation capabilities and deep domain expertise in digital learning workflows.

     

    Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Dhananjaya Sudhanva, Managing Director, Excelsoft Technologies, said: “FY2026 was a landmark year for Excelsoft Technologies — one defined by our successful public listing, strong operational execution, strategic leadership appointments, and transformational client wins that further cemented our standing as a trusted global partner in education technology and assessment solutions.

    We were pleased to welcome Mr. Doreswamy Palaniswamy as Chief Executive Officer, whose extensive global experience will be instrumental in accelerating our international expansion and realising our long-term growth ambitions. 

    On the business front, we secured some of the most significant engagements in our history — including a major partnership with a leading UK examination body and a prominent US online course content provider — demonstrating both the depth of our capabilities and our growing relevance on the world stage. We further strengthened our partner ecosystem through key collaborations with VTCT Skills (UK) and the Civil Service Commission of the Philippines. 

    Growth across the year was underpinned by strong momentum in Educational Technology Services, increasing adoption of our assessment platforms, and rising demand for AI-led digital learning solutions. In parallel, we continued to invest meaningfully in AI capabilities, secure infrastructure, talent, and innovation — building the foundation for sustained long-term competitiveness.

    With deepening client relationships, an expanding global footprint, and a maturing suite of AI-driven capabilities, Excelsoft enters the next phase of its journey well positioned for sustainable growth and enduring value creation.”

  • Tupperware Continues to Empower Women Through Innovative Products and Business Opportunities

    Telangana, 23 May 2026 :  For generations, Tupperware has been a part of every modern kitchen, known for its premium quality, durability, smart storage solutions, and commitment towards sustainable living. Today, Tupperware continues to empower families and women entrepreneurs with innovative products and exciting business opportunities.

    From kitchen organization to smart cooking and storage solutions, Tupperware products are designed to make everyday life simpler, healthier, more convenient, and environmentally responsible.

    Empowering women and transforming kitchens has been at the heart of Tupperware for over 30 years. Celebrating a proud milestone, Tupperware marks 30 years of success in India  transforming Indian kitchens into smart kitchens and creating a ripple effect in society by empowering women across the country.

    Looking to start your own business? Want to earn additional income?

    Then Tupperware is the smart choice  built on three decades of trust and driven by women!

    Whether you are looking to purchase Tupperware products or interested in becoming a consultant and building your own business, please contact• T H R Laxmi – 93903 88856 (Andhra Pradesh) • Uma V – 98663 86851 (Andhra Pradesh) • P Padma Sudha – 80081 15509 (Telangana) • Neeharika Katikaneni – 98481 95940 (Telangana)

    Join the Tupperware family today and build your future with an 80-year globally trusted brand.

  • UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry research launches to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX CRS-34 mission

    Research from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry is orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station as part of an innovative project studying how to preserve bone health in space.

    The project, known as VIBES — Vibration-Induced Bone Exercise Stimulation — will examine whether low-intensity vibration can help counteract the aging-like bone loss associated with microgravity.

    The study uses 3D-printed tissue-engineered bone marrow analogs designed to model the effects of aging and bone loss in space. Researchers aim to better understand whether low-intensity mechanical vibration can serve as a countermeasure to preserve bone tissue during extended spaceflight.

    Some samples aboard the International Space Station will receive low-intensity vibration twice daily during the 21-day mission, while others will serve as non-stimulated controls for comparison.

    Launched May 15 aboard SpaceX’s CRS-34 resupply mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the experiment will operate aboard the International Space Station for 21 days using Space Tango’s automated bioreactor system.

    Led by Gunes Uzer, PhD, of Boise State University’s College of Engineering, the $1.2 million National Science Foundation-funded project includes researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students from multiple institutions, including Rice University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

    Representing the School of Dentistry on the interdisciplinary research team are Mary C. “Cindy” Farach-Carson, PhD, professor and associate dean for research, and Danielle Wu, PhD, assistant professor, from the Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences.

    “This project represents an exciting opportunity to study bone biology in a completely unique environment,” Farach-Carson said. “The findings could have important implications not only for astronauts during long-duration missions, including missions to Mars or permanent stations on the moon, but also for aging populations and individuals experiencing bone loss here on Earth.”

    Microgravity conditions in space can accelerate bone deterioration, making astronauts more susceptible to fractures and other skeletal complications. Researchers hope the study will provide insights into strategies that may reduce those effects and contribute to future treatments for osteoporosis and age-related bone disease.

    Wu said the collaboration reflects the project’s interdisciplinary nature.

    “Participating in a project aboard the International Space Station underscores how collaboration among engineers, biomedical scientists, and biologists drives transformative discovery, all while preparing the next generation of researchers to work seamlessly across disciplines to solve complex health challenges,” Wu said.

    The VIBES mission brings together expertise in tissue engineering, biomechanics, space biology, and regenerative medicine, with the goal of advancing human health in space and on Earth.

    The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon spacecraft launched at 5:05 p.m. CT on May 15. After an approximately 36-hour flight, Dragon autonomously docked with the International Space Station on May 17.

  • Chandrayaan-3 Wins Prestigious US Space Honour Years After Historic Moon Landing

    May 23 (BNP): India’s landmark lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, has received the prestigious 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, marking a major global recognition of the country’s achievements in space exploration. The honour was presented during the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C. on May 21.

    Chandrayaan-3 Wins Prestigious US Space Honour Years After Historic Moon Landing

    The award recognises Chandrayaan-3’s historic feat of becoming the first spacecraft to successfully soft-land near the Moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023 — a scientifically significant region that had never before witnessed a surface-level landing mission. The achievement strengthened India’s position among leading spacefaring nations and opened new possibilities for future lunar exploration.

    India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, accepted the award on behalf of the Indian Space Research Organisation during the ceremony. He highlighted India’s long-term ambitions in deep-space exploration and human spaceflight while underscoring the growing cooperation between India and the United States in the space sector.

    The Goddard Astronautics Award is regarded as the highest honour bestowed by AIAA for notable achievements in astronautics and commemorates pioneering rocket scientist Robert H. Goddard. Chandrayaan-3’s recognition reflects India’s expanding scientific capabilities and its rising global influence in advanced space research.

  • The Supper Society Returns to Olive Beach with Italian Countryside Harvest

    Bengaluru, May 23: Bengaluru’s beloved Mediterranean dining destination, Olive Beach, invites guests to an intimate evening of slow dining and seasonal Italian flavours with the return of The Supper Society IP, an exclusive dining series that celebrates food, wine, and conversation in equal measure. On 29th May from 8 PM onwards, the next edition of the series, Italian Countryside Harvest, will be presented by Chef Eva Mariam and Chef Sairaj Ramaswamy, featuring a five-course dining experience paired with signature cocktails and beverages inspired by the warmth and conviviality of rustic Italian gatherings.

    Centred around the theme Italian Countryside Harvest, the evening brings together Chef Eva and Chef Sairaj for a menu rooted in ingredient-forward cooking, warmth, and the spirit of communal dining. Inspired by rustic Italian tables and comforting regional flavours, the experience celebrates handmade classics, slow-cooked elements, and seasonal produce thoughtfully woven into a multi-course menu.

    Chef Eva began her culinary journey at The Oberoi Bengaluru, while Chef Sairaj honed his craft across renowned kitchens including The Oberoi Udaivilas, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru and Olive Beach.  shared love for honest cooking, warmth, and bold Italian flavours, the duo has created a menu that celebrates comforting dishes, seasonal flavours, and the spirit of gathering around the table. 

    The evening opens with a selection of amuse-bouche including Polenta & Funghi, featuring creamy parmesan polenta topped with sautéed wild mushrooms and parmesan crisp, alongside Arancini al Ragù, saffron risotto croquettes filled with slow-cooked ragù and mozzarella. The antipasti course includes Pollo Involtini, a chicken roulade with ricotta, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes finished with sage butter glaze, as well as Melanzane Involtini, grilled aubergine rolls layered with herbed ricotta, tomato sugo and basil oil. A berry and limone sorbet palate cleanser follows before the mains. Guests can then savour Beef al Marsala, pan-seared beef in a rich Marsala wine reduction served with garlic mashed potatoes and buttered greens, or Lasagna di Verdure, layered with roasted vegetables, béchamel, parmesan and tomato sugo. Dessert concludes the evening with a classic Tiramisù and Citrus Brulée Bombellini, paired with green apple-fennel gel and gelato.

    Designed to evoke the generosity and warmth of an Italian countryside table, The Supper Society promises an evening of soulful food, conversation, and shared experiences in the signature ambience of Olive Beach.

  • Shreyas WebMedia Solutions Participates in WTC Women’s Forum Meet in Bhubaneswar

    Shreyas WebMedia Solutions Participates in WTC Women’s Forum Meet in Bhubaneswar

    Bhubaneswar, May 23: World Trade Center Bhubaneswar organized the WTC Women’s Forum Meet – WAVE (Women as Vibrant Entrepreneurs: Connect, Collaborate & Conquer) on May 22, 2026, at the IDCO Conference Hall, Bhubaneswar. The event brought together women entrepreneurs, professionals, and members of the WTC network to discuss business opportunities, collaboration, skill development, and institutional support.

    Shreyas WebMedia Solutions Participates in WTC Women’s Forum Meet in Bhubaneswar

    Representing Shreyas WebMedia Solutions, Director K. Gouri and Administrative Officer Bhumika Lenka actively participated in the forum and interacted with fellow WTC members during the networking sessions.

    During the meeting, all participating members introduced themselves and shared details about their businesses, future plans, and entrepreneurial journeys. Several members discussed their interest in expanding into import and export activities and highlighted the challenges they face in areas such as market access, logistics, international trade guidance, business networking, and regulatory processes. The forum created an open and supportive platform where members could voice their concerns and seek guidance from WTC Bhubaneswar.

    Shreyas WebMedia Solutions Participates in WTC Women’s Forum Meet in Bhubaneswar

    The discussions aimed to help the organization better understand the needs of entrepreneurs so that suitable support, mentorship, and business solutions could be provided through the WTC network. Members also exchanged ideas on collaboration opportunities and explored ways to strengthen women-led businesses through global trade connections.

    Key agenda points included planning for Raja Parba celebrations, arrangements for International Yoga Day, and a proposed visit to the World Skill Centre on June 5. The meeting also emphasized member engagement, institutional strengthening, and the importance of creating opportunities for professional growth and international business exposure.

    Representatives from Shreyas WebMedia Solutions described the event as highly informative and beneficial, noting that it provided a valuable opportunity to connect with WTC members, understand industry challenges, and build meaningful professional relationships.

    The session concluded with a vote of thanks followed by high tea, encouraging further networking and interaction among participants.

  • Karnataka Doctor Grows 30 Tonnes of Chemical-Free Kesar Mangoes on Rocky Land Using Israeli Technology

    Karnataka, May 23 (BNP): A doctor from Karnataka has turned barren, rocky land into a thriving mango orchard, producing nearly 30 tonnes of chemical-free Kesar mangoes with the help of Israeli farming technology and sustainable agricultural practices.

    Karnataka Doctor Grows 30 Tonnes of Chemical-Free Kesar Mangoes on Rocky Land Using Israeli Technology

    Dr. Sameer Nair, an Ayurvedic practitioner based in Belagavi, transformed over five acres of rocky terrain into a high-density Kesar mango plantation after adopting Israel-inspired cultivation techniques. Beginning the venture in 2019, the orchard started yielding fruit within three years and has witnessed rapid growth since then, with production expected to touch nearly 30 tonnes this season — almost six times higher than earlier harvests.

    Karnataka Doctor Grows 30 Tonnes of Chemical-Free Kesar Mangoes on Rocky Land Using Israeli Technology

    Unlike traditional mango cultivation, which generally involves fewer trees per acre and longer waiting periods, Dr. Nair implemented high-density farming by planting around 700 saplings per acre. Supported by drip irrigation, solar-powered systems, and water conservation structures, the orchard has significantly improved productivity while reducing resource wastage.

    The farm follows nearly 95 per cent organic practices, relying largely on cow dung-based manure and farm waste instead of chemicals. The mangoes are allowed to ripen naturally on trees without artificial ripening agents, aiming to preserve both taste and consumer health. Each fruit is also protected using eco-friendly bags to shield it from insects, harsh weather, and microbial damage, while enhancing quality and colour.

    Karnataka Doctor Grows 30 Tonnes of Chemical-Free Kesar Mangoes on Rocky Land Using Israeli Technology

    Sold under the brand “Vaishali Farm Kesar Mango,” named after his mother, the produce has attracted strong customer demand, with buyers visiting the orchard directly and exports reaching overseas markets in previous seasons. Dr. Nair is now reportedly planning to process surplus mangoes into pulp for long-term preservation.

    Dr. Nair’s success story highlights how a blend of modern agricultural innovation and eco-friendly farming can transform unproductive land into a sustainable, profitable venture.