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  • Odisha Celebrates Foundation Day 2026 with Vision for a Prosperous Future

    Odisha marked its Statehood Day with pride and reflection at a state-level celebration held at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology in Bhubaneswar. The event brought together officials, citizens, and dignitaries to honour the state’s rich history and cultural identity.

    Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted Odisha’s unique legacy as India’s first linguistically formed state. He extended warm greetings to Odias living both within the state and across the globe, acknowledging their contribution to preserving the state’s heritage and identity.

    Looking ahead, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming Odisha into a developed and prosperous state by 2036, when it will complete 100 years of its formation. He described the coming decade as a crucial period of determination and collective effort, urging citizens to actively participate in building a stronger and more inclusive Odisha.

    He also stressed the importance of balancing development with the preservation of Odia identity and culture, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of heritage.

    As part of the celebrations, a special photo exhibition showcasing Odisha’s journey and achievements was organized by the Information and Public Relations Department. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, who later toured the display and appreciated the visual documentation of the state’s evolution.

    The event reflected a blend of pride in the past and a forward-looking vision, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to growth while staying rooted in its cultural values.

  • Bhubaneswar Opens Global Visa Centre for Easy Travel

    Bhubaneswar has taken a significant step toward improving access to international travel services with the launch of a Global Visa Application Centre in the city. The new facility is set to simplify the visa application process for residents of Odisha, who previously had to travel to metro cities for similar services.

    The centre will initially provide visa application support for a wide range of countries, including the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Estonia, Egypt, Morocco, and Malta. By bringing multiple services under one roof, the facility aims to reduce both the time and effort required for applicants.

    Officials say the centre is designed with a focus on efficiency and convenience, offering streamlined procedures and quicker processing timelines. Applicants will benefit from organized documentation support, biometric services, and guidance throughout the application process.

    The move is being seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen public service infrastructure in Odisha and make global opportunities more accessible to its people. With easier access to visa services, more residents are expected to explore opportunities in education, tourism, and business abroad.

    The launch of this centre marks another step in positioning Bhubaneswar as a growing hub for modern services and international connectivity.

  • Driving the Future of Cleaning: Kärcher India Takes Center Stage at KPHA 2026

    Driving the Future of Cleaning: Kärcher India Takes Center Stage at KPHA 2026

     

    New Delhi, Apr 2: Kärcher India was a Sapphire Sponsor at the Kerala Professional Housekeepers Association (KPHA) convention held on 25th March. Kärcher further strengthened its foothold in the professional cleaning space by setting up a dedicated stall at the convention centre, showcasing its wide range of technologically advanced cleaning solutions such as scrubber dryers, vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, sweepers, and high-pressure washers.

    As part of the event, Varun Handa, Strategic Head of Kärcher India, was a featured speaker at the convention, where he addressed attendees on the topic of “Hospitality Solutions at Kärcher.” The session highlighted Kärcher’s approach to enabling efficient, scalable, and sustainable cleaning solutions tailored for the hospitality industry.

    The discussion also covered Kärcher’s broader sustainability vision, including green energy adoption, reduction of CO₂ emissions, circular economy practices, and the development of sustainable products.

    “As Kärcher, we believe the future of cleaning lies at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and responsibility. Whether it is adopting green energy sources, reducing CO₂ emissions, or embracing the circular economy, our aim is to create a long-term impact. Through platforms like KPHA, we are able to demonstrate the value of structured cleaning methodologies like PDIR in enhancing hygiene standards and operational efficiency, especially within the hospitality segment,” said Varun Handa, Strategic Head, Kärcher India.

    The session also emphasized the importance of hygiene and structured cleaning methodologies such as PDIR (Preventive, Daily, Intensive, Restorative), along with best practices for efficiency and maintenance.

     

     

  • Honda Cars India Flags Off Pan-India Test Run for Its First Upcoming Electric SUV

    Hyderabad, April  2: Honda Cars India Ltd. a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today flagged off the first pan-India test run of its upcoming Battery Electric Vehicle SUV, marking the official start of Public Road Verification testing in India. This marks an important step in Honda’s electric mobility journey and towards the future launch of an all-new electric SUV for Indian customer.

    Honda Cars India Flags Off Pan-India Test Run for Its First Upcoming Electric SUV

     The prototype of this model, known globally as Honda 0 α, was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.

    The testing programme will evaluate the vehicle across a wide range of Indian driving conditions, including highways, city roads, and challenging terrains. Key areas of focus include durability, handling, ride comfort, efficiency, and overall reliability. The vehicle will also undergo testing in extreme heat and monsoon conditions, along with evaluation of charging performance across different types of charging infrastructure to ensure everyday usability.

    Speaking at the occasion, Mr Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO, Honda Cars India, said,

    “The start of pan-India Public Road Verification testing is a key milestone in our electrification journey. India has unique driving and climate conditions, and it is important for us to test our electric vehicle thoroughly in real-world environments. This programme reflects Honda’s global engineering strengths combined with a strong focus on local customer needs, as we prepare to introduce an electric SUV that offers reliability, comfort, and ease of use.”

    The upcoming electric SUV is being developed for both urban and lifestyle-oriented driving, supporting a wide range of daily use cases. The model is planned for global introduction in FY 2026–27, with India and Japan among the key markets. The vehicle will be manufactured in India and exported to global markets.

  • Kaufman Rossin and Synack Partner to Scale AI-Powered, Continuous Penetration Testing for Regulated Companies

    New partnership addresses growing gap between security priorities and real-world attack surface coverage

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Kaufman Rossin, a Top 50 public accounting, advisory, and tax firm, and Synack, the leader in penetration testing as a service (PTaaS), today announced a strategic partnership to deliver scalable, AI-powered penetration testing and continuous security validation for regulated enterprises.

    At a time when organizations are rapidly expanding their digital footprint while facing increasingly sophisticated, AI-driven threats, many security teams struggle to keep pace. Recent industry research shows that penetration testing remains a top priority, but organizations are testing only a fraction of their total attack surface—creating a critical gap between perceived and actual security posture.

    This partnership directly addresses that gap by combining Kaufman Rossin’s deep cybersecurity advisory expertise with Synack’s AI-powered PTaaS platform and the Synack Red Team (SRT)—a global community of elite, vetted security researchers. Together, the firms enable organizations to move beyond static, point-in-time testing toward a continuous, scalable model that keeps pace with modern attack surfaces.

    Kaufman Rossin clients will gain access to Synack’s full platform capabilities, including web application, host, cloud, API, and AI/LLM penetration testing, as well as attack surface management. Unlike traditional pen testing approaches that rely on periodic, manual assessments, Synack’s platform enables continuous testing aligned to infrastructure changes, compliance cycles, and evolving threat landscapes—without requiring organizations to switch vendors or restart engagements.

    “Our clients operate in highly regulated environments where security, speed, and consistency are non-negotiable,” said Kory Patrick, leader of Kaufman Rossin’s cybersecurity practice. “They need a model that not only meets compliance requirements but also keeps pace with constant change. Synack enables us to deliver scalable, repeatable testing with the depth and rigor our clients expect—while significantly accelerating time to value.”

    For Synack, the partnership expands its reach into organizations that require both advanced technical capabilities and trusted advisory relationships. Kaufman Rossin’s team of more than 100 certified risk professionals—including CISSP, CISM, OSCP, and CRISC—supports clients across the financial services, fintech, healthcare, legal, and technology sectors.

    “Kaufman Rossin represents the kind of trusted advisor organizations rely on to navigate increasingly complex security and compliance challenges,” said Jay Kaplan, CEO of Synack. “By combining their advisory strength with our AI-powered platform and global researcher community, we’re helping customers fundamentally rethink how penetration testing is delivered—moving from reactive assessments to continuous, intelligence-driven security validation.”

    Synack’s platform has demonstrated measurable impact for security teams, reducing the total cost per pen test by up to 32%, saving an average of 22 days per engagement, and accelerating remediation timelines for high and critical vulnerabilities by 47% or more. These gains translate directly into reduced risk exposure, faster compliance readiness, and improved operational efficiency for organizations under increasing regulatory and business pressure.

    The partnership also establishes a foundation for joint go-to-market initiatives, enabling Kaufman Rossin and Synack to deliver integrated security offerings that combine advisory services with continuous testing and risk validation.

  • ZEISS India Strengthens Portfolio with the Launch of ZEISS ClearMind Lenses

     

    ~ Introducing are first-of-its-kind ZEISS prescription lenses to provide extremely clear vision designed to reduce cognitive load~

     

    ZEISS Clearmind_

     Apr 2: ZEISS, a pioneer of science in optics announces the launch its latest prescription lenses ZEISS ClearMind lenses in India. The all-day lenses addition to the lens portfolio delivers clear vision while reducing cognitive load due to blur for daily eyeglass wearers. For eye care professionals this offering elevates their practice with advanced lens technology that supports both visual performance and comfort.

    In today’s fast-paced world with countless visual stimuli to process, there is an increase in information overload where individuals may feel overwhelmed. With pre-existing conditions of blur on spectacle lenses, the ability to identify and interpret complex stimuli is compromised. ZEISS ClearMind lenses are built on a unique design that reduces and smooths optical errors, increasing the clear vision zones and reducing peripheral lens blur thus reducing cognitive load.

    Commenting on the addition to the lens portfolio, Rohan Paul, Business Head – India & Neighboring Markets, Vision Care, ZEISS India, said, “At ZEISS, innovation is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to protecting vision & visual health of world’s consumers. The launch of ZEISS ClearMind lenses reflects our continued focus on developing advanced optical solutions that enable individuals to see better, clearer and experience better comfort in their daily lives. We look forward to the positive impact these lenses will have, in collaboration with our valued business partners, as we continue to reach individuals seeking effective and personalized eye care solutions.”

    Benefits of ZEISS ClearMind lenses at a glance

    • ZEISS ClearMind is a new, premium, all-day lens portfolio with larger zones of clear vision embedded with ZEISS NeurOptix technology
    • In consumer studies, 96 % of wearers confirmed extremely clear vision. 9 out of 10 wearers also experienced less cognitive load in a blind test compared to a standard ZEISS progressive lens
    • The lenses are available for all age groups to promote perceived overall well-being, and good vision

    Backed by scientific research to reduce cognitive load

    Research conducted at the ZEISS Vision Science Lab (Tübingen University, Germany) established a direct connection between lens-induced blur and increased cognitive load. In consumer studies, 96% of wearers reported extremely clear vision when using ZEISS ClearMind lenses. 9 out of 10 wearers experienced reduced cognitive load compared to standard progressive lenses. Many wearers also reported an improvement in overall well-being while using the lenses. They also highlighted the importance of comfortable vision while staying focused for long hours.

    Embedded with ZEISS NeurOptix technology for improved visual clarity

    By aligning lens clarity zones to natural eye-movement patterns, ZEISS NeurOptix technology aims to reduce the brain’s cognitive load, provide more relaxed, effortless vision, as well as improve comfort during long days of digital, visually busy and dynamic activity. As a result, ZEISS Progressive ClearMind lenses offer up to 41% larger near-vision zones compared to ZEISS SmartLife progressive lenses. The technology also supports fast adaptation. 88% of wearers adjust within a few days, and over half within just an hour.

    All-day lens portfolio includes single vision, progressive and digital focal types

    ZEISS Single Vision ClearMind lenses are designed for 18+ wearers with blurry vision near or far. They reduce peripheral blur and provide larger clear vision zones than standard ZEISS lenses. ZEISS Digital ClearMind lenses are made for 35+ wearers experiencing blurry vision and tired eyes. They reduce blur and offer larger vision zones than ZEISS Digital SmartLife lenses. The design supports natural viewing habits and ensures smooth transition to near vision. It also enables an easier shift to progressive lenses in the future. ZEISS Progressive ClearMind lenses are designed for 45+ wearers with presbyopia. They reduce and optimize peripheral blur, creating wider clear vision zones than ZEISS SmartLife progressive lenses. They support smooth transitions across distances and improve overall visual flow.

     

  • AAVantgarde appoints Philip Lao as Senior Vice President of Business Development

    April 02, 2026 — AAVantgarde Bio (AAVantgarde), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering therapies for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) focused on large gene delivery via its two proprietary Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) vector platforms, today announced the appointment of Philip Lao as Senior Vice President of Business Development.

    Mr. Lao joins the Company’s leadership team and will report to Dr. Natalia Misciattelli, Chief Executive Officer. “Philip brings extensive genetic medicine and ophthalmology experience, and his track record of creating value through strategic partnerships will significantly strengthen our business development capabilities at this crucial time for AAVantgarde,” said Dr. Natalia Misciattelli, Chief Executive Officer of AAVantgarde. “Philip’s proven track record will help drive the company’s future strategic growth. We are pleased to welcome him to AAVantgarde.”

    “I am excited to join AAVantgarde and help accelerate the company’s progress by expanding strategic partnership and commercial opportunities for our novel pipeline of retinal
    therapeutics and beyond. I am confident that our proprietary platforms will deliver transformative therapies for underserved patients who currently lack effective treatment
    options,” said Mr. Philip Lao, Senior Vice President of Business Development of AAVantgarde.

    Prior to joining AAVantgarde, Mr. Lao served as Head of Business Development at Adverum Biotechnologies, a retinal gene therapy company, where he led the successful sale of the company to Eli Lilly in December 2025. His career includes extensive experience in M&A an strategic licensing roles at Novartis, Pfizer, and Takeda, where he led cross-functional teams in the evaluation and execution of complex global transactions. Philip began his career in the Healthcare Investment Banking team at Deutsche Bank and holds a BA in Economics and an MBA, both from the University of Chicago.

  • PPDS and AVARA Bring Home Comforts to Sternenbrücke Children’s Hospice with Philips MediaSuite TVs

    Amsterdam, April 26: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is proud to share that 30x Philips MediaSuite TVs have been selected to bring personalised home comforts to patients and their families staying at the Sternenbrücke children’s and youth hospice in Hamburg. 

    Carrying the motto ‘We can’t give life more days, but we can give more life to the days’ – the Sternenbrücke hospice opened its doors in 2003, with a focus on providing specialist care and a safe environment for children, adolescents, and young adults suffering from life-shortening illnesses. 

    With an outdated TV system with minimal capabilities and often experiencing obstructed channels, the Sternenbrücke team turned to AV integration specialists, AVARA, and PPDS, to deliver a modern solution. Key requirements included bringing the familiarity and ‘barrier free’ accessibility of a range of entertainment services similar to those enjoyed at home. In addition, the hospice required the ability to create and share important information directly to patients, collectively in communal areas, via the TV screen, rather than paper. 

    PPDS and AVARA Bring Home Comforts to Sternenbrücke Children’s Hospice with Philips MediaSuite TVs

     

    Home from home entertainment

    30x Philips MediaSuite TVs (32”-55”), as well as a Philips Business TV, were installed inside a range of environments around the hospice, including private and communal areas, each tailored around the needs of the patients within those spaces. 

    AVARA’s system delivered simple and clear operation and menu navigation with a diverse range of age appropriate entertainment, including the option for subtitles, and a simple remote control. 

    AVARA connected the Philips Professional Displays using PPDS’ CMND server, implementing a network that significantly reduces workload by enabling the control and updating of all TVs centrally, eliminating the need for individual management in each room. 

    Shared moments

    Each room is now equipped with access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, allowing families to tune in to their favourite films and series, browse media libraries, listen to the radio, or enjoy gaming on the connected PlayStations. 

    In addition, AVARA integrated a dedicated information portal for parents, providing access to general details about Sternenbrücke, as well as up to the minute news and information. 

    By modernising the TV system, AVARA has helped create a home-from-home environment where patients and families can come together without concern. The modern, intuitive technology enables families to share valuable moments focused entirely on comfort, ease of use, and joy. 

    Peer Gent from the management team at Stiftung Kinder-Hospiz Sternenbrücke commented: “Our new Philips MediaSuite TVs give our guests joy, distraction from the often stressful everyday life, and precious moments together.” 

    “Thanks to the committed cooperation of all those involved, we were able to implement a barrier free and easy-to-use TV system that goes beyond technical improvements. We are thrilled and would like to thank AVARA and PPDS for their generous support in realising this project.”

  • Justo Realfintech Launches Chestertons India Entering Institutional Real Estate Advisory Through a 220-Year-Old Global Brand

     

    Chestertons India Private Limited (Chestertons India) incorporated as wholly owned subsidiary; brand usage arrangement executed with Chestertons Global Network; commercial operations expected in Q1 FY27

    Mumbai, Apr 02: Justo Realfintech Limited is pleased to announce the incorporation of Chestertons India Private Limited as its wholly owned subsidiary, and the execution of a brand usage and business rights arrangement that brings the Chestertons name, one of the world’s oldest and most respected real estate advisory brands, into the Indian market. This marks a significant strategic milestone in the beginning of Justo’s evolution from a project marketing and residential advisory platform into a full-spectrum, institutionally capable real estate services group

    Founded in London in 1805, Chestertons operates across more than twenty countries, offering advisory services across residential and commercial property, capital markets, leasing, valuation, and cross-border transactions. Chestertons is a founding member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), reflecting its adherence to the highest global standards of professional practice, ethics, and governance in real estate advisory.

    In India, the brand will be operated exclusively through Chestertons India Private Limited, a company wholly owned by Justo Realfintech Limited. The launch of Chestertons India represents a deliberate and calibrated dual brand expansion strategy to address two different market segments. Justo’s core business shall focus on the mid segment product in range of Rs. 50 lacs to Rs 3.5 crore. Chesterton India will be positioned to operate in premium and super premium category with the support of Justo’s extensive developer network and channel partner network across key markets and will serve as the primary operating leverage for Chestertons India’s business development.

    Further, the Company intends to diversify its revenue into various allied verticals which may include sale of high-end premium residential and plotting schemes and villas, commercial leasing, cross border outreach for investments in India using Chestortons’s international network, capital market services and hospitality services. The Company shall make formal announcement on the initiation of such planned services as it moves forward in this journey.

    Chestertons’ global presence across the Middle East, Europe, the UK, and Southeast Asia creates a structured pathway for bilateral investment advisory between global capital and Indian real estate origination, besides providing access to established international client base and NRI investors that is difficult to reach through domestic positioning.

    As part of the agreement with Chestertons Global Network, the Company intends to undertake Project and Development management services in association with Arbour Investments Private Limited, a leading company in the real estate investment management space in India. Details of this arrangement shall be made available upon finalisation of terms and subject to applicable laws and regulations.

    “The India entry of Chestertons through our wholly owned subsidiary is a calibrated strategic step in the evolution of Justo’s advisory business. It allows us to participate more meaningfully in larger, institutionally aligned and higher-value segments of the real estate lifecycle while remaining anchored in our execution-led approach. We believe this initiative strengthens our service architecture, broadens our market relevance and enhances our ability to create long-term value through a wider advisory canvas.”

    Pushpamitra Das, Chairman and Managing Director, Justo Realfintech Limited

    “India represents one of the most compelling real estate growth stories globally. In Justo, we see a partner with on-ground execution credibility, local market understanding and a disciplined advisory orientation. That combination makes Justo the right fit for Chesterton’s India entry and for building a business that can serve developers, investors and property owners with both global standards and local delivery.”

    Mohamed Mussa, Managing Director, Chestertons Global

    “The launch of Chestertons India is a transformational moment for Justo and for the advisory ecosystem it is building. This initiative brings together global institutional credibility and deep local market expertise in a way that is genuinely differentiated. We are excited to be associated with Chestertons India Private Limited under the Project Management Consultancy and Development Management service verticals and are confident in creating value through our experience and expertise.”

    Chirag Mehta, Director, Arbour Investments

     

  • Dr Bhargav Mallappa Appointed as Director of SIIA Data Analysis Research Council (SIIADARC)

    The appointment aims to strengthen legal oversight and institutional governance within the Council

    Dr Mallapa

    New Delhi, Apr 1: The SIIA and Data Analysis Research Council (SIIADARC) has announced the appointment of Dr Bhargav Mallappa as Director of, following an official selection process and approval by the competent authority. The appointment has been made by Dr. Lijo Kuriyadath, Director, SIIADARC.

    Dr Mallappa, will serve in this nominated position for a fixed tenure of five years. The role is honorary in nature and aligned with the Council’s broader objective of strengthening institutional governance and legal oversight within its framework.

    Speaking on the appointment, Dr. Lijo Kuriyadath, Director, SIIADARC, said, “Dr Bhargav Mallappa’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the Council continues to strengthen its institutional framework. His experience and commitment to professional integrity will play an important role in advancing the Council’s objectives.”

    Accepting the role, Dr Bhargav Mallappa stated, “I am honoured to take on the responsibility Director at SIIADARC. I look forward to contributing to the Council’s mission while upholding its values, bylaws and the principles of the Constitution of India.”

    The Council reiterated that the position carries a strong emphasis on ethical conduct, accountability and compliance. Any deviation from its bylaws or legal standards may invite disciplinary action, including termination of the appointment.

    SIIADARC continues to focus on strengthening its institutional processes through such appointments, ensuring a robust and accountable framework for its operations.