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Presented by actor, entrepreneur and wellness advocate, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, the Chief Guest, at the Udyog Yogdaan Puraskar 2026 in association with Karnataka Tourism

Apr 01: On March 28, 2026, Rashmi Aiyappa – Spiritual Scientist & Inventor of Aashwasan Science®, Founder & Executive Chairperson of Aashwasan Group of Companies, and Founder & Managing Trustee of Aashwasan Foundation – was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award – Wellness Industry (India) by Shilpa Shetty Kundra at the Udyog Yogdaan Puraskar 2026.

The event, held in association with Karnataka Tourism, was graced by industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and accomplished social personalities. The Udyog Yogdaan Puraskar is a distinguished recognition that honours individuals whose exemplary contributions have created a lasting legacy in their respective fields.

Rashmi Aiyappa was honoured for her exceptional contributions to the Health & Wellness sector. Through her pioneering invention, Aashwasan Science®, she introduced a transformative approach that, for the first time, brings quantum science into lived human experience—enabling individuals to embrace their full potential and celebrate their infinite self.

Aashwasan Science® fosters holistic well-being at physiological, psychological, and spiritual levels, marking a significant breakthrough in how wellness is understood and experienced.

About Rashmi Aiyappa

• Spiritual Scientist, Inventor and Social Innovator
• Founder & Executive Chairperson – Aashwasan Group of Companies, Epiance Software, Aank Humane Technologies
• Founder & Managing Trustee – Aashwasan Foundation

A visionary and revolutionary entrepreneur, Rashmi Aiyappa was born with the experience of nature’s phenomena: Lifeforce Mechanism® and Timeless Phenomenon®, which encompass the knowledge of life’s mechanisms and the cause-and-effect cycle of nature.

Through these phenomena, she developed Aashwasan Science®—a groundbreaking spiritual technology rooted in quantum principles. This science bridges the physical and metaphysical realms, offering an experiential understanding of the multidimensional reality of the infinite self. It integrates the mechanisms of all life forms into a unified dynamic framework, addressing the root causes of challenges ranging from disease and life situations to relationships and self-awareness.

To bring this science to the world, Rashmi Aiyappa founded Aashwasan® on May 23, 2005. Over the past two decades, her work has led to 100+ breakthroughs in Health & Wellness, impacting millions of lives across 30+ countries. Her innovations have empowered individuals to discover their infinite identities and enabled organizations to undergo profound transformation.

She describes Aashwasan as a manifestation of her life’s purpose—a space where hope is restored and life is celebrated in its entirety.

In her words:
“Aashwasan is nature’s own. It’s a revolution that will continue for lifetimes and is here to stay. The only essence that marks life is love. Love is where it all begins.”

Media Presence

Between 2005 and 2012, Rashmi Aiyappa and her work were prominently featured across multiple media houses, news channels, radio platforms, and over 250 publications worldwide.

Awards and Recognitions

• 2013 – Social Innovator, CMO Asia Awards (Singapore)
• 2017 – Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All, Women Economic Forum
• 2017 – 50 Most Impactful Social Innovators, World CSR Congress
• 2018 – Global Peace Leadership & Excellence Award, World Peace Conference
• 2019–2021 – Mahatma Awards (Social Good, Impact Leadership, Maximising Human Potential)
• 2021–2022 – Among Top Women CEOs, Women Entrepreneur Magazine
• 2023 – Forbes Recognition as eXtrepreneur (Top 200 Companies with Global Potential)
• 2024 – Influential Leader in Mindfulness, Global Leaders Today Magazine
• 2025 – Best Brand 2025, Economic Times Conclave
• 2026 – Lifetime Achievement Award – Wellness Industry (India), Udyog Yogdaan Puraskar 2026 in association with Karnataka Tourism

Eleventh annual convening will unite patients, survivors, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and lawmakers to strengthen advocacy and advance public health protections

NEW YORK, NY | Apr 1 — The Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF), the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to C. diff education and advocacy, today announced its 2026 National C. diff Summit and Lobby Day, taking place Monday, April 13, 2026, in our nation’s capitol. 

Since the organization’s founding, PLF has trained and supported C. diff survivors, caregivers, and family members to become effective advocates, public speakers, and peer supporters. Over the past decade, the Foundation has hosted ten National C. diff Summits and seven Lobby Days, building a national movement focused on care, community, and empowerment. 

The 2026 Summit will bring together C. diff survivors, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, industry partners, and policymakers for a full day of programming designed to elevate patient voices and accelerate solutions to this ongoing public health threat. 

“Sixteen years after the death of my mother, Peggy, there has been progress but also setbacks. C. diff continues to cause harm, and too many patients still struggle to access timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and informed care,” said Christian John Lillis, co-founder and CEO of the Peggy Lillis Foundation. “The Summit and Lobby Day bring together the people closest to this issue to push for solutions that improve outcomes and save lives. When lived experience, science, and policy come together, we accelerate progress.”

Monday morning will feature updates from leading experts in infectious disease research, clinical care, public health, and industry innovation, including: 

• Access to Microbiota Therapies for rCDI in 2026 – Michael Woodworth, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine

• Diagnostic Stewardship of Testing for C. difficile – Jonathan Baghdadi, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland Medical Center

• Why Current C. diff Prevention Misses Half the Problem – Bobby Warren, MPS, Lab Director & Research Scientist, Duke University DiRTE Lab (Dissemination and Implementation Research in Translation and Effectiveness)

• Bringing the Threat of C. diff into Focus to Save Lives Now – Michael McIntyre, Founder and CEO, LIV Process

• Epidemiology of Pediatric C. diff – Jenna Simes, Clinical Research Coordinator, Boston Children’s Hospital

• Pediatric C. diff: Patient and Provider Panel – Stacy A. Kahn, MD, Director of the Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Program and Gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Kahn will also be joined by Rose Henderson and Blanca Morales, who will share their experience as parents of children who battled recurrent C. diff.

Following a networking lunch, attendees will participate in hands-on advocacy training designed to equip volunteers with practical tools to drive change at the local and national level. 

Training sessions will include:

• Lobbying and testifying before legislators and regulatory bodies

• Providing emotional and logistical support to C. diff patients and families

• Advocating to the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies

On Tuesday, April 14, advocates will convene on Capitol Hill for Lobby Day, meeting directly with members of Congress and their staff to urge continued investment in antimicrobial and microbiome drug development, antimicrobial resistance initiatives, and policies that reduce the burden of C. diff infections.

The National C. diff Summit and Lobby Day represent the largest annual gathering of C. diff patient advocates and allies across industry, academia, and government. The event serves as a platform for collaboration, education, and coordinated action to protect patients and prevent avoidable harm.

Registration for the Summit is free and open to C. diff patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and all stakeholders committed to ending the harm caused by C. diff infections. To register or learn more, visit https://cdiff.org/event/summit26/. 

Lead Sponsor: Nestlé Health Science

Platinum Sponsor: Pfizer

Clearwater Analytics research finds Singapore insurers are bracing for a wave of domestic M&A — making the gap between digital confidence and operational reality a pressing competitive concern 

SINGAPORE, Apr 1, 2026 – Despite 82% of Singapore insurers claiming to be ahead of the competition when it comes to the adoption of digital systems, almost all (98%) admit legacy technology is holding back their business growth — a combination that suggests an industry aware of its constraints but potentially underestimating their long-term competitive consequences, new research from Clearwater Analytics (NYSE: CWAN), the most comprehensive technology platform for investment management, shows.

The study with Singapore based insurance asset management executives at firms with total assets under management of $1.04 trillion found that nearly all (98%) of respondents agreed that older technologies are still driving future strategy and are proving to be a constraint on their businesses. It is a similar story in Hong Kong where the research found 96% believe there is still a reliance on older technologies.

“While Singapore insurers show confidence in their digital progress, our research reveals a concerning gap between perception and operational reality that could impact competitive positioning as the sector consolidates,” said Shane Akeroyd, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Asia Pacific at CWAN. “Our research highlights a critical misalignment between the strategies of Singapore insurers and the operational effectiveness of their current technology stacks that rely on older systems that are increasingly difficult to manage.”

Around 70% said their company’s operating model is too focused on short-term challenges and goals rather than long-term issues facing their organisation.

Hiring people to manage legacy systems is one area that has become increasingly problematic, according to half (50%) of those surveyed, with 8% saying it is a serious problem. While 28% of the executives suggested the problem was relatively minor, none expressed a view that there was no problem with recruitment in the sector.

The technology challenges are also cultural and appear to be rooted in deep organisational resistance. Almost all respondents (96%) said people working in the insurance industry are resistant to change and the adoption of new operating models and systems. Only 4% said this was not an issue.

“There are worrying signs that those working in these businesses lack confidence in the long-term capability of their organisations to deliver their full potential,” continued Akeroyd. “Cultural change is critical for digital transformation and must be addressed if technology rollouts are to be successful.”

Workforce diversity emerges as a critical factor, with almost three quarters (72%) saying problems in the insurance sector are caused by a lack of diversity – not just of people from different backgrounds, but also with different ways of thinking. In Hong Kong just 28% say the same.

The contradiction deepens when examining competitive perceptions. Despite concerns about technology and culture, most respondents (82%) consider their organisation to be ahead of their competitors in terms of their digital transformation journey (10% said they were significantly ahead). None said they were trailing behind their competitors, though 18% did believe they were in line with them.

There was confidence in the flexibility and scalability of operating models being able to meet new challenges. More than nine out of 10 (94%) said their organisation’s models were flexible (26% said very flexible). In Hong Kong, more than three quarters (76%) said their organisation’s models were flexible (28% said very flexible).

Insurers in the Singapore region are braced for a surge in M&A activity in their domestic markets. Almost all (94%) predict a rise in domestic M&A over the next three years, and around 10% predict a dramatic increase.

A focus on growth is the main driver of M&A activity in the region with firms looking for ways to expand quickly. The need to diversify risk and reduce dependence on a single product or market was selected as the second reason for increased M&A activity.

Potential synergies from mergers or acquisitions were rated as the third most important reason ahead of the improved financial capacity of the combined firm. Economies of scale from mergers and acquisitions was ranked fifth as a factor fueling M&A with a desire to eliminate competition ranked last.

“With 94% of Singapore insurers expecting increased M&A activity, those that close the gap between digital confidence and operational reality will be best positioned to lead consolidation  rather than become a target of it – and those that do not may find their operating models are not as flexible or scalable as they had believed,” added Akeroyd.

 Apr 1:MARS Cosmetics, one of India’s fastest-growing beauty brands, has announced the launch of its latest retail kiosk at Bhartiya Mall, marking a significant milestone as the company expands its retail footprint to 50 kiosks across India. This achievement reflects the brand’s rapid growth and its continued focus on enhancing accessibility and consumer engagement in the beauty segment.

Founded on the philosophy of “Makeup For Everyone,” MARS Cosmetics has consistently worked towards making beauty more inclusive, accessible, and affordable. By offering innovative, high-quality products at competitive price points, the brand has successfully built a strong connection with a diverse and evolving consumer base. Its ability to combine affordability with trend-driven product innovation has positioned it as a preferred choice among today’s value-conscious and aspirational beauty consumers.

Commenting on this milestone, Sr Manager EBO Operations & Expansion, Pushpa Kandpal said, “Reaching the milestone of 50 kiosks is a proud moment for us and a reflection of the trust our consumers have placed in the brand. Our vision has always been to make beauty inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to delivering innovative products and creating engaging, on-ground experiences that bring us closer to our customers.”

The launch of these 50 kiosks with a strong retail presence through prestigious mall partners – Lulu Group International malls, Pacific Malls, Phoenix Mills, Inorbit Malls, and Ambuja Neotia Group capturing high foot traffic and delivering strong brand visibility across key retail destinations marking an important step in the company’s strategic retail expansion journey. By strengthening its presence in high-footfall retail destinations, MARS aims to provide immersive and interactive experiences, enabling customers to discover, explore, and engage with its wide range of beauty products in a more personalized environment.

This milestone not only highlights the brand’s expanding physical footprint but also underscores the sustained demand it continues to witness across markets. It reflects MARS Cosmetics’ ability to scale efficiently while staying aligned with evolving consumer preferences.

Looking ahead, the brand remains focused on accelerating growth, driving product innovation, and strengthening its omnichannel presence. With a clear emphasis on customer engagement and accessibility, MARS Cosmetics is well-positioned to further solidify its standing in India’s dynamic and fast-evolving beauty landscape.

SAN RAMON, Calif. – March 31, 2026 – The Thread Group, an industry alliance addressing IoT convergence, security, power, and architecture challenges, today announced that Schneider Electric has joined its Board of Directors. A member of the Thread Group since 2015, Schneider Electric will take a more active role in shaping the future of the Thread wireless networking protocol moving forward.

This addition comes at a pivotal time for the organization, with Thread recently surpassing 1000 consumer products, and as we continue to see expansion into commercial markets. Thread 1.4 delivers significant benefits for commercial and industrial applications, including seamless communication, enhanced reliability, and performance in expansive IoT deployments.

“The entire Thread Group will benefit from Schneider Electric’s deeper engagement in our efforts,” said Vividh Siddha, President of Thread Group. “A dedicated member for more than a decade, their expertise in energy management and building automation is invaluable, especially as Thread adoption continues to grow in both smart home and commercial building environments.”

As the IoT industry rallies around open standards, Schneider Electric’s strategic input will help accelerate Thread’s adoption as the networking backbone for IoT devices by championing interoperability and convergence across both residential and commercial sectors.

“Schneider Electric has long championed open standards as the key to sustainable, efficient, and future-proof intelligent buildings,” said Alban Notin, Standardization Leader at Schneider Electric. “As a long-standing member, we have seen Thread evolve into a robust, secure, and low-power foundation for the Internet of Things. We look forward to further supporting the adoption of open standards that deliver interoperability and sustainability for our customers.”

Schneider Electric joins existing Board of Directors members, including Amazon, Apple, ASSA ABLOY, Fortune Brands Innovations, Google, Lutron, Inventronics, Nordic Semiconductors, NXP Semiconductors, Qualcomm, Siemens, Silicon Labs, and Samsung SmartThings.