Category: Business

Named India’s Leading PSU Choice for IT Networking Solutions and Best FTTH Solution Brand of 2025

Mumbai, June 1, 2026 – DIGISOL Systems Ltd. has won two awards at the 18th NCN Innovative Product Awards 2025, taking home the titles of India’s Leading PSU Choice for IT Networking Solutions 2025 and Best FTTH Solution Brand of 2025 in India. The awards were presented at the annual ceremony organized by Network Computing News, which has been tracking and recognizing product innovation in India’s IT industry for nearly two decades.

For DIGISOL, the wins come at a time when the company has been steadily deepening its footprint across two of the most strategically important segments in Indian networking – government infrastructure and last-mile broadband. The NCN Innovative Product Awards, now in their 18th consecutive edition, are widely regarded as one of the most credible and authoritative benchmarks of excellence and innovation within India’s IT and networking industry.

MANAGEMENT COMMENT

“Winning two awards at the NCN awards event is something we are genuinely proud of, but what matters more to us is what these recognitions represent. The PSU award tells us that the public sector trusts DIGISOL – and that trust has been built over years of showing up, delivering on commitments, and standing behind our products. The FTTH award tells us that our work in last-mile connectivity is being noticed. We have been putting a lot into that space because we believe affordable, high-speed internet reaching every household is not a distant goal anymore – it is happening right now, and we want to be part of that story.”

– Saurabh Rathour, Regional Sales Manager-North, DIGISOL Systems Ltd.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

India’s Leading PSU Choice for IT Networking Solutions 2025

DIGISOL has been supplying networking solutions to government departments, public sector enterprises, and defense establishments for years. What has set the company apart in this segment is its willingness to meet requirements that many international brands simply cannot – BIS certifications, government procurement compliance, and products designed and manufactured in India. The government chooses DIGISOL for several compelling reasons: the company’s long presence of over three decades in the industry has built deep institutional trust; its strong emphasis on the Make in India initiative aligns with national procurement priorities; its TEC-certified products meet the stringent technical standards mandated for government deployments; and its proven track record across numerous Metro Rail projects across the country stands as a testament to its reliability at scale. The PSU market does not reward shortcuts, and DIGISOL has not taken any. This award reflects that standing.

Best FTTH Solution Brand of 2025 in India

Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology constitutes the backbone of India’s ongoing broadband revolution, and DIGISOL has been a consistent and significant contributor to this transformative journey. This recognition celebrates the Company’s comprehensive and technologically advanced FTTH product portfolio, encompassing Optical Network Units (ONUs), Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), GPON solutions, and end-to-end fibre connectivity products. Against the backdrop of India’s initiative and the accelerating broadband expansion across the country, DIGISOL’s FTTH solutions are empowered with TEC Certifications, which help the brand to be more trustworthy and reliable.

ABOUT THE NCN INNOVATIVE PRODUCT AWARDS

The NCN Innovative Product Awards, organized by Network Computing News, have been recognizing standout products and brands in India’s IT and networking space for 18 years. Winners are evaluated through a process that draws on input from industry professionals, channel partners, and end users, making the awards a credible read on where the market actually stands.

Bengaluru, Jun 1: The Leela Palace Bengaluru unveils The Azulian House, a botanical dining destination where every element of the space, menu, and experience is shaped by this central idea. Bringing a diverse menu within a broader contemporary global expression, agave-forward beverage programme, and Bengaluru’s legacy as India’s Garden City, the concept is rooted in slowness, unfolding as a fully immersive experience where food, beverage, design, and storytelling function as a cohesive whole.

For decades, The Leela Palace Bengaluru has been the epicentre of luxury hospitality in India, consistently pushing the boundaries of bespoke, experience-driven dining. Known for its ability to merge global sophistication with cultural depth, the hotel has built a reputation for creating narrative-led F&B concepts. With The Azulian House, it extends this legacy with a format that is intellectually rigorous and sensorially immersive. The launch also comes during a milestone year for The Leela as the brand celebrates four decades of true Indian luxury, marked by a continued commitment to craftsmanship, cultural richness, and exceptional hospitality experiences.

Conceived as a botanist’s home, the design of The Azulian House unfolds as a series of interconnected spaces that mirror the journey of observation, experimentation, and growth. The environment moves fluidly across The Living Room, The Glasshouse, The Lab, and The Orchard, each with a distinct role yet part of a cohesive whole. The Living Room carries a warm, residential quality, while the Glasshouse draws in natural light, creating a quieter space rooted in observation.

The Azulian House is guided by a clear and layered point of view. At the heart of The Azulian House is an ingredient-driven approach where food, beverage, and botanicals come together seamlessly. The agave programme places tequila and mezcal at the centre of the experience, while the menu takes cues from global influences and local produce, shaped by seasonality, technique, and a strong sense of place.

Speaking on the launch, Nishant Agarwal, Vice President & General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, said:

“The Azulian House reflects a more considered approach to luxury. It is rooted in time, in craft, and in a deep respect for ingredients. Every element has been built with the intention to create something immersive yet effortless.”

The culinary programme, led by Chef Zafar, draws from Peru’s coastal, Andean, and Amazonian ecosystems while working closely with locally sourced Indian ingredients.

Peruvian cuisine is about balance and integrity,” says Chef Zafar. “At The Azulian House, we have stayed true to these foundations while bringing together flavours and ingredients in a way that feels seamless, refined, and deeply respectful of the cuisine’s essence.

The menu moves from ceviches, tiraditos, and causas to open-fire grills and slow-cooked dishes, where ají, citrus, smoke, and fermentation define the flavour architecture. Techniques such as curing, charring, and marination bring structure and depth, while a minimal intervention approach allows the integrity of each ingredient to remain central.

Extending beyond the plate, the experience unfolds within a living botanical environment. Guests can dine in outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces surrounded by herbs, edible plants, and fruit-bearing trees, or choose to sit within the kitchen itself, offering a direct and immersive view into the craft and rhythm of the space. Guests are also invited to sit among the very ingredients that shape the menu, creating a tangible connection between produce and plate. A private outdoor space is available for intimate gatherings and bespoke events. At the centre of it all is the botanist, the symbolic voice of the brand.

The beverage programme is positioned as one of the city’s most extensive agave-focused offerings, built around an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal. Cocktails draw from botanical infusions, fermentation, and ingredient-led techniques, with formats that range from bright, citrus-led highballs to deeper, spirit-forward compositions, layered with smoke and complexity.

Designed as extensions of the kitchen,  create a seamless interplay between food and alcohol, ensuring the bar is integral to the overall experience.

With this launch, The Leela Palace Bengaluru continues to shape the future of luxury dining in India, presenting a concept defined by precision, patience, and process, and the quiet luxury of things that take time. As The Leela marks forty years of pioneering true Indian luxury, The Azulian House stands as a reflection of the brand’s continued evolution – creating immersive experiences that are deeply rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury.

Bhubaneswar, June 1, 2026: TiE Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with Bookingjini, hosted a vibrant Startup Meetup at Hotel Crown on May 27, bringing together around 30 aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, mentors, and ecosystem enablers for an evening of networking, learning, and investment-focused discussions.

The event provided founders with a unique opportunity to directly interact with investors and gain valuable insights into the startup funding landscape. A major highlight of the evening was an engaging interaction with Himanshu Goel, Founder of Azpiro Systems, who spent time listening to entrepreneurs, understanding their ideas, and sharing perspectives on building scalable ventures.

Source: LinkedIn

The gathering featured an insightful Fireside Chat moderated by Sibasish Mishra, former Joint Secretary of TiE Bhubaneswar. The session brought together investor viewpoints, entrepreneurial experiences, and discussions on the growth of Odisha’s startup ecosystem. Himanshu Goel shared his observations on startup investments, while Ayaskanta Mohanty, President of TiE Bhubaneswar, reflected on the organization’s journey and its efforts to foster entrepreneurship in the state.

The discussion also highlighted the rapid evolution of Odisha’s startup ecosystem and the increasing opportunities available to emerging entrepreneurs. Participants exchanged ideas on innovation, mentorship, funding access, and collaborative growth, creating a platform for meaningful engagement.

Prabhat Sahoo, Chair of the TiE Bhubaneswar Funding Committee, played a key role in steering the proceedings and ensuring productive interactions among founders, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Abhitabya Pattanayak, Joint Secretary of TiE Bhubaneswar, who expressed appreciation to all participants, speakers, partners, and organizers for contributing to the success of the meetup.

Behind the seamless execution of the event was the dedicated effort of Partha Sarathi Ghosh, Executive Director of TiE Bhubaneswar, whose coordination and support helped bring together the startup community for an impactful evening.

More than just a networking event, the Startup Meetup served as a catalyst for future collaborations, funding discussions, and entrepreneurial growth. As founders left the venue, many carried with them renewed confidence, fresh connections, and a stronger belief in the possibilities that lie ahead for Odisha’s startup ecosystem.

New Delhi, June 2026: An Indian delegation comprising representatives from government institutions and the private sector recently visited Germany for a high-level exchange programme focused on climate adaptation, environmental technologies, and sustainable development.

The visit, held earlier this month, was jointly organised by GIZ India and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) and centred around participation in IFAT Munich 2026, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for environmental technologies.

The programme combined attendance at the trade fair with institutional exchanges, technical site visits, and strategic discussions in Munich and Berlin. Delegates engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, academic experts, and research institutions, to gain insights into innovative solutions and best practices in climate resilience and environmental management.

Key areas of discussion included climate adaptation strategies, water resource management, recycling technologies, circular economy practices, and sustainable urban development. Participants explored emerging technologies and policy approaches that could support sustainable growth and strengthen climate resilience.

According to organisers, the visit highlighted the growing momentum for deeper cooperation between India and Germany in addressing global environmental challenges. The exchange provided a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and identifying opportunities for future collaboration.

Officials noted that the programme also facilitated partnership-building between institutions from both countries, paving the way for continued engagement on shared sustainability and climate objectives.

The initiative reflects the commitment of India and Germany to advancing climate action, promoting environmental innovation, and fostering long-term cooperation in support of sustainable development goals.

 “This partnership with Atmantan marks an important step in bringing a world-class integrated wellness destination to Hyderabad. The world is talking more openly about longevity. As strong believers in the power of natural and holistic health, we recognise that the global conversation around longevity is not a passing trend, but a fundamental shift in how people aspire to live. We are looking forward to building a sanctuary with the Atmantan Team that will give life to this shared ambition, long-term value, and a commitment to redefining wellness in the region.”

Production Up 62%, Sales Rise 74%; Company Reports Positive PAT, PBT and EBITDA

                                   *Production & Sales in Metric Tonnes and Financials in Rs. Crore 

Hyderabad, May 30, 2026: NMDC Steel Limited (NSL), one of India’s youngest integrated steel producers, has announced its financial results for FY26.  NMDC Steel Limited (NSL) delivered a landmark performance in FY26, achieving profitability and registering best-ever production and sales during the year, while also recording its best-ever quarterly performance in Q4, FY26.

NMDC Steel recorded its highest-ever annual production of 23.25 lakh metric tonnes and sales of 24.55 lakh metric tonnes during FY26, registering growth of 62% and 74% respectively over the previous year. The strong operational performance reflects improved capacity utilisation, enhanced efficiencies and growing market acceptance of NSL’s products across key sectors.

NSL has now achieved average capacity utilisation of 80% of its rated production capacity within two years of commencing its operations, marking a significant milestone in the operational stabilisation of the Nagarnar Steel Plant. This achievement places NSL among the fastest ramp-ups witnessed in the Global Steel Industry for a greenfield integrated steel project.

NSL also delivered its best-ever quarterly performance during Q4 FY26, with production rising 45% year-on-year to 6.42 lakh metric tonnes and sales increasing 40% to 7.03 lakh metric tonnes, underscoring the growing operational strength and market presence of the company.

The operational gains translated into a strong financial performance, with turnover increasing 60% year-on-year to Rs.13,642 crore. This robust growth reflects improved capacity utilisation, stronger market penetration and the growing acceptance of NSL’s high-quality steel products across key sectors.

Most significantly, FY26 marked a complete turnaround in NSL’s profitability. Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at Rs. 58.72 crore in FY26 against a loss of Rs. 2,373 crore in the previous year. Reflecting the strength of this turnaround, Q4 FY26 PAT improved to Rs. 391 crore from a loss of Rs. 473 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

NMDC Steel closed FY26 on a strong note, delivering its best-ever quarterly production and sales alongside a significant improvement in operational performance. Turnover for Q4 FY26 increased 37% year-on-year to Rs. 3,879 crore, while EBITDA stood at Rs. 832.09 crore against a negative EBITDA of Rs. 271.51 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

Commenting on the results, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC Steel Limited, said: “FY26 marks a defining year in NMDC Steel’s journey. Achieving profitability, recording our highest-ever production & sales and reaching nearly average capacity utilisation of 80% within two years of operations reflect the successful stabilisation of the Nagarnar Steel Plant. As we continue to improve efficiencies, expand our product portfolio and strengthen our market presence, we remain committed to progressing towards full capacity utilisation of NMDC Steel Plant, while supplying high-quality steel products that contribute to India’s infrastructure and industrial development.”

The achievements of FY26 mark an important milestone in NSL’s growth journey. With operations stabilised, profitability achieved and market presence continuing to expand, NMDC Steel is well-positioned to build on this momentum and create long-term value for its stakeholders in the years ahead.

Patna, 30 May 2026: Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna – Business Incubation and Innovation Foundation (CIMP-BIIF) and Annapurna Finance Private Limited (AFPL), one of India’s leading microfinance institutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to collaborate in the areas of professional training, capacity building, and skill development for employees working in the microfinance sector.

The partnership aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of microfinance professionals through industry-oriented training programmes. Under the MoU, CIMP-BIIF and AFPL will jointly design and deliver training modules focusing on microfinance operations, regulatory compliance, customer relationship management, and best practices in financial inclusion.

The collaboration will also focus on developing leadership capabilities, problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, and effective time-management practices among employees. Participants will benefit from hands-on learning through practical modules, case studies, simulations, and experiential learning approaches designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Dr. Rana Singh, Director, Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), said:

“At CIMP, we are committed to fostering meaningful industry-academia collaborations that create value for organizations and society alike. This partnership with Annapurna Finance Private Limited reflects our vision of strengthening the financial inclusion ecosystem through knowledge, innovation, and capacity building. We are confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to enhancing professional excellence and leadership capabilities in the microfinance sector.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kumod Kumar, CEO, CIMP-BIIF, said, “This partnership reflects our commitment to building a skilled and future-ready workforce for the financial inclusion ecosystem. By combining academic excellence with industry expertise, we aim to create impactful learning experiences that enhance professional competence and organizational effectiveness.”

Professor Sunil Kumar, Associate Dean (Academics), CIMP, stated, “The microfinance sector plays a critical role in promoting inclusive growth and economic empowerment. Through this collaboration, we seek to provide high-quality training interventions that strengthen operational excellence, leadership capabilities, and customer-centric service delivery among professionals in the sector.”

Mr. Subrat Sabyasachi Roy, Head – Strategy, Annapurna Finance Private Limited, remarked, “Continuous learning and capability enhancement are essential for sustaining growth and delivering greater value to our clients. We are pleased to partner with CIMP-BIIF to develop structured learning programmes that will support employee development and contribute to the long-term success of the microfinance industry.”

The MoU marks an important step towards fostering industry-academia collaboration and promoting excellence in professional development within the financial inclusion and microfinance ecosystem.

Milan, May– Very young children (even as young as 3 years old) can read intention and preferences in the eyes of a person, but they do not recognize this type of nonverbal communication in the gaze of a humanoid robot.

This is the finding of a study published in the International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction, coordinated by Antonella Marchetti, Director of the Department of Psychology of Università Cattolica and CERITOM (Research Center on Theory of Mind and Social Competences Across the Lifespan), in collaboration with scholars from Tokyo and Osaka, and colleagues Davide Massaro, Cinzia Di Dio, and Federico Manzi of the Università Cattolica of Milan.

THE STUDY

The research involved Italian children aged 3 to 5 years old to explore how people and robots gaze can evoke different impressions in children’s minds.

The test consisted of showing to children a person and a humanoid robot while looking at an object, assessing whether they could understand which object was “preferred” by the agent looking at it.

The results show that children interpret the human gaze as a meaningful signal: if an individual looks at an object, children tend to assume that the person likes that object. The same does not happen, however, when a humanoid robot is looking at the object. In that case, the gaze is not enough for children to attribute a true preference to the robot.

In short, children use the human gaze to “read” desires and intentions, while they struggle to do the same with the robot. Furthermore, gaze—human or robotic—does not seem to change children’s personal preferences: it helps them understand what the other person likes, but it does not necessarily change their own preferences.

Professor Marchetti explains, “This does not mean robots cannot play an educational or social role. However, it suggests that simply imitating a single human signal, such as gaze, in a robotic artifact is not enough to make it truly communicative in a child’s eyes. Designing robots and intelligent technologies for children requires richer, more natural, and developmentally appropriate interactions: made up of words, gestures, reciprocity, context, and shared presence. This is reinforced by the fact that even human interactions alone are not sufficient to exert clear transformative effects on children’s preferences. These data are particularly relevant in the debate on artificial intelligence,” she continues. “Many AIs today speak, respond, and make suggestions, but our results highlight that, especially for children, communication is not just about words: presence and shared context also matter. From this perspective, an AI integrated into physical systems — so-called embodied AI, one of the most complete expressions of which is humanoid social robotics — represents a crucial dimension for understanding how children attribute mental states (e.g., intentions, beliefs, preferences) to technologies as well,” she adds. These findings also have significant implications for applications, particularly in the field of autistic spectrum disorder, where gaze and shared attention represent crucial psychological dimensions of socio-communicative development and can be particularly vulnerable. In this context, humanoid robots are increasingly being studied as support tools for rehabilitation interventions focused on these skills. Understanding how a child interprets a robot’s gaze as an intentional signal can therefore help design more targeted, natural, and developmentally sensitive interventions.

The ROBIN (ROBot-based Neuropsychomotor INtervention to promote imitation skills in young children with autism spectrum disorder) project, funded by the Ministry of Health as part of the Finalized Research program, which will begin in June 2026, is also part of this research direction, the professor anticipates. The project is led by the Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation and the CeRiToM of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, which is involved as a research group on the role of gaze and psychological processes in these forms of intervention. The project involves interventions with a humanoid robot to promote imitation skills, which also involve understanding the robot’s gaze and its communicative meaning.

Hyderabad, May 30: In a major initiative aimed at enhancing surgical skills among young ENT specialists, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, hosted the second edition of the two-day International 360° ENT & Skull Base Conference, bringing together over 250 eminent ENT surgeons, faculty members and postgraduate students from India and abroad.

The conference was inaugurated by Mr.Ramchandra J, Chief Operating Officer Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, and Dr.Ravi Kiran, Medical Director Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills. Addressing the gathering, he said the hospital had conducted 12 complex skull base surgeries free of cost for underprivileged patients as part of the academic programme. These surgeries were broadcast live to delegates, allowing young surgeons to observe surgical planning, intra-operative decision-making and advanced treatment techniques in real time.

He said live surgical demonstrations offer invaluable practical exposure to the management of complex ENT and skull base disorders, emergency situations and minimally invasive procedures, helping participants strengthen their clinical and operative skills.

Organised jointly by Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, and the AOI Hyderabad Chapter, the conference focused on the latest advances in ENT, head and neck surgery, skull base procedures and hearing restoration techniques.

Doctors at the conference highlighted the increasing prevalence of ENT-related disorders such as chronic sinus infections, recurrent headaches, nasal obstruction, nosebleeds, hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, voice changes, swallowing difficulties, snoring and sleep apnoea. They noted that the growing burden of such conditions has created an urgent need for more highly trained ENT specialists.

Dr. Vemuru Tejaswi, ENT surgeon at Apollo Hospitals and Organising Chairman of the conference, said specialised training programmes are essential to prepare the next generation of surgeons for managing complex ear, nose and throat disorders as well as skull base tumours, infections and neurological conditions located near the base of the brain.

He added that the department routinely performs advanced procedures including endoscopic skull base surgery, sinus surgery, hearing restoration surgeries, cochlear implants, sleep apnoea surgery and paediatric ENT interventions.

The scientific sessions were led by internationally renowned experts including Dr. Prepageran Narayanan from Malaysia, Dr. Narayana Jayashankar from Mumbai, Dr. Satish Jain from Jaipur and Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty from Chennai, who shared their expertise on emerging technologies and challenging clinical cases.

The conference was organised by a dedicated team comprising Dr. Tejasvi Vemuru, Dr. Sreepathy Sandeep, Dr. Manideep, Dr. Nayanika Reddy and Dr. Archana Rangisetty, who ensured the seamless conduct of the international academic event and facilitated meaningful knowledge exchange among participants.