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  • Entrepreneurship Enters Academic Core at Universal Ai University with Launch of UAi Center of Excellence

    Dr. Simon Mak, Founding Vice Chancellor, Universal Ai University, joins Eric Liguori of Florida State University and Dr. Nader Jalili of Southern Methodist University to formalise global academic collaboration

    Entrepreneurship has been formally embedded into the academic and research framework at Universal Ai University, which has announced the launch of the UAi Entrepreneurship Center of Excellence. The initiative is being developed in academic collaboration with Florida State University and Southern Methodist University.
    The university-wide centre is structured to integrate innovation, venture creation, and entrepreneurial culture across teaching, research, and incubation platforms. Designed on globally benchmarked and American university-inspired models, the Center aims to align international best practices with India’s growing startup ecosystem.

    The UAi Entrepreneurship Center of Excellence will support students, faculty, alumni, and startups within the surrounding region, while also inviting global startup companies to participate as resident members under the UAi Startup Launchpad. The framework is intended to enable practical collaboration by leveraging the university’s academic expertise, research facilities, laboratories, and student resources.
    The Center’s first flagship initiative, the UAi BigIdeas Student PitchFest, is scheduled for 7 March and will provide students across disciplines with an opportunity to present venture ideas through a structured pitch format.

    Commenting on the launch, Simon Mak, Founding Vice Chancellor, Universal Ai University, said the establishment of the Center marks a milestone in integrating entrepreneurship into the university experience. He noted that innovation gains traction when ideas move from classrooms to incubation and implementation within flexible institutional frameworks.
    Congratulating the university on the initiative, Eric Liguori, Associate Dean for Research and External Affairs at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, Florida State University, said the structured approach reflects the global nature of entrepreneurship and expressed interest in continued collaboration.

    Nader Jalili, Mary and Richard Templeton Dean of the Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University, said that the creation of the Center reflects the development of a strong innovation culture at Universal Ai University and highlighted future opportunities for academic engagement.
    Through the Center of Excellence, Universal Ai University positions entrepreneurship as a foundational component of academic achievement and research activity, reinforcing its stated philosophy of Think. Act. Grow.

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  • OMR Corridor Sees Structured Senior Living Addition from Antara

    Ishaan Khanna, Chief Executive Officer, Antara Assisted Care Services, links the 72 bed facility to Tamil Nadu’s 14 percent senior population and rising elderly isolation

    Senior care infrastructure in Chennai’s Old Mahabalipuram Road corridor has expanded with Antara Senior Care establishing a 72 bed assisted living facility in the city. The development marks the organisation’s second care home in Chennai, complementing its existing presence along East Coast Road.
    Tamil Nadu currently has nearly 14 percent of its population aged 60 and above, making it one of the states with the highest proportion of senior citizens in India. In urban centres, one in seven residents is a senior citizen, and a significant share live alone or only with a spouse. The state also records 6.8 percent of seniors living independently, compared to the national average of 3.6 percent.

    The new facility is designed to provide both short-term and long-term assisted living services. It integrates clinical supervision with daily living support, including housekeeping, laundry, and nutritionally planned meals. Staff members are trained under geriatric care modules approved by the Government of India’s Healthcare Sector Skills Council.
    The care home incorporates ageing-friendly infrastructure such as ramps, wide corridors, grab rails, anti-skid flooring, panic buttons, and open terraces. Suite-style rooms accommodate both single and couple occupancy and connect to shared common areas intended to encourage interaction. Each floor includes a nurses’ station, supported by an in-house clinic and physiotherapy room to address evolving medical needs.

    Commenting on the development, Ishaan Khanna, Chief Executive Officer, Antara Assisted Care Services, said Tamil Nadu’s ageing profile is advancing more rapidly than many other states. He noted that higher levels of elderly isolation and a growing number of post-acute patients requiring structured long-term care have increased demand for organised assisted living environments within the city.
    The OMR facility extends Antara’s assisted living footprint in Chennai, reflecting the broader need for specialised senior care infrastructure in urban India.

    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Entry-Level Gaming Hardware Gets a Performance Push with Portronics Vader X

    Portronics positions Vader X with up to 12,800 DPI sensitivity, seven programmable controls, RGB lighting, and a ₹599 price point

    Affordable gaming peripherals continue to gain traction in India’s consumer electronics segment, with Portronics introducing the Vader X wired gaming mouse as part of its expanding computer accessories range.
    Designed for both competitive and casual players, the device features a high-precision optical sensor capable of delivering up to 7000 frames per second. The tracking system is engineered to maintain consistent responsiveness during fast-paced gameplay, including first-person shooters and strategy-based titles.

    The mouse supports adjustable sensitivity levels of up to 12,800 DPI, allowing users to switch between controlled, low-sensitivity precision and faster on-screen navigation. Seven programmable buttons can be configured through dedicated software, enabling macro assignments and custom command setups tailored to different gaming styles.
    Vader X incorporates customizable RGB lighting, adding a visual layer to gaming setups while maintaining functional clarity in button placement and controls. The ergonomic design is shaped to support extended usage, and the wired format ensures stable connectivity without signal interruptions. A 1.5 metre braided cable enhances durability and long-term reliability.

    The device offers plug-and-play compatibility across laptops, desktops, and supported gaming systems.
    Priced at ₹599, the Portronics Vader X wired gaming mouse is available in Black and Blue through the official website, major e-commerce platforms, and authorised retail outlets across India. The product includes a 12 month warranty.

    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Sovereign cloud operating model takes shape under Capgemini and Microsoft alignment

    Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini, and Judson Althoff, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Commercial Business, detail plans to embed compliance, resilience and AI capabilities into enterprise cloud architectures

    Mumbai, 11 February 2026: Capgemini and Microsoft are formalising an integrated sovereign cloud operating model aimed at enterprises navigating regulatory, geopolitical and operational complexity.
    The alignment is structured around a managed cloud service framework that incorporates sovereignty controls, compliance oversight and operational continuity planning into digital and AI programmes. The model supports adoption of Microsoft’s Sovereign Cloud environments, including sovereign public, sovereign private and national partner cloud configurations.

    Under the framework, enterprises will be guided through sovereignty assessments to define regulatory exposure, risk posture and operational dependencies. Based on sector and jurisdictional requirements, organisations can determine appropriate workload placement across Microsoft’s sovereign cloud environments while maintaining continuity plans to address potential disruptions.
    Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini, said enterprise leaders are operating in an environment where cloud innovation must be balanced with regulatory alignment and risk management. He said the alignment with Microsoft is intended to provide structured pathways for embedding sovereignty throughout digital and AI deployments.

    Judson Althoff, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Commercial Business, said organisations increasingly require cloud and AI capabilities that preserve control over data and operational frameworks. He said the alignment is designed to deliver sovereign cloud solutions spanning public, private and national partner models, allowing enterprises to meet compliance obligations while sustaining operational resilience.
    The joint focus areas include sovereignty by design for AI and cloud transformation projects, integrated risk and compliance visibility across sovereign environments, predefined resiliency execution scenarios to maintain continuity during geopolitical or cyber events, and automated data protection through AI driven cyber defence, encryption and identity governance tools.

    The collaboration will extend across regulated sectors including financial services, public administration, defence, telecommunications, life sciences, manufacturing and national critical infrastructure.
    Capgemini and Microsoft have maintained a partnership spanning more than two decades. In 2024, Capgemini and Orange launched Bleu, a trusted cloud initiative in France designed to address sovereign cloud requirements for public agencies and critical operators using Microsoft technologies.
    Capgemini operates in more than 50 countries with approximately 420,000 employees and reported global revenues of €22.1 billion in 2024.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Management Education Model Expands with 15+9 PGDM Structure at Vivekanand Business School

    Sandeep Bhardwaj, Director, Vivekanand Business School, outlines how the Transformation Pathway integrates 15 months of classroom learning with a 9 month industry internship

    A redesigned approach to management education is being introduced at Vivekanand Business School, which has announced a 15+9 Post Graduate Diploma in Management structure titled the Transformation Pathway.
    The programme combines 15 months of classroom-based academic study with a structured 9 month internship, creating a defined transition from theoretical learning to applied industry experience. The model positions immersion in real business environments as an integral component rather than an optional add-on.

    Built around four pillars identified as Program, People, Place, and Proof of Quality, the curriculum integrates business fundamentals with emerging technologies, micro-credits, open electives, industry projects, and global exposure components. The academic delivery is supported by a faculty base where 95 percent hold doctoral qualifications, with an average of 15 years of professional and academic experience.
    Commenting on the programme, Sandeep Bhardwaj, Director, Vivekanand Business School, said the structure is designed to ensure that management concepts are reinforced through direct industry application. He noted that integrating classroom learning with hands-on exposure enables students to develop workplace readiness from the outset of their careers.

    The diploma is accredited by the National Board of Accreditation and is recognised as equivalent to an MBA by the Association of Indian Universities. Through partnerships and structured industry pathways, the institution aims to align academic preparation with evolving corporate expectations.

    The 15+9 format reflects a broader shift within management education toward experiential learning models that prioritise applied exposure alongside conceptual depth, particularly as employers seek graduates equipped for immediate contribution in dynamic business environments.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Young India Fellowship shifts to fully supported cohort for 2026 to 27 academic year

    Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, reflects on the programme’s 15 year journey as applications close on 23 March 2026

    New Delhi, 11 February 2026: Ashoka University will extend scholarship support to every selected candidate in the upcoming Young India Fellowship Class of 2026 to 27, marking a structural shift in how the programme is funded.
    The Young India Fellowship, instituted in 2011, enters its 16th cohort this year and completes 15 years since inception. The programme preceded the formal establishment of the University in 2014 and is regarded as one of its foundational academic initiatives.

    For the upcoming cohort, all selected Fellows will receive either partial or full financial support. The scholarship support is enabled through backing from HDFC Bank.
    Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is 23 February 2026, while the final round closes on 23 March 2026. The application process is free, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online personal interview.

    The year long residential postgraduate diploma programme is structured around four pillars: core and elective coursework, critical inquiry and expression, immersive experiential learning, and holistic learning and engagement. Fellows complete approximately 18 interdisciplinary courses and undertake a real world project under faculty mentorship.
    The incoming class is expected to comprise around 100 Fellows. Candidates from all academic backgrounds are eligible, including final year undergraduate students who will complete their degree by July 2026. There is no age limit.

    The current Class of 2026 spans ages 19 to 39 and represents 80 undergraduate institutions across four countries and 67 cities and towns. Thirty five percent identify as first generation college goers, while 59 percent bring prior full time work experience.
    Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, said the Young India Fellowship has built a strong record in leadership development over the past 15 years. He said alumni are working across government, civil society, development, academia, research, sports, performing arts, multilateral organisations, the corporate sector, and entrepreneurship.
    Scholarship support under the programme ranges from 25 percent to full funding covering tuition, residence, and meals. Around 10 candidates will receive the Chancellor’s Scholarship covering full tuition and residence costs. In the current cohort, 59 percent received full tuition waivers or more, 32 percent were fully funded including residence and meals, and 17 Fellows were named Chancellor’s Scholars.
    Ashoka University operates as a non profit institution under the Haryana Private Universities Act, 2006, and is located in Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana. The University has more than 3,000 students and over 20 Centres of Excellence across disciplines.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • National AI Literacy Push Advances as Coursera Collaborates with IndiaAI Mission to Launch YUVA AI for ALL

    Ashutosh Gupta, Managing Director, India and Asia Pacific at Coursera, and Abhishek Singh, Chief Executive Officer, IndiaAI Mission, outline the goal of equipping 10 million citizens with foundational AI skills

    A nationwide effort to strengthen artificial intelligence literacy is underway as Coursera announced a collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, to offer the YUVA AI for ALL foundational course on its platform.
    The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s objective of enabling 10 million citizens with essential AI skills and is positioned as a free, self-paced national programme accessible to students, professionals, and individuals seeking foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence.

    India is projected to account for 20 percent of the world’s working-age population by 2047, according to McKinsey & Company. However, the country currently represents approximately 16 percent of the global AI talent pool. With the World Economic Forum estimating that 38 percent of Indian workers’ core skills will evolve by 2030, the initiative seeks to bridge emerging capability gaps and prepare learners for a technology-driven economy.

    The YUVA AI for ALL course blends global AI fundamentals with Indian social and economic contexts. Developed with contributions from AI experts including Jaspreet Bindra and Anuj Magazine, the curriculum is structured into six modules that introduce learners to AI applications across classrooms, workplaces, creative industries, and public services. The course also addresses safety, security, and ethical considerations in AI use. Participants who complete the programme will receive an official certificate from the Government of India.
    According to Coursera’s 2025 Learner Trends data, Indian learners recorded four million generative AI course enrollments, reflecting a 70 percent year-on-year increase. High-growth areas include agentic AI, automation workflows, AI-driven creativity, data literacy, and decision intelligence.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Ashutosh Gupta, Managing Director, India and Asia Pacific at Coursera, said that equipping citizens with foundational AI skills is critical to leveraging India’s demographic advantage. He noted that demand for generative AI learning continues to grow, with multiple enrollments recorded every minute in 2025.
    Abhishek Singh, Chief Executive Officer, IndiaAI Mission, said the programme reflects the government’s focus on broad-based AI awareness and equitable access to emerging technologies. He added that partnerships with digital learning platforms are central to expanding AI literacy and supporting inclusive innovation.
    The course is available on Coursera’s platform and is intended to serve as a foundation for wider AI adoption across sectors, supporting India’s broader ambition of becoming an AI-enabled economy.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Samsung unveils nationwide offers on Vision AI Big TV portfolio

    Samsung India announces bundled Soundbar benefits, cashback of up to 20 percent, extended warranty coverage and financing options under its Made for India PLUS platform

    Gurugram, 11 February 2026: Samsung has announced limited period consumer offers across its Vision AI Big TV portfolio in India, combining bundled audio products, cashback schemes and financing support aimed at encouraging upgrades to large screen televisions.
    The offer includes a complimentary Soundbar valued at up to INR 92,990 on select models, cashback of up to 20 percent, zero down payment options and equated monthly instalments extending up to 30 months. The programme is being rolled out nationwide across authorised retail channels.

    Samsung’s Vision AI Big TV range integrates AI driven picture optimisation intended to enhance motion clarity and image precision, particularly for high speed content formats such as live sports and action programming. The portfolio focuses on large screen formats designed to support immersive home viewing.
    The offers are being extended under the company’s Made for India PLUS platform, which combines hardware upgrades with additional consumer benefits. Customers under this platform receive access to Samsung TV Plus, offering more than 150 free national and international channels spanning entertainment, movies, news and regional content.

    The programme also includes Samsung Care Plus, providing extended warranty coverage and after sales support. The extended protection plan offers two years of comprehensive coverage starting at INR 599, supported by Samsung’s service network and genuine parts assurance.
    Flexible purchasing options are enabled through Samsung Finance Plus, which facilitates paperless transactions and structured payment plans.
    The limited period offers are available across Samsung’s authorised stores and partner outlets across India.

    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Insurance distribution widens as HDFC Life aligns with Muthoot FinCorp’s branch network

    Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Life, and Shaji Varghese, Chief Executive Officer of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd., outline plans to offer protection and long term savings products through 3,750 plus branches

    Mumbai, 10 February 2026: HDFC Life has entered into a distribution arrangement with Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. that will make its life insurance solutions available across the latter’s nationwide branch and digital network.
    Under the arrangement, customers of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. will be able to access HDFC Life’s group and individual life insurance offerings, including protection products and long term savings solutions designed to support defined financial goals. Distribution will take place through Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s network of more than 3,750 branches across India, in addition to its digital platform.

    The tie up combines HDFC Life’s insurance manufacturing and underwriting capabilities with Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s customer reach and physical presence across urban, semi urban, and rural markets.
    Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Life, said the arrangement supports the industry objective of Insurance for All by 2047. She said the collaboration will help extend relevant life insurance solutions to both existing and new customers of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd., while integrated digital processes will enable efficient servicing across touchpoints.

    Shaji Varghese, Chief Executive Officer of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd., said both organisations share a foundation built on customer trust. He said the integration of HDFC Life’s product and risk expertise with Muthoot FinCorp Ltd.’s branch network and digital platforms is aimed at offering meaningful financial protection solutions to Indian families.

    The development reflects a broader trend in the insurance sector, where life insurers are strengthening distribution through established non banking financial institutions to widen penetration and deepen financial protection coverage.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Board-Level AI Strategy Focus Sharpens at CriticalRiver with Appointment of Dr. Vijay Gurbaxani

    Dr. Vijay Gurbaxani, Taco Bell Endowed Professor of Technology Management at UC Irvine and Founding Director of the Center for Digital Transformation, joins CriticalRiver as Board Advisor to guide enterprise AI governance and strategy

    As enterprises move from pilot AI initiatives toward structured governance and measurable outcomes, CriticalRiver Inc. has brought academic and boardroom perspective into its strategic framework with the appointment of Vijay Gurbaxani as Board Advisor.
    Dr. Gurbaxani has spent over four decades at the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, where he serves as the Taco Bell Endowed Professor of Technology Management and previously held the role of Senior Associate Dean. He is also the Founding Director of the Center for Digital Transformation, a research institution focused on evidence-based insights into digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

    His work has centred on understanding how AI and digital technologies reshape operating models, enterprise structures, and economic value creation. He has advised senior executives and board members globally on integrating technology decisions with long-term strategy and competitive positioning.
    “AI is no longer about experimentation; it is about making disciplined choices that align technology, organizational design, and economic value,” said Dr. Vijay Gurbaxani. “CriticalRiver’s focus on outcome-driven, pragmatic AI transformation reflects exactly what enterprises need at this stage, and I look forward to supporting the team in this journey.”

    In his advisory capacity, Dr. Gurbaxani will collaborate with CriticalRiver’s leadership team to refine enterprise strategy, guide AI-led transformation programmes, and contribute to thought leadership on economically grounded and responsible AI adoption.
    Commenting on the appointment, Anji Maram, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CriticalRiver Inc., said Dr. Gurbaxani brings depth in connecting digital strategy with measurable business impact at a time when enterprises are transitioning from experimentation to accountability in AI deployment.

    Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Pleasanton, California, CriticalRiver positions itself as an AI-first technology services firm focused on accelerating business outcomes through automation, systems optimisation, and vertical solutions. The addition of board-level academic expertise reflects a broader shift in enterprise technology, where governance, economics, and oversight increasingly define successful AI adoption.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.