Prof. (Dr) Anil Sahasrabudhe spoke on research impact, patents, and technology readiness during the New Delhi conclave
Author: admin
-
Research Quantity Has Improved, But Quality Still Lags, NAAC Chairman Observes at Ashoka University’s ResComm 2025
The inaugural day featured participation from senior figures across government, academia, and research institutions. Among them was Prof. (Dr) Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), who also serves as Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum and the National Board of Accreditation. Other speakers included Dr Rajnikant Srivastava, Chair (Disease Elimination), Indian Council of Medical Research, and Prof. (Dr) K. Vijay Raghavan, Chair of the Science Advisory Council at Ashoka University.
Opening the conclave, Professor Gautam Menon, Dean of Research at Ashoka University, highlighted the growing need for researchers to communicate their work beyond academic circles. The programme included sessions on research communication and public engagement, including a plenary discussion chaired by Dr Rajnikant Srivastava that explored the challenges of conveying health and biomedical research to wider audiences.
Delivering the Distinguished Lecture, Prof. (Dr) Anil Sahasrabudhe reflected on India’s rapid rise in research output over the past decade. He pointed out that India now ranks third globally in terms of the number of research publications, having moved up from seventh or eighth position. However, he cautioned that while the growth in quantity is significant, improving research quality and impact remains an ongoing challenge.
Professor Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University, reiterated the institution’s commitment to advancing rigorous research and improving how it is communicated. Drawing from his experiences with grassroots communication, he said Ashoka’s ambition extends beyond being a research-intensive university to actively contributing to global knowledge through collaboration and partnerships.
The conclave also featured sessions on the role of artificial intelligence and innovation in translating research for policy and public audiences, along with interactive workshops on grant writing, research integrity, and the use of visuals in research communication.
-
AI’s Role in Shaping Future MBA Programs Takes Centre Stage at a Delhi Education Summit Featuring Noida International University
Dr. S. K. Verma of Noida International University joined academic leaders at the 7th Future of Management Education Summit 2025 to discuss AI integration, ethics, and curriculum reform
Noida International University marked its academic presence at the 7th Future of Management Education Summit 2025, held in New Delhi, with discussions centred on how artificial intelligence is influencing the direction of management education in India. The summit was organised by BW Businessworld and BW Education at the Eros Hotel and brought together academicians, policymakers, and institutional leaders to examine emerging shifts in higher education.
The event served as a platform to reflect on how business schools are responding to changes driven by artificial intelligence, evolving industry needs, and global academic practices. Conversations during the summit focused on future-ready MBA programmes, the integration of AI and education technology, ESG frameworks, global collaborations, and models for lifelong learning. These themes closely mirror Noida International University’s stated focus on building management education that remains responsive to industry and technological change.
Dr. S. K. Verma, Director of the School of Business and Commerce at Noida International University, participated in the discussions and shared his perspective during a panel session titled How AI Is Affecting Today’s Education System and the Challenges of AI. He noted that artificial intelligence is now shaping several core aspects of management education, including curriculum design, teaching methods, assessment structures, and institutional governance.
Dr. Verma also highlighted the importance of responsible adoption. He emphasised that while AI brings efficiency and scale, institutions must give equal attention to ethical implementation, faculty upskilling, and strengthening students’ critical thinking and decision-making abilities. According to him, technology should complement learning rather than replace foundational academic values. He added that Noida International University continues to work towards MBA programmes that integrate artificial intelligence with industry relevance, global exposure, ESG perspectives, and long-term learning outcomes.
The panel discussion featured academic leaders from several institutions, including Dr. Mayank Daundiyal, Dean, School of Business, Jindal Global University, Hisar; Dr. Jayananda, Pro Vice Chancellor, Shobhit University, Meerut; and Prof. Dr. Rajesh S, Vice Chancellor, MIT–ADT University, Pune. The dialogue examined both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI in education, such as data ethics, academic integrity, faculty readiness, and maintaining human values alongside technological advancement.
Noida International University was also represented by a delegation led by Dr. Richa Srivastava, Head – Outreach and Industry Integration. The delegation actively engaged with other participants during the summit, contributing to academic exchange and exploring possibilities for industry-academia collaboration and global partnerships.
Through its participation at the summit, Noida International University reiterated its focus on AI-integrated management education and industry-aligned curricula. The institution continues to emphasise preparing future leaders who are equipped not only with technological skills but also with ethical awareness and social responsibility.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.
-
A Quiet Reordering of Shareholding Is Underway at Shriram Finance With MUFG Bank
The proposed INR 39,618 crore preferential equity issuance would give MUFG Bank a 20 percent holding in Shriram Finance, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
A significant change in the ownership structure of one of India’s largest retail lenders is taking shape as Shriram Finance Limited moves to bring a global banking institution onto its share register. The board of Shriram Finance has approved definitive agreements with MUFG Bank Ltd. for a preferential issuance of equity shares that would result in MUFG acquiring a 20 percent stake on a fully diluted basis, subject to approvals.
The proposed transaction involves an investment of INR 39,618 crore and represents a rare instance of foreign capital entering the Indian non banking financial company sector at this scale. While the stake does not alter management control, it meaningfully reshapes the company’s ownership mix and long term capital profile. The investment is pending shareholder consent, regulatory clearances, and customary closing conditions.Shriram Finance operates as India’s second largest retail NBFC by assets under management, serving a broad customer base that includes small road transport operators, MSMEs, and individual borrowers across urban and semi urban markets. The company’s distribution reach and diversified loan portfolio have positioned it as a core participant in India’s credit ecosystem, particularly in segments underserved by traditional banking.
From a balance sheet perspective, the proposed capital infusion is expected to strengthen Shriram Finance’s capital adequacy and provide long duration growth capital. The presence of a global banking shareholder may also influence future access to lower cost liabilities and support alignment with international governance and operational benchmarks, although the company will continue to operate as an independent listed entity.For MUFG Bank, the transaction marks its largest single investment in India to date. The bank is part of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which has maintained a presence in India for over a century through banking, corporate finance, and capital market activities. The group has previously invested approximately USD 1.7 billion in the country and employs several thousand people across its Indian operations.
Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman of Shriram Finance, described the transaction as a defining moment in the company’s growth journey, noting that the entry of a long term global financial partner reinforces confidence in both the company and the broader Indian financial services sector. He emphasised that the partnership is expected to support sustainable growth while strengthening governance standards.Hironori Kamezawa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, stated that the group views Shriram Finance as a strategic partner aligned with its long term vision for India. He indicated that MUFG intends to support the company’s growth while contributing to economic development and financial inclusion.
The transaction has been advised by a mix of domestic and international financial and legal advisors, reflecting the complexity and scale of the deal. Once completed, the investment is expected to set a reference point for future foreign participation in India’s NBFC sector, particularly in retail focused lending institutions.Rather than signalling a shift in control, the proposed investment points to a gradual recalibration of ownership and influence, one that strengthens Shriram Finance’s capital foundation while embedding a global financial institution within its shareholder base. In an industry where capital resilience and governance are increasingly scrutinised, the transaction underscores how strategic minority ownership can quietly reshape financial institutions over time.
A significant change in the ownership structure of one of India’s largest retail lenders is taking shape as Shriram Finance Limited moves to bring a global banking institution onto its share register. The board of Shriram Finance has approved definitive agreements with MUFG Bank Ltd. for a preferential issuance of equity shares that would result in MUFG acquiring a 20 percent stake on a fully diluted basis, subject to approvals.The proposed transaction involves an investment of INR 39,618 crore and represents a rare instance of foreign capital entering the Indian non banking financial company sector at this scale. While the stake does not alter management control, it meaningfully reshapes the company’s ownership mix and long term capital profile. The investment is pending shareholder consent, regulatory clearances, and customary closing conditions.
Shriram Finance operates as India’s second largest retail NBFC by assets under management, serving a broad customer base that includes small road transport operators, MSMEs, and individual borrowers across urban and semi urban markets. The company’s distribution reach and diversified loan portfolio have positioned it as a core participant in India’s credit ecosystem, particularly in segments underserved by traditional banking.From a balance sheet perspective, the proposed capital infusion is expected to strengthen Shriram Finance’s capital adequacy and provide long duration growth capital. The presence of a global banking shareholder may also influence future access to lower cost liabilities and support alignment with international governance and operational benchmarks, although the company will continue to operate as an independent listed entity.
For MUFG Bank, the transaction marks its largest single investment in India to date. The bank is part of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which has maintained a presence in India for over a century through banking, corporate finance, and capital market activities. The group has previously invested approximately USD 1.7 billion in the country and employs several thousand people across its Indian operations.Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman of Shriram Finance, described the transaction as a defining moment in the company’s growth journey, noting that the entry of a long term global financial partner reinforces confidence in both the company and the broader Indian financial services sector. He emphasised that the partnership is expected to support sustainable growth while strengthening governance standards.
Hironori Kamezawa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, stated that the group views Shriram Finance as a strategic partner aligned with its long term vision for India. He indicated that MUFG intends to support the company’s growth while contributing to economic development and financial inclusion.The transaction has been advised by a mix of domestic and international financial and legal advisors, reflecting the complexity and scale of the deal. Once completed, the investment is expected to set a reference point for future foreign participation in India’s NBFC sector, particularly in retail focused lending institutions.
Rather than signalling a shift in control, the proposed investment points to a gradual recalibration of ownership and influence, one that strengthens Shriram Finance’s capital foundation while embedding a global financial institution within its shareholder base. In an industry where capital resilience and governance are increasingly scrutinised, the transaction underscores how strategic minority ownership can quietly reshape financial institutions over time.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.
-
Light Electric Mobility Gains Engineering Focus as HMC HIVE and KPIT Technologies Set Up CoE
HMC Chairman Pankaj M. Munjal and KPIT CEO Kishor Patil outline plans for a Delhi NCR centre supporting global micromobility and L category electric vehicle OEMs.
Light electric mobility is moving into a more engineering-led phase as HMC HIVE and KPIT Technologies formalise a partnership to support the growing global demand for micromobility solutions. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an independent Centre of Excellence in the Delhi NCR region, focused on design and engineering services for light electric vehicles, including e-bicycles and other L-category platforms.
The collaboration brings together complementary strengths at a time when urban transport systems are under pressure to deliver cleaner and more flexible mobility options. As cities expand and last-mile travel accounts for a growing share of daily movement, light electric vehicles are increasingly viewed as a practical response to congestion, emissions, and accessibility challenges. The new Centre of Excellence is intended to address these needs by supporting global original equipment manufacturers with integrated engineering capabilities.HMC HIVE, the e-mobility manufacturing platform of Hero Motors Company, will contribute its experience in product development, prototyping, manufacturing enablement, and client engagement. KPIT Technologies, known for its work in mobility software and systems integration, will lead solution architecture, engineering delivery, program management, and software-defined vehicle capabilities within the centre.
According to HMC Chairman Pankaj M. Munjal, the light electric vehicle sector has reached a point where hardware excellence must be matched by intelligent software and system integration. He noted that the partnership reflects HMC HIVE’s intent to move beyond conventional manufacturing models and support the development of globally competitive micromobility platforms.KPIT CEO and Managing Director Kishor Patil highlighted that even at the micromobility level, software-led design and systems thinking are becoming central to safety, cost efficiency, and scalability. He indicated that the collaboration would focus on developing engineering solutions that enable OEMs to bring high-quality and reliable light electric vehicles to market faster.
The Centre of Excellence is expected to operate with a global outlook, serving customers across international markets while leveraging India’s growing role as an engineering and manufacturing hub. By combining scalable manufacturing systems with software-driven engineering, the partnership aims to create end-to-end capabilities for a segment that is evolving rapidly but remains fragmented in many regions.Beyond product development, the collaboration also reflects a broader shift in how mobility ecosystems are being built. Rather than treating micromobility as a peripheral category, the partnership positions light electric vehicles as a serious engineering domain requiring the same rigour applied to larger automotive platforms.
As the light electric vehicle market continues to expand, the HMC HIVE and KPIT Technologies partnership signals how manufacturing and software companies are aligning to meet the demands of sustainable, urban-first mobility. The Delhi NCR Centre of Excellence is expected to play a central role in shaping engineering solutions that respond to both local and global mobility needs.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.