The third edition of IIT Mandi's annual two-day industry conclave - Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2026 highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping business models, leadership paradigms, and sustainable growth strategies in India. The summit provided students with valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and insights into emerging business trends and strategies, sharpening their skills and preparing them for future leadership roles

The MSDE convened a major industry consultation in Pune as part of the rollout of the PM-SETU scheme. Prominent industry partners such as Mahindra, Tata Group, Tata Motors, Bharat Electronics, Godrej, and Fiat, among others, were present. Discussions focused on the hub-and-spoke ITI model, industry-led governance through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), curriculum innovation, trainer upskilling, and strengthening employment outcomes.

Vivek Abrol will focus on driving profitable growth across the company's portfolio, advancing Luminous Power Technologies' evolution into an integrated consumer energy fulfilment platform, and accelerating the expansion of solar and sustainable energy solutions. His priorities include fostering innovation, leading digital transformation, and establishing a high-performance, inclusive, future-ready organisation to enhance customer experience and operational excellence.

Unicommerce's ‘Catalyst’ is aimed at recovering abandoned checkouts and improving conversions through real-time, human-like conversations. As India’s e-commerce and D2C market expands, abandoned checkouts continue to be a significant source of revenue leakage. Recent studies indicate that the global online shopping cart abandonment rate has grown from around 59% in 2006 to over 70% in 2025, offering brands an opportunity to recover lost sales and potentially increase revenue.

Nextpower (Nasdaq: NXT, formerly Nextracker) and Abunayyan Holding announced the completion of the incorporation of the previously announced joint venture, Nextpower Arabia, headquartered in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new joint venture will accelerate the deployment of utility-scale solar power plants across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, supporting national and regional renewable energy transformation objectives and Net Zero targets.

Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault Group, announced a major testing milestone for its highly anticipated and iconic SUV, Renault Duster. The upcoming new Duster completed a gruelling global testing, driving 1 million kilometres across three continents between –23°C to 55°C, ensuring it is comprehensively engineered for the diverse road conditions and confirming the new Duster’s position as a truly born-to-conquer vehicle.

The launch event of Sovaaka, Dr. Lal PathLabs Limited's new-age Diagnostic Experience Centre in Gurugram, was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini. Built on the philosophy of “Science Behind Wellness,” Sovaaka introduces a new standard in preventive and lifestyle healthcare. The centre brings together precision diagnostics, cutting-edge technology, and medical expertise to help individuals take proactive control of their health.

Karen, an aspiring Paralympic archer living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for nearly three decades, consulted Dr Susmitha C, a specialist in neurological and autoimmune conditions at Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, and enrolled in a rigorous Precision Ayurveda programme. Karen’s treatment plan combined classical Panchakarma therapies, targeted Ayurveda medication, a therapeutic diet and focused neuro-rehabilitation formed the cornerstone of her care.

The MoU aims to drive innovation through joint programs, engagement with incubates, and industry partnerships, especially in high‑impact domains. This agreement establishes a scalable, structured yet flexible partnership between UST and IITMIC to identify high‑potential startups, provide them with mentorship and targeted funding, and systematically expand pilots and proof‑of‑concepts, form strategic collaborations, and create go-to-market opportunities.

PwC India and the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) today announced their collaboration to strengthen global efforts for protecting the world’s seven big cat species — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Puma and Jaguar. Over the next year, the two organisations will work closely to develop conservation strategies, empower communities, raise awareness and support field programmes.

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, recently inaugurated its new office in Gurugram, Haryana, reaffirming its long-term commitment to India’s growth and innovation. The facility was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Manish Pant, Executive Vice President – International Operations, Schneider Electric, Mr. Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, H E Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.

Photographers Sebastian Szczepanowski, Christian H. Hildebrand, and Knut Arne Gjertsen Top the Global ContestThe Street Photography Gallery (SPG World) proudly announces the winners of the SPG Awards 2025, themed “Reflections”. The competition invited photographers worldwide to interpret life’s mirrored moments, capturing both visual and emotional resonance through the art of street photography.

As part of the 3rd Australia–India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) Meeting in New Delhi, India and Australia convened a substantive bilateral dialogue to advance cooperation in skills development, workforce mobility, and the rapidly growing sports economy. The bilateral meeting was co-chaired by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of MSDE & Education, and Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills & Training, Commonwealth of Australia.

Cosmo Foundation, the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First Limited, launched a “Blanket & Meal Distribution Drive” on Friday, December 5, 2025, aimed at supporting children residing in slums. Executed in partnership with two prominent social and spiritual institutions – Spread A Smile India and ISKCON New Delhi – the initiative sought to address immediate seasonal hardship through targeted and meaningful assistance.

India proudly commenced its journey on the Asian skills stage today as the Indian contingent arrived in Chinese Taipei for the Opening Ceremony of the WorldSkills Asia Competition (WSAC) 2025. Making its first-ever appearance at Asia WorldSkills Competition 2025, India is represented by a team of 23 competitors and 21 experts supported by the MSDE with NSDC being its implementation arm. The team will showcase India’s excellence across 21 cutting-edge skill categories.