daily startup magazine

Total Post: 785

Why School Infrastructure Matters More Than Ever

Why School Infrastructure Matters More Than Ever

New Delhi [India], August 19: When parents choose a school, they often look at the curriculum, teachers, and academic results. While these are undoubtedly important, one aspect that deserves equal attention is the school’s infrastructure. A well-designed campus is not just about impressive buildings–it is about creating an environment where children feel safe, inspired, and motivated to learn every single day. The spaces children spend time in shape the way they think, interact, and grow.

A thoughtfully planned school provides children with opportunities that go beyond the classroom. Spacious learning areas encourage collaboration, science and technology labs spark curiosity, libraries develop a love for reading, and playgrounds teach teamwork, resilience, and discipline. Every corner of a school should contribute to a child’s holistic development, helping them build confidence, creativity, communication skills, and a lifelong passion for learning.

Modern education is no longer limited to textbooks and examinations. Today’s learners need spaces where they can innovate, experiment, create, and solve real-world problems. Infrastructure plays a vital role in making this possible. Whether it is a robotics lab, sports arena, performing arts space, or activity zone, these facilities allow students to discover their talents and prepare for a future that demands critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership.

At Vitalis International School, this belief is reflected in every part of our campus. Spread across a sprawling 4-acre campus, we are proud to be one of the largest school campuses in Gandi maisamma. Every facility has been planned with a clear purpose–to provide students with an enriching environment that supports academic excellence, physical fitness, creativity, and emotional well-being. Our campus is designed not just to educate children but to inspire them every day.

From spacious classrooms and technology-enabled learning spaces to our Future Lab for Robotics, 3D Design, and Virtual Reality, every learning environment encourages exploration and innovation. Beyond academics, students have access to extensive sports facilities, including a football field, basketball and volleyball courts, skating rink, pickleball court, running track, and swimming pool. These spaces allow children to stay active, develop life skills, and enjoy a balanced school experience where learning extends far beyond the classroom.

At Vitalis International School, we believe that great education begins with the right environment. A school’s infrastructure is not measured only by its size, but by the opportunities it creates for every child who walks through its gates. When children are given the space to learn, play, imagine, and grow, they become confident individuals who are ready to embrace the future. That is the vision behind every classroom we build, every playground we create, and every experience we offer–because every child deserves a place where they can truly thrive.

Website: https://vitalisschools.com

After Building for the World’s Brands, factori.com Now Wants Indians to Own Theirs — and Calls It “Truecommerce”

After Building for the World’s Brands, factori.com Now Wants Indians to Own Theirs — and Calls It “Truecommerce”

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 18: For two decades, India’s e-commerce story has been told in gross merchandise value. A quieter statistic has gone largely unexamined: of the millions of Indians who sell online, very few own the customer they sell to.

factori.com, a Bengaluru-based global manufacturing and sourcing platform that supplies bulk apparel and corporate goods to organisations including the Indian Navy, ISRO, Samsung, Decathlon and Amazon, has launched a retailing platform that attempts to invert that arrangement. The service, at retailing.factori.com, lets an individual set up a fully functional e-commerce business with their own domain, their own website, an integrated payment gateway and access to more than 10,000 ready-to-ship products in roughly thirty minutes, without purchasing inventory.

The company describes the model as “truecommerce”: commerce in which the seller, rather than the platform, holds the brand, the customer relationship and the margin.

The economics of renting shelf space

The distinction matters more than it may first appear. In a conventional marketplace, a seller is effectively a tenant. Listing rank determines visibility, commissions of 25 to 40 percent are deducted from each sale, customer data belongs to the platform, and payouts sit in a platform-controlled wallet until released. A seller who spends five years building volume has, in most cases, built the marketplace’s brand rather than their own.

“You can spend a decade selling online in India and end up with nothing that belongs to you, no customer list, no brand recall, no pricing power,” said C S Sudheer, founder of factori.com. “That is not entrepreneurship. That is renting shelf space with extra steps.”

factori.com’s proposition is structural rather than promotional. Sellers on the platform operate from their own domain. Customer data remains with the seller. Payments route through the seller’s own gateway into their own bank account. The company charges no commission on sales; its published pricing lists an annual platform fee of ₹10,000 for stores below ₹1 lakh in annual sales, and nil above that threshold.

The unusual advantage: it already owns the supply

What separates the launch from the long line of store-builder software products is that factori.com did not begin as a technology company. It began as a manufacturing platform.

The company operates a 1.5-acre fulfilment centre in Bengaluru, works with over 600 manufacturing partners across India, ships to more than 130 countries, and manufactures across 38 product categories. That existing infrastructure is what allows the retailing platform to offer what it calls a triple-zero model — zero inventory, zero shipping cost and zero commission. A new seller lists products that physically exist in a warehouse they will never visit; when an order arrives, factori.com picks, packs and ships it.

The effect is to remove the three barriers that have historically kept ordinary Indians out of e-commerce: capital for stock, technical skill to build a store, and logistics capability to fulfil an order.

“We spent years building the hardest part of commerce — the factories, the stock, the fulfillment,” Sudheer said. “It seemed absurd to keep that available only to large buyers. A homemaker in Indore should be able to sell the same product to her neighbourhood that a corporate buyer orders by the container.”

Who is actually signing up

Early adoption suggests the platform has found an audience outside the conventional startup demographic. The company reports over 1 Lakh registered sellers, a base it describes as weighted toward homemakers, students, salaried professionals building a second income, and small-town retailers with no prior online presence.

That profile has shaped the product. Sign-in requires only a mobile number and a one-time password delivered over WhatsApp or a phone call — no password, no email. The platform generates store policies and brand copy using AI. A free academy structured around four stages ‘Dream, Build, Sell, Scale’ teaches product selection, pricing and marketing to sellers who have never run a business.

What is harder to dispute is the direction of the argument. India’s e-commerce infrastructure was built by platforms, for platforms. factori.com is proposing that the next phase belongs to the people who sell.

“Independence is not a date on a calendar,” Sudheer said. “For a business owner, it is the day you stop building someone else’s company.”

Media Contact

contact@factori.com +91 874 707 1444 factori.com Headquarters, Bannerughatta to Jigani Road, Begihalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560105

RCL Season 4 Announced in Mumbai: Cricket Takes the Lead in the Mission for a Hunger Free Bharat

RCL Season 4 Announced in Mumbai: Cricket Takes the Lead in the Mission for a Hunger Free Bharat

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 18: Cricket took on a larger purpose in Mumbai today as RCL – Restaurant Cricket League officially announced its much-awaited Season 4, an extraordinary sporting initiative that combines the passion of cricket with a powerful social mission — Hunger Free Bharat.

Scheduled to take place in New Delhi this October, RCL Season 4 will bring together an inspiring mix of teams and communities, including Transpersons, Indian Women’s Deaf Cricket Team, Farmers, Influencers, Friends from Nepal headed by Chef Ratna Tamang, Chefs, Delhi Police, Delhi Public School Indirapuram and several other distinguished teams.

But RCL Season 4 is about much more than competition.

It is about using the popularity and energy of cricket to address two important social challenges — hunger and food wastage.

At the heart of the initiative is the powerful message:

“10 Runs = 100 Meals.”

Every 10 runs scored during the tournament will contribute towards 100 nutritious meals for underprivileged people, turning runs on the cricket field into meals for someone in need.

Cricket with a Conscience

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Arvind Kumar, Founder of RCL and Mission Hunger Free Bharat, said:

“RCL was created with a very simple belief — cricket can do more than entertain us; it can bring people together for a cause. When a player scores a run on the field, we want that run to mean something beyond the scoreboard. Through ’10 Runs = 100 Meals’, we are trying to turn the excitement of cricket into something that can put food on someone’s table.”

Highlighting the issue of food wastage, he added:

“It is difficult to accept that while millions of people struggle to get adequate food, enormous quantities of edible food are wasted every day. Our message is simple — food should reach a plate, not a landfill. Hunger Free Bharat is not just about feeding people today; it is about creating awareness and encouraging all of us to become more responsible about food.”

Rakesh Bedi to Lead RCL Superstars XI

Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi announced that he will captain the RCL Superstars XI in Season 4.

Speaking about the initiative, he said:

“This is one of the most meaningful sporting initiatives I have come across. As a cricketer, you always want to score runs and win matches, but here every run has an additional meaning. If my team scores 100 runs, it is not just 100 runs on a scoreboard it represents an opportunity to help feed people. We will certainly try to score as many runs as possible, but winning hearts through this cause will be the biggest victory.”

Vindu Dara Singh Backs the Cause

Actor Vindu Dara Singh also expressed his support for RCL Season 4 and the vision of Hunger Free Bharat.

Appreciating the concept of combining sport with social responsibility, he said:

“What makes RCL special is that it gives cricket a purpose beyond the game. It brings together people from completely different backgrounds and gives them one common reason to come together. Food is a basic human need, and if through cricket we can create awareness and help put nutritious food on someone’s plate, then it is a cause worth supporting.”

He expressed hope that more celebrities, sporting personalities, organisations and citizens would join the movement.

Atul Wassan Continues His Association with RCL

Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan, who was associated with RCL Season 3, recalled his experience with the league and continued his support for Season 4.

He said:

“I have seen the impact of RCL closely, and what makes this league different is its purpose. In cricket, we always talk about runs, averages and records. Here, every run can also represent a meal for someone who needs it. That makes the game much more meaningful. I am very happy to continue supporting RCL and the mission behind it.”

Farmers Take Centre Stage

Popular farmer influencer Jugadu Kamlesh announced that a team representing farmers from Indian villages will participate in RCL Season 4.

Expressing his pride in being part of the initiative, he said:

“Farmers feed the nation, and this time our farmers will step onto a cricket ground in New Delhi to play for a cause connected to food and hunger. For many of our farmers, this will be a completely new experience. We are proud to represent our villages and proud to be part of a league that is playing not just for trophies, but for humanity.”

Indian Women’s Deaf Cricket Team Joins the Mission

The participation of the Indian Women’s Deaf Cricket Team adds another powerful dimension to RCL Season 4.

A representative of the team expressed pride in being associated with the league and said that the opportunity would allow the players to showcase their talent and determination while supporting a meaningful social cause.

Their participation reflects one of RCL’s strongest principles — inclusion.

RCL aims to provide a platform where talent is not defined by background, profession, gender, physical ability or social identity.

The organisers believe that sport has a unique ability to break barriers and bring people together.

RCL Season 4 seeks to take that spirit beyond the cricket ground and create a larger conversation around food wastage, hunger, responsible food consumption and social responsibility.

This October, when the teams walk onto the cricket field in New Delhi, they will not only be playing for victory.

They will be playing for a larger cause.

Because sometimes, the most important score is not the one on the scoreboard — it is the number of lives we are able to touch.

BabySoon Fertility & IVF Centre: Redefining Fertility Care with Compassion, Innovation and Clinical Excellence

BabySoon Fertility & IVF Centre: Redefining Fertility Care with Compassion, Innovation and Clinical Excellence

New Delhi [India], August 18: For countless couples, the dream of becoming parents is one of life’s most meaningful aspirations. Yet, when conception doesn’t happen as expected, the emotional burden can be overwhelming. The uncertainty, repeated disappointments, and complexity of fertility treatment often leave families searching not only for medical expertise but also for reassurance, transparency, and hope.

Over the past two decades, BabySoon Fertility & IVF Centre, Delhi, has emerged as one of Delhi’s most highly trusted destinations for fertility care by addressing all three. Built on the philosophy that every couple deserves personalised treatment backed by science and empathy, the centre has established itself as a place where advanced reproductive medicine meets compassionate patient care. Under the leadership of Dr Jyoti Bali, BabySoon has developed into a comprehensive fertility centre that combines clinical excellence with a deeply patient-centric approach. (babysoon)

More than an IVF Centre | A Complete Fertility Ecosystem

Infertility is rarely a straightforward medical condition. Every patient arrives with a unique medical history, lifestyle, emotional journey, and reproductive goals. Recognising this complexity, BabySoon, an IVF centre in Delhi, was founded with a vision to move beyond standardised fertility treatment and offer personalised reproductive care tailored to individual needs.

Today, the centre provides a comprehensive range of fertility services, including IVF, ICSI, IUI, fertility preservation through egg and embryo freezing, recurrent implantation failure management, donor programmes, male infertility treatment, minimally invasive gynaecological procedures, and specialised reproductive counselling. What distinguishes BabySoon as the best IVF centre in Delhi is not merely the breadth of its services but the integrated care model that supports patients throughout every stage of their fertility journey. (babysoon)

Unlike many centres that focus exclusively on clinical procedures, BabySoon incorporates nutritional counselling, stress management, fertility yoga, emotional wellness support, and holistic therapies into its treatment philosophy, recognising that successful fertility care extends beyond the laboratory. (babysoon)

Building Trust Through Experience and Expertise

Behind every successful healthcare institution is a leadership team that shapes its values, clinical protocols, and patient experience.

At BabySoon, this vision is led by Dr Jyoti Bali, Founder and Medical Director, whose career spans more than 27 years in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and over 22 years in reproductive medicine. Before establishing BabySoon, she served as Senior Consultant and Head of the IVF Department at Fortis Healthcare, Delhi, where she managed some of the region’s most complex infertility cases. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to more than 6,000 assisted conception cycles, helping patients from across India and overseas pursue their dream of parenthood.

Her vision for BabySoon was clear from the outset: to create a fertility centre where clinical excellence would be matched by ethical practices, transparent counselling, and personalised patient care.

A Patient-First Philosophy

One of the defining characteristics of BabySoon Fertility & IVF Centre is its commitment to individualised treatment.

Rather than applying uniform protocols, every patient undergoes a comprehensive fertility assessment to identify the underlying causes of infertility before treatment begins. This evidence-based approach enables the medical team to develop customised treatment plans that address each couple’s unique reproductive challenges.

The centre routinely manages complex cases involving recurrent miscarriages, repeated IVF failures, poor ovarian reserve, endometriosis, PCOS, advanced maternal age, male infertility, and unexplained infertility–conditions that often require multidisciplinary expertise and careful clinical decision-making.

This emphasis on precision medicine has helped BabySoon build long-term trust among patients seeking advanced fertility solutions.

Technology Backed by 29 yrs of Clinical Experience

While technological innovation has transformed reproductive medicine, BabySoon believes that technology alone does not define successful fertility care.

Every treatment is supported by experienced embryologists, modern laboratory protocols, advanced reproductive technologies, and stringent quality standards. Equally important, however, is the centre’s commitment to communication.

Patients are encouraged to understand every step of their treatment–from diagnosis and investigations to embryo development and post-treatment follow-up–ensuring they remain informed participants throughout the process rather than passive recipients of care.

This combination of scientific precision and compassionate counselling has become one of BabySoon’s defining strengths.

Leadership That Extends Beyond the Clinic

BabySoon’s reputation has also been shaped by the professional contributions of its founder to reproductive medicine in India.

Dr Jyoti Bali has held leadership positions with several prominent medical organisations, including the Delhi Gynae Forum, Delhi ISAR, and the National IMA Women Wing. Through these roles, she has contributed to continuing medical education, professional collaboration, and the advancement of ethical fertility practices. Her work has been recognised through honours such as the Economic Times Inspiring Gynaecologist of North India Award, the Pride of India Award, the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Appreciation Award, the Nav Shakti Award, and the National Women’s Excellence Award. (babysoon)

These achievements reinforce not only her personal contributions but also the credibility and clinical standards that define BabySoon.

Looking Ahead

As infertility awareness continues to grow across India, the expectations of patients are evolving as well. Couples increasingly seek healthcare providers who combine advanced medical expertise with transparency, empathy, and ethical treatment practices.

BabySoon Fertility & IVF Centre, as a top IVF Centre in Delhi, represents this new generation of fertility care–one where clinical excellence is complemented by compassionate support, modern technology, and personalised treatment.

For thousands of families, the centre has become more than a place for fertility treatment. It has become a place where uncertainty is met with guidance, where science is strengthened by compassion, and where the hope of parenthood is pursued with dedication, integrity, and care.

  • Event
  • Closed
  • 6 min read

MP Ravindra Waikar Leads Grand Independence Day Celebrations in Mumbai North-West; Pays Tribute to 100+ Foot National Flag and Honours Serving & Former Soldiers

MP Ravindra Waikar Leads Grand Independence Day Celebrations in Mumbai North-West; Pays Tribute to 100+ Foot National Flag and Honours Serving & Former Soldiers

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 18: In a grand display of patriotism, national unity and community participation, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Mumbai North-West, Shri Ravindra Waikar, led a series of Independence Day celebrations across the Mumbai North-West Lok Sabha constituency on 15 August, responding to the call of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign.

One of the key highlights of the celebrations was the ceremonial salute to a magnificent national flag measuring more than 100 feet in height, specially installed at Matoshree Club, Jogeshwari. The event witnessed an atmosphere of immense patriotic enthusiasm, with residents, community representatives, public representatives, social workers, party functionaries, police and administrative officials coming together to celebrate the spirit of India’s Independence.

The national flag was accorded a ceremonial salute in the presence of Shri Ravindra Waikar, who emphasised that the Tricolour is not merely a national symbol but an embodiment of India’s unity, sovereignty, sacrifice and collective aspirations. The celebrations were designed to take the message of patriotism beyond formal ceremonies and encourage citizens, particularly young people, to actively participate in nation-building.

Special Honour for Serving and Former Soldiers

A major feature of the programme was the felicitation and honouring of serving and former members of the Armed Forces from the Mumbai North-West Lok Sabha constituency. Shri Ravindra Waikar personally honoured the soldiers and veterans, acknowledging their service, sacrifice and contribution towards protecting the nation.

The honouring ceremony reflected the importance of recognising not only those currently serving the country but also veterans and their families, whose dedication continues to inspire generations. Shri Waikar highlighted that society must remain grateful to the Armed Forces and ensure that the contribution of soldiers is remembered with dignity and respect.

Bringing Communities Together Through National Celebrations

The Independence Day programmes organised across the constituency were envisioned as platforms for bringing people from different sections of society together. Shri Ravindra Waikar’s broader vision is to use national occasions and community programmes to strengthen social harmony, civic participation and a sense of collective responsibility among residents.

The “Har Ghar Tiranga” initiative provides an opportunity for citizens to celebrate Independence not only at government institutions or public venues but also within neighbourhoods, housing societies, community organisations and families. Through such programmes, people from different backgrounds can come together under one national identity–the Indian Tricolour.

The celebrations also sought to encourage the younger generation to understand the significance of Independence Day, the sacrifices made during India’s freedom struggle and the responsibilities that come with being citizens of a democratic nation. By involving youth, residents, social organisations and community leaders, such programmes can help create stronger bonds between communities and promote a shared vision for a developed and united India.

Distinguished Presence of Officials and Community Leaders

The patriotic gathering was attended by several administrative, police and community representatives. Among those present were Shri Sameer Wankhede, ACP Shri Rane, Senior Police Inspector of MIDC Police Station Shri Ghanshyam Nair, Meghwadi Police Station officer Shri Saligram, Assistant Commissioner Rupali Kadam, Manisha Waikar , Jogeshwari Vibhag Dnyaneshwar Sawant, Priyanka Ambolkar, Aniruddha Narkar, Chandravati More Ex Corporator , Goregoan Vibhag pramukh Pramila Shinde , Dipti Waikar-Potnis Shivsena Legal head Loksabha and Prajakta Waikar-Mahale Shivsena legal head , Dr Amey Potnis Jogeshwari Doctor cell along with Shiv Sena office-bearers, branch heads and a large number of local residents.

Their participation added significance to the celebrations and reflected the collective involvement of public representatives, civic authorities, police personnel and citizens in commemorating the nation’s Independence.

A Vision of Unity, Patriotism and Social Responsibility

Speaking on the significance of the celebrations, Shri Ravindra Waikar reiterated that patriotic occasions should become opportunities to strengthen the relationship between citizens and the nation. The objective is to create an environment where people come together irrespective of their social, economic or community backgrounds and participate in activities that reinforce national pride.

The celebrations in Mumbai North-West therefore went beyond flag hoisting. They created a platform for honouring national service, recognising community participation, encouraging youth engagement and strengthening the spirit of unity.

The sight of the towering Tricolour at Matoshree Club, accompanied by the participation of citizens and the felicitation of soldiers and veterans, served as a powerful reminder that the strength of India lies in its people and their collective commitment to the nation.

The Independence Day celebrations led by Shri Ravindra Waikar reaffirmed the message that the Tricolour belongs to every Indian and that national unity is strengthened when citizens come together to celebrate, remember sacrifices and contribute towards the country’s progress.

Valiance Solutions Launches Tender Intelligence, an Enterprise SaaS for Government Procurement

Valiance Solutions Launches Tender Intelligence, an Enterprise SaaS for Government Procurement

New Delhi, India, 17 August: Across government offices in India, a familiar scene plays out every day. A tender closes, and bids begin to arrive, sometimes dozens, often hundreds. Each submission is a stack of documents running into hundreds of pages, varying in format, structure, and completeness. Procurement officers are tasked with reviewing every page, verifying qualifications, evaluating compliance, and producing a comparative assessment that must stand up to audits, regulatory scrutiny, and RTI queries, often years later. This is not an exception. It is the operational reality of public procurement at scale.

As procurement volumes grow across Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and government bodies, this manual, document-heavy process has become increasingly difficult to sustain. Evaluation timelines stretch into weeks, coverage remains partial, and the risk of inconsistency and compliance gaps continues to rise, despite the presence of frameworks such as the General Financial Rules (GFR), CVC guidelines, and organization-specific tender manuals.

While platforms such as GeM have digitized access to procurement, the core challenge—evaluation, validation, and decision-making—remains largely manual. Bridging this gap between digitization and true automation has emerged as a critical need.

In response, Valiance Solutions recently announced the launch of Tender Intelligence, an enterprise SaaS platform designed to automate the complete tendering lifecycle and bring speed, structure, and compliance assurance to public procurement.

Developed as part of Valiance’s broader mission to deploy AI for large-scale national impact, Tender Intelligence is powered by the company’s proprietary, patented multimodal AI technology, capable of processing and reasoning across diverse data types, including scanned documents, structured tables, mixed-format files, and multilingual content. Built entirely on India-hosted, open-source AI models, the platform operates with zero dependency on foreign AI providers, ensuring full data sovereignty.

Proven at Scale in Live Government Deployments

Tender Intelligence is not a pilot system. It has already been deployed in production at one of India’s largest oil-sector PSUs, where it has processed over 16,000+ bids in real-world environments.

In one instance, the platform evaluated more than 500 bidders for a single tender, handling a scale of complexity that would be practically unmanageable through manual processes within any reasonable timeframe.

Across deployments, the platform has delivered over 98.7% accuracy, enabled 100% bid coverage compared to the limited sampling typical in manual reviews, and reduced evaluation timelines from weeks to under a day, representing a fundamental shift in procurement efficiency.

From Manual Burden to System-Driven Procurement

Tender Intelligence transforms procurement workflows by functioning as an end-to-end intelligence layer. Tenders are generated in alignment with GFR and organizational standards, ensuring completeness and consistency before publication. Approval workflows are validated against delegation of financial powers and regulatory requirements, creating a verifiable audit trail.

Once bids are submitted, the platform automatically retrieves documents from government portals, evaluates each submission against pre-defined criteria with cited evidence, and generates comprehensive, RTI-compliant comparative statements. Outputs are seamlessly integrated into ERP and document management systems, eliminating manual re-entry and preserving continuity across the procurement lifecycle.

The result is a transition from fragmented, document-heavy workflows to a unified, system-driven process where procurement officers shift from manual execution to informed oversight.

Enterprise SaaS Model for Nationwide Adoption

With its enterprise SaaS launch, Valiance is making Tender Intelligence accessible beyond large PSUs to government organizations of all sizes. Offered on a per-tender subscription model with a defined monthly minimum, the platform allows institutions to adopt and scale based on actual procurement demand, without the need for heavy upfront investment or per-user licensing.

This model ensures that a state department handling a moderate volume of tenders can access the same capabilities as the largest public sector enterprises.

Sovereign Infrastructure and Secure by Design

Tender Intelligence is a made-in-India sovereign AI platform engineered for secure deployment across MeitY-approved data centers, air-gapped environments, on-premises infrastructure, and cloud ecosystems.

Designed to meet the requirements of enterprise, government, and defense organizations, it ensures that all procurement data remains within India. The platform adheres to ISO 27001 and SOC 2 standards, aligns with public procurement policies and cybersecurity guidelines, and delivers enterprise-grade security, reliability, and compliance.

By eliminating reliance on external AI services and maintaining strict data isolation, the platform addresses one of the most critical concerns in government technology adoption: data security and control.

Early Impact on Procurement Outcomes

Initial deployments highlight a clear transformation in procurement operations. Where manual evaluation often leads to delays, partial coverage, and variability, Tender Intelligence enables consistent, comprehensive, and traceable analysis across all bids.

By reducing evaluation timelines by up to 99% while strengthening compliance assurance, the platform addresses one of the most persistent bottlenecks in public procurement, delivering both speed and accountability at scale.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Kamra, CEO of Valiance Solutions, said:

“Public procurement was never designed to be executed manually at the scale we see today. Evaluation officers are expected to navigate complex rules, vast volumes of data, and strict compliance requirements simultaneously. Tender Intelligence was built to fundamentally change that equation, ensuring that every tender is processed not just faster but in full alignment with the frameworks that govern it. Our goal is to bring that level of assurance to every government organization in India.”

Valiance Solutions builds proprietary multimodal AI platforms for high-impact, real-world applications across public sector procurement, environmental conservation, healthcare, and enterprise operations. The company has been recognized by national and international institutions, including acknowledgment by India’s Prime Minister, and continues to focus on deploying AI systems where scale, compliance, and reliability are critical.

As India’s public procurement ecosystem continues to expand, platforms like Tender Intelligence signal a shift toward intelligent, system-driven governance, bridging the gap between digitization and true automation

For more details about the Tender Intelligence Platform, visit https://valiancesolutions.com/tender-evaluation/

For more information about Valiance Solutions, visit www.valiancesolutions.com .

For demo requests, please contact:

Phone: +91 8178157404

Email: info@valiancesolutions.com

Oitijhyo Sarbojonin Cultural Association to host its first Sharodiya Durgotsav from October 16-21, 2026, in Hinjawadi Phase II

Oitijhyo Sarbojonin Cultural Association to host its first Sharodiya Durgotsav from October 16-21, 2026, in Hinjawadi Phase II

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], August 14: Pune’s rapidly growing Hinjawadi neighbourhood is set to welcome a new community celebration this festive season. Oitijhyo Sarbojonin Cultural Association is preparing to host its first Sharodiya Durgotsav from October 16 to 21, 2026, at Sitai Banquet Hall in Hinjawadi Phase II.

What makes the initiative distinctive is that Oitijhyo is a women-led platform that aims to bring together families from different backgrounds through culture, participation and shared celebration. For a neighbourhood as diverse as Hinjawadi, the organisers believe Sharodiya Durgotsav will be a festival rooted in tradition while remaining open and contemporary.

The association grew from informal neighbourhood conversations and family gatherings into a wider cultural initiative. Its first Durgotsav is expected to feature traditional puja rituals, cultural evenings, children’s activities and community participation over six days. The organising team is also developing a broader year-round calendar that will include Saraswati Puja, Poila Boishakh, Lakshmi Puja, cultural programmes and other social initiatives.

“Oitijhyo is about creating a space where people do not have to be from one language, one state or one community to feel that they belong,” said Kavita Ghosh Biswas. “Durga Puja has always been much more than a religious festival. It is also about art, music, food, and the joy of coming together. We want Hinjawadi to experience that sense of belonging.”

A key theme for the 2026 celebration is Nari Shakti, reflecting the role of women in shaping the overall direction of the association. The concept is intended to highlight women as organisers, professionals, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and community leaders.

As part of that focus, the association is developing a “51 Nari Shakti” initiative to spotlight the stories of 51 women connected with the wider community. The idea is to recognise everyday journeys alongside professional and entrepreneurial achievements that can continue beyond the Puja dates and create a record of women who contribute to the neighbourhood in different ways.

“For us, women’s participation cannot be limited to a theme on a banner,” said Nandini Roy Choudhury. “Women are helping shape the decisions and cultural vision. That makes the celebration more meaningful because the message is visible in how the organisation itself works.”

The choice of Hinjawadi is significant. One of Pune’s major employment and residential hubs, the area has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Yet residents often travel to other parts of Pune for large cultural events. Oitijhyo’s organisers see this as an opportunity to create a locally anchored festival that can eventually become part of Hinjawadi’s own cultural identity.

The Durgotsav will be held at Sitai Banquet Hall, near Aarham Food Court, Bhatewara Nagar, Hinjawadi Phase II, Pune 411057. The venue is intended to offer families and visitors a convenient location within the Hinjawadi residential belt while allowing the association to host puja, cultural programming and community engagement in one place.

Oitijhyo Sarbojonin Cultural Association is also inviting residents, cultural performers, volunteers, local businesses and organisations to participate in the celebration. The group says it wants the Puja to grow through participation and become a shared platform for the neighbourhood.

More information about the association, programme updates and participation opportunities is available at www.oitijhyosarbojonin.com.

For media, partnerships and enquiries, contact Sudip Saha at 8956047464.

MEDIA CONTACT

Sudip Saha | 8956047464 | www.oitijhyosarbojonin.com

OyeGifts Celebrates Every Sibling Bond with ‘Har Rishta, Ek Khaas Rakhi’ for Raksha Bandhan 2026

OyeGifts Celebrates Every Sibling Bond with ‘Har Rishta, Ek Khaas Rakhi’ for Raksha Bandhan 2026

New Delhi [India], August 13: Indian online gifting platform OyeGifts has introduced its Raksha Bandhan 2026 collection under the campaign theme “Har Rishta, Ek Khaas Rakhi.” Bringing together thoughtfully selected Rakhis, festive combinations and meaningful gifts, the collection offers customers a convenient way to Send Rakhi online to siblings and loved ones across India.

Raksha Bandhan celebrates much more than the exchange of a sacred thread. It represents childhood memories, affectionate teasing, shared secrets, gratitude, emotional support and the comfort of a lifelong connection. As siblings grow older, move to different cities or begin families of their own, the festival becomes an opportunity to pause and acknowledge the relationship they continue to share.

Inspired by this idea, “Har Rishta, Ek Khaas Rakhi” places the individuality of every sibling bond at the centre of festive gifting. The campaign encourages customers to choose a Rakhi or gift that feels relevant to the recipient rather than treating every relationship in the same way.

Customers looking to send Rakhi online through OyeGifts can explore traditional and contemporary Rakhis, personalised options, Rakhi sets, children’s designs and thoughtfully assembled gift combinations. The collection has been organised around different relationships, personalities, preferences and budgets, helping shoppers find an appropriate option without having to navigate an overwhelming number of individual designs.

The festive selection extends beyond Rakhi threads. Customers can pair a Rakhi with sweets, chocolates, dry fruits, cakes, flowers, personalised keepsakes or curated gift hampers. These combinations make it possible to arrange a more complete Raksha Bandhan surprise through a single order, whether the customer prefers a simple traditional gesture or a more elaborate festive presentation.

Dhirendra Kumar Tiwari, Founder and Managing Director of OyeGifts, said, “Every sibling relationship develops its own memories, private jokes and ways of expressing affection. Through ‘Har Rishta, Ek Khaas Rakhi’, we want to help customers choose something that feels true to their relationship. Along with thoughtful gifting options, our focus is on making online ordering and delivery simple, convenient and dependable, especially for families celebrating across different cities.”

Same-Day Rakhi Delivery for Last-Minute Celebrations

Recognising that festive plans are not always made in advance, OyeGifts is offering same day Rakhi delivery for selected products in serviceable locations. The option is intended to help customers arrange a Rakhi or festive gift at short notice and remain part of the celebration even when they cannot be present in person.

Customers can enter the recipient’s PIN code on the OyeGifts website to check available delivery dates and time slots before completing their purchase. Same-day availability is determined by the selected product, destination, order timing and local delivery capacity.

Along with same-day Rakhi delivery, express, scheduled and courier delivery options may be available for eligible products and locations. This gives customers the flexibility to plan their surprise in advance or arrange a last-minute delivery according to their requirements.

The online ordering process has been designed to keep festive shopping convenient. Customers can browse the collection, choose an appropriate Rakhi or gift, add the recipient’s details and a personal message, and review available delivery options in one place.

OyeGifts also provides a convenient way for customers living outside the country to send Rakhi to India. They can select a suitable festive option online and arrange delivery to a serviceable Indian address, helping them celebrate with their siblings despite the geographical distance.

By combining thoughtful festive choices, convenient online discovery and flexible delivery services, OyeGifts aims to reduce the effort involved in Raksha Bandhan gifting. The focus of its 2026 campaign is to help customers find something personal while ensuring that distance or last-minute planning does not prevent them from expressing their affection.

With “Har Rishta, Ek Khaas Rakhi,” OyeGifts seeks to celebrate the distinct character of every sibling relationship while positioning its platform as a convenient destination for customers looking to send Rakhi online, explore festive gifts and access same-day Rakhi delivery in eligible locations.

Customers can explore the Raksha Bandhan 2026 collection and check delivery availability at www.oyegifts.com.

About OyeGifts

OyeGifts is an Indian online gifting platform offering flowers, cakes, personalised gifts, plants, festive products and curated hampers for different relationships and occasions. Through its online platform and gifting network, OyeGifts helps customers send thoughtful surprises for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, festivals and personal milestones.

Media Contact

Dhirendra Kumar Tiwari

Founder and Managing Director

OyeGifts

Phone: +91 88106 53911

Email: support@oyegifts.com

Website: www.oyegifts.com

Research group publishes landmark study examining diagnostic access in India’s fight against tuberculosis

Research group publishes landmark study examining diagnostic access in India’s fight against tuberculosis

New Delhi, August 14, 2026. A landmark study led by Dr. Mustafa Barbhuiya, Founder and Director, Foundation for Advancement of Essential Diagnostics, highlights the critical role of diagnostic equity in global public health and healthcare delivery.

A new peer-reviewed study led by Mustafa A. Barbhuiya, PhD, Medical Director of Clinical Chemistry and Point-of-Care Testing at Baystate Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Pathology at UMass Chan Medical School–Baystate, examines a fundamental but often overlooked challenge in the global fight against tuberculosis (TB): whether patients have access to the essential diagnostic services needed to identify disease and drug resistance. He founded the Foundation for Advancement of Essential Diagnostics, a non-profit research and development organization in India to promote access to diagnostics and equity in healthcare delivery.

The study, “Evaluating the nationwide availability of essential diagnostics for tuberculosis towards achieving a TB-free India,” has been published in Microbiology Spectrum, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

The research represents a significant academic contribution at the intersection of laboratory medicine, health systems, diagnostic equity, and global public health.

Rather than focusing solely on the performance of an individual diagnostic test, the study examines diagnostic access as a component of healthcare delivery—asking whether essential TB diagnostic services are available at appropriate levels of the healthcare system.

“Diagnosis is the gateway to effective treatment and disease control. In global health, we often focus on whether a technology exists. The more important healthcare-delivery question is whether that technology is accessible to the patient who needs it, at the right place and at the right time,” said Dr. Barbhuiya.

From laboratory medicine to global health systems

The study grew from Dr. Barbhuiya’s longstanding interest in the role of essential diagnostics in healthcare delivery and population health.

At Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, Dr. Barbhuiya serves as Medical Director of Clinical Chemistry and Point-of-Care Testing and holds academic appointments in Pathology and Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School–Baystate. His academic work extends beyond the traditional boundaries of laboratory medicine to examine how diagnostic systems influence population health, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

The current study represents an example of that approach: applying principles of laboratory medicine and healthcare delivery to a major global health challenge. The research combined a nationwide analysis of India’s TB Treatment Units and Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing (CDST) laboratories with a field assessment of 327 public healthcare facilities across seven states and Delhi.

The study identified a 61.56% gap in CDST laboratory capacity based on the population-coverage requirements used in the analysis.

At the primary-care level, only 4.94% of surveyed Primary Health Centers had the complete set of essential TB diagnostics recommended for that level of care.

The researchers also documented variable availability of acid-fast bacilli microscopy, chest X-ray, molecular testing, and fluorescence microscopy across the surveyed facilities.

Diagnostic equity as a healthcare-delivery issue

The findings underscore an increasingly important principle in global health: the availability of healthcare technology does not necessarily translate into equitable healthcare delivery.

A diagnostic test has limited population-health impact if patients cannot access it because of geographic, infrastructural, or health-system barriers. The study therefore moves the discussion of TB diagnosis beyond individual technologies and toward the broader architecture of healthcare delivery—including peripheral facilities, referral networks, laboratory capacity, and access to drug-resistance testing.

“This is fundamentally a laboratory-equity issue, but it is also a healthcare-delivery issue. The laboratory is not isolated from the health system. Where diagnostic capacity is located, how patients reach it, whether testing can be performed reliably, and whether results can guide treatment all influence clinical outcomes and public health,” Dr. Barbhuiya added.

A global health question with relevance beyond tuberculosis

Although the research focuses on tuberculosis in India, the investigators believe the underlying question is applicable to many diseases and health systems. The World Health Organization’s Essential Diagnostics List provides a framework for countries to identify diagnostic tests that should be available at different levels of their healthcare systems. The study examines how such a framework translates into actual diagnostic infrastructure on the ground. This has broader relevance for diseases ranging from infectious diseases to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, where early and accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment and disease management.

Dr. Barbhuiya founded the Foundation for Advancement of Essential Diagnostics (FAED) to advance the role of essential diagnostics in global health and healthcare delivery. His work has included research and policy engagement related to diagnostic access, laboratory systems, and essential diagnostics in India and other resource-constrained settings.

A multidisciplinary and international collaboration

The study brought together investigators from the Foundation for Advancement of Essential Diagnostics and collaborating institutions in India and the United States. The collaboration illustrates the increasingly international nature of academic medicine and health-services research, linking laboratory medicine expertise in the United States with field-based health systems research in India. The study also reflects the role that academic medical centers can play in addressing global health challenges through research that connects clinical expertise with population-level questions.

Rigorous peer review strengthened the study

The manuscript underwent multiple rounds of peer review before publication. Reviewers examined the study’s sampling methodology, geographic representation, definition of diagnostic availability, private-sector coverage, human resources, diagnostic utilization, statistical methodology, and implications for laboratory equity. The authors subsequently revised the manuscript to clarify the study’s scope and limitations, including distinguishing the multi-state facility assessment from the nationwide mapping of TB Treatment Units and CDST laboratories.

The final manuscript was accepted for publication on June 27, 2026, and subsequently published in Microbiology Spectrum, an American Society of Microbiology journal.

Building bridges between clinical medicine and global health

The work illustrates how academic medicine can extend beyond the hospital and laboratory to address questions of population health and health-system performance. Dr. Barbhuiya’s research agenda sits at the intersection of clinical laboratory medicine, diagnostics, healthcare delivery, and global health policy.

“Our responsibility as academic physicians and scientists extends beyond diagnosing the individual patient in front of us. We also need to understand whether health systems are structured to make accurate diagnosis possible for entire populations, particularly populations that are underserved,” said Dr. Barbhuiya.

The researchers are continuing work to characterize diagnostic infrastructure and access in India and to examine the broader role of essential diagnostics in strengthening healthcare delivery.

Publication

Barbhuiya MA, Chakraborty B, Laskar A, et al. Evaluating the nationwide availability of essential diagnostics for tuberculosis towards achieving a TB-free India. Microbiology Spectrum. 2026. DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00703-26.

Full article: Microbiology Spectrum – published article

India’s TB elimination goal needs stronger diagnostic infrastructure at the point of care: peer-reviewed study

India’s TB elimination goal needs stronger diagnostic infrastructure at the point of care: peer-reviewed study

New Delhi [India], August 14: India’s fight against tuberculosis needs to go beyond treatment and case notification and urgently focus on strengthening diagnostic infrastructure at the point of care, according to a new peer-reviewed study published in Microbiology Spectrum, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. The study, titled “Evaluating the nationwide availability of essential diagnostics for tuberculosis towards achieving a TB-free India,” provides a multi-state assessment of essential tuberculosis diagnostic services across public-sector healthcare facilities and a nationwide analysis of TB Treatment Units and Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing (CDST) laboratories. The research team assessed 327 healthcare facilities across seven states and Delhi, while also analysing national-level data on TB Treatment Units and CDST laboratories.

The findings reveal a critical mismatch between the ambition of TB elimination and the diagnostic capacity available across India’s health system. A particularly important finding is the 61.56% gap in CDST laboratory capacity identified through the national analysis. The study found only 97 CDST laboratories against the number of TB Treatment Units required to provide adequate population coverage. The researchers say this has direct implications for India’s ability to identify drug-resistant tuberculosis and provide timely, appropriate treatment.

Diagnostic access remains uneven at the primary-care level

The study found that essential TB diagnostic services are particularly limited at the peripheral levels of the healthcare system.

Only 4.94% of surveyed Primary Health Centres (PHCs) had the complete set of essential TB diagnostics recommended for that level of care.

The assessment also found substantial variation in the availability of individual diagnostic modalities, including acid-fast bacilli microscopy, chest X-ray, cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification testing (CBNAAT), and fluorescence microscopy.

For a disease such as tuberculosis, where delayed diagnosis can prolong infectiousness and contribute to transmission, the researchers argue that access to appropriate diagnostics cannot remain concentrated in higher-level facilities.

“The question is not simply whether India has advanced TB diagnostic technologies. The more important question is whether a patient presenting at the first point of care can actually access the appropriate diagnostic test and, when necessary, testing for drug resistance.”

A study that underwent rigorous peer review

The study underwent multiple rounds of peer review in Microbiology Spectrum. Reviewers specifically examined the study’s sampling strategy, geographic representation, definition of diagnostic availability, private-sector coverage, human resources, utilization of diagnostic services, statistical methodology and relevance to laboratory equity.

The authors revised the manuscript substantially in response.

Importantly, the researchers clarified that “availability” in the study refers to the actual provision of diagnostic services at the facility at the time of assessment, verified through direct observation and structured questionnaires, including the presence of functional instruments and necessary reagents.

The authors also acknowledge that availability should not automatically be equated with utilization or full diagnostic capacity. The survey did not measure test volumes, patient footfall, referral delays or other barriers to access. The findings therefore primarily describe infrastructural readiness rather than actual utilization of diagnostic services.

The study does not claim that 327 facilities represent all of India

Responding to reviewer concerns, the authors deliberately revised the terminology from “nationwide assessment” to “multi-state assessment” for the facility-level survey.

At the same time, the national mapping of TB Treatment Units and CDST laboratories provides a broader picture of India’s TB diagnostic infrastructure.

The authors also acknowledge that the facility survey had operational and logistical constraints, with greater representation from Assam because of the research team’s established presence and collaborations in the region. The selected locations nevertheless included remote northeastern settings, high-population northern states and the metropolitan setting of Delhi, providing insight into different healthcare contexts.

Why this matters for India’s TB elimination strategy

The researchers emphasize that diagnostic infrastructure is more than the physical presence of a machine. A functioning TB diagnostic system requires equipment, reagents, trained personnel, maintenance, quality assurance, referral mechanisms, and access to drug-susceptibility testing.

The peer-review process prompted the authors to explicitly distinguish diagnostic service availability from fully functional diagnostic capacity. They note that facilities reporting diagnostic services may still experience operational constraints, including limitations related to personnel and maintenance.

The study also highlights the importance of strengthening laboratory networks rather than relying exclusively on individual technologies.

Rapid molecular tests have transformed TB diagnosis, but they need to be supported by a broader laboratory infrastructure capable of detecting and monitoring drug resistance. Culture and drug-susceptibility testing therefore remain an important component of a resilient national TB laboratory network.

Lessons beyond tuberculosis

According to the authors, the implications extend beyond TB.

“Tuberculosis provides a powerful example of why laboratory equity is a health-system issue. A diagnostic technology has limited public-health value if the populations most affected by disease cannot access it when and where they need it.”

The authors argue that India’s experience could inform the broader implementation of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) and efforts to strengthen diagnostic access for other major infectious and chronic diseases.

The study therefore calls for greater attention to equitable distribution of essential diagnostics, strengthening of peripheral laboratories, expansion of molecular testing, maintenance of culture and drug-susceptibility-testing capacity, and investment in the human resources required to operate these systems.

The research team is continuing its assessment of TB diagnostic infrastructure in other parts of India. The authors expect future analyses to provide more comprehensive state-level comparisons and examine diagnostic utilization and other dimensions of access that were beyond the scope of the present study.

The study was ultimately accepted for publication on June 27, 2026, following two rounds of revision and peer review. The authors describe the published work as an initial evidence base for understanding India’s TB diagnostic landscape and emphasize that the findings should be used to guide further systematic assessment rather than interpreted as a definitive census of every healthcare facility in the country.

Reference: Barbhuiya M, Chakraborty B, Laskar A, et al. Evaluating the nationwide availability of essential diagnostics for tuberculosis towards achieving a TB-free India. Microbiology Spectrum. 2026. DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00703-26

About the study: The research was undertaken by investigators associated with the Foundation for Advancement of Essential Diagnostics (FAED) and collaborating institutions in India and the United States.

Full article: Microbiology Spectrum – published article