A strong call to move beyond access and focus on meaningful learning outcomes defined discussions at the North East Shiksha Samvaad in Nagaland, where educators, policymakers, and civil society leaders came together to reimagine education for a rapidly changing world.

Stakeholders unite at North East Shiksha Samvaad to reimagine future-ready education in Nagaland

Held at Tetso College, Chumukidema, the convening, part of the larger Shikshagraha movement, brought together stakeholders from across the ecosystem under the theme “Reimagining Education in the Northeast for a Future-Ready Generation.” The focus was on bridging the gap between policy intent and classroom realities in the region.

Shikshagraha is a people-powered movement that aims to strengthen public education by bringing together stakeholders from across society, government, markets, and media to drive systemic change. At the heart of this movement are the Shiksha Samvaads, quarterly convenings held across different regions of the country that create space for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration on the evolving needs of the public education system. These platforms are designed to move beyond discussion, encouraging participants to share on-ground insights, surface challenges, and collectively identify actionable pathways to improve learning outcomes for all children.

Setting the tone, Kevisato Sanyu, Founder of NagaEd and Director at ELEVATE Foundation, underscored the shared responsibility of shaping education. “We are the architects and designers of what education is,” he said, framing the day’s dialogue around collective ownership and action.

The event opened with a welcome address by Dr. Hewasa L. Khing, Principal of Tetso College, followed by a showcase of the District Empowerment Program (DEP), highlighting early efforts toward system-level transformation in education.

In the keynote address, Dr. Darlando Thamni Khathing, Vice Chancellor of North East Christian University, emphasised the urgency of aligning education with a fast-evolving global landscape.

“Our education system must prepare for the changes that are happening, so that our students are future-ready,” he said, calling for a shift toward adaptability and responsiveness within the system.

A panel discussion on “From Infrastructure to Learning Impact: What Is Changing on the Ground?” brought together voices from Samagra Shiksha, NECTAR, and the school ecosystem, offering a candid look at progress and persistent gaps, and the need to better align policy with implementation.

The second keynote by Dr. Mary N. Odyuo, Associate Professor at Nagaland University, focused on redefining what success in education looks like.

“As we move forward, we must redefine what education success really is. Our education system should support real-world preparedness,” she said, highlighting the importance of nurturing confidence, identity, and aspiration alongside academic learning.

The conversation expanded in a second panel, “It Takes a Village: Building an Ecosystem for Future-Ready Children,” with organisations including Highland Dreamers, Bridges Educational Foundation, Pratham Education Foundation, and the Nagaland Board of School Education emphasising the role of collaboration in driving sustained change.

A cultural interlude by Tetso College’s Dance Club celebrated the region’s heritage, reinforcing the importance of integrating culture within education.

The Samvaad concluded with a recognition segment and a call to sustain momentum beyond the event, positioning the dialogue as part of an ongoing, collective effort to transform education in the Northeast.

Supported by HDFC Parivartan and partners including ELEVATE Foundation, Mantra4Change, and ShikshaLokam, the Nagaland edition builds on the growing momentum of Shiksha Samvaad dialogues across the region—signalling a shift toward more collaborative, context-driven approaches to education reform.

As the conversations move from dialogue to action, one message stood clear: the future of education in the Northeast will depend on how effectively systems, communities, and institutions come together to prepare children not just for exams but for life.

About Shikshagraha

Shikshagraha is a people-powered movement to improve all 1 million public schools in India, so that every child experiences enriching learning and is ready for the future.

Real change begins with the child at the centre — their learning, confidence, well-being, and aspirations, and with those closest to the child. The movement enables parents, women and youth to demand and support quality education, and equips teachers, school leaders, and officials with tools for micro-improvements towards systemic change.

Currently, 35+ civil society, industry and philanthropic partners in the Shikshagraha network are collectively strengthening 1,17,000+ schools across 33 districts across 14 states & UTs. This includes enabling education leaders to lead need-based school improvements and amplifying women, youth and community participation in the public education system.

Shikshagraha works towards improving schools where the need is greatest, supports leadership on the ground, and shifts the norms that hold education back. Through visible practice change and collective action by communities, governments, civil society, and markets, it reimagines what public schools can and must deliver.

Visit shikshagraha.org/ for more details. North East Shiksha Samvaad in Nagaland Calls for Urgent Shift to Future-Ready Education

For years, the narrative of luxury housing in India has been defined by an aspirational drift toward metropolitan skylines. That axis is now reversing. Tier 2 cities are no longer only shedding their status of being merely ‘emerging’ to reveal themselves to be self-sustaining ecosystems of high aspirations where luxury is no longer merely an import, but an inherent attribute of their very fabric.

Luxury living takes root in emerging cities, where modern residences, green spaces, and community-driven design reflect evolving aspirations and local prosperity

The fulcrum has shifted from salary-driven wealth to enterprise-driven prosperity, with family-owned businesses reaching unprecedented heights, startup success achieving significant exits, and SME and industrial clusters increasing their economic footprint in non-metro regions. No longer confined to a handful of urban centers, wealth in India is now far more dispersed geographically. This change in the distribution of wealth is having a significant impact not just on wealth itself but also on consumption. Today, there is a growing trend towards wealth being spent in the place in which it is created. This is in stark contrast to metros, where there may be a portfolio approach to wealth.

According to Anarock, premium and luxury homes now account for a significantly higher share of new residential launches in several tier 2 cities, showcasing how developers’ confidence in sustained end-user demand in these markets. The contours of wealth creation in these parts are also shifting with enterprise-led growth steadily overtaking traditional salary-driven accumulation. Across Tier 2 cities, family-run businesses are scaling with renewed ambition, startup ecosystems are unlocking meaningful value through exits, and SME as well as industrial clusters are deepening their economic influence.

Besides, a defining aspect of this shift is the clear dominance of the end user. In Tier 2 cities, demand is led by business families upgrading primary homes, next-generation buyers raising lifestyle benchmarks, and NRIs returning with global exposure yet strong local ties. Unlike metros, where luxury often aligns with investment logic and second homes, here it is rooted in end use. The focus is on high-conviction homeownership: consumption-backed, deeply personal, and centred on creating residences that serve as both lifestyle upgrades and long-term legacy assets.

Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, said, “In markets like Mohali and Chandigarh, we are witnessing how luxury is being defined and consumed. The demand is not being driven by external capital but by deeply rooted, local wealth. Entrepreneurs, industrialists, and globally exposed professionals are choosing to elevate their living standards without relocating. What is particularly noteworthy is the clarity of intent among buyers; they are not experimenting with luxury; they are committing to it. This is translating into a preference for expansive layouts, gated villa communities, and low-density developments that offer both privacy and permanence. It reflects a market that is maturing with quiet confidence.”

Preksha Singh, CEO, Agrasheel Infratech, added, “In cities like Lucknow, the premium housing market is evolving in a way that feels both organic and inevitable. As the city’s economic base strengthens and new-age businesses take root, we are seeing a generation of buyers that is far more design-aware and lifestyle-conscious than before. Luxury here is no longer about scale alone, but about refinement, detailing, and a sense of arrival within one’s own city. There is also a strong emotional dimension at play, where families are choosing to build legacy homes rather than migrate. This is creating sustained, end-user-driven demand that is far more stable and deeply anchored.”

Ashwinder R. Singh, Chairman, CII Real Estate Committee; Vice Chairman, BCD Group; Advisor, NAR-India said, “This is not a shift of luxury. It is a shift of confidence. For the first time, the Indian homebuyer is choosing not to migrate, but to upgrade where he already lives. Tier 2 cities are no longer catching up with metros; they are developing their own consumption identity. What defines luxury here is not price, it is intent. Larger homes, better design, and institutional-grade developments are now being demanded in markets that were once driven purely by necessity. This is not spillover demand. It is native aspiration, powered by local wealth creation, infrastructure, and digital exposure. For developers, the implication is clear: this is not a scale play, it is a credibility test. Because in this cycle, trust will travel faster than brand.”

Moreover, land is emerging as a key component of the Tier 2 growth story, particularly in peripheral pockets where initial growth is resulting in tangible price appreciation. Developers are entering these markets from a long-term perspective, recognizing land as a play on future growth rather than just a component of inventory. Much of this activity is unfolding alongside new infrastructure, but the demand itself isn’t being created by these developments. It already exists, rooted in local ambition and rising affluence. What infrastructure does is bring that confidence to the surface, giving it direction and legitimacy rather than driving it from scratch.

Kushagr Ansal, Director, Ansal Housing, said, “Across Tier 2 cities, the shift towards luxury housing is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader structural evolution. As economic activity becomes more distributed, so does aspiration. What we are observing is a move away from speculative real estate cycles towards consumption-led growth, where buyers are investing in homes they intend to live in and hold over generations. Infrastructure development is certainly accelerating this transition, but the underlying driver is rising affluence and confidence within these cities. For developers, this calls for a more nuanced approach that prioritises quality, community, and long-term value creation over scale.”

Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairman, Sikka Group, said, “In North India, Dehradun presents a unique intersection of natural appeal and evolving urban aspiration, which is increasingly reflected in its housing choices. Buyers here are seeking more than just a residence; they are looking for a lifestyle that blends openness, wellness, and exclusivity. This has led to a growing preference for boutique luxury developments and villa formats that offer a sense of retreat without disconnecting from the city. Interestingly, a significant portion of this demand is coming from within the region itself, including business families and returning professionals. It signals a shift where luxury is being internalized rather than imported.”

What is unfolding across Tier 2 cities is less a phase and more a fundamental rebalancing of India’s housing narrative. Luxury housing is becoming more evenly anchored, shaped by multiple cities with their own economic and cultural momentum. In that sense, this is not simply decentralisation, but a repositioning of priorities. Luxury Is Moving Inward: Tier 2 Cities Lead India's Aspirational Housing Shift

Purpose-built to help banks meet the Responsible Business Conduct regime, which will eliminate mis-selling risk by design

ZENOVA is a policy-driven control layer that sits between core banking systems, insurer platforms, and all customer-facing channels

Zopper’s multi-insurer platform ZENOVA will help banks and BFSI players across India to configure institutions’ policies and architecture without multi-year build cycles.

Zopper, India’s leading insurtech company, announced the launch of ZENOVA, an agentic layer designed to transform how banks distribute insurance products. ZENOVA embeds suitability, disclosure, and evidence generation directly into every insurance sale — helping reduce mis-selling risks across every channel. ZENOVA is powered by Zopper’s API-first, multi-insurer platform already deployed at scale with banks and BFSI players across India and can be configured to each institution’s policies and architecture without multi-year build cycles.

ZENOVA is powered by Zopper’s API-first, multi-insurer platform, deployed at scale with banks and BFSI players across India

Under the emerging Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) framework, mis-selling is no longer a reputational concern but has a direct impact on P&L event. Banks face full refund plus compensation obligations if mis-selling is proven, and the fiduciary responsibility sits squarely with the distributing bank, not the insurer.

ZENOVA is a policy-driven control layer that sits between core banking systems, insurer platforms, and all customer-facing channels. It orchestrates every stage of an insurance interaction, from customer profiling. It needs assessment, suitability scoring, disclosure, consent, issuance, and post-sale verification, generating a regulator-grade evidence file as a byproduct of every transaction.

Suitability is built in by design, with board-approved rules translated into executable logic to ensure every sale passes a rigorous suitability check without exception. This is supported by a unified evidence fabric, where each sale is captured in a single, time-stamped record that includes screens, consents, recordings, and PLVC outcomes, making it instantly retrievable for audits, complaints, or regulatory review. At the same time, channel-consistent conduct is enforced through uniform suitability and disclosure standards applied seamlessly across branches, apps, contact centres, and WhatsApp, ensuring a consistent and compliant customer experience at every touchpoint.

Mr Surjendu Kuila, Co-founder & CEO, said, “Banks that choose to re-platform onto ZENOVA will not only meet the next wave of conduct supervision, but they will set the benchmark for what responsible, profitable bancassurance looks like in India.”

Bragadish Sureshkumar, Chief Technology Officer, added, “ZENOVA is built for a world where banks are expected to prove, not just claim that every sale was done right. By combining agentic AI with a deep, evidence‑first architecture, we give institutions a single platform that can orchestrate journeys in real time and still leave a clear audit trail for every recommendation, interaction, and decision.”

Zopper has raised $125 million to date from marquee investors, including Creaegis, Bessemer Venture Partners, ICICI Venture, Blume Ventures, Elevation Capital, and Dharana Capital. With a 600+ member team across technology, sales, strategy, and operations, the company plans to double down on market penetration in the country while pursuing global expansion and strategic acquisitions in emerging markets.

Zopper has been actively integrating AI and Generative AI across underwriting, sales optimisation, fraud detection, and customer servicing. Its proprietary Digi-Banca platform offers a unified, end-to-end technology stack for insurers and banks, enabling seamless integration and improved customer journeys across multiple financial institutions. Zopper’s mission is to make insurance simple, contextual, and embedded within everyday consumer journeys. By leveraging technology to streamline underwriting, reduce issuance time to minutes, and design tailored micro-products, the company has significantly improved accessibility across ecosystems spanning lifestyle, digital commerce, and financial services.

About Zopper
Zopper combines insurance and technology to deliver customised, end-to-end distribution solutions for insurers and ecosystem partners. Through API-led infrastructure and embedded insurance capabilities, Zopper is expanding access, improving efficiency, and strengthening India’s insurance ecosystem.

To learn more, explore the full whitepaper and get in touch with us here: bit.ly/4t8Yhtb Zopper Launches ZENOVA, India's First Agentic Bancassurance Operating Layer

The “New Entrant Of The Year” VinFast brings two solid EV SUVs to India, each with a different focus. Here’s how to pick the one that fits your daily drive in India.

So you’ve decided to go electric, and VinFast has caught your eye. The brand is new, the designs are hard to miss, and increasing sightings on Indian roads hint at growing curiosity. For now, the choice is straightforward: the compact B-SUV VF 6 or the larger, more assertive C-SUV VF 7.

The “New Entrant Of The Year” VinFast brings two solid EV SUVs to India, each with a different focus

Both share the same foundation, but they diverge in ways that become clear once you start living with the car.

Exterior design and dimension
The VF 6 is the quieter one visually. Guided by the “Duality in Nature” philosophy developed by the Italian design house Torino Design, it follows a clean, balanced, and human-centric approach. Its rounded, coupe-like silhouette feels fluid and approachable, with proportions that suit dense urban environments. The design balances opposing elements such as softness and strength, creating a harmonious blend of nature-inspired aesthetics and modern technology tailored for young, active families.

The VF 7, by contrast, takes a bolder and more expressive direction. Also developed with Torino Design under the “Asymmetric Aerospace” language, it features sharper, more angular lines and sculpted surfaces that give it a stronger visual presence. The wide stance and details like hidden door handles create a sense of motion even when stationary, while larger 19 to 20-inch wheels further enhance its road presence.

Conclusion: The VF 6 suits those who prefer a clean, friendly design. The VF 7 is better for drivers who want something more distinctive and expressive.

Performance

Spec

VF 6 Wind Infinity

VF 7 Sky Infinity

Max Power

150 kW

260 kW

Max Torque

310 Nm

500 Nm

0-100 km/h

~8.9 seconds

~5.8 seconds

Range

~463 km

~510 km

Fast charging (10-70%)

~25 minutes

~28 minutes

The difference in performance is immediately noticeable. The VF 7 operates in a higher performance bracket, with significantly more power and nearly double the torque. This translates into quicker overtakes, more confident highway merging, and a stronger sense of acceleration.

The VF 6 is tuned for everyday usability. Its 150 kW output is more than sufficient for city commutes, school runs, and weekend trips. Instead of chasing outright performance, it prioritises smoothness and efficiency, making it easier to live with on a daily basis.

Conclusion: The VF 7 is clearly the more powerful option, suited to drivers who enjoy a more engaging driving experience. The VF 6 remains more than capable for urban use, with better efficiency and cost optimisation.

Technology features
Both models embrace the idea of a software-driven vehicle, and that is evident throughout the cabin.

A 12.9-inch driver-oriented infotainment screen anchors both interiors. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with over-the-air updates that continuously refine features over time.

Aside from the Earth trim, both the VF 6 and VF 7 come standard with a solid ADAS suite, including features such as blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, lane change assist, and enhanced collision warning functions. This level of technology becomes more apparent on longer drives, particularly on highways where the system can take on more of the workload.

Interior design
Inside, the VF 6 takes a clean, functional approach that prioritises comfort and usability. The cabin is built around simplicity, with vegan leather upholstery and a dual-tone layout that feels light and approachable. Surfaces are soft where it matters, and the overall design avoids clutter, making it easy to settle in and operate. The flat floor and well-proportioned cabin help create an open, airy feel, while the seating layout is clearly optimised for everyday family use. The boot is also practical enough for daily errands and weekend trips.

This makes the VF 6 especially suitable for young families who need comfort, usability, and flexibility in a compact SUV.

The VF 7 shifts the focus toward a more premium and individual experience. The cabin feels wider, materials are more refined, and the layout leans slightly toward the driver. It is less about maximising space for everyone and more about creating a personal, high-quality environment. This positioning makes the VF 7 a better fit for independent, tech-oriented drivers who value design, materials, and a more driver-focused cabin.

Conclusion: Choose the VF 6 if you prioritise family comfort and practicality. Choose the VF 7 if you prefer a more premium, driver-oriented interior, with more refined touchpoints throughout the cabin.

Safety
Safety is another area where both models remain closely aligned.

Both the VF 6 and VF 7 have achieved 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings, indicating strong crash protection and structural integrity. The VF 6 comes equipped with seven airbags and a full suite of stability and braking systems.

The VF 7 builds on this with more advanced driver assistance features, particularly for highway driving. It also performs strongly in both adult and child occupant protection tests, reinforcing its positioning as a well-rounded family SUV with additional safety support.

Nice-to-have features
Beyond the core specs and headline features, both models include a range of smaller touches that shape the day-to-day ownership experience. These are the details you may not notice in a showroom, but will appreciate over time.

On the VF 6, many of these features are clearly designed around convenience and family use. Special drive modes such as Pet, Camp, Wash, and Valet add flexibility across different situations. The air ioniser with PM1.0 filter improves cabin air quality, which is particularly useful in urban environments. Practical touches like all-window one-touch up and down with anti-pinch, rain-sensing wipers, and a generous boot space reinforce its everyday usability. Even small elements such as power-adjustable, heated mirrors with reverse link make city driving and parking less stressful.

The VF 7, meanwhile, builds on this by making several comfort-oriented features more widely available across trims, such as ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a more refined ambient experience. These additions give the VF 7 a more polished, high-end character.

Conclusion: The VF 6 focuses its “nice-to-haves” on practicality and ease of use, while the VF 7 elevates the experience through added comfort and refinement rather than entirely new features.

Policies and incentives
Beyond the vehicles themselves, VinFast is working to reduce the friction of switching to electric.

The company is building a broader ecosystem in India, including local manufacturing in Tamil Nadu, expanding charging infrastructure, and strengthening after-sales support. The goal is to make ownership predictable and convenient.

Customer incentives reflect this approach. Free charging on the V-Green network runs until March 31, 2029, helping eliminate fuel costs for an extended period. There is also a Value Assured programme that addresses resale concerns, along with roadside assistance, three years of free maintenance, and warranty coverage of up to ten years or 200,000 kilometres depending on the model.

For buyers transitioning from petrol vehicles, the “Trade Gas for Electric” initiative, introduced by Vingroup, adds an additional financial incentive, including a limited-time 3% discount until March 31, 2026.

So, which one should you pick?
The choice ultimately comes down to how you drive and what matters most in your daily routine.

If you are a young family looking for an electric SUV that is easy to use, efficient, and practical for daily routines such as commuting, school runs, and weekend outings, the VF 6 might be the more natural choice

If you are a more independent driver who values performance, distinctive design, and a stronger sense of driving engagement, the VF 7 is likely to feel more rewarding.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The company’s Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

Learn more at: http://www.vinfastauto.in. VinFast VF 6 or VF 7: Which SUV Fits Your Life Better?

This Holi, Dulux brought alive the core promise of its flagship exterior paint brand Dulux Weathershield – “It’s Colourful. It’s Powerful” to life through a playful campaign.

Building on its earlier campaigns showcasing performance in extreme climates such as the scorching +50°C heat of Jodhpur and the freezing –30°C temperatures of Spiti Valley, the brand created a festive ‘Colourful and Powerful’ Holi activation.

As part of the “Colourful & Powerful Holi” campaign, Dulux Weathershield collaborated with Blinkit to surprise consumers in select cities. During the Holi period, some Blinkit orders included a complimentary gulal packed inside adorable miniature Dulux Weathershield paint buckets, a powerful reminder of both the brand’s colour expertise and indulgence in festival of colours.

India celebrates a Colourful and Powerful Holi with Dulux paints

The collectible mini buckets quickly caught consumers’ attention. While gulal injected the fun on-ground, Dulux Weathershield’s Holi celebrations struck a chord with over 28 million people with unboxing videos and reels flooding the social media. User-generated reels, unboxing videos, influencer participation and meme pages also picked it up which further amplified the idea organically — turning a powerful activation into a widely shared Holi moment.

Dulux Weathershield also invited consumers to share their “Colourful & Powerful” Holi moments on Instagram with 30 participants set to win a free exterior home makeover.

About JSW Dulux Limited

JSW Dulux Limited (formerly Akzo Nobel India Ltd.), is a leading decorative paints and coatings company in India. It’s portfolio of global brands, including Dulux, International and Sikkens, is trusted by millions of customers and families for more than seven decades. With an employee strength of around 1,300, the Company has five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, one RD&I center, regional offices and a strong pan-India distribution network.

In December 2025, JSW Paints, part of the US$ 23 billion JSW Group which is one of India’s leading conglomerates, became the new promoter of the Company, bringing together strong local expertise with global quality and innovation to build the paint company of the future. Backed by the JSW Group’s scale, execution capabilities and long-term commitment to building market-leading businesses, JSW Dulux Limited is focussed on accelerating growth and strengthening its competitive position while staying committed to realizing sustainable value creation for all its stakeholders. Dulux Weathershield brings a 'Colourful and Powerful' Holi to Consumer Doorsteps with Blinkit