One of the most eminent names in the global automotive industry, Mercedes celebrated 140 Years of Innovation in 2026. The milestone was lauded with a two-day gathering in Pune, bringing together some of India’s leading business voices.

The event opened with Aman Gupta, Co-founder of boAt, who traced the company’s journey from a small audio startup to a leading consumer electronics brand. He spoke candidly about early missteps and what it takes to build a team that can sustain rapid growth.

The conversations continued with Vineeta Singh, CEO and Co-founder of SUGAR Cosmetics, who reflected on building a beauty brand in a crowded market, and why strong product development, consumer trust, and understanding your audience matter.

Shantanu Deshpande, Founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, followed with a candid take on competition, noting that in grooming and personal care, relevance comes from constantly finding new ways to make the consumer’s life easier. The awards segment was anchored by Ridhima Pathak, known for hosting the IPL and WPL.

On the second morning, Shiv Shivakumar, former CEO of PepsiCo India and now Operating Partner at Advent International, shifted the focus to leadership at scale, speaking about managing layered organisations and why a growth mindset matters at every stage of business.

Together, the two days reflected not just 140 years of innovation, but the mindset required to lead the next chapter

HPE’s ‘Hybrid Cloud AI Innovation Summit 2026’ in Kochi spanned two days of conversations around technology, leadership, and the future of enterprise.

Day one concluded on a vibrant note with a performance by Zehen, the multilingual fusion band that brought energy to the evening after a full day of sessions. Their music created a relaxed atmosphere as delegates stayed back to unwind, connect, and enjoy the performance.

Day two featured a moderated conversation with Rahul Dravid, bringing one of cricket’s most respected voices to the stage. During the session, he reflected on how technology has changed the game while also sharing perspectives on consistency, decision-making, and long-term thinking.

The summit then closed on a high with Bryden & Parth performing with their band, bringing participants together once again and ending the two-day gathering in Kochi with warmth, energy, and applause.

The Annual Riviera 2026 at Vellore Institute of Technology opened with former Indian cricket captain Mithali Raj attending as the chief guest.

The evening began with a fireside chat between Mithali Raj and the institute’s director, where students had the opportunity to hear from one of the sport’s most respected figures.

The fest then moved to a symbolic moment as Mithali took a ceremonial swing of the bat to formally open Riviera, drawing cheers from the students gathered for the occasion.

As part of the ceremony, Mithali Raj also planted and watered a sapling that will grow on the campus in her name. The gesture added a meaningful touch to the opening, leaving behind a small reminder of the day within the university grounds.