Tourism Malaysia Sales Mission 2026 in Delhi boosts India-Malaysia ties, unveils Visit Malaysia 2026-27 roadmap led by Director General, Mohd Amirul Rizal
 

The sales mission brought together 47 Malaysian tourism stakeholders, comprising tour operators, hoteliers and airline partners, to strengthen trade partnerships, expand business opportunities and reinforce Malaysia's position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers. The programme also served as a platform for business-to-business (B2B) engagements, networking and the development of new travel opportunities between Malaysian and Indian tourism stakeholders.

The mission was led by Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and organised in collaboration with Batik Air, reflecting the strong public- private partnership in promoting Malaysia as a premier tourism destination.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said, “India remains one of Tourism Malaysia's most important and fastest-growing source markets. While the current geopolitical developments and evolving international travel landscape may influence travel sentiment in certain regions, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to maintaining a strong presence in the market and ensuring Malaysia remains top of mind among Indian travellers. This calls for sustained, targeted and market-driven promotional efforts, supported by close collaboration with our airline partners and the travel trade.”

Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal added, “Through this sales mission, we aim to strengthen business partnerships, generate new commercial opportunities and encourage our industry partners to develop more attractive and competitive travel packages tailored to the Indian market. At the same time, we want to inspire travellers to explore destinations beyond the traditional Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands itineraries.”
 

"Destinations such as Sarawak, Langkawi, Penang, Johor and Sabah offer tremendous potential for the Indian market, featuring diverse experiences ranging from nature, adventure and island holidays to cultural heritage, gastronomy, shopping, family attractions, MICE and destination weddings. Promoting these destinations more extensively will encourage longer stays, higher visitor spending and repeat visitation."

India continues to be one of Malaysia's key international source markets, supported by an extensive network of more than 190 direct flights weekly, offering a seat capacity of over 37,000 seats per week. This strong air connectivity provides seamless access to Malaysia and continues to support sustained growth in visitor arrivals.

The market also continues to record encouraging performance. Following the introduction of visa-free travel for Indian nationals in December 2023, Malaysia welcomed more than 1.5 million visitor arrivals from India in 2025, placing India among Malaysia's top five international source markets, alongside Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and China. This positive momentum is expected to continue through 2026 and beyond.

With the Visit Malaysia campaign extended through 2027, Tourism Malaysia will further intensify its promotional initiatives in India to sustain the momentum generated under Visit Malaysia 2026 while building a stronger pipeline of visitors for the extended campaign period. The extension provides greater opportunities to deepen industry collaboration, maintain Malaysia's destination visibility and strengthen market confidence amid an evolving global tourism environment.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

L-R: Mr. Don Ward, Chief Executive, CIB UK; Mr. Jayanta Basu, Managing Director, Cemindia Projects Limited; Dr. Vijay Gupchup, President, NICMAR University Pune; Dr. Anil L Agarwal, VC, NICMAR University Pune; Dr. Rajni Kant Rajhans, Dean-R&D, NICMAR University Pune; Dr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director General, NICMAR at the 10th Edition of ICCRIP 2026

The two-day ICCRIP serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, research and dialogue on emerging developments across construction, real estate, infrastructure and project management. The first day placed a strong focus on sustainable urban development, institutional capacity and effective project delivery as India responds to the growing scale and complexity of its infrastructure and urbanisation needs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vijay Gupchup, President, NICMAR University Pune and Chief Patron, ICCRIP 2026, said, “India’s cities and infrastructure are expanding at a pace that demands new thinking around how we plan, build and deliver projects. The discussions at ICCRIP 2026 reinforced that sustainable development cannot be achieved through policy or technology alone; it requires skilled professionals, stronger institutional capacity and closer collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers. As an institution dedicated to the built environment, NICMAR University has a responsibility to help bridge this gap by creating knowledge, developing future-ready talent and providing platforms where research and industry experience can come together to address real-world challenges.”

A key highlight of Day 1 was the panel discussion on “Building Sustainable Cities: Bridging Policy, Capacity, and Project Delivery,” which brought together perspectives from industry and academia on translating India’s urban development ambitions into sustainable and effectively delivered projects. The discussion highlighted the need to bridge the gap between policy and on-ground execution, strengthen institutional and professional capacity, and foster greater collaboration among academia, industry and policymakers.

The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Jayanta Basu, Managing Director, Cemindia Projects Limited, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Don Ward, Chief Executive, CIB, UK, as the Guest of Honour, alongside Dr. Vijay Gupchup, President, NICMAR University Pune and Chief Patron, Dr. Anil L Agarwal, VC, NICMAR University Pune and Conference Patron, Dr. Rajni Kant Rajhans, Dean-R&D, NICMAR University Pune and Conference Convener, Dr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director General, NICMAR and Conference Mentor,  ICCRIP 2026, senior representatives from industry and academia, NICMAR University leadership, faculty members, researchers and students.

The wider deliberations also focused on the changing nature of project delivery as infrastructure and urban development become increasingly complex. Speakers emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary capabilities, embedding sustainability across the project lifecycle, strengthening knowledge exchange between academia and industry, and preparing professionals for the evolving demands of the built environment.

In addition to the panel discussion, the conference featured keynote addresses, technical sessions and practitioner-led conversations, enabling researchers, academicians and industry professionals to exchange perspectives on emerging practices, research and evolving challenges across construction, real estate, infrastructure and project management.

The conference will continue on August 22 with further technical sessions, expert-led discussions and knowledge-sharing engagements. The second and final day will build on the opening day’s deliberations, bringing together researchers, academicians and industry practitioners to explore emerging developments and strengthen the connection between research and real-world application across the built environment.

ICCRIP 2026 features seven key segments: Research Papers, Case Studies, Practitioners’ Perspectives, Doctoral Colloquium, Hackathon, Paper Development Workshop and Editors’ Conclave, and an Industry Showcase. Now in its 10^th edition, the ICCRIP reflects NICMAR University’s continued focus on strengthening dialogue between academia and industry and creating a platform for research, knowledge exchange and conversations that respond to the evolving needs of the construction, real estate, infrastructure and project management sectors.

About NICMAR

Established in 1983, NICMAR is an autonomous, non-governmental, not-for-profit and India’s only premier CRIP (Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Project) dedicated education institute. Backed by some of the largest and leading construction companies, NICMAR is recognised for academic excellence, industry relevance, and strong placement outcomes, with four campuses in Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. The Institute is recognised globally for its contributions to the built environment.

For more information, please visit www.nicmar.ac.in

KOINDEX 2026, hosted by Gyeonggi-do and organized by KINTEX and Messe Esang, runs Aug. 27–29 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi
 

Now in its second edition, KoINDEX 2026 brings together approximately 80 Korean manufacturers and exporters occupying 106 booths across three sectors.
 

Three specialised shows under one roof

KoINDEX 2026 is structured as three sector-specific exhibitions running concurrently:

• BeautySUM India — skincare and functional cosmetics, beauty devices, hair and personal care, cosmetic ingredients and packaging

• FoodIndx — processed foods, health functional foods, beverages, fermented products, and food processing and packaging equipment

• KOREA BUILD in India — construction and building materials, construction technology and equipment, building services, and fire and disaster safety
   

The 2026 edition concentrates on the three sectors that recorded the strongest commercial results at the inaugural exhibition in 2024, moving from a broad multi-sector format to a focused industry showcase.
 

Inaugural ceremony and Korea–India Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum

The inaugural ceremony takes place on 27 August from 10:40, followed by the Indo-Korea Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum from 11:05, organised with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). Senior representatives of the Korean and Indian governments, industry associations and participating companies are expected to attend.
 

Pre-matched buyer meetings and certification guidance

Throughout the three days, participating companies will hold one-to-one export consultations with Indian and South Asian buyers, drawn from local project owners, EPC contractors, distributors and wholesalers, e-commerce platforms and food distribution companies. Buyer recruitment is conducted in cooperation with KOTRA New Delhi and Indian industry bodies.
 

A separate seminar on Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification will be conducted by Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL), addressing certification and market-entry requirements for Korean products entering the Indian market.
 

Institutional support

KoINDEX 2026 is delivered with the backing of several Korean public institutions. Gyeonggi Province provides direct participation support to companies based in the province. The Association of Korea Exhibition Industry (AKEI) supports the exhibition under its national programme for Korean-organised trade exhibitions. A dedicated Export Consortium pavilion is operated in partnership with the Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ) under the Export Consortium programme of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
 

Building on 2024

At its first edition in November 2024, KoINDEX drew 233 exhibiting companies and some 14,000 visitors, generating 5,993 business meetings and approximately USD 417 million in recorded consultation value. Across the three sectors continuing into 2026, the 2024 exhibition produced USD 170.5 million in consultation value in construction, USD 60.3 million in beauty and USD 32.2 million in food.
 

Visitor information

KoINDEX 2026 is open to trade visitors from 27 to 29 August 2026 at Hall 1C, Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka Sector 25, New Delhi. Admission is free with prior registration at www.koindex.kr.
 

InfoComm India 2026 to Anchor India’s Accelerating Pro AV and Integrated Experience Technology Boom

InfoComm India 2026 spans five halls across two levels of JWCC – Pavilion Halls 1 to 3 and Jasmine Halls 1 to 2 – with the show floor now exceeding 10,600 square metres, up more than 17% on 2025 and still growing as the show approaches. 

Leading the showcase are Platinum Partners BenQ, Crestron, Epson, Harman, Shure and Vega, alongside over 40 first-time exhibitors including ATVI Computech, Dahua Technology India, Anixter India, Prama Hikvision India, CT Square LLC, Trustech AV Solution amongst others. Together they will stage more than 130 new product launches — from AI-enabled collaboration tools to immersive experience environments — making the floor as much a launchpad for what's next as a marketplace for what's proven.
 

The show floor will bring together solution providers spanning the full spectrum of Pro AV and integrated experience technology ranging from AI-enabled collaboration tools and digital signage to LED displays, projection systems and professional audio. Visitors will also find advanced solutions for unified communications platforms, control systems and broadcast technologies, alongside solutions purpose-built for smart classrooms, smart workplaces and immersive experience environments. The breadth speaks less to any single product category than to the convergence now underway across India's technology landscape, as organizations rethink how people learn, collaborate and interact with the spaces around them.

Given the scale of the 2026 show floor and a Summit programme running concurrently, visitors are encouraged to plan across more than one day to experience it in full.

The momentum reflects a broader shift in the India Pro AV market. According to the 2025 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) from AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, India has emerged as Asia Pacific's fastest-growing Pro AV market, overtaking China — set against a global Pro AV market the IOTA projects will grow from USD332 billion in 2025 to USD402 billion by 2030.
 

This year's edition reflects an industry in transition. As AI-enabled tools move from experimental to operational, and as organizations increasingly favor integrated experiences over standalone hardware, InfoComm India 2026 has expanded its Summit programme and broadened its exhibitor base to match. The result is a show shaped as much by where the industry is heading - toward smart workplaces, immersive environments and connected infrastructure - as by where it has been.

Back by popular demand are two crowd favorites from 2025: the Smart Tech Stage, and AVIXA’s CTS® Training, which returns to India for a second year following strong demand at its 2025 debut.

"InfoComm India represents high potential for the future of immersive technologies. It was encouraging to reconnect with leading global brands and see their local distributors providing strong support in India. The show floor itself was active and vibrant, now expanded across two levels — a clear sign that opportunities in this region are growing bigger and better."

• Sujoy Cherian, Creative Technologist and CEO, Option 1 Group

"I was able to connect with a wide network of professionals, and the event itself is exceptionally well-organised. As a knowledge seeker, I am particularly focused on the role of AI in audio-video systems — it is the frontier of our industry, and staying ahead requires continuous learning."

• Alexis Bou Farhat, ELV Projects Manager, BLINQ Technologies, Qatar

“I have identified new companies and technologies relevant to my procurement pipeline, and singled out the guided show-floor tour as especially useful for narrowing in on the booths most relevant to my project.”

• Anand Menon, Project Planning and Management Specialist, AGRA Smart City

"InfoComm India represents excellence in both scale and substance."

• Furqan Qureshi, Assistant Director, NRIDA, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India

Registration is now open to industry professionals across the Pro AV and integrated experience technology value chain — systems integrators, consultants, distributors, enterprise buyers and government stakeholders. More at www.infocomm-india.com.

About InfoComm India
Since its inception in 2013, InfoComm India has grown into the country's leading platform connecting manufacturers, distributors, technology providers, system integrators, consultants, end users, enterprise buyers and government stakeholders across the Pro AV and integrated experience technology industry. It is one of three marquee events operated by InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd across the Asia Pacific region, alongside InfoComm China in Beijing and InfoComm Asia in Bangkok. Each show pairs a comprehensive exhibition with a Summit conference programme offering education on the latest industry trends and best practices.
 

About AVIXA
AVIXA® (the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) is the international trade association representing the professional audiovisual and integrated experience industry. Founded in 1939 and now home to more than 3,000 enterprise members representing over 20,000 AV professionals across more than 80 countries, AVIXA is the industry’s leading resource for standards, certification, training, market intelligence and thought leadership. InfoComm Asia serves as AVIXA’s flagship gathering for its communities across the region.

From L-R: Dr. Beena G.; Dr. K.S. Narayanaswamy; Dr. Adishesha C.S.; Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor; Dr. M. Dhanamjaya; Dr. R.C. Biradar; Dr. Pramod Kulkarni at UPLINK 2026-27

Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, REVA University, presided over the function, emphasising the University’s commitment to building a holistic educational environment that empowers students to dream big while ensuring a safe and nurturing space for their growth. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Adishesha C. S, Director – Technology & Innovation, Collins Aerospace, as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Dr P. Shyama Raju emphasised that educators and professionals have a responsibility to become role models for the next generation. Highlighting the importance of ownership, commitment and ethics, he said, “My role is to be a facilitator. Apart from what we teach at the University, we need to teach beyond that. We need to teach discipline, human values, respect for the nation and concern for elders.” Speaking about REVA University’s Educate to Enterprise philosophy, he said, “Through our Educate to Enterprise philosophy, we strive to nurture job creators rather than job seekers; leaders who inspire, innovate and contribute meaningfully to society.”

In his inaugural address, Dr. Adishesha appreciated REVA University’s efforts to create an environment that encourages students to push boundaries and develop their talent. “REVA University’s philosophy of giving back to society is truly inspiring. To facilitate this, they have incorporated a strong industry-academia connect,” he said.

Emphasising the growing importance of interdisciplinary learning, Dr. Adishesha observed that the boundaries between technologies, professions and academic disciplines are increasingly becoming fluid. “Interdisciplinary learning has become the norm of the hour. All professions and streams should come together, with a meaningful exchange of knowledge and ideas between them,” he added.

As part of the inauguration, every new student received a sapling, symbolising the beginning of their academic journey and their responsibility towards the environment. The initiative is part of REVA Vanamahotsava, the University's flagship green movement based on the principle of ‘One Student, One Tree’, encouraging students to plant and nurture a tree during their time at REVA.

Dr. M. Dhanamjaya welcomed the gathering and introduced students to the diverse REVA ecosystem, highlighting how the University’s Educate to Enterprise philosophy goes beyond academics to build holistic development, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship. He said, “At REVA, education is not limited to the classroom. We want every student to discover their potential, develop the confidence to take ownership, and graduate with the knowledge and mindset to create an impact.”

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. K. S. Narayanaswamy, Pro Vice Chancellor, REVA University, expressed his gratitude to the Guest of Honour, university leadership, faculty, students and parents for their presence at REVA UPLINK.

The programme was also attended by Dr. Beena G., Registrar (Evaluation); Dr. R. C. Biradar, Pro Vice Chancellor; and Dr. Pramod Kulkarni, Pro Vice Chancellor, along with deans, directors, faculty members, students and parents.

The inauguration also marked the commencement of a comprehensive student induction programme designed to help freshers transition smoothly into university life. Through interactive sessions, students will gain insights into their academic programmes, campus resources, industry exposure, student clubs, research opportunities, entrepreneurship initiatives, and the University's vibrant learning ecosystem.

Guided by its Educate to Enterprise philosophy, REVA University continues to build an academic ecosystem where students are encouraged not only to learn and excel, but also to create, lead and contribute meaningfully to society. The philosophy goes beyond creating entrepreneurs; it seeks to develop an enterprising mindset in every student, empowering them to identify opportunities, embrace challenges, take initiative and create value, irrespective of their chosen discipline. The new academic batch now embarks on a transformative journey of learning, discovery, innovation and enterprise.

Handloom Hackathon 2026
 

The hackathon served as a pivotal national platform for innovators, researchers, faculty members, and handloom experts to develop practical solutions addressing critical challenges in loom modernization, design innovation, sustainability, market access, and weaver livelihoods. The shortlisted teams showcased breakthrough innovations aimed at improving productivity, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and enhancing the global competitiveness of India's handloom sector.
 

Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Dr. M. Beena, IAS emphasized that India’s handloom heritage and modern technology are complementary forces. "We must combine innovation with traditional craftsmanship to improve the lives of weavers," Dr. Beena stated, highlighting the inherent sustainability and circularity of the handloom sector. She also underscored the importance of technological innovations in loom processes, design development, and modern marketing strategies, while spotlighting the Indian Handmade Portal, an e-commerce platform enabling weavers to sell globally without intermediaries.
 

Winners Recognized Across Four Thematic Categories

The hackathon featured problem statements to modernize and revitalize India's handloom industry across four key themes.
 

VIZHI – AI Powered Trend Forecasting App, developed by Madeshwaraboobalan V and Srinidhi B from IIHT Salem, emerged as the winner in the Weaver Livelihoods & Financial Inclusion category. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to forecast market trends, enabling weavers to anticipate demand patterns and make informed production decisions that directly impact income stability.
 

Sutradhar, created by Atharv Sanjeev Kumar and Gurkirat Singh from IIT Madras, won in the Market Access & Digital Integration category. Sutradhar bridges the gap between rural weavers and digital markets, enabling direct access to global buyers and eliminating supply chain intermediaries.
 

In the Sustainability & Environmental Impact category, Savinya, developed by Naveen Goyal, Mahak Goyal, Ritu Devi, from Savinya Studio, claimed the top position by integrating sustainability throughout the handloom production cycle and creating circular economy models that reduce environmental waste.
 

In the Innovation in Design & Operations category, the Weaver Mithra Back Support System was selected as the winning entry. The solution, by Sriram Vaggu, Adigoppula vishal from KLB IIHT Hyderabad, addresses occupational health challenges and enables longer, more productive working hours for weavers.
 

Strategic Vision and Institutional Partnerships

The hackathon reflects a broader commitment to integrating academia, industry, and government in advancing India's handloom sector. Dr. Deepti Gupta, Head of the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering at IIT Delhi, announced the proposed Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology at IIT Delhi, expected to be inaugurated next week in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles. This centre will integrate technology with handloom production, improving standardization and productivity while preserving the uniqueness of handcrafted textiles.
 

Sanjeeva Shivesh, Co-founder of ThinkStartup and Program Director of the Handloom Hackathon 2026 Organising Committee, congratulated the finalist teams and encouraged continued development of innovative solutions. "This hackathon is a milestone in creating meaningful social and economic impact for India’s weavers. The winning solutions exemplify how innovation can preserve heritage while driving progress. This spirit of empowering young innovators also aligns with ThinkStartup’s Youth Ideathon, which encourages school and college students to become creators and develop ideas that can solve real-world challenges and contribute to India’s progress.”
 

Voices from the Jury and Ecosystem Partners

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, World University of Design, said, "Handloom is often viewed through the lens of heritage. The Handloom Hackathon reminded us that it is equally a source of innovation. As a jury member, I was encouraged to see young minds applying design thinking, emerging technologies and entrepreneurial imagination to one of India’s most enduring creative ecosystems. The future of handloom will not be secured by preserving the past alone, but by enabling the next generation to reinterpret it for contemporary markets and lifestyles. This initiative by the Ministry of Textiles is an important step in that direction."
 

CV Raghu, President & Founder, General Counsel’s Association of India, said, "As India’s handloom sector modernizes, the innovations coming out of platforms like this hackathon will increasingly touch questions of design ownership, geographical indication and intellectual property. Building that legal and governance backbone alongside the technology is what will let weavers and young innovators capture the full value of what they create. It was heartening to see solutions that think about the weaver’s livelihood not just as a design problem, but as a rights and market-access problem too."
 

Sanchit Govil, Co-founder, Lal10, said, "We’ve spent years building the bridge between rural artisans and digital markets, so it was exciting to see a new generation of innovators tackle that same problem from fresh angles. Sutradhar and the other market-access solutions at this hackathon are exactly the kind of thinking the sector needs, technology that removes intermediaries and puts more of the value directly in weavers’ hands. Initiatives like this hackathon are critical to accelerating that shift."
 

Vanita Vasudeva, Startup Portfolio Management, FITT, IIT Delhi, said, "What stood out at this hackathon was how quickly finalist teams moved from problem statements to workable prototypes. That’s exactly the kind of founder mindset we look to nurture through incubation- taking a strong idea and giving it the structure, mentorship and market validation it needs to survive beyond the competition. With the right incubation support, several of these handloom-tech solutions have a genuine shot at becoming durable ventures."
 

Path from Ideation to Market Viability

The Ministry of Textiles has committed to providing 1-year incubation support for investor-ready participants, positioning winning and promising solutions for real-world implementation. This initiative aims to create a modern, innovation-led image for brand Handloom while building a visible pathway from ideation to market viability, ensuring that breakthrough innovations translate into tangible benefits for India's weaver communities.
 

The successful conclusion of Handloom Hackathon 2026 marks another pivotal step in the Ministry's efforts to strengthen academia-industry collaboration and build a technology-enabled, sustainable, and globally competitive handloom ecosystem that supports the long-term growth and prosperity of India's weavers.

VELS Awards Rs. 3.5 Crore in Scholarships to 4,034 Meritorious Students at 'VELS Success Day 2026'

As part of the scholarship programme, this year, the university honoured 345 University Rank Holders, 849 students who secured positions among the top 10% of their respective programmes, 1,640 students who successfully completed SWAYAM and NPTEL courses, and 1,200 VELS scholarship beneficiaries. Altogether, 4,034 deserving students received scholarships and recognition during the event.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President, VELS Group of Institutions, said that VELS Success Day is a celebration of determination, perseverance, and academic excellence. She stated that scholarships worth Rs. 3.5 crore had been awarded to encourage students who had gone beyond the ordinary in their pursuit of excellence.

She emphasised that "Success is not about being better than others; it is about becoming better than yourself every day." She urged students to strive for continuous self-improvement, reminding them that excellence is sustained only through consistency and dedication. Congratulating the awardees, she encouraged them to view the recognition as the beginning of greater achievements, advising them to continue learning, remain humble, and uphold the values that define true success.

Delivering the inaugural address, Mr. Krishna Balagurunathan, Chief Mentor & Associate Vice President – Early Careers, Hexaware Technologies, Chennai, inspired students to express gratitude to those who contributed to their success. He said that every achievement should first be dedicated to parents for their sacrifices, followed by teachers who shape young minds and friends who inspire individuals to become better every day.

Highlighting the qualities required to succeed in today's competitive world, he encouraged students to aspire to become the best versions of themselves rather than competing with others. He stressed that strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to express differing opinions respectfully are among the most valued attributes in the professional world. He further noted that organisations today increasingly recruit candidates based on their attitude in addition to technical competence and urged students to think big, remain optimistic, spread positivity, and become role models in society.

The programme was presided over by Dr. M. Bhaskaran, Vice-Chancellor (FAC), VISTAS; Dr. M. Chandrasekaran, Registrar, VISTAS, along with faculty members, parents, and students.

About VELS University
VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) continues to be recognised as one of the best deemed university in Chennai, distinguished by its prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category I status. 

Home to over 20,000 students and supported by a dedicated faculty strength of 1,220 members, VISTAS offers more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Management, Law, Mass Communication, Maritime Studies, Aviation, Physiotherapy, and Computing Sciences, among others. With its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development, VISTAS remains a premier destination for quality higher education in India. 

For more information kindly visit: www.vistas.ac.in

India's Food & Beverage Growth Story Attracts Strong Global Participation as Anuga Select India 2026 Strengthens International Trade Partnerships
 

A key highlight of the 2026 edition is the European Union (EU) participating as the Official Country Partner, bringing Europe’s diverse agri-food ecosystem to India and creating opportunities for greater market access, sourcing and business collaboration between European suppliers and the Indian food and beverage industry.
 

Europe Takes Centre Stage as Official Partner Region

The EU Pavilion will showcase the breadth of European agri-food excellence, highlighting the quality, authenticity, food safety, traceability, sustainability and innovation associated with European food systems.
 

The pavilion will present a diverse range of food categories, including dairy and cheese, bakery and confectionery ingredients, meat and processed meat products, cereals and grain-based products, specialty agricultural products, premium food ingredients, sustainable food solutions and authentic regional European foods.
 

Through product showcases, tastings and knowledge-sharing opportunities, the EU presence will give Indian buyers, importers, distributors, retailers and HoReCa professionals an opportunity to discover European products, understand their provenance and explore new sourcing possibilities.
 

The participation of the European Union further strengthens Anuga Select India’s role as a platform connecting international food suppliers with India’s expanding food and beverage market, while providing businesses with opportunities to build long-term commercial relationships.
 

A Truly International Food & Beverage Showcase

Alongside the EU, 12+ countries will participate through international country pavilions and exhibitors, bringing a wide spectrum of global food products, ingredients, innovations and sourcing opportunities to Mumbai.
 

Participating countries include Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, China, Türkiye, Spain, Indonesia, Brazil, Italy, Germany and Georgia.
 

From Asian food innovation and tropical and processed food products to European culinary heritage, Middle Eastern food and agricultural initiatives, and the diverse agricultural strengths of Latin America, the international pavilions will give Indian buyers direct access to suppliers and products from some of the world's key food-producing and exporting markets.
 

The international presence also reflects the growing demand for global food products, premium ingredients, international cuisines and new sourcing opportunities across India's retail, food service, hospitality and food manufacturing sectors.
 

Anuga Select India 2026: Connecting Global Suppliers with India

With 400+ exhibitors, representation from 45+ countries and more than 13,500 sqm of exhibition space, Anuga Select India 2026 will bring together the key segments of the food and beverage value chain at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.
 

The exhibition is designed to connect importers and exporters, distributors and wholesalers, retail chains and modern trade buyers, HoReCa professionals, food manufacturers, food service operators, industry associations, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs.
 

Beyond product discovery and international sourcing, Anuga Select India will provide a platform to identify emerging food trends, discover innovative products and ingredients, explore new markets and develop strategic business partnerships.
 

Dedicated industry features, curated networking opportunities and buyer-focused initiatives will further support meaningful connections between exhibitors and decision-makers across the food and beverage ecosystem.
 

A Growing Global Platform for Food Trade

The increasing international participation at Anuga Select India 2026 reflects the growing opportunities within India's food and beverage market and the importance of creating platforms that connect domestic demand with global supply.
 

With the European Union as Official Partner Region and international participation spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, the 2026 edition will offer buyers a concentrated view of global food markets while giving international suppliers access to one of the world's most dynamic and diverse food economies.
 

Anuga Select India 2026 will take place from 29 September to 1 October 2026 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, bringing the international food and beverage community together to discover products, build partnerships and shape the future of food trade.
 

To be part of this leading food and beverage industry gathering, register as a visitor - register.anuga-india.com/?utm_source=DigitalPR.
 

Explore more about Anuga Select India 2026, including its exhibitors, features and programme - anuga-india.com.
 

Anuga Select India 2026

29 September – 1 October 2026

Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai

Celebrating 80 years of India’s freedom, Hyderabad’s ultra-luxury real estate developer reimagines the national anthem through a symphony of more than 50 sounds captured from across the nation

Conceptualised and created by Chennai-based ‘Be Positive 24 Innovation Design, the new campaign uses more than 50 distinct sounds captured from across the country, the sound of a rocket launching, a passing train, birds, school bells, temple bells, streets, people, musical instruments, nature and movement, to together become one song in the tune of the national anthem.

“India is our home, and this is a musical tribute to our beautiful home, on her birthday. As a developer, we have always tried to create delight through innovation. We wanted to do something that was simple in thought, but powerful in emotion. We know that the world is listening to India,” said Sidharth Reddy Indukuri, CEO, The World at Jubilee Hills.

“We recorded over 100 sounds and spent weeks experimenting with them, selecting the ones that could come together musically and meaningfully. The sound and film went through more than 35 iterations. It took us nearly 100 days and multiple partners to put everything together. It was painstaking, sometimes maddening, but incredibly rewarding,” said Abhishek D Shah, Founder, Be Positive 24 Innovation Design.

The campaign film will go live on August 12, 2026, on The World at Jubilee Hills’ YouTube channel and will be amplified across the brand’s social media platforms. From August 13 onwards, the campaign will be further extended through an influencer-led activation, bringing relevant creators and pages into the conversation and taking this musical tribute to India’s unity and diversity to a wider audience.

Website: theworldjh.com

Youtube Campaign Video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=byuG2ST7P3s&feature=youtu.be

Navina Jafa, expert in heritage tourism and Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India

Through The India Culture Travel Index, Skyscanner analysed the evolving behaviours driving culture-led travel in India. The findings uncover five defining trends that together form the R.O.O.T.S. of India's growing culture-led travel movement:

R - Rediscovering heritage

Heritage continues to be the strongest driver of culture-led travel. It is the top motivator for Indian travellers, with 47% saying they would plan a trip around heritage and historical sites. Kerala, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand rank among the country's leading cultural destinations, reflecting travellers' growing interest in exploring India's architectural landmarks, historic communities and living traditions.

O - Open discovery

As Indian travellers become more open to discovering destinations through culture, they are embracing more immersive experiences beyond traditional sightseeing. Social media and YouTube (42%), along with the growing popularity of food, craft and heritage trails (41%), are the biggest drivers behind growing interest in culture-led travel.

Beyond domestic travel, 46% of Indian travellers have already travelled internationally for a cultural event, festival or heritage trail, while a further 43% aspire to do so, highlighting a growing curiosity to explore culture both within India and around the world. This openness extends closer to home too, with one in four Indian travellers (25%) heading to Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns for cultural experiences, beyond the usual metro circuit.

O - Once-in-a-year experiences

Festival tourism is emerging as a powerful travel driver, with 72% of Indian travellers saying they would consider planning a trip specifically to attend a major cultural or religious festival. India's iconic festivals are powerful travel motivators, with Durga Puja (58%) emerging as the top festival travellers would consider travelling to attend, followed by Ganesh Chaturthi (52%) and Navratri Garba (47%).

The findings suggest that travellers are increasingly treating major festivals as limited-time experiences worth planning an entire holiday around, rather than simply activities to enjoy after arriving at a destination.

T - Traditions & Taste

Food, crafts, and local traditions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping culture-led travel. Regional food experiences rank among the top reasons for travel, with 43% of Indian travellers saying they would plan a trip around them. The growing popularity highlights an appetite for experiences that connect travellers with a destination's local traditions, flavours and way of life.

S - Smarter planning

As cultural experiences become a bigger travel priority, travellers are becoming more intentional in how they plan their journeys. Most Indian travellers begin planning their culture-led trips well in advance, with 40% starting three to six months ahead and 36% beginning one to three months before departure.

Festival timing has become the biggest booking consideration, with 36% of travellers saying availability during key festival or event dates matters most, followed by affordable prices for transport and accommodation (32%).

With many cultural experiences taking place at specific times of the year, Skyscanner's Price Alerts allow travellers to monitor fare changes without having to repeatedly search, while Whole Month search lets them compare prices across different travel dates to identify the best value around festivals, heritage trails and other cultural experiences.

Looking ahead, India's appetite for culture-led travel shows no signs of slowing. With 41% Indian travellers planning to take two culture-focused trips within India over the next year, 32% expect to take three to four. While enthusiasm remains high, safety concerns (49%) and high travel costs (37%) continue to be the biggest barriers to taking more culture-led journeys.

Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India, said, "For a long time, people chose a destination first and discovered its culture once they arrived. We're increasingly seeing that journey now happens in reverse. Travellers are starting with the experience they want, whether that's witnessing Durga Puja, exploring a heritage trail or discovering a region through its food, and then building the trip around it. That shift is changing not just where people travel, but how they plan.

When festival dates are fixed and demand is high, comparing different travel dates, airlines, airports and routes can help travellers find better value. For instance, try mixing and matching airlines or airports when you are searching for flights, and use helpful tools like Skyscanner's Price Alerts, to find better value when planning travel. "

Dr Navina Jafa, an expert in heritage tourism, sustainability, cultural strategy, and Kathak dance, said, "India's cultural heritage is not only about monuments, but also the ecosystems around heritage landscapes: creative skilled communities, cultural traditions, and living practices. Studies show a growing number of travellers seeking immersive heritage experiences, underlining India’s need to invest in its vast geographical diversity and multilayered cultural legacy. This fast-growing sector offers major opportunities for conservation, economic growth, and for strengthening heritage tourism nationally and globally."

As India's appetite for culture-led travel continues to grow, Skyscanner continues to help travellers uncover the R.O.O.T.S. of every journey, from rediscovering heritage and open discovery to once-in-a-year experiences, traditions, and taste, and smarter planning.

Top destinations to connect with your ROOTS**

Skyscanner has also curated a selection of cultural destinations across India, helping travellers turn inspiration into their next journey. Explore the guide here.

About Skyscanner 

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trips with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options. Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.

Note to Editors

*Skyscanner research conducted with OnePoll in July 2026 with 2,000 respondents in India.

**Live prices dated 27th July 2026, one-way trip from Delhi to destinations. Subject to change

(1) Almora does not have an airport - prices are for Dehradun (354 kms)

(2) Puri does not have an airport - prices are for Bhubaneswar (65 kms)

(3) Kohima does not have an airport - prices are for Imphal (120 kms)

Union Minister Lalan Singh lights the ceremonial lamp at Sustainable Agriculture Summit 2026, with Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha and NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah

Organised by Sustainability Matters, IndiAgri and Alliance for Change, Transformation & Innovation (ACTION), the Summit emerged as a national platform for dialogue on the future of Indian agriculture, focusing on sustainability, climate resilience, innovation, rural entrepreneurship, food security, natural resource management and farmer prosperity.

In his keynote address, Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj emphasised that the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 can only be achieved through a strong rural economy and empowered farmers. He highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen agriculture and allied sectors through scientific interventions, infrastructure development, value-chain enhancement, technology adoption and sustainable rural enterprises.

"For India to emerge as a developed nation by 2047, our farmers must be empowered and our rural economy must become stronger and more self-reliant. Agriculture and allied sectors will continue to play a central role in driving inclusive growth and prosperity," the Minister said.

The Summit brought together a distinguished gathering of leaders and stakeholders including Sanjay Kumar Jha, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Dr Meenesh C. Shah, Chairman, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB); Manoj Kumar Dubey, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC); Dr Rajendra Prasad, General Manager, SIDBI; Gajendra Kumar, Joint General Manager (Marketing), KRIBHCO; senior policymakers, researchers, industry leaders and representatives of farmer organisations and cooperatives.

Addressing the Summit, Sanjay Kumar Jha, MP (Rajya Sabha) said, "The future of Indian agriculture lies in creating integrated and diversified rural economies. Agriculture, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, water conservation and rural enterprises must work together to generate sustainable livelihoods and strengthen rural India. The vision of Krishi Samridhi 2047 requires collaborative action from governments, institutions, industry and farmers alike."

Dr Meenesh C. Shah, Chairman, NDDB said, "India's agricultural future depends on creating strong and sustainable rural ecosystems where productivity, value addition, institutions and innovation work together. Cooperatives have demonstrated the power of collective action, and partnerships across sectors will be critical in building a resilient and globally competitive agricultural economy."

"As India advances towards Viksit Bharat 2047, investments in infrastructure, connectivity, logistics and financing will play a critical role in transforming rural economies. Sustainable agricultural growth requires long-term institutional support, and platforms such as this Summit help bring together diverse stakeholders committed to that objective," opined Manoj Kumar Dubey, CMD, IRFC.

Dr Rajendra Prasad, General Manager, SIDBI, said, "Innovation, entrepreneurship and access to finance are vital pillars of a self-reliant agricultural ecosystem. Strengthening agri-enterprises, startups, farmer producer organisations and rural businesses will not only create employment but also unlock new opportunities for value creation and inclusive growth across rural India."

Gajendra Kumar, Jt GM (Marketing), KRIBHCO, highlighted the need to make agriculture more attractive and future-ready for younger generations. He said, "One of the biggest challenges before Indian agriculture today is that many young people are moving away from farming. Rural India has been transformed by the communication revolution, and agriculture must evolve accordingly. At the same time, challenges such as climate change and excessive use of fertilisers require collective solutions driven by innovation, sustainability and responsible resource management."

Speaking on the occasion, Dr K.C. Ravi, Director General, Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards, said, "Krishi Samridhi 2047 is not merely a vision for agricultural growth; it is a roadmap for building resilience across the entire rural ecosystem. Sustainability, technology, water security, market access and farmer-centric policies must work together to create long-term prosperity and strengthen India's food and economic security."

"The journey towards Krishi Samridhi 2047 requires policy continuity, institutional innovation and stronger convergence between government, industry, academia and farming communities. Agriculture today is no longer confined to food production alone; it is intrinsically linked to livelihoods, sustainability, climate resilience, water security and rural economic growth. Building a self-reliant agricultural ecosystem will require integrated solutions that are scalable, inclusive and future-ready." said Dr Jayadev Sarangi, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Government of Delhi and Goa.

Dr Navneet Anand, Executive Director, Sustainability Matters, said, "The future of Indian agriculture will be defined by partnerships. Governments, financial institutions, industry, academia, startups and farmers must collaborate to build an ecosystem that is productive, sustainable, climate-resilient and economically rewarding. This Summit seeks to catalyse those partnerships and contribute meaningfully to India's journey towards Krishi Samridhi 2047."

The Summit featured high-level discussions on climate-smart agriculture, digital innovation, sustainable farming systems, water stewardship, agricultural financing, cooperative development, rural entrepreneurship, natural farming, technology adoption and emerging opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

A major highlight of the event was the National Sustainable Agriculture Awards 2026, which recognised exemplary contributions by farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, startups, institutions, government agencies and development organisations from across the country for advancing sustainability, innovation and inclusive growth in agriculture and allied sectors.

The Summit was supported by IRFC, SIDBI, COMFED, OMFED, HURL, KRIBHCO and SIRA Seeds, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening India's agricultural ecosystem and advancing the vision of a resilient, self-reliant and prosperous rural economy.

CII India Petcare Summit 2026
 

That tension framed a day of discussion. Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) under the theme “Reimagining the Future of Companion Care,” the summit convened policymakers, regulators, standards experts, veterinarians and industry leaders to deliberate on building a robust companion animal ecosystem. The conversations centred on strengthening India's regulatory framework, advancing science-based nutrition, expanding veterinary capacity, promoting responsible pet ownership and fostering innovation — set against a generational shift in which Millennials and Gen Z increasingly treat pets as family and are driving demand for premium, health-focused nutrition.
 

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Naveena Kumar, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, pointed to the rapid evolution of the sector and called for science-based nutrition, stronger regulatory frameworks, sustainable manufacturing, ethical breeding practices and greater investment in research and veterinary infrastructure.
 

Dr. Sujit Kumar Dutta, Joint Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India & Secretary, Animal Welfare Board of India, pressed the case for stronger veterinary infrastructure, skilled manpower, expanded domestic manufacturing and robust regulatory standards to underpin responsible, sustainable growth.
 

The inaugural panel, “From Labels to Laws – Building India's Future-Ready Pet Food Regulatory Ecosystem,” moderated by Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition India, turned to a practical question: how to build a collaborative, science-led regulatory framework that earns consumer trust and improves transparency without slowing the category down.
 

Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition India, said, "India's pet care industry has tremendous headroom for growth. Today, only 9% of dogs and 27% of cats are fed packaged pet food, even though pet food contributes 86% of the category's retail value. As more pet parents embrace quality nutrition and access expands across the country, science-based regulation will be a critical enabler of this growth. Clear, globally aligned standards build consumer confidence, support responsible innovation and give manufacturers the certainty to invest in local capabilities. For us, everything begins with the pet at the centre of the home, and by working together across government, standards bodies, veterinarians and industry, we can build a trusted ecosystem that advances responsible pet ownership while positioning India as a global hub for world-class pet nutrition."
 

Pradeep Sharma, Scientist-C & Deputy Director, Food & Agriculture Department, Bureau of Indian Standards, said, “The revision of India's pet food standard is aimed at aligning it with the latest scientific developments and global best practices while strengthening transparency through improved labelling and quality requirements. Effective implementation of these standards will help build consumer trust, create a level playing field for manufacturers and strengthen India's position as a globally competitive hub for pet food manufacturing and exports.”
 

Satinder Singh, Managing Director, Royal Canin, added, "A future-ready pet care ecosystem must be built on three pillars, pets first, science and trust. Science-based regulations can improve transparency, encourage innovation and help build consumer confidence while enabling the industry to grow responsibly."
 

The panel also brought together Pallavi Anand, Business Head, Nestle Purina Petcare, South Asia Region; Satinder Singh, Managing Director, Royal Canin; and Aman Tekriwal, Co-founder, Supertails. A recurring theme was the role of clear, standardised labelling in helping pet parents interpret ingredients, nutritional content, feeding guidelines and evidence-based claims — and, from there, make informed choices. Speakers argued that regulation should encourage innovation while aligning with global scientific standards, backed by stronger consumer education and closer coordination between industry, veterinarians, policymakers and digital platforms.
 

Inside the Euromonitor report

• The headroom is the story. Only 9% of dogs and 27% of cats in India are currently fed packaged pet food, a gap that widens as e-commerce and quick commerce push beyond the metros.

• Pet food dominates the basket. It accounts for nearly 86% of India's pet care retail value, with the market projected to reach Rs. 11,167 crore by 2031.

• A generational demand shift. Pet ownership is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5%, led by Millennials and Gen Z who view pets as family and are driving demand for premium, health-focused nutrition.

AI, cybersecurity and policy leaders converged at Ampcus Cyber's GRC India AI Conclave
 

Held under the theme "Empowering a Secure and AI-Driven Digital India," the day-long summit featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and expert-led conversations on India's evolving AI governance framework, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, financial-sector resilience, cloud security, AI-enabled compliance, and emerging cyber threats. The discussions highlighted the growing need for governance frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring security, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
 

The conclave brought together leaders from government, regulatory bodies, financial services, technology, and cybersecurity, with keynote sessions by experts from CERT-In, MeitY, Digi Yatra Foundation, STPI, SEBI, NPCI, Discover Financial Services, Uber, and other leading organisations. Discussions focused on AI governance, cyber resilience, continuous compliance, third-party risk, payment security, digital trust, and data protection in the AI era.
 

Speaking at the conclave, Deep Chanda, CEO at Ampcus Cyber, said, "The conversations at the GRC India AI Conclave reaffirmed that India's AI future will be shaped not by technology alone, but by collaboration between policymakers, regulators, industry, academia, and cybersecurity experts. The exchange of ideas and practical insights demonstrated a shared commitment to building AI ecosystems that are secure, trustworthy, and innovation-led. As AI becomes increasingly integral to India's digital economy, forums like these play a vital role in aligning governance, resilience, and responsible adoption. This is only the beginning of a much larger journey to ensure India leads the global AI landscape with confidence, accountability, and trust."
 

A major highlight of the conclave was the Make in India launch of Ampcus Cyber's indigenous AI-powered ComplyX portfolio, introducing three next-generation cybersecurity platforms designed to help organizations modernize governance and strengthen cyber resilience. The company unveiled GRACE, an AI-powered Governance, Risk and Compliance platform that streamlines audits, automates compliance, and delivers real-time visibility into enterprise risk; MIRROR, an autonomous continuous penetration testing platform that provides exploit-validated visibility into security vulnerabilities across digital environments; and WIZARD, an AI-driven Third-Party Risk Management platform that enables continuous vendor risk monitoring through intelligent automation.
 

Throughout the conclave, experts highlighted the need for responsible AI adoption, stronger cybersecurity, continuous compliance, and public-private collaboration to build a secure digital future. The GRC India AI Conclave 2026 reaffirmed Ampcus Cyber's commitment to advancing India's digital transformation through indigenous innovation, trusted cybersecurity solutions, and collaborative dialogue, while accelerating secure AI adoption, stronger governance, and digital trust.

Sentosa GrillFest, Singapore’s favourite beachfront cookout supported by Singapore Tourism Board, returns to Siloso Beach for its ninth edition from 23 July to 16 August 2026. Since its debut in 2017, the festival has welcomed close to 800,000 visitors, and this year’s edition is its most ambitious yet. Featuring 42 vendors across five zones, including 18 new names and a host of returning crowd favourites, guests can look forward to bold new flavours, an elevated beachfront atmosphere, and first-ever dining concepts co-curated with the Singapore Chefs’ Association, all in a festival that welcomes guests of every kind, pets included. From the crackle of open flames and the aroma of food fresh off the grill to the anticipation of the first bite by the sea, Sentosa GrillFest 2026 is designed to be a gastronomic feast for all senses.
 

Sentosa GrillFest 2026
 

Omakase-Inspired Chef’s Grill
Making its debut this year is Chef’s Grill, Sentosa GrillFest’s first-ever eight-course omakase-inspired style beachfront dining experience, created in collaboration with the Singapore Chefs’ Association (SCA). Held in an air-conditioned tent with premium chinaware, the format gives diners a close look at live-fire techniques from a curated roster of Singapore chefs. Three mainstay vendors — Sentosa Golf Club, R&B Grill Bar and ASAP & CO — anchor the experience across all four weekends, while a rotating guest vendor slot brings fresh faces to the menu each week, giving guests a new reason to return every weekend.

Chef’s Grill also serves as the closing platform for the inaugural Singapore Chef Festival, organised in partnership with the SCA, marking Sentosa GrillFest’s growing role in Singapore’s culinary calendar.

For Chef’s Grill menu and pricing details, refer to www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest.

Marketplace by Indoguna
Returning in an elevated format this year is Marketplace, developed in collaboration with Indoguna, a leading premium food importer and distributor in Singapore. This year’s edition places a sharper focus on local sourcing and sustainable produce, with a curated selection of ingredients that champions responsible food choices without compromising on quality.

Drawing the eyes of all who enter is a central chiller display, where guests can browse and select fresh meats, seafood, vegetables and gourmet items, before watching them cooked-to-order across themed grill and serve stalls. Prepare to be entranced by the theatre of live-fire cooking through grilling, smoking and searing front and centre.

A retail section carries artisanal products, sauces, spices and ready-to-cook selections for guests who want to take part of the Sentosa GrillFest experience home.

And for those looking to capture the memories, the aura-reading photobooth is the perfect spot to snap share-worthy moments with friends.

Sunset Lounge by Asahi
As the sun dips below the horizon, the Sunset Lounge by Asahi, sets the scene for golden hour gatherings by the sea. Guests can ease into the evening at this dedicated beachfront bar experience, where the pace slows and the views take centre stage. The lounge is positioned as a standalone wind-down spot between the afternoon and evening sessions with DJ programming, live band performances.

For details on programming, refer to www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest.

Vendor Line-up for Every Palate
Beyond the new concepts, Sentosa GrillFest 2026 brings back three beloved zones: Local Grills, International Grills and Beachside Grills.

Local Grills returns with homegrown crowd favourites Slurp Your Oysters and Craft’ B, both longstanding fixtures of Sentosa GrillFest who have grown alongside the festival. Craft’ B, known for their Netflix-featured grass-fed ribeye, returns alongside Slurp Your Oysters, serving freshly shucked oysters sourced directly from Murotsu Bay in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Also back is DAMN, winner of Sentosa GrillFest’s People’s Choice Award in 2025, bringing their signature dry-aged meats.

International Grills takes guests on a culinary journey across the globe, from Korean BBQ at Hanok Kimchi, to the bold smoky flavours of BBQ Box. Joining them this year are new entrants Umi Matsuri, bringing the Japanese art of robatayaki grilling to the beachfront, and 8 Degree Taiwanese Bistro, serving up the iconic Taiwanese night market classic (Taiwan sausage with sticky rice).

Perched along the waterfront, Beachside Grills serves up open-flame cooking against the backdrop of Siloso Beach. New this year includes vendors such as ChillBro rounding off the meal on a sweet note with grilled banana topped with chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce. Returning favourites include Jett BBQ, beloved for their show-stopping dinosaur ribs, and Smok Hous, known for its Texas-style barbecue.

Aside from the food, festivalgoers can look forward to live entertainment throughout the festival. Kicking off the first Sunday on 26 July, ZIP4, a Korean jazz band, will take to the stage at 7pm in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore.

The full list of participating vendors can be found here: www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest.


Sustainability and Accessibility
This year’s edition marks a significant step forward in the festival’s sustainability journey. For the first time, the air-conditioned Chef’s Grill pavilion and beachfront festival lighting will be powered by battery and solar energy, reducing the festival’s reliance on conventional power sources and reducing carbon footprint.

Continuing commitments include the reduction of single-use disposables across the festival grounds, with all vendors required to use compostable packaging and cutlery in line with Sentosa’s Disposables Policy.

On accessibility, Sentosa GrillFest continues to provide dedicated beach tracks for wheelchair users and families with strollers, with priority seating available for guests with mobility needs throughout the festival grounds.

Event details – Sentosa GrillFest 2026
Time: 4.00pm to 10.30pm
Venue: Siloso Beachfront

Dates:

• Thu 23, Fri 24, Sat 25, Sun 26 July;

• Fri 31 July, Sat 1, Sun 2 August;

• Fri 7, Sat 8, Sun 9 August; and

• Fri 14, Sat 15, Sun 16 August
   

For more information on Sentosa GrillFest 2026, please visit www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest.

www.facebook.com/sentosaofficial/
www.instagram.com/sentosa_island
www.tiktok.com/@sentosa_island
 

About Sentosa

Sentosa, where discovery never ends, is Asia’s leading leisure destination and Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, located within 15 minutes from the central business and shopping districts. The island resort is managed by Sentosa Development Corporation, which works with various stakeholders in overseeing property investments, attractions development, and operation of the various leisure offerings and management of the residential precinct on the island.

The 500-hectare island resort is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations, world-renowned golf courses, a deep-water yachting marina and luxurious residences – making Sentosa a vibrant island resort for business and leisure. Sentosa is also home to Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, which operates Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park.

Situated on the eastern end of Sentosa Island is Sentosa Cove, an exclusive waterfront residential enclave bustling with more than 2,000 homes, quayside restaurants, retail and specialty shops. The island is also proud to be home to Sentosa Golf Club and its two acclaimed golf courses, The Serapong and The Tanjong. Sentosa Golf Club has hosted a number of high-profile professional and amateur tournaments, including the Singapore Open and HSBC Women’s World Championship, welcoming international star players and world-class golf professionals from across the world.

Welcoming a growing number of local and international guests every year, Sentosa is an integral part of Singapore’s goal to be a global destination to work, live and play. For more information, please visit: www.sentosa.com.sg.

About Sentosa Development Corporation

Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) was established on 1 September 1972 as a Statutory Board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. As a master planner, its charter since inception has been to oversee the development, management, marketing and promotion of the island of Sentosa as a resort destination for locals and tourists.

SDC wholly owns its subsidiaries Sentosa Cove Resort Management Pte Ltd and Sentosa Golf Club. SDC also owns the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network, managed by Mount Faber Leisure Group Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary which operates as an autonomous commercial arm.

About Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

More: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com | Follow us: STB LinkedIn, STB Facebook or STB Instagram

Property Expo to be held at Noida
 

The showcase will feature a curated portfolio of premium apartments, luxury villas and lifestyle plots, with prices starting from Rs. 60 lakh*. Designed to simplify the home-buying journey, the event will enable visitors to compare multiple projects in a single visit while benefiting from exclusive event-only offers, home loan assistance and personalised consultations with SPRE's sales experts.
 

Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Rima Kirtikar, Chief Marketing Officer, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, said, "The enthusiastic response to our property showcases in Gurugram and Mumbai reaffirmed that today's homebuyers value the convenience of exploring multiple destinations and asset classes under one roof. We are delighted to bring this experience to Noida, a market with a discerning buyer base that actively evaluates investment opportunities across India's leading residential destinations. Through this showcase, we aim to simplify the home-buying journey by presenting a diverse portfolio that caters to varied aspirations and budgets while delivering the trust and quality associated with the Shapoorji Pallonji legacy."
 

The Noida showcase is expected to attract both end-users and investors looking to diversify their real estate portfolios across high-growth markets. Visitors will be able to evaluate projects spanning established metropolitan centres and emerging residential destinations, while receiving personalised guidance on pricing, financing and investment potential.
 

In addition to project presentations, the event will feature dedicated consultation zones, exclusive event-only offers and limited-period benefits, creating a comprehensive platform for buyers to discover, compare and invest in SPRE's residential developments.
 

Event Details

Date: 9th August 2026

Location: Fortune Hotel By ITC, Sector 27, Noida

Portfolio: 15 premium residential projects across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Gurugram and Howrah

Starting Price: Rs. 60 lakh*

About Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a well-regarded, reputed player in the Indian real estate sector owing to its cutting-edge design innovation, construction quality, and architectural excellence. It constitutes a significant segment of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has more than 160 years of legacy that bridges the earliest celebrated structures of India and the modern marvels. SPRE has made inroads into most Indian cities – Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram, Howrah and Kolkata – with a variety of developments, from luxury apartments and opulent residences to aspirational homes for mid-income homebuyers, as well as one of the largest mass housing projects in India.

'Symposium - Lifestyle & Diet: Nutrition, Wellness and Clinical Practice' organized by Department of Physiology, AIIMS, New Delhi in association with Food Future Foundation

Addressing the inaugural session of the national symposium "Lifestyle & Diet: Nutrition, Wellness and Clinical Practice", organised by the Department of Physiology, AIIMS New Delhi, in association with the Food Future Foundation (FFF) under the aegis of the Coalition for Food Systems Transformation in India (CoFTI), Dr. Srinivas welcomed the participation of experts from diverse disciplines, noting that collaborative dialogue is essential to address India's evolving nutrition challenges. He called for nutrition, diet and healthy lifestyle education to be appropriately integrated into medical curricula, saying it is essential to prepare future healthcare professionals and strengthen preventive healthcare. He also urged stakeholders to work together to strengthen nutrition and lifestyle education and contribute practical recommendations for a more holistic policy approach to improving the nation's health.

The symposium brought together leading clinicians, nutrition scientists, medical educators, regulators and policymakers, including Dr. Nikhil Tandon, Director, AIIMS New Delhi; Dr. Govind Makharia, Associate Dean (Research), AIIMS New Delhi; and Mr. Pawan Agarwal, Founder and CEO, Food Future Foundation and Former CEO, FSSAI, to discuss how emerging scientific evidence should reshape medical education and clinical practice. A major highlight was the release of the textbook Nutrition, Diet & Lifestyle: Learning and Teaching Diet, Food, Nutrition & Lifestyle in Clinical Practice, edited by Dr. Raj Kumar Yadav, Dr. Alexander Thomas, and Mr. Pawan Agarwal and developed by a team of nutrition and lifestyle experts led by senior nutritionist Parisksha Rao.

In the foreword to the book, Dr. Srinivas writes that "scientific evidence now leaves little doubt that food, nutrition and lifestyle are among the most powerful determinants of health," yet these subjects receive "far less attention in undergraduate medical education than they deserve." Describing nutrition as "an essential clinical competency for every doctor," he said the textbook integrates physiology, nutrition and lifestyle medicine to help future physicians understand how everyday food and lifestyle choices influence health, disease and patient care, and expressed confidence that it would become "a catalyst for strengthening nutrition and lifestyle medicine across medical education in India."

Dr. Ratna Sharma, Head, Department of Physiology, AIIMS, said advances in nutrition science and lifestyle medicine require a corresponding transformation in medical education. Dr. Raj Kumar Yadav, Professor of Physiology and lead editor of the textbook, said doctors must increasingly combine medical treatment with nutrition and lifestyle counselling as part of routine patient care. Prof Sheffali Gulati and Prof Vandana Jain delivered their talks focusing paediatric age group dietary therapy in epilepsy, autism, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction. Prof Naval K Vikram discussed skeletal muscles and metabolic health. Dr Ritesh Netam presented his research about high fat diet, obesity and neuroinflammation.

A key scientific session examined healthier food reformulation and the role of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in reducing sodium without compromising taste. Dr. Miro Smriga, Chairman, International Glutamate Technical Committee (IGTC), shared international experiences demonstrating how evidence-based reformulation is helping improve public health in several countries. Prof HN Mallick discussed about MSG and Dr Trina Sengupta presented findings from a recent systematic review published in Frontiers in Nutrition, concluding that MSG is safe for the general population, including infants, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Many renowned faculty, clinicians & scientists were present during the symposium and actively participated including Prof Girija Prasad Rath (AIIMS), Prof Rajesh Khadgawat (AIIMS), Dr SubbaRao MG, (Scientist G, National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR), Ms Anuja Agarwala (Senior Dietitian), Prof Vimal Katiyar (IIT, Guwahati), Prof Jamuna Prakash (University of Mysore), Prof Komal Chauhan, Prof Seema Puri, Prof Eram S Rao (University of Delhi) and Prof Pulkit Mathur (Lady Irwin College).

Mr. Pawan Agarwal, Founder and CEO, Food Future Foundation, said the symposium marks the beginning of a larger national effort to bridge the long-standing gap between nutrition science and clinical medicine.

The symposium concluded with a broad consensus that strengthening nutrition and lifestyle medicine in medical education is essential for building a more preventive, patient-centred and wellness-oriented healthcare system in India.

Distinguished industry representatives at the 20th edition of India’s premier marketing conference, Marketing Conclave (MarCon), organised by the IAMAI, powered by Google, in Mumbai

“In the emerging agentic era, the marketing opportunity shifts from search visibility to providing the precise answers and context that enable AI agents to act on a consumer’s behalf—always with explicit permission. We are working with the industry to lay the foundation of agentic commerce with open standards like the Universal Commerce Protocol to help brands thrive and build deeper, more valuable customer relationships. As we see, agentic capabilities are redefining how people search, discover, and shop," he added.

AI has become the talking point for the entertainment industry. At a session on ‘The Producer’s Paybook: TV, OTT and What Comes Next’, Goldie Behl, Filmmaker & Founder, Rose Audio Visuals, said, "AI is a tool that will enhance creativity. Ultimately, it will be human intelligence and AI working together. Human intelligence will always be driving storytelling.” Behl further added that AI should be viewed as a creative tool rather than a replacement for writers, while stressing the need for regulations around how AI learns from existing content and intellectual property rights.

Behl noted that OTT has undergone its own evolution, with the next wave of opportunities coming from brand-backed storytelling. “But, creators must understand and authentically communicate a brand's ethos,” he added.

The second day of the conference saw participation from notable industry experts, including Prashant Gutch, Head, Search & Shopping, Ads Marketing, Google; Poorva Bhatikar, Industry Head - Mobility, Google; Archit Goyal, Search & Performance Specialist, Google; Aviral Chandra, President Marketing, Shriram General Insurance; Pankaj Sharma, Chief Executive Officer & Director, MGID; Arpit Mankar, Senior Vice President – Head – NonBollywood, Shemaroo Entertainment; Somnath Mukherjee, Head of Programmatic and Performance Marketing, Reliance Retail, and Vinay Bhartia, Director - MEA & West Asia, Semrush, who shared insights on the evolving digital marketing landscape. MarCon featured an expo with participation from more than 30 leading marketing and technology companies. Over two days, the conference witnessed a footfall of more than 2,000. 

Among the partners of Marketing Conclave 2026 are Affinity Global Advertising, Consumr.ai, Connect Network, DoubleTick, Google, Helo.ai, mFilterIt, PubLive, Vonage, BC Web Wise, LS Digital, Truecaller, Semrush (An Adobe Company), ORIGIN8, Exotel, Shemaroo and many more.

About Internet and Mobile Association of India  
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body with more than 800 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as start-ups. IAMAI has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy. IAMAI advocates free and fair competition, and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers. The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy. Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups and promotion of consumer trust and safety. 

Captain Rahul Bali & Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi
 

The conclave organised by Interview Times, brought together dignitaries like Honourable Member of Parliament Shri R.N. Behera, CEO of Startup Odisha Sh. S.R. Pradhan IAS, Consul General of India in Auckland Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Mahapatra, CEO of TPCODL Sh. Gajanan S. Kale and Chairman Kiri Industries Sh. Manish Kiri as well as distinguished policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, academicians and business executives from across India to deliberate on Odisha’s growth trajectory and its vision for becoming a developed and globally competitive state.
 

Addressing the gathering, Captain Rahul Bali presented his keynote titled “Celebrating Odisha – Building a Global Destination Through Culture, Art & Tourism”, highlighting how Odisha’s extraordinary cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, artistic excellence, natural beauty and tourism assets can be strategically leveraged to drive economic growth, investment and international visibility.
 

Captain Bali commended the Government of Odisha under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi for its commitment towards accelerating economic development, infrastructure creation, tourism promotion and investment attraction.
 

He also lauded the efforts of Dr. Dibyajit Sahu in making the National CEO Conclave Odisha a distinguished platform for showcasing Odisha's potential to national and global audiences.
 

“The National CEO Conclave is a visionary initiative that brings together government, industry and thought leaders to collectively shape the future of Odisha. Such platforms play a vital role in showcasing the state’s immense potential and positioning Odisha as a destination for investment, innovation, tourism and cultural excellence,” said Captain Rahul Bali.
 

During his keynote address, Captain Bali emphasized that Odisha possesses all the ingredients required to emerge as one of Asia’s most compelling tourism destinations. He said, “Odisha is one of India’s greatest untold stories. The state already possesses world-class heritage, spirituality, culture, art, nature and authentic experiences. The opportunity lies in creating greater visibility, stronger storytelling and impactful global positioning.”
 

Drawing on his international experience in filmmaking and destination promotion, Captain Rahul Bali highlighted how cinema has become one of the world's most effective tools for tourism marketing. Citing global examples and his landmark Indo-Vietnam feature film Love in Vietnam, he explained how films, festivals and the creative economy—including media, arts and cultural experiences—can boost tourism, attract investment, generate employment and strengthen a destination's global brand. “Culture is no longer merely a heritage asset to be preserved. It is economic capital that can create jobs, generate tourism revenues, attract investment and build a strong global identity.”
 

Captain Rahul Bali further advocated the need to position Odisha as a preferred destination for domestic and international film productions by promoting filmmaker-friendly policies, streamlined permissions and stronger engagement with the global film industry.
 

He proposed a long-term vision that includes a Global Film Odisha Mission, an internationally recognized Odisha International Film Festival, enhanced destination branding initiatives under an Experience Odisha Campaign and a greater integration of culture, tourism and creative industries into the state’s economic development strategy.
 

His keynote received an enthusiastic response from visionary business leaders, policymakers and delegates who appreciated the practical roadmap presented by him for leveraging Odisha’s cultural and tourism strengths as engines of economic transformation around the core theme of "Viksit Odisha 2030" and nation-building.
 

Meeting with Chief Secretary of Odisha

Following his keynote address, Captain Rahul Bali held a meaningful interaction with the Chief Secretary of Odisha, Ms. Anu Garg, IAS, in the presence of the Honourable Consul General of India in Auckland, New Zealand, Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi.
 

During the interaction, Captain Rahul Bali shared his vision of positioning Odisha as a premier destination for domestic and international film productions, highlighting the role of cinema in promoting tourism and destination branding. He discussed showcasing Odisha's rich heritage, culture and natural beauty through films and expressed his interest in exploring the state as a location for one of his forthcoming film projects in collaboration with the film industry.
 

Ms. Anu Garg appreciated the potential of film-led destination promotion and welcomed the exchange of ideas on how the creative industries can contribute to tourism development, investment attraction and economic growth. The discussion reflected a shared interest in exploring opportunities that could further strengthen Odisha’s positioning as an attractive destination for filmmaking, tourism and cultural engagement.
 

The presence of Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Honourable Consul General of India in Auckland, added an international perspective to the discussions and underscored the growing importance of cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion and creative collaborations in strengthening India’s global outreach.
 

A Vision for Odisha’s Global Future

Concluding his address, Captain Rahul Bali expressed confidence that Odisha is uniquely positioned to emerge as one of India’s leading destinations for tourism, culture, film production and investment.
 

“Tourism is not built by monuments alone. It is built through stories, experiences, festivals, films and emotional connections. Odisha has all the ingredients necessary to become a globally admired destination. With visionary leadership, strategic collaboration and effective storytelling, the state can create a powerful model of sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Bali.
 

The keynote and subsequent discussions reinforced the growing recognition of culture, tourism and creative industries as important pillars of economic development and highlighted the significant opportunities that lie ahead for Odisha in the years to come.
 

About Captain Rahul Bali

Captain Rahul Bali is an Indian Army Veteran, Film Producer, Entrepreneur, Festival Curator and Cultural Diplomat. He is the Producer of Love in Vietnam and the upcoming international feature film SILAA, and has played a significant role in strengthening cultural, tourism and economic ties between India and several countries through cinema, festivals and international collaborations.

New global research* from Velo highlights the growing need for shared experiences, as Velo launches “Echoes of Tomorrowland” – a global network of live events and synchronised livestreams that bring the magical experience of Tomorrowland to fans around the world.
 

Velo Echoes of Tomorrowland
 

The campaign is backed by new research* that found that almost two in five adults (39%) say building meaningful connections has become harder with age. This is driven by a range of factors, including difficulty in finding people with the same interests (28%), feeling awkward (27%) fear of rejection (24%), and a fear of being judged (21%).
 

Velo, the leading nicotine pouch brand in Europe** made for true originals, and Tomorrowland together believe the ultimate catalyst for breaking down these barriers is the music itself. The physical dancefloor acts as a powerful space for connection, driven by its unique role in self-expression. 30% of respondents agree the dancefloor is where they feel most able to show up as their authentic selves and "dance like nobody’s watching”, while 61% feel more comfortable expressing themselves when they see others doing the same. This leads to meaningful connections, with 27% of 25-35 year olds agreeing that friendships made at live music or cultural events are more genuine than those formed in other social settings.
 

Velo Echoes of Tomorrowland
 

With many fans unable to attend Tomorrowland in person, Velo brought the festival’s energy, culture, and community beyond. And to prove that self-expression is contagious, the campaign kicked off with a bespoke social experiment at the Tomorrowland Store in Ibiza where guests were handed a beautifully crafted physical butterfly half and challenged to find a stranger holding the other half to complete the butterfly. This interactive social experiment instantly turned a room of strangers into an active, collaborative community.
 

The event, which took place on Friday 17th July, was headlined by Ukrainian house and techno DJ, Korolova, and featured a livestream from Tomorrowland’s mainstage. Recreating Tomorrowland’s unique culture of spontaneous community, Velo welcomed a mix of consumer fans alongside hosted media from the UK and Spain, and lifestyle and music creators flown in from all corners of the globe.
 

Through connected “Echo” events in Ibiza and others – featuring live stages, synchronised streams, and DJ sets – “Echoes of Tomorrowland” creates a unique space and opportunity for dance music fans to fully express themselves and experience something new together.
 

Reflecting on the unique energy of the night, global DJ headliner Korolova said, "The dancefloor is one of the few places where people feel completely free to express who they are without judgment. That's the energy I felt throughout the night in Ibiza, thanks to Velo - it was incredible to watch everyone let go, show up as their true selves, and celebrate their originality together."
 

Tomorrowland
 

Supporting artist Camden Cox added, "What stayed with me from the night was watching total strangers connect so easily through a shared experience. Sometimes all people need is a small invitation to start a conversation, and seeing the crowd use the physical butterflies to break the ice and dance together was pure magic."
 

Malky Brown, Global Head of Content & Partnerships at BAT, commented, “With ‘Echoes of Tomorrowland’, we wanted to recreate the sense of connection that makes the festival so special. By encouraging people to step outside their comfort zones and connect with others, we brought to life Velo’s belief that self-expression can bring people closer together.”
 

To watch the official event wrap film and discover more about Velo, visit @velo.global.
 

For +18 nicotine consumers only. This product contains nicotine and is addictive.
 

* 2009 Nicotine users (Aged 18+), who have used nicotine products for at least the past six months and are currently at least weekly users of nicotine products across the UK, Spain, Pakistan, Poland, and Austria. Research conducted between 16.06.2026 - 22.06.2026.

** Based on Velo estimated volume share in measured retail in the following key nicotine pouch markets in Europe: Sweden, Denmark, UK, Poland and Switzerland, calculated for the year 2025.

WAE Showcases Next-Generation Sustainable Water Technologies at the India International Hospitality Expo 2026
 

Designed for hotels, resorts, corporate campuses, airports, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, premium residential developments and public infrastructure, the two technologies represent WAE’s vision of transforming the way organizations produce, purify, dispense and manage drinking water—while eliminating dependence on single-use plastic bottles and significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with conventional water logistics.

Aqua-Smith™ converts atmospheric humidity into safe drinking water through advanced air-to-water engineering, offering an independent and sustainable source of potable water in regions facing increasing water stress. The platform has been developed to complement WAE’s broader Carbon Neutral Water ecosystem and supports organizations pursuing ambitious ESG and Net Zero commitments.

The exhibition also marks the official introduction of Infinity™, WAE’s patented breakthrough in water purification and dispensing. Unlike conventional storage-based systems, Infinity™ delivers continuous-flow purified water without interruption, ensuring consistent quality, enhanced hygiene and operational efficiency. The technology is engineered to provide chilled, ambient and hot water on demand while eliminating the limitations associated with storage tanks and batch processing. Its intelligent architecture enables superior water quality, lower energy consumption and a significantly improved user experience for high-demand commercial environments.

Speaking on the occasion, A. Vikram Joshe, Managing Director, WAE, said, “The hospitality industry is redefining luxury through sustainability. Guests increasingly expect experiences that are environmentally responsible without compromising quality. Aqua-Smith™ and Infinity™ have been developed to address exactly that challenge—combining engineering excellence, operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. These innovations reflect WAE’s commitment to enabling a future where sustainable water becomes the new standard rather than the exception.”

Also on display is WAE’s latest breakthrough innovation - Primus, a state-of-the-art, fully automatic glass bottling plant, engineered to wash, fill, cap and deliver every bottle with precision. Built for hospitality properties of every scale, it underscores WAE's continued push to help hotels and institutions produce their own premium glass-bottled water in-house.

Visitors to the WAE pavilion will experience live demonstrations of the new technologies alongside the company’s integrated portfolio of sustainable water solutions, advanced purification technologies, IoT-enabled water intelligence platforms, water recycling solutions and long-term Water-as-a-Service (WaaS) operating models.

With sustainability becoming central to the future of hospitality, WAE continues to work alongside leading hotels, institutions and enterprises to accelerate the transition towards carbon-neutral water infrastructure and circular water management. Visitors are invited to experience the future of sustainable hydration at the WAE Pavilion during the Indian Hospitality Exposition 2026.

About WAE

WAE is a sustainability-led engineering OEM dedicated to advancing a water-secure and climate-resilient future through integrated water technologies, digital innovation and circular resource management. The company designs, manufactures and operates advanced systems for water purification, atmospheric water generation, glass bottling, recycling, intelligent water management and sustainable beverage infrastructure. Through engineering excellence and long-term operational partnerships, WAE enables organizations to reduce environmental impact while delivering measurable economic, operational and social value.

Sameer Gupta, Director, Shikhar Realty Services Pvt. Ltd., with investors at the ‘Gateway to Office’ initiative

The initiative aimed to create greater awareness about the role a well-located and thoughtfully planned office space plays in business growth, brand perception, employee productivity and client confidence. Throughout the event, visitors explored a range of commercial office options and interacted with experienced real estate consultants to better understand how different workspace solutions can support businesses at various stages of expansion.

Office options presented during the event ranged from compact suites for startups to larger configurable office spaces for established organisations. Visitors were introduced to spaces offering modern business amenities, including conference facilities, dedicated parking, 24/7 security, furnished and shell options, flexible layouts and high-speed internet connectivity.

Speaking about the initiative, Sameer Gupta, Director, Shikhar Realty Services Pvt. Ltd., said, “Selecting an office is no longer just a real estate decision—it is a business decision. A company’s workplace reflects its identity and ambitions. Through Gateway to Office, our objective was to help business owners understand the long-term value of choosing the right commercial address while providing transparent guidance throughout the property selection process.”

The event also highlighted the increasing interest in organised commercial office spaces across Faridabad as businesses continue to look for strategically connected locations that support long-term operations and future expansion. Along with showcasing office spaces, the company offered one-on-one consultations, property shortlisting, site visit assistance and transaction guidance to help visitors make informed decisions.

Established in 2005, Shikhar Realty Services has been assisting homebuyers, investors and businesses with residential and commercial real estate across Faridabad and the NCR region. Through its advisory-driven approach, the company provides verified property options, market insights and end-to-end support throughout the buying process.

As part of the Gateway to Office initiative, interested businesses can schedule consultations, explore suitable commercial office options and arrange guided site visits with the company’s advisory team. The objective is to simplify the commercial property selection process while helping organisations identify office spaces that align with their operational and growth requirements.

Shikhar Realty Services Pvt. Ltd. is a Faridabad-based real estate advisory company established in 2005. The company specialises in residential and commercial property consulting across Faridabad and the National Capital Region, offering professional guidance, verified property solutions and end-to-end transaction support for homebuyers, investors and businesses.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal

The three-day conference will address emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), pandemic preparedness, disease surveillance, diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccination strategies, and one health approaches. Given India's growing influence in global health research, the conference will provide a valuable platform for Indian scientists, public health experts, and students to engage with internationally recognised specialists and showcase the nation's growing scientific achievements.

Speaking about the conference, Sonja Schmid, Senior Editor, Nature Communications, said, "Infectious diseases remain a major global health challenge, shaped by factors ranging from climate change to antimicrobial resistance. This conference convenes distinguished experts from various disciplines to examine innovative solutions and help shape the future of infectious disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment."

Lorenzo Righetto, Senior Editor, Nature Health, added, "There is a pressing need for innovative and actionable ideas to tackle pandemic-level threats from existing and emerging pathogens. We hope this conference will elevate these issues on the global public health agenda and inspire meaningful scientific dialogue."

Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, "The challenges posed by emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance demand collaborative, interdisciplinary solutions. MAHE is honoured to host this global dialogue, which brings together experts from across the world to strengthen scientific partnerships and advance equitable, sustainable solutions for global health."

The conference programme includes keynote lectures, panel discussions, roundtables, poster presentations, and networking sessions. Topics will cover disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostics, vaccination, climate change, pandemic preparedness, and equitable access to healthcare innovations.

The programme includes internationally renowned speakers like Alessandro Vespignani (Northeastern University, USA), Elaine Nsoesie (Boston University, USA), Lauren Gardner (Johns Hopkins University, USA), Madhukar Pai (McGill University, Canada), Shabir A. Madhi (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa), and Marion Koopmans (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands).

Call for Abstracts Open

Researchers from India and around the world are invited to submit abstracts. Selected abstracts will be included in the conference programme, and four outstanding submissions will be shortlisted for oral presentations. Researchers, healthcare professionals, students, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to submit abstracts and register early to attend this landmark international scientific conference.

Abstract submissions are now open: submissions.conferences.nature.com/core/login

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world.

Courtesy of Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia

“Seafood Expo Asia is an important platform for the B.C. Dive Fisheries to continue to strengthen our relationships with buyers across Southeast Asia,” said Lawrence Anderson, Director of Pacific Sea Cucumber and Urchin Harvesters Associations (Canada). “It’s an excellent platform to showcase our sustainably harvested premium quality seafood products.”

New Regional and National Pavilions Demonstrating Global Influence
New regional and national pavilions with a growing number of companies will take advantage of the growing demand for seafood across Asia and connect suppliers across the supply chain with buyers in Asia. New pavilions to this year’s event include British Columbia Government (Canada), Jeju Technopark (South Korea), Ministero dell’Agricoltura della Sovranità Alimentare e delle Foreste (MASAF) (Italy) and The French Chamber of Commerce Singapore (France/Singapore).

Returning pavilions include Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (United States), Beijing Yinqicheng International Exhibition Co., Ltd. (China), CAPPMA (China), Dalian Huihetong Exhibition & Display Co., Ltd (China), Food Export USA – Northeast (United States), Hainan Fuchang Exhibition Service Co., Ltd (China), Japan Farmed Fish Export Association (Japan), Kochi Seafood Export Promotion Association (Japan), National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives (South Korea), Seafood Industries Association Singapore (Singapore), Southern United States Trade Association – SUSTA (United States) and Valuedshow Management LLC (China).

New Exhibitors From Around the World
Beyond pavilions, first-time exhibitors are arriving from Ecuador, Chile, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and China, adding new voices, products and solutions to the exhibit hall. Blumar Asia Ltd, the Asia arm of Chile’s Blumar, will exhibit fresh and frozen Chilean Atlantic salmon alongside its jack mackerel and fishmeal lines. Jeju Technopark, a South Korean government-backed research and innovation center, develops smart land-based aquaculture technology for seaweed and laver cultivation using Jeju Island’s mineral-rich lava seawater. Xinjiang Tianyun Organic Agriculture Co., Ltd. farms salmon and trout at a base fed by glacial water in the Tianshan Mountains and holds BRC Global Food Safety and NSF antibiotic-free product certifications. Foodman Optoelectronic (Zhongshan) Co., Ltd. specializes in food safety and quality-control equipment for seafood processing, including X-ray inspection systems that detect fish bones and foreign objects on the line.

From Ocean to Table: A Full Supply Chain Event
Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia is deliberately designed to reflect the full breath of the seafood industry. Alongside the new exhibitors, returning participants include AquaChile, Austral Fisheries, Vinh Hoan Corporation, Marennes Oleron Oyster PGI and Omarsa S.A., among others. Processing equipment and solutions companies — including BAADER, Gucheng Shouan New Material Technology, Guy Cotten and Silikal GmbH — ensure that buyers sourcing automation, packaging, cold chain and aquaculture infrastructure reach their business goals in one location.

The 2026 exhibit hall will feature all types of seafood products — fresh, frozen, canned, preserved, value-added, processed and packaged — alongside solutions spanning processing and automation, aquaculture systems, cold chain infrastructure and advanced packaging. This full-spectrum lineup means that a hotel procurement manager, a supermarket buyer, a processing plant manager and a hatchery operator can each attend the same event and leave with new suppliers and new partnerships.

Business Matchmaking, New Products and Educational Opportunities
Beyond the exhibit hall, the event delivers a full program of business opportunities. Qualified high-volume importers and retail/foodservice buyers can participate in the Business Matchmaking Program, which facilitates structured, pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with exhibiting suppliers. The Seafood Excellence Asia Awards, the expo’s product competition, celebrates the best new seafood products on the market, giving innovative suppliers direct visibility with buyers and press at an evening reception.

An educational conference will bring together industry leaders to address seafood consumption trends and market outlook, AI in the supply chain, sustainability certification, RAS fish farming, processing trends across Asia and more. Rounding out the experience, live culinary demonstrations and open product tastings will bring seafood to life on the event floor, connecting buyers directly with the products they are sourcing.

Learn More & Register to Attend
Seafood industry professionals can learn more about Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia, find information on the conference program and other special events, and register to attend for free by visiting www.seafoodexpo.com/asia.

To register as media/press, please visit the press center.

About Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia
Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia is a trade event where buyers from across Asia and industry suppliers from around the world come together to network and conduct business in the lucrative Asian market. The event is produced by Diversified and takes place annually in Asia. SeafoodSource is the exposition’s official media covering industry news year-round.

Follow on Social
LinkedIn @Seafood Expo Asia
Instagram @seafoodexpoasia
Facebook @SeafoodExpoAsia

About Diversified
Diversified is a global B2B events and media company that strengthens business communities by fostering a space, in person and online, for professionals and businesses to connect and grow. The company serves as a trusted partner across several industries including active lifestyle, business management, clean energy, commercial marine, healthcare, seafood, technology and more. The company’s global seafood portfolio of expositions and media includes Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia and SeafoodSource.com. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, the global company has divisions and offices around the world in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Diversified is a third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.

Somaiya Vidyavihar University welcomes the world to the campus

Over the next seven days, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, Czechia, Spain, France, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hong Kong China, Hungary, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Singapore, Switzerland and the host nation India will compete on Somaiya Vidyavihar University's World Squash Federation-certified courts. Yet the significance of the championship extends beyond the competition itself.

For the athletes, it is an opportunity to represent their countries on one of the world's premier stages for university sport. More than 120 student volunteers from colleges across India, including 60–70 from Mumbai, came together to support the championship alongside thousands of young people on campus. A world championship is no longer an event happening elsewhere; it is unfolding right here in Mumbai at their very own Somaiya Vidyavihar University. It is an opportunity to witness international competition firsthand, contribute to an event of global significance and recognise that a university campus can be a place where world-class sporting moments are experienced, organised and created.

Somaiya Vidyavihar University has consistently invested in sporting infrastructure, athlete development and competitive pathways that enable students to pursue excellence in both academics and sport. From hosting national university championships and developing World Squash Federation-certified courts to supporting the Indian university squash contingent, it has created an environment where aspiring athletes can compete at the highest levels while continuing their education. Hosting the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash is therefore not an isolated milestone, but the culmination of years of sustained institutional commitment to university sport.

For Samir Somaiya, Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, the championship carries an equally personal significance. Having played squash for more than four decades, including during his years as a student overseas, he has long believed that a sport often associated with private clubs and limited access should be accessible within a university campus. His conviction has shaped the University's approach to sport, where every student is encouraged to participate in at least one sporting discipline and the world-class Somaiya Sports Academy, Eklavya, has been developed to ensure access and opportunity are available to all. Hosting the championship represents not only another institutional milestone, but also another step in fulfilling a promise that began decades ago.

"When I went abroad to study, my grandfather asked me to build a university like the one I wanted to study in. Hosting the FISU World University Championship Squash is one more step in fulfilling that promise. Sport teaches us far more than winning. It teaches us to compete with ourselves, to work together, to lead, to lose with grace and to grow as individuals. Those are opportunities every student deserves. That is why sport is an integral part of education at Somaiya." - Samir Somaiya, Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University.

As squash prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, events such as the FISU World University Championship create important pathways for student-athletes to compete internationally while continuing their education. They also reflect the increasingly important role universities play in developing sporting talent, investing in world-class infrastructure and strengthening the future of sport. Hosting the championship reinforces both Somaiya Vidyavihar University's commitment to university sport and India's growing stature as a destination for international sporting events.

Welcoming the athletes, officials and delegates, Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak, President, Association of Indian Universities, reflected on the role universities play in shaping not only accomplished scholars but responsible citizens. Drawing upon the story of Eklavya, he described education as a journey where determination triumphs over privilege. He reaffirmed that sport remains one of the greatest classrooms for resilience, teamwork and character.

In India's ancient tradition, sport has always been far more than a means to stay fit or compete. It is a way to discover one's potential, build character and realise one's true purpose. Sport teaches us how to work together, grow together and achieve together, lessons that extend far beyond the playing field. That is why I believe every university should make sport an integral part of education, helping students develop not only as scholars, but also as responsible individuals and members of society."

Representing FISU, Martin Dalton, Executive Committee Senior Member, reflected on the journey that brought the championship to Mumbai and acknowledged the partnership between Somaiya Vidyavihar University, the Association of Indian Universities and the many organisations that worked together to make the event possible. He commended the University's commitment to delivering an international championship that reflects the highest standards of university sport and encouraged every athlete to embrace not only the competition but also the cultural experience that India has to offer."Right from the onset of the event's attribution, the organising committee, led by our gracious host, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, supported by the Association of Indian Universities and the many event partners, have shared one dream, epitomised by the slogan, 'Smashing Barriers, Uniting Nations.' My FISU colleagues and I truly appreciate the efforts taken to make the event one of the best FISU World Championships held this year."

Declaring the championship officially open, Shri Venugopal Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Maharashtra, welcomed the international contingent to Mumbai and described the event as an expression of India's enduring philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. He expressed confidence that the championship would foster lasting friendships and strengthen the bonds between young people from across the world through the spirit of sport.

"It is indeed a matter of pride, not only for Somaiya Vidyavihar University but also for Mumbai city, and I think I can include our department as well in taking pride in organising this event. I am sure the sporting event will build lasting relations between the sportspersons of the various nations and will bring lasting friendships in the course of the tournament."

The opening ceremony also celebrated the cultural exchange that lies at the heart of the FISU movement. Through an evocative sand art performance, acclaimed artist Nitish Bharati brought to life India's rich heritage, timeless traditions, spirit of learning, sporting excellence and warm hospitality, culminating in Somaiya Vidyavihar University's journey to hosting the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash in Mumbai. This was followed by The Golden Bird – A Journey Across Cultures, a vibrant cultural production celebrating India's diversity while reflecting the friendship and cultural exchange that define the FISU movement. Representatives from FISU also commended Somaiya Vidyavihar University, the Association of Indian Universities and the organising committee for delivering a championship marked by world-class facilities, dedicated volunteers and the warmth of Indian hospitality.

Behind the ceremony, however, was another story, one that unfolded long before the first delegation arrived in Mumbai. Months of preparation by the organising committee, coaches, staff and more than 120 student volunteers transformed an ambitious vision into an international championship. For many of the volunteers, it was their first experience of delivering an event of this scale. For the organising team, it was the culmination of years of planning, collaboration and belief that a university campus could successfully host the world.

That spirit found its most heartfelt expression during the ceremony itself. Stepping away from the prepared programme, Samir Somaiya invited Aazaz Khan, Director, Somaiya Sports Academy, onto the stage in recognition of the team behind the championship. It was a reminder that institutions are not built by individuals alone. They are built by people who choose to believe in a shared purpose and work together to realise it. Aazaz Khan acknowledged the collective effort that made the championship possible and thanked the Association of Indian Universities and FISU for placing their trust in Somaiya Vidyavihar University, describing the championship as the outcome of a shared vision realised through teamwork.

The University also acknowledged the support of its partners in bringing the championship to life. One8, the Official India Jersey Partner, proudly supports Team India as it competes on home soil. Taj The Trees, Mumbai, is hosting athletes, officials and delegates from around the world, reflecting the warmth and professionalism with which India welcomes international sporting events.

As the ceremony concluded, the celebrations gave way to competition. Over the coming week, champions will be crowned, and medals will be awarded, but the championship has already achieved something that will endure far beyond the final match. It has shown how a vision can be carried across generations, how dreams grow stronger when they are shared, and how trust between mentors and students, institutions and partners, organisers and volunteers, and universities and young athletes can create opportunities that inspire far beyond the boundaries of sport.

For one week, Mumbai becomes the meeting point of global university sport. Long after the final point is played, the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash will be remembered not only for the competition it hosted, but for the belief it reaffirmed—that universities are places where opportunity is created, where communities come together to build something greater than themselves, and where a single vision, shared across generations, can inspire countless futures.

Please Note: Fans around the world can watch the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and live championship matches across FISU TV, SquashTV, Prasar Bharati,, Waves OTT, and India Squash TV.
 

About FISU

Since its founding in 1949, the International University Sports Federation is the key driver to expand the role and reach of university sport around the world. FISU serves as the global platform for world university sport at all levels through sport events, educational initiatives and wellbeing. Together with its members and continental organisations, FISU supports students, connects universities and leads cultural exchange. FISU fosters academic-athletic balance and promotes wellbeing, respect, excellence and inclusion for generations to come. www.fisu.net

About Association of Indian Universities AIU

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is the apex National Sports Promotion Organization (NSPO) for university sports in India and one of the largest associations of universities in the world, representing 1,200+ member universities. For over nine decades, AIU has played a pivotal role in promoting university sports, identifying grassroots sporting talent, and providing a structured pathway for student-athletes to excel at the national and international levels.

As the country's largest organized university sports ecosystem, AIU conducts 230+ Inter-University Tournaments annually across 58 sports disciplines at the zonal and national levels. Through the active participation of 1,100+ universities, 47,000+ affiliated colleges, and 25,000+ colleges in inter-collegiate competitions, AIU provides competitive opportunities to more than 2.2 million student-athletes from a base of over one crore college students.

AIU serves as the primary feeder system for India's national and international multi-sport events by nurturing emerging talent, fostering excellence in sports, and strengthening the university sports movement across the country. In collaboration with its member universities, AIU continues to create opportunities for student-athletes to represent India with distinction on global sporting platforms. aiu.ac.in

About Somaiya Vidyavihar University

Somaiya Vidyavihar University (Accredited with an A Grade by NAAC), established in 2019, is a leading multidisciplinary university in India, built upon the 84-year legacy of Somaiya Vidyavihar. Its approach to education is centred on पेशा (profession), सोच (mindset), and चरित्र (character), preparing students to excel in their chosen fields while empowering them to embrace endless possibilities.

The University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and professional programmes across disciplines including Engineering & Technology, Management, Commerce & Business Studies, Basic & Applied Sciences, Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, Design, Film, Music & Performing Arts, Sports, Dharma Studies, Civilisation Studies, Languages & Literature, and Library & Information Science. Through interdisciplinary learning, research, industry partnerships, experiential education, and a vibrant startup incubation ecosystem, Somaiya Vidyavihar University empowers students to transform knowledge into meaningful impact for society. www.somaiya.edu.

Mr. Durgesh S. Chandavarkar, Chairman; Mr. Arun D. Mavinkurve, Vice Chairman; the Board, Board of Management, MD Mr. Ravinder Singh and senior executives at the Bank's 120th AGM

Chaired by Mr. Durgesh S. Chandavarkar, the Chairman of the Bank; all agenda items and meeting topics set out in the notice to members were transacted.

The Bank also presented its Audited Financials for the year ended March 31, 2026, reporting Total Business of Rs. 43,693 crore, a year-on-year growth of 11.03%. Deposits rose to Rs. 24,956 crore, a 11.51% year-on-year growth from Rs. 22,380 crore in the previous financial year, while Advances increased to Rs. 18,737 crore, a 10.40% year-on-year growth from Rs. 16,973 crore in the previous financial year. The Bank recorded a Net Profit of Rs. 205 crore for the financial year. Asset quality remained resilient with Gross NPA at 2.69% and Net NPA at 0.96%, and the Bank’s capital position strengthened with a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) of 15.48%.

During the AGM, Mr. Durgesh S. Chandavarkar, Chairman; and Mr. Arun D. Mavinkurve, Vice Chairman of the Bank; felicitated and honoured one of the Bank's most valued customers, Mr. Dinkar Bhavanishankar Burde, in recognition of his remarkable association with the Bank since 1958. A centenarian, Mr. Dinkar Bhavanishankar Burde was celebrated for his unwavering trust and loyalty spanning nearly seven decades, symbolizing the enduring relationships the Bank has built with its customers. The special felicitation served as a tribute to his lifelong association with the Bank and reflected the institution's commitment to recognizing and valuing the trust and support of its longstanding customers.

The financial year saw the Bank focus on digital transformation, reinforce risk management practices, and selectively expand its Branch network, while continuing to prioritise customer service and operational discipline.

“As SVC Bank holds its 120^th AGM this year, our focus remains on building an institution that combines strong governance, financial resilience and customer trust with a clear vision for the future. The progress we have achieved reflects the collective commitment of our Board, Management and Employees, and we will continue to pursue sustainable growth while creating long-term value for our Members and Customers," said Mr. Durgesh S. Chandavarkar, Chairman, SVC Co-operative Bank Ltd.

Looking ahead, SVC Bank plans to deepen its focus on retail and priority sector lending, including MSMEs, affordable housing, and institutional deposits, while further expanding its presence across the country.

About SVC Bank

Set up in 1906, SVC Bank is a 119-year-rich institution that has contributed significantly to the development of the co-operative movement in India for over a century. Today, the Bank is one of the oldest and most recognised names in the country’s co-operative banking space. SVC is a Multi-State Scheduled Co-operative Bank with its presence across 10 States & 1 Union Territory – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Total Business of the Bank is at Rs. 43,693 Crores as on March 31, 2026 and Net Profit stands at Rs. 205 Crores. Gross NPA stood at 2.69% while Net NPA stood at 0.96% and the Provisioning Coverage Ratio (PCR) at 65.16%, reflecting the Bank's strong financial fundamentals.

Headquartered in Mumbai, the Bank has a vast network of 203 branches, 220 ATMs and an employee strength of over 2,500. The Bank offers the entire gamut of services across Retail, Corporate and International Banking.

The Bank’s performance and innovation have been recognised through several recent industry awards.

• SVC Bank was honoured with three prestigious awards — Best Urban Co-operative Bank, Best Multi-State Urban Co-operative Bank and Best CTO/IT Head Of The Year — at the Bharat Ratna Sahakarita Samman Ceremony 2026, conducted at the Bharat Cooperative Banking Summit 2026, on June 6^th, 2026, in Lucknow.

• The Bank was also honoured with the 'Leading Bank Award' in Category Tier IV at the 10^th All India Co-operative Banking Summit & Awards 2026, conducted on May 8^th & 9^th, 2026, in Pune.

• The Bank was awarded Best Urban Co-operative Bank, Best Cyber Security Initiative and Digital Banking Innovation of the Year at the 3^rd Rashtriya Urban Cooperative Banking Summit & Awards 2026.

• SVC Bank received three distinguished recognitions at IBA's Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations 2024-25, conducted on January 9^th, 2026 in Mumbai: Best Fintech & DPI Adoption (Winner) in the Co-operative Sector Banks category, Best Tech Talent (Winner) in the Co-operative Sector Banks category and Best Technology Bank (Special Mention) in the Co-operative Sector Banks category.

• The Bank was awarded the Leader Award at the 9^th All India UCB Summit & Awards, 2025, the Best HR Transformation and Best Audit Transformation Awards at the FCBA Awards 2025, and the Gold Award for the Bank's Wall Calendar for the Year 2025 & Consolation Award for the Bank's Annual Report F.Y. 2024-25, at the 15^th PRCI Excellence Awards 2025. In addition, earlier honours include the Banco Blue Ribbon 2024 Award for excellence in the Urban Co-operative Bank category.

Other notable mentions:

• The Bank was also felicitated at the Rashtriya Coop Samman Samaroh 2025 with the titles of Best Urban Co-operative Bank, Best Multi-State Urban Co-operative Bank and Best Chairperson of the Year awarded to Shri. Durgesh S. Chandavarkar.

• SVC Bank was recently awarded the prestigious 'Most Innovative CFO' Award at the Silver Feather Awards 2025 - 6^th Edition and ET Now’s “Best Organisations to Work 2025”. These accolades reflect the Bank’s leadership in co-operative banking, commitment to technology and people, and its role in advancing financial inclusion.

SVC Bank website: www.svc.bank.in

imm india 2026 brings India's furniture and interiors industry

Organised by Koelnmesse — the force behind imm cologne, one of the world's three largest furniture trade fairs — imm india 2026 takes place from 1–3 September 2026 at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. It is India's integrated B2B sourcing platform where global and domestic demand meets India's manufacturing depth under a single roof — across furniture, home décor, rugs and carpets, mattresses, and handcrafted collections.

The response from the domestic trade community has been unprecedented. Architects and interior designers, real estate developers, retailers and wholesalers, HoReCa professionals, buying houses, and sourcing agencies have signed up in numbers that reflect a genuine industry hunger for a platform of this kind — one that offers direct manufacturer access, design-forward product, and the kind of business conversations that do not happen over a catalogue or a portal.

Speaking on the platform’s growing relevance, Mr. Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd., said, "imm india 2026 is not just another exhibition — it is a bold statement of India's readiness to lead the global furniture and interiors conversation. Our vision is to create a marketplace where Indian manufacturers connect seamlessly with global demand, where design meets business, and where long-term partnerships are built."

imm india serves both directions of the supply chain simultaneously. On one side, over 100 confirmed exhibitors — many of them export-ready manufacturers who typically prioritise international orders — now have a structured platform to engage India's domestic trade buyers directly. On the other side, domestic buyers get what they have rarely had: access to export-quality, design-led product, at source, with the maker in the room.

For an architect or interior designer, that means touching material, briefing a manufacturer to specification, and sourcing something genuinely distinctive for a project — not another off-the-shelf option. For a retailer or distributor, it means first-mover access to new collections before they reach the wider market. For HoReCa professionals and real estate developers, it is direct procurement at project scale — cutting out the agent, closing the margin gap, and briefing the supplier face-to-face.

The global trade environment is adding momentum to this domestic story. The recently finalised EU–India Free Trade Agreement and the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) — providing duty-free access for 99% of Indian furniture, home décor, and handicraft exports into Europe and the UK — are significantly elevating India's position as a global sourcing destination. What this means for domestic buyers is material: manufacturers who are now internationally competitive are exhibiting at imm india. The product on the floor has been built to global specification.

Mr. C.P Sharma, President – Handloom Handicraft Exporters Welfare Association (HHEWA), COA Member, PDEXCIL (Ministry of Textiles, Government of India invited COA EPCH, said, "HHEWA is pleased to partner with imm india to create new business and export opportunities for India's handicraft and home décor exporters. Together, HHEWA and imm india are committed to supporting the growth, visibility, and global competitiveness of Indian exporters."

Mr. Bharat Dinesh, President, Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Association, said, "imm india marks a defining step for India's furniture and interiors industry. It gives our members and the wider ecosystem a focused global platform to showcase Indian design, connect with serious buyers, and build partnerships that strengthen India's position in global trade."

The show floor spans furniture, rugs and carpets, home décor, surfaces, kitchen solutions, mattresses, and handcrafted collections, with confirmed exhibitors including Source, Sunrise International, Sheela Foam Limited, Obeetee Pvt. Ltd., Phoenix Industries Ltd., Royal Rugs, Khivraj Handicrafts, Sankara Furniture Designs, Metaltech Design, Saraf Exports, Tapisserie Home, The Furniture Folks, and Mahesh Handicrafts — alongside 100+ total exhibitors spanning major manufacturing hubs from Jodhpur and Moradabad to Karur and Saharanpur.

Alongside the domestic trade opportunity, imm india 2026 is hosting a structured International Hosted Buyer Programme — bringing confirmed trade delegations from the USA, Australia, UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Oman, Mexico, Egypt, Israel, Romania, UAE, and other key markets. For Indian exhibitors, this means qualified international buyers on the floor — not a projection, a confirmed programme.

The event is backed by India's broadest industry coalition for a furniture and interiors platform. imm india 2026's supporting associations include JHEA, AMK, HHEWA, Buying Agents Association (BAA), and AFMI – Association of Furniture Manufacturers of India (Exclusive Partner). Further support from The Handicrafts Exporters Association Moradabad, Bagru Industrial Association, AACC, IETO, ICC, Kirti Nagar Timber & Furniture Dealers Association, and KHEXMASS creates a pan-India coalition spanning every manufacturing cluster, trade body, and buyer segment of consequence.

Beyond sourcing, imm india 2026 will host industry conferences and knowledge sessions curated with the architecture and interior design community, and the imm india Excellence Awards — recognising innovation, sustainability, craftsmanship, and design excellence across Indian manufacturing.

India's furniture and interiors industry has always been globally competitive. imm india 2026 is the platform where that competitiveness meets the domestic market it has largely bypassed — and where the international market it is now entering comes to confirm what it has been hearing. Three days. One address. The industry's full range. That is what September 1–3 in New Delhi looks like.

Registration is free for qualified trade visitors. To register or learn more: www.imm-india.com.

Koelnmesse – Global Inspiration for Living, Contract and Public Spaces
Koelnmesse is the world’s top trade fair organiser for the areas of Living, Contract and Public Spaces. Leading international trade fairs such as ORGATEC, interzum, FSB, aquanale and spoga+gafa come together at the Cologne trade fair location to form renowned and established industry meeting points. This strong portfolio is further enhanced by imm cologne and idd cologne, both of which are also held in Cologne. These fairs comprehensively represent the interior and design segment, the furniture and interior construction industries' supplying sections, the kitchen world, all topics for the modern working world, garden lifestyle as well as modern work environments, the garden lifestyle, public spaces, sports and leisure facilities, along with saunas, pools and wellness centres.

Beyond that, Koelnmesse is strategically expanding its portfolio in international growth markets. The imm brand family includes imm india and IFFINA+ powered by imm cologne in Indonesia. The ORGATEC brand has established a global footprint with ORGATEC Tokyo, ORGATEC India, and ORGATEC WORKSPACE Saudi Arabia. The international presence of the interzum brand extends to interzum guangzhou, interzum bogota, interzum jakarta, and the interzum forum italy. The FSB brand is also internationally active, with the FSB Sports Show Riyadh and the FSB Forum Italy in Bergamo. Furthermore, the portfolio features La Feria De Diseño Medellín powered by idd cologne in Colombia.

imm india on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company
immindiaofficial imm india on Facebook: www.facebook.com/immindiaofficial/
imm india on Instagram: www.instagram.com/immindia_official/

DS Group Leads the Digital Transformation Dialogue in FMCG with ASCEND 2026

The event showcased practical applications across Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, Enterprise Applications, Robotic Process Automation, Industry 4.0 and Sustainability Technologies. Leading technology partners including SAP, Microsoft, Salesforce, Snowflake, PwC, EY, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, Bizom, Mitsubishi, PeopleStrong, o9 Solutions and others demonstrated how emerging technologies are creating measurable business impact across industries. Employees experienced interactive technology showcases, live demonstrations, expert sessions, workshops, panel discussions, innovation labs and immersive learning experiences designed to encourage experimentation and accelerate digital adoption across every function.

Over the last three years, DS Group has significantly accelerated its digital transformation journey by doubling its technology investments, expanding its technology ecosystem from nearly 20 partners to over 50, and implementing enterprise-wide digital solutions across multiple businesses. As it approaches its centenary, the DS Group plans to triple its investments in technology, recognising digital innovation as a key enabler of future growth. 

Santosh K Singh, Senior Vice President, Information Technology, DS Group, said, “Technology today is not merely about digitising processes; it is about reimagining the way businesses create value. At DS Group, every technology investment is guided by one principle, business impact. Whether it is AI-powered decision-making, intelligent supply chains, cloud transformation or enterprise-wide data capabilities, technology must enable faster decisions, greater efficiency and sustainable growth. As we move towards becoming a Rs. 20,000 crore organisation by our centenary year, technology will be one of our strongest growth enablers. Our objective is to build a future-ready enterprise where innovation is embedded across every business, every function and every employee. ASCEND 2026 reflects that vision by bringing together people, ideas and technology on one platform to accelerate learning, collaboration and transformation.”

ASCEND also reflected DS Group’s commitment to responsible growth. Conducted as a paperless, digital-first event, it demonstrated how technology can simultaneously enhance operational efficiency while supporting sustainability goals. More than a technology showcase, ASCEND 2026 represented a cultural shift, one that encourages curiosity, continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration. It highlighted DS Group’s commitment to staying ahead of the technology curve by adopting new technologies and best practices in the industry, ensuring the organisation remains relevant, resilient and future-ready in an increasingly digital world.

With the successful conclusion of ASCEND 2026, DS Group has strengthened its position as one of the few FMCG organisations driving an enterprise-wide conversation on digital transformation, demonstrating that the future of business will be shaped not just by products and brands, but by the intelligent application of technology across the entire value chain.

About DS Group
The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a one of the leading FMCG conglomerates and a Multi-Business Corporation with a strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. It has an extensive and diverse portfolio with presence in Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Mouth Freshener, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail businesses, and other investments. Catch, Pulse, Pass Pass, Silver Pearls, Ksheer, Rajnigandha, Ovino, L’Opera, Le Marche, Birthright, LuvIt, Chingles, Golmol, Namah are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today.

As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC. DS Group has aligned its financial performance with global ESG priorities with the launch of a pioneering Double Materiality Assessment across all businesses. Further demonstrating its environmental leadership, the DS Group has a water positivity index at 1.8 across its business units in 30 locations of India.

For details, log onto www.dsgroup.com

Named Bharat Runway Tour (BhaRT), the registered IP will debut in Paris this September 2026, marking the beginning of a multi-city international journey for Indian brands.
 

Logo of Bharat Runway Tour
 

Indian D2C brands have been building world-class products. Now they're getting a world-class platform to showcase them. The idea is simple: India's best homegrown brands deserve access to international audiences and opportunities. BhaRT is designed to bridge that gap.

“At Gold Coast Films, we have had the opportunity to work with several D2C brands that have disrupted their respective categories. These Companies and their founders have the vision and ambition to go global. Through BhaRT, we want to provide a launchpad for these ambitious and visionary teams to showcase their brands and products to a global audience,” Sunny Arora, Co-founder, Gold Coast Films.

Why Paris? Why Now?

Gold Coast Films has 15+ years of experience producing international campaigns and content across 100+ brands in 50 countries. The team has worked at fashion weeks in Paris and New York, built the SCY Awards (Social Creator of the Year), and collaborated with 500+ influencers and creators globally.

That experience revealed a clear gap: while India produces exceptional brands, opportunities to showcase them on prestigious international platforms remain limited. Paris, the world's fashion capital, is the ideal first destination for BhaRT's larger global vision.

What's Next

Selected Indian brands will showcase their work, share their stories, and connect with global audiences, media, buyers, and industry leaders. Paris is just the beginning—Bharat Runway Tour will continue to Milan, New York, and India, creating an ongoing global platform that brings Indian creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship to the world.

Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, with fellow dignitaries at the 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards 2025

The theme draws on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for value addition in India's dairy sector, spotlighted recently through India's four-medal debut at the Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026, and Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah's cooperative renaissance, which is adding 75,000 new dairy cooperatives under White Revolution 2.0 and 6,000 new fisheries cooperatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
 

The Summit is the ninth in a series of national and regional dialogues Sustainability Matters and IndiAgri have convened since 2024: two previous national editions in Delhi and six regional consultations across states including Bhopal, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Patna, Baraut and Alwar. Together, these editions have brought together over 1,000 delegates and 120+ speakers, spanning policymakers, scientists, cooperative leaders, industry executives, startups and farmers, and have generated 190+ documented best practices and award-winning initiatives from across India's agricultural ecosystem. Each edition has fed grassroots insights into formal policy recommendations submitted to central and state governments, positioning the platform as a sustained channel between the field and the policy table rather than a one-off conference.
 

"This platform exists because India's agricultural story cannot be told from one vantage point alone," said Dr Navneet Anand, Executive Director, Sustainability Matters. "Krishi Samriddhi 2047 brings dairy, fisheries and livestock into the same conversation as crops, inputs, technology and rural markets, because the transformation we are chasing runs across all of these value chains, not through any one of them in isolation."
 

The 3rd edition is supported by partners across sectors, including Indian Railway Finance Corporation (a Navratna CPSE), Bihar State Milk Co-operative Federation Limited (COMFED), Odisha Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited, SIRA Seeds, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO).
 

"Agriculture touches every one of us, whether we grow it, process it, fund it, regulate it, or simply eat it, and that shared stake is exactly why each of us carries a responsibility to be part of this discourse," said Dr K C Ravi, Director General, Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards. "The Summit exists to make that participation possible, bringing policymakers, cooperatives, scientists, industry and farmers to the same table so solutions are shaped collectively rather than in silos,” he added.
 

India's dairy output has grown 70% in eleven years - from 146 to 239 million tonnes - even as livestock and fisheries expand at nearly 7% and 8-9% a year, among the fastest-growing segments of the rural economy. Track 1 builds on this momentum, examining cooperative-led growth across dairy, nutrition, fisheries and livestock. Track 2 turns to the crops-and-value-chain economy - seeds and sustainable inputs, regenerative farming, and the technology and market infrastructure connecting farms to consumers.
 

The Summit is part of a continuing effort by Sustainability Matters and IndiAgri.in, India's leading digital platform for agricultural news and analysis, to drive sustained, solution-oriented conversations on the issues shaping Indian agriculture, from climate resilience to rural finance and cooperative governance, bringing diverse stakeholders into direct dialogue rather than parallel monologues.
 

The day includes an inaugural session and track-wise knowledge sessions, culminating in the Sustainable Agriculture Awards 2026, recognising individuals, institutions, cooperatives, companies and government bodies across 44 categories for measurable contributions to India's agricultural ecosystem.

Vigilance Whistle: Launch of Vigilance Whistle & Vigilance Commandos programme at Loyola School, Thiruvananthapuram

Where Operation Toofan asked citizens to stand up against narcotics, Project Zero — "Vigilance Whistle" — asks them to stand up against graft. Launched jointly by the Vigilance Department and the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), the initiative goes beyond bribery to target every quiet, systemic form of corruption: officials sitting on files, deliberate delays, decisions made to flatter power rather than serve the public. It is designed to convert ordinary citizens from bystanders into stakeholders — empowering them to report corruption directly, with anonymity strictly protected, through the toll-free number 1064 or at www.vigilance.kerala.gov.in.

At the heart of the campaign is Kerala's youth. Following the Toofan template of equipping school students as “Toofan Warriors,” college students across the state are being enlisted as "Vigilance Commandos" — a young, visible corps trained to raise awareness and sustain civic pressure against corruption in their own communities. The programme also includes vigilance workshops for officers and an updated Vigilance Manual to keep enforcement current.

The launch event, held at Loyola School Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram, saw Minister Chennithala inaugurate the campaign alongside popular film actor Nivin Pauly, who became the first Vigilance Commando and administered the anti-corruption pledge to students gathered from schools and colleges across the state.

Minister Chennithala said, "Corruption is not only about accepting a bribe. When a citizen's file is delayed without reason, when an official's ego must be satisfied before a rightful service is delivered, that too is corruption — and it will not be tolerated. No matter who is involved, even if it is me, people must have the courage to speak up. Project Zero is a people's movement to bring corruption down to zero, and to build a Kerala where honesty is rewarded, not punished."

The Minister added that officials found to have taken bribes to clear files — even in cases already closed — will have those files reopened for review, with strict action against anyone found guilty. He also announced that honest, upright officials will be identified and rewarded, and that recruitment into Vigilance will prioritise officers screened for integrity and genuine commitment to public service.

Actor Nivin Pauly, addressing students at the launch, said that a robust system of governance can only be built by a citizenry willing to respond and hold those in power accountable. He noted that a mindset which glorifies shortcuts over honest effort is itself part of the culture of corruption, and that it falls to the next generation—one that asks questions and demands evidence—to help reverse it.

The event was chaired by Kazhakootam MLA V. Muraleedharan, with Governor's Secretary Dr. K. Vasuki IAS attending as chief guest. VACB Director and DGP Manoj Abraham IPS delivered the keynote address, with senior police officials and Loyola institution heads in attendance. Students from schools and colleges across the state received badges from the Minister, formally inducting them as Vigilance Commandos.

Project Zero follows the interstate momentum built by Operation Toofan and marks Chennithala's expansion from narcotics enforcement into a broader, youth-anchored campaign for institutional integrity — reinforcing a governance narrative built on transparency, citizen participation, and zero tolerance for corruption at any level.
 

For more information or to join the initiative: vigilance.kerala.gov.in

To report corruption: Toll-free 1064 (informant identity kept strictly confidential)

The Family Office Summit 2026 saw participation from India's influential single-family and multi-family investment platforms, institutional allocators, and policymakers

Across more than a dozen sessions, the summit delivered on its promise of candid, practitioner-led conversation, moving well past surface-level commentary into the real tensions shaping Indian family wealth today: generational succession and governance, public and private market allocation strategy, the case for real assets, the shift of single-family offices into institutional AIF-style platforms, regulatory oversight, offshore jurisdiction, and the professionalisation of family office philanthropy. Feedback from attendees and speakers alike pointed to the depth and specificity of the discussions as a standout of this year's edition.

The edition was made possible by the continued support of its partners: IDFC FIRST Bank as Title Partner, GRIP Invest as Powering Partner, and the National Stock Exchange as Exchange Partner. SKEGEN joined as Strategic Capital Partner, alongside Session Partners Gaja Capital, Kroll, Multi-Act and Choice Wealth, Supporting Partners Steadview, Auraska Wealth and Naik Naik and Company, and Beverage Partner Tribe.

Sessions through the day featured family office CIOs, promoters, next-generation stewards, and regulators including SEBI and IFSCA, whose perspectives anchored a wide-ranging agenda, from the generational tension between capital preservation and growth ambition, to the evolving case for real assets, the maturing private markets playbook, and the shift of single-family offices into institutional, AIF-style platforms.
 

Organiser Perspectives
"The success of the VCCircle Family Office Summit 2026 is a testament to the strength and dynamism of India's private capital ecosystem. For nearly twenty years, VCCircle has been committed to bringing together the people, ideas and insights that shape this industry. We thank all our delegates, partners and speakers for their trust and participation, and we look forward to continuing our journey of building India's most trusted platform for private markets," said Paras Kaushik, CHRO & CIO | Head, Events, IPs and VCCircle, HT Media Group.

"The phenomenal response to the VCCircle Family Office Summit 2026 reaffirmed a core shift: Indian family offices have evolved far beyond informal wealth desks into sophisticated institutional players.

About the Summit

The Family Office Summit 2026 was organised by VCCircle, a part of HT Media Group, as part of its portfolio of flagship events serving India's private capital ecosystem. The summit convened family office principals, CIOs, promoters, institutional investors, regulators and advisors for a day of panel discussions, fireside chats and special addresses on the themes shaping the future of private wealth in India.

For more information on the Family Office Summit and future editions, visit events.vccircle.com/FamilyOfficeSummit2026.

IAMAI to host the 20th edition of India’s premier marketing conference - MarCon, co-powered by Google, on August 4-5, 2026, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai

With artificial intelligence redefining every stage of the marketing lifecycle, MarCon 2026 will explore how organisations are building AI-first marketing functions, adapting to the new search and discovery ecosystem, leveraging AI-enabled media planning, rethinking marketing measurement, and balancing AI-driven efficiency with creativity, trust and responsible innovation. Featuring keynote addresses, fireside chats, panel discussions, masterclasses and networking sessions, the conference will offer practical perspectives from leaders shaping the future of media and marketing.

Marketing Conclave 2026 will host industry leaders and experts, including Priya Choudhary, Director, Business Solutions & Insights, Google; Siddharth Shekhar, Director - Govt. & PSUs, BFSI, Fintech, Education & Auto, Google; Pushkar Gupte - Head of Industry, CPG, Google; Vinay Bhartia, Director Enterprise, MEA + West Asia @ Semrush (An Adobe Co); Shwetha Iyer, SVP & Head of Marketing; Kissht, Aditya Das, Director, Head of Growth & Omnichannel Marketing, Cipla; Siddharth Bajaj, Chief Marketing Officer, Dr Batra's Healthcare; Jahid Ahmed, Senior Vice President and Head Digital Acquisition, HDFC Bank; Priyanka Shah, Head of Digital Marketing, Bajaj Auto, and Somnath Mukherjee, and Head of Programmatic and Performance Marketing, Reliance Retail.

Among other key discourses to be discussed at the conference are leveraging data and technology to deliver personalised customer experiences, the rise of creator-led commerce, changing consumer behaviour, the future of media, and strategies for taking Indian brands to global audiences. The conclave will also explore how marketers can build trust, drive measurable business outcomes and prepare for an increasingly AI-driven ecosystem.

Among the partners of Marketing Conclave 2026 are Affinity Global Advertising, Consumr.ai, Connect Network, DoubleTick, Google, Helo.ai, mFilterIt, PubLive, Vonage, BC Web Wise, LS Digital, Truecaller, and Semrush (An Adobe Company) and many more.

To register for Marketing Conclave 2026 or learn more, please visit: www.marketingconclave.com

About Internet and Mobile Association of India

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body with more than 800 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as start-ups. IAMAI has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy. IAMAI advocates free and fair competition, and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers. The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy. Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups and promotion of consumer trust and safety. 

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), in partnership with the Shangri-La Group, hosted eight senior MICE professionals from India on The Dragon Pulse, a five-day familiarisation trip held from 26-30 June 2026. The programme was designed to demonstrate Hong Kong as a MICE destination for the Indian market, bringing together the city's world class meetings and events infrastructure, venue diversity, and cultural experiences within a single corporate itinerary.

HKTB hosts eight Indian MICE professionals on a five-day familiarisation trip, showcasing the city's event infrastructure and cultural depth for corporate travel programmes

The visit coincided with the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, one of Asia's most significant annual sporting and cultural events. Participants were given VIP access to the races and harbourfront festivities, offering a direct example of how a major public event of international standing can be integrated into a corporate travel programme to deliver experiences that extend beyond conventional conference settings. This approach reflects a broader HKTB strategy of inviting business event visitors to participate in the city's landmark public events strengthening Hong Kong's overall appeal as a business events destination.

Site inspections across the five days covered a cross-section of Hong Kong's most significant MICE properties. The Kowloon Shangri-La in Tsim Sha Tsui, a luxury waterfront hotel with comprehensive event facilities and direct harbour views, and the Kerry Hotel in Hung Hom Bay, a contemporary urban resort with flexible event spaces and acclaimed dining, were assessed against the practical requirements of Indian corporate groups.

The itinerary also included a venue introduction and site inspection at the West Kowloon Cultural District, with a focus on M+, the museum of contemporary visual culture that anchors the precinct. In addition to its standing as a leading cultural institution, M+ offers world-class event spaces with harbour views, advanced facilities, and professional event services, positioning it as a venue of distinction for conferences, exhibitions, and large-scale corporate gatherings. West Kowloon Cultural District more broadly represents Hong Kong's flagship arts quarter and one of the world's largest cultural centres, increasingly recognised as a premier destination for business events that seek an environment of creative and cultural distinction.

Beyond its venue infrastructure, the programme demonstrated the range of experiences available to corporate groups in Hong Kong. Participants took a speedboat tour through the UNESCO Global Geopark in Sai Kung, where they viewed dramatic volcanic rock formations, sea arches, and a rugged coastline. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, the excursion highlighted how Hong Kong's compact footprint combines a vibrant urban environment with landscapes of international natural heritage significance.

Cultural engagement was a consistent thread throughout the itinerary. A hands-on dim sum making workshop at Maxim's Palace introduced participants to one of Hong Kong's most deeply rooted culinary traditions in a classic teahouse setting, while a cocktail workshop at Tell Camellia provided direct exposure to the city's internationally recognised mixology culture. Dinner at Rajasthan Rifles, the Anglo-Indian brasserie at The Peak, further illustrated the breadth of Hong Kong's dining landscape and its capacity to offer Indian visitors points of cultural familiarity alongside distinctly local experiences.

The programme also encompassed the Peak Tram experience and Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong at 428 metres above sea level; an evening at the Sha Tin Racecourse with dinner at The Box Seat; an exclusive visit to Ocean Park Hong Kong including an encounter with the Giant Panda Twins; the “Pixar Pals Spectacular” and “Momentous” nighttime shows at Hong Kong Disneyland; an evening at Lan Kwai Fong; and a harbour cruise aboard the Oriental Pearl. Taken together, these experiences map a destination that holds equal relevance for the seasoned Hong Kong visitor and the first-time traveller, one where iconic landmarks, natural heritage, world-class dining and after-dark culture coexist within a compact, highly navigable city.

"India continues to be one of Hong Kong's most strategically important MICE markets, and The Dragon Pulse was designed to reflect the full scope of what the city can offer Indian corporate groups today," said Puneet Kumar, Director – South Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board. "From VIP access to the 50th Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races to site inspections at some of the city's most exceptional venues, the programme demonstrated that Hong Kong's MICE proposition goes well beyond infrastructure. It is a destination where world-class event facilities, natural heritage, cultural traditions, and dining experiences of genuine distinction exist within a highly connected city. What The Dragon Pulse affirmed is that for Indian companies looking to deliver incentive and conference programmes that leave a lasting impression, Hong Kong remains one of the strongest choices in Asia."

Hong Kong offers a spectrum of venues suited to events of every scale. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), a globally recognised facility, has recently received Gold Certification for MICE Venues from CrescentRating, an internationally recognised halal travel accreditation body, an acknowledgement of the standards it has established for Muslim exhibitors and delegates, and a consideration of growing relevance for Indian corporate groups. 

At the larger end of the scale, AsiaWorld-Expo is currently undergoing a Phase II expansion that will add more than 20,000 square metres of column-free space, directly responding to rising demand for large-scale, flexible exhibition and arena-style events and reinforcing Hong Kong's competitiveness for the world's biggest gatherings. Kai Tak Sports Park, the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong's history, opened in March 2025. Its Main Stadium seats 50,000 and is designed to accommodate international sporting competitions, concerts, music festivals, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings within a fully integrated harbourfront precinct that also encompasses retail, dining, and open community spaces. Additionally, more than 20 new hotels have opened in Hong Kong over the past five years, expanding the city's capacity for small and medium-sized meetings and conventions and offering organisers a wider range of accommodation and meeting configurations.

For the Indian MICE industry, the visit reinforced why Hong Kong continues to hold relevance as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. With visa-free entry under the Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) arrangement for eligible Indian passport holders, direct flight connectivity, and an established ecosystem of hotels, venues, and experiences, it offers organisers the flexibility to build programmes that balance business objectives with memorable experiences. Rather than relying on any single attraction, Hong Kong's appeal lies in how these elements come together to create a well-rounded corporate itinerary.

The Dragon Pulse – Hong Kong MICE Familiarisation Trip was organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in partnership with the Shangri-La Group, from 26–30 June 2026.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors' experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities. The HKTB's missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

Beyond being just another holiday shopping destination, Ananta Kriti has built a platform that tries to bring together artisans and buyers through narratives about craft, fabric and design. This first edition has been organised keeping in mind Raksha Bandhan, allowing attendees to explore the fashion and festive items created by Indian labels and designers.

Ananta Kriti’s range will feature ethnic and contemporary womenswear, children's wear, handloom sarees, Indo-Western designs, unstitched and semi-stitched wear made from fabrics like cotton, cotton-silk, ikat, kalamkari and hand block prints.

True to the philosophy of the label, much of the fabric used has been directly sourced from weaving clusters of India, in alignment with Lakshmi’s passion for natural and regional textiles and crafts.

"Ananta Kriti was envisioned as a platform where one would find the story of the products that have been created with love and care. For me, every textile has a story, every creation tells you about its maker. The intention was to take the idea of Ananta Kriti to various cities and create a platform that would bring together artisans and connoisseurs of their creations," says Lakshmi K, Founder, Threads and Craft.

Ananta Kriti’s Delhi-based event is the first of an ongoing series that will visit various Indian cities in the future to provide the artisans and the hand-crafted business a platform to exhibit their work.
 

The show will be open to visitors from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm and will showcase a specially curated selection of clothing, jewellery, accessories, and other handcrafted items from participating labels.
 

Event Details

• Event: Ananta Kriti by Threads and Craft

• Dates: 26-28 August

• Venue: Aga Khan Hall, New Delhi

• Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

• Entry: Free
  ​

For more information, please contact - 9217391347

At Rath Yatra, Crompton's activation turned everyday trust in water into a powerful on-ground experience

For generations, Rath Yatra has symbolised an enduring journey of faith and trust. Crompton Pumps drew a deliberate parallel between the trust devotees place in this tradition and the everyday trust consumers place in water-delivery technology. The campaign was designed not only to be visible during the festival but to convert an abstract brand claim into immediate, sensory proof that Crompton’s performance was reliable day after day. Positioning the brand against a festival built on continuity created a culturally credible context for this message and elevated its emotional resonance.
 

To bring the idea to life, Crompton has deployed multiple experiential touchpoints that delivered both utility and a tangible demonstration of performance. Two sprinkler arch gates created a cooling, mist-like welcome powered by Crompton pumps, a direct sensory demonstration of the product’s reliability. Branded handwash hygiene pods provided instant, hygienic relief for arriving devotees, marrying practical utility with brand messaging at moments of need. A fleet of 12 buses running the Bhubaneswar–Puri route extended the campaign’s reach, putting the Crompton message into the view of travelers throughout their journey.
 

On-ground engagement was crafted to provoke reflection and capture authentic consumer responses. Anchors asked devotees a simple, resonant question: “Ek din mein, aap paani kitni baar use karte hai?”, encouraging people to tally the many water moments that punctuate a day.
 

The effort was amplified through regional media integrations with leading channels such as OTV and Kanak News, as well as an AI film on Crompton’s social platforms under the thought, “Rath Yatra ki tarah bharosa ka safar bhi har din.” The integrated approach combining sensory proof, functional utility and culturally aligned storytelling was deliberately designed to deliver both emotional salience and functional credibility.
 

More than a festival activation, this campaign celebrated the unseen role Crompton Pumps have played in consumers’ lives for generations. It reframed trusted performance as a promise that mattered every day, not only during life’s big moments but in the ordinary, repeated acts that make up daily life. Commenting on the initiative, Tanmay Prusty, CMO, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., said, “Rath Yatra is a tradition of quiet, unshakable faith passed down through generations. Built on that same trust, Crompton Pumps delivers steady, dependable flow to every home, every day, making reliability part of everyday life. It’s a promise everyone can count on, not only during life’s big moments but in the ordinary routines that bind us. Just as the chariot keeps moving, so must your water. Crompton Pumps. Trusted Performance. Har Din.”
 

Link to the video: Crompton Pumps | Rath Yatra
 

About Crompton
With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers. Beyond its consumer portfolio, Crompton also has a robust B2B presence in the Lighting segment, delivering advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, Crompton became the first lighting company to receive the GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Strengthening its foothold in the renewable energy space, the company has forayed into solar rooftops—representing a significant step forward in its contribution to India’s evolving clean energy landscape. With solar solutions spanning lighting, pumps, and rooftops, Crompton continues to lead as a responsible and future-ready brand in sustainable energy.

The company's consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the company's storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of India's Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

BRICS CCI celebrated its14th Foundation Day

The celebration was graced by Shri Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, Former Cabinet Minister and National Executive Member, BJP India, as the Chief Guest, and Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, former Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture, as the Guest of Honour.

The event was attended by H.E. Xu Feihong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China; H.E. Dr. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa; H.E. Nebiyu Tedla Negash, Ambassador of Ethiopia; H.E. Mikhail Kasko, Ambassador of Belarus; along with diplomats from BRICS and BRICS+ nations, senior bureaucrats, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, academia, and strategic partners.

A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Foundation of a Multipolar World, authored by Dr. BBL Madhukar, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, BRICS CCI, and Dr. Sreekutty Mohandas, presenting a vision for an inclusive and balanced multipolar world.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. BBL Madhukar, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, BRICS CCI, said: "Fourteen years ago, BRICS CCI was founded on the belief that cooperation is the foundation of global prosperity. As the world embraces a multipolar future, we remain committed to building bridges of trust, collaboration, and shared growth."

Mr. Sameep Shastri, Chairman, BRICS CCI, stated: "BRICS CCI has grown into a trusted platform connecting governments, businesses, and institutions across borders. We will continue creating opportunities that strengthen trade, innovation, and strategic partnerships across the BRICS ecosystem."

Ms. Shabana Nasim, Vice Chairperson, BRICS CCI, said: "Inclusive growth is possible only when women, entrepreneurs, youth, and businesses work together across borders. BRICS CCI remains committed to creating platforms that empower diverse voices and foster meaningful global partnerships."

Mr. Atul Banshal, Vice Chairperson, BRICS CCI, remarked: "In an increasingly interconnected world, collaboration is the key to sustainable economic growth. BRICS CCI will continue facilitating trusted partnerships that create new opportunities for businesses across BRICS and BRICS+ nations."

Mr. Prann Sharma, Director General, BRICS CCI, added: "Our focus is on transforming dialogue into action through impactful programmes, strategic partnerships, and practical initiatives that deliver value for businesses and institutions across the BRICS community."

The Chamber also presented its Annual Awards and Recognition Honours to distinguished members, diplomatic missions, institutional partners, business leaders, and organisations for their contributions to global trade, innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation. Cultural performances by artists from China, Russia, Indonesia, and India celebrated the diversity and people-to-people ties within BRICS.

Over the past fourteen years, BRICS CCI has emerged as one of India's leading international business institutions, fostering collaboration between governments and industry while promoting trade, investment, innovation, sustainability, youth engagement, and women's leadership. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to advancing stronger partnerships, inclusive growth, and a more equitable multipolar world.

About BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Established in 2012, the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) is a leading not-for-profit business chamber dedicated to promoting trade, investment, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development among BRICS and BRICS+ nations. Through its global network of governments, diplomatic missions, businesses, academia, and civil society, BRICS CCI continues to strengthen international economic cooperation and build lasting partnerships for shared prosperity.

Bisleri International, in collaboration with the National Book Trust (NBT), Ministry of Education, Government of India officially launched the comic book "Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission" at the Chinar Book Festival 2026 held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The launch is part of Bottles for Change, Bisleri International’s flagship initiative for plastic-waste recycling and responsible waste management. Available in 48 languages, including all 22 scheduled Indian languages, the comic book aims to inspire environmental responsibility among children. As part of the launch, 20,000 English and Urdu copies of the book were distributed in schools across the state.
 

Bisleri and NBT Launch Multilingual Children's Comic Book on Plastic Waste Management at the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar
 

The event was graced by Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convenor, Chinar Book Festival 2026; Shri Waseem Raja, JKAS, Joint Director, Tourism Department, J&K; Shri Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA – Gulmarg, J&K; Shri Mr. Anshul Garg, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Smt. Shobha Kapoor, Senior Lead – Partnerships & Communications along with Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International.
 

On the occasion, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Bisleri, we believe that creating a more sustainable future begins with inspiring the next generation. Through our collaboration with the National Book Trust under our ‘Bisleri Greener Promise’ initiative, we are using the power of storytelling to make environmental responsibility engaging, relatable, and accessible for children across India. We hope ‘Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission’ inspires young readers to embrace simple, everyday actions that can make a meaningful difference for the planet.”
 

Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said, "Comic books are a powerful tool to engage young readers. Chhota Bheem & Vidya – Big Green Mission uses popular, relatable characters to encourage children to adopt simple, sustainable habits and understand how everyday actions make a difference. Our continued association with Bisleri International educates and inspires young minds with an aim to nurture a generation of informed and responsible citizens."
 

Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri with Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, Chinar Book Festival 2026
 

To encourage children to embrace reading, physical activity and environmental responsibility, a 5K Reading Marathon, “Together We Read, Together We Lead” was held on 25 July 2026 along Dal Lake. The Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha flagged off the marathon. Organized as part of the week-long Chinar Book Festival, the marathon brought together thousands of school children from across Jammu & Kashmir. The event attempted to set a record in the India Book of Records (IBR) and Asia Book of Records (ABR) in the category “Maximum Children Participating in a Marathon to Promote Reading and Environment.”
 

The festival also featured a Bottles for Change sustainability stall showcasing products made from recycled plastic. Through interactive exhibits, visitors, including young students learnt how used plastic is collected, recycled and transformed into useful everyday products contributing to a circular economy.
 

Together, the comic book launch, Reading Marathon and the stall combined active participation and practical learning to encourage children and communities to adopt more environmentally responsible habits. The event marked a significant step for Bisleri’s Bottles for Change initiative as it continues to drive awareness around responsible plastic waste management and sustainable living.
 

In partnership with the National Book Trust, the initiative demonstrated how storytelling and education can inspire positive action and empower children to become changemakers for a greener future.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.
 

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.
 

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Gifts World Expo and Paperworld
 

Spanning an extensive product spectrum, Gifts World Expo Delhi will showcase exciting gifting solutions for festivals, weddings, celebrations, corporate, luxury, customised and promotional solutions. The show will present an extensive product range covering categories like handicrafts, home décor & home textiles, awards & rewards, confectionery, beverage & gourmet, bags & travel accessories, houseware & kitchen appliances, wellness, beauty & grooming, amongst others. Complementing this, Paperworld Delhi will present stationery, writing instruments, office and school supplies, art and craft materials, paper and paper products, educational solutions, sustainable stationery, packaging innovations, workplace essentials, premium pens and more.
 

Together, the exhibitions respond to growing buyer demand for innovative, branded, personalised and value-added products while enabling businesses to discover new suppliers, product innovations and market opportunities across interconnected industry segments.

Recognised as India’s leading B2B exhibition for gifting solutions, Gifts World Expo Delhi has built a strong legacy over 31 successful editions, serving as the preferred sourcing platform for festive collections, corporate gifting, customised solutions, premium gifting and much more. Over the years, the expo has brought together manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, e-commerce sellers, and institutional buyers, continually reflecting evolving consumer preferences and retail trends. The upcoming edition of Gifts World Expo Delhi will feature China Pavilion featuring international innovations. Some of the featured brands include Adidas, Boat, Flipkart, Hawkins, ITC, Jack & Jones, Maxfresh, Milton, Powerplus, Prestige, Safari, Swiss Military, Wonderchef, Zebronics and more.

Building on the established legacy of Paperworld globally, with five successful editions in Mumbai, the launch of Paperworld Delhi marks a significant expansion of one of the world’s most recognised exhibition brands for stationery. Designed to serve the growing North Indian market, the show will strengthen business opportunities across manufacturing, retail, education, corporate procurement and distribution while connecting the businesses and entrepreneurial communities. Paperworld Delhi will feature brands like: DOMS Industries Limited, Figo Impex, G&G Global, KGOC Global LLP (KANGARO), Linc Limited, Luxor Writing Instrument Pvt Ltd, Saino Pen & Plastic Pvt Ltd, and William Penn Pvt Ltd, among others.

Commenting on the upcoming exhibitions, Ms Himani Gulati, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, said, “Gifts World Expo has consistently evolved as a leading sourcing and networking business trade fair platform bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, brands and buyers from across the country. As the industry continues to diversify with growing demand for gifting products, Gifts World Expo offers businesses an ideal platform to showcase innovations and discover the emerging trends and expand business network. This year, the launch of Paperworld Delhi, further complements the visitor experience, creating greater opportunities for cross-industry engagement while strengthening the overall value proposition for the participating companies and business visitor, alike.” 

Likewise, Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, remarked, “The launch of Paperworld Delhi marks an important milestone in strengthening the stationery industry, particularly in the North Indian market. Following five successful editions in Mumbai and backed by the strength of the global Paperworld portfolio, Delhi is a natural next step in expanding the brands presence in one of the India’s most significant business markets. Along with Gifts World Expo legacy for gifting solutions, the upcoming co-located shows will create a stronger, more comprehensive sourcing platform offering exhibitors access to the industries enabling buyers to discover a wider range of products, innovations and business opportunities under one roof.”

The co-location of the two exhibitions creates a powerful business ecosystem by bringing together complementary industries with overlapping buyer segments. Corporate procurement professionals, retailers, distributors, wholesalers, exporters, e-commerce platforms, educational institutions, hospitality buyers and modern trade will benefit from access to complementary product categories beyond their traditional markets.

Beyond business networking and product discovery, the exhibition will also host an engaging programme of Gift Talks and Paper Talks, bringing together industry leaders, designers, retailers, brand owners and market experts to discuss emerging consumer trends, sustainability, retail transformation, branding, packaging, innovations and evolving workplace and education solutions. Thoughtful panel discussions led by industry experts as well as interactive workshops in gifting and art and craft, will encourage meaningful dialogue, exchange of ideas and industry collaboration across all show days.

To enhance the visitor experience, the show floor will present dedicated zones including a Start-up & Innovation Hub to discover fresh ideas, explore innovations at the Discovery Hub, learn about sustainable solutions at the Sustainable Innovation Hub and Unwind and connect at the Entertainment Zone, designed to create networking opportunities in a relaxed setting. The dedicated networking spaces, interactive experiences and access to two complementary industries under one roof, will drive valuable partnerships, conversations and business opportunities.

Industry associations supporting Gifts World Expo Delhi include Corporate Gifts Association of India (CGAI), Handloom Handicrafts Exporters Welfare Association (HHEWA), Sourcing Professionals Alliance (SPA), National Jute Board (NJB). Supporting association for Paperworld Delhi includes The Tamil Nadu Pen Manufacturers and Dealers Association, Delhi Pen Dealers and Manufacturers Association, Pen and Stationery Association of India – Mumbai.

Gifts World Expo Delhi and Paperworld Delhi are jointly organised by MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India and bring two established market-leading brands under a single roof thereby offering a comprehensive product showcase, international participation, business networking opportunities and knowledge-driven engagements. The co-located shows are poised to become one of North India's most significant B2B exhibitions for the gifting and stationery industries.

Press information and photographic material:
giftsworldexpo.com/del/ 

paperworldnewdelhi.in.messefrankfurt.com/newdelhi/en.html

The strategic collaboration between Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd brings together Messe Frankfurt’s global exhibition leadership and MEX’s extensive experience in organizing successful trade shows across India. By combining international best practices with deep industry relationships and market expertise, the partnership aims to create world-class platforms that foster business networking, industry growth, innovation, and market expansion.

Background Information on MEX Exhibitions

www.mexexhibits.com/#about

Background information on Messe Frankfurt

www.messefrankfurt.com/background-information

Emma Thomas, Tom Holland, Matt Damon and Christopher Nolan at PVR ICON, Phoenix Palladium

Recognised as one of the best luxury malls in India, Phoenix Palladium offered a fitting setting for the premiere of one of the year’s most anticipated films. The landmark event further strengthened the mall’s position as a preferred Indian destination for global entertainment, fashion and cultural moments.

The Grand Premiere

The star-studded evening brought together fans, creators, influencers and celebrated names from the Indian film industry, including Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, Dimple Kapadia, Boman Irani, Shruti Haasan, Jim Sarbh, Armaan Malik, Nandita Das, Elnaaz Norouzi and Aashna Shroff.

Ahead of the premiere, Christopher Nolan and the cast also met Atul Ruia, Chairman, The Phoenix Mills Ltd., and members of the Phoenix Group family, sharing some warm moments before the screening.

Hosted at one of the biggest malls in India, the premiere added another significant international event to Phoenix Palladium’s growing association with cinema and entertainment. With its world-class infrastructure, luxury ambience and diverse experiences, the destination continues to provide a compelling platform for large-scale global events in Mumbai.

India’s Preferred Destination for Global Icons

The premiere of The Odyssey builds on Phoenix Palladium’s legacy of welcoming some of the world’s most recognised personalities. Over the years, the mall has hosted global icons including Rihanna, Vin Diesel, Will Smith and Paris Hilton.

Rihanna’s visit to Phoenix Palladium for the Fenty Beauty launch was another landmark moment that placed the destination firmly on the global fashion and beauty map. From Hollywood premieres and celebrity appearances to international brand launches, Phoenix Palladium continues to emerge as a preferred luxury destination for global icons visiting India.

As one of India’s best luxury malls, Phoenix Palladium brings together luxury retail, fine dining, entertainment and immersive experiences under one roof. Its distinctive combination of premium brands and world-class hospitality has made it a natural choice for high-profile events of international stature.

Experience Entertainment and Dining at Phoenix Palladium

Beyond hosting global premieres, Phoenix Palladium is regarded as one of the biggest and best luxury malls in India for its expansive mix of entertainment and dining experiences. Visitors can enjoy films at PVR ICON, interactive entertainment at The Game Palacio and Timezone, and an extensive selection of restaurants, cafés and dessert destinations.

From premium dining concepts such as Robata Kuuraku, Ishaara, Bayroute, Punjab Grill, Burma Burma, Foo and Andrea’s Brasserie to popular cafés and dessert destinations including Starbucks, Pret A Manger, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, Le15 Patisserie, PAUL, Bateel and Royce’ Chocolate, Phoenix Palladium offers experiences suited to every occasion.

Watch The Odyssey at PVR IMAX, Phoenix Palladium, and experience the cinematic spectacle on the big screen at one of India’s leading luxury and entertainment destinations.

Entertainment and F&B at Phoenix Palladium

Entertainment: PVR ICON, The Game Palacio and Timezone

Restaurants and cafes: Pot Pot, Siciliana, Fountain Sizzlers, Robata Kuuraku, Cream Centre, Earth Café, TAB, Häagen-Dazs, PAUL, Frozen Fun, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, Le15 Patisserie, Royce’ Chocolate, Starbucks, Pret A Manger, St. Regis Café, Bateel, The Nutcracker, Ishaara, Bayroute, SOCIAL, Mainland China Asia Kitchen, Punjab Grill, Entisi Chocolatier, Le Pain Quotidien, Burma Burma, Foo, Andrea’s Brasserie, Suzette Bakery & Kitchen, Garden, The Silver Train, Bombay Sweet Shop and Ice Cream Works Gold.

VAHDAM® India Ranks Among India’s Top 5 Great Workplaces 2026

This prestigious recognition underscores VAHDAM® India’s unwavering commitment to fostering a progressive, people-first workplace culture. With a strong focus on empowering employees through continuous learning, leadership development, transparent leadership, and meaningful ownership, the company continues to set new benchmarks in employee experience and organizational excellence.

VAHDAM® India’s journey reflects sustained progress over the years, moving from Rank 71 among India’s Top Workplaces in 2024, to Rank 17 in 2025, and now securing a place among India’s Top 5 Great Workplaces in 2026. This consistent upward trajectory reflects the trust, engagement, and shared purpose that continue to define the company’s culture.

Adding to this milestone, VAHDAM® India has also been recognized among India’s Best Workplaces™ in FMCG 2026, India’s Great Mid-size Workplaces 2026, and Best Workplaces in Manufacturing 2026. These accolades build upon the company’s previous recognitions, including Best Workplaces for Women, Best Workplaces in Asia, Best Workplaces for Millennials, and Best Workplaces in FMCG, reflecting a sustained commitment to creating an exceptional workplace rather than a one-time achievement.

Bala Sarda, Founder & CEO, VAHDAM® India, said, “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people who make VAHDAM® what it is today. Our journey from Rank 71 to Rank 17 and now among India’s Top 5 Great Workplaces demonstrates what can be achieved when people feel trusted, empowered, and inspired by a shared purpose. From the very beginning, we’ve believed that building a truly global brand from India starts with building a workplace where people can do their best work and grow alongside the business. As we continue to scale globally, nurturing a culture rooted in ownership, innovation, and continuous learning remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Kalpesh Tiwari, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), VAHDAM® India, added, “We’re proud to be recognized among India’s leading workplaces once again. At VAHDAM®, our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth. We remain committed to investing in our people by strengthening leadership capabilities, fostering learning and wellbeing, and creating opportunities for every individual to thrive. This recognition reflects our belief that when our people succeed, the business succeeds with them.”

The recognition comes as part of a rigorous evaluation conducted by Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, which identifies organizations that create exceptional employee experiences through trust, pride, and camaraderie. VAHDAM® India continues to be recognized for its inclusive leadership, dynamic work environment, and people-centric culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

About VAHDAM® India

Founded in 2015 by Bala Sarda, VAHDAM® India is on a mission to build a homegrown Indian brand for the world. With direct sourcing from farms and estates across India, in-house manufacturing at its 100,000 sq. ft. BRC-certified facility, and a strong presence across more than 140 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and Europe, VAHDAM® has grown into a leading global wellness brand.

Backed by strong customer love and organic endorsements from global icons like Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, and Martha Stewart, VAHDAM® has raised over Rs 290 crore in funding. The company is Certified Plastic Neutral and Climate Neutral, and contributes 1% of its revenue towards supporting the education of tea growers’ children through Digital Learning Centres and scholarships.

Learn more at www.vahdam.in and follow VAHDAM® India on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Freestyle football and Bboying at Sky City Mall

The mall was transformed into an immersive football arena with FIFA World Cup-inspired décor, vibrant installations, and interactive zones, creating the perfect setting for visitors to celebrate the spirit of the game. The activation offered an engaging blend of entertainment, competition, and community, drawing football enthusiasts of all ages and creating a lively atmosphere across the mall.

The event witnessed an enthusiastic response, with audiences participating throughout the activation. Visitors tested their skills through a range of interactive challenges, including the Football Precision Challenge, where participants aimed at numbered targets against the clock to demonstrate speed and accuracy, and the Build the Football Puzzle Challenge, where individuals raced against time to assemble a football from scrambled puzzle pieces in a fun test of teamwork and problem-solving. These activities encouraged friendly competition while offering visitors an opportunity to engage with the sport in a fun and interactive way.

Adding to the excitement were B-boying and freestyle football performances, featuring an electrifying mix of football tricks, music, and street culture. The performances transformed the mall's atrium into a vibrant fan zone, where visitors cheered, interacted, and celebrated together, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the event. Families, children, and football enthusiasts gathered to witness the high-energy acts, making the activation a memorable weekend outing for visitors of all age groups.

The football-themed experience reinforced Sky City Mall's commitment to offering engaging lifestyle experiences that extend beyond retail. By combining interactive activities, live entertainment, and immersive décor, the activation offered visitors a memorable destination where they could connect with family and friends while celebrating one of the world's most-loved sports. The event also reflected the mall's focus on curating experiences that encourage community participation and create moments of shared celebration.

As one of Mumbai's leading lifestyle destinations, Sky City Mall continues to redefine the shopping experience by seamlessly blending retail, dining, entertainment, and experiential events under one roof. Through a thoughtfully curated calendar of seasonal activations, cultural celebrations, and family-focused engagements, the mall consistently offers visitors new reasons to return and discover something unique with every visit.

With its expansive retail offerings, diverse culinary experiences, and vibrant entertainment initiatives, Sky City Mall remains committed to creating an inclusive space where people can shop, dine, unwind, and celebrate together. Through initiatives like these, the mall continues to strengthen its position as a community-centric destination that brings people together through immersive experiences, interactive entertainment, and memorable engagements that resonate with visitors long after the event concludes.

Indo-Africa Cleft Conference Synergy 2026: Excelling Together

The conference brought together surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, speech therapists, orthodontists and multidisciplinary cleft care professionals from Smile Train’s two largest regions, reaffirming its commitment to stronger, locally led sustainable healthcare systems through collaboration, continuous learning and knowledge exchange.

Over the past decade, both India and Africa have made significant strides in expanding access to comprehensive cleft care in their own regions. Each region has developed unique areas of excellence shaped by real-world experience and field-led innovation. Indo-Africa Cleft Conference 2026 was designed to bring these learnings together, creating opportunities to exchange proven approaches, adopt best practices and jointly develop solutions that strengthen cleft care across both regions while contributing to Smile Train's global pursuit of ensuring every child born with a cleft has access to safe, timely and comprehensive care.

Speaking on the occasion, Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Asia, Smile Train, said, "Indo-Africa Synergy represents much more than a conference; it reflects how Smile Train believes sustainable change happens. Over the past decade, both India and Africa have built remarkable expertise through locally led program, and today we can learn from one another as equal partners. By sharing knowledge, strengthening skills and co-creating solutions, we are investing not only in healthcare professionals but also in better outcomes for every child born with a cleft. This collaboration demonstrates that when expertise is shared across borders, its impact extends far beyond any one country."

Nkeiruka Obi, Vice President and Regional Director, Smile Train, Africa, added, “India and Africa bring together two of Smile Train’s largest and most experienced programs, each with deep expertise gained over years in providing safe and high-quality comprehensive cleft care within diverse local contexts. In our shared commitment to healthcare equity, this conference offers a valuable opportunity to learn from our experiences, share practical solutions, and innovations, while strengthening capacity of cleft care professionals. By advancing South–South collaboration, we truly can accelerate access to quality cleft care for more children and families in our communities.”

The two-day program featured expert discussions, knowledge sharing and hands-on workshops covering surgical excellence, patient safety and comprehensive cleft care. Participants also exchanged experiences on advocacy, engagement and healthcare system strengthening, recognizing that sustainable cleft care extends beyond surgery to encompass the entire continuum of care.

The conference truly reflects Smile Train's sustainable model of strengthening local healthcare systems by investing in medical professionals through continuous training, mentorship and global knowledge exchange. By fostering collaboration between India and Africa, Smile Train is building stronger local capacity and advancing comprehensive cleft care for children in both regions.

Smile Train programs in Africa began in 2002 and since then, they have spread across nearly 40 countries, transforming the lives of 200,000+ cleft-affected individuals.

Since 2000, Smile Train has supported more than 800,000 free cleft surgeries across India through a network of 130+ partner hospitals. For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call the India toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301.

For more information, please log on to www.smiletrainindia.org.

Mr. Avinav Sharma, Executive Director, Global Partnerships at MSM Unify

Held in New Delhi, the day-long event brought together some of North India's most trusted education consultants and recruitment partners for a focused programme of institutional showcases, strategic discussions, and recognition anchored around the theme of shared growth: rising together.

A central highlight of the event was the Canada Fall 2026 & Winter 2027: The Opportunity session, which presented admission pathways, programmes, and intake insights from eight Canadian institutions - Vancouver Community College (VCC), Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), NOIC Academy, St. Thomas University (STU), Saskatchewan Colleges, Selkirk College, Northern Lights College (NLC), and Mount Allison University (MTA).

The programme also spotlighted MSM Unify's wider portfolio of online programme management (OPM) and transnational education opportunities including Davis, Woolf, and Florida Coastal University, expanding the range of pathways partners can offer students beyond traditional study destinations.

The event concluded with the inaugural Elevation Awards, recognising outstanding partner contribution and celebrating the consultants and teams driving successful student outcomes.

“International education has always been built on trust — between students, institutions, and the partners who guide them. Elevation is our way of honouring that trust,” said Sanjay Laul, Founder, MSM Unify. “When we bring our partners into one room, we are not just sharing opportunities; we are building the future of global education together. Elevation is not about rising alone. It is about rising together, and today in New Delhi, we saw exactly what that looks like.”

“The energy in the room today reflected the strength of our partner network in North India,” said Avinav Sharma, Executive Director – Global Partnerships, MSM Unify. “With the Canada Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 intakes ahead of us, our focus is clear: give partners direct access to institutions, transparent information, and the on-ground support they need to convert opportunity into real student outcomes. The commitments made today set a strong foundation for the intakes ahead.”

Building on the success of the New Delhi Chapter, MSM Unify announced that it is looking forward to hosting more such partner engagement events in the near future, with plans to extend the Elevation series to additional cities and partner markets, reinforcing its commitment to relationship-led, partner-first growth.

About MSM Unify

MSM Unify is a leading global student recruitment platform connecting students, recruitment partners, and higher education institutions across the world. Serving the 360-degree international student journey, MSM Unify empowers its partner network with access to a diverse portfolio of institutions and programmes across North America, Europe, and beyond, with a focus on compliance-led, outcome-driven recruitment. MSM Unify is part of the Laul Global portfolio of education brands.

Anuj Sidharth, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications, India and SEA, MediaTek and Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India
 

Key industry voices, including media representatives, tech analysts, professional photographers, KOLs and OEM stakeholders from, Vivo, Motorola and Xiaomi shared their viewpoints at insightful discussions on the next frontier of imaging technology. These conversations also underscored the overarching One MediaTek vision, a unified strategy showcasing the vast scale of the company's evolving technological ecosystem and seamlessly connecting intelligent solutions from Edge to Cloud.
 

Speaking at the event, Anuj Sidharth, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications, India and SEA, MediaTek, highlighted breakthrough imaging innovations such as 18EV HDR Fusion for extended dynamic range and 4K120 Super EIS for smooth, cinematic capture. He also outlined the brand update, highlighting MediaTek's continued momentum and leadership in high-performance computing across India's fast-evolving multi-device ecosystem.
 

“Beyond the Lens” featured dedicated experience zones that showcased MediaTek's imaging technologies through devices such as the vivo X300 Pro powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, the OPPO Find X9s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s, and the Motorola Edge 70 Pro and the Xiaomi 17T powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500.
 

On the sidelines of the event, Anuj Sidharth, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications, India and SEA, MediaTek said, “Smartphone photography continues to shape consumer expectations and with the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 flagship SoC and the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Premium SoC, we are meeting that demand head-on. Equipped with next-generation AI-ISPs, the chipsets elevate computational photography without compromising on power efficiency. At MediaTek, we believe that truly brilliant technology is about more than just creating products, it's about delivering incredible experiences that positively impact people's lives. With our ecosystem partners, we continue to deliver innovations that empower users to capture every moment with greater clarity, creativity, and intelligence.”
 

The event also witnessed an interactive panel discussion, titled 'Who Really Takes the Photo?', moderated by Rajiv Makhni. The panel brought together Rahul Jhangiani, professional photographer, Anuj Sidharth, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications, MediaTek India & SEA, Paigham Danish CTO, Head of Product & GTM, vivo India, Gautam Batra, Associate Director - Product Marketing, Xiaomi India and Shivam Ranjan, Marketing Director - APAC, Motorola Mobility. Each panelist brought a unique perspective to what truly makes a great photo – the chip, the camera hardware, or the person behind the lens. Together, the panelists highlighted how human perspective, advanced camera sensors, and the processing power of the ISP work together to deliver the perfect shot.
 

Additionally, the MediaTek Tech Day also witnessed insightful conversations around the MediaTek roadmap and its latest technologies:

• Latest Flagship & Premium chipsets: Showcased the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s, Dimensity 9500 and Dimensity 8500 SoCs that delivers leadership in AI, imaging, gaming, connectivity and power efficiency.

• One MediaTek – MediaTek’s expansion beyond smartphones into automotive, data centers, AI PCs and more, streamlined its portfolio as it scales across categories: Dimensity for smartphones, Dimensity AX for automotive, and Dimensity CX for compute platforms.

• Automotive Momentum – 20+ partnerships with leading automakers worldwide and 190+ ongoing projects under the Dimensity AX platform.

• Compute Momentum – Demonstrated MediaTek's growing focus on AI compute platforms and next-generation computing technologies.

• Discussions on the MediaTek’s broader technology roadmap spanning smartphones, connectivity, Imaging capabilities, AI computing, and intelligent edge devices.

MediaTek remains the No. 1 smartphone chipset brand in India, with a 49% market share in Q2, 2026, a position it has now held for 24 consecutive quarters.

The MediaTek Technology Day is an interactive platform to showcase the latest innovations that are reshaping everyday life. 'Beyond the Lens' is in tune with MediaTek's philosophy of making great technology available to help consumers connect seamlessly with the things that shape our daily lives, by enhancing, enriching, and making us smarter and more creative.

When numbers speak, the future listens - Swetta Jumaani

The lion holds special significance because it is associated with Leo, the zodiac sign ruled by the Sun. Leo embodies leadership, authority, recognition, growth, courage and power—all qualities amplified during a Number 1 year.

Link to the video - www.instagram.com/reel/Da0MoVoqJfn/?igsh=MTY1djV1Y3lram9oZg==

This was a theme I revisited in my July predictions and had also highlighted earlier when RCB lifted the trophy, where the symbolism of the lion and the energy of the Sun were clearly visible.

What makes this particularly interesting is how it is unfolding at the FIFA World Cup. Out of 48 participating teams, only 8 carried strong Sun or lion symbolism within their flags, crests or national emblems. Yet, 3 of those 8 teams (Spain, England , Argentina) have successfully reached the semi-finals.

Spain has already secured its place in the final after defeating France, further strengthening the observation that Sun energy is outperforming and rising to the top in this Number 1 year. Numerology is not merely about numbers; it is about patterns, timing and recurring energies. The FIFA semi-finals provide another fascinating example of how the symbolism of the Sun, leadership, visibility and victory continues to manifest throughout 2026.

Ps. The Sun may be winning. The lion may be roaring. But the real victory belongs to Numerology, whose predictions continue to play out on the world stage.

For booking an appointment contact the below numbers via call or WhatsApp :- 9822354526 9834885132 7028655513 9503193210 — Swetta Jumaani Astro-Numerologist

Swetta Jumaani is an internationally renowned astro-numerologist with over 20 years of experience in numerology, astrology, and name correction. A member of the esteemed Jumaani family, she is known for her insightful predictions, guidance on personal and professional growth, and expertise in aligning individuals and businesses with the power of numbers. Her work spans relationships, careers, business, and global trends, making her a trusted voice in the field of occult science.

Three Day Orientation Program Kicks off at Manipal University Jaipur for the new batch of 2026-27

The orientation programme, spread across multiple venues on campus, featured four parallel sessions catering to different academic domains, offering newly admitted students and their families a comprehensive introduction to the University's academic ecosystem, student support services, research culture, innovation initiatives, and holistic learning environment.

The first session was organised by the School of Physical and Biological Sciences (SoPBS) under the Faculty of Science, Technology and Architecture (FoSTA). The programme began with a promotional film showcasing the University's achievements, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes to the University's visionary founder, Late Dr. T.M.A. Pai.

Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Ashima Bagaria, Associate Dean, SoPBS, encouraged students to nurture scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning while making the most of the opportunities available at Manipal University Jaipur.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Madhura Yadav, Dean, Student Welfare, presented an overview of the University's academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, global collaborations, research achievements, rankings, accreditations, and vibrant campus life.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Kuldeep S. Sangwan, Dean, Faculty of Science, Technology and Architecture, emphasised experiential learning, innovation, and multidisciplinary education aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He also highlighted the faculty’s collaborations with premier institutions and its focus on research and industry-oriented education.

Delivering the presidential address, Prof. Niti Nipun Sharma, President, Manipal University Jaipur, urged students to make the most of the opportunities offered by the University and honour the aspirations of their parents through dedication and excellence. He assured the students that “The university is committed to give you a futuristic education.” He recalled the visionary legacy of Late Dr. T.M.A. Pai and his contribution to the society.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ashish Kumar, Deputy Director, Admissions.

Simultaneously, the School of Law organised its orientation programme for newly admitted law students. The session was attended by Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost, Dr. Vijay Laxmi Sharma, Dean (I/C), School of Law, and Dr. Prakash Ramani, Director, Admissions. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Sonu Agarwal, Head, Department of Law.

Introducing students to the Faculty of Law, Dr. Vijay Laxmi Sharma highlighted the School's academic achievements, vibrant learning environment, and focus on legal education. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar spoke about the University's remarkable journey, its rich legacy, and its commitment to nurturing students through academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development. Dr. Prakash Ramani proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to students and parents for their enthusiastic participation.

Another orientation session was conducted jointly by the School of Architecture & Design and the School of Computer Science and Engineering for students of MCA, M.Sc. Cyber Security, B.Arch., and M.Arch. programmes. The programme was attended by Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, Prof. Kuldeep S. Sangwan, Dr. Roheet Bhatnagar, Associate Dean, School of Computer Science and Engineering, and Dr. Pooja Lalit Kumar, Director, School of Architecture and Design.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Roheet Bhatnagar and Dr. Pooja Lalit Kumar introduced students to their respective schools and academic offerings. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kuldeep S. Sangwan presented an overview of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Architecture, while Dr. Amit Soni encouraged students to actively engage in academics, research, innovation, and extracurricular activities. He also spoke about the University's successful journey and urged students to embrace lifelong learning.

The final session of the day was organised for the B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) Batch-I students. The programme was graced by Prof. Niti Nipun Sharma, Prof. Kuldeep S. Sangwan, Prof. Madhura Yadav, and Dr. Roheet Bhatnagar, who welcomed students into the University's vibrant academic community and encouraged them to explore the vast opportunities available for learning, research, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The three-day Orientation Programme will continue over the next two days with institution-specific sessions, academic briefings, interactions with faculty members, and familiarisation activities designed to help new students transition smoothly into university life and begin their academic journey with confidence.

A glimpse of The Zora Estate, the latest luxury event destination by The Zora, designed for bespoke celebrations and memorable experiences

The Zora Estate reimagines Open Canvas as a venue purpose-built for luxury weddings, sangeets, corporate events, social gatherings, curated brand experiences, and large-format productions. Anchored by a newly designed entrance and courtyard, it fuses Indian design sensibility with a distinctly global aesthetic.

The announcement follows a landmark first year for The Zora, which has hosted 125+ high-profile events since opening, establishing itself as one of Delhi's most sought-after destinations for large-scale luxury celebrations. Located at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Lodhi Road, The Zora has built its reputation on central accessibility, expansive infrastructure, and the flexibility to host everything from grand weddings to corporate conferences, exhibitions, product launches, and entertainment-led experiences. With The Zora Estate, it takes its next deliberate step forward, positioning the venue in the ultra-luxury segment.

Unlike the venue's other spaces, The Zora Estate will operate on a deliberately limited scale. The Zora will host only 9 to 10 events at the new venue each year, a number chosen by design rather than demand. Showarounds of the space will be strictly invite-only, reserved for select media, planners, and prospective clients rather than open public viewings.

This approach reflects The Zora's positioning of The Zora Estate as its most exclusive offering yet, designed for those who seek not just a large-scale venue but an ultra-luxury event experience. For clients looking to create celebrations unlike anything else in Delhi, The Zora Estate has been built to deliver exactly that.

"The first feeling we want guests to have when they enter is that they should feel the luxury in the air. The venue has been designed to feel breathtaking from the very first moment, with a beautiful entrance and courtyard. The aesthetic works for corporate events, weddings, sangeets, and every kind of celebration. We wanted to create something Indian, but with a global approach. The Zora and I go a long way. I have seen this venue built from the ground up, and we've created beautiful events at Open Canvas even in its early stages. It's a prestigious venue in central Delhi, and I'm glad to be pre-launching this new experience with them," said Abhinav Bhagat, Founder of Abhinav Bhagat Events, Luxury wedding designer and Event Stylist.

Vivek Tyagi, General Manager, Operations, The Zora said, "The Zora has always been built as a canvas for imagination. With The Zora Estate designed by Abhinav Bhagat, we're creating a new venue experience that brings together premium infrastructure, central Delhi accessibility, and one of India's most recognised design visions. After a strong year across Ballroom, Myst, and Open Canvas, this collaboration marks an important next step in how we see event spaces evolving in Delhi and the NCR."

The launch reflects a broader shift in India's event industry, where there is growing demand for venues that are not only large in scale but also experience-led, visually immersive, and adaptable across different formats. The Zora Estate has been conceptualised to meet this demand, offering a design-forward venue for weddings, corporate events, social celebrations, and luxury gatherings, available only to a select few through an invite-only experience.

The pre-launch, showcased on July 10, gave select media, event planners, wedding professionals, influencers, and industry partners an exclusive first look at the venue ahead of its wider availability for bookings.

About The Zora - Delhi Convention Centre

The Zora – Delhi Convention Centre is a luxury event venue located at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. With versatile event spaces including the Ballroom, Myst, Glasshouse and Open Canvas, The Zora is designed for weddings, social celebrations, corporate events, exhibitions, product launches, concerts, gala dinners and large format productions. The venue combines central Delhi accessibility with premium infrastructure, flexible event formats and curated hospitality experiences.

About Abhinav Bhagat

Abhinav Bhagat is a luxury wedding and event designer known for creating immersive celebration environments through décor, space design, floral concepts, event styling and visual storytelling. His work focuses on transforming venues into bespoke experiences for weddings, social celebrations and high end events.

Karn Nagpal, President, Rosmerta Technologies Limited

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Karn Nagpal, President, Rosmerta Technologies Limited, said, "The ACMA–Maruti Suzuki Supplier Development Conference provided an excellent platform to engage with key stakeholders from across India's automotive value chain and exchange experience on challenges faced and solutions arrived. At Rosmerta Technologies, we remain committed to developing technology-driven solutions that strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance road safety and improve operational efficiency across the automotive ecosystem. Our participation as the Platinum Sponsor reflects our continued focus on fostering industry collaboration and supporting India's journey towards a smarter, safer and more digitally connected mobility landscape."

Rosmerta also presented the challenges faced in maintaining the quality of service in its connected car products and solutions arrived through “Atmanirbhar” technological intervention and necessary contribution at the policy level. The company's participation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the industry's transformation through scalable, secure and technology-driven solutions that address the evolving needs of India's mobility and automotive sector.

About Rosmerta Technologies Limited

Rosmerta Technologies Limited is a leading mobility technology company offering innovative digital solutions across the automotive ecosystem. With expertise spanning vehicle lifecycle management, transport technology, regulatory compliance, digital platforms and intelligent mobility solutions, the company partners with automotive manufacturers, dealerships, financial institutions and government agencies to deliver secure, efficient and technology-enabled services that drive the future of mobility.

Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, with dignitaries at the inauguration of the 2026–27 Non-Technical Programmes batch at REVA University, Bengaluru

Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor of REVA University, presided over the function, emphasising the University’s commitment to developing a holistic educational environment. The ceremony was graced by Shri Milind Shah, Vice President – Cognitive Infrastructure Services, LTM, and Shri Supreet Sachdev, Office Managing Partner, Bangalore, KPMG India, as guests of honour.

Presiding over the ceremony, Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor of REVA University, reiterated the University's vision of creating innovators, entrepreneurs, and responsible citizens. "At REVA, we believe in learning by doing. We encourage our students to ask questions, gain hands-on experience, think independently, and transform ideas into impactful solutions. Through our Educate to Enterprise philosophy, we strive to nurture job creators rather than job seekers; leaders who inspire, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society," he said.

Addressing the students, Shri Supreet Sachdev encouraged them to embrace challenges with confidence and remain grounded throughout their journey. "Life is much like a game of cricket; play straight and face every challenge as it comes. Never stop learning because the moment learning stops, growth comes to a standstill," he said.

He urged students to cultivate qualities such as agility, communication, integrity, collaboration, teamwork, and time management, emphasising that these attributes are as important as academic excellence. He also reminded students that failure should never be feared, but viewed as a stepping stone to greater success.

Speaking on the evolving professional landscape, Shri Milind Shah shared insights from his own career journey and highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in the future of work. "Learn from every role and every opportunity that comes your way. Every experience shapes you into a better professional. The future will be AI-enabled, and it is important that each one of you prepares yourself for it," he said.

He encouraged students to focus on customer-centricity, value creation, professionalism, integrity, effective communication, and leadership; qualities that will define successful careers in the years ahead.

As part of the inaugural ceremony, every new student received a sapling, symbolising the beginning of their academic journey and their commitment to environmental sustainability. The initiative forms part of REVA Vanamahotsava, the University's flagship green movement built around the principle of 'One Student, One Tree,' encouraging every student to plant and nurture a tree during their time at REVA.

The programme was attended by Dr. Sanjay R. Chitnis, Vice Chancellor; Dr. M. Dhanamjaya, Registrar; Dr. Beena G., Registrar (Evaluation); Dr. Shubha A., Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Pro Vice Chancellors, Deans, Directors, faculty members, parents and students.

The inauguration also marked the commencement of a comprehensive student induction programme designed to help freshers transition smoothly into university life. Through interactive sessions, students will gain insights into their academic programmes, campus resources, industry exposure, student clubs, research opportunities, entrepreneurship initiatives, and the University's vibrant learning ecosystem.

With its multidisciplinary curriculum, industry-integrated learning, and strong emphasis on innovation and holistic development, REVA University continues to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to thrive in an ever-evolving global environment.

Hon'ble Delhi CM Smt. Rekha Gupta and Hon'ble Minister Shri Ashish Sood unveiled and welcomed Mayur, the official mascot of CWTTC 2026

The unveiling ceremony was graced by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, along with the Hon'ble Minister of Education & Sports, Shri Ashish Sood, who officially introduced the championship mascot in the presence of distinguished guests, sports officials, athletes, media representatives, and members of the table tennis fraternity.

Managing Partner & CEO at XPERIA GROUP

The mascot launch reflects the spirit, energy, and aspirations of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship, symbolizing Delhi's commitment to hosting an international sporting event while celebrating the city's vibrant culture and sporting excellence.

The event was conceptualized, managed, and executed by Xperia Group, one of India's leading experiential marketing and event management companies. Under the leadership of Mr. Saibal Gupta, Founder & CEO, Xperia Group delivered a seamless experience by combining creative storytelling, meticulous planning, and flawless on-ground execution. The agency is known for its expertise in experiential advertising, events and promotions, OOH media, and technology-led brand experiences, serving leading national and international brands across India.

Speaking on the successful execution, Mr. Saibal Gupta, Founder & CEO, Xperia Group, said, "It is an honour for Xperia Group to have been entrusted with the execution of such a prestigious sporting milestone. We are proud to have partnered in bringing the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 mascot to life through an event that reflects the scale, passion, and vision of this international championship. We thank the organisers for their trust and look forward to contributing to more landmark sporting experiences."

The successful unveiling has been a significance of excitement ahead to the championship, reinforcing Delhi's readiness to welcome athletes and fans from across the Commonwealth. 

The event also highlighted the collaborative efforts of government dignitaries, sports authorities, and event professionals in promoting international sporting excellence in India.

As the countdown to the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 continues, the mascot now stands as a symbol of unity, determination, and the sporting spirit that will define the tournament.

About Xperia Group

Xperia Group is a full-service experiential marketing and advertising company specializing in events & promotions, OOH/DOOH advertising, cinema advertising, content creation, and technology-driven brand experiences. With a nationwide presence and a portfolio of successful campaigns for leading brands, the company is committed to delivering innovative, impactful, and memorable experiences that connect brands with audiences.