Bangalore, Feb 17: Paradise’s ‘Jashn-e-Haleem 2026’ is back in town to treat the denizens of Bangalore with the most cherished Hyderabadi Haleem from the kitchen of Paradise – the most loved outlet for Hyderabadi cuisine. Following the overwhelmingly positive response of the previous year, Jashn-e-Haleem food fest is now live across all Paradise outlets for dine-in, takeaway, and online ordering on Swiggy and Zomato.

For decades, Paradise Haleem has been more than a dish — it has been a ritual that signals the start of the festive season in the city. Crafted using 29 carefully selected ingredients, premium ghee, and slow-cooked mutton, the Haleem continues to be prepared using time-honoured methods that deliver the unmistakable depth, richness, and consistency that customers associate with the brand.Behind every serving lies a meticulous, end-to-end commitment to quality and uncompromising food standards. From sourcing and preparation to final service, each batch undergoes stringent checks to ensure that every bowl meets Paradise’s benchmark for taste, hygiene, and authentic flavour.

Besides Mutton Haleem, Paradise’s latest highlight is their specially prepared Chicken Haleem, offering guests another way to enjoy the same iconic Paradise flavour.

Mr. Abhik Mitra, MD & CEO, Paradise Food Court Pvt. Ltd., said “At Paradise, Jashn-e-Haleem is not just a seasonal launch — it is an emotion that brings people together year after year. Every bowl represents our commitment to authenticity, consistency, and the culinary legacy we have built over decades”

Mr. Robinder Singh, COO, Paradise, added “People of Bangalore loved  the Paradise Haleem Festival last year and just as Hyderabadis look forward to it, so are Bangaloreans counting the days to the fest because they bond over good food and spend quality time together. . They can now relish the most delicious Hyderabadi haleem with their loved ones right in Bangalore from today”

Mr. Swatantra Gautam, Vice President – Culinary, Paradise, said “Our Haleem is the result of meticulous preparation, premium ingredients, and culinary precision. Maintaining the same signature taste across batches and outlets is a responsibility we take very seriously, and that consistency is what keeps customers coming back every year.”

The food chain has acquired its place in the Limca Book of Records for ‘Most Biryanis Served In A Year’. Paradise has 11 stores currently and plans to scale up to 20 to 22 stores in Bangalore by end of 2026. In 2017, Paradise catered over 70 lakh servings of biryani, and in 2018, the numbers crossed over 90 lakh. Paradise won Biryani Restaurant of the yest in 2025 & 2026, at Restaurant Awards, People Choice Brand of the year 2025 at Hybiz-Telangana, Restaurant of the year 2025 at hospitality excellence awards, Restaurant serving the best Hyderabadi Biryani-South India and Best Restaurant chain of the year at Food Connoisseurs Convention 2026 .

New Delhi: February 2026, the House of OLFA Originals, in collaboration with composer and cultural patron Dr. Sanjaanaa Jon, presented The Invisible Arts – an invitation-only evening in New Delhi where the scent of OLFA quietly shaped the atmosphere in dialogue with music and philanthropy. Conceived in the spirit of We Are the New World, the gathering explored fragrance and sound as parallel languages of memory, diplomacy, and unity.

The evening welcomed a distinguished audience drawn from the diplomatic world and the best of international society, including H.E. Issa Alshibani, Ambassador of Oman, and H.E. Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador, alongside Raghav Chandra, Rekha Bhatia, Prashant Jain, and Shashi Abraham. Attendance was intentionally intimate, favouring depth of engagement over scale.

The musical programme unfolded with restraint and classical resonance. Ustaad Kamal Sabri offered a resonant sarod recital, grounding the evening in tradition. Operatic interpretations by Sparsh Bajpai followed, complemented by a vocal performance from Nishi Singh, whose presence added a contemporary tonal layer. Selections aligned with Dr. Sanjaanaa Jon’s We Are the New World further reinforced the evening’s ethos of artistic diplomacy and global consciousness.

Throughout the programme, bespoke scent experiences by OLFA were revealed gradually, guiding the emotional architecture of the space and introducing guests to the house’s signature oud and floral expressions as living elements of the experience rather than display.

In quiet alignment with the evening’s values, support was extended to PACT, a New Delhi–based organisation dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of stray dogs — giving voice to the voiceless through sustained, compassionate action.

A Bantr production its emphasis on discretion, craftsmanship, and cultural dialogue, The Invisible Arts reaffirmed OLFA Original’s position at the intersection of scent, sound, and society — where atmosphere becomes memory, and memory becomes legacy.

New Delhi, Feb 17: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, today convened policymakers, industry leaders, investors and innovators at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, reinforcing India’s commitment to responsible, scalable and globally competitive artificial intelligence.

As part of the Summit’s programme, the Impact AI PitchFest — supported by the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) — brought together AI founders and leading venture capital investors in a structured platform to accelerate scale-ready innovation.

The Impact AI PitchFest featured presentations by 31 AI-native startups building deployable solutions across enterprise and public-impact sectors.

In a significant announcement at the Summit, 16 IVCA member venture capital funds —  3One4 Capital, 888VC, Accel Ventures, Ankur Capital, Antler, Boundless Ventures, Capital A, Chiratae Ventures, Dallas VC, Inflection Point Ventures, Mount Growth Fund (Kavaach), PeakXV Partners, Piper Serica, Prosus, Seafund, SenseAI — collectively committed ₹500 crore to support high-potential AI startups emerging from and aligned with the platform. The coordinated participation signals strong investor conviction in India’s AI ecosystem and reinforces structured alternate capital backing for scalable innovation.

Setting the broader policy context and underscoring the government’s commitment to responsible and scalable AI deployment, Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and CEO, IndiaAI Mission, said, “India’s approach to artificial intelligence is anchored in real-world deployment, public value and inclusive scale. Through the India AI Impact Summit, we are bringing together innovators, investors and policymakers to ensure that AI solutions are not only cutting-edge, but also aligned with governance priorities and national development objectives. The Impact AI PitchFest reflects the growing maturity of India’s AI ecosystem. It is encouraging to see structured alternate capital participation supporting startups that are building deployable, scalable solutions. Such collaboration between government and industry will be central to strengthening India’s leadership in trusted and responsible AI.”

In a significant signal of long-term confidence in India’s AI ecosystem, a collective of IVCA’s venture capital members announced a ₹500 crore commitment to support high-potential AI startups aligned with the platform’s vision. The commitment is intended to deepen investor engagement with AI-led innovation, enable commercially viable deployment, and align alternate capital with India’s broader digital ambitions.

Reflecting on the depth of innovation and the importance of ecosystem alignment, Prashanth Prakash, Partner, Accel & Co-Chair, VC Council, IVCA, said, “What we saw at the PitchFest was genuinely exciting. The breadth of applications was striking. Teams tackling everything from recruitment and education to healthcare and defence, all with deployable AI solutions. But more than the sectors, it was the quality of founders that stood out. They’re technically deep and they understand their markets. That balance is what separates companies that will scale from those that won’t. It’s also encouraging to see government convene platforms like this. Bringing policy, investors and entrepreneurs into the same room creates the alignment the ecosystem needs to move faster. That’s why we’re committed to this. India can build world-class AI companies, and what we saw today reinforces that belief.”

Highlighting the scale opportunity for Indian AI founders, Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Peak XV & Surge and Co-Chair, VC Council, IVCA said, “Indian startups will innovate across the AI stack, from applications and tooling, to models and chips. India already has more consumer AI startups than the US and this trend will accelerate over the new several years. India’s AI leadership will come from building population-scale products that solve real needs for 900 million Indians, helping people find jobs, grow income, and build businesses. Platforms like this, where the government and ecosystem come together to support founders early, play an important role in accelerating that journey. The ambition and quality of founders we’re seeing is exceptional, and many of these companies will go on to build globally significant businesses from India.”

Speaking on behalf of the alternate capital ecosystem, Rajat Tandon, President, IVCA, emphasised the importance of institutional alignment between innovation and long-term funding and opined, “India’s AI ecosystem is entering a phase where innovation must be matched with patient capital and structured support. The ₹500 crore commitment by our VC members reflects a shared conviction in the quality and ambition of Indian AI founders. Platforms like the Impact AI PitchFest bring policy, capital and entrepreneurship onto a common platform — and that alignment is essential to building globally competitive AI enterprises from India.”

The India AI Impact Summit continues through the week at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together stakeholders across government, industry, academia and investment communities to shape the next chapter of India’s AI growth story. Within this larger national effort, the Impact AI PitchFest signals that India’s alternate capital ecosystem is prepared to play a proactive and aligned role in enabling responsible, scalable AI innovation.

Bengaluru, Feb 17: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru, in association with Free Spirits Motorcycling Club (FSMC), is set to host the Women Bikers’ Ride on 7th March 2026 — a powerful celebration of courage, independence, and women who challenge conventions. The ride forms part of the 3rd edition of the mall’s signature Women’s Day campaign, TheSheImpact, which champions women-led stories, businesses, and communities.

This high-energy initiative will bring together women riders from across the city, creating a striking visual of solidarity on wheels. The Women Bikers’ Ride honours women who not only embrace the thrill of motorcycling but also embody leadership, resilience, and the spirit of breaking stereotypes.

Following the ride, the celebration will continue at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru with an evening of inspiring storytelling by experienced women bikers, live music, and engaging performances. Interactive games and activity zones will further add to the festive atmosphere, fostering meaningful connections and a strong sense of community.

Through initiatives such as the Women Bikers’ Ride under TheSheImpact, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination for inclusive, experience-led events that bring people together and celebrate diverse voices.

Event Details:

What: Women Bikers’ Ride (ThSheImpact 2026)

When: 7th March 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

Registration: BookMyShow

Technip Energies India’s Managing Director Davendra Kumar has been conferred the Business Leader of the Year – Engineering Services award at the CHEMTECH Leadership & Excellence Awards 2026.

The award recognises his contributions to engineering and manufacturing spheres, as well as his leadership and role in setting global benchmarks.

Commenting on the recognition, Davendra Kumar said, “This award reflects the collective effort of our teams in India and the Technip Energies network. Over the years, our India team has built capabilities to deliver complex projects. We remain focused on safe, reliable and sustainable engineering solutions for our clients. We are equally proud of our contributions to India’s journey toward becoming a leading global energy hub, driven by innovation, sustainability, and collective progress”.

Technip Energies India has scaled up its operations and strengthened its role as a global player in LNG, Refining, Petrochemicals, Specialty Chemicals and Fertilizers. The company has also expanded its domain across Sustainable Solutions, including Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Carbon Capture and Sustainable Aviation Fuels.

The award was presented at a ceremony held in Mumbai, in the presence of distinguished leaders from India’s engineering and chemical industries.

Instituted in 1983, the CHEMTECH Leadership & Excellence Awards recognise visionary contributions across engineering, technology, research, and academia. The winners are selected through an evaluation process conducted by an independent jury of eminent industry leaders.

Hyderabad/New Delhi, Feb 17: Mahindra University today announced the official launch of its Centre for Language Learning and Development (CLLD). Designed as a hub for linguistic excellence and pedagogical innovation, the Centre aims to empower students, researchers, and educators with the communication tools necessary for success in a globalised world.

The launch was marked by a two-day workshop for teachers titled ‘Stories Worth Telling: An Experiential Workshop for Teachers’, reiterating the University’s commitment to holistic learning.

Speaking at the launch, Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, said, “Strong language skills are central to learning, research and leadership. This centre will support students and faculty in communicating ideas effectively across academic and professional settings. This initiative aligns with the University’s broader academic vision of nurturing thoughtful professionals who can engage with the world through ideas, dialogue and scholarship.”

Dr Medury further emphasised that strengthening language learning within higher education institutions is essential to preparing students for interdisciplinary collaboration and global engagement.

Tabitha Chekuri, Head, Centre for Language Learning and Development, Mahindra University, said, “The idea behind the Centre stems from a simple yet powerful belief that language learning lies at the heart of education, and that its true strength comes from those whonurture it in classrooms every day. Language is not merely a subject; it is the medium through which students think, question and engage with the world. By placing teacher development as one of the central pillars, the Centre affirms learning as an ongoing process of reflection, dialogue, and collaboration.”

In the coming months, the Centre will roll out a series of academic initiatives, including an academic writing workshop to support PhD scholars in research writing and publication processes, and a faculty development programme focused on strengthening assessment practices through effective rubric design and alignment with learning outcomes. The Centre also plans to introduce a Certificate of Proficiency course toward the end of the current semester, aimed at enhancing students’ language proficiency and communication skills to support both academic achievement and career readiness.

With the establishment of the Centre for Language Learning and Development, Mahindra University reinforces its commitment to fostering a culture of critical inquiry, effective communication, and continuous professional growth, as part of its broader educational initiatives.

Chennai, India, Feb 17: Color Pencil, India’s integrated early-learning and children’s content company, today announced the launch of India’s first kids’ experiential learning store at SKYHUB, located on GST Road, Kilambakkam, Chennai. The flagship store was formally inaugurated on February 15 by acclaimed actress Vani Bhojan, who graced the grand opening ceremony in the presence of distinguished guests and partners.

Designed as a first-of-its-kind destination for playful, hands-on learning, the Color Pencil Experiential Store brings together curated learning zones, interactive play, and immersive discovery experiences for children and families. The store marks a significant milestone in Color Pencil’s journey and coincides with the unveiling of the brand’s new identity, reflecting its evolution and future-focused vision.

This Chennai launch is the first of six experiential stores planned across key Indian cities over the next two years, underscoring Color Pencil’s commitment to redefining how children engage with learning beyond traditional classrooms and screens.

Speaking on the launch, P. Narayanan, Founder, Color Pencil, said: “From day one, Color Pencil has been driven by a simple but powerful idea – to make learning simple, joyful, and truly effective. Our experiential store is an extension of this philosophy into the physical world. It allows children to learn by doing, exploring, and discovering in a space designed just for them. Chennai is where this journey begins, and we are excited to take this model to multiple cities across India over the next two years.”

Meena Chhabbria, CEO, Color Pencil, added: “This store represents a new chapter for Color Pencil, not just in retail, but in how early learning is experienced. With our new brand identity, we are reinforcing our commitment to screen-smart, play-led, and research-backed learning. Our growing ecosystem of apps, games, books, and learning tools come together in this experiential format to create a truly holistic learning environment for children and parents alike.”

Expressing her association with the launch, Vani Bhojan, Actress said: “I am delighted to be part of Color Pencil’s journey and to inaugurate India’s first kids’ experiential learning store. Today’s children need learning experiences that are engaging, joyful, and meaningful. Color Pencil’s approach of combining play, visual learning, and real-world interaction is a wonderful way to nurture curiosity and build strong foundations in young minds.”

Founded in 2022, Color Pencil has rapidly emerged as a leading name in early-learning and children’s content. Guided by its philosophy of “How Simple!”, the company breaks down complex ideas into clear, playful, and instantly understandable concepts through visual learning, interactive play, and curriculum-aligned content.

In collaboration with IIT Madras, Color Pencil develops cutting-edge learning tools that blend time-tested pedagogy with modern technology. Its growing ecosystem includes Play Pixo, an engaging learning app, Play TVO games, Vedic Maths books, and Flash Cards – carefully crafted tools that children love – designed to deliver meaningful, play-led, and highly effective learning experiences.

The SKYHUB experiential store is designed as a vibrant, community-centric destination where families and children can immerse themselves in the complete Color Pencil ecosystem. Visitors can explore hands-on products, interact with beloved characters, and participate in shared learning experiences. The space brings together children, parents, and educators to connect, discover, and experience learning together.

New Delhi, Feb 17: Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind will attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Shri Ram Chandra Mission Ashram being held at Shahjahanpur tomorrow. The expansive celebrations marking fifty years of the ashram is being regarded by organisers and followers as a ‘Mahakumbh’ of all faiths being hosted between February 12 to March 2. The twenty-day spiritual congregation will be marked by group meditation, reflection, and service. The group meditation will be led by Revered Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

Speaking on the significance of the golden jubilee celebrations, Revered Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “The completion of fifty years of the Shahjahanpur ashram is symbolic of the continued spiritual work of our previous Masters. The Shahjahanpur ashram has been the epicentre sending out ripples of spirituality and drawing people from all over the world for collective evolution of consciousness. The place has been serving as a centre for contemplative life, meditation sessions and positive energy.”

Six segments of the golden jubilee celebrations are being observed – the first was held between 12-14 February, second between 16-18 February followed by 20-22 February, 24-26 February and 26-28 February and the final one between 28 February to 2 March. Thousands of devotees are expected to arrive from across India and from several countries abroad, underscoring the Mission’s steady global presence and its enduring appeal among practitioners of Raja Yoga. Arrangements of food and stay have been made for all participants. Volunteers have been positioned at airports in Lucknow and New Delhi, railway station of Lucknow and bus stations in Lucknow and Shahjahanpur.

The ashram inspires inner discipline, collective consciousness, and spiritual renewal. Established as a modern meditation centre and a global hub of the ‘Sahaj Marg’, the ashram has brought together people from all faiths across 164 countries through five decades. The ashram was dedicated by founder Ramchandra Maharaj on Basant Panchami of 1976 in the memory of his Guru Samarth Mahatma Shri Ramchndra ji Maharaj.