Mumbai, Feb 07: Maharashtra’s real estate sector continues to play a key role in the state’s urban growth, supported by large-scale infrastructure development, strong industrial and commercial activity, and expanding metropolitan regions. As one of India’s most urbanised states, Maharashtra is set to present its urban development journey and future priorities as NAREDCO Maharashtra leads the state’s participation at the National Urban and Real Estate Development Conclave 2026.

Scheduled to be held on 13–14 February 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, the conclave will provide a platform for states to share their development experiences and future roadmaps. Maharashtra’s participation will underline its ongoing efforts to strengthen urban infrastructure, improve housing supply, and support sustainable city growth across regions such as Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and other emerging urban centres.

The participation will highlight Maharashtra’s focus on transit-led development, large-scale redevelopment projects, rental housing initiatives, and a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. The state’s emphasis on ease of doing business, infrastructure-led expansion, and technology-driven urban planning will be presented before industry stakeholders from across the country.

The conclave will bring together senior policymakers, government officials, leading developers, financial institutions, investors, urban planners, and industry experts to deliberate on the future of India’s real estate and urban development landscape. Discussions will focus on strengthening urban infrastructure, encouraging investments, adopting sustainable development practices, and leveraging technology to improve urban efficiency.

Key discussions at the conclave will cover transit-oriented development, rental housing, structured and sustainable redevelopment, regulatory reforms under RERA, alignment with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the Consumer Protection Act, institutional investments, digitisation of property transactions, proptech adoption, and affordable housing solutions. The agenda aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, recognising real estate as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and resilient urban ecosystems.

India’s real estate sector is entering a critical phase, supported by steady economic growth, rapid urbanisation, and a supportive policy environment. With urbanisation expected to approach 50 percent by 2047, the need for efficient, transparent, and technology-driven urban development frameworks has become increasingly important. The conclave aims to generate actionable insights that can support long-term growth, strengthen investor confidence, and enhance quality of life in urban India.

Highlighting the importance of Maharashtra’s participation, Mr. Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtrasaid, “Maharashtra has long been at the forefront of urban and real estate development in India. From large-scale redevelopment in metropolitan regions to growth in emerging cities, the state offers valuable learnings. Through this platform, NAREDCO Maharashtra looks forward to sharing regional insights and contributing to discussions that support sustainable urban growth.”

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO, said, “The National Urban and Real Estate Development Conclave 2026 arrives at a crucial juncture in India’s growth trajectory. Real estate today is far more than a standalone industry—it is a key driver of economic expansion, employment generation, and urban transformation. This conclave’s focused discussions on transit-oriented development (TOD), regulatory reforms, institutional investments, and digital governance will pave the way for a transparent, resilient, and future-ready real estate ecosystem. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the conclave serves as a vital platform to bring together diverse stakeholders and innovative ideas, strengthening the foundation for a sustainable and globally competitive urban landscape amid India’s rapidly expanding urban population.”

Mr. Parveen Jain, President, NAREDCO, added, “NAREDCO believes that sustained urban development can only be achieved through constructive dialogue and practical reforms. The conclave will focus on key areas such as regulatory harmonisation, investor confidence, and technology adoption, which are essential for the sector’s next phase of growth.”

The National Urban and Real Estate Development Conclave 2026 is expected to attract wide participation from across the country and will act as a catalyst for policy dialogue, investment momentum and innovation in the sector. NAREDCO Maharashtra invites industry leaders, developers, investors, and professionals from across the state to participate actively and contribute to shaping the future of India’s urban and real estate landscape.

New Delhi, Feb 07: On the occasion of National Cleft Day, Smile Train India, the country’s largest cleft focused NGO, partnered with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to raise awareness and advocate for cleft lip and palate issues. They implemented a comprehensive school-based engagement programme across NDMC schools in the national capital.

As part of this initiative, Smile Train India rolled out “The ABCs of Change” (Awareness, Behaviour, and Confidence) across 10 NDMC schools, using storytelling, interactive learning, and creative engagement to build early awareness, empathy, and inclusion among primary school children. The programme integrates cleft awareness into classrooms, positioning children as active participants and ambassadors of change within their schools, families, and communities.

Central to the initiative is Smile Train India’s picture book series, “Smiles that Shine,” the first-of-its-kind children’s series designed to promote empathy, kindness, and understanding around facial differences, including cleft lip and palate. Through imaginative storytelling and relatable characters, the books normalise differences, encourage conversations around self-confidence and identity, and help reduce stigma from an early age.

The school programme concluded with a three-day creative theatre workshop led by Rahul Khanna, a renowned theatre practitioner and storytelling facilitator. Primary school students from NDMC schools developed and performed short plays inspired by the “Smiles that Shine” stories, bringing the narratives to life through expressive enactment and reinforcing messages of empathy, inclusion, and acceptance.

Cleft lip and palate is a treatable birth difference, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 children. However, lack of awareness, social stigma, and misinformation often delay treatment, impacting a child’s health, speech development, confidence, and social integration. By embedding awareness within schools, Smile Train India and NDMC aim to encourage a more inclusive environment for children with facial differences.

Speaking on the initiative, Kritika Choudhary, Director, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) said, “Schools are not only places of learning but also where empathy and inclusion are shaped. This partnership with Smile Train India brings together health awareness and creative learning. By engaging children through stories and theatre, we hope these values extend beyond classrooms into homes and communities.” 

Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Asia Smile Train India, added, “Cleft care goes beyond medical treatment; it is about building confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Through initiatives like Smiles that Shine, The ABCs of Change, and the culminating theatre workshops, we are using storytelling to help children understand and embrace differences, and to grow up with empathy, kindness, and inclusion at their core.”

By anchoring cleft awareness within classrooms and creative expression, Smile Train India and NDMC reaffirm their shared commitment to early intervention, inclusive education, and community-led advocacy, ensuring every child born with a cleft has the opportunity to grow up healthy, confident, and included.

Over 35,000 babies with cleft conditions are born in India each year, and many of them go untreated because of social stigma, misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about the treatment that is available, by improving community level awareness. Smile Train’s school outreach program aims to spread awareness amongst the young minds.

Jaipur: The European Union’s evolving trade framework is redefining expectations across the global home and design industry. For rug manufacturers who work with manufactures, the changes go far beyond paperwork and policy. They are reshaping how credibility is established, how value is perceived, and how long-term relationships are built between makers and markets.

India, and particularly Jaipur, has long been synonymous with masterful rug craftsmanship. Rooted in generations of weaving knowledge, the region now finds itself at the intersection of heritage and heightened global accountability.

Redefining Global Relationships

The renewed EU focus on transparency, traceability, and ethical production has shifted buyer priorities. European partners are no longer looking solely at finished products. They are seeking clarity around sourcing, artisan welfare, and environmental responsibility.

For manufacturers, this means that trust is no longer implied. It is demonstrated. Production processes, material choices, and working conditions are becoming part of the product narrative itself, influencing purchasing decisions as much as design and quality.

Craft as a Strategic Advantage

For Man Made Rugs, the framework has strengthened an approach already rooted in conscious craftsmanship. The brand works closely with artisan communities, focusing on ethical production, controlled processes, and design-led collections that resonate with contemporary European interiors.

“European partners today are not just evaluating products. They are evaluating intent,” says Nirmit Khanna, Founder of Man Made Rugs. “The new trade framework encourages conversations around responsibility, continuity, and trust. That fundamentally changes how relationships are formed.”

Design, Documentation, and Discipline

As expectations evolve, design development itself is becoming more intentional. Buyers are gravitating toward collections that balance authenticity with restraint. Natural materials, responsible dyeing practices, and refined finishes are being assessed alongside documentation and process transparency.

This shift has encouraged artisan manufacturers to invest further in quality systems, traceability, and storytelling that communicates both craft and conscience with equal clarity.

Jaipur’s Moment on the Global Stage

For Jaipur-based manufacturers, the EU framework presents an inflection point. The region’s artisanal ecosystem is inherently aligned with the values now being prioritized globally. Handwoven processes, small-batch production, and human-led craftsmanship offer an alternative to industrial uniformity.

“What we are witnessing is a renewed respect for craft,” Khanna adds. “The framework allows artisan manufacturers to present their work not as a commodity, but as a cultural and creative exchange.”

A Future Built on Intentional Trade

The EU trade framework is influencing more than export pathways. It is shaping how artisan rug manufacturers position themselves within a global design conversation. Relationships are becoming deeper. Expectations are clearer. And success is increasingly defined by integrity rather than scale.

From Jaipur to Europe, the loom continues to speak. Today, its story is being heard with greater intention.

Mr V P Nandakumar, Chairman & MD, Manappuram Finance Ltd.

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, while maintaining a neutral stance, reflects confidence in India’s strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals. The upward revision in FY26 GDP growth projections and the expectation of benign inflation indicate a supportive environment for sustained credit expansion and business activity.”

“We welcome the RBI’s direction to dispense with prior approval for branch expansion by large NBFC-ICCs. It reflects regulatory confidence in the strengthened governance and prudential framework applicable to well-regulated NBFCs. This direction will provide greater operational flexibility, which will enable responsible lenders to expand their reach more efficiently, particularly in underserved and semi-urban markets, thereby improving access to formal credit.”

“The increase in the collateral-free loan limit for MSMEs to ₹20 lakh and the move towards a unified portal under the Lead Bank Scheme are also important steps. They will help improve credit access and streamline delivery mechanisms. These measures will further strengthen financing support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, enabling more inclusive and sustainable economic growth, an area where Manappuram Finance continues to play an important role.”

New Delhi, Feb 7:Pearl Global Industries Limited (PGIL), India’s largest listed garment exporter with manufacturing operations across South Asia, South-East Asia, and Central America, has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.

Consolidated Financial Highlights – 9M FY26

• Revenue: INR 3,711 crore, up 13.2% YoY, driven by strong growth in high value-added products from Vietnam and Indonesia

• Adjusted EBITDA (excluding ESOP expense): INR 333 crore, up 14.0% YoY

  • EBITDA margin: ~9.0%

  • Adjusted EBITDA margin (excluding reciprocal tariff impact of ~INR 31 crore and ramp-up costs of ~INR 11 crore): ~10.1%

• PAT: INR 189 crore, up 14.0% YoY

Consolidated Financial Highlights – Q3 FY26

• Revenue: INR 1,170 crore, up 14.4% YoY

• Adjusted EBITDA: INR 97 crore, up 4.4% YoY

  • EBITDA margin: 8.3%

  • Adjusted EBITDA margin (excluding tariff impact and ramp-up costs of ~INR 9 crore): ~9.1%

• PAT: INR 52 crore, up 6.8% YoY

Standalone Financial Highlights – 9M FY26

• Revenue: INR 777 crore

• Adjusted EBITDA: INR 43 crore, up 63.7% YoY

  • EBITDA margin: 5.5%, improvement of 220 bps YoY, driven by cost restructuring

  • Adjusted EBITDA margin (excluding reciprocal tariff cost of ~INR 14 crore): ~7.3%

• PAT: INR 55 crore, compared to INR 32 crore in 9M FY25

Standalone Financial Highlights – Q3 FY26

• Revenue: INR 246 crore

• Adjusted EBITDA: INR 13 crore

  • EBITDA margin: 5.1%, improvement of 140 bps YoY

  • Adjusted EBITDA margin (excluding reciprocal tariff cost of ~INR 5 crore): ~7.2%

• PAT: INR 14 crore, compared to INR 4 crore in Q3 FY25

Other Highlights

• Leadership Recognition:
  Founder & Chairman Dr. Deepak Seth was conferred the Global Leadership Award for building the world’s largest apparel supply chain company from India for FY23–24 and FY24–25. The award was presented by C. P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Vice President of India, at the AEPC Excellence Honours Ceremony in New Delhi.

• Credit Rating Upgrade:
  The Company recorded a significant improvement in its credit profile, with the long-term rating upgraded from [ICRA] BBB (Stable) in 2021 to [ICRA] A+ (Stable) in 2026, and the short-term rating upgraded from [ICRA] A3+ to [ICRA] A1+, reflecting strong liquidity, disciplined financial management, and operational resilience.

Management Commentary

Mr. Pulkit Seth, Vice-Chairman & Non-Executive Director,

“We are pleased to deliver another quarter of encouraging performance in FY26 despite a challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. Our 9M FY26 revenue grew by 13.2% and EBITDA by 14.0% YoY.

India operations are expected to gain significant momentum following the reduction of U.S. tariffs to 18%, removing the burden of the additional 25% duty and enhancing profitability. The India–EU and UK FTAs further strengthen growth prospects by enabling us to leverage existing customer relationships.

Bangladesh’s capacity expansion remains on track for completion by Q2 FY27, while Indonesia and Vietnam continue to operate at optimal utilization levels. Supported by tariff relief, FTAs, and capacity readiness, we are well positioned to scale efficiently and deliver sustained long-term value.”

Mr. Pallab Banerjee, Managing Director,

“We delivered a resilient performance in Q3 and 9M FY26, with revenue of INR 3,711 crore and EBITDA of INR 333 crore. Adjusted EBITDA margins stood at ~10.1% after normalizing for tariffs and ramp-up costs, reflecting the strength of our diversified operating model and execution discipline.

The removal of U.S. tariffs eliminates discount pressure extended to customers during the tariff period, directly improving profitability from February onwards. With trade agreements now covering key global markets and capacity in place, Pearl Global is well positioned to regain momentum in India from FY27 and capitalize on broader global opportunities.”

Against the Backdrop of India’s approx 1.77 Lakh Road Deaths yearly, KIMS Hospital Trains Auto-Rickshaw Drivers in Life-Saving CPR, First Aid as First Responders 

Thane, Feb 07: KIMS Hospitals, Thane, has launched a community-focused, community-led initiative to strengthen emergency response during the critical golden hour by training auto-rickshaw drivers as first responders. As part of the program, over 100 auto-rickshaw drivers from the Thane–Ghodbunder Road belt*are receiving hands-on training in CPR and basic first aid to help stabilize patients before ambulances arrive along with a first aid kit which they can keep in their auto rickshaws.

As road crashes and lifestyle-related cardiac arrests continue to claim hundreds of lives daily, KIMS Hospital is empowering auto-rickshaw drivers in Thane with CPR training and basic first aid. With traffic congestion often delaying emergency vehicles, auto-rickshaw drivers are frequently the first to reach accident sites and medical emergencies. This initiative equips them with life-saving skills and first-aid kits, enabling immediate support and early stabilization until professional medical care takes over.

The training includes live CPR demonstrations and hands-on training on mannequins, basic trauma care, and early patient stabilisation techniques, conducted by expert doctors from KIMS Hospital. Each trained driver is also being provided with a First-Aid Kit, strengthening on-ground emergency response.

The initiative is being carried out by KIMS Hospital in association with Amar Gharat Foundation, which is supporting community mobilisation and outreach among auto-rickshaw drivers in the region.

Speaking on the broader vision behind the initiative, Saurabh Gupta, Regional Director, KIMS Hospitals, said,

“Care during the golden hour often starts on the road. By training auto-rickshaw drivers as first responders and also offering them Oral cancer screenings, we are extending critical care beyond hospital walls and into the community.”

Highlighting the medical importance of early action, Dr. Anil Heroor, Director – Oncological Sciences, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said,

“Many auto-rickshaw drivers are at higher risk of oral cancer due to tobacco use. Simple screenings like these can catch early signs and make a real difference.”

Dr. Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant – Head & Neck Oncosurgery, KIMS Hospitals , Thane, added,

“Oral cancer often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious. Bringing screening closer to people helps with early detection and better outcomes.” 

Emphasising emergency preparedness, Dr. Ankit Biyani, HOD – Emergency Medicine, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, added,

“The first few minutes after an accident or medical emergency are critical. Training auto drivers helps bridge the gap between an emergency and ambulance care.”

Alongside the training program, KIMS Hospitals Thane is also conducting oral health screenings for participating auto-rickshaw drivers, with a focus on early detection of oral health issues among those who consume tobacco, reinforcing the hospital’s focus on preventive and community healthcare.

Through this initiative, KIMS Hospitals continues to extend care beyond hospital walls, empowering everyday citizens, strengthening emergency response systems, and building a safer, more prepared community in Thane.

Delhi, Feb 07: Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL), one of India’s leading multimodal logistics companies, announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3 FY26), delivering strong operational and financial performance despite Q3 traditionally being a seasonally weaker quarter.

Operational Performance

During Q3 FY26, GDL recorded a total throughput of 1,90,675 TEUs, reflecting a 4.74% year-on-year growth. Year-to-date (YTD) throughput stood at 5,75,887 TEUs, registering a 6.61% YoY increase.

• Rail Vertical:

  • Q3 FY26: 1,02,575 TEUs (up 10.97% YoY)

  • YTD FY26: 2,97,097 TEUs (up 11.18% YoY)

• CFS Vertical:

  • Q3 FY26: 88,100 TEUs

  • YTD FY26: 2,78,790 TEUs (up 2.13% YoY)

Financial Highlights

For Q3 FY26, the Company reported strong growth across key financial metrics:

• Total Revenue: Up 39.10% YoY

• EBITDA: Up 26.67% YoY

• Profit Before Tax (PBT): Up 11.87% YoY

• Profit After Tax (PAT): Maintained steady performance

On a YTD basis, GDL recorded:

• Total Revenue: Up 45.85% YoY

• EBITDA: Up 28.43% YoY

• PBT: Up 16.63% YoY

• PAT: Up 12.47% YoY

The financials include the consolidation of Snowman Logistics Limited as a subsidiary effective December 24, 2024. Exceptional income related to fair valuation recorded in FY25 has been excluded to ensure comparability.

Dividend Announcement

The Board of Directors declared a Second Interim Dividend for FY26, along with a Special Interim Dividend.

The special dividend is a one-time, non-recurring payout, marking GDL’s achievement of a net debt-free position for the first time since inception, and commemorating 30 years since the acquisition of land for its first facility at Nhava Sheva CFS.

Management Commentary

Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, Gateway Distriparks Limited, said:

“Normally Q3 is a weaker quarter, but our performance has remained strong and consistent with the momentum seen in recent quarters. We are optimistic about the future, particularly with the Free Trade Agreement signed with the EU and the trade deal with the USA, which are expected to significantly boost India’s global trade once ratified.”

He added that the Company has commenced domestic rail services from MMLP New Ankleshwar and is witnessing encouraging traction. GDL is expanding its rail capacity through the addition of new high-capacity rakes and the upgradation of existing leased rakes, taking the total rake count to 37 by the end of Q1 FY27.

Growth Initiatives

GDL has announced the acquisition of land for setting up a greenfield Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Indore, located near the Pithampur Industrial Area, one of India’s fastest-growing industrial regions. The Company continues to actively explore opportunities to further expand its rail and logistics network.

Snowman Logistics is also expected to benefit from upcoming trade agreements, particularly with the revival of seafood exports, and is planning to expand its warehouse network through a combination of owned assets and asset-light build-to-suit models.

Ahmedabad, Jan 07 : Urban planning in India must move beyond drawing city boundaries and focus on people, productivity and time efficiency, K. Srinivas, Secretary, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), said on Thursday while inaugurating the 74th National Town & Country Planners Conference organised by the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI).

Mr. Srinivas said urbanisation has now been recognised as a positive force for economic growth, with town planners emerging as key stakeholders in India’s development story.

“It is no longer enough to design cities in kilometres. There is a need to design locally, design for people and, most importantly, design for time. In urban areas, time efficiency determines productivity, whether in mobility, housing, education or access to services,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead, Mr. Srinivas noted that India is expected to add between 35 and 40 crore people to its urban population in the coming decades. He cautioned that despite significant progress, urban development continues to face structural issues such as weak municipal finances, rising costs of living, inadequate health infrastructure and a persistent disconnect between urban planning and economic planning.

“Planners are often seen as gatekeepers. The need of the hour is to become facilitators and drivers of development,” he said, calling for greater congruence between public investment in urban infrastructure and its economic impact.

Earlier, NK Patel, Patron and Past President of ITPI, said Gujarat was hosting the national conference after 13 years with the same enthusiasm and commitment to advancing the planning profession.

The three-day conference, themed ‘Proactive Regional Planning and Development to Usher Viksit Bharat’, has drawn around 500 participants from across the country. Key discussions on the first day focused on planning and development approaches for rapid transit corridors and metro cities regional planning for economic development.

In his address, ITPI President Pradeep Kapoor, stressed the need to move beyond city-centric master plans.

“No city can develop in isolation. Regional planning must take centre stage if we are to manage rapid urbanisation and move towards balanced growth, especially as India approaches 40% urbanisation before 2030,” he said.

Former Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Keshav Verma urged young planners to act as urban warriors and adopt a vision-driven approach.

“Business-as-usual planning has created inefficient and unhealthy cities. The paradigm must shift for greater focus on quality of life, sustainability, green spaces and people’ participation. Good urban planning is also good economics,” he said.

Darshna Vaghela, Minister of State for Urban Development, spoke about the state’s urban transformation over the past two decades and citied the approval of over 225 town planning schemes in the last three years. She urged planners to ensure cities evolve as liveable, inclusive hubs rather than concrete-dominated spaces.

The second day of the conference will include sessions on inclusive infrastructure planning for global events, climate literacy in academia and practice, AI application for sustainable planning and management, and lessons from 100 years of town planning schemes in Gujarat. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will be the chief guest at the valedictory session.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World Visits the Alma Mater of India’s T20I Skipper Suryakumar Yadav Under the ‘Class of ’26’ Initiative

Navi Mumbai, Feb 07 : The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World marked a significant stop at Pillai College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai, the former college of India’s current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, as part of the ‘Class of ’26’ initiative. The visit celebrated the academic journey of the Indian captain while inspiring students by bringing them face-to-face with one of cricket’s most coveted trophies.

The event was held in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Mahatma Education Society, institutional heads, and faculty members, with students actively participating in cricket-themed engagements including trivia sessions, tap-the-ball challenges, and wicket-taking activities, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere around the trophy on campus.

The trophy then travelled to Rizvi College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, the former college of India all-rounder Shivam Dube. The event was attended by senior dignitaries from the Rizvi Education Society, along with the principal and faculty members of Rizvi College of Arts, Science and Commerce. Students interacted with the official mascots while taking part in competitive engagements.

Another stop on the tour was Delhi Public School, Amritsar, the former school of India all-rounder Abhishek Sharma. The visit took place in the presence of Abhishek Sharma’s parents, Mr. Raj Kumar Sharma and Mrs. Manju Sharma, along with school dignitaries and faculty members. Students actively participated in activities including trivia sessions and tap-the-ball challenges, making the experience engaging and memorable.

The trophy also visited Karam Devi Memorial Academy, the former school of India bowler Kuldeep Yadav, where the activation took place in the presence of Kuldeep Yadav’s father and his close friend, along with school dignitaries, representatives from the Kanpur Cricket Association, as students participating in cricket-themed engagements including trivia sessions.

The trophy further travelled to Chandigarh University, Mohali, the former college of India bowler Arshdeep Singh, where the event was attended by Executive Director Student Affairs and Administration, along with faculty members. Students actively participated in interactive activities such as trivia sessions and tap-the-ball challenges, adding to the excitement around the visit.

Through the ‘Class of ’26’ initiative, the Trophy Tour with DP World inspired the next generation as the team looks to defend its title on home soil.

Fans can follow the journey on the official Trophy Tour social media handle, @icctrophytour.

Fans can secure their spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with tickets starting at just INR 100 in India (approximately USD 1.11) and LKR 1,000 in Sri Lanka (approximately USD 3.26).

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from 7 February to 8 March across venues in India and Sri Lanka, including Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo) and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy).

Chennai, Feb 7: IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), India’s first university-based research park and a leading force behind India’s deep tech transformation, and Unicorn India Ventures, India’s leading DeepTech VC Fund, have joined hands to launch a Rs 600 crore deep tech fund. The fund will also have an additional Rs 400 crore as greenshoe option.

IIT Madras India’s premier engineering institution—has ranked No. 1 for ten consecutive years in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for excellence in academics and innovation, and leads the nation in intellectual property creation, achieving a record average of more than one patent per day. Bolstering the innovation & commercialization capability of IIT Madras is the IITM Research Park which is home to several global R&D labs, Centers of Excellence, and Incubators. IITM Research Park and the IITM Incubation Cell has played a pivotal role in translational research, commercialisation, and nurturing cutting-edge deep tech startups across SpaceTech, Communications, ClimateTech, EVs, Semiconductor, Quantum, and DefenseTech. To further strengthen the innovation ecosystem and accelerate the growth journey for the startups, IIT Madras Research Park has selected Unicorn India Ventures as the Fund Manager for the DeepTech Fund.

The Fund will look to build a portfolio of 25+ companies in IP-led, engineering heavy startups in sectors like Robotics, SpaceTech, DefTech, Semicon, MedTech, etc. that align with national strategic interests.

With an average first investment size of Rs 8-10 crore, the investment strategy will follow a dual stage approach. The fund will be used to invest in early-stage deep tech startups that have reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3– 4 with an aim to identify high-potential innovations to nurture them through the initial commercialization hurdles. To ensure that portfolio companies are not capital starved as deep tech is a long gestation investment business, the fund will also support them with capital at early mid stage where they have reached TRL 5 – 7 to accelerate the development of concept proven technologies.  A part of the corpus would be assigned to select early late-stage companies that reach TRL 7 – 9 with a proven product tech and need support with accelerated scale up and market penetration.

Dr Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director of IIT Madras and the man behind the Shakti micro-processor says

“Science and technology will play a crucial role in the growth story and towards India becoming Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on technology sovereignty, AI, semiconductors, defencetech and quantum technology. The need of the hour to reduce reliance on technology imports and strengthen indigenous capabilities. IIT Madras has been in forefront of this wave for over a decade and this Fund is the next logical step for us.”

Natarajan Malupillai, Group CEO of IITM Research Park, says,

“India’s deep-tech ecosystem is at a pivotal moment, driven by supportive policies, sustained R&D investments, and a strong entrepreneurial aspiration among our youth. This fund will accelerate the scale-up of mission-driven, globally competitive startups while strengthening India’s culture of innovation & entrepreneurship. We are pleased to partner with Unicorn India Ventures to advance India’s deep-tech leadership—imagining, designing, and building in India for the world.”

Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says,

“It is an honour to be selected by IITM & IITMRP, which have been the backbone of deep tech innovation in India. With our proven understanding of deep tech, we believe we have the resources and the network to support early-stage deep tech companies. As an active deep tech investor, we have already built a portfolio of nearly 30 companies and this new fund in partnership with IITMRP comes at the right time as we have met numerous innovative deep tech companies in the last 2 years. India has the talent, capital and patient investors like us and IITM to pool in our collective knowledge, resources and industry connections to help the next generation of deep tech founders.”

The fund will deploy 60% of the investable corpus to build the initial portfolio and reserve 40% for follow-on rounds to ensure that there is enough “Patient Capital” to back winners through the “Valley of Death”. Significant portion of the companies will be sourced from IITM’s ecosystem and balance from the wider Indian deep tech ecosystem.

Unicorn India Ventures, as the fund manager will leverage its ability to mobilise capital beyond the primary fund corpus and build a robust co-investment engine to ensure that portfolio companies are never capital starved. The Fund will take the lead in raising the corpus from IITM alumni, and its global network of LPs comprising family offices, UHNIs, and large Indian institutions.