Archives January 2026

Chandigarh, Jan 28: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), one of India’s leading renewable energy companies and a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited, has commissioned 10 GW of EPC projects till date thereby underscoring its position as the leader player in the renewable energy sector.

TPREL has commissioned 10 GW of EPC projects till date, which comprise 9.7 GW of solar projects and 290 MW of wind projects. These comprise both 4.2 GW in-house projects and 5.8 GW third-party projects.

TPREL has commissioned 1.88 GW of EPC RE capacity in the first 9-months of FY26. This represents a 33% increase compared to the 1.4 GW of projects commissioned during the first 9 months of FY25. These EPC project installations reflect Company’s seamless execution, rigorous project management, and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety.

Of the total 1.88 GW, 1329 MW of solar projects were completed for third party clients and 546 for in-house RE projects (187 MW Wind and 359 MW of Solar projects). These projects were executed at multiple sites across 5 states under challenging soil strata and climatic conditions.

In Q3FY26, TPREL completed 941 MW of RE projects, marking its highest-ever quarterly addition and representing a 139% increase over the 393 MW installed in Q3FY25.

This quarter of TPREL , notable projects commissioned include, NHPC, NLC and SJVNL (DCR-compliant solar projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan) and 187 MW wind project in Karur, Tamil Nadu. Leveraging advanced engineering practices, TPREL has consistently delivered projects, even in challenging environments. A robust supply chain, an agile execution model, and strong vendor partnerships enable efficient project delivery while optimizing costs.

TPREL’s  total utility-scale operational capacity now stands at 6.0 GW, including 4.8 GW solar and 1.2 GW wind. It further plans to commission 0.75 GW of its utility owned capacity during FY26.

Hyderabad, Jan 28: ITC Master Chef, one of India’s most trusted brands in the frozen foods category, has strengthened its leadership with the launch of Piri Piri Prawns — a bold, flavourful addition designed for seafood enthusiasts seeking a juicy, restaurant-style snack at home.

While prawns are a favourite for many, their perceived cooking complexity often discourages home preparation. ITC Master Chef Piri Piri Prawns solves this with easy-to-use masala mix sachets that can be added to prawns and cooked to perfection in minutes.

The product combines the natural juiciness of freshly frozen prawns — frozen within 15 hours of harvesting to preserve taste — with the fiery, tangy notes of Piri Piri masala. Each pack includes two Piri Piri Masala sachets, offering the perfect balance of convenience, taste, and ITC Master Chef’s renowned quality. Rich in protein and ready in minutes, these prawns are ideal for quick meals or foodie gatherings, making every bite a moment to savour.

Speaking on the launch, Ashu Phakey, Vice President and Business Head – Frozen and Fresh Foods at ITC Limited, said:

“At ITC Master Chef, our endeavour has always been to delight consumers with high-quality, convenient, and delicious food solutions. With Piri Piri Prawns, we aim to bring restaurant-style food right into home kitchens — delivering the perfect balance of freshness with flavour. This launch is another step forward in strengthening our non-veg portfolio and driving deeper category penetration.”

With this launch, ITC Master Chef continues to expand its ready-to-cook delicacies that offer a gourmet experience at home — from chicken snacks and cheesy delights to now, flavour-rich prawns that deliver a fiery, delicious bite.

Tanishq Strengthens Global Luxury Presence With Fourth Showcase Unveiling Desert Diamonds at Paris Couture Week, in Collaboration With Rahul Mishra

Chandigarh, Jan 28: Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery brand from the House of Tata, cemented its global presence with its fourth showcase at Paris Couture Week 2026, marking a defining milestone in its global luxury journey and reinforcing its position as a design-led, globally aspirational jewellery maison. Continuing its celebrated collaboration with internationally acclaimed couturier Rahul Mishra, Tanishq returned to the world’s most prestigious fashion platform, unveiling an exceptional high-jewellery presentation centred exclusively on its evocative Desert diamonds collection. Choosing a diamond born of the desert, is choosing something truly unique – a fragment of the earth’s history that captures the hues of the land where they are found.

Building on its continued presence at Paris Couture Week since 2023, Tanishq’s exclusive collection of Desert diamonds, placed the spotlight firmly on the origin of natural diamonds. Formed in the depths of the earth over millennia, Desert diamonds carry the spirit of the land – connecting each stone back to wild desert landscapes. A spectrum of natural colours, with diamonds ranging from warm whites and honey tones through to whiskey and sunset browns form a palette that’s both rare and unmistakable. Prized for their individuality, subtle tonal variations, and depth of character, these stones are considered connoisseur diamonds—markers of rarity, quiet power, and refined self-expression.

Rahul Mishra’s Spring 2026 collection, Alchemy, showcased at Paris Couture Week, draws inspiration from the cosmic and elemental origins of life, interpreting the continuity of matter and the transience of existence. It begins at the ether (akasha), the cosmic vastness, the eternal silence; which is not nothingness, but intelligible potential. The impression of air (vayu), its lightness, movement and enormous strength, traced into fabric through instinct and memory. Fire (agni) is the transformational force, like a contemplation. Shapeless by nature, but gives form to anything it touches. Water, (apas) obedient to gravity yet constantly in motion, a mirror to the moon and the world around it, yet humbly adapting to each vessel it inhabits. And Earth, the eternity’s ledger of memories. Shaped from the interactions between the other forms, it is a vessel retaining their traces and textures, the force of resilience and tenderness. Rooted in the interplay of air, fire, water, earth, and space, the collection reflects how these classical elements interact and transform—mirroring the patient formation of diamonds over billions of years. Through texture, scale, and movement, Mishra’s couture translates these unseen forces into a poetic narrative, where design echoes nature’s rhythms, elemental harmony, and timeless cycles of transformation. This philosophy celebrates creation as a process shaped by time, balance, and quiet resilience—values intrinsic to both couture and natural diamonds. The jewellery showcased in Paris highlighted how Tanishq’s Desert diamonds bring these natural elements to life, perfectly mirroring the vision of Rahul Mishra. Each rare, naturally coloured diamond was crafted into bold, sculptural silhouettes that celebrate both strength and subtlety, reflecting the desert’s timeless landscapes and the slow, meticulous artistry of its formation. Following their successful launch in the USA, Tanishq now introduces these exceptionally rare diamonds to India, offering connoisseurs and jewellery enthusiasts an opportunity to experience natural diamonds of extraordinary provenance, individuality, and elegance. With scale, form, and thoughtful settings designed to let each stone’s brilliance shine, these creations are conceived as wearable art, elevating high jewellery on one of the world’s most prestigious fashion platforms.

Every creation showcased in Paris was the result of extensive design ideation, hundreds of artisanal man-hours, intricate settings, and uncompromising attention to detail—a testament to Indian artistry that stands confidently among the world’s finest. With its fourth appearance at Paris Couture Week, Tanishq continues to strengthen its position as a globally aspirational luxury jewellery brand, engaging with the world’s leading maisons on an international stage. The Desert diamonds collection provides a new perspective – a sense of freshness and innovation in natural diamonds and was crafted in collaboration with De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company.

Speaking on Tanishq’s continued presence at Paris Couture Week, Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Tanishq, said: 

“Paris Couture Week is where design speaks without borders. For Tanishq, returning for the fourth time reflects our belief that Indian jewellery can engage the world through a shared language of design, rarity, and expression. With Desert diamonds, created in partnership with De Beers, we are presenting a story shaped by nature and refined through design—one that feels both deeply rooted and globally relevant. Our collaboration with Rahul Mishra allows us to translate this vision onto one of fashion’s most influential stages, reinforcing our commitment to creating distinctive natural diamond jewellery that resonates with a new generation of global connoisseurs.”

Speaking on the collaboration and the association with Paris Couture Week, Garima Maheshwari, Head of Design, Tanishq, said: 

“Paris Couture Week represents the pinnacle of global luxury and creative expression. Our third presentation with Rahul Mishra marks a deeper creative dialogue between couture and high jewellery, where fashion and craftsmanship move together seamlessly. With Desert Diamonds, we showcased rare natural diamonds shaped by ancient desert landscapes, interpreted through bold, sculptural forms that echoed Rahul Mishra’s nature-inspired silhouettes. The collection’s natural hues—ranging from luminous whites to warm champagnes and deep ochres—were highlighted through intricate settings and meticulous detailing. Each creation was conceived as wearable art, reinforcing our shared commitment to authenticity, rarity, and presenting Indian high jewellery with confidence on a global couture stage.”

Speaking on the launch of Dessert Diamonds in India, Shweta Harit, Global Senior Vice President, De Beers, said: 

“De Beers has now been a long-standing partner of Tanishq, and together we share a vision of bringing the world’s finest natural diamonds to discerning audiences in India. Desert diamonds exemplify this collaboration, each stone is part of a unique origin concept, showcasing the rarity, individuality, and natural beauty that only nature can create. With Desert diamonds, the ancient sands of time meet today’s desire for authentic beauty. Having already launched these exceptional diamonds in the USA, Tanishq is now bringing Desert diamonds to India, unveiling them on the global stage at Paris Couture Week and reinforcing our shared commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship.”

Rahul Mishra, Founder and Creative Director, said:

 “This collaboration with Tanishq is a meeting of philosophies shaped by time, nature, and human hands, and I am honoured to join hands with the legacy and trust created by them. Desert diamonds, formed over billions of years, resonate deeply with my couture collection Alchemy, which explores the elemental forces that bind creation and transformation. Presenting this dialogue at Paris Haute Couture Week allows us to honour rarity, not just in materials, but in thought, process, and craftsmanship. Together, we are telling a story where Indian artistry evolves naturally onto a global stage, rooted in heritage yet expressed through contemporary design.”

Bengaluru, Jan 27: In a significant step toward placing nutrition at the core of modern healthcare, Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) India will host its 50th Annual Signature Continuing Medical Education (CME) on 25 January 2026 at Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, in collaboration with IMA Bangalore and Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).

The full-day, accredited CME brings together 600+ physicians, specialists, public health experts, and researchers from across the country to address one of India’s most pressing health challenges—the rapidly rising burden of obesity, pre-diabetes, and metabolic disease. Participants will earn 2 KMC credit points while engaging in in-depth scientific discussions, interactive sessions, and practical learning experiences.

The programme features an eminent panel of national and international experts and will focus on:

• Evidence-based dietary interventions in obesity and metabolic disorders
• Understanding insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk
• Re-evaluating macronutrient quality and dietary patterns
• Nutrition, healthspan, and longevity
• Translating research evidence into everyday clinical practice

A defining theme of the CME is clinical applicability. Beyond keynote lectures and panel discussions, the programme includes interactive quizzes, movement and fitness sessions, and a culinary medicine demonstration illustrating how to design calorie-appropriate, nutrient-dense dietary patterns suited to Indian contexts. A curated whole-food, plant-based lunch will offer participants a tangible experience of the dietary approaches discussed on stage.

Marking an important milestone, PAN India will also formally launch a new physician reference book on Healthy & Sustainable Diets during the CME. The book represents the first volume in a planned series of evidence-based, clinically practical nutrition resources tailored for Indian healthcare professionals.

“Nutrition is not an adjunct to treatment; it is foundational to prevention and recovery. When clinicians are equipped with evidence-based nutrition knowledge, we move from disease management to true health restoration. Embedding this evidence into healthcare systems and medical education is essential for sustained population-level impact.”

The CME also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together perspectives from clinical medicine, nutrition science, public health, and policy to explore sustainable, patient-centred healthcare models.

“We are seeing a clear shift among clinicians who want to meaningfully integrate nutrition into their practice, not as an add-on, but as a core part of patient care.”

“What is particularly encouraging is the growing interest from medical colleges and professional organisations to integrate evidence-based nutrition into curricula and training programmes.”

As PAN India marks its 50th CME, the Annual Signature CME 2026 reaffirms the organisation’s long-standing mission to integrate evidence-based nutrition into medical education and routine clinical care. With growing engagement from the medical fraternity nationwide, PAN India continues to lead the conversation on food as medicine, shaping a future where nutrition is central to healthcare delivery.

New Delhi, Jan 28: Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with the renewal of European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GMP) certification for its Plant 1 facility and the grant of EU GMP certification for its Plant 2 facility, both located in SIDCUL, Haridwar. The certifications were awarded following recent inspections conducted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The EU-GMP audits comprehensively assessed Akums’ manufacturing operations, quality management systems, documentation practices, and compliance with EU GMP guidelines across both facilities. Based on the satisfactory inspection outcomes, the Drug agency renewed the EU GMP approval for Plant 1 and granted fresh certification for Plant 2.

With both facilities now operating under EU GMP norms, Akums is well positioned to expand its presence across Europe and other highly regulated geographies, supporting customers with a broader portfolio of high-quality oral formulations.

Akums Manufacturing Plant 1, located in SIDCUL, Haridwar, continues to serve as a key manufacturing hub for oral solid dosage forms. Under the renewed EU GMP certification, the approved scope includes tablets, hard gelatin capsules, and powder sachets. The facility is supported by advanced automation, precision manufacturing technologies, and robust quality systems designed to ensure consistent compliance with stringent international regulatory requirements.

Another Manufacturing Plant (Plant 2) which received EUGMP Certification, The newly granted EU GMP certification covers oral liquid dosage forms, including liquids, syrups, and suspensions. The facility features modern infrastructure and comprehensive quality control systems to support reliable and scalable manufacturing for regulated markets.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Sandeep Jain, Managing Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said:

“This milestone goes beyond regulatory approval—it reflects years of focused investment in quality systems, infrastructure, and people. The renewal of EU GMP certification for Plant 1 and the new certification for Plant 2 strengthen our ability to serve regulated markets with confidence. As an organisation supplying a significant share of India’s domestic pharmaceutical needs and exporting to over 65 countries, this achievement supports our long-term partnerships and sustained global growth.”

Mr. Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., added:

“EU GMP is amongst the most rigorous global manufacturing standards, and achieving certification across two facilities simultaneously underscores the maturity of our compliance and operational capabilities. This enables our partners to rely on Akums for consistent quality across both oral solid and oral liquid dosage forms, while enhancing our access to Europe and other regulated markets. Our focus remains on building a globally respected manufacturing platform that delivers safe, effective, and affordable medicines worldwide.”

EU GMP certification is widely recognized as one of the highest benchmarks in pharmaceutical manufacturing and is accepted by regulatory authorities across Europe and several other regulated regions. The certification enables Akums to supply products manufactured at both Haridwar facilities to these markets and supports the company’s continued international expansion.

Mumbai, Jan 28: Driven by customer feedback and evolving preferences, Kia India, one of country’s leading mass-premium automaker, today expanded the Syros line-up with the introduction of the new HTK (EX) trim. Priced at ₹9,89,000 (ex-showroom) for petrol powertrain and ₹10,63,900 (ex-showroom) for diesel, the new trim enhances the overall value proposition across the range.

“At Kia, customer insights guide every product decision we make. The introduction of the HTK(EX) trim for Syros reflects our constant focus on responding to customer feedback and delivering meaningful value,” said Mr. Atul Sood, Sr. VP and National Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia India. “By expanding the lineup at an attractive price point, we aim to make our SUV more accessible while continuing to offer the features and quality that customers expect from Kia,” he added.

With the expansion of the Syros line-up, customers now have an option to choose from seven different trims. Based on the HTK(O), the HTK(EX) trim comes equipped with LED DRLs, headlamps and tail-lamps, and R16 alloy wheels, enhancing the overall style quotient.

The HTK(EX) also offers a host of premium comfort and convenience enhancements, including an electric sunroof, streamlined door handles, a 31.2 cm (12.3-inch) touchscreen infotainment system, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, and a rear parking camera with sensors. Its comprehensive safety package comprises over 20 robust features, including ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Six Airbags and Vehicle Stability Management, among others.

To further expand customer choice, the HTK(EX) is now available with a diesel powertrain, strengthening its value proposition across fuel options.

These additions make Syros emerge as a compelling choice in its segment, offering enhanced value to customers. The SUV features a spacious and airy cabin, providing an unmatched experience with refined interior and comfortable seating for all passengers, along with class-leading boot space. Built on Kia’s design philosophy of “Opposites United”, Syros blends bold aesthetics with functional versatility. Based on the reinforced K1 platform and boasting a 5-star BNCAP rating, it ranks among the safest cars for families.

With the introduction of the new HTK (EX) trim, Kia continues to optimize its value-driven offerings, incorporating customer feedback to meet evolving expectations.

Gyanendra Tripathi, Partner & Leader – Indirect Tax : North & West, Tax & Regulatory Advisory, BDO India

“Under the FTA, the EU will eliminate tariffs on over 90% of tariff lines, and 91% in terms of value on exports made from India, while India would eliminate tariffs on 86% of tariff lines, and 93% in terms of value of exports from EU. Moreover, both sides will partially liberalise a significant additional number of tariff lines, thereby bringing the overall coverage of trade liberalisation to 96.6% for India and 99.3% for the EU.”

The key sectors to benefit in India from customs duty elimination would be textiles, pharmaceuticals, footwear, chemicals, fisheries, gems and jewellery etc., whereas exporters from the EU would benefit from reduced import duties on machinery, medical devices, avionics, automotive and chemicals. This would make exports from these sectors more competitive in their respective jurisdictions.

For India, enhanced affordability of machinery due to reduced customs duties would encourage technological upgradation of manufacturing facilities, improving productivity. Further, duty removal for labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, and leather would boost exports. Reduction in import duties on automobiles (under tariff quotas) could also stimulate demand and potentially lead to local manufacturing. In many cases, India’s staggered duty reductions provide adequate time for domestic industries to adapt. Overall, enhanced trade between two of the world’s largest economies will significantly accelerate economic activity and growth.”

Karthik Mani, Partner & Leader – Indirect Tax : South, Tax & Regulatory Advisory, BDO India

“The FTA secures strong commitments from the EU across key sectors, including IT and IT-enabled services, creating significant opportunities for Indian technology companies to expand their export footprint.”

Provisions related to the movement of independent professionals in areas such as R&D, education services, and computer and computer-related services will enable Indian specialists to access a wider range of clients across EU member states. This is expected to enhance cross-border service delivery, deepen professional engagement, and strengthen India’s presence in high-value knowledge sectors within the EU market.”

Munjal Almoula, Managing Partner – Tax & Regulatory Advisory, BDO India

“After nearly two decades of negotiations, India and the EU finalised the landmark Free Trade Agreement on January 26, 2026, hailed by many as the ‘mother of all deals.’ Designed as a ‘living agreement’ with provisions for digital trade, AI and semiconductor collaboration, and CBAM offsets via India’s CCTS linkage, it eliminates tariffs on over 96% of EU goods across 27 nations representing 25% of global GDP.”

Textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech engineering are expected to see strong growth, with bilateral trade projected to double to $136 billion by 2032 amid ongoing global trade realignments. The agreement also eases professional mo

By:-  Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services

“The India–EU Free Trade Agreement marks a clear shift toward a more strategic and enduring economic partnership. For Europe, India offers scale, diversified capabilities, and services that support innovation, resilience, and competitiveness. For Indian enterprises, the agreement provides structured access to one of the world’s most regulated and quality-driven markets, encouraging higher standards and value-led growth.

Equally important is the focus on people mobility, including simplified student access supported by a dedicated EU office in India. Over time, this will strengthen education-to-employment pathways and the broader talent ecosystem across both regions. The India-EU startup partnership adds further momentum by connecting capital, research, and enterprise demand. Ultimately, the real impact of the agreement will depend on the speed of execution and how effectively policy intent translates into outcomes on the ground.”

Air India Unveils Custom-Styled Cabin Interiors of the First Made-for-Air India B787-9; New Interiors to Become Standard Across B787 Fleet

Chandigarh, Jan 28: Air India today unveiled the custom-styled cabin interiors of its first line-fit (made-for-Air India) Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Bearing registration mark VT-AWA, the new aircraft features completely new cabin interiors, designed especially for Air India and installed directly on Boeing’s production line.

Air India received delivery of the new aircraft on 11 January 2026, arriving in Delhi non-stop from Boeing’s factory in Everett, Washington. The aircraft is entering commercial service on flights between Mumbai and Frankfurt from 1 February 2026.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said:

“The arrival of this new Boeing 787-9, the first production widebody from the 470 aircraft-strong order signed three years ago, is a significant moment in Air India’s 5-year Vihaan.AI transformation programme. Though nearly 100 new and leased aircraft have already joined the Air India group’s fleet since privatisation, this is the first to be designed by and for Air India. It underscores Air India’s commitment to delivering a world-class physical product and inflight entertainment experience to complement the warm Indian hospitality already delivered by our crew.”

“The new cabin interiors on this aircraft will soon become the standard across our entire Boeing 787 fleet as, in addition to 19 more production aircraft, all 26 of Air India’s existing Boeing 787-8 aircraft are being retrofitted with the same new cabin interiors and entertainment systems. The retrofit programme is well underway, with the first upgraded aircraft due to return to service in the coming weeks and the remainder of the fleet by mid-2027.”

All-new cabin interiors

Air India’s new Boeing 787-9 aircraft comes with 296 seats distributed between three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The cabins feature customised versions of the Elevate Ascent seat in Business Class and RECARO PL3530 and CL3710 seats in Premium Economy and Economy Class, respectively. All seats are equipped with Thales’ state-of-the-art AVANT Up inflight entertainment (IFE) system.

The Business Class cabin consists of 30 luxurious suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering direct aisle access to every guest. Each suite, featuring a sliding privacy door¹, reclines into a fully flat bed of 79 inches in length or a chaise lounge, and offers 42” of pitch, 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen and IFE handset, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging and Type A and Type C fast charging ports, height-adjustable armrest, as well as plenty of storage. The suite also features an attractive cubby area that offers storage space with soft lighting inside, a vanity mirror and headphone hook, and a feature lamp designed with Air India’s jaali pattern that is inspired by India’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Premium Economy – a dedicated, upscale cabin offering greater privacy – features 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, designed for enhanced long-haul comfort. Each seat offers generous legroom with 38-inch pitch and 7-inch recline, 6-way adjustable headrest, individually adjustable calf rest as well as a leg rest, 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, Type A and Type C fast charging ports, and a bottle holder.

Economy Class – features 238 lightweight and ergonomically optimised seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, each offering the standard 31”/32” pitch and 5” recline, an 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, and Type A and C charging ports. Of the 238 seats in Economy, Air India has made 220 seats available in its booking inventory for flights operated with this new aircraft.

A new design standard

Air India has styled the interiors of the new B787-9 aircraft, including seats, galleys, lavatories, flight crew rest area, side panels, laminates, etc. in collaboration with JPA Design, a global multidisciplinary design studio, especially to reflect Air India’s revitalised global brand identity.

The cabins feature a harmonious palette of soft creams, pinks, reds, warm golds, and rich purples, complemented by tactile materials inspired by natural textures and modern craftsmanship. This creates a sensorial experience of quiet luxury, authenticity, and contemporary Indian identity, with refined detailing, soft curves, warm lighting, improved stowage, and intuitive usability across all classes.

Mood lighting inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions

On board the new B787-9 aircraft, Air India has introduced a unique mood lighting systems, developed in collaboration with Tata Elxsi. It draws inspiration from India’s rich heritage in wellness and the ancient concept of chakras – viewed in traditional philosophy as vital energy centres in the human body that support physical, mental, and emotional balance. The new mood lighting offers 10 custom scenes designed to align with passengers’ circadian rhythms and aid melatonin regulation, enhancing wellbeing on long-haul flights.

Mumbai, Jan 28:Axis Bank, in collaboration with Grey India, has unveiled #DeshKaLocker, a Republic Day campaign that redefines how Indians express respect for the national flag. The initiative urges citizens not only to raise the tricolour with pride, but also to reflect on what happens after the celebrations end.

Every year on January 26, millions of flags are hoisted across homes, schools, and workplaces nationwide. Yet once the day concludes, many of these flags are often left unattended, mishandled, or quietly discarded. Desh Ka Locker brings attention to this overlooked moment, reminding the nation that true respect for the flag extends beyond hoisting—it includes caring for it with dignity even after the occasion has passed.

Rooted in Axis Bank’s core promise of safety and trust, the campaign expands the idea of protection beyond financial security. This Republic Day, the Bank invites Indians to safeguard something deeply personal and patriotic—the national flag itself.

Commenting on the idea, Harsh Kapadia, Chief Creative Officer, Grey India, said:

“India knows exactly what to do on the morning of January 26. What we don’t talk about is the evening. Desh Ka Locker comes from that gap. It turns a moment of emotion into a simple behaviour—raise the flag with pride, then keep it with pride.”

The campaign is anchored by a powerful brand film inspired by the journey of world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen. It traces her years of discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance leading up to a defining moment on the podium, standing beneath the tricolour as the national anthem plays.

Just as the film seems to reach its natural conclusion, it reveals a quiet yet poignant second act. Nikhat carefully folds the flag and places it inside a locker—symbolising a simple but profound truth: responsibility towards the national flag does not end when it is hoisted, but continues even when it is no longer on display.

Through this gesture, the film brings alive the central thought of the campaign:
Whatever your reason to raise the flag—victory, a milestone, or a new beginning—keep that pride safe.

Activated across 4,600 Axis Bank branches nationwide, #DeshKaLocker transforms Axis Bank’s safe deposit lockers into more than just a place for valuables. This Republic Day, they become a respectful home for the national flag—serving as a reminder that protecting what matters most also includes the symbols we hold sacred.