Archives January 2026

Solutions-driven environmental non-profit Canopy, in partnership with Finance Earth, has released Paper Thin Comfort: Wood Fibre Risk in a Finite Forest World. The brief highlights escalating risks for India’s wood-dependent industries at a time when paper demand is increasing by nearly one million tonnes annually.

India’s e-commerce packaging and MMCF textile sectors—including rayon and viscose—are becoming increasingly reliant on imported wood pulp and recovered fibre. Tightening global wood supply, climate-related disruptions, and upcoming EU due-diligence requirements are amplifying cost, continuity, and compliance risks for export-oriented manufacturers. With Asia’s paper production having surged 60% between 2000 and 2021, Indian brands face urgent pressure to strengthen fibre security. The brief encourages a pivot to low-risk alternatives such as textile waste and agro-residues like sugarcane bagasse and rice straw—areas where India holds a natural competitive advantage—for more resilient and circular supply chains.

Jointly developed by Canopy and Finance Earth a social enterprise specializing in investment strategies for nature, climate, and communities the brief reveals that rising demand from bioenergy, construction, and packaging continues to outpace sustainable wood supply. Climate stressors, such as worsening wildfires and increased competition for land, are constraining global pulp availability, echoing vulnerabilities in India’s Northeast forest regions and raising the risks of relying heavily on imported pulp and recovered fibre.

Meanwhile, the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective December 2026, will require exporters to certify products as “deforestation-free.” This introduces significant market access and compliance pressures for Indian exporters across textile hubs like Tiruppur and Ludhiana, as well as fast-growing packaging clusters serving e-commerce, food, and FMCG sectors.

Key Risks for Indian Industry

• Rising Demand: Global wood demand, driven by energy transition and e-commerce packaging, is outpacing sustainable forest supply, increasing price volatility for India’s $200+ billion textile and paper ecosystem.

• Supply Constraints: Climate stressors, low waste paper recovery rates, and growing import dependence are heightening vulnerability to raw material shortages.

• Compliance Pressures: New regulations such as EUDR and evolving human rights due diligence norms could add to compliance costs and squeeze margins for Indian exporters.

Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of Canopy, said:

“India has a remarkable opportunity. With the right collaboration, waste textiles and agricultural residues like bagasse and straw can become the foundation of low-carbon, circular fibre supply chains—reducing pressure on global forests while strengthening industrial resilience in India. Producers and brands can future-proof sourcing, meet rising global expectations, and unlock new competitiveness through materials that are made to perform, scale, and succeed in India.”

The brief outlines a three-part framework to strengthen India’s fibre resilience and export readiness:

1. Scale Alternatives: Accelerate adoption of circular fibres from agricultural residues and recycled textiles to reduce dependence on high-risk forest sources.

2. De-Risk Wood: Strengthen sourcing through FSC certification, full traceability, and assessment of ecological and social risks, including impacts on Indigenous and forest-dependent communities.

3. Future-Proof: Use scenario planning to anticipate regulatory shifts, climate shocks, and demand surges, guiding investment toward sustainable fibre technologies and domestic fibre scaling.

Canopy will engage Indian brands, manufacturers, investors, policymakers, and innovators to accelerate adoption of these solutions—protecting forests while enhancing India’s position as a competitive, low-risk supplier to global markets.

Mumbai, Jan  15 : Muthoot Microfin Limited (NSE: MUTHOOTMF, BSE: 544055), among India’s leading Non-Banking Financial Company-Micro Finance Institution (NBFC-MFI), has secured two prestigious national awards at the Inclusive Finance India Awards 2025, presented at the Global Inclusion Finance Summit 2026.

Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor of India, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, presented the dual honors alongside Vipin Sharma, CEO, ACCESS Development Services, and Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC India. The summit was organized by ACCESS Development Services in partnership with GoI Ministry of Finance and HSBC, bringing together leaders from banking, microfinance, fintech, and policy-making circles.

Muthoot Microfin was recognized as, Financial Inclusion Institution of the Year, and along with it, was also awarded for Responsible Finance for Sustainability.

The Financial Inclusion Institution of the Year award recognizes Muthoot Microfin’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives at the grassroots by expanding access to formal credit and financial services. Through its extensive on-ground network of 1,718 branches spread across 21 states and 392 districts, the company currently serves 33.6 lakh active customers, empowering underserved communities and small entrepreneurs, with a Gross Loan Portfolio of INR 12,558.8 crore as of September 30, 2025.

The Responsible Finance for Sustainability award validates Muthoot Microfin’s concrete sustainability initiatives in FY25 including operating 50+ solar powered branches, disbursing ₹306.5 crore in sanitation loans and INR 29.2 crore in solar product loans, and supporting clients through more than 90,000 natural catastrophe insurance claims. The company is steadily embedding the SDGs into its core operations and service, currently impacting 14 UN SDGs.

The awards acknowledge the company’s impact in serving women borrowers across rural India through its Joint Liability Group (JLG) model. By focusing exclusively on women from low-income households, Muthoot Microfin has enabled micro-enterprises, from vegetable vending and tailoring units to dairy farming and agriculture-linked activities, to grow with dignity and financial independence.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Sadaf Sayeed, CEO, Muthoot Microfin Limited, said

“We are honored to receive these recognitions at a time when microfinance plays a vital role in advancing India’s financial inclusion agenda. The ‘Financial Inclusion Institution of the Year’ recognition is an acknowledgement of how deeply financial inclusion is embedded in the way Muthoot Microfin operates. Our focus has been on reaching women who are often excluded from formal finance and supporting them in building stable livelihoods through responsible, transparent lending. For us, inclusion is not measured by scale alone, but by the resilience it creates at the household level, whether through sustained income, access to essential services, or protection during periods of uncertainty. Our approach to responsible finance integrates livelihood support with sustainable practices, whether through clean energy solutions, sanitation financing, access to healthcare, or protection during times of distress. We remain committed to growing responsibly, ensuring that every initiative strengthens the communities we serve and contributes meaningfully to a more inclusive and sustainable economic ecosystem. These recognitions support our belief that long-term value for the institution is created when growth is aligned with trust, care, and meaningful impact on the communities we serve.”

The Inclusive Finance India Awards, instituted by ACCESS Development Services, a leading development sector support organization, recognize excellence, innovation, and responsibility across the financial inclusion ecosystem. The awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate outstanding impact in making finance accessible, affordable, and sustainable for underserved communities.

By:–  Prakhar Agrawal, Director, Rama Group

“Budget 2026 presents a pivotal opportunity to shape India’s housing story beyond the metros. Tier-II and Tier-III cities are witnessing rising aspirations and end-user–driven demand, and the right policy measures can accelerate this growth. Strategic interventions such as GST rationalisation on construction, enhanced homebuyer tax incentives, and realistic affordability benchmarks, coupled with sustained investment in urban infrastructure and connectivity, will not only make housing more accessible but also unlock the next wave of real estate growth across the country.”

New Dehli, Jan 15:  Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), a global leader in mass‑capacity data storage, is showcasing advanced storage solutions at Intersec 2026 that help power the transformation of AI-driven video analytics into searchable, decision‑ready intelligence. The edge-to-cloud portfolio is designed to help businesses unlock the full value of their data and make smarter, faster decisions. 

AI applications in video image analytics (VIA) are fueling unprecedented data growth at the network edge. IDC reports that more than 75% of organizations expect their video data to at least double over the next five years, as AI adds summaries, annotations, and metadata to every frame. This surge is driven by new use cases across industries – from accelerating investigations and automating alerts to ensuring compliance and enabling deep operational insights.

To help meet this demand, Seagate highlights its latest mass-capacity storage breakthroughs at Intersec. Building on its leadership in CMR technology, the company brings industry-leading 32TB hard drives across its Exos®, SkyHawk® AI, and IronWolf® Pro portfolio to channel and retail partners. Following the blueprint established in hyperscale cloud environments – where Seagate Mozaic technology at higher capacities is already proven – enterprise customers can confidently scale AI workloads across today’s complex hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures. Hard drives deliver unmatched capacity, performance, and scalability enabling businesses to efficiently store and process massive volumes of data, supporting AI adoption at the edge and in data centers.

“AI applications, like computer vision, are transforming how video is used across industries,” said Melyssa Banda, SVP of Edge Storage and Solutions at Seagate. “From smart city initiatives to retail and critical infrastructure, video is becoming a searchable business intelligence, and it’s changing how operations run day-to-day. ​This pivot demands a new kind of data backbone: mass-capacity storage at the edge and in the data center to keep insights flowing and archives searchable. Without it, the promise of AI-powered video analytics stalls.​”

To learn more, visit us at Intersec booth SA H19. Seagate experts are there to provide you with the latest updates on cutting-edge technologies designed to address the needs of the AI-driven data surge. 

Media are invited to a networking Happy Hour on January 13 at 12:30pm at the booth.

Chennai, Jan 15: KORA by Nilesh Chhadva and Mitesh Sumbad, the bridge to luxury Indian men’s ethnic wear, is thrilled to announce the opening of its third store in Tamil Nadu at 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai on January 14, 2026. This new flagship store marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey, driven by the overwhelming love and support received from Chennai customers since the launch of its Nungambakkam store.

The Anna Nagar store opening is a heartfelt response to the warmth and appreciation shown by Chennai’s discerning clientele. Following the success of KORA’s presence in Nungambakkam and Coimbatore, this expansion brings the complete KORA experience closer to North Chennai residents, offering unparalleled access to luxury ethnic wear crafted for the modern Indian man.

A Celebration of Tamil Heritage Meets Contemporary Elegance

Understanding the cultural nuances and preferences of Tamil customers, the Anna Nagar store showcases collections that beautifully resonate with local traditions while embracing contemporary sophistication. The store features an exquisite range of traditional veshti sets, angavastram-styled sherwanis, classic pancha with coordinated kurtas, and festive silk kurta sets perfect for Pongal, weddings, and temple occasions. Each piece honors Tamil heritage while incorporating modern silhouettes and premium fabrics that appeal to today’s gentleman.

For the Tamil bridegroom, KORA offers bespoke wedding collections featuring luxurious silk sherwanis, intricately embroidered, designer veshti combinations, and contemporary indo-western ensembles that perfectly blend tradition with style. The store’s made-to-measure service ensures every groom looks and feels exceptional on his special day, with personalized styling consultations that respect cultural traditions while creating distinctive, memorable looks.

“The love we’ve received from Chennai has been overwhelming and truly humbling. Our customers in Nungambakkam and across Tamil Nadu have embraced KORA as their destination for meaningful celebrations and everyday elegance. Opening our third store in Tamil Nadu at Anna Nagar is our way of saying thank you and bringing the KORA experience even closer to the wonderful people of Chennai who have made us part of their most cherished moments.”

— Nilesh Chhadva & Mitesh Sumbad, Founders, KORA by Nilesh Mitesh

A Global Brand with Deep Indian Roots

Since its establishment in 2011 by designer duo Nilesh and Mitesh, KORA by Nilesh Mitesh has grown from a boutique design studio to a globally recognized bridge to luxury Indian men’s ethnic wear. Today, KORA operates 28 stores across three countries, serving discerning gentlemen who appreciate the perfect balance of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.

KORA’s Pan-India & International Presence:

• Maharashtra: Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur
• Gujarat: Ahmedabad ,Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara
• Karnataka: Bangalore (Richmond Road, Jayanagar)
• Telangana: Hyderabad (Banjara Hills, Gachibowli)
• Tamil Nadu: Chennai (Nungambakkam, Anna Nagar), Coimbatore
• Other Cities: Delhi (Omaxe Chowk), Indore, Lucknow, Vijayawada
• International: London, Birmingham, Dubai (Meena Bazaar)

The KORA Experience at Anna Nagar

The new Anna Nagar store spans 4,200 square feet of elegantly designed retail space, featuring contemporary interiors that celebrate Indian aesthetics. The store offers an immersive shopping experience with dedicated sections for traditional wear, contemporary fusion pieces, wedding collections, and festive ensembles. Customers can expect personalized styling consultations, expert tailoring services, and access to exclusive collections crafted with premium fabrics and intricate handwork.

KORA’s signature made-to-measure service allows every customer to create garments tailored to perfection, ensuring impeccable fit and personalized style. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in every stitch, with each piece reflecting meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for Indian textile heritage.

Grand Opening Celebrations

To celebrate the Anna Nagar launch, KORA by Nilesh Mitesh invites Chennai residents to experience the store’s opening week festivities. Visitors will enjoy exclusive previews of new collections, complimentary styling consultations, and special launch offers. The store will operate from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with appointments available for personalized consultations.

“As we expand our footprint in Tamil Nadu, we remain committed to our founding vision: to be the bridge that connects discerning gentlemen to luxury ethnic wear that celebrates their heritage while embracing their contemporary lifestyle. Whether you’re a groom preparing for your wedding or someone building a timeless wardrobe, KORA is where tradition meets innovation, and quality meets soul.”

— Nilesh Chhadva & Mitesh Sumbad, Founders, KORA by Nilesh Mitesh

The International Baccalaureate (IB), a global leader in international education, has opened the annual application window for the Global Youth Action Fund, an award open to students enrolled in a secondary school aged 12 to 19 who have developed projects or initiatives aimed at creating a positive social impact in their communities.

The Global Youth Action Fund will be open to students, or student groups, from both IB and non-IB schools. The window to apply for the grant will remain open until 30 January 2026.

The fund is open to young people who are driven by purpose and a desire to make a difference. To date, the Global Youth Action Fund has awarded grants to over 290 projects led by more than 440 young people globally. Whether tackling climate change in Jakarta, advancing gender equity in Nairobi, or building digital inclusion in Lima, each project contributes to a shared movement of youth-led action and collective hope.

“Since its founding in 1968, the IB has been dedicated to building a better, more peaceful world,” said Dr. Nicole Bien, Chief Community Partnerships & Development Officer for the IB. “Young people today are showing great resilience and curiosity in the face of global challenges, starting from within their communities and working outwards to develop initiatives that drive meaningful change. We are delighted to support these young leaders in their inspiring efforts.”

The Global Youth Action fund is part of the IB’s commitment to support, elevate and empower youth voices. Designed to unite the global community in challenging moments, the Festival of Hope creates a space for young people to share their experiences and transform complex challenges into positivity and hope. Discover more pathways to action on the Festival of Hope website.

Every funded project must align with one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is reviewed by an international panel of experts, educators, and youth leaders. Selection is based on:

• Purpose and vision – addressing meaningful global or local challenges.  
• Innovation and creativity – offering bold, original approaches to change.  
• Impact and sustainability – demonstrating measurable potential for long-term benefit.  
• Collaboration and leadership – engaging others to create shared solutions.  

Selected students will receive:

• Up to 3,000 USD in grant funding, as per project needs. Funding is dependent on what students request and what the IB Global Youth Action Fund committee decides. 
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with leading social entrepreneurs and other student awardees from around the world. 

“The most meaningful aspect of the programme was receiving firsthand insights from industry experts,” said Sadhika Kapoor, a student from Vietnam whose EcoPsych project promotes eco-friendly action in schools. “We felt genuinely honored to be in the presence of such highly accomplished individuals. Discovering that they began their changemaking journeys at the same age as us made them even more compelling role models.”

Mumbai, Jan 15:  JW Café at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar presents A Spice Affair, a one-day-only global spice brunch that reimagines heat as an art form rather than a challenge. This immersive culinary experience traces the historic spice route, showcasing how chillies and aromatics can be layered with finesse to create depth, balance, and elegance.

Designed as a curated journey across continents, A Spice Affair brings together live cooking stations and signature dishes inspired by iconic spices—from the gentle warmth of Kashmiri chilli and the smoky complexity of Mexican chipotle to vibrant African peri-peri, earthy Middle Eastern za’atar, numbing Sichuan pepper, and the bold punch of Southeast Asian bird’s eye chilli. Each creation honours its cultural roots while remaining thoughtfully crafted for refined, approachable palates.

The winter-forward menu spans fiery soups, chilli-led starters, tandoor specialities, globally inspired mains, heat-driven grains, and delicately spiced desserts. Techniques such as roasting, grilling, fermenting, and slow cooking enhance flavour complexity, allowing spice to unfold with nuance rather than intensity alone.

At the heart of the experience lies interactive storytelling. Aroma-led tablescapes and a dedicated spice bar invite guests to see, smell, and understand these ingredients in their purest form. Complemented by live music, A Spice Affair offers a vibrant yet sophisticated setting—encouraging Mumbaikars to rediscover the artistry, heritage, and storytelling power of the world’s most essential flavours.

Date: 18th January, 2026
Venue: JW Café, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

New Delhi, Jan 15:  Lyne Originals, one of India’s fast-growing smart accessories and audio brands, has announced the launch of six new products across true wireless earbuds, wireless neckbands, portable speakers, and power banks. The new lineup includes the Startup-22 Power Bank, Startup-29 Bluetooth Speaker, Startup-15 TWS, Startup-17 Wireless Neckband, Start-2 Wireless Neckband, and Start-1 Wireless Neckband.

These launches further strengthen Lyne Originals’ portfolio of affordable, everyday technology accessories, with a focus on dependable audio performance, extended battery life, low-latency usage, and fast-charging capabilities.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Kavya Vij, Chief Product Officer, Lyne Originals, said,

“Our focus at Lyne Originals has always been on creating products users can rely on every day. From immersive audio and low-latency gaming to long battery life and fast charging, this new range has been designed around real usage needs. With accessible pricing and thoughtfully selected features, these launches reflect our commitment to making smart audio and power accessories available to a wider audience across India.”

Product Features and Specifications

Startup-22 Power Bank

The Startup-22 Power Bank is built for users who need reliable, all-day charging. Featuring a 20,000mAh battery, it supports 65W fast charging along with PD and QC protocols. Multiple output ports allow simultaneous device charging, while an LED display provides real-time battery and charging status.
Available in Black and White.

Startup-29 Bluetooth Speaker

Designed for powerful sound in a compact form, the Startup-29 Bluetooth Speaker delivers 20W audio output through a 52mm driver. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and offers up to 10 hours of playback. The inclusion of a wireless microphone makes it ideal for karaoke, casual gatherings, and home entertainment.
Available in Blue, Orange, and Green.

Startup-15 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds

The Startup-15 TWS offers an immersive wireless audio experience with strong call clarity and ultra-low latency. Featuring Bluetooth 6.0 and ENC technology, the earbuds reduce background noise during calls. Equipped with 13mm dynamic drivers, they deliver clear and engaging sound. With up to 50 hours of playback and 49ms low latency, the earbuds are well-suited for gaming, streaming, and everyday use.
Available in Blue, Black, and White.

Startup-17 Wireless Neckband

Designed for extended wear and everyday comfort, the Startup-17 Wireless Neckband features magnetic earbuds for tangle-free storage and auto on/off functionality. It supports Bluetooth 5.4, includes ENC for improved call clarity, and houses 10mm drivers for balanced sound. With up to 50 hours of music playback, it is ideal for long listening sessions.
Available in Blue, Black, and Silver.

Start-2 Wireless Neckband

The Start-2 Wireless Neckband is tailored for performance-driven users, including gamers and streamers. Powered by Bluetooth 5.3, it offers ENC support, 10mm drivers for immersive audio, and voice assistant compatibility for hands-free control. With up to 30 hours of playback, it ensures uninterrupted listening throughout the day.
Available in Black and Purple.

Start-1 Wireless Neckband

The Start-1 Wireless Neckband balances immersive entertainment with everyday reliability. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, it delivers 40ms ultra-low latency, making it ideal for gaming and streaming. The neckband features ENC technology, voice assistant support, and optimised drivers for rich, detailed sound. Offering up to 30 hours of music playback and talk time, it ensures long-lasting performance on the go.
Available in Black and Purple.

Pongal is more than a festival it is a celebration of harvest, gratitude, and prosperity. Embracing this spirit, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road presents Pongal Utsav, a thoughtfully curated South Indian Harvest Food Festival that pays tribute to age-old traditions, community bonding, and the joy of sharing a wholesome meal.

Reflecting Novotel’s commitment to cultural authenticity and immersive culinary experiences, Pongal Utsav will be hosted from January 10 to January 14, 2026, at The Square, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant.

The festival brings the essence of the harvest season—gratitude, abundance, and togetherness—to the table through a harvest-inspired menu that celebrates South India’s rich culinary heritage. Curated by Executive Chef Owaize Ahmed Khan and his culinary team, the menu showcases time-honoured recipes from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The culinary journey begins with traditional favourites such as Medu Vadai, crisp and golden, and Kuzhi Paniyaram, soft, spiced, and comforting. The highlight of the festival, Ven Pongal, is slow-cooked with rice, lentils, ghee, and pepper, and served with classic accompaniments including Sambar and Coconut Chutney.

Guests can further indulge in regional delicacies such as Kara Kuzhambu, Avial, and seasonal Poriyals, perfectly paired with steamed rice and traditional condiments. The experience concludes on a sweet note with Sakkarai Pongal, symbolising prosperity and sweetness for the year ahead.

Set in a warm and inviting ambience, Pongal Utsav at The Square promises a soulful dining experience that honours South Indian harvest traditions with authenticity and care.

Event Details:
What: Pongal Utsav – South Indian Harvest Food Festival
Where: The Square, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road
When: January 10 to January 14, 2026

The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, visited the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) campus at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Mumbai, on January 15, to explore avenues for institutional collaboration and student exchange between IICT and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

The visit was hosted by Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, along with Munjal Shroff, Governing Council Member, IICT, at the IICT–NFDC Campus.

During the visit, the Chief Minister was taken through a structured walkthrough of IICT’s academic and technology infrastructure. The programme included a curated audiovisual presentation at the Rangayan Preview Theatre, highlighting IICT’s vision, academic framework, and creative technology capabilities. This was followed by a live showcase at the Anubhuti Drishya Immersive Studio Lab, featuring demonstrations of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) applications, along with hands-on experiential interactions.

The visit also featured a Digital Twin demonstration at the Photogrammetry Studio, where a live 3D photogrammetry scan was conducted to create a digital avatar, showcasing the practical applications of immersive and emerging technologies.

A strategic discussion session followed, focusing on potential collaboration between IICT and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Key areas explored included student exchange and institutional cooperation, skill development and capacity building in AVGC and emerging creative technologies, digital heritage and cultural preservation through immersive tools, and the development of a collaborative startup incubation and innovation ecosystem aimed at empowering youth from the region.

Speaking during the interaction, the Chief Minister said,

“If we want Jammu and Kashmir to become an attractive destination for filmmaking, then human talent and post-production capability must be created locally, and that is where a relationship with an institution like IICT becomes important for us.”

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, IICT, said,

“We are grateful to the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir for visiting the IICT campus. The interaction was valuable, and we look forward to exploring meaningful collaborations that can benefit students and young talent from Jammu & Kashmir by enabling skill development, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.”

Following the discussions, the Chief Minister visited the NFDC Bharat Pavilion and Museum, which chronicles India’s cinematic and creative heritage. The visit underscored the museum’s role as a national cultural repository and a platform for preserving, presenting, and celebrating India’s film and creative legacy, before he proceeded to onward engagements at the NFDC campus.