Archives January 2026

Jaipur, Jan 15:  Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur, successfully organised its 13th Annual National Inter-College Sports Meet on January 9 and 10, 2026, hosting two days of high-energy competition, discipline and sporting excellence on campus. The prestigious event was graced by Mr. Nikhil Doru, former India A cricketer, accomplished Ranji Trophy player, and current Ranji Trophy coach, as the Chief Guest.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Daneshwar Sharma, Director (In-charge), congratulated the organising team for the successful conduct of the 13th edition of the National Sports Meet. Dr. Lokesh Vijayvargy, Dean – Student Affairs, shared that over 850 students from more than 25 colleges across India participated in the two-day sporting extravaganza, making it one of the most vibrant editions to date.

The sports meet commenced with an impressive march past led by the Sports Committee and the Desert Devils Club, symbolising unity, discipline and competitive spirit. This was followed by a soulful Saraswati Vandana, setting an auspicious and inspiring tone for the event.

The inauguration ceremony was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Anbesh Jamwal and Mr. Devesh Vashishta, Faculty Chairs of the Sports Committee and Desert Devils Club, along with Dr. V. K. Tomar, Chief Administrative Officer. Students from Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, also motivated the participants and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the organising team. Dr. Arun Singh Rana delivered the vote of thanks.

The valedictory ceremony witnessed the felicitation of winners across multiple sporting disciplines. First prize winners included UEM (Basketball – Boys), Poornima University (Basketball – Girls, Gully Cricket – Boys, Pickleball – Boys), SKIT (Carrom), University of Maharaja College (Chess), Vivekananda Global University (Cyber Games – BGMI; Table Tennis – Boys Singles and Boys Doubles), MNIT (Football – Boys), Global Institute of Technology (Kho-Kho – Boys), Kanoria College (Kho-Kho – Girls), Dr. B. Lal Institute of Biotechnology (Pool Table), Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur (Table Tennis – Girls Singles; Tug of War – Boys), Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida (Tug of War – Girls), and Pareek College (Volleyball – Boys).

The successful conclusion of the 13th National Inter-College Sports Meet reaffirmed Jaipuria Institute of Management’s commitment to promoting sportsmanship, holistic development and a culture of excellence among students.

Jaipur, Jan 15: Jaipur based real estate developer Mahima Group has announced the launch of Ecovista, a luxury residential development that reflects the city’s growing preference for sustainable, well-planned urban housing. With an estimated gross development cost of ₹200 crore, the project marks a significant addition to Jaipur’s evolving residential market. The project will offer spacious 3 and 4 BHK Luxury Residences.

The development is spread across a 11,700 sq. metre land parcel located at Main Tonk Road Jaipur. Ecovista project bears a strategic proximity to key industrial, educational and medical hubs further enhancing its appeal for end users seeking both connectivity and long term value in realty. This location represents an important and prestigious part of South Jaipur, an area traditionally associated with upscale living, refined lifestyles, and luxury developments.

A defining highlight of Ecovista is its strong emphasis on open, green living. Nearly 80 percent of the project area is dedicated to green and open spaces, while the planning ensures minimal vehicular movement at the ground level, creating a safer, cleaner and more pedestrian friendly environment.

Commenting on the launch, Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group said

“The project aligns with our vision of building future-ready communities in the city. Ecovista has been planned as a holistic residential environment where sustainability, location, and thoughtful design come together to create enduring value for homeowners. We are also in a phase of creating a special segment of Uber-Luxury projects that offers world class amenities, Ultra Modern specifications, and intelligent planning delivered at a highly compelling value proposition.”

Jaipur’s residential market continues to witness steady demand for lifestyle led developments that prioritise open spaces, improved infrastructure access and long term liveability. With Ecovista, Mahima Group aims to strengthen its presence in the micro markets of Jaipur while responding to evolving homebuyer expectations.

Porvorim, Jan 15:  Transforming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Porvorim, into a vibrant, people-centric public space, the seventh edition of NoMoZo (No-Motor Zone) was successfully held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, reinforcing the importance of sustainable urban living through reduced vehicular movement and active community engagement.

The annual initiative provided a dynamic platform for startups, student innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase solutions rooted in sustainability, responsible innovation and technology-driven problem-solving, reflecting Goa’s evolving innovation ecosystem.

The event was organised under the leadership of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Tourism, Printing & Stationery, and MLA of Porvorim. Shri Kedar J. Naik, Chairman, GTDC and MLA, Saligao, was also present. Renowned actor Shri Manoj Bajpayee graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, adding prominence to the celebration.

Marking its participation at NoMoZo 7.0, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, curated an engaging stall highlighting the State’s vision for Regenerative Tourism. The exhibit emphasised responsible travel practices that generate positive social, cultural and environmental outcomes, encouraging visitors to engage meaningfully with Goa’s communities, heritage and natural ecosystems. Informative displays showcased key Goa Tourism initiatives focused on sustainable, experiential and community-driven tourism across the State.

The Tourism Department stall also highlighted major cultural initiatives, including Carnaval, upcoming tourism programmes, and a preview of the Shigmo Festival, one of Goa’s most vibrant traditional celebrations. Overall, Goa Tourism’s presence reflected an integrated approach that brings together sustainability, culture and community participation, reinforcing Goa’s positioning as a year-round destination rooted in responsible and inclusive tourism.

A dedicated heritage zone showcased the work of local artisans, including traditional Goan earthen pots, offering visitors a glimpse into Goa’s living craft traditions and cultural legacy.

Another key highlight was the dedicated innovation space curated by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C). The platform enabled startups and student entrepreneurs to present cutting-edge solutions and showcase emerging entrepreneurial talent.

Under the Campus Innovation Scheme, students presented projects addressing real-world challenges. Don Bosco College of Engineering students showcased two notable innovations. Teams from the Electronics and Computer Science Department presented ‘Synapse-Connect: A Neuro-Muscular Signal Integration Framework’, focused on advanced human–machine interaction. Students from the Mechanical Engineering Department demonstrated a sustainability-led project titled ‘Processing and Testing of Recyclable Materials for 3D Printing Applications’, highlighting the effective reuse of recycled materials for additive manufacturing.

From the Agnel Institute of Technology and Design (AITD), the team ‘Innovator’s Squad’ presented a smart jacket for visually impaired individuals, designed to aid obstacle detection and navigation. Another AITD team showcased AI Aaji, a voice assistant developed to deliver real-time updates and support multiple user tasks.

Several startups further enriched the innovation showcase. Sevaco, a mobile platform connecting busy individuals with verified students for everyday tasks; Burraa, India’s go-out app enabling discovery and booking of curated experiences; Asier Solutions, focused on STEM skill development programmes; and DigiWiz, specialising in robotics, drone kits, IoT hardware and home automation, demonstrated solutions aligned with real-world needs.

Overall, NoMoZo 7.0 successfully highlighted how innovation, technology and entrepreneurship are shaping Goa’s growth narrative. The diverse exhibits reflected the State’s creative potential and reinforced its emergence as a hub for sustainable, technology-driven and responsible innovation.

Mumbai, Jan 15: EkoStay, one of India’s fastest-growing professionally managed vacation rental brands, has announced the launch of Ekostay Stories, a new in-house podcast series that pulls back the curtain on the villa and homestay industry. Designed as both an industry conversation and a storytelling platform, the podcast captures the unfiltered realities, untold stories, and behind-the-scenes moments that shape the vacation rental ecosystem.

Moving beyond curated travel imagery and surface-level reviews, Ekostay Stories spotlights what truly goes on behind a stay—from guest behaviour and homeowner dynamics to operational challenges, humour, conflict, and unexpected moments. The podcast brings together voices from across the ecosystem, including co-founders, guests, homeowners, vendors, and internal teams, offering a rare, multi-perspective view of the business of hospitality.

At a time when hospitality content is dominated by influencer narratives and star ratings, Ekostay Stories delivers a refreshingly honest format. Industry insights indicate a growing appetite for long-form, narrative-driven content that explains how brands operate behind the scenes rather than simply showcasing outcomes. Ekostay Stories taps into this shift by blending real-life drama, humour, and learning into engaging, story-led conversations.

Explaining the thinking behind the initiative, Varun Arora, CEO & Co-Founder, EkoStay, said the podcast was born out of a clear communication gap in the homestay industry.

“Guests already speak online about their experiences, often when something goes wrong. What rarely gets discussed is everything that happens behind the scenes—the coordination, the people management, the homeowner conversations, and the pressure points. Ekostay Stories is our way of opening that door and showing how the industry truly operates,” he said.

He added that building and managing vacation homes involves layers of complexity that are often invisible on social media—from property onboarding and guest readiness to balancing expectations across homeowners, teams, competitors, and local authorities.

“It’s not always simple or polished. There’s a lot that goes on backstage, and we felt it was time to talk about it honestly—from a founder’s, management’s, and industry’s perspective,” Arora noted.

Internally described as “not just a podcast, but a full tea party,” Ekostay Stories embraces candid conversations, villa secrets, guest confessions, and real moments that range from humorous to hard-hitting. Early episode titles such as “Gayi Bhais Pool Mai” and “Signed & Shattered” reflect the show’s unfiltered, experience-led tone.

The podcast is designed for a wide audience—hospitality and travel industry professionals, property owners, aspiring hosts, entrepreneurs, and travellers curious about how villa brands actually function. It also serves as a transparent window for hospitality professionals, offering insight into the realities of working in a fast-growing, people-driven industry.

Ekostay Stories will release one episode every week, covering themes such as homeowner relationships, guest management, operational challenges, competition, workforce dynamics, regulatory navigation, and evolving traveller behaviour. Future episodes will also explore longer stays, remote work-driven travel trends, and the growing role of technology and AI in educating hosts and enhancing transparency in alternative accommodations.

As India’s vacation rental sector matures, Ekostay Stories reflects the industry’s shift toward authenticity, openness, and deeper engagement. By turning real experiences into shared conversations, the podcast aims to carve out a distinctive space in India’s travel and startup content ecosystem—one that informs, entertains, and sparks honest dialogue around modern hospitality.

New Delhi, Jan 15:  Systematix Institutional Equities has released a research report on India’s Water Supply & Management sector, initiating coverage on Enviro Infra Engineers Limited (EIEL) with a ‘BUY’ rating and a target price of Rs 346, implying an upside potential of 83% from the current market price of approximately Rs 189.

According to the report, Enviro Infra Engineers is well-positioned as a leading EPC player in India’s water and wastewater treatment space, supported by strong execution capabilities across both municipal and industrial projects.

Systematix highlighted Enviro’s robust financial performance over the last five years, with revenue and EBITDA CAGR of 71% and 107%, respectively. Looking ahead, the company’s management has guided for 35–40% revenue CAGR over the next 3–4 years, backed by a healthy order book of Rs 18.8 billion, equivalent to approximately 1.8x FY25 revenue.

The report further notes that Enviro Infra Engineers has a strong bidding pipeline of around Rs 80 billion, with a historical success rate of nearly 40%, providing strong multi-year revenue visibility.

On profitability, Systematix expects EBITDA margins to remain healthy at 22–24% over the coming years, driven by operating leverage and a favourable project mix.

Overall, the research forecasts revenue, EBITDA and PAT CAGR of 32%, 30% and 32%, respectively, over FY25–FY28E, reinforcing Enviro Infra Engineers’ strong growth outlook within India’s expanding water infrastructure landscape.

Bengaluru, Jan 15: Sampark Foundation has unveiled a significant expansion of its efforts to transform learning and improve educational outcomes in government schools across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh, through an investment of ₹25 crore. The announcement comes as the Foundation completes 20 years of driving innovation and impact in public education.

As part of this expansion, the Foundation will support the creation of 20,000 additional smart schools across the eight states, aligned with the National Education Policy’s vision of digitally empowered classrooms. Under this initiative, Sampark TV will be installed free of cost in government schools where smart televisions or smart boards already exist or are planned, alongside structured teacher training to enable effective classroom integration.

A parallel focus of this expansion is the deployment of an AI-based, real-time classroom monitoring and governance platform, planned to be rolled out across 80,000 government schools. The platform will enable district, block, and school-level education officials to track teaching data, monitor classroom engagement, and predict learning outcomes, strengthening evidence-based decision-making and accountability within the public education system. This first-of-its-kind platform will be implemented at no cost across all covered schools.

Letters of intent have been formally shared with all eight state governments, marking the next phase of collaboration to scale technology-enabled, student-centric learning across public education systems. Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Vineet Nayar, Founder and Chairman, Sampark Foundation, said,

“Twenty years ago, Sampark Foundation began with a simple idea: every child deserves a learning experience that excites the mind and sparks curiosity, regardless of geography or circumstance. As we renew our efforts to deepen partnerships with state governments, we aim to create classrooms where curiosity thrives and learning outcomes improve meaningfully and sustainably.”

Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao, President, Sampark Foundation and former Special Secretary, NITI Aayog, added,

“The future of public education lies in the intelligent use of data, technology, and governance. The AI-based monitoring platform will enable education leaders at every level to respond faster, plan better, and ensure accountability where it matters most – in the classroom. This initiative represents a significant step towards institutionalising data-driven decision-making in government school systems.”

In addition, the Foundation will host large state-level AI Education Conclaves in March 2026 across each of the eight states, focused on the theme “AI Revolution in Education,” bringing together policymakers, practitioners, and global experts to advance dialogue on the future of technology-enabled learning.

Committed to strengthening education delivery across India and fostering a love of learning in every child, Sampark Foundation works closely with state governments to ensure inclusive access to quality education. Through its flagship Sampark Smart Shala programme, the Foundation has reached over 1.8 crore children across more than 1.4 lakh government schools, trained over 8.5 lakh teachers, and established 40,000 smart classrooms that enhance teaching and learning experiences nationwide. Over the past  two decades, what began as a vision has evolved into one of the world’s largest education movements, documented as a Harvard Case Study and recognised globally among leading large-scale education innovations.

New Delhi, Jan 15: Hafele India has stepped into the second year of its pioneering initiative, L.I.F.E  – Ladies in Furniture Ecosystem, taking its efforts a step further to empower and elevate women professionals across India’s furniture, design, and manufacturing landscape.

A first-of-its-kind industry platform, L.I.F.E was launched to build a strong, supportive community for women in a traditionally male-dominated sector. In its second year, the initiative continues to expand its vision by facilitating deeper learning, stronger networks, and meaningful collaboration opportunities for women entrepreneurs, designers, architects, and manufacturers.

To celebrate this milestone, L.I.F.E hosted an in-person gathering recently at Bravura Design Solutions, a multidisciplinary design studio in Noida. The event brought together women leaders and professionals from across the design and furniture ecosystem for a day of meaningful discussions, sector-focused conversations, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Highlights included sessions on India’s government roadmap for interior MSMEs and emerging trends shaping modular furniture, led by Ms. Mercy Epao, IAS, Joint Secretary, SME, Government of India, and Ridhi Kale, Senior Associate Editor, India Today HOME. The meet underscored the importance of a strong, collaborative platform where women can exchange ideas, gain insights, and collectively shape the future of the industry.

Speaking about the initiative, Padma Gupta, Director – HR, Customer Experience & Strategy, Hafele South Asia, said:

“L.I.F.E represents Hafele’s belief that real progress comes from diversity and equal opportunity. Women across the furniture and design ecosystem have immense talent and potential. With this initiative, we are creating a space that not only recognises their contributions but actively supports their growth and leadership. L.I.F.E is a meaningful step toward building a more innovative, balanced, and future-forward industry.”

As the Chairperson of L.I.F.E, Amita Trehan, Bravura Design Solutions, added:

“Women in this industry are creators, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Yet many navigate their journeys in silos. L.I.F.E brings them together as a strong community – one that celebrates their skill, nurtures ambition, and provides the support needed to progress with confidence. This initiative marks an important movement toward inclusion, collaboration, and shared growth.”

Moving into its second year, L.I.F.E is set to scale its impact through more on-ground interactions, expert-led learning formats, and a growing nationwide network. With Häfele’s continued support, the initiative aims to reshape the professional landscape for women and build a more equitable future for the Indian furniture and design ecosystem

Hyderabad, Jan 15 : The $2 Bn Amara Raja Group today announced the appointment of Dr. Shilpa Kabra Maheshwari as its Group CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer). Shilpa takes over the reins from Jaikrishna B who is superannuating after over two decades of leading the HR function at the group. In her new role, Shilpa will spearhead the Group HR function, driving strategic people initiatives and strengthening the organization’s values-driven culture.

With close to 30 years of experience in HR leadership, Shilpa has worked across Manufacturing, Automotive, Energy, Technology, Hospitality, Financial Services, and Shared Services; she moves to Amara Raja from Siemens Limited, where she served as EVP and Country Head (People & Organisation) and Diversity Officer.

Commenting on the appointment, Vikramadithya Gourineni, Executive Director, said,

“We are recognised globally for our employee centricity and strong focus on culture – Shilpa’s experience in steering HR strategies for large global organizations will be instrumental in shaping our future as we look at new businesses and geographies.”

Sharing her excitement, Shilpa Kabra Maheshwari, Group CHRO said,

“I am thrilled to join Amara Raja Group. The organization’s commitment to innovation and its strong people-centric values resonate deeply with me. I look forward to partnering with the people and the leadership team to build agile, future-ready HR practices that empower our people and accelerate the Group’s transformative journey.”

Shilpa is an Economics (Hons) graduate with a MBA and holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Development. She is an author, certified coach and trainer.

New Delhi, Jan 15 :  The comprehensive automobile industry performance reports covering December 2025 and cumulative periods of FY2025 have been released, offering detailed insights into sales trends across Passenger Vehicles (PV), Commercial Vehicles (CV), Two Wheelers (2W), and Three Wheelers (3W) segments.

The December 2025 Segment-wise Report presents an in-depth analysis of monthly performance for Passenger Vehicles, Two Wheelers, and Three Wheelers, highlighting market movement, segment trends, and volume performance during the month.

The Q3 (October–December 2025) Summary Report provides cumulative data for Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Two Wheelers, and Three Wheelers, capturing the overall industry momentum during the third quarter of the financial year.

Additionally, the January–December 2025 Summary Report offers a consolidated view of calendar-year performance across all major vehicle categories, enabling year-on-year and trend-based analysis.

The Report-I: April–December 2025 Summary Report outlines cumulative sales performance for the nine-month period, covering Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Two Wheelers, and Three Wheelers, and serves as a key indicator of industry growth during FY2025.

Further granularity is provided through Report-II, Report-III, and Report-IV, which present Category-wise, Segment-wise, and Sub-segment-wise company performance for December 2025 and April–December 2025 across Passenger Vehicles, Two Wheelers, and Three Wheelers, offering detailed manufacturer-level insights.

For the Commercial Vehicle segment, dedicated reports include Report-II-CVs (Category & Company-wise) and Report-III-CVs (Segment & Company-wise) for April–December 2025, delivering focused analysis of the CV market.

Together, these reports provide a robust, data-driven overview of the Indian automobile industry’s performance, supporting informed decision-making for OEMs, suppliers, policymakers, analysts, and industry stakeholders.

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