Archives January 2026

Mumbai, Jan 13th: Hoopr India’s leading music licensing platform and Universal Music India (UMI), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music-based entertainment company, have partnered to launch an Indian music industry-first Artist Accelerator Programme, designed to provide emerging independent domestic artists with structured funding and support to create, release, and earn money from their artistry.

The programme aims to address key challenges faced by many independent musicians by offering end-to-end publishing, distribution, sync and micro-sync and brand opportunities. It will include the creation of a large catalogue of new original compositions, which will be released on Hoopr’s YouTube channel, Songfest, and published on its music-tech platform, Hoopr Smash. Songfest has previously collaborated with leading artists such as Monali Thakur, Shalmali Kholgade, Nikhil D’Souza and Ash King, and has also delivered award-winning brand music projects

Additionally, the programme will also make available a significant collection of iconic UMI classics for Hoopr artists to reimagine and recreate — a collection of these remixes will be released on UMG India’s Revibe YouTube channel.

UMG’s vast global distribution network and first-class ability to market music around the World, combined with Hoopr’s extensive community of independent artists, will provide emerging musicians with a unified platform to create new music with visibility and monetisation opportunities

To identify participants, curated auditions will be available to Hoopr’s community of 1000s of artists and will be conducted by UMG. Through this process, emerging talent will be selected. These artists will receive end-to-end support—including A&R guidance, studio access, mixing and mastering, music video production, and sync opportunities via Hoopr.

The programme is open to all genres and languages. At a time when independent music is leading India’s charts and brand sync opportunities are expanding rapidly, this joint programme offers a tech-enabled launchpad for the next wave of musicians.

Viral Jani, the Chief Revenue Officer at Universal Music Group in India and South Asia, said:

 “Our partnership with Hoopr is a strategic and creative one.  We pride ourselves in being an artist- first label, and we invest equally in discovering emerging talent from anywhere, and in promoting some of the biggest superstars in the business. With Hoopr, we have found a perfect sync: their significant network of emerging independent artists will have the chance to create new music the way they want – especially in the case of recreating classics from the UMG catalogue.  When this new music is combined with the extensive distribution network of UMG, these new artists will have the chance to reach audiences all around the world.”

Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-Founder & CEO, Hoopr, said:

“This program represents an essential breakthrough for India’s independent artist community – a chance, for the first time, for new musicians to receive the support they require to produce high-quality music, launch their music on an international scale, and make money doing it using transparent means such as sync or microsync. Our ambition has always been to create an ethical, opportunity-rich music ecosystem. In establishing this program, we have begun to achieve that vision. We are grateful to UMG for this partnership, which has created a first-of-its-kind collaboration and sets a new benchmark for the industry. We believe that this program will define how we identify, develop, and grow talent going forward”

Visakhapatnam, Jan 13: Adani Gangavaram Port, the deepest and one of the most modern ports in India today has been recognized for its exceptional environmental stewardship and awarded the prestigious title of “Environmental Excellence Award” Platinum Category by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) at the 19th Environment Partnership Summit & Excellence Awards held in Kolkata.

This esteemed recognition underscores the AGPL’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and responsible infrastructure development. The Port has consistently adopted innovative green practices, energy-efficient technologies, and community-driven environmental programs to minimize ecological impact and promote responsible growth.

Over the past three years, AGPL has received six national awards for environmental excellence, reaffirming its position as a leading contributor to environmental development and sustainable operations in the maritime sector. These initiatives reflect AGPL’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more efficient port ecosystem—strengthening its vision of shared progress and long-term well-being.

Key sustainability initiatives at AGPL include:

• Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Facilities for real-time compliance with air quality standards.
• Mechanised Cargo Handling Systems to reduce dust emissions and improve operational efficiency.
• Integrated Truck Tarpaulin Covering Facilities to prevent spillage and minimize environmental impact during cargo movement.
• Mechanised Road Cleaning Solutions to maintain clean, dust-free port roads, enhancing air quality and worker safety.

Speaking on the occasion, Adani Gangavaram Port Limited Management said, This award recognition reflects our entire team’s dedication and hard work in ensuring that our operations are conducted with the utmost respect for the environment. We remain committed to continuously improving our environmental performance and setting new benchmarks for sustainable port operations in India.

“Receiving the ISO 9001:2015 certification is an important organisational milestone for NIIT Foundation. It reflects the rigour of our internal processes and our focus on delivering high-quality, consistent, and scalable skilling interventions. As we work across diverse geographies and communities, strong quality systems enable us to remain accountable to learners, partners, and the larger development ecosystem.”

Bengaluru, Jan 13 : Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd, India’s leading business automation software provider, today announced the launch of TallyPrime Release 7.0, marking five years of the TallyPrime platform. Since its inception, TallyPrime has been designed around one clear promise- make digitisation simple, reliable, and truly useful for MSMEs. This milestone release strengthens that mission by bringing together deeper integrations, smarter automation, and meaningful data-protection enhancements into a more cohesive, connected experience.

Over the years, TallyPrime has helped businesses navigate India’s fast-evolving digital landscape, from e-invoicing and e-way bills to connected GST compliance and everyday financial operations. With features like Connected Banking and TallyPrime Cloud Access, businesses have enjoyed the flexibility to work from anywhere, transact securely, and engage with external systems effortlessly.

Release 7.0 sharpens this customer-centric vision even further by strengthening the core pillars MSMEs rely on every day: continuity, clarity, and control. Stronger SBI and Axis Bank integrations now enable MSMEs to manage payments, fetch balances and statements in real time, and reconcile instantly, all without leaving TallyPrime. These enhancements turn routine financial operations into quicker, more transparent, and more reliable experiences.

Tally’s partnership-driven approach also continues with Bharat Connect for Business, built with NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. With automated invoice exchange and payment linkage between buyers and sellers, MSMEs can reduce manual effort and improve accuracy across their receivables and payables cycles.

Release 7.0 also brings the enhanced TallyDrive experience that keeps business data safer and more dependable. With upgraded encryption, stronger integrity checks, and a design philosophy that keeps data strictly in the business’s control, TallyDrive underscores Tally’s long-standing belief that connected workflows must never compromise privacy. Businesses can adopt digital practices with confidence, knowing their data remains secure, backed up, and always accessible.

Speaking about the milestone, Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions, said:

“Over the last five years, TallyPrime has steadily expanded its connected capabilities, enhancing how businesses manage compliance, banking, and everyday operations. TallyPrime 7.0 is a natural extension of this journey, introducing smarter automation, deeper integrations, and enhanced privacy features. It reflects our belief that businesses today need connected digitisation, not complexity. This release strengthens the ecosystem we’ve been building, helping businesses operate with more continuity, transparency, and confidence.”

With Release 7.0, Tally further reinforces its commitment to creating a secure, intuitive, and deeply connected platform, one that helps MSMEs make timely decisions, maintain continuity, and stay aligned with India’s digital ecosystem. The updates ensure that connected services across compliance, banking, payments, and reporting work more cohesively, enabling MSMEs to run their businesses with ease and clarity.

TallyPrime Release 7.0 will be available to all existing TallyPrime customers with an active license.

Bengaluru, Jan 13: Sattva Group has announced the launch of Sattva Aaranya, a premium residential development along Mysore Road, further strengthening its residential presence in West Bengaluru. The project reflects the Group’s consistent approach to creating well planned homes that prioritise long term liveability, thoughtful design, and strong urban connectivity.

Located adjacent to Jnanabharathi Metro Station on the Namma Metro Purple Line and with direct access to the Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway, Sattva Aaranya offers convenient connectivity to key employment zones and established residential neighbourhoods across the city. The development overlooks the expansive 600 acre Bangalore University campus, one of Bengaluru’s largest protected green spaces, offering residents enduring views and a rare sense of openness within the city.

The Mysore Road corridor has seen steady residential traction in recent years, supported by sustained infrastructure investment including metro expansion, improved arterial connectivity, and expressway access. Proximity to neighbourhoods such as Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Nagarbhavi, along with growing social infrastructure, has positioned the corridor as a stable and increasingly preferred residential destination for end users.

Derived from the word Aaranya, meaning forest, the project has been conceived as a nature integrated residential environment where architecture and landscape are closely aligned. The design adopts a restrained contemporary expression, with natural materials and landscaped open spaces that respond to the surrounding green context.

Spread across 6 acres, Sattva Aaranya comprises 480 residences, offering 3 BHK homes starting from 2,117 sq. ft. and 4 BHK homes starting from 2,944 sq. ft. The homes are planned with an emphasis on proportion, natural light, ventilation, and views, resulting in interiors that are comfortable, functional, and suited for long term living.

Lifestyle amenities include a 35 metre infinity pool positioned at the P3 level, along with dedicated family and children’s pools. A considered mix of fitness, leisure, and community spaces supports everyday wellbeing and social interaction.

Commenting on the launch, Karishmah Siingh, President Sales, Marketing and CRM, Sattva Group, said,

“Homebuyers today are making more considered choices, placing importance on comfort, design quality, and long term relevance. With Sattva Aaranya, we are extending our residential approach of creating thoughtfully planned communities that integrate nature, connectivity, and everyday functionality. Mysore Road continues to evolve as a strong residential corridor, and this project reflects our long term confidence in the area.”

Sattva Group has an established presence along Mysore Road through residential developments such as Sattva Divinity and Sattva SimpliCity, supported by commercial assets including Sattva Global City. Together, these developments reflect the Group’s approach to building integrated urban environments that bring together housing, employment, and infrastructure in a cohesive manner.

Sattva Aaranya adds to the Group’s growing portfolio of premium residential developments across Bengaluru and other key markets, reinforcing its focus on quality led development and long term value creation.

Gurugram, Jan 13: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences brings a focused culinary showcase to Diya with the Regional Biryanis of India, running from 23 January to 1 February 2026. The pop-up highlights India’s celebrated biryani traditions, presented within the framework of Diya’s Northwest Frontier cuisine.

Contemporary Indian interiors, warm accents, and plush seating create an intimate atmosphere. With seating for 80 guests, the space remains personal and composed. The Maharaja Room, a glass-enclosed private dining space for up to 12 guests, is available for private gatherings and special occasions. 

The showcase is curated by Indian Master Chef Bobby, whose expertise in regional Indian cuisine shapes the menu. His approach focuses on technique, balance, and authenticity, ensuring each dish retains its special character.

The menu brings together a selection of biryanis, each representing its place of origin. Guests can expect preparations inspired by the royal Hyderabadi, soulful Kolkata, spice-forward Malabar, rustic Lucknowi, and Rampuri styles. Each biryani is prepared using indigenous spices and authentic recipes, introduced in a manner that aligns with Diya’s culinary philosophy. 

A live kitchen adds an interactive element to the dining experience, complemented by live music that enhances the overall ambience. Together, these elements curate a well-rounded and engaging experience for guests. 

With this limited-period showcase, Diya invites discerning diners to appreciate the iconic regional flavour at its most intentional, an experience defined by precision, provenance, and an approach to Indian cuisine honoured by considered detail. 

In line with Standard Chartered’s (“the Bank”) strategic pivot to the wealth and affluent segment, the Bank today announced its refreshed Priority Banking proposition in India.

The refreshed Priority proposition is built on four core pillars  wealth expertise, international banking, sales and service expertise, and exclusive lifestyle benefits. Together, they reflect the core strengths of the Bank and its approach to delivering a differentiated and integrated banking experience, as clients’ financial needs become more sophisticated and increasingly global.

The refreshed Priority proposition marks a pivot from a product-led engagement to deeper, multi-product relationships with clients, designed to support them more holistically as their financial needs evolves.

At the core of the refreshed Priority proposition is the Bank’s wealth expertise, enabling clients to grow, manage and protect their wealth through a comprehensive suite of solutions delivered through Standard Chartered and its securities arm (Standard Chartered Securities India). This is supported by a team of dedicated INSEAD trained Wealth Specialists and Relationship Managers, ensuring a consistently high standard of expertise and client experience. The Bank has also been investing in offering bespoke, personalised experiences to clients through dedicated Priority Banking Centres within existing branches.

The proposition also brings to fore Standard Chartered Group’s international network, enabling clients to manage their wealth seamlessly across borders, supported by digital capabilities, cross-border banking solutions and services, aligned to their global lifestyles.

The proposition is further complemented by ‘Priority Exclusives’, which offers curated lifestyle, travel and wellness privileges. Priority Exclusives includes access to lifestyle benefits and experiences and the Beyond Credit Card, an invite-only metal card for Priority clients, that’s in sync with the aspirations of the Global Indian.

Through a curated network of industry experts, clients can also access specialist support beyond banking, including global education, assistance with international citizenship and international relocation. These customised offerings are available to clients via SC Privileges, an integrated digital platform featuring handpicked experiences.

Speaking at the occasion, Aditya Mandloi, Head, Wealth and Retail Banking, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered said,

“India continues to be a strategic growth market for our Wealth and Retail Banking business. Our enhanced Priority proposition, including the launch of our Beyond Credit Card, reflects our commitment to further entrench ourselves within the wealth and affluent segment. We are committed to supporting the ambitions of the Global Indian client segment, leveraging our global expertise, intuitive digital platforms, and curated lifestyle benefits to ensure clients receive world-class, personalised support, in line with their evolving needs.

Our client continuum, global network and wealth expertise uniquely position Standard Chartered as a leading international wealth player. Our strategy remains centred on serving clients holistically across individual and business needs, supported by superior and consistent client experience” Mandloi added.

New Delhi, Jan 13: Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) has rolled out its global CSR initiative, Light Up the Future, in and around its manufacturing facility in Jhajjar district. Under the programme, Panasonic has distributed 400 solar lanterns across the nearby villages of Jahangirpur, Shura, and Kaloi, aimed at improving access to clean, reliable lighting for communities with limited electricity infrastructure.

The initiative was formally launched at the Senior Secondary School in Jahangirpur, bringing together village leaders, students, and representatives from Panasonic Life Solutions India. The event marked Panasonic’s continued engagement with communities around its manufacturing operations and underscored the company’s focus on creating long-term social impact through sustainable interventions.

Speaking at the programme ceremony, Tadashi Chiba, MD and CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said,

“Guided by our founder Konosuke Matsushita’s philosophy that business must contribute meaningfully to society, Panasonic has always believed that access to essential resources is the foundation of strong and resilient communities. Through our global ‘Light Up the Future’ initiative—which began in 2009 and has reached communities across more than 30 countries, we are proud to bring sustainable lighting solutions to underserved regions. We hope these solar lanterns become a source of opportunity, supporting children’s education, strengthening households, and enabling safer, more productive lives after sunset.”

Commenting on the initiative, Anju Malhotra, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said,

“Community welfare remains central to Panasonic’s efforts in India. The initiative is designed to address everyday energy challenges in rural areas. The solar lanterns are expected to deliver a meaningful impact by optimizing time for education and entrepreneurial activities among youth, enhancing household safety, and enabling productive activities after sunset. We appreciate the cooperation and participation of local village representatives and residents in making this initiative successful.”

Light Up the Future” is Panasonic’s global CSR programme, implemented with on-ground support from Eco Roots Foundation (NGO partner), focused on delivering clean, sustainable lighting solutions to underserved regions. Through continued investments in education, skill development, healthcare, and renewable energy, Panasonic remains committed to driving social progress and strengthening rural communities across its areas of operation.

New Delhi, Jan 13: Edgistify, a leading e-commerce and quick-commerce warehousing and fulfilment platform, has raised $1.4 million in its latest funding round to accelerate growth and strengthen its AI-led fulfilment orchestration capabilities through its proprietary platform, EdgeOS.

The round was led by Dubai-based venture capital firm NB Ventures and global supply chain veteran Rajesh Ranavat, with participation from Prateek Maheshwari (Co-founder, PhysicsWallah), Vivek Gaur (CGO, PhysicsWallah), Vikram Tandon (Former CHRO, Adani Group), along with other strategic angel investors.

Founded by Umang Shukla, Antim Suman, and Kamal Kishore Kumawat, Edgistify was built to address a fundamental gap in India’s fast-scaling commerce ecosystem—while demand has grown rapidly, fulfilment infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. The company focuses on helping high-growth brands navigate fulfilment complexity across marketplaces, quick commerce, D2C, and B2B channels.

Today’s brands face challenges such as purchase order errors, fragmented multi-channel operations, inconsistent city-wise execution, and unpredictable replenishments. Each channel brings its own SLAs, packaging norms, ASN requirements, and reconciliation processes. Edgistify’s strength lies in absorbing this complexity through customised fulfilment models rather than forcing brands into rigid, standardised setups.

Commenting on the investment, Rajesh Ranavat, mentor and investor, said,

“This funding is a strong endorsement of Edgistify’s vision to build a modern fulfilment backbone for India’s evolving commerce ecosystem. Fulfilment will define the next decade of brand growth, and Edgistify’s blend of technology, operational discipline, and market understanding positions it well to scale sustainably.”

With this funding, Edgistify plans to onboard more high-growth brands, deepen its fulfilment network across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and further enhance AI-driven orchestration through EdgeOS—a unified platform that integrates WMS, OMS, FMS, last-mile operations, and internal intelligence into a single real-time execution layer.

“We’re building a fulfilment partner brands can trust at scale,” said Umang Shukla, Co-founder & CEO, Edgistify. “This round strengthens our ability to help brands grow without chaos. Fulfilment needs to be fast, intelligent, and predictable, and that’s exactly what we’re focused on delivering.”

Antim Suman, Co-founder & COO, added,

“Indian logistics is still heavily manual. Our goal is to standardise reliability across warehouses and cities so execution feels as consistent as manufacturing. This funding helps us deepen that execution engine.”

Kamal Kishore Kumawat, Co-founder & CTO, said,

“India has world-class demand but outdated fulfilment infrastructure. With EdgeOS, we’re enabling real-time visibility, AI-driven decision-making, and predictive insights so brands operate with confidence instead of guesswork.”

As Indian commerce continues to expand rapidly, Edgistify is positioning itself as a long-term fulfilment orchestration partner—focused not just on storage and dispatch, but on enabling predictable, scalable growth for brands across channels and geographies.

Mumbai, Jan 13:  Social worker Sneha Jagasia has been a consistent source of support for underprivileged families, women, and children across Mumbai. What began as small acts of kindness 14 years ago has blossomed into an impactful and deeply rooted community welfare initiative, carried out today through her non-profit organization, the Stree Shakti Foundation.

Inspired by her belief that “har stree mei ek shakti hoti hai”, Sneha continues to strengthen and build a community where instant help, compassion, support, and hope reach those who need them the most.

A Decade of Support That Speaks Through Untold Stories

Over the years, Sneha’s work has grown privately and powerfully,

• Ration kits have been provided to struggling families to help them get through tough times

• 20–25 children have been supported with their school fees, ensuring that their education continues seamlessly

• 500+ books have been distributed to students to nurture their potential for learning and education

• Medical aid has been provided to individuals unable to afford medicines or hospital bills

• Over 700–800 people have been supported through Sneha’s social work initiatives

A Journey Rooted in Empathy

While the metrics speak to the scale, the true impact is rooted in the stories. Sneha’s journey is rooted in simplicity. She noticed people in distress and chose to help in various circumstances. A family receives basic groceries during a crisis, a child returns to school, elderly patients receive regular treatment, and women rebuild their confidence and are empowered every step of their individual journeys. She does her work without seeking recognition, focusing only on delivering help with dignity. For her, social work is not a project; it is a promise. A promise to show up for the less fortunate, and for the women who often feel unseen or unheard.

“Service isn’t about doing something big, it’s about showing up when someone needs you the most,” Sneha shares, reflecting her humble yet powerful philosophy.

Determined to Commit to the Cause

As Sneha expands her reach, her focus remains clear:

• Strengthen education support for more children

• Provide more vulnerable families with medical and ration assistance

• Build empowerment opportunities for women

• Increase community awareness and engagement programs

Through Stree Shakti Foundation, Sneha aims to uplift as many lives as possible with compassion, reliability, and respect.