Archives January 2026

Mumbai, Jan 13: Krystal Integrated Services Ltd, a leading provider of integrated facility management solutions, has secured three major municipal solid waste management contracts from the Vasai–Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), with a combined contract value of approximately 275 crore over a five-year period with an additional three-month preparatory phase. The mandates cover end-to-end municipal sanitation services in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The scope of work includes door-to-door collection, segregation, transportation of municipal solid waste, street cleaning services and cleaning of public spaces across residential, commercial, institutional, and notified public areas. Krystal will also ensure transportation of segregated waste to authorised processing, treatment, and disposal facilities. Krystal will deploy dedicated manpower, specialised vehicles, and modern equipment, to ensure uninterrupted, hygienic, and compliant waste management services across all three wards, while maintaining strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Sanjay Dighe, CEO and Director of Krystal Integrated Services Ltd, said,

“Securing these multiple municipal sanitation mandates from Vasai–Virar City Municipal Corporation marks another important milestone for Krystal Integrated Services. Urban waste management is a critical public service that demands operational discipline, reliability, and regulatory compliance. These engagements reinforce our ability to manage large-scale, people-intensive municipal operations while supporting city administrations in delivering cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.”

The Vasai–Virar City Municipal Corporation serves one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing urban regions, and these contracts highlight the increasing reliance on professional facility management partners for civic sanitation and urban infrastructure services.

For Krystal Integrated Services, these wins further strengthen its municipal services portfolio and underscore its capability to deliver long-term, high-impact public infrastructure operations at scale.

Hyderabad, Jan 13: The third edition of the Niri9 International Film Festival concluded two remarkable days (10th Jan & 11th Jan 2026) of cinematic excellence, creative exchange, and cultural celebration. Hosted at Prasad Film Labs and Raj Bhavan Samskruti Auditorium, the festival emerged as a vibrant platform that brought together filmmakers, artists, industry veterans, and cinema enthusiasts from across India and abroad.

The two-day festival showcased an impressive range of films across Feature Films, Short Films, Shorter Films, and Documentaries, reflecting diverse voices, themes, and cinematic styles. From socially charged narratives to experimental storytelling and globally acclaimed features, the carefully curated lineup deeply engaged audiences and sparked meaningful conversations.

Shri M Dana Kishore, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Governor was present as the Chief Guest of the event. Smt C Priyanka, Managing Director of Telangana Film Development Corporation was present as Special Guest. Other dignitaries present during the closing ceremony included Shri VN Aditya, Senior Director & Chairman, National Film Awards; Shri Ashok Kumar, Actor & Director; Shri Ajitah Surabhi, Principal of SVFFA, among others.

One of the major intellectual highlights of the festival was the panel discussion held on Day 2, featuring eminent personalities such as Seema Biswas, Carlyta Mouhini, Manoj Nandwana, Jadumoni Dutta, Dr Padmini Nagulapalli, Satish, Y Ravi Shankar and Dr Junmoni Devi Khaund, the festival director. The session was moderated by Sunitha Krishnan. The discussion witnessed insightful conversations on cinema as a tool for social change, independent filmmaking, representation, and the evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital era. It also deliberated upon film production, co-production, and distribution, both nationally and globally.

The category-wise winners of the film festival are as follows:

Feature Films:

• * Best Feature Film: Juiphool
• * Second Best Feature Film: Ghar
• * Third Best Feature Film: Dahini – The Witch
• * Jury Special Award: Kuhipath
• * Best Actor (Male): Bishnu Khargoria (Akash Henu Nodir Nam)
• * Best Actor (Female): Akanksha Yadav (Ghar)
• * Best Child Artist(s): Nihar Kashyap, Sanidul Islam, Manik Ali (Kuhipath)
• * Best Director: Rajesh Touchriver (Dahini – The Witch)
• * Best Cinematography: Noushad Shereef (Dahini – The Witch)
• * Best Editor: K Sasi Kumar (Dahini – The Witch)
• * Best Music Director: Sourabh Mahanta (Akash Henu Nodir Nam)
• * Best Concept: Ritul Phukan (Writer of Life Behind the Life)
• * Best Art Direction: Pranab Jyoti Sarmah (Dhonguloi)
• * Best Script: Kangkan Bora (Ghar)
• * Best Make-Up: N G Roshan (Dahini – The Witch)
• * Best Sound Design: Debajit Gayan (Prastabana)
• * Best Costume Design: Nandini Sharma Dutta (Juiphool)

Short Films:

• * Best Short Film: Character
• * Second Best Short Film: Abaseshot
• * Third Best Short Film: Manitha Subhvam
• * Jury Special Award: Chori
• * Best Director: Himjyoti Talukdar (Ilish)
• * Best Actor (Male): Sunny Kawale (Chori)
• * Best Actor (Female): Sima Barua (Abaseshot)
• * Best Editor: Uddipta Kumar Bhattacharya (Ilish)
• * Best Child Actor: Karshita Subhnagi Kayshap (Abaseshot)

Shorter Films:

• * Best Shorter Film: That Ugly Green Planet
• * Second Best Shorter Film: Shesh Chithi
• * Third Best Shorter Film: Omnipresent

Documentary Films:

• * Best Documentary Film: Golden Thread
• * Second Best Documentary Film: The Elephant Haven
• * Third Best Documentary Film: PAPA – From Darkness to the Light
• * Best Actor (Popular): Samit Choudhury (Dr Nishant)

Notably, Juiphool received the Dr Zubeen Garg Memorial Best Feature Film Award, marking a highlight of the valedictory ceremony.

Speaking on the successful conclusion, Festival Director Dr Junmoni Devi Khaund expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, jury members, dignitaries, partners, volunteers, and audiences. She said,

“Niri9 stands for fearless storytelling and meaningful cinema. These two days have reaffirmed our belief that films can connect cultures, challenge perspectives, and create lasting impact. I am deeply thankful to everyone who made this journey possible.”

The Niri9 International Film Festival, an initiative of NIRI 9, an OTT platform under NIRI Media (OPC) Private Limited, Guwahati, continues to strengthen its position as a significant cultural forum for independent and socially conscious cinema. With its commitment to inclusivity, regional voices, and global narratives, the festival once again proved that cinema remains one of the most powerful mediums of expression and dialogue.

 Bengaluru, Jan 13: Tara Prakashana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, following its selection under the prestigious Gyan Bharatam Mission, a national initiative focused on the preservation, digitization, documentation, and dissemination of India’s vast manuscript and knowledge traditions.

The Ministry of Culture has invited Tara Prakashana to participate in the Gyan Bharatam Mission as one of a select group of 18 institutions nationwide. In the state of Karnataka, it is one of two organizations that have been invited. In the last 20 years Tara Prakashana has come up with innovative technologies for imaging, processing, and archiving ancient manuscripts.

The Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to strengthen coordinated national efforts to safeguard India’s intellectual and manuscript heritage, enhance scholarly access, and integrate modern technologies for long-term preservation and dissemination of traditional knowledge systems.

The signing of this MoU is recognition of Tara Prakashana’s sustained contributions to research, publication, and preservation of classical Indian knowledge traditions. Under the agreement, Tara Prakashana will work closely with the Ministry of Culture to advance the objectives of the Gyan Bharatam Mission at regional, national and global levels.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. P R Mukund, Founder Trustee, Tara Prakashana, said

“ Tara Prakashana has partnered with leading global technologists in the field of ancient manuscript preservation. Tara Prakashana has brought state of-the-art technologies such as multi-spectral imaging, 3D printing, and Waferfiche™ to Bharat. It is our hope that, as a result of this partnership, these technologies can be scaled to national levels .”

Sri Samar Nanda, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India said,

“ Tara Prakashana would be a key partner for successful implementation of Gyan Bharatam.  Ministry wants to deepen ties with such institutions who are doing pioneering work in the field of manuscript conservation, digitization and research. Signing of MoU is the beginning of a long term partnership to take Gyan Bharatam forward .”

New Delhi, Jan 12: Undisputed, one of the world’s most respected breaking championship series, is set to make its debut in India with the FUJIFILM instax™ Undisputed Breaking Championship – India Qualifier, scheduled to take place on Friday, January 31, 2026, in New Delhi.

This landmark national qualifier marks India’s official entry into the global Undisputed championship circuit and will bring together the country’s top breaking talent alongside leading international athletes. The Delhi qualifier serves as a crucial stop on the road to the Undisputed World Final in Tokyo, to be held on March 21, 2026.

Winners in the Solo Women, Solo Men, and Crew (5vs5) categories will earn direct qualification and an invitation to compete at the World Final in Tokyo.

Following successful qualifiers in major cities across the globe, the India edition represents a significant milestone for the country’s breaking community, providing Indian breakers with a platform within an officially recognised international competitive framework.

International and Indian Athletes Share the Stage

The championship will feature a curated lineup of acclaimed breakers from India and abroad, including:

• BBoy Flying Machine (India) – Six-time Indian Champion

• BGirl India (Netherlands) – Three-time World Champion and Paris 2024 Olympics Athlete

• BBoy Quake (Taiwan) – Paris 2024 Olympics Athlete

• BBoy Ryoga & BGirl Yuina (Japan)

• BGirl Mia (France)

Additional national and international participants will be announced soon.

The event will highlight the depth, individuality, and evolution of India’s breaking scene while maintaining Undisputed’s global competitive standards.

Industry Leaders Share Their Vision

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said:

“As India’s creative and youth-driven cultural ecosystem continues to evolve, the country is emerging as an important contributor to global street and breaking culture. Bringing the Undisputed Breaking Championship to India for the first time reflects our recognition of this momentum. At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to enabling platforms that bring diverse communities together and encourage authentic self-expression. This initiative reinforces India’s importance as a strategic market for us, where culture plays a meaningful role in how stories are created, shared, and celebrated.”

Adding to this, Mr. Arun Babu, Associate Director & Head of Electronic Imaging, instax™ & Optical Devices Business, FUJIFILM India, said:

“The instax™ Undisputed Breaking Championship – India Qualifier is designed as an open and inclusive platform for India’s breaking community, bringing together solo dancers and crews across experience levels. Our focus is on enabling participation, nurturing grassroots talent, and creating a structured competitive environment that supports inclusivity. The instax™ philosophy of ‘don’t just take, give’ aims to connect people, capture authentic moments, and bring communities closer through shared experiences. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen the ecosystem and encourage young creators to freely express themselves through breaking.”

A Celebration of Breaking and Hip-Hop Culture

Beyond the competition, the championship is designed as a full cultural experience—celebrating breaking, hip-hop, music, and community in an open and inclusive environment.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, January 31, 2026

• City: New Delhi

• Venue: Worldmark 1, Aerocity

• Admission: Free entry

Registrations Open

Registrations for solo breakers and crews are now open via and8.dance.

Chennai, Jan 12: The 26th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR 2026) was successfully held from January 8 to 11, 2026. The four-day scientific meeting emerged as one of the largest interventional radiology conferences in India, with participation from over 900 national faculty and delegates and more than 65 international faculty representing Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and the United States.

The prestigious inaugural ceremony was graced by Sabitha IAS, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mohamed Rela emphasized the importance of leadership rooted in ethics, governance, and long-term vision in healthcare. He highlighted how meaningful collaboration between healthcare professionals, institutions, and policymakers is essential for building sustainable systems that deliver equitable and impactful patient care.

In her address, Sabitha, IAS, spoke about the growing relevance of minimally invasive therapies in modern healthcare systems. She appreciated ISVIR’s efforts in advancing medical innovation while remaining firmly aligned with patient welfare, accessibility, and public health impact.

Speaking on behalf of the society, Shyam Kumar Keshava, President, ISVIR, highlighted the evolution of interventional radiology (IR) as a transformative specialty. He underscored IR’s ability to offer safer, less invasive, and cost-effective treatment alternatives, while stressing the need for greater awareness, structured training, and multidisciplinary collaboration to strengthen the future of the specialty in India.

Adding to this vision, Nitin Shetty spoke on the expanding role of interventional radiology in comprehensive patient care and healthcare system strengthening, emphasizing the importance of partnerships across clinicians, industry, and policymakers.

In her address, Dr. DeepaShree, Organising Chairperson, highlighted how ISVIR 2026 went beyond academic excellence to actively focus on patient awareness and community engagement. A key initiative this year was the Beach Walkathon, held on Day Three of the conference, which brought together interventional radiologists and patients who had successfully undergone IR procedures.

The Walkathon was graced by Tamilisai Soundararajan, former Governor of Telangana and Puducherry, and Lakshmy Ramakrishnan (Film maker / Actor / Entrepreneur). The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from doctors, patients, and the public. Patients shared heartfelt testimonials about their treatment journeys and recovery through interventional radiology, making the event a deeply moving and inspiring celebration of patient success stories and the real-world impact of minimally invasive care.

The scientific programme featured parallel sessions covering neuro-intervention, oncology, peripheral vascular disease, venous and lymphatic interventions, paediatric IR, musculoskeletal procedures, pain management, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and emerging technologies. Strong emphasis was placed on skill development through multiple hands-on workshops, masterclasses, live demonstrations, and high-fidelity simulation training.

ISVIR 2026 successfully showcased the growing strength of interventional radiology in India—celebrating innovation, leadership, collaboration, and a strong commitment to patient-centric care, while reinforcing the specialty’s vital role in shaping the future of modern healthcare.

Mumbai, India, Jan 12: Popular crime drama series The Rookie is set to return with its eighth season on Moviesphere+ from 22nd January 2026 in India with the launch of first three episodes. Ahead of the new season, The Rookie Season 7 is currently available to stream on Moviesphere+, allowing audiences to catch up on the series.

Starring Nathan Fillion, The Rookie has built a strong global following with its compelling mix of high-stakes police procedural drama, character-driven storytelling and emotional depth. The upcoming season is expected to continue exploring the evolving personal and professional journeys of its characters, while introducing fresh challenges and intense new storylines.

Season 8’s world premiere marks the next chapter in the series’ successful run, while its India premiere on Moviesphere+ further strengthens the platform’s offering of premium international television content for Indian audiences.

As part of global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LION), Moviesphere+ continues to expand its catalogue in India with a diverse slate of Hollywood blockbusters, acclaimed series and popular global titles. Viewers in India can stream The Rookie Season 7 now and watch Season 8 from 22nd January 2026 exclusively on Moviesphere+.

Biopeak, India’s first full-stack precision health platform, participated as the exclusive longevity partner at the Peakst8 Festival 2026, anchoring the festival’s health and recovery narrative through the Longevity Lounge, a science-led, immersive experience designed to help individuals understand, optimise, and regenerate their bodies in real time.

Hosted at the Centre for Sports Excellence, Bengaluru, the day-long festival brought together over 2,500 participants, including founders, athletes, creators, and fitness-forward urban consumers, as part of Rainmatter Health’s growing movement-led ecosystem. With 20+ brands, multiple movement stages, races, recovery experiences, and honest conversations around long-term performance, Peakst8 positioned fitness and health not as isolated goals, but as shared cultural practices.

From Fitness as Activity to Health as Awareness

At the heart of Biopeak’s presence was the Longevity Lounge, a calm yet high-engagement zone that saw 500+ participants move through a guided Detect → Optimise → Regenerate framework, offering a clear snapshot of how their bodies respond to stress, effort, and recovery.

• Detect helped participants understand baseline physiology through quick, non-invasive assessments related to cardiovascular readiness, oxygen delivery, stress handling, and body composition
• Optimise focused on nervous system training and adaptability using biofeedback, reaction-based challenges, and controlled hypoxia experiences
• Regenerate introduced targeted recovery protocols, including cold plunge, infrared sauna, and red light therapy, supporting recovery, downshift, and resilience.

By integrating precision health directly into a movement-first festival, Biopeak demonstrated how longevity can move beyond abstraction and become immediately experiential, personal, and actionable.

“What we’re seeing is a shift from fitness as effort to health as awareness,” said Rishi Pardal,  CEO and Co-founder, Biopeak. “People already train hard and show up consistently. What’s missing is depth, understanding how their bodies respond, recover, and adapt over time. When that understanding happens in a shared environment like Peakst8, health stops being a solo optimisation exercise and starts becoming part of collective culture. That’s the future we’re building toward.”

Reframing the Future of Health in India

As part of the festival’s thought leadership initiatives, Shiva Subramaniam, CIO and Co-founder, Biopeak, participated in a panel discussion titled “The Future of Your Health: Why Everything You Know Is Changing.” The panel also featured Jitendra Chouksey, Founder & CEO of Fittr and Naresh Krishnaswamy, CEO, Curefit, bringing together perspectives from fitness, technology, and health entrepreneurship.

“In India, we’re at an inflection point where health is no longer just about access to care, but about interpretation,” said Subramaniam. “People are tracking more data than ever, yet still feel unsure about what truly matters. The next decade of health will be defined by our ability to translate signals into context, so individuals can make better decisions early, not reactively.”

Health as a Shared Cultural Practice

Peakst8 Festival brought together a diverse ecosystem of fitness, nutrition & wellness brands, reflecting a broader industry shift toward supporting everyday athletes and active communities. Biopeak’s presence at Peakst8 marks a step forward in its broader mission to bring precision health into everyday life, not just through clinics or programs, but by embedding deep health understanding into the environments where people already move, train, and connect. As interest in longevity, performance, and healthspan continues to grow, Biopeak plans to expand these experience-led formats, working closely with communities, athletes, and partners to help make informed, long-term health a practical norm.

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents an authentic exploration of Malaysian cuisine at Tamra from January 9 to 18, 2026, bringing together a culinary team from Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur with the restaurant’s accomplished chefs for a ten-day celebration that promises to redefine Delhi’s understanding of Southeast Asian flavours. Central to this showcase are Chef Rasyafiq Bin Sabri and Chef Muhammad Akashah Bin Shafie, both Malaysian culinary professionals from Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, whose experience spans Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. Trained in high-volume luxury kitchens and guided by classical techniques and regional authenticity, the duo brings a disciplined, flavour-forward approach that reflects Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage with precision and integrity.

Malaysian food culture represents far more than the sum of its influences. While its foundations lie in Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditions, the cuisine has evolved into a language of its own; one that prizes precision as much as generosity. Fragrant pandan, lemongrass, and ginger form its aromatic backbone, layered with the richness of coconut milk, the measured heat of chillies, and the pungent, fermented complexity of belacan. The result is food that is assertive yet balanced, with flavours that unfold gradually and linger well beyond the last bite.

The special menu reflects this philosophy through a curated selection of Malaysia’s most emblematic dishes. Nasi Lemak anchors the experience with its coconut-scented rice and classic accompaniments, while Laksa reveals the cuisine’s talent for building deeply complex broths. Flaky Roti Canai, smoky Satay served with peanut sauce, the curry-laden plates of Nasi Kandar, and the high-heat precision of Char Kway Teow together present a portrait of a culinary tradition shaped by migration, memory, and mastery of technique.

The special menu is available for Lunch and Dinner buffet. The Lunch and Dinner Buffet is available from 9 to 15 January 2026 at an exclusive price of INR 2,600 all-inclusive per person.

From 16 to 18 January, 2026, the Lunch buffet is priced at INR 3,500 plus taxes per person and the Dinner buffet is priced at INR 3,800 plus taxes per person. Sunday brunch, starting at INR 4,200 plus taxes, extends the experience into the weekend, inviting guests to engage with the cuisine in a leisurely, immersive setting that allows its layered flavours and cultural narratives to fully unfold.

Bengaluru, Jan 12: VIRGIO, India’s first tech-led sustainable fashion brand, has announced a strategic collaboration with Uppercase, a leading sustainable travel and work-accessories brand, to launch a thoughtfully designed collection that unites conscious fashion with responsible mobility.

The partnership brings together two purpose-driven brands committed to the belief that sustainability should extend beyond categories—what you wear and what you carry should reflect intentional, mindful choices in everyday life.

At the core of the collaboration is the idea that sustainability works best as a lifestyle, not just a label. VIRGIO’s technology-powered, transparent fashion ecosystem merges with Uppercase’s expertise in durable, recycled-material travel gear to create a collection that balances style, functionality, and responsibility.

The VIRGIO x Uppercase collection features versatile travel and work essentials designed for longevity and everyday relevance:

• Cabin trolley with structured hard-shell design, refined detailing, detachable laundry compartment, and separate toiletry pouch, suitable for both work and leisure travel.

• Backpack and laptop sleeve offering padded protection, smart organisation, quick-access compartments, and trolley compatibility, perfect for daily mobility.

Crafted using water-resistant, recycled materials, each product combines durability with thoughtful design, ensuring sustainable choices do not compromise performance or aesthetics.

In an evolving D2C and retail landscape, the collaboration reflects a value-led approach rather than short-term co-branding. By aligning design sensibilities, sustainability goals, and consumer insights, VIRGIO and Uppercase deliver a unified experience that is consistent, trustworthy, and long-term relevant, extending sustainability into how consumers live, work, and travel.

Both brands are committed to measurable sustainability outcomes. Uppercase’s use of recycled materials and responsible manufacturing has already reduced carbon emissions, plastic waste, and oil consumption. Integrating these products into VIRGIO’s ecosystem further amplifies awareness and adoption of impact-driven choices among a wider audience.

Amar Nagaram, Founder, VIRGIO, said:

“Sustainability should support how people actually live, not limit them. Our collaboration with Uppercase extends our ecosystem beyond fashion, bringing conscious design into travel and everyday mobility. It’s about creating thoughtful, functional choices built to last.”

Sudip Ghose, Founder & CEO, Uppercase, added:

“Partnering with VIRGIO allows us to take our shared values further. Together, we show that responsible materials, strong design, and everyday usability can seamlessly come together, making conscious consumption more accessible to everyone.”

The VIRGIO x Uppercase collection will launch exclusively online across both brands’ official websites, with cross-listing to ensure seamless discovery. This digital-first approach enables full control over storytelling, customer experience, and sustainability communication, while creating a unified ecosystem for conscious consumers.