Archives January 2026

New Delhi, Jan 21: Brands are sharpening their marketing strategies as the global sporting calendar marks two major World Cups this year. While the FIFA World Cup is slated for July, closer home the T20 World Cup happening in February, is already triggering heightened activity among advertisers eager to tap into the high-engagement environment that cricket delivers in India.

Across sectors, brands are beginning to roll out teasers, athlete-led content and digital-first storytelling to build anticipation well before the tournament gets underway. Fintech major BharatPe has joined this early wave, posting a series of cryptic messages on X, Instagram, Meta, linked to the T20 World Cup. Sparse on details but high on intrigue, the post has prompted speculation around the brand’s plans for the season.

“Imagine watching this World Cup, Not from your friend’s place,” says one of the X posts.

Globally, the trend is already well underway. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, international car brands have rolled out fan-first digital activations focused on mobility and match-day journeys, while consumer focussed beverage brands have leaned into its long-standing association with football through limited-edition packaging. Major FMCG players have activated their portfolio brands through region-specific storytelling, influencer collaborations, and purpose-led campaigns.

Marketing experts note that World Cup-led campaigns offer brands a combination of scale and relevance. The tournaments deliver massive, captive audiences, but more importantly, they provide a contextual backdrop where themes of trust, performance, teamwork, and consistency resonate deeply. For digital-first and fintech brands, this creates an opportunity to anchor everyday products such as payments, within moments of national and global pride.

As brands continue to vie for attention in an increasingly crowded World Cup advertising ecosystem, early teasers like BharatPe’s suggest that the real contest for consumer mindshare may have already begun, well before the opening ceremony.

New Delhi, Jan 21: At India TV’s daylong conclave “Pollution Ka Solution”, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted ongoing and upcoming initiatives to reduce air and water pollution in Delhi NCR.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Air Quality

Minister Yadav noted that the number of days with AQI above 400 in Delhi NCR has fallen from 16 days a year to eight. He projected a 15–20% reduction in air pollution for this year. He emphasized that while the UPA government delayed implementing AQI, the current government introduced it in 2014.

Key initiatives include:

• Phasing out all vehicles below BS-3 in NCR.

• Transitioning commercial and aggregator vehicles to electric mode.

• Adding 3,000 electric buses to the Delhi Transport Corporation fleet.

• Implementation of Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) at 62 high-traffic zones.

• Mandating thermal plants use 5% biomass and piloting 25 projects for paddy straw (parali) management.

• Industrial compliance: 227 of 240 industrial areas have switched to PNG; over 1,200 units installed online monitoring.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Holistic Measures

CM Gupta criticized previous Congress and AAP governments for the city’s pollution issues and highlighted the administration’s efforts to modernize infrastructure:

• Upgrading 35 existing STPs and building 37 new decentralized STPs.

• Removing 22 lakh metric tonnes of silt from city drains to prevent waterlogging.

• Establishing an e-waste plant in Holambi Kalan and adding 9,000 EV charging stations.

• Expanding the EV public bus fleet to 3,600 buses, with a target of 7,700 buses by year-end.

• Strengthening road cleaning with mechanical sweeping machines (MRS).

Both leaders emphasized that strong administrative will, effective policies, and technology-driven solutions are crucial for sustained improvements in air and water quality in the capital.

Step into a confluence of royal traditions as Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre presents Padharo Mhare Desh, a majestic Rajasthani food festival that brings the proud Marwadi culinary legacy to the heart of Hyderabad’s Nawabi grandeur. Headlined by Guest Chef Chetan Singh from Novotel Jaipur, the showcase celebrates the timeless flavours of the desert kingdom, where age-old Rajputana recipes meet the city’s own heritage of regal indulgence.

Guest Chef Chetan Singh, brings with him deep-rooted expertise in traditional Rajasthani cuisine, shaped by regional techniques and age-old royal recipes. Known for his authentic approach and nuanced use of spices, Chef Chetan curates dishes that stay true to Rajasthan’s culinary heritage while appealing to the modern palate.

Hosted at Food Exchange and Permit To Grill, the festival showcases an elaborate Rajasthani dinner buffet with live Dal Baati Churma stations, alongside iconic royal dishes such as Laal Maas, Safed Maas, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Ker Sangri. Guests can also savour beloved Rajasthani street-style favourites including Mirchi Bada, Pyaz Kachori, and Mawa Kachori, followed by traditional desserts like Ghewar and Malpua, offering a true taste of Rajasthan’s rich culinary heritage.

The experience is further elevated with thematic decor, staff in traditional attire, and live folk music, creating an immersive cultural and gastronomic journey, perfect for families, food enthusiasts, and lovers of authentic regional flavours.

Event Details:
Venue: Food Exchange & Permit To Grill, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre
Dates: 27th January – 31st January

New Delhi, Jan 21: VinFast’s electric SUVs, VF 6 and VF 7, have achieved the highest 5-star safety certification from India’s Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), affirming the company’s commitment to engineering excellence and occupant safety.

Both models scored top marks across Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP):

• VF 6: 27.13/32 (AOP), 44.41/49 (COP)

• VF 7: 28.54/32 (AOP), 45.25/49 (COP)

In crash assessments, VF 6 and VF 7 demonstrated exceptional protection: full points in frontal and side impacts, and head injury values in pole side impact tests well below Bharat NCAP thresholds, ensuring high safety for adults and children alike.

Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said:

“These 5-star ratings underscore the quality and safety standards of VinFast EVs in India. Our vehicles are built on robust engineering, providing customers with confidence and peace of mind as they embrace electrified mobility.”

Assembled in Tamil Nadu, the VF 6 and VF 7 feature 7 airbags, an EV-dedicated platform, and smart ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Detection, enhancing safety and driving support.

These models are part of VinFast’s comprehensive EV ecosystem in India, encompassing local manufacturing, retail, charging infrastructure, and aftersales services, delivering a seamless and safe electric mobility experience.

Mumbai, Jan 21:  Sandwizzaa, Mumbai’s beloved homegrown QSR brand renowned for its indulgent sandwiches and comfort-driven menu, has expanded its presence in the city with the opening of a new outlet in Malad. This marks another step in the brand’s steady growth across Mumbai, where it has built a loyal following over the years.

From its inception, Sandwizzaa has become a part of customers’ daily routines—a destination for quick meals, familiar flavours, and consistent quality. The Malad outlet continues this tradition, serving a suburb known for its mix of residential areas, offices, colleges, and high footfall.

Commenting on the launch, Pankaj Sharma, Director, Sandwizzaa, said:

“Mumbai has always been at the heart of Sandwizzaa’s journey. Each new outlet reflects our understanding of how our customers eat and live. Malad stood out as a neighbourhood that values convenience, familiarity, and value—qualities that align perfectly with our brand.”

The Malad outlet offers Sandwizzaa’s full range of vegetarian sandwiches, fries, beverages, and comfort favourites. Guests can also enjoy refreshing drinks, thick milkshakes, frappes, and cups of tea and coffee. Designed as a convenient walk-in space, the outlet caters to both quick bites and repeat visits throughout the day.

With this expansion, Sandwizzaa continues to grow across Mumbai, guided by a thoughtful, neighbourhood-first approach that blends convenience, quality, and affordability.

Anantapur, Jan 21: Following a recent mention by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Mann Ki Baat, recognising SayTrees’ work in environmental restoration and lake rejuvenation, SayTrees Environmental Trust has announced a farmer-focused initiative this Makar Sankranti, the launch of its first soil testing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, aimed at strengthening agroforestry and rural livelihoods.

Makar Sankranti marks a time when farmers across India celebrate their harvest and prepare their land for the next season. In Andhra Pradesh, where soil is hailed as Bhoomi Talli, this initiative is SayTrees’ way of honouring both the land and the farmers who sustain the nation.

The soil testing facility is aimed to provide soil testing services to farmers associated with SayTrees’ agroforestry programmes. With a rapid, technology-enabled testing system, key soil parameters, including pH, organic carbon, NPK nutrients, sulphur, and critical micronutrients, and generate clear soil health reports can be analysed by the facility within an hour.

Anantapur region faces increasing pressure from climate variability, soil degradation, and rising input costs. By enabling farmers to understand what their soil actually needs, the facility helps them reduce unnecessary fertilizer use, save costs, and make informed crop and plantation decisions.

Reinforcing SayTrees’ commitment to inclusive, community-led solutions, the facility is staffed by an all-women team. This initiative has been supported by Infosys, enabling the organisation to scale its farmer outreach and assist over 15,000 farmers in the coming year.

SayTrees’ agroforestry programme works with farmers to integrate fruit and native trees into farmlands, improving soil health, enhancing water retention, and creating long-term income opportunities alongside crops. Till date, SayTrees has partnered with thousands of farmers across India, planting millions of fruit trees and demonstrating that climate action and livelihoods can grow together.

SayTrees is currently in the process of creating an enablement framework to support farmers in transitioning to agroforestry. The initiative aims to facilitate farmer mobilisation, capacity building across partners, and the plantation of approximately 100 million trees on farmlands over the next five years. This mission will be undertaken in collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, and CSR partners to build long-term climate resilience for farming communities.

“Sankranti is a time to thank our farmers and the land they nurture. Many farmers want to grow better crops but are not always aware of what their soil needs. This initiative is SayTrees way of supporting the providers of our food and honouring Bhoomi Talli,” said Mr. Kapil Sharma, Founder & Trustee, SayTrees Environmental Trust.

“Healthy soil is the foundation of a strong harvest and a secure future for our farmers. This Sankranti, we want to give farmers the right knowledge about their land so they can farm with confidence, reduce costs, and look ahead with hope,” said Lt Cdr Deokant Payasi (Retd.), Co-Founder & CEO, SayTrees.

Expanding support for agroforestry and climate-resilient farming across regions, SayTrees plans to introduce similar soil testing facilities in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Hyderabad, Jan 21: Period days shouldn’t come in the way of how a girl moves, plays, studies or lives her life. From early morning workouts and packed college schedules to match days and travel plans, today’s girl needs period protection that can keep up with her pace. Keeping this belief at the heart of its innovation, Whisper, India’s leading feminine hygiene brand with Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues spotlights the Whisper Period Panty, a revolutionary, modern day period care solution designed for comfort, confidence and everyday movement.

Pads, often come with the concern of leaks and stains, and are at times uncomfortable to wear as they bunch or move from place, making girls and women adjust their lifestyles on period days. The Whisper Period panty is built for girls and women who choose to define their period day on their own terms, as it delivers 360 degree protection with the ease of wearing regular underwear. It is designed for continuous absorption all day, allowing girls to move freely through their schedules, whether they’re stepping out for class, heading to the gym, travelling, or playing sport, or even just chilling at home, without any fear of leaks or stains, and without worrying about frequent checking and changing.

The product is designed like a panty, which gives full coverage, while not bunching, moving so you don’t have to worry about leaks and stains. It is soft on skin, comfortable and easy to wear like a regular panty and to dispose.

Joining Whisper in this association, Indian cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues, known for her fearless approach on and off the field reinforces the brand’s commitment to creating period solutions that fit seamlessly into today’s lives. Through this partnership, Whisper and Jemimah aim to normalise conversations around periods while highlighting the need for solutions that support today’s girls.

Giving her perspective, Jemimah shared, “When you are batting for your country, the last thing you want is to worry about your periods. Your game needs your focus and your period product needs to deliver on that. I love that the Whisper Period Panty is made for continuous absorption all day supporting me from morning to night, while giving me 360 degree protection. It is comfortable and easy to wear and lets me focus on what I’m doing, whether that’s playing a match, training, or just getting through a busy day. Periods are a normal part of life, and we need solutions that fit into our routine and not vice versa. Kyunki ab Mudna Nahi, Bas Udna Hai”

Speaking on the association, Girish Kalyanaraman, Vice President and Category Head – Feminine Care, Procter & Gamble India said,

“At Whisper, we believe that period care should evolve with the lives of girls and women today. From first periods to college life and active routines, their needs are changing, and our innovations reflect that. The Whisper Period Panty is designed to offer dependable protection with comfort even on heavy flow days, allowing girls to go about their day with confidence and ease. Our association with Jemimah Rodrigues brings this belief to life, as she truly represents a generation that refuses to look back because of periods.”

New Delhi, India, Jan 21: Visionet announced today that it has successfully completed Microsoft’s Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (AEMSP) audit, earning elite status within Microsoft’s global partner ecosystem. Fewer than 150 partners worldwide currently hold this designation, out of more than 400,000 Microsoft partners.

The AEMSP designation recognizes partners that demonstrate advanced delivery maturity, operational excellence, and a sustained commitment to helping customers transform, manage, and optimize Microsoft cloud solutions at scale. Achieving this status validates Visionet’s long-term investment in Microsoft technologies and its capability to support complex, enterprise-grade cloud transformation initiatives.

With AEMSP status, enterprises benefit from deeper alignment with Microsoft’s Azure engineering teams, priority escalation paths, faster issue resolution, and enhanced support for mission-critical workloads.

Kamran Ozair, CEO of Visionet, said:

“Earning AEMSP status is a significant milestone for Visionet. It reflects the depth of our Microsoft expertise, the rigor of our delivery practices, and our focus on helping enterprises achieve real business outcomes. This recognition positions us to scale our impact and support customers as they modernize operations and adopt AI responsibly.”

Visionet serves organizations across regulated and high-complexity industries, providing cloud, data, AI, and customer experience solutions built on Microsoft technologies. The AEMSP designation strengthens Visionet’s ability to deliver secure, governed, and scalable cloud services aligned with business priorities.

Kunya Baramy, Business Head, Cloud & AI, Visionet, added:

“AEMSP is not just a certification—it validates how we design, govern, and operate Azure at enterprise scale, especially as customers accelerate AI adoption. This status provides access to Microsoft-backed operating models, funding programs, and proven governance frameworks, reducing execution risk and accelerating time-to-value.”

Bijo Chacko, Global Cloud Delivery Head, Visionet, said:

“We thank our customers for trusting us with their most critical Azure environments. This recognition reflects the strength of those partnerships and our disciplined approach to running cloud operations at scale. Our focus remains on reducing risk, improving resilience, and enabling modernization with confidence.”

The AEMSP designation underscores Visionet’s role as a trusted Microsoft partner, delivering practical, human-centered solutions that drive secure, scalable, and AI-ready cloud adoption.

 SYDNEY and NOIDA, India, Jan 21: HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has been selected by Team Global Express, the largest multimodal logistics organization in Australia and New Zealand, to accelerate digital transformation with AI-powered solutions.

HCLTech’s partnership with Team Global Express has grown rapidly. The new agreement consolidates the logistics major’s multi-vendor IT landscape into a single, strategic partnership with HCLTech as the trusted advisor to drive efficiency, innovation and data-driven decision-making.

HCLTech will be responsible for end-to-end managed IT services for Team Global Express across applications, hybrid cloud infrastructure, networks, cybersecurity, digital workplace and service management. AI Force, HCLTech’s GenAI-driven platform for service transformation, will drive automation, enhance compliance and elevate customer experience across Team Global Express’ operations.

“We are delighted to onboard HCLTech as our strategic technology partner,” said Danny Gravell, Chief Innovation Officer, Team Global Express. “Their deep domain expertise, innovative approach and commitment to operational excellence will play a vital role in modernizing our IT landscape and strengthening our ability to serve customers across Australia and New Zealand.”

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for HCLTech,” said Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, HCLTech. “Our comprehensive suite of solutions, powered by advanced AI and automation, will enable Team Global Express to accelerate transformation, enhance customer experience and drive long-term value creation.”

The partnership reinforces HCLTech’s credentials as a trusted technology leader in enterprise transformation and digital innovation.

Mumbai,  Jan 21: As consumers embrace conscious living in 2026, Bombay Dyeing introduces its Essential Range, a thoughtfully curated collection of four distinct bedsheet lines that prove luxury and affordability can coexist. The Florentine, Epigram, Blumen, and Aster collections offer 100% cotton comfort designed for those who refuse to compromise on quality, even in everyday essentials.​

Four Collections, One Promise: 100% Cotton Comfort

The Essential Range addresses a growing consumer desire for authentic materials and timeless design over fast fashion trends. Each collection within the range serves a distinct aesthetic preference while maintaining Bombay Dyeing’s heritage commitment to quality textiles.​

Florentine Collection captures old-world European elegance through classic horizontal stripes, vintage gingham checks, and coordinated mix-and-match styling. The collection’s signature approach pairs bedsheets with complementary pillow covers, creating professionally styled beds without requiring design expertise.​

Epigram Collection brings timeless artistry into modern living spaces with delicate floral prints, contemporary chevron patterns, and paisley-inspired motifs. Available in coordinating colorways from serene blues to elegant greys, Epigram speaks to those who appreciate fine detailing and heritage craftsmanship.​

Cardinal Collection captures the charm of old-world modern artistry, bringing timeless beauty into everyday moments. Featuring sophisticated chevron zigzag patterns and intricate paisley designs, Cardinal balances playful energy with refined elegance. The collection showcases both geometric precision and traditional motifs, offering versatility for contemporary and transitional bedroom aesthetics.

Blumen Collection celebrates botanical beauty, weaving nature’s poetry into fabric through tropical palm prints, delicate floral sprays, and traditional block print florals. The collection transforms bedrooms into sanctuaries of freshness and natural grace.​

Aster Collection delivers exceptional value without compromising on the 100% cotton promise. Featuring contemporary chevrons, bold florals, and classic paisleys, Aster makes Bombay Dyeing quality accessible to every home.​

Why Cotton Matters in 2026
As 2026 begins, comfort at home is no longer an afterthought, it’s a priority. Indian consumers are paying closer attention to the quality of everyday essentials, especially bedding, which plays a vital role in how well we rest and recharge.

The Essential Range brings this focus back to fundamentals with 100% pure cotton bedding that delivers natural breathability, a soft, skin-friendly feel, and comfort that lasts. Designed to perform across seasons, cotton keeps sleep cool when nights are warm and comfortably cozy as temperatures shift.

Because true quality isn’t about trends, it’s about choosing comfort you can rely on, every night.