Archives February 2026

New Delhi, Feb 20th:The National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC), under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will organise the Special Handloom Expo 2026 at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi, from February 21 to March 2, 2026. The expo will remain open to visitors from 9:00 AM onwards each day.

Organised under the initiatives of Vocal for Local and Make in India, the expo aims to promote Swadeshi handloom products, create direct market linkages between weavers and consumers, and strengthen livelihood opportunities for artisans across the country. Weavers and artisan groups from 21 States will participate in the expo, offering a diverse range of authentic handwoven products.

Visitors will be able to purchase directly from weavers and explore a rich collection of handloom sarees, dress materials, home furnishings, shawls, stoles, and contemporary handloom apparel. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the expo will showcase eco-friendly handloom products that support a greener environment while empowering traditional weaving communities.

Providing direct selling platforms to weavers remains an important part of strengthening the handloom value chain, as it enables them to expand their customer base while ensuring fair price realisation, said a senior official from NHDC.

The Special Handloom Expo reflects the Government of India’s continued focus on strengthening the handloom sector by encouraging domestic consumption of indigenous textiles and supporting artisan livelihoods. By enabling direct interaction between weavers and buyers, the expo seeks to enhance awareness about the cultural and ecological value of handloom products.

Handloom remains one of India’s largest cottage industries, sustaining millions of weavers and allied workers. Events such as this expo play a significant role in preserving traditional skills, promoting eco-friendly production practices, and showcasing the diversity of India’s weaving traditions.

Centrally located and open with free entry to all visitors, the exhibition invites citizens and tourists alike to experience the richness of Indian handlooms, reinforcing the importance of preserving indigenous skills and promoting locally made products.

With A Haiku of a Still Mind: Continuum · Consciousness · Coherence, Devin Gawarvala, founder of Bespoke Art Gallery, presents one of the most significant exhibitions of Satish Gupta’s long and contemplative career. On view from 1 February to 30 March 2026 at Bespoke Art Gallery, Ahmedabad, the exhibition reflects Gawarvala’s curatorial vision—one rooted in attention, patience, and the courage to allow silence to speak.

Rather than positioning the exhibition as a spectacle, Gawarvala frames it as an experience. Haiku of a Still Mind unfolds slowly, inviting viewers to step out of urgency and into awareness. His approach aligns deeply with Gupta’s philosophy, where stillness is not emptiness but a charged and living state. The exhibition becomes a shared space of reflection, where art is not consumed but encountered.

For Gawarvala, presenting this exhibition is not only about scale—it is about responsibility. As the largest and most immersive presentation of Gupta’s work to date, it brings together installations that envelop the viewer through light, shadow, repetition, and rhythm. Walls dissolve, boundaries soften, and the viewer becomes part of the continuum the title suggests. Consciousness and coherence are not themes imposed on the work; they emerge naturally through experience.

Gawarvala’s curatorial sensitivity is evident in how the exhibition encourages slowing down. In a world saturated with noise and distraction, he positions the gallery as a refuge—one where seeing becomes listening, and presence replaces interpretation. His belief that contemporary galleries must offer spaces for introspection, not just display, finds quiet strength here.

By hosting Haiku of a Still Mind at Bespoke Art Gallery, Gawarvala reinforces the gallery’s role as a platform for thoughtful, process-driven practices. The exhibition does not chase trends or timelines. Instead, it speaks to enduring human concerns—clarity, compassion, balance, and inner coherence.

Ultimately, Gawarvala’s presentation allows Gupta’s work to breathe. It trusts the viewer. And in doing so, it reminds us that the most profound encounters with art often happen not through explanation, but through stillness.

Dharmendra Pradhan Announces Conversion of SRCC GBO Diploma into Full-Fledged Master’s Degree Programme at Yugantar ’26

Feb 20| New Delhi: The Education Minister on Friday called on institutions to “exit the Macaulay doctrine” and align higher education with the vision of Viksit Bharat, and announced the conversion of SRCC’s Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO) into a full-fledged Master’s degree programme.

He made these remarks while inaugurating Yugantar ’26, the Annual Management Conclave of SRCC’s Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO), themed “AI for Sustainability & Startup Innovation.”

The inaugural session at the Shridhar Shriram Auditorium was graced by Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, Government of India, as the Distinguished Chief Guest. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, and hosted by Prof. Simrit Kaur, Principal, SRCC. Senior faculty members, industry leaders, alumni, and students attended the event, along with Dr. Misha Govil, GBO Coordinator, SRCC; Dr. Sapna Bansal, Convener, Yugantar 2026; and Dr. Sunita Sharma, Co-Convener, Yugantar 2026.

The programme opened with a tribute to Sir Shri Ram, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.

“We Must Not Be Afraid to Accept Change”

In his keynote address, the Education Minister described the National Education Policy (NEP) as a structural reset of India’s academic framework.

“We have to get out of the Macaulay doctrine that enslaved India academically. The National Education Policy, envisioned by Prime Minister Modi ji, will ensure that Bharat becomes a Vishwa Guru. Institutions like SRCC must lead this transformation. SRCC is sowing the seeds to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.”

He emphasised technological sovereignty and institutional reform: “In this age of technology, the nature of competition has fundamentally changed. We know that change is needed — but we must not be afraid to accept it. India must move toward sovereign AI ecosystems, strengthening institutions like IIT Madras and IIT Bombay, and building indigenous capabilities so that Bharat becomes a leader in Artificial Intelligence.”

He urged higher education institutions to embed research, patents, startup incubation, and AI-led innovation into their academic structures.

PGDGBO to Be Upgraded into Master’s Degree Programme

The Education Minister announced that SRCC’s two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO), offered by Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, will be converted into a full-fledged Master’s degree programme.

The transition is expected to strengthen academic recognition, align the programme with National Education Policy reforms, and enhance its global academic equivalence while integrating greater research and innovation components.

Universities Must Build Market-Ready Innovation

Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh said universities must convert research into commercially viable outcomes.

“Only three words can safeguard the future of young minds — innovation, creativity, and originality. Universities must go beyond publications; we must develop patents, prototypes, and commercially sustainable products.”

He cautioned institutions against resisting technological shifts and called for stronger university–industry collaboration.

AI Must Be Ethical and Inclusive

Principal Simrit Kaur said institutions must guide artificial intelligence with responsibility and human judgment.

“Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to shift both demand and supply curves, improving productivity and efficiency. But without the intelligence of humans, there is no optimal solution. AI must be coordinated with humanity and adopted responsibly.”

She added, “We are committed to viewing Artificial Intelligence as our destiny — ensuring that its growth remains inclusive, accountable, and sustainable.”

Day 1 of Yugantar ’26 featured corporate panels on AI-enabled sustainability, founder sessions on startup scaling, and case simulations across finance, marketing, analytics, HR, and international business.

The Education Minister also visited the Viksit Bharat Startup Expo 2026, where student-led ventures showcased innovation prototypes.

With the announcement of the Master’s degree upgrade for SRCC GBO and a push toward NEP-led reform and sovereign AI capabilities, Yugantar ’26 positioned SRCC within the broader roadmap toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi-ka-pul , Achieves Milestone in Adult Laparoscopic Donor Liver Surgery and Pediatrics Liver Transplantation

Hyderabad, Feb 20: Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi-ka-pul (part of the Fortis Network), Hyderabad, has reinforced its position as one of India’s leading liver transplant centres, having performed over 1,500 successful liver transplants in the past 15 years with a survival rate of more than 95%—on par with leading global centres.

At the heart of this achievement is a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Vishal K. Chorasiya, Head of HPB and Lead Liver Transplant Surgeon, who has performed over 2,500 liver transplant surgeries in his career. He is supported by surgeons Dr. Manikanteshwar Rao D and Dr. Tharun Gattu, hepatologists Dr. Kavya Dendukuri and Dr. Sameer Kumar Godey, transplant intensivists Dr. Ganesh Chowhan and Dr. Kartika Balaji, anaesthetist Dr Varsha CH and transplant radiologist Dr. Uma Karri.

Laparoscopic Donor Surgery: A Game-Changer for Adult Donors

One of the hospital’s recent milestones is the introduction of Pure Laparoscopic Donor Hepatectomy for adult living liver donors—a minimally invasive procedure that offers minimal pain, almost no visible scarring, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and quicker return to work. Unlike traditional open surgery that requires a large abdominal incision, this keyhole approach uses small cuts and advanced surgical instruments, significantly reducing physical trauma for donors—often young parents or siblings stepping forward to save a loved one’s life.

“At Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi-ka-pul, our focus is to honour the generosity of adult donors by making the procedure as safe and comfortable as possible,” said Dr. Vishal K. Chorasiya. “Laparoscopic donor liver retrieval gives them the confidence that they can save a loved one while experiencing less pain, shorter hospitalisation and minimal scarring—donor safety is our top priority.”

“Our team has invested in advanced minimally invasive techniques, imaging and peri-operative protocols so that adult donors receive world-class care close to home,” added Dr. Ganesh Chowhan, Transplant Intensivist. “This allows us to expand access to living donor transplants for adults who might otherwise face long waiting times and disease progression.”

The hospital is also planning to introduce Robotic Donor Hepatectomy soon, further enhancing precision and donor comfort at affordable costs

Mr Bharath Kanth Reddy, Regional CEO, Gleneagles Hospitals (Part of Fortis Network), Chennai & Hyderabad said“Liver transplantation is one of the most demanding areas in modern medicine, and we are proud that Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi-ka-pul has emerged as a trusted destination for patients from across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and beyond.” “By combining advanced techniques like laparoscopic donor surgery for adults with a specialised pediatric liver transplant programme, our teams are able to offer hope to entire families at the most difficult time in their lives.”

Mr Anil Vinayak, Group COO, Fortis Healthcare Limited said,

“At Fortis, our focus is to back strong clinical programmes with the right investments in technology, talent and systems so that outcomes remain consistently high across the network.” “The liver transplant achievements at Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi-ka-pul, reflect our commitment to building centres of excellence that deliver world-class care, while staying accessible and patient-centric for communities we serve

Specialisation in Pediatric Liver Transplants

Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi-ka-pul has also developed a comprehensive pediatric liver transplant programme, making it one of the leading centres in India for treating children with severe liver disorders such as biliary atresia, metabolic liver disease and acute liver failure.

In paediatric cases, most transplants are performed using open surgical techniques tailored to the child’s size and condition. The team specialises in highly complex procedures, including monosegment graft liver transplants for very small infants, where only a tiny segment of the donor’s liver is transplanted.pmc.

“Pediatric liver transplant surgery demands a different level of precision—tiny vessels, fragile tissues and very limited physiologic reserve,” said Dr. Kavya Dendukuri, Pediatric Hepatologist. “Our dedicated transplant team brings together surgeons, hepatologists, intensivists and nurses specifically trained to care for these children before, during and after transplant.”

“Living donor transplantation for children gives us the flexibility to operate at the right time, before complications become irreversible,” noted Dr. Tharun Gattu, Liver Transplant Surgeon. “With meticulous planning and long-term follow-up, many of our young patients are able to return to school, participate in normal activities and enjoy an excellent quality of life.”

The programme has achieved some of the best paediatric liver transplant success rates in the country, offering renewed hope to families facing life-threatening conditions.

World-Class Infrastructure and Multidisciplinary Care

The hospital’s transplant programme is supported by state-of-the-art modular Operation Theatres, a dedicated Liver Intensive Care Unit with specially trained transplant nurses, 24/7 laboratory services, advanced radiology, blood bank facilities and a dedicated transplant coordination team.

“Liver transplantation is not just surgery—it is a comprehensive process involving careful evaluation, preparation, critical care and lifelong follow-up,” said Dr. Manikanteshwar Rao D, Liver Transplant Surgeon. “Our multidisciplinary approach ensures every aspect of patient and donor care is addressed with precision and compassion

Each donor undergoes thorough medical evaluation to ensure safety, and stringent infection control protocols and international transplant guidelines are followed at every step

A Beacon of Hope for Patients

Over the past 15 years, more than 1,500 families have experienced renewed life through liver transplantation at Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi-ka-pul. From complex adult transplants to delicate paediatric surgeries, and from traditional open procedures to advanced minimally invasive donor surgery, the hospital continues to set benchmarks in transplant medicine. With a world-class team, cutting-edge infrastructure, outstanding survival outcomes and a patient-first approach, Gleneagles Hospitals stands as a beacon of hope for families from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states battling end-stage liver disease.

Actor Paras Arora, who plays Jeetu in &TV’s supernatural horror comedy Gharwali Pedwali, recently took a refreshing break from his hectic work schedule to enjoy some much needed “Me Time” amidst the picturesque hills of Shimla. Known for his dedication and packed shooting calendar, Paras made the most of this short getaway, where the serene mountains, crisp air, and stunning landscapes offered him a rejuvenating escape.

Sharing his experience, Paras Arora aka Jeetu, says, “With back-to-back shoots and long working hours, it becomes very important to occasionally disconnect and recharge. Shimla has always been on my travel list, and I am so glad I finally made it. There is something incredibly calming about the mountains the fresh air, the slow pace of life, and the breathtaking views instantly make you feel lighter. During my stay, I explored some of the city’s most charming spots, including the iconic Mall Road, where I enjoyed long evening walks, and the historic Christ Church, admiring its timeless architecture. I also visited Kufri to soak in panoramic views of the snow-kissed mountains and spend quiet moments amidst nature. Watching the sunrise over the hills was a surreal experience it felt as if time had slowed down just for me.” He further adds, “No trip is complete without indulging in local flavours, and I made sure to savour Himachali delicacies during my stay from piping hot momos and thukpa in the chilly weather to traditional dishes like siddu. Enjoying warm food with a mountain view felt truly special. This short trip helped me reset mentally and emotionally. The serenity and untouched beauty of Shimla remind you to pause and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. I am heading back to work feeling refreshed, grateful, and creatively energized.”

Catch Paras Arora as Jeetu in Gharwali Pedwali, airing every Monday to Friday at 10:00 PM, only on &TV. Stream all episodes anytime on Hindi Z5!

AI is no longer emerging, it is getting firmly embedded across industries, reshaping economies, and redefining how businesses operate. The Indian AI market, estimated at around USD 10 billion, is however at a nascent stage and holds tremendous potential to transform economic sectors including real estate. In fact, AI is set to redefine the future of Indian real estate across every stage of the property lifecycle, starting from design & planning to sales & facility management services.

Design phases will increasingly rely on hyper realistic AI driven simulations, generative 3D models, and predictive cost engines that reduce errors and project bottlenecks. In the planning phase, AI will enhance efficiencies through project scheduling, resource allocation, and real time monitoring to prevent delays. Construction sites will operate like interconnected ecosystems where AI guided drones, vision based safety systems and predictive analytics will continuously monitor progress, anticipate risks and self optimize workflows. Within sales, customized property discovery, curated market insights, automated valuations, immersive virtual tours, and predictive investment modelling will transform real estate transactions. Property management will evolve with heightened adoption of smart environments powered by sensor networks, adaptive lighting, intelligent access systems and AI driven assistants that proactively respond to usage patterns. Overall, PropTech and AI are poised to significantly transform Indian real estate over the course of next few decades, ushering in transparency, efficiency and future-readiness.

SINGAPORE, Feb 20 - Asia’s largest food retailers, manufacturers, restaurant chains, and hospitality groups remain behind international better practice on sustainable and responsible protein sourcing, but progress is accelerating across the region, according to The Asian Protein Buyers 100: An Assessment of Responsible and Sustainable Sourcing released today by Asia Research & Engagement (ARE). 

The APB100 is a benchmark based on investor-backed priorities – assessing how 100 of Asia’s largest listed protein-buying companies — headquartered or operating across Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam — manage environmental, social, and governance risks embedded in meat, dairy, poultry, and seafood supply chains. Collectively, the companies assessed represent more than USD500 billion in market capitalisation and sit at the choke point of Asia’s protein system, where procurement decisions shape production standards, risk management and food-system outcomes. 

The companies assessed include some of Asia’s most recognisable food and retail groups. These include China Mengniu Dairy, Yili Group, Yonghui and Yum China (Mainland China); AEON, Seven & I Holdings, Meiji, Nissin and NH Foods (Japan); CJ CheilJedang, Lotte and E-Mart (South Korea); Charoen Pokphand Foods and Thai Union (Thailand); Jollibee, Century Pacific Food and San Miguel Food & Beverage (Philippines); Vinamilk (Vietnam); and Hindustan Lever, Nestle India, Jubilant, Devyani, DMart, Westlife Foodworld (McDonald’s India) (India), among others. 

Scores are improving, but the baseline remains low 

Now in its second edition, the benchmark shows clear momentum since 2023 — but also highlights that most companies remain at an early stage of credible implementation. 

The average overall score increased from 9% in 2023 to 16% in 2025, with around 80% of companies improving year-on-year. More than half of comparable companies moved up at least one performance tier. 

However, no company reached the top two performance tiers, underscoring a persistent gap between sustainability commitments and on-the-ground execution. 

A growing group of leaders is emerging 

The number of companies in the leading Tier 3 group more than doubled from 10 in 2023 to 26 in 2025, while the lowest-scoring group halved from 44 to 21 companies. 

Progress, however, remains uneven and concentrated among a subset of early movers and sustainability themes, while a significant minority of companies continues to disclose little or nothing across several material risk areas. 

Climate, labour, and waste are moving fastest 

Companies performed strongest on Water & Waste, Labour , and Climate Change, reflecting wider uptake of international disclosure frameworks and growing expectations around supply-chain due diligence. 

Climate and labour show the fastest improvement since 2023, driven by emerging regulatory pressure and investor scrutiny, particularly around Scope 3 emissions and labour standards in supply chains. 

Governance and protein diversification remain critical gaps 

Several material risk areas continue to show weak performance. Governance in relation to protein sustainability, remains the lowest-scoring theme, averaging just 4.5%, with most companies scoring zero. Few have board-approved protein sustainability strategies, capital allocation plans, or accountability mechanisms. 

Protein diversification also remains underdeveloped at 7.4%, indicating that most companies have yet to articulate how they will shift product portfolios toward truly low carbon plant proteins at scale. 

Disclosures on deforestation and biodiversity, animal welfare, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) also remain thin and rarely quantified. The intersection of climate and deforestation is still not being duly harnessed. Similarly, policies and procurement practices that strengthen animal welfare and enable antibiotic reduction remain a low point, with average animal welfare performance at just 14.1% and only one company aligned with recognised higher-welfare standards or independently certified disclosure. 

Why this matters: Asia is the decisive region for global protein systems 

Compared with innovative international peers, many of Asia’s protein buyers remain behind on deforestation-free sourcing, antibiotic stewardship, higher-welfare policies and procurement, plant-protein targets and science-based climate transition planning. 

However, Asia now represents the most important opportunity for global leadership in responsible protein systems. And with less than five years to implement meaningful change towards various 2030 United Nations and related targets, the vision of a more responsible and sustainable food system is at risk. 

“Asia is the world’s fastest-growing protein market, which means what happens here will determine the future of global food systems,” said Kate Blaszak, ARE Director, Protein Transition. “ThisAPB100 shows that disclosure and awareness are improving and aims to trigger a shift from Policy to Practice. With a realm of better practice examples in the report to also assist companies, the next phase must focus on full supply-chain coverage, measurable targets, and annual progress with board-level accountability.” 

Mumbai, Feb 20th: DEE Development Engineers Limited , a leading provider of advanced piping and fabrication solutions, has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from one of the largest international OEM conglomerates in the power sector, headquartered in the United States. The LOI covers the supply of Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) piping for 16 units, with an aggregate order value exceeding USD 40 million, and is valid through February 18, 2027.

Commenting on the development, K.L. Bansal, Chairman and Managing Director of DEE Development Engineers Limited, stated, “This Letter of Intent from a major international power sector OEM is a significant recognition of our capabilities in delivering complex, high-specification process piping solutions. HRSG piping is a technically demanding product area, and an order of this scale from a global conglomerate reflects the confidence that international customers place in our engineering, manufacturing, and delivery standards. We remain focused on executing this engagement with the precision and reliability that our customers expect, and on building long-term supply relationships across global energy infrastructure programmes.”

The LOI marks DDEL’s continued traction in international markets and reiterates its positioning as a supplier of choice for large-scale energy infrastructure projects globally. HRSG piping systems, which are integral to combined-cycle power plant operations, require exacting fabrication standards, and the scope of 16 units reflects the depth of engagement with the customer. The company remains focused on mobilising its manufacturing capabilities to execute within the stipulated timeline and on meeting the technical and quality requirements of this international programme.