Archives 2026

Bengaluru, Jan  20: Deconstruct Skincare, the science-backed skincare brand, unveils #BringBackBarbershops, a campaign that celebrates a space many of us hold close: the neighbourhood barbershop. Supported by digital amplification, the campaign invites people to rediscover these local institutions.

For generations, these shops have been more than places to get a haircut or a shave. They’ve been safe havens where conversations flow easily, where human bonds form naturally, and where the rhythm of routine brings a rare kind of comfort. There’s something special about these spaces – the familiar chair, the trusted hands, the unrushed attention. They’re cornerstones of the neighbourhood, quietly important in ways that go beyond grooming.

Malini Adapureddy, Founder & CEO, Deconstruct, said:

“Before algorithms told men how to groom, there was the neighbourhood barber. We wanted to honour that tradition, not disrupt it. This campaign isn’t about selling a new routine; it’s about recognising one that’s already there and showing how thoughtful products can fit seamlessly into rituals men already trust. The barbershop has always been a place of care. Our Oil-Free Moisturiser simply replaces the sting at the end with something gentler.”

“Today’s ceremony is a defining moment in Pavna’s journey of sustained growth and regional outreach. The Hosur facility underscores our strategic intent to be closer to our customers, drive operational excellence, and reliably meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry. Our investment and expansion in Hosur will bolster production capability, strengthen logistics efficiency, and contribute to local economic development. We now look forward to the swift completion of this facility and to commencing operations at the earliest possible time frame.”

Visakhapatnam, Jan 20: In a move aimed at converting startup potential into measurable outcomes, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) today announced a strategic partnership with Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH), Visakhapatnam, to create a structured co-incubation pathway for market-ready and revenue-generating startups from Andhra Pradesh.

This partnership is focused on execution and measurable outcomes. The collaboration will jointly identify high-potential startups, offer structured co-incubation and hands-on scale support, and enable access to capital of up to ₹2 crore, helping founders move confidently from early traction to scalable growth.

The MoU was signed between Ravi Eswarapu, CEO, RTIH, Visakhapatnam and Dr VK Rai, CEO, IIMCIP, reinforcing a shared commitment to building fundable, scalable, and nationally visible and globally competitive startups emerging from the region.

Focus Areas of the Partnership

Under the agreement, Ratan Tata Innovation Hub and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park will collaborate across three key areas:

• Structured co-incubation with clear milestones and outcome tracking
• Capital access of up to ₹2 crore for selected startups
• Hands-on execution support across product, market access, governance, and scale readiness

The partnership will leverage IIMCIP’s national incubation experience, institutional networks, combined with Ratan Tata Innovation Hub’s strong regional presence and startup pipeline, to create a strong bridge between regional innovation, national capital and markets.

Speaking on the collaboration, Ravi Eswarapu (CEO, RTIH, Visakhapatnam) said,

“This partnership is all about creating real impact. By combining RTIH’s innovation ecosystem with IIMCIP’s proven incubation expertise, together, we aim to empower startups from Andhra Pradesh to scale nationally and globally.”

Dr VK Rai, CEO, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, added,

“There is a strong entrepreneurial energy in Andhra Pradesh. Our role is to help convert that energy into fundable, scalable businesses with structured support and by connecting founders to the right networks, mentors, and markets. IIMCIP’s partnership with RTIH is about turning regional entrepreneurial potential into scalable, fundable enterprises with national impact.”

This collaboration aligns with IIMCIP’s broader mission of strengthening entrepreneurship in emerging and under-represented regions. And, by focusing on execution, capital enablement, and visibility, the partnership aims to create a repeatable model for converting regional innovation into scalable enterprises.

Shortlisted startups from the first pitching edition under this co-incubation programme will be announced shortly. The selected cohort will enter a structured incubation and scale-up journey supported by mentorship, network & market access, and capital enablement 

Mumbai, Jan 20:  India’s insurance sector is entering a phase of sustained mid-term expansion, underpinned by strong economic fundamentals, rising consumer demand and supportive regulatory reforms, according to a new Swiss Re Institute analysis titled “India’s economic and insurance market outlook 2026–2030: resilient and rising amid global shifts.”

Swiss Re forecasts India’s insurance premiums to grow at an annual real rate of 6.9% between 2026 and 2030, making it the fastest-growing major insurance market globally. This growth is expected to significantly outpace China (around 4%), the US (2%), and Western Europe (about 2%) over the same period.

Strong economic tailwinds support insurance expansion

India is projected to maintain an average real GDP growth of 6.5% over the next five years, supported by robust private consumption, continued public infrastructure investment and improving private capital expenditure. Fiscal measures such as GST simplification and personal income tax concessions are boosting demand, particularly among lower- and middle-income households. The impact of global trade disruptions, including US tariffs, is expected to remain limited, given that goods exports to the US account for only about 2% of India’s GDP.

Amitabha Ray, Market Head for India at Swiss Re, said:

“India is a clear bright spot for insurance growth in the mid-term, with strong opportunities emerging across health and motor insurance. Forward-looking regulatory reforms, digital innovation and an increasingly consumer-centric product mix will support expansion. Insurance will play a vital role as a financial shock absorber for Indian households and businesses facing rising climate, health and longevity risks.”

Regulation and innovation driving the next growth phase

The forecast marks a strong rebound from 3.1% growth in 2025, following adjustments to new regulations. Reforms led by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), along with broader government initiatives, are improving transparency and reshaping the sector for long-term growth. Key measures include a higher foreign direct investment (FDI) limit, modernisation of distribution channels and GST reforms, which are expected to attract capital, expand access and stimulate insurance adoption.

Life insurance premiums are projected to grow 6.8% annually over 2026–2030, driven by expanding distribution, rising demand for retirement solutions and steady credit growth. India remains the second-largest life insurance market among emerging economies.

While non-life insurance faces near-term pressures from regulatory changes and medical inflation, growth is expected to recover in the medium term. Health insurance premiums are forecast to grow 7.2% annually, while motor insurance is expected to expand by 7.5%, supported by increased vehicle penetration.

Mahesh H Puttaiah, Head of Insurance Market Analysis at Swiss Re Institute, noted:

“India’s large consumer base, stable inflation and fiscal prudence provide resilience against global uncertainty. These strengths will translate into sustained insurance premium growth, positioning India for a very positive mid-term outlook.”

Rising natural catastrophe risk highlights protection gap

Swiss Re estimates that USD 26–29 trillion in property assets are exposed to natural catastrophe risks across India, with several high-growth regions overlapping with multi-peril hotspots. As asset concentration increases, large-scale disasters could have a material impact on national economic growth.

Addressing this risk will require wider insurance and reinsurance coverage, alongside investments in early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure and stricter enforcement of building codes—particularly in rapidly urbanising and coastal regions.

Parvinder Singh, Head of Client Underwriting India at Swiss Re, said:

“Amid rising catastrophe risks and global uncertainty, disciplined underwriting and sustainable insurance solutions are essential to narrowing India’s protection gap and ensuring long-term stability for communities and businesses.”

Insurance market growth outlook (real terms)

• India: 6.9% (2026–2030)

• Emerging Asia (ex-China): 6.1%

• China: 3.9%

• North America: 1.8%

• Western Europe: 2.1%

• 30% savings on a second room (ideal for families)
• Spa credit of INR 2,000 per stay
• Curated breakfast and dinner experiences
• High tea with signature Fairmont rituals
• Happy hours (1+1 on select beverages)
• 25% savings for army veterans and their families

Bengaluru, Jan 20: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, Bengaluru Campus, is set to host the first-ever MAHETHON 2026. Branded as “Bengaluru’s biggest running festival,” this flagship sporting event will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The run will start and finish at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus in Yelahanka and will follow an AIMS-certified route, ensuring international measurement standards.

MAHETHON 2026, powered by Axis Bank, brings together fitness, sustainability, and community spirit. Designed as an inclusive platform, it welcomes runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to first-time participants. Celebrating the theme “Run Green. Breathe Free” and the tagline “Bengaluru Runs for Earth,” the event highlights MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to eco-friendly, sustainable practices.  It showcases the campus’s green initiatives, including biodiversity conservation and sustainable mobility, while encouraging participants to embrace healthier, eco-friendly lifestyles.

Elaborating on the vision behind this flagship event, Dr. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MLHS, MAHE Manipal, and MAHE Bengaluru Campus, said,

 “MAHETHON 2026 is more than a sporting event; it is a movement that reflects our collective spirit of resilience and progress. We see this marathon as a bridge connecting the academic community with the vibrant energy of Bengaluru. By bringing together thousands of runners under the banner of health, sustainability, and ecology, we are taking a meaningful step toward building a fitter, more conscious, and ecologically aware society.”

Further reinforcing its pan-India commitment to health and sustainability, MAHE, Manipal, will host the 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon on Sunday, 08 February 2026, at KMC Greens, Manipal. Recognised as one of India’s largest student-organised community fitness events, Manipal Marathon, together with Mahethon, underscores MAHE’s nationwide efforts to promote fitness as a shared social responsibility.

Race Categories and Highlights: MAHETHON 2026 features multiple race categories and highlights to suit all age groups and fitness levels:

• • Half Marathon (21.1K): The flagship race for endurance runners.
• 10K Run & 10K Forces Run: Open to the general public and armed/police forces.
• 5K Run: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
• 3K Fun Run: Designed for children and beginners to enjoy running.

“MAHETHON 2026 promises to be a celebration of community, camaraderie, and well-being, ensuring every participant enjoys a safe, supported, and seamless race-day experience,” said Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P, Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, who is spearheading the event.

By:-  Vinay Bagri, CEO & Co-Founder, Niyo

“As Indians spend more money beyond borders for travel, education and work, we believe the focus in Budget 2026 should shift from just transaction limits to spending efficiency. While LRS limits often dominate the conversation, the bigger issue for consumers is the silent cost of foreign exchange markups that inflate overseas expenses. Simplifying international payment processes, reducing TCS on legitimate foreign transactions, and continuing to encourage digital banking innovation will go a long way in making global spending more transparent and accessible. A stable policy environment and close collaboration between regulators and fintechs can help empower Indian travellers and support responsible growth across the cross-border fintech ecosystem.”

Sambalpur, Jan 20: IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, hosted the 6-day Business Accelerator Program for SC-ST entrepreneurs in collaboration with the National SC-ST Hub, Ministry of MSME, GOI, from 19th to 24th January, 2026. The objective of this programme is to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem by building capacity and upskilling SC-ST entrepreneurs with essential business, financial, and digital skills, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The event was graced by Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, Mr. Sambit Tripathy, Ex- IRS, CMD, Livelihood Alternatives, as the Chief Guest, Dr. Anupam Gayen, Zonal Head, NSIC, as the Guest of Honour, Ms. Nibedita Nayak, Former Chairperson, Odisha State Social Welfare Board, as the Keynote Speaker. 

The programme consists of 12 days of training, including 6 days of on-campus sessions at IIM Sambalpur and 6 days of online learning, followed by 6 months of handholding support for participating entrepreneurs. The first cohort of the Business Accelerator Programme included 25 participants from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The second cohort of the Business Accelerator Program will commence in February 2026, offering a 72-hour hybrid learning experience through virtual weekend sessions and a 6-day on-campus module at IIM Sambalpur.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur,

“IIM Sambalpur’s vision is to nurture responsible leaders with an entrepreneurial mind-set. Entrepreneurship is not just about creating wealth for oneself; it is about creating value for society, the nation, and the planet. India’s vision of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved by building only large corporations; we must nurture responsible entrepreneurs at the grassroots who innovate without harming the environment or displacing communities. Aligned with National Education Policy 2020, entrepreneurship must focus on knowledge creation, innovation, and responsible wealth generation through modern technology.”

Addressing the gathering the Chief Guest, Mr. Sambit Tripathy, Ex- IRS, CMD, Livelihood Alternatives, added,

“Developing robust business plans, refining ideas, and building capacity, along with understanding the fundamentals of what we produce, consume, and how we communicate, are essential to excel in entrepreneurship.”

 The Guest of Honour, Ms. Nibedita Nayak, Former Chairperson, Odisha State Social Welfare Board, highlighted,

“IIM Sambalpur stands at the confluence of knowledge, aspiration, and nation-building, and I congratulate IIM Sambalpur for introducing a programme that is not merely an academic initiative but a national milestone. Today, SC-ST entrepreneurship matters more than ever because inclusive growth is no longer a choice; it is an economic necessity.”

Through this initiative, IIM Sambalpur once again highlighted its commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship by supporting SC-ST entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures, generating local employment, and contributing to India’s grassroots economic development.

Mumbai, Jan 20: Mumbai Climate Week (MCW) today underscored the critical importance of community-led and gender-responsive climate action with the launch of a pioneering district-level climate planning initiative in Raigad, Maharashtra. The three-year pilot project aims to embed gender justice, indigenous knowledge, and grassroots leadership into climate governance, setting a replicable model for districts across the state and beyond.

The initiative was formally launched during the two-day national seminar, “Pathways to Gender-Responsive Local Climate Action and Justice: Localizing SDGs, Decolonizing Governance, Indigenizing Knowledge,” held as part of the 90th-year Navati celebrations of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). The seminar also served as a curtain-raiser to Mumbai Climate Week 2026, scheduled from February 17–19, 2026.

The project is being led by TISS in partnership with the Maharashtra State Climate Action Cell (SCAC), Asar Social Impact Advisors, Waatavaran Foundation, and the Policy & Development Advisory Group, with support from the University of Toronto India Foundation. Together, the partners highlighted the urgent need to localise climate action by centring communities most affected by climate change.

The Raigad Climate Action Planning initiative was inaugurated by Shri Abhijit Ghorpade, Director, State Climate Action Cell, and aims to strengthen district-, village-, and Panchayat-level climate planning processes in alignment with Maharashtra’s SAPCC 2.0.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Shishir Joshi, Founder, Mumbai Climate Week, said:

“Climate action in India cannot succeed if it remains confined to policy rooms and global summits. Real solutions will emerge from districts, villages, and communities—especially from women and indigenous groups who experience climate impacts first-hand. The Raigad initiative reflects the spirit of Mumbai Climate Week: localising climate action, democratising decision-making, and building models that are just, inclusive, and scalable.”

Echoing this emphasis on inclusion, Prof. M. Mariappan, Officiating Vice Chancellor, TISS, said:

“Women play a critical role in building resilience and shaping adaptation efforts, often drawing on deep community knowledge and care practices. Climate action planning must therefore centre community voices while also addressing structural inequalities. TISS remains deeply committed to just and inclusive approaches to such planning.”

Mumbai Climate Week 2026 will continue to amplify such locally rooted climate solutions, creating a platform where policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and communities can collectively shape the next phase of India’s climate journey.

Climate change is not only an environmental challenge but also a social and economic one, disproportionately affecting women, tribal populations, and marginalised communities. By prioritising participatory planning, this initiative moves beyond top-down climate frameworks and reimagines governance through lived experiences and indigenous knowledge systems.

The seminar highlighted the need to integrate climate justice into development planning, ensuring that climate action plans are not only technically sound but also socially equitable.

Key Highlights of the Seminar:

• Launch of the Raigad Climate Action Planning Project: Training Village Development Committees and integrating SDGs into Panchayat Development Plans.
• Conference of Panchayats – COP of the Global South: A counter-narrative to global COPs, featuring Gram Sevaks and local leaders discussing decentralised climate governance.
• Documentary Screening: “Climate Resilience: Life as Told by Women” (58 mins), showcasing women-led climate adaptation practices in Kerala’s coastal regions.

Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts and Nutritional Sciences, Pune emerged as the Winner of the maiden PHDCCI National Young Chef Competition (NYCC) 2025-26, while teams from Maharashtra State IHMCT and IHM Pusa, New Delhi were declared the 1^st Runner-Up and 2^nd Runner-Up respectively, at the Grand Finale held on 19 January 2026 at the Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, New Delhi. The award for the Best Bhaja Dish was conferred upon the team from Chef’s Kitchen Institute of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, Kolhapur.

The Grand Finale witnessed participation from 10 leading hospitality institutions representing all four zones of the country, including Asian Christian Culinary & Agricultural Science Institute, Hosur; Chef’s Kitchen Institute of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, Kolhapur; Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad; IHM Bhubaneswar; IHM Kolkata; IHM Kufri; IHM Pusa, New Delhi; IHM Hyderabad; Maharashtra State IHMCT, Pune; and Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts and Nutritional Sciences, Pune, underscoring the pan-India character of the competition.

The finalists were evaluated by an eminent jury comprising Chef Nand Lal Sharma, Deputy General Manager, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation; Chef Debjeet Majumdar, Consultant Chef & Co-Founder, Passion 4 Hospitality; Chef Nitin Shende, Professor – Food Production, GIHMCT Nagpur; Chef Srinivas V, Executive Chef, Travel Food Services; and Chef M. Prabu, Joint Registrar, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, under the chairmanship of Chef Anil Grover, Certified WorldChefs Judge.

Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, said,

“Indian cuisine is among our most powerful cultural assets and a vital pillar of tourism-led growth. Our food traditions reflect the diversity, wisdom and lived heritage of our regions and our young chefs are the torchbearers of this legacy. He noted that rapid urbanisation and changing consumption patterns present Indian chefs with a unique opportunity to lead innovation in value-added, nutritionally balanced, and ready-to-eat food solutions rooted in India’s traditional knowledge systems. Platforms like NYCC are essential in nurturing chefs who are deeply rooted in tradition, yet globally confident and capable of representing India’s culinary excellence on the world stage.”

Organised by PHDCCI in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA); and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), the National Young Chef Competition marked the culmination of a six-month nationwide culinary journey celebrating India’s rich gastronomic heritage while creating a focused national platform for Indian cuisine.

Welcoming the delegates, Mr. Anil Parashar, Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said,

“NYCC was envisioned not merely as a competition, but as a national movement to restore pride in Indian cuisine among young professionals. By providing a credible, national platform, we are encouraging students to rediscover their regional food traditions and reinterpret them with contemporary relevance. The overwhelming response from institutions across India validates the relevance and timing of this initiative.”

The Steering Committee of NYCC comprised Chef Manjit Gill, President, IFCA; Chef Anil Grover, Certified WorldChefs Judge; Chef Sudhir Sibal, Founder Member, IFCA; Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council; Prof. Kamal Kant Pant, Principal, IHM Pusa; and Mr. Amarjit Singh Ahuja, Director – Procurement, Le Meridien New Delhi.

Delivering the theme address, Chef Manjit Gill, President, IFCA and Chair of the NYCC Steering Committee, said,

“Indian cuisine is not merely a collection of recipes; it is a philosophy shaped by history, science and cultural memory. Before innovation comes understanding. NYCC encourages young chefs to respect the roots of Indian cooking and then reinterpret them with honesty, skill and responsibility. This is how we safeguard our culinary identity while preparing chefs for global kitchens.”

Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, stated,

“NYCC is a strong example of what collaboration between industry, academia and government can achieve. When young talent is supported through mentorship, national exposure and fair evaluation, it results in confident, employable and future-ready professionals.”

The Grand Finale followed an intense live cook-off format, challenging participants to prepare a traditional Bhojan comprising a bhaja preparation, main dish, vegetable preparation, pulses preparation, curd preparation, rice or bread preparation and a sweet dish within two and a half hours, with evaluation based on technique, authenticity, innovation, sustainability and presentation. 

Presenting a brief on the NYCC journey and outlining the vision ahead, Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, said,

“From the curtain raiser to four zonal rounds across North, East, West and South India, NYCC has engaged over 100 hospitality institutions nationwide. Our vision is to scale NYCC into a sustained national platform that identifies talent, provides structured mentorship, industry integration and positions young Indian chefs confidently on global culinary platforms.

Proposing the formal vote of thanks, Ms. Meena Bhatia, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said,

“The successful culmination of the first edition of NYCC reflects the collective commitment of government, industry, academia and our young chefs. PHDCCI remains firmly committed to institutionalizing NYCC as a flagship national initiative and expanding its impact in the years ahead.” 

NYCC was supported by leading industry partners including TATA Consumer Products, Lee Kum Kee, Nestle Professional, Cremica Food Industries, Venus Industries, Hospitality & Kitchen Solutions (HAKS),Hilton, Roseate hotels and resorts, Wagh Bakri Tea Group, Welbilt India, McCain Foods, Chefs Unlimited, Le-meridian, New Delhi and Purchasing Professional Forum India (PPFI), whose continued engagement underscores strong industry confidence in the initiative.