Archives 2026

Hyderabad, Jan 9: AU Small Finance Bank, India’s largest small finance bank and the first in a decade to receive RBI’s in-principle approval for transitioning into a Universal Bank, is celebrating Sankranti across Telangana with a curated range of festive offers designed to make celebrations more rewarding for customers across the state.

As families across Telangana come together to celebrate the harvest festival with traditions such as kite flying, bonfires, and sharing festive sweets, AU Small Finance Bank is enhancing the festive spirit with exclusive benefits across fashion, electronics, travel, dining, jewellery, and entertainment.

Festive Shopping & Lifestyle Offers for Telangana Customers:

Fashion & Groceries:
Special offers on leading fashion and grocery platforms including AJIO, Spykar, Flipkart Wholesale, and Instamart.

Electronics:
Attractive deals on mobiles and electronics at Croma.

Travel:
Festive offers on flights, holiday bookings, and bus tickets through popular travel platforms such as EaseMyTrip, MakeMyTrip, Adani One, Paytm Flights, ixigo, Yatra, and Abhibus.

Dining & Entertainment:
Exclusive benefits on food delivery, dining experiences, and movie tickets via platforms including District by Zomato, Swiggy, Zomato, and BookMyShow.

Jewellery:
Festive offers on gold, diamond, studded, and silver jewellery at Kalyan Jewellers and GIVA.

These festive offers are available for a limited period during the Sankranti celebrations and are applicable on select AU Credit and Debit Cards, with applicability varying by card type. For complete offer details and terms & conditions, customers can visit offers.au.bank.in or explore the AU 0101 App.

Commenting on the initiative, Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director & Deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said,

“Sankranti is a time of optimism, renewal, and celebration for families across Telangana. We are delighted to bring festive joy to our customers through thoughtfully curated offers that enhance everyday spending. As AU Small Finance Bank prepares for its next phase of growth as a Universal Bank, our focus remains on building deeper customer relationships by delivering value beyond banking.”

Considering the digital revolution taking place across the globe, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) considered the need for development of digital platform wherein articled trainees can record their attendance and task performed in the form of E-Diary.  The digital platform  has been introduced and made mandatory for CA students commencing practical training w.e.f. 1st January, 2026. E-Diary  for students and members, leveraging technology to bring uniformity, transparency and digitally monitoring of articled training. 

This initiative of ICAI Board of Studies  and Members and Student Services Directorate is designed to map skills, ensure consistent training standards and improve transparency, in line with ICAI’s competency framework for a future-ready profession.

Key Features:

• Structured Digital Recording: Daily attendance and task performed by the articled trainee recorded digitally, the moment it is entered in system; stipend details once paid, recorded and would display.
• Fortnightly Submission & Verification: Submission of task performed by the trainees would be on fortnightly basis. The system validates completeness Principals review, suggest changes in task performed by trainee, trainee has to carry out the suggested changes within seven days and re-submit.  Within next seven days principal has to approved, after that it would considered deemed approval. 
• Edit & Track: Students can access past entries, make changes as suggested by the principal, edit or delete entries before submission and track approval status.
• SSP-Based Login: Students access the E-Diary through their Self-Service Portal (SSP) credentials.
• Process Integration: The platform links with Form 109 and aligns records with ICAI training guidelines.

On this digital initiative, CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI, said

“The E-Diary will be a digitally approved and authenticated record of an articled trainee’s practical experience. It enables students to clearly demonstrate the tasks performed during training and the areas in which they have developed expertise. This digital platform will not only save valuable manhours for both principals and students but also brings greater transparency, timely approvals and helps identify new and emerging areas of training, making articled training more structured, efficient, and future-ready.”

Benefits to CA Students 

• Uniform Training Quality: Would ensure in imparting standardized training to article trainee across all spheres and consistent learning outcome for all trainees. 
• Self-Monitoring & Skill Mapping: Articled Trainee can review the task performed, identify the learning gaps and focus on other area of training which are relevant in the present context.  
• Awareness & Professional Growth: Regular reflection on tasks performed, enhances understanding of practical competencies. Maintaining E-Diary tells both the articled trainee and principal, how many hours articled trainee spent in auditing, taxation and consultancy services etc. and for new areas of training secondment can be considered by the principal. Through E-diary principal can also assess the areas where articled trainee has expertise so that assignment can be easily assigned and completed in a time bound manner.
• Administrative Ease: Simplifies stipend proof digitally, leave tracking, and completion formalities; reduces paperwork for both trainee and principal. 

Benefits to CA Principals

• Enhanced Oversight & Monitoring: Real-time visibility into attendance, profile, task assigned/performed, and supports effective mentoring.
• Quality Assurance: Data-driven insights help prioritise training areas, address weaknesses, and monitor individual or batch performance.

Reduced Administrative Burden: Digital approvals, MIS reports, and system alerts streamline compliance, replacing manual diaries.

By- Rajavelu NK, CEO-Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet Ltd

India’s crop protection landscape has fundamentally shifted—from protecting yields to securing food security amid climate volatility, labour scarcity, and fragmented landholdings. The sector has pivoted decisively toward precision-driven resilience, establishing India as a global leader in both agrochemical consumption and exports.In 2025, this transformation accelerated. Extreme climate events intensified pest pressures and resistance risks, compelling farmers toward integrated pest management and precision spraying. The Drone Didi initiative brought targeted crop protection mainstream through 15,000 women’s self-help groups, while 20 percent of smallholders adopted AI-driven pest advisories. These shifts mark a critical transition: from reactive protection to predictive intelligence.

Climate Volatility Is Driving Structural Change

The dynamics of weeds and pests are being drastically changed by climate change. Heat stress, constant humidity, and erratic rainfall are making traditional control techniques useless. Farmers who use pesticides more frequently run the risk of experiencing diminishing returns and the risk of triggering pesticide resistance a vicious cycle that demands a new approach. Crop protection must now integrate into broader adaptive systems: crop rotation, integrated pest management, and precision application the right product, at the right dose, in the right place.

Smallholders Will Determine Success

India’s smallholder farmers the agricultural backbone operate with limited capital and minimal extension support. A digital layer is emerging: 60-70 percent access weather and pest alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, and vernacular apps, though only 20 percent use AI platforms. These tools guide critical decisions from sowing to spray schedules. Innovation extends beyond molecules. Crop-specific advisory, bundled solutions, regional-language support, and practical stewardship proper dosage, protective equipment, storage matter equally. Digital channels and field demonstrations enable correct, safe application.

Counterfeits Undermine Trust and Ecosystems

Counterfeit and substandard pesticides pose a corrosive threat. An estimated 25 percent of India’s pesticide market is compromised by fakes, eroding farmer confidence, distorting markets, and introducing environmental risks. The solution requires synergy: government enforcement, retail accountability, packaging traceability, and farmer education working in concert.

The Future: Intelligence-Led Integration

Innovation is reshaping application methods. Government approval of drone spraying through mechanization schemes marks a watershed moment. Drones deliver precision correct dose, correct timing, and correct placement reducing water usage and operator exposure. Simultaneously, AI-powered pest monitoring and satellite-based advisories shift spraying from reaction to prediction. The National Pest Surveillance framework, powered by machine learning, exemplifies this evolution.

Public-private partnerships are accelerating this transition across drone adoption, pest surveillance, and counterfeit control. The recognition is clear: agricultural challenges transcend individual stakeholders.

India’s crop protection story is at an inflection point. Climate stress, resistance risks, and smallholder constraints are formidable. Yet science, technology, regulation, and farmer-centric engagement offer a viable path forward. Success in 2026 will not be measured by volume applied but by resilience built. Precision, integration, and education anchored by strong enforcement and innovation will determine whether India protects its crops while preserving soils, ecosystems, and farmer livelihoods for decades to come.

Vijayawada, Jan 09: The banks of the Krishna River came alive today as Avakai Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature officially opened at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada. The festival, from January 8th to 10th, is a unique public celebration bringing together cinema, literature, music, dance, theatre, and cultural dialogue on an immersive Krishna riverfront at Vijaywada. Thousands of attendees experienced a vivid tapestry of tradition, innovation, and artistic excellence during the first day of festivities.

The opening ceremony commenced with a grand procession of giant puppets and Teen Maar drummers, followed by a high-energy performance by the band Jammers, setting a celebratory tone for the evening. The spiritual ambiance of the riverfront was enhanced with a traditional Aarti by the Ghat and the ceremonial inauguration of the Festival House Boat, followed by the Sacred Opening featuring Shankh, Nagada, and Drums ensemble. The mesmerizing performance “Her Frames, Her Fire” by Omaggio Performing Company captivated audiences before the night concluded with the world premiere of “Love Story – A Musical”, created exclusively for Avakai.

The ceremonial Prārambhōtsavam was graced by hief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan,  Minister for Tourism & Culture Shri Kandula Durgesh, Minister of Health, Family Welfare & Medical Education Shri Satya Kumar Yadav, H.E. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union, and Mr. Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director – Teamwork Arts.

Speaking on this occasion Chief Minister, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, said,

“Building on the vibrant spirit of the Avakai Amaravati Festival, our vision for Andhra Pradesh is to seamlessly blend our rich cultural heritage with a forward-looking creative economy. As the architect of the state’s information technology foundation, I remain committed to carrying this legacy into the future – one shaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. In a landmark step, India’s first quantum computer will be established in Amaravati within the next five months. This technological advancement will be complemented by a significant push to enhance global tourism and by empowering every household through the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ initiative, encouraging innovation, enterprise, and leadership at the grassroots level. By fostering an ecosystem rooted in enjoyment, entertainment, and creativity, we are not only accelerating economic growth already accounting for over 25 percent of the nation’s total investments but also building a healthier, wealthier, and happier society. Our ultimate aspiration is for the Telugu community to emerge as a global leader, shaping a world-class greenfield future where tradition, innovation, and modern prosperity thrive together. The Avakai Amaravati Festival is not just a celebration of a cherished culinary tradition, but a reflection of our collective identity, community spirit, and creative expression. Such festivals play a vital role in strengthening cultural pride while opening new avenues for tourism, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange”.

Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Pawan Kalyan, added:

“Andhra Pradesh’s rich legacy in arts, literature, music and cinema is central to its cultural identity, and presenting it in contemporary formats is vital to engage the younger generation. The AVAKAI – Amaravati Festival of Culture, Literature & Cinema at Vijayawada is a commendable initiative that brings together culture, creativity and tourism, strengthening the State’s cultural branding and showcasing Amaravati and Vijayawada as vibrant cultural destinations. I extend my best wishes to the organizers and am confident that AVAKAI will significantly promote cultural tourism and enhance the overall brand image of Andhra Pradesh”.

Minister for Tourism & Culture, Shri Kandula Durgesh, stated

“Avakaya Amaravati Festival    reflects the government’s vision to use culture as a pillar for boosting tourism and public relations in Andhra Pradesh.By integrating cinema, literature, and music, the festival showcases both ancient and modern arts to establish Vijayawada as a 

premier cultural destination.The event serves as a first step toward making Amaravati a literary capital and reviving the state’s artistic glory, which the Minister noted was neglected by the previous government.Organized on a large scale, the festival aims to inspire today’s youth and preserve Telugu traditions for future generations. Minister Durgesh emphasized that this initiative aligns with the leadership of CM Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to balance technology-driven growth with cultural preservation”.

Mr. Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, concluded:

“Avakai stands as a powerful signature of Telugu culture, carrying the flavours, voices, and imagination of Andhra Pradesh to India and the world. It is a space where language, cinema, music, literature, and performance come together to tell stories with pride and depth. Rooted in Telugu ethos yet global in its outlook, Avakai brings together the finest voices, ideas, and artistic practices from across India and the world, creating a dialogue that is both deeply local and universally resonant. By bringing together thinkers, artists, filmmakers, performers, and audiences, Avakai reaffirms that Telugu culture is not only a heritage to be preserved, but a vibrant, evolving expression meant to be shared and celebrated across generations and borders”.

Syed Shams Jawaid, Vice President, Teamwork Arts and Festival Producer, said,

“Avakai embodies our belief that cultural celebration thrives when it is inclusive, immersive, and collaborative. Working with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and our partners, we have created a festival that not only honors the rich storytelling traditions of Telugu cinema, literature and the performing arts, but also connects them with contemporary creative voices from across India and the world. Through this shared platform, Avakai celebrates the power of artistic exchange – bringing communities together, inspiring new dialogues, and reinforcing the enduring relevance of culture in shaping our collective future.”

The 1st day of the festival successfully blended heritage and contemporary artistry, with a compelling mix of performances, music, and immersive experiences, setting the tone for the following two days of workshops, literary conversations, and cinematic discussions on Bhavani Island. Avakai continues to establish Amaravati as a global cultural hub, bridging tradition and modernity while celebrating the rich legacy of Telugu arts and storytelling.

Bengaluru,  Jan 9: The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at JAIN  Faculty of Engineering & Technology, is set to host the second edition of Inceptrix, a national-level, hackathon-driven technical event focused on student-led innovation and applied technology learning, scheduled for 27–28 February 2026.

The previous edition, Inceptrix 2025 conducted as a two day intercollegiate technical fest in  May 2025 had witnessed participation from students representing 27 states, with over 1000 registrations and a total prize pool of Rs 1,75,000. The event had created a collaborative environment where participants engaged in real world problem solving, peer learning, and technical experimentation.

Inceptrix 2.0 aims to expand its academic and innovation footprint. The 2nd edition will feature competitive hackathons, hands on workshops, and expert led sessions aimed at encouraging creativity, collaboration, and solution oriented thinking among students. The event aims to support JU FET’s focus on industry-relevant education and future-ready skill development.

The initiative is led by the Tech Council of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, a professional student body that oversees more than fifteen specialized technical clubs. The council functions as a central platform for technical initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning through structured events and competitions across the institution.

Inceptrix 2.0 will also open opportunities for industry partners to engage through event sponsorships, workshops, digital promotions, prize sponsorships, and on ground brand presence. These collaborations aim to create meaningful interaction between emerging talent and the technology ecosystem while supporting student innovation at scale.

As part of the hackathon competitions, participants will compete for an attractive prize pool. The Winner will receive a cash prize of INR 1,00,000, the First Runner-Up will be awarded INR 50,000, and the Second Runner-Up will receive INR 25,000. In addition, Top 10 teams will be recognized with exclusive gift hampers, further motivating innovation and excellence among participants.

The event will be hosted at JAIN Global  Campus at Kanakapura Main Road in Bengaluru.

Students from engineering and technology disciplines across institutions are welcome to register before 31 January 2026.

IIT Roorkee Para Athlete Turns Struggles into Strengths, Inspires Generations A Journey from Campus Pool to World Para Swimming Championship

Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Jan 09: Defying odds, breaking barriers, and inspiring generations, Saurav Kumar’s recent B.Tech graduate journey in Engineering Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) is a story of courage, resilience, and hope. Living with a lower-limb disability since childhood, Saurav has turned challenges into opportunities, proving that the body does not define disability, but the mind.

Saurav’s tryst with para sports began in 2024, when a campus event he organised brought national heroes, including Paralympians Md. Shams Aalam and Pramod Bhagat to IIT Roorkee. Inspired by their stories, and even as he coped with the loss of his mother to cancer, he resolved to learn swimming, a sport he had never tried before. Despite initial hesitation from coaches and authorities, Saurav’s determination prevailed.

Within just three months of entering competitive swimming, he won two silver medals at the state level and secured a top-10 position at the National Para Swimming Championships in 2024. Continuing his progress, on 21st and 22nd September 2025, he participated in both the state and district competitions, winning two gold medals at the state level and two gold medals at the district level. He further strengthened his national standing by securing 4th position at the National Championship on 15th November 2025, competing among 17 participants in the 100m butterfly stroke, with a timing of 2 minutes and 43 seconds.

Today, he can swim up to 5 km in a single session and is preparing to represent India and institute in upcoming Asian game and Khelo India, he is also selected the World Para Swimming Championship Series in Italy on March 12, 2026, with full sponsorship and support from IIT Roorkee.

Beyond the pool, Saurav is also the Institute Champion in Snooker (2025), co-founder of IRIS Eco-Tech, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Roorkee’s TIDES, and an innovator working on prosthetic leg technology. For his exceptional contributions, he was honoured with the Professional Development and Innovation Award 2025 and the Hari Krishna Mittal Leadership Award 2025.

Speaking on his journey, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said,

 “Saurav’s story is not just about medals or achievements, it is about courage, determination, and the will to rise above challenges. At IIT Roorkee, we are proud to support his journey and remain committed to creating an inclusive ecosystem where every student, irrespective of ability, can thrive and chase their dreams.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Saurav Kumar said,

“You don’t need a perfect body to chase your dreams; what you need is belief, determination, and the courage to begin. If I can do it, so can every student who dares to dream, no matter the challenges. I carry with me the strength of my family, my mentors, and my Institute, and I hope my journey inspires others never to give up.”

Saurav’s story highlights the spirit of inclusivity and resilience at IIT Roorkee. With over 150 students with disabilities on campus, the Institute is working to strengthen support mechanisms to ensure equal participation and opportunities for all. His appeal for a dedicated support channel for students with disabilities serves as a reminder that empowerment begins with access, and true inclusion stems from collective responsibility.

Saurav Kumar’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, proving that limitations are only as real as we allow them to be. His success belongs not only to him, but to everyone who believes in the power of courage, community, and compassion.

The Dean of Students’ Welfare (DoSW), IIT Roorkee, has been a strong pillar of support in Saurav Kumar’s journey, ensuring that students with diverse abilities receive the encouragement and resources they need to excel. Through its inclusive initiatives and mentoring ecosystem, the DoSW office facilitated Saurav’s access to training facilities, travel assistance, and institutional sponsorship for his participation in national and international para swimming events. The office also played a key role in promoting awareness and inclusion across campus, helping foster a culture where determination and talent are celebrated beyond physical limitations. This support reflects IIT Roorkee’s deep commitment to student welfare, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all.

Bangalore, Jan 9: MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, today predicted a major shift in the global connectivity landscape, with 2026 expected to be the first year when satellite and 5G networks will start functioning as a unified system, rather than parallel infrastructures. The company said it expects hybrid satellite-5G connectivity to move from pilot projects into real-world deployment with 3GPP Release 17 and 18, enabling deeper integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and Terrestrial Networks (TN). This convergence is expected to unlock a new generation of resilient, globally accessible communication services, reshaping applications in mobility, public safety, IoT, and remote connectivity.

The 3GPP Release 17 standard provides a baseline for NTN-TN interoperability, specifying reliability and latency parameters. Release 18 expands support for NTN-IoT and higher frequency bands, which are critical for scalable, high-throughput architectures.

“2026 is going to mark the moment when satellite links start behaving like a natural extension of existing 5G networks,” said Mike McLernon, Principal Technical Marketing Engineer, MathWorks. “For engineers, this means building systems that can operate seamlessly across sky and ground with critical simulation-led design.”

India is a key market poised to accelerate NTN-TN adoption. With operators exploring space-based coverage for rural regions and emergency communications, the country is expected to play a central role in bringing hybrid connectivity to scale.

This shift will introduce new design challenges for telecom R&D teams, ranging from satellite-cell handovers and multi-band transceiver design to high-mobility user scenarios and real-time coordination between ground and space systems. As telcos race to deliver direct-to-device satellite services, hybrid networks will demand more complex testing, simulation, and system-level validation.

“NTNs will not be replacing TNs; rather, they will be augmenting them, forming a hybrid ecosystem that will define the next generation of global wireless connectivity,” said McLernon. “A major technical focus for wireless engineers is to ensure reliable transitions between satellite and terrestrial links.”

Interoperability between NTNs and TNs is paramount, as handover management and resource coordination will ultimately determine the success of the overall system design. For the RF community, the emergence of NTN-TN networks also signals a growing need for flexible, multi-band transceivers and robust channel modeling across variable propagation environments.

Mumbai, Jan 8: Every life saved begins with a race against time and at the heart of that race are ambulance drivers who navigate chaos, uncertainty and urgency to deliver hope. Honouring these unsung heroes and their families, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata organised ‘Salute the Real Heroes Family’, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to ambulance drivers and their families, in the presence of Dr. Kishen Goel, Consultant and Head of Emergency, Manipal Hospital; Broadway, Kolkata; Dr. Indranil Das, Senior Consultant and In-Charge, Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass,  Dr. Saurav Das, Consultant  Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass; Dr. Sujoy Das Thakur, Consultant & In-Charge  Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur,  Dr. Subhasish Deb, Consultant  Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur; Dr. Osama Ashfaque, Consultant -Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria and Prof (Dr.) Rakhi Sanyal Dutta Sarma, Senior Consultant  Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Broadway and other eminent specialists in observance of World Ambulance Day. The event was conceptualised to recognise the selfless dedication of ambulance drivers who serve as the first responders during medical emergencies, often becoming the crucial link between life and death. Through this initiative, Manipal Hospitals aimed to extend gratitude to the drivers and to their families who stand by them through demanding and unpredictable schedules.

The programme began with a warm welcome and formal introduction, setting the tone for the day, followed by the launch of a specially curated Wellness Plan and Privilege Card for ambulance drivers and their families. A felicitation ceremony thereafter recognised exemplary drivers for their unwavering commitment and dedicated service. The event also featured Basic Life Support (BLS) training sessions led by doctors from Manipal Hospitals, equipping drivers with vital life-saving skills. An informative session on Manipal Hospitals’ healthcare services further enhanced awareness around emergency care, after which an ambulance rally was flagged off, symbolising speed, preparedness, and the urgency that defines lifesaving response. The day concluded on a celebratory note with engaging family games and fun activities, fostering togetherness and honouring the families who stand as the silent strength behind these frontline heroes.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kishen Goel said,

“Ambulance drivers are often the first medical contact in moments of distress, and their calm presence and swift response save countless lives every day. Through this initiative, we aim to recognise their contribution and reaffirm their vital role within the healthcare ecosystem. In India, delayed medical care significantly affects outcomes, with over 50% of cardiac arrest patients reaching hospitals late. Timely intervention in emergencies like accidents or cardiac arrest can be lifesaving. By providing BLS training, we are empowering individuals to act as immediate responders. Manipal Hospitals remains committed to building a skilled force to effectively manage life-threatening situations.”

Dr. Indranil Das stated,

“In medical emergencies, a trained individual can mean the difference between life and death. Through the ‘Salute the Real Heroes’ initiative, we are equipping ambulance drivers with essential BLS training to strengthen emergency response. We also recognise that their contribution goes beyond their professional role. Through family engagement programmes and health cards, we are focusing on their overall well-being. By supporting both their professional skills and personal lives, we aim to empower them to continue their invaluable service with confidence and pride.”

Dr. Sujoy Das Thakur said,

“Ambulance drivers are often the first responders during critical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and accidents. Their quick decisions during the golden hour can directly impact patient survival. Through this initiative, Manipal Hospitals seeks to equip these unsung heroes with essential skills while also extending meaningful support to their families. By recognising both the drivers and their loved ones, we acknowledge the unseen strength behind emergency care one that helps lifesaving begin long before a patient reaches the hospital.”

Speaking on the occasion, MARS ambulance driver Sarjit Yadav, age 34, who has been serving as an ambulance driver for the past eight years, shared,

“As ambulance drivers, it is our duty to bring patients to the hospital on time during the most critical moments. We are deeply grateful to Manipal Hospitals for this initiative and for giving us this platform to recognise our tireless 24/7 service. It is truly an honour to be here.”

Sarika Saha, wife of an ambulance driver present at the event, said,

“My husband has been an ambulance driver since a very young age, and with two daughters aged 8 and 5, they often miss spending time with their father because of his service. Today, thanks to Manipal Hospitals’ initiative, our children truly understood how crucial his role is in saving patients’ lives, we are really having to be here.”

During his address, Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional COO, Manipal Hospitals  said,

“With accidents and medical emergencies being a daily reality, ambulance drivers are often the first medical contact for patients in distress. Their calmness and quick response save countless lives, every day. Through this initiative, we recognise their vital contribution and reaffirm that they are valued members of the healthcare ecosystem. By providing BLS training and supporting their families, Manipal Hospitals aims to empower these unsung heroes and strengthen emergency care from the very first response.”

When most travellers think of Rajasthan, images of golden deserts, sun-soaked forts, and warm climates instantly come to mind. Yet tucked away in the Aravalli range lies a lesser-known, charming contrast — Mount Abu, the state’s only hill station, where winter unfolds with misty mornings, forested landscapes, and a refreshingly cool climate.

This January, Sterling Holiday Resorts invites travellers to rediscover Rajasthan through a different lens with “Meet Winter at Abu”, a seasonal campaign highlighting Mount Abu as an ideal escape for festive weekends and the long Republic Day break. With winter temperatures dipping to a crisp 9–13°C at night and settling into a comfortable 22–24°C during the day, Mount Abu offers the rare pleasure of chilly mornings, sunlit afternoons, and cosy evenings — a combination seldom associated with the state.

Winter in Mount Abu brings with it a slower, more intimate rhythm. Early mornings are perfect for curling up with a hot cup of tea as the hills awaken in soft light, while daytime invites leisurely sightseeing, forest walks, and outdoor exploration without the intensity of summer heat. Evenings turn pleasantly cool, making warm winter layers a welcome companion as the town settles into quiet calm.

Positioned as Rajasthan’s coolest secret, Mount Abu appeals strongly to families and short-break travellers from Gujarat and Rajasthan, looking for an easy-to-reach hill destination that feels refreshing yet familiar — without the crowds of more popular winter hill stations.

At Sterling Mount Abu, guests can experience this seasonal charm through unhurried days and immersive surroundings. Sunset views from iconic vantage points such as Prithvi Vilas, tranquil walks through forest trails, temple visits, and peaceful, sun-drenched resort mornings come together to create a restorative winter holiday. The destination’s natural beauty — from golden-hour skies to lush green paths — is brought alive through visual storytelling that captures Mount Abu’s serene, wintertime personality.

“January is the perfect time to experience Mount Abu,” said Harinath M, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd. “With festive weekends and the Republic Day break, families can rediscover a cooler, greener side of Rajasthan in a way that feels both relaxing and memorable.”

This winter, Sterling Holiday Resorts invites travellers to rethink Rajasthan and meet winter in a place where cool mornings, pleasant days, and mountain calm come together — at Sterling Mount Abu.

Mumbai, Jan 8: In a strong show of community-led preventive healthcare, HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Mumbai Dabbawala Association, conducted a two-day men’s health awareness campaign on 6th and 7th January 2026. The initiative saw over 500 dabbawalas wearing blue jackets to raise awareness on men’s health and early cancer detection, using their daily citywide presence to spread the message.

The campaign, titled “Delivering Hope Together,” symbolised the shared commitment of HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai and the Mumbai Dabbawala Association to take preventive healthcare beyond hospital walls and into the heart of the community. By leveraging the dabbawalas’ unmatched reach and trust across Mumbai, the initiative aimed to deliver not just meals, but also lifesaving messages on early cancer detection, reinforcing the belief that timely awareness and screening can significantly reduce the cancer burden among working men.

The campaign focused on creating awareness around head and neck cancer and prostate cancer, which are among the most commonly detected cancers in men. Through the trusted and extensive network of Mumbai’s dabbawalas, the initiative ensured that the message of preventive care reached every corner of the city in an organic and impactful manner.

To further extend its gratitude to the lifeline of the city  the dabbawalas  HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai set up a dedicated mobile medical van to provide free cancer screening. This van was exclusively dedicated to the dabbawalas and stationed at key locations across the city, including Churchgate, Borivali, Grant Road, and Mira Road. The screenings were conducted by HCG’s medical team, who also counselled participants on early warning signs, risk factors, and the critical role of timely diagnosis in improving treatment outcomes.

The initiative received an overwhelming response, with a large number of dabbawalas voluntarily coming forward for check-ups over the two days. More than 500 dabbawalas participated in the screenings, reflecting growing awareness and acceptance of preventive healthcare among working communities.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Avik Chauhan, Cluster Chief Operating Officer at HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, said, 

“This initiative with the Mumbai Dabbawala Association reflects our belief that awareness and early detection must reach people where they are. Dabbawalas are the backbone of Mumbai’s daily life, and by engaging with them, we were able to take the message of men’s health and cancer prevention directly to the community. The enthusiastic participation over the last two days reinforces the importance of such grassroots initiatives in saving lives through early detection.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Ulhas Muke. President, Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Charity Trust, said,

 “We appreciate the efforts and recognition extended to the dabbawalas by HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai. We are proud to be part of this awareness drive that focuses on reducing cancer cases through early detection. We are grateful to HCG for providing free screenings and medical guidance to our community and for empowering us with knowledge that encourages preventive healthcare and timely action.”

The two-day campaign concluded with meaningful interactions between healthcare professionals and participants, reinforcing HCG’s commitment to accessible, community-centric cancer prevention efforts. Through initiatives like Delivering Hope Together, HCG continues to work towards building healthier communities and reducing the burden of cancer through awareness, early screening, and timely intervention.