Archives 2026

The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort & Spa Appoints Simita Chattoraj as Assistant Director of Human Resources

Jaipur, Feb 09:  The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Simita Chattoraj as the new Assistant Director of Human Resources, further strengthening the resort’s leadership team.

Simita brings with her extensive experience in the luxury hospitality sector, having most recently served as Human Resources Manager at The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas, Rishikesh. Known for her result-oriented approach, she has consistently demonstrated expertise in personnel management, recruitment, onboarding, and organizational development.

During her tenure at The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas, Simita played a pivotal role in spearheading recruitment initiatives, streamlining onboarding processes for new associates, and successfully leading Project Pranita across the North India, Bhutan, and Nepal region. Her ability to align human resource strategies with business goals has contributed to building high-performing, engaged teams across multiple properties.

Simita’s professional journey includes hands-on HR operations experience with some of India’s most prestigious hospitality brands. She holds a Certificate Course in Recruitment Management from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and an MSc in Resource Management from SNDT Women’s University, equipping her with a strong academic foundation to complement her practical expertise.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Kamaljit Singh, General Manager, The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort & Spa, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Simita Chattoraj to our leadership team. Her extensive experience in fostering positive work environments and her strategic approach to talent development make her the perfect fit for our resort. We look forward to the energy and expertise she will bring to our HR department as we continue to elevate our guest and associate experiences.”

With this appointment, The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort & Spa reaffirms its commitment to nurturing talent, building a strong workplace culture, and delivering exceptional experiences for both guests and associates.

Modis Navnirman Limited Begins Construction with Bhoomi Poojan of 200+ Unit Residential Project ‘Rashmi Icon’ in Malad, Mumbai

Mumbai, India, Feb 9: Modis Navnirman Limited, one of Mumbai’s rapidly growing real estate developers, marked a key milestone with the successful Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of its upcoming residential and commercial project, Rashmi Icon, located at Shankar Gully, Orlem, Malad (West). This ceremony signifies the formal commencement of construction on what is set to become a modern lifestyle landmark in the neighbourhood.

Rashmi Icon is a thoughtfully planned mixed-use development located on a plot area of 4,744.40 sq. mtrs., featuring three residential wings with around 201 contemporary homes, 17 commercial shops, podium parking, and a dedicated amenities floor. The project is designed to offer a balanced blend of comfort and convenience, with modern lifestyle amenities, recreational spaces, and fitness facilities aimed at enhancing overall community living.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahek Modi, Whole-Time Director & Chief Financial Officer, Modis Navnirman Limited, said:

 “Rashmi Icon reflects our commitment to building future-ready urban communities. While the Bhoomi Poojan marks an important ceremonial beginning, our true focus lies in delivering well- designed homes, strong construction quality, and meaningful amenities that add long-term value to residents and the surrounding neighbourhood.”

Rashmi Icon strengthens Modis Navnirman Limited’s growing portfolio of residential developments in Mumbai and reinforces the company’s mission to create modern, community-focused spaces built with quality and integrity.

DPU School of Allied Health Sciences and AREF Announce Strategic Collaboration to Strengthen Healthcare Skill Development and Community Health Research

Feb 09: D.Y Patil University, School of Allied Health Sciences and Adiuvaret Research & Education Foundation (AREF) today announced a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing holistic healthcare education, enhancing skill-building capabilities, and fostering community-focused health initiatives across the allied health and healthcare management education sectors.

This partnership brings together the academic excellence of DPU School of Allied Health Sciences with AREF’s proven expertise in healthcare management learning, curriculum development, and educational support systems. The collaboration will focus on developing structured skill ecosystems in public health and biomedical research, interdisciplinary learning modules for community health, and research-driven models that address the evolving needs of students, educators, and communities.

Dr. Abhay Saraf, Director, DPU School of Allied Health Sciences, said,

“With AREF’s proven capabilities and our shared vision for holistic development, this partnership marks the beginning of a transformative journey that will reshape how students learn, engage, and contribute to society. Together, we aim to build future-ready skill ecosystems, encourage impactful research, and strengthen our community outreach initiatives. By uniting academic excellence with real-world application, I believe this collaboration will set new benchmarks in skill-building, interdisciplinary innovation, and sustainable community impact.”

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Dr. Biranchi Jena, Director, AREF, said,

“Collaborating with DPU School of Allied Health Sciences is a tremendous opportunity to integrate our practical experience in health management education with a leading academic institution. Our shared commitment to quality, accessibility, and innovation positions us to create meaningful change. We look forward to co-creating programs, resources, and learning pathways that elevate student readiness and deliver long-term value to the communities we serve.”

The partnership will further explore joint programs, research initiatives, field training, community engagement activities, and development of educational tools and materials. Both institutions aim to position the collaboration as a model for future academic-industry partnerships in India.

Chandigarh, Feb 09: Bank of Baroda, India’s International Bank, marked a significant milestone in building a new infrastructure for the existing Ernakulam Zonal Office as Smt. Beena Vaheed, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda, laid the foundation stone for the bank’s new Office building at Canon Shed Road today. This initiative enhances the Bank’s physical infrastructure for its established zonal operations in Kerala, underscoring its commitment to improved operational efficiency across the state.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by Shri Prajit Kumar D, General Manager and Zonal Head; Shri K. R. Kagadal, Deputy General Manager (Compliance & Assurance); Shri Anishkumar Kesavan, Deputy General Manager (Business Development); Shri Anmay Kumar Mishra, Deputy General Manager (ZIAD); and all Regional Heads of Ernakulam Zone, along with other senior officials of the Bank.

During her visit, Smt. Beena Vaheed engaged with Bank of Baroda employees at the Baroda Academy in Jos Junction, Ernakulam. She addressed them on the importance of capacity building, skill enhancement, and delivering customer-centric banking services. On this occasion, virtual inauguration of the new alternate premises of Chattanchal Branch was also held at the hands of Smt. Beena Vaheed.

She also addressed a customer meet with High Net-worth Individuals (HNIs) and major corporate clients from the Ernakulam Zone, reinforcing the Bank’s focus on nurturing enduring partnerships and fueling regional business expansion.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Beena Vaheed, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said,

 “Kerala has always been a key market for Bank of Baroda, and the initiative of constructing its own new Office building represents our unwavering commitment to the state’s economic growth and development. The modern infrastructure will enable us to serve our customers more effectively and support the Zone’s aspirations for inclusive and sustainable progress.”

The new office building, expected to become operational within 21 months, will provide a modern and dedicated new workspace for the bank’s operations in the zone. Presently, the Zonal Office is situated at MG Road Metro Station, MG Road, Ernakulam.

Bank of Baroda has established a strong and growing presence in Kerala, with a total business of ₹46,475 crore, including deposits of ₹20,621 crore and advances of ₹25,854 crore as on 31.01.2026. The bank operates an extensive network of 248 branches, 07 Digital Service Outlets and 263 ATMs across the State and employs around 1,800 people, underlining its deep commitment to Kerala’s economic development and financial inclusion.

With this new infrastructure, Bank of Baroda reaffirms its commitment to fostering regional prosperity, bolstering existing operations, and driving sustainable growth across Kerala, thereby contributing to the state’s holistic development.

Chandigarh, Feb 09:  Audi, the German luxury carmaker, today unveiled My Auras, a first-of-its-kind in-vehicle experience that creates an unconventional journey of tranquility and grace by redefining luxury vehicle ownership for the customer. The My Auras app is a testament to Audi’s ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ that blends intuitive technology with the emotional aspect of driving to create a special bond between the vehicle and the person behind the wheel with every single drive. The app offers a seamless luxury interface with integrated Apple Music and one-click controls for ambient lighting, climate control, aromatization, massage and ventilation.

Available across MyAudi Connect and integrated directly into Audi vehicles, My Auras elevates ownership from mere driving to a hyper-personalised lifestyle experience.

Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director, Audi India, said,

“At Audi India, Vorsprung Durch Technik – is about creating unique experiences that adapt to our customers’ lives. In line with our customer-centric strategy, we are introducing the My Auras feature on the myAudi Connect app. The My Auras app is a perfect representation of this ethos. Today’s users expect experiences that adapt to them and the My Auras app delivers hyper-personalized moods, ensuring that every drive feels intentional, whether it’s calming, energizing, festive, or celebratory.”

Highlights:

One-click multi-sensory control: Instead of managing multiple settings individually, users can activate a complete atmosphere with a single click by adjusting the lighting, music, temperature, seat comfort, massage function and ventilation simultaneously.

Redefining stress-free driving: The app promotes mental well-being and relaxation, helping users unwind during daily commutes or long journeys. Features such as roadside assistance and vehicle service, all available within the same application, help reduce anxiety and enhance peace of mind.

Celebrating moments that matter: The My Auras app recognizes that driving is a part of one’s life’s moments. Festive themes can be customized to reflect cultural and seasonal celebrations. In addition, a birthday mode can automatically be activated on the user’s special day, creating a delightful, memorable experience.

My Auras’ feature sets scale intelligently across Audi India’s portfolio, including the Audi A4, Audi Q3, Audi Q3 Sportback, Audi Q5, Audi A6, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Audi RS Q8 and Audi Q8 e-tron models. Customers can access the experience through MyAudi Connect on their iPhones or directly through their vehicle’s infotainment system. Designed exclusively for iOS users, with functionality supported on select iPhone models and iOS versions. Feature availability is applicable to Audi vehicles from MY24 onwards.

Chandigarh, Feb 09: TVS Motor Company (TVSM) – a leading global automaker in the two and three-wheeler segment, today announced the appointment of Madhu Srivastava as President & Group Head – Human Resources. She will be based out of Bengaluru. Madhu is an accomplished HR leader with cross-industry experience spanning natural resources, oil and gas, financial services, telecom, and manufacturing.

Announcing the appointment, Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company said,

 “Madhu’s rich cross-industry experience will add significant value to the Group. The Group, which spans across mobility, financial services, and real estate, has been on a steady growth trajectory, expanding globally. We are confident that Madhu will build on the strong legacy of values, trust and excellence that TVS is known for, while helping take our people and organization agenda to the next level in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank R. Anandakrishnan who has devoted 38 years to TVS and has been instrumental in building the strong people foundations, values and HR systems.”

Professional Background & Leadership Experience:

Prior to joining TVSM, Madhu served as the Global CHRO of Vedanta Resources, a $25B multinational with a 100,000-strong workforce. She led enterprise-wide people strategy and major HR integrations, including the acquisition of Cairn India and other businesses. Madhu played a pivotal role in building leadership depth, strengthening organization capability, driving culture transformation and anchoring people strategy through periods of significant growth and change.

 Previously, she served as CHRO of Cairn Oil & Gas and Group Head of Talent Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, building global leadership pipelines and early-talent programs. Earlier roles at Citibank, Genpact, Reliance Infocom, GE Capital International Services, and Godrej equipped her with strong commercial acumen and scale hiring expertise.

Franks Hot Dogs Speeds QSR Expansion in India: 14th Store Opens at Elan Miracle Mall, Gurugram with Franchise India

Gurugram, Feb 09: Franchise India, Asia’s leading franchise development and advisory firm, today announced Franks Hot Dogs’ 14th outlet at Elan Miracle Mall, Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram. Positioned on the high-traffic Dwarka Expressway, it serves corporate professionals, business travellers, and commuters. This launch follows brand’s rapid growth in key urban markets including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh and Pune.

Franks Hot Dogs a premium French QSR brand stands out in India’s QSR scene with its “Roll-Dogs”—gourmet hot dogs and premium sausages in artisan-baked, sauce-infused bread. Affordable, global flavours and quick service appeal to millennials, Gen Z, and urban pros, making it a prime franchise model for consistency and scalability. 

Riding India’s QSR Boom

India’s food consumption patterns are undergoing a major shift, with Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) witnessing accelerated growth driven by urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, busier lifestyles, and increased preference for global flavours with India’s QSR market surging to $43.5 billion by 2030 at 9.36% CAGR. Franks fits perfectly with its modern, on-the-go format.

Gaurav Marya, Founder and Chairman, Franchise India, said:

“Franks Hot Dogs is the new-age QSR Indian consumers love—globally inspired, efficient, and value-driven. Its expansion shows strong brand power and demand for scalable food concepts.”

Amit Singh, Unit Franchisee Owner, Franks Hot Dogs – Elan Miracle Mall, added:

“I am very confident that Franks’ unique Roll-Dog and robust support will make our Franks store a go-to spot for quick bites in Gurugram.”

The 14th store kicks off Franks’ push for 300 outlets nationwide in five years. Backed by Franchise India’s expertise in scaling F&B brands , Franks aims to lead India’s snacking QSR segment.

Feb 09: Pan IIT Alumni India has welcomed the interim India–United States trade framework, stating that it could significantly accelerate India’s ambitions in semiconductors, data centres, and advanced technology manufacturing, especially when complemented by supportive domestic policy measures outlined in the Union Budget.

Welcoming the joint statement issued by India and the U.S., the alumni body said the framework signals deeper cooperation in critical and emerging technologies at a time when India is rapidly expanding its manufacturing and digital infrastructure base.

“The trade framework and the Union Budget together reflect a clear strategic alignment. India is building domestic capacity while expanding global technology partnerships,” said Mr. Prabhat Kumar, Chairman, Pan IIT Alumni India.

According to Pan IIT Alumni India, improved access to advanced components and technologies comes at a crucial moment as India pushes forward semiconductor fabrication, packaging, and design under its manufacturing incentive programmes.

“Today, everything runs on chips—from data centres and telecom networks to electric vehicles and defence systems. Stronger engagement with the U.S. can help India move faster from design to manufacturing and packaging, while reducing supply chain risks,” Kumar added.

The alumni body noted that the Union Budget further strengthens the domestic ecosystem through continued support for semiconductor manufacturing and digital infrastructure expansion. It highlighted the proposed tax holiday until 2047 for foreign cloud service providers using Indian data centre infrastructure as a key measure aimed at attracting long-term global investments.

“The trade framework improves access to advanced technology and global markets, while the Budget builds the domestic foundation. Together, they create momentum for sustained growth in advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure,” Kumar said.

Pan IIT Alumni India also emphasized that startups and MSMEs stand to benefit from smoother cross-border collaboration, improved access to capital, and integration into global value chains. It pointed out that India’s extensive network of IIT alumni working across U.S.-based technology companies and venture funds could play a catalytic role in facilitating partnerships, investments, and market access.

“From electronics and EV components to defence and aerospace, reliability matters. This framework strengthens India’s position as a trusted manufacturing and innovation partner under the evolving China+1 strategy,” Kumar noted.

Pan IIT Alumni India added that its global alumni network is uniquely positioned to help translate this momentum into tangible outcomes by facilitating stronger connections between industry, academia, and policymakers through mentoring, technology partnerships, and cross-border investments.

Mumbai, Feb 09: Sarda Energy & Minerals Limited, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025.

Financial Highlights (Consolidated)

• Q3 FY26 Total Income registered a 3% year-on-year growth, despite a planned maintenance shutdown of one 300 MW turbine at the Company’s thermal power plant during part of the quarter.

• EBITDA for Q3 FY26 increased by 7% YoY, reflecting operational resilience.

• Profit After Tax (PAT) for the quarter remained steady.

• Cash Profit for Q3 FY26 reflected healthy operating performance.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, the Company delivered robust growth:

• Total Income increased by 32% YoY.

• EBITDA rose by 53% YoY.

• PAT grew by 59% YoY.

• Cash Profit reflected strong operating cash flows.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Pankaj Sarda, Managing Director, said:

“During the quarter, the Company delivered a steady operational performance across its integrated energy and minerals platform, reflecting the resilience of our diversified business model.

The Energy segment continued to demonstrate stability, supported by consistent operations across assets. The addition of two new PPAs further strengthened the portfolio’s stability and improved earnings visibility.

While near-term pricing volatility in metals may persist, underlying domestic demand drivers linked to infrastructure and industrial activity remain intact. Our balance sheet remains robust, with comfortable liquidity and low leverage, positioning the Company well to support the next phase of growth.”

Operational and Strategic Update

• The Company maintained stable performance across its energy assets during the quarter.

• Two new Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) were added, enhancing long-term earnings visibility.

• The balance sheet remains strong, supporting disciplined capital allocation and future expansion.

Outlook

Looking ahead, Sarda Energy & Minerals expects operating conditions to improve as seasonal factors ease, supported by normalization in power demand and improving visibility across the metal segment.

The Company continues to advance its strategic priorities across energy, mining, and metals, with focused investments in clean energy, integrated mining, and operational efficiency. As part of its sustainability roadmap, initiatives are underway to increase the share of clean energy and progress toward lower-carbon, energy-efficient metal production.

With economic activity gaining momentum and demand conditions improving, the Company remains optimistic about the medium-term outlook. Supported by a diversified portfolio, disciplined capital allocation, and a robust balance sheet, Sarda Energy & Minerals Limited is well positioned to deliver a stronger exit into the next financial year and capitalize on opportunities emerging from India’s evolving energy and industrial landscape.

Hyderabad, Feb 09: The Indian Dental Association (IDA), the apex body representing dental professionals across the country, conferred the prestigious ‘IDA Performance Awards’ to outstanding IDA branches and office bearers, recognising exemplary performance, sustained commitment, and impactful initiatives in advancing oral healthcare.

At the 76th IDA Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today at Mangalore, IDA Hyderabad emerged as a standout performer, securing eight national awards, reaffirming its leadership, innovation, and dedication to community service.

The awards honour the branch and members who have demonstrated excellence through diverse projects, independent initiatives, and programmes aimed at achieving optimal oral health for all citizens.

The IDA Deccan branch clinched a plethora of IDA Performance Awards across the categories of:

1. School Dental Health Award
2. Student Activity Award
3. Best CDH Activity
4. Best Scientific Activity Award
5. Best Local Branch Secretary – Dr. A. Srikanth
6. Best All-Round Activity – Local Branch
7. Best Local Branch President – Dr. S. Niranjan Reddy
8. Best member below 30 years – Dr Ch Shreya

Congratulating the award winners, Dr. Subhra Nandy, President, Indian Dental Association, said,

“It is an honour to felicitate these outstanding contributors for their exceptional service to both the community and the dental fraternity. Their passion, leadership, and commitment set new benchmarks and will continue to inspire others to aim higher and serve better.”

The recognition underscores IDA Deccan’s unwavering commitment to professional excellence, community outreach, and advancing oral health initiatives, further strengthening its position as one of the most dynamic branches in the country.