Archives 2026

By: Sachin Sawrikar, Founder and Managing Partner, Artha Bharat Investment Managers

Currency volatility continues to hinder foreign investment into India, particularly for global investors assessing risk-adjusted returns. While India’s long-term growth prospects remain robust, abrupt currency fluctuations significantly erode returns when repatriated to foreign currencies, diminishing India’s competitiveness against other emerging markets. Long-term investors face compressed yields from elevated hedging costs, while short-term investors encounter heightened risks of sudden capital flight.

In risk-off scenarios, these dynamics intensify as global investors retreat from emerging markets toward safe-haven currencies and sovereign bonds. India typically experiences outflows from both debt and equity markets, exerting downward pressure on the rupee. Rising bond yields reflect foreign portfolio reductions, while equity markets—especially sectors with heavy foreign ownership or external capital dependence—face amplified volatility.

Mitigating currency volatility and sustaining policy credibility are therefore essential to maintaining investor confidence during periods of global uncertainty.

Mumbai, Jan 21:  Aditya Birla World Academy marks 12th year of ‘Infinity’, an engaging and interactive mathematics challenge bringing together 120 teams, 360 students across 68 schools, across five countries including pan India participation and students from UAE, Qatar, Dubai, Kuwait. Founded by Mrs. Neerja Birla, ABWA anchors the initiative in its commitment to nurturing minds that think, create, collaborate, and lead with impact. Infinity is a school-led initiative designed to encourage students to engage with mathematics through reasoning, collaboration, and application, rather than speed-based testing alone.

The three-day programme is designed around a combination of individual and team-based rounds that rigorously assess logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and conceptual understanding. By moving beyond an overemphasis on speed and scores, the format makes mathematics engaging and meaningful for students. Participants navigate a diverse set of challenges, culminating in the selection of the Mathematician of the Year. In 2026, Agastya B. Khare from Oakridge International School, Bengaluru (Seniors), and Yerin Choi from Indus International School, Pune (Juniors), were crowned Mathematician of the Year, while Utpal Shanghvi Global School secured the Champion Trophy in the Senior category. The programme places strong emphasis on clarity of thought and methodological approach, alongside accuracy.

Over the past 12 years, more than 6,000 students from schools in India and overseas have participated in Infinity, reflecting the initiative’s steady growth and relevance in the school-education landscape.

Unlike conventional mathematics competitions, Infinity encourages students to explore multiple solution pathways and collaborate with peers from different schools and regions. This approach allows participants to engage more deeply with mathematical concepts while building teamwork and communication skills

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Shalini John, Principal, Aditya Birla World Academy, said,

“Infinity was started to give students a different experience of learning mathematics — one that values thinking and discussion as much as arriving at the right answer. Its continuity over 12 years reflects the sustained interest among schools and students.”

Mr. Prodipta Hore, Convener and Conceptualiser of Infinity, said,

“Platforms like Infinity allow students to apply classroom learning in a collaborative setting. Such experiences are increasingly important as education systems place greater emphasis on analytical and problem-solving skills.”

The 2026 edition of Infinity was supported by academic partners including BITS Pilani and Plaksha University, with faculty members and education leaders from these institutions engaging with students through keynote addresses and interactive sessions. Students also had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Mark Saul, a globally recognised American mathematician and educationist known for his work in mathematics education and gifted-student programmes, and for his leadership roles with the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). In addition, the initiative received support from organisations including the Lodha Foundation and Britannia Industries.

At Aditya Birla World Academy, learning is designed to extend beyond the classroom through platforms that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and real-world application. This year, the Infinity Trophy was sponsored by ABWA alumni who went on to build sortmyprep, an AI-powered exam-preparation platform supporting IB, IGCSE, and A-Level students through step-by-step solutions to past papers, real-time doubt solving, personalised performance analytics, and exam builders for unlimited practice. Founded by Aryaman Adhikary (CPO), Naman Kothari (COO), and Ananya Pritam (CEO)—all ABWA Batch of 2021 pass-outs—the venture stands as a reflection of how early exposure and opportunity at ABWA can translate into scalable, real-world impact.

Reflecting on their journey, Aryaman Adhikary, Co-founder, sortmyprep, said,

“At ABWA, we learn to think beyond boundaries, take initiative, and believe in our ideas. The values and exposure we received here laid the foundation for our entrepreneurial journey.”

Mumbai, Jan 21: The BC Jindal Foundation, social arm of India’s leading business conglomerate, the BC Jindal Group, has announced that it has planned Rs 40 Crore investment for various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects across India during FY26. Through this investment, the BC Jindal Foundation plans to focus on improving healthcare, skill development, animal welfare and nutrition by expanding its ongoing initiatives and introducing new projects under its CSR program.

The BC Jindal Group, led by Shyam Sunder Jindal, Promoter BC Jindal Group, through its foundation, will intensify its CSR operations in the states of Delhi, West Bengal, Haryana, and Maharashtra, among others. As a result, over 1.7 lakh people stand to benefit directly from BC Jindal Foundation’s initiatives in FY26.

“Sustainability as an ideology plays a central role in all undertakings at the BC Jindal Group. The corporate social responsibility initiatives that we have undertaken so far and plan to further implement in FY26 reflect our commitment towards promoting this philosophy. As a responsible organization, we will continue to expand our projects while complementing to the Government of India’s agenda of achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” said the spokesperson of BC Jindal Foundation.

In line with various SDGs, the BC Jindal Foundation, as part of its ongoing initiatives, has undertaken healthcare projects that focus on affordability, accessibility, and quality service. For skill development, the foundation is offering quality training in 9 high employability skill sectors and achieved approx. 70 percent placement rate for the students. The group’s community projects, including the drinking water facility at Delhi and the farmers’ livelihood program at Marathwada region of Maharashtra, are also in line with sustainable development goals. In addition, the foundation’s nutrition projects that so far offered 20 lakhs meals to people below the poverty line focus on the achieving ‘Zero Hunger’ of SDG 2.

The BC Jindal Group, which also runs the Meena Devi Jindal Charitable Polyclinic, plans to invest approximately Rs 4 crore to further expand the facility in FY26-27. As part of this growth plan, the foundation targets to benefit over 1 lakh people directly and will invest in dialysis, dental, physiotherapy, pathology, healthcare skilling, and diagnostics.

“In FY25-26, we have largely focused on enhancing the capacity of our flagship projects in terms of adding new services at our polyclinics to offer comprehensive healthcare services to unserved community. In addition, we have also commenced the construction of a Polyclinic in the Nalwa and a Skill Centre at Belur, Howrah, this year,” added the spokesperson.

To address the key challenges of accessibility and affordability in India’s healthcare sector, the BC Jindal Foundation has set up polyclinics in New Delhi, Nalwa in Haryana, Howrah in West Bengal, and Angul in Odisha. Over the years, these facilities, in addition to improving accessibility, have helped communities to economically by reducing their medical expenditures. The group’s expansion plans are expected to directly benefit approximately 2.5 lakh people across all 4 polyclinics run by the foundation.

Founded in 1952 by Shri B.C. Jindal, the BC Jindal Group, led by Shyam Sunder Jindal, Promoter, BC Jindal Group, is one of India’s leading conglomerates and is engaged in a diverse portfolio of businesses that includes packaging films, energy & steel products.

Satin Creditcare Network Limited (“SCNL”) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Satin Technologies Limited (“STL”), has entered into a Share Subscription-cum-Shareholders Agreement on January 17, 2026, to acquire up to 76.40% equity stake in QTrino Labs Private Limited (“QTrino”), in one or more tranches.

QTrino Labs, an IIT-incubated deep-tech cybersecurity startup, is engaged in the development of cost-effective, cutting-edge, quantum-safe security solutions for enterprises and government institutions. Operating in a rapidly evolving, high-growth technology segment, QTrino brings advanced cybersecurity capabilities that strongly align with STL’s long-term technology vision.

The proposed acquisition will enable Satin Technologies Limited to expand its presence in advanced technology and cybersecurity domains, strengthen its solution portfolio, and enhance the overall technology resilience of the Satin Group. Upon completion of the transaction, QTrino will be consolidated as a subsidiary, marking the Group’s strategic entry into technology-driven cybersecurity businesses.

Guided by a forward-looking philosophy, the Satin Group continues to anticipate change, embrace innovation, and invest in future-ready capabilities. Technology remains central to the Group’s strategy, enabling smarter solutions, improved operational resilience, and sustainable growth. This acquisition underscores Satin’s belief that innovation and responsible growth are deeply interconnected, shaping a future that is inclusive, resilient, and digitally empowered.

Commenting on the development, Prof. (Dr.) Jawar Singh, Founder and Director, QTrino Labs, said:

“With the Satin Group’s strong institutional backing, technology focus, and long-term vision, this partnership provides a powerful platform to advance our quantum-safe security solutions for enterprises and government institutions. Together, we aim to strengthen cyber resilience, drive impactful innovation, and contribute meaningfully to India’s growing digital security ecosystem.”

Mr. Rupinder Kalia, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Satin Technologies Limited, added:

“This marks a significant milestone in Satin Technologies Limited’s journey to build advanced, future-ready technology capabilities. As cybersecurity becomes increasingly critical in a digitally interconnected world, QTrino’s deep-tech and quantum-safe solutions strongly complement our strategic vision. This partnership has immense potential to accelerate innovation, enhance cyber resilience, and deliver scalable, cost-effective security solutions for enterprises and government institutions. It positions Satin Technologies at the forefront of next-generation cybersecurity while strengthening the broader technology ecosystem of the Satin Group and driving sustainable long-term value.”

By:  Mr. Deepak Acharya, CEO, INOX India Limited

“As India intensifies its focus on cleaner and more efficient freight mobility, we look forward to the upcoming Union Budget recognizing LNG as a critical transition fuel for long-haul transportation. While LNG trucks offer significant economic and environmental advantages, their adoption continues to face challenges such as higher upfront vehicle costs, limited refueling infrastructure, and fuel pricing complexities arising from multi-layered taxation. 

From the Budget, there is a strong expectation of targeted fiscal measures that can bridge this cost parity gap, including rationalization of GST, accelerated depreciation benefits, and direct purchase incentives for LNG-powered heavy vehicles. Equally important will be policy support to accelerate the development of LNG refueling corridors through viability gap funding, concessional financing, and strategic land allocation along national highways. 

A forward-looking Budget that prioritizes uniform taxation, competitive fuel pricing, and infrastructure-led growth can significantly boost LNG adoption across logistics fleets. This will not only reduce freight emissions and operating costs but also strengthen India’s energy security, support domestic manufacturing of cryogenic equipment, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s long-term decarbonization goals.” 

Panchkula, Jan 21: Reinforcing the critical importance of emergency medical services in saving lives, Paras Health Panchkula organised ‘Ambulance Rally 2026’ at its Panchkula facility on Sunday to recognise the contribution of ambulance staff, emergency responders, and frontline healthcare professionals. The rally acknowledged their role as the first line of response during medical emergencies, remaining on call round the clock to ensure timely pre-hospital care.

The rally was organised in the esteemed presence of Ms Seema Chaudhary, Former Mayor of Panchkula, who addressed the gathering and underscored the importance of coordinated emergency response and effective traffic management in saving lives during critical situations.

Held under the theme “Heroes of Healthcare Emergency Always on Call. Always on Wheels.”, the initiative sought to raise public awareness about the importance of timely emergency response and the role of pre-hospital care in improving patient outcomes. The rally also underscored how swift coordination between ambulance teams and hospitals can often make the difference between life and loss.

The rally commenced from Paras Hospital, Panchkula, and followed a designated route from the hospital to Bella Vita Restaurant and back, symbolising the continuous readiness of emergency medical services. The movement of ambulances across the city served as a visual reminder of the critical role emergency responders play in bridging the gap between medical emergencies and timely, lifesaving treatment.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Facility Director, Paras Health Panchkula, said, 

“Emergency outcomes depend heavily on what happens before a patient reaches the hospital. Ambulance teams are responsible for early assessment, stabilisation, and timely handover, which significantly influences clinical outcomes. This rally was a way to formally recognise their role in the emergency care continuum and to reinforce the importance of faster, better-coordinated pre-hospital response systems.”

The event witnessed active participation from Paras Health’s emergency response teams and healthcare staff, reflecting the hospital’s continued emphasis on preparedness, rapid response, and compassionate care. The rally also served as a moment of recognition for the discipline, resilience, and commitment displayed by ambulance personnel who work under high-pressure situations every day.

Paras Health Panchkula continues to strengthen its emergency care services through investments in advanced medical infrastructure and highly trained medical teams, ensuring timely, coordinated, and quality care for patients in critical conditions.

Switzerland, Davos, Jan  21:  New figures from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) show 2025’s record new capacity installed was driven by accelerated growth across Asia. India set a new national record of 6.3 GW installed last year, while Europe has delivered another 16.5 GW of new capacity – 5 GW more than was installed in 2024. In the United States more than 7 GW of new capacity is expected, while China is on course to pass 100 GW, with 89 GW installed by the end of November. It is estimated that the world will pass 150 GW of wind energy installations in the year 2025.

By 2030 growing wind capacity will see countries like Vietnam, Australia and the Philippines catching up with Europe’s mature markets. These markets see renewable energy as key to powering their GDP growth targets. Wind energy is at the heart of future economic development. As growth is decoupled from rising emissions, wind energy has become the go-to renewable energy technology to provide a clean and secure future-focused energy system.

Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council, said,

“These new figures show that fast-growing economies are driving the growth of wind energy, and wind energy is in turn driving those economies to new heights. In China, we estimate there are more around 225,000 wind turbines generating more than 1.2 GWh of electricity, helping thermal generation fall in the country as energy consumption hit a new high. In India, soaring electricity demand is being met by a record-breaking year for new wind energy capacity and huge solar additions. In the UK, the record-breaking AR7 auction is going to bring £22bn of new private investment into the country^[1]. This momentum can be seen in the next wave of emerging markets of Vietnam, South Korea and the Philippines.”

“It is now clear that economic growth and renewable energy go hand-in-hand. The reality of the modern energy system is becoming increasingly clear, and wind energy is cementing its place as the foundation of the Age of Electricity,” he added.

Girish Tanti, Vice-Chairman, Global Wind Energy Council said:

“The world is entering an energy intensive growth phase, and wind energy is proving to be its backbone. In 2025 alone, global wind installations are set to cross 150 GW, up from 94 GW just four years ago, driven largely by Asia’s fast-growing economies. Countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Australia and the Philippines are scaling wind to meet rising industrial demand, urbanisation and electrification at the lowest cost. By 2030, global wind capacity will exceed 2 terawatts, with Asia-Pacific markets outside China accounting for an increasing share of that growth.”

Global Growth

The growth of wind energy around the world will define the next era of economic development, and economies not embracing the potential of clean energy, secure generation and new industries face leaving future generations in a race to catch up.

China is expected to report GDP growth of around 5% in 2025, while the IMF forecasts around 6% for India, 7% for Vietnam and 6% for the Philippines. These countries are building new economies for the 4.75 billion people in the Asia-Pacific region, who consume around half of all global energy consumption, but are forecast to consume 60% more energy by 2040.^[2] Emerging and developing economies accounted for over 80% of global energy demand growth^[3], and wind energy is stepping up to meet that demand and build a clean, secure and future-focused energy system for the next generation of major economies.

Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian

“The Union Budget 2026 should prioritise strengthening India’s economic fundamentals to effectively navigate global uncertainties. Accelerated development of tier-2 cities through enhanced infrastructure and improved connectivity with major urban centres is imperative and will require increased private sector participation. Granting industry status to real estate would improve access to institutional financing and catalyse private investment. Further, monetising government land, refining the definition of affordable housing, and promoting mixed-use developments would support sustainable, inclusive, and efficient urban growth. Additionally, the introduction of a central-level GCC policy is essential to establish a structured framework and sustain the long-term growth of Global Capability Centres in India.”

Mr Amit Goyal, Managing Director, India Sotheby’s International Realty

This Union Budget comes at a critical moment, as a new global order is taking shape. India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, but the challenges are visible. The government will have to walk a fine balance between maintaining fiscal discipline to keep borrowing costs under control, while continuing to support growth and investment. Both are essential as India seeks to realise its ambition of becoming the world’s third-largest economy and a USD 5 trillion economy.

From a real estate perspective, the momentum of 2025 was unmistakable. However, for this momentum to sustain, buoyancy in the equity markets—which reflect overall economic strength, business investment sentiment, and foreign capital inflows—must remain strong. It is imperative for the Budget to announce measures that will encourage greater FDI into the country.

Equally important are strong budgetary allocations for urban development. Improving liveability in Indian cities is no longer optional. Challenges such as air pollution, water quality, waste management, and urban infrastructure gaps directly influence quality of life, long-term real estate investment confidence, and sustainability of growth. Addressing these issues meaningfully will be critical to supporting both economic expansion and India’s evolving urban aspirations.

Mr Tanuj Shori, Founder and CEO, Square Yards

The Indian housing market is clearly moving out of a luxury-led upcycle and into a more value-driven phase, with the mid-income segment poised to anchor growth as premium demand begins to stabilise. From the Union Budget 2026, a sharper focus is expected on improving affordability through enhanced tax relief for mid-income homebuyers, higher interest deduction limits, and sustained investment in urban infrastructure.

Equally important is policy support that encourages supply in the affordable and mid-market segments, as recent launches have been disproportionately skewed towards higher ticket sizes. A Budget aligned to these realities can strengthen end-user demand, improve price-to-income dynamics, and support a more balanced and sustainable phase of urban housing growth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Air Quality

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

Key initiatives include:

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

• Transitioning commercial and aggregator vehicles to electric mode.

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

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

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

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

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Holistic Measures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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