Archives 2026

Chennai, Jan 09: Marking its first Pongal celebration since opening, Wonderla Chennai is set to welcome the harvest festival with a vibrant, immersive experience that brings together tradition, entertainment, and family celebration. From January 10 to 18, 2026, the park will transform into a festive destination, offering guests a joyful blend of thrilling rides, cultural performances, festive décor, and specially curated seasonal experiences inspired by the spirit of Pongal.

Wonderla Chennai’s Pongal celebrations bring alive the values of gratitude, togetherness, and new beginnings that define the festival. Visitors can enjoy unlimited access to the park’s signature rides along with live folk performances showcasing Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the day.

Speaking on the occasion, Dheeran Choudhary, Chief Operating Officer, Wonderla Holidays Ltd., said, “Pongal is a festival that celebrates gratitude, community, and shared joy. As this is Wonderla Chennai’s first Pongal, our focus has been on creating an experience that families can truly enjoy together — one that blends cultural traditions with high-energy entertainment. We wanted to offer a celebration that feels inclusive, festive, and memorable for our guests.”

To make the celebrations more accessible, Wonderla Chennai is also offering a special ‘Harvest Fun this Pongal’ offer, providing 20% off on park tickets with a festive buffet, available exclusively through online bookings during the festive period.

Complementing the overall experience, the park will feature Pongal-inspired culinary offerings, including a themed unlimited buffet and seasonal specials reflecting regional flavours. Guests can look forward to traditional favourites such as Ven Pongal and Sakkarai Pongal, along with curated Pongal thalis, breakfast combos, and festive beverage options, adding a flavourful dimension to the celebrations.

With its first Pongal celebrations, Wonderla Chennai continues to strengthen its positioning as a preferred festive and leisure destination in Tamil Nadu, offering immersive experiences that bring people together through culture, entertainment, and shared moments of joy.

Bengaluru, Jan 09: BBC Media Action has launched ‘Recycle Resolutions’, a New Year campaign under its ongoing Invaluables initiative, reminding Bengalureans that the best resolutions are the ones that already work. Building on proven habits from past Invaluables campaigns, it urges citizens to renew and continue three simple actions that improve recyclability and respect waste pickers’ dignity— turning tested habits into lasting pledges for 2026.

‘Recycle Resolutions’ taps into the New Year mood by reminding citizens that they don’t need new pledges when three existing habits already work—Wash the Dabba, Got Old Clothes, and Mark It Red, bringing them together under one simple, collective reminder. By framing these proven behaviours as renewed New Year promises, the campaign aims to keep change going well beyond the festive season, showing how small, consistent actions at home directly influence the safety and dignity of informal waste pickers, also known as Invaluable Recyclers. This reminder builds on the success from earlier initiatives under #Invaluables, demonstrating that these everyday habits are worth carrying forward. This includes:

• Wash the Dabba: A simple act – washing take-away boxes before disposal – was adopted by 60% of those exposed to the campaign (impact evaluation research). Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs) also reported visibly cleaner containers across the city.
• Got Old Clothes?: The campaign encouraged Bengalureans to discard old clothes more responsibly by washing them and handing them over to waste pickers at nearby DWCCs. It helped collect 1.8 tonnes of garments across 16 centres in a month, nearly double the usual volume.
• Mark It Red: The latest campaign urges the public to safely dispose of sanitary and diaper waste by wrapping it and marking the package with a red “X”. It saw 41% of exposed audience beginning to wrap sanitary and hazardous waste in paper and marking it with a red cross.

The positive results underscore why renewing such habits matters, and why Recycle Resolutions is positioned as a timely reminder to carry them forward.

Invaluables is an initiative of BBC Media Action under Saamuhika Shakti, a collective impact effort where 12 partners have joined forces to enable waste pickers to lead secure and dignified lives with greater agency.

The latest campaign has garnered strong support from leading influencers and prominent Bengalureans. Notable voices amplifying the campaign include city-based comedian @aiyyoshraddha, musician Vasu Dixit, actor Bhoomi Shetty, and plogging champion @PlogRaja. Influencers such as Shiva Rai, Pinky Preet, and Hema Gayathri, among many others, are actively spreading the message of ‘Recycle Resolutions’.

Musician Vasu Dixit, a long-term supporter of #Invaluables said, “Real change doesn’t need grand gestures, it’s in the small, daily acts. When we handle our waste responsibly, we make the work of our waste pickers safer and more dignified. ‘Recycle Resolutions’ is a reminder that these simple habits already work and that’s reason enough to keep them going.” 

Comedian Aiyyo Shraddha who has been associated with the campaign since 2021 added, “Most resolutions fizzle out by February. But these? They’re simple. Wash your dabba, send old clothes to dry waste centres, and help make waste pickers’ jobs safer and dignified. ‘Recycle Resolutions’ is a kind of promise to our environmental stewards. We must actually keep these promises!” 

Speaking about the launch, Soma Katiyar, Executive Creative Director, India, BBC Media Action said, “The New Year gives us a powerful behavioural nudge to ‘recycle’ these actions as resolutions—so they don’t fade as campaign noise but embed as everyday practice. Our creative insight was clear: people don’t need brand-new habits; just familiar ones amplified at the right cultural moment. That’s where real behaviour change happens—through simple, dignifying routines that quietly make the city safer for our Invaluable Recyclers.” 

Highlighting the broader significance, Varinder Kaur Gambhir, Country Director, India, BBC Media Action said, “Invaluables has always been about helping citizens see the people behind our waste system and act with care. This final phase brings together everything we have learned so far, backed by evidence and impact, and invites Bengalureans to carry these behaviours forward as a shared responsibility towards our waste pickers.” 

This week, Recycle Resolutions was also rolled out across outdoor platforms, including select bus shelters in prominent city areas and Namma Metro, ensuring visibility and reach among daily commuters. It will soon be released on digital platforms as well in several apartments in the city.

Vijayawada, Jan 9: On the occasion of World Ambulance Day, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada organized a special appreciation program to honor ambulance drivers and owners. The event recognized their vital role in emergency healthcare services. Ambulance personnel are often the first responders during medical emergencies and play a crucial role in saving lives through timely action. The event was graced by Sri S. V. Rajashekhar Babu, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Vijayawada and senior officials from Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, including Mr. J. Ramanjaneya Reddy, Hospital Director, Dr. Utham Sharma, Medical Superintendent, and Dr. Sri Charan, Casualty Medical Officer. 

Ambulance drivers and owners play a vital role in the healthcare ecosystem. They are often the first point of contact during medical emergencies and act as a bridge between patients and hospitals. Their ability to navigate traffic, respond promptly, and remain calm under pressure significantly improves patient outcomes. Recognizing their contribution helps strengthen emergency preparedness and highlights the need for continued support and respect for their profession.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri S. V. Rajashekhar Babu, IPS, Commissioner of Police said,

“Ambulance drivers are among the most critical links in the emergency response system. Their alertness, road discipline, and commitment ensure that patients reach hospitals on time. They truly serve the community during its most vulnerable moments.”

The programme was held at the Police Commissioner Office, Vijayawada, symbolizing the strong coordination between healthcare institutions and law enforcement in emergency response systems. Observing World Ambulance Day through this initiative highlighted the importance of recognizing ambulance drivers and owners, who form the backbone of pre-hospital emergency care. The event served as a platform to acknowledge their dedication, promote awareness about timely emergency response, and reinforce the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in saving lives.

Mr. J. Ramanjaneya Reddy, Hospital Director, said,

“Emergency care does not begin at the hospital it begins in the ambulance. Ambulance drivers and owners are true lifesavers who work tirelessly, often under challenging conditions. This programme is our way of expressing gratitude and reinforcing our partnership with them.”

Dr. Utham Sharma, Medical Superintendent, and Dr. Sri Charan, Casualty Medical Officer, also highlighted the importance of coordinated emergency services and the crucial role ambulance personnel play in ensuring timely and effective treatment.

Through this initiative, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening emergency medical services and fostering collaboration with ambulance service providers to enhance patient safety and save more lives.

BNW Developments Redefines Employee Recognition in the UAE: Introduces Homeownership Reward Programme For Top Sales Employees

Dubai, UAE,  Jan 09:  In a landmark leadership initiative that sets a new benchmark for corporate culture in the UAE’s real estate sector, Ankur Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of BNW Developments, has introduced a first-of-its-kind Homeownership Reward Programme, rewarding the company’s top-performing sales professionals with branded apartments at RAK Central, reinforcing BNW’s leadership philosophy. Under this unprecedented programme, the company has rewarded Akshay Gupta, Vice President – Sales; Ayush Pandey, Sales Director; and Karan Kohli, Sales Manager for their exceptional performance, consistency and long-term contribution to the company’s growth journey.

A home is not just a structure of walls and windows. It is where dreams begin, families grow, milestones are celebrated and life truly unfolds. While most developers reward performance through bonuses and short-term incentives, Ankur Aggarwal has redefined recognition by designing a long-term, asset-based reward model that turns high performers into homeowners, reflecting his belief that those who help build dreams deserve to live them too. 

The Homeownership Reward Programme has been conceptualised and designed by Ankur Aggarwal as part of BNW’s people-first leadership framework, where employee wellbeing, long-term loyalty and generational security are treated as strategic pillars of the company’s success. It is a life-changing gesture that goes beyond conventional recognition programs.

Ankur Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of BNW Developments, said,

“At BNW, we have always believed that our people are our greatest investment. Projects can be replicated; markets can change, but culture defines who you really are. Gifting homes to our top performers is our way of saying that their stability, their families, and their futures matter to us just as much as balance sheets and sales figures. When your people grow with you, that is when a company truly becomes a legacy.”

Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi, Co-Founder and Managing Director of BNW Developments, said,

“This initiative extends beyond recognition; it marks a meaningful, life-changing chapter. When you place house keys in someone’s hands, you are not just recognising numbers on a performance sheet, you are giving them security, dignity and a sense of belonging. For us, this is how leadership at BNW creates impact beyond the boardroom.”

Akshay Gupta, Assistant Vice President, Sales at BNW Developments, said,

“I am grateful to Mr. Ankur Aggarwal for believing in me and for giving me opportunities that have shaped my journey. I have been associated with Mr. Aggarwal since our brokerage days, and the biggest lesson I have learnt from him is to always believe in yourself, take bold steps and pursue your goals relentlessly. This moment reinforces the belief that with the right mentorship and mindset, nothing is impossible.”

Ayush Pandey, Sales Director at BNW Developments, said,

“This moment is emotional for me. The last three years at BNW have been life-changing, both professionally and personally. This organisation has given me opportunities I once only dreamed of. I was able to buy a home for my parents in India, and owning a home in the UAE was my next big dream, a dream that has now become a reality. I will always be grateful to BNW for this incredible journey.”

Karan Kohli, Sales Manager at BNW Developments, said,

“I am incredibly overwhelmed and thankful for this recognition. I never imagined a moment like this, and receiving my very first home ever makes it really personal and unforgettable. This milestone will stay with me forever.”

The recipients were selected based on merit, consistency and long-term contribution, reflecting BNW’s commitment to structured, policy-driven recognition.

With this milestone, BNW further strengthens its position as one of the most employee-centric developers in the region, raising the standard for what it truly means to care for people behind the brand.

 Jan 9: Rupee112, a digital lending platform focused on providing instant and short-term credit solutions to India’s working professionals, hosted its year-end celebration titled “Year of Wins: 2025 Wrap Party,” commemorating a year of strong execution, platform growth, and team-led success while ushering in the New Year.

Held on December 25 at A Dot by GNH, the celebration brought together Rupee112’s leadership and employees to reflect on the company’s progress through 2025, a year marked by operational milestones, deeper customer engagement, and a sharper focus on responsible, tech-enabled lending. The evening served as a tribute to the collective efforts that powered Rupee112’s momentum in a competitive digital lending ecosystem.

A key highlight of the event was a dedicated awards ceremony that honoured high-performing team members for their exceptional contributions across business operations, technology, risk, and customer experience. The recognition reinforced Rupee112’s people-first culture and its belief that sustainable growth is driven by strong ownership and execution at every level.

Ms. Twinkle Singh, Assistant Brand Manager of Rupee112, highlighted,

“2025 has been a year of meaningful wins for Rupee112. From strengthening our technology backbone to building greater trust with our customers, the progress we’ve made is a direct result of our team’s commitment and resilience. This wrap party is our way of celebrating those efforts and setting the tone for another year of disciplined growth and innovation.”

The celebration also featured high-energy musical performances by Sanam Singh, Ajay Hooda, Pranjal Dahiya, and Aman Jaji, adding to the festive spirit of the evening. Influencer appearances by Anamika Bawa and Miss Princy further amplified the celebration, making it a vibrant mix of recognition, entertainment, and camaraderie.

As Rupee112 steps into the New Year, the “Year of Wins” wrap party marked both a moment of reflection on the company’s 2025 journey and a reaffirmation of its mission to make short-term credit more accessible, transparent, and efficient for India’s growing workforce.

Jan 9: Designed as a concrete response to a new cyber era, Almond’s Resilience Operation Center embodies a pioneering approach: a unified, continuous and end-to-end governance of operational resilience, covering prevention, detection, incident response and information system recovery.

Almond’s ROC is built on four core pillars. Cyber Threat Intelligence  enables threat anticipation and strategic foresight. The Vulnerability Operation Center  is responsible for identifying vulnerabilities and reducing the attack surface. The Security Operation Center  ensures 24/7 monitoring, detection and response to cyberattacks, including the IT and operational corrective actions required to harden environments. Finally, the Computer Emergency Response Team conducts investigations, contains attacker progression, eradicates residual traces within systems, and supports the return to normal operations, through to controlled and secure reconstruction of information systems. ROC experts can intervene at every stage to advise and support clients over the long term.

The added value of the Almond ROC lies in its unified management model, integrated tooling, and continuous innovation across these capabilities, operated without silos and fully dedicated to delivering comprehensive operational resilience.

This integrated value chain goes beyond crisis management: the reconstruction phase enables organizations to rebuild more robust information systems, leveraging structured remediation capabilities and architectural redesign approaches that embed security by design from the outset.

Leadership of the Resilience Operation Center has been entrusted to Alexandre Faraino and Marine Pelé, who together bring nearly twenty years of experience in cybersecurity and IT infrastructure resilience. Respectively Deputy Director of SOC/CERT/CTI activities and Director of Managed Services and Cloud activities at Almond for nearly a decade, they now head the ROC, whose expertise is delivered by more than 120 professionals and recognized for its innovative tooling, orchestration and automation capabilities, complementary service portfolio, and 24/7 operations.

The creation of the ROC reflects a profound shift in cybersecurity challenges. First, organizational strength is no longer measured by invulnerability, but by the ability to absorb shocks, sustain critical operations and recover rapidly. Second, the elimination of silos has become a prerequisite for performance: anticipating, detecting, responding and rebuilding require an integrated approach encompassing governance, processes, culture and partners. Finally, while resilience is increasingly driven by regulatory requirements that mandate demonstrable capabilities to withstand, respond and recover, it is also a powerful lever for competitiveness and trust.

“In today’s digital economy, strength no longer lies in invulnerability, but in resilience  the ability to transform uncertainty into continuity. This is an absolutely vital challenge for organizations. The launch of the Almond ROC addresses this evolution in cybersecurity challenges and delivers a response to our clients’ needs through innovation, expertise and multidisciplinary capabilities. We aim to stand alongside them in both good times and difficult moments, because what matters today is not the shock itself, but how the organization absorbs it.”

CHAMP Cargosystems, a SITA Group company, today announced the appointment of Manuel Galindo as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, marking the beginning of an important new chapter in the company’s strategic evolution.

Manuel Galindo is a seasoned SaaS leader with deep expertise in air cargo and logistics technology. He co-founded WebCargo, growing it into the industry’s leading digital platform for air cargo rate management and digital quoting prior to its acquisition by Freightos in 2016. Following the acquisition, Manuel continued to lead WebCargo as CEO, driving the platform’s expansion into deeper air-cargo digitalization and closer airline-forwarder integration. Under his leadership, WebCargo expanded beyond rate management into ebooking, becoming the leading solution for airline-forwarder digital bookings globally. During this period, Manuel also served as part of Freightos’ executive leadership team, later taking on the role of Chief Revenue Officer, where he oversaw the global commercial strategy at the group level.

As CEO of CHAMP, Manuel brings a long-term, platform-driven perspective focused on addressing the evolving needs of the air cargo market. His strategic priorities include strengthening the CHAMP neo Platform, improving interoperability across airline and partner systems, and supporting customers as air cargo continues to move toward more standardized, digital, and data-driven operations. Under his leadership, CHAMP aims to reinforce its role as a trusted, mission-critical technology partner for the global air cargo ecosystem.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA Group, said:

 “Manuel steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the air cargo industry. With IATA forecasting global air cargo demand to grow by 2.6% in 2026, reaching about 71.6 million tons vs 70 million in 2025, the pressure on airlines, handlers, and forwarders to scale efficiently has never been greater. As digitalization accelerates and operational complexity increases, the industry is relying more than ever on robust, flexible, and seamlessly connected platforms to keep global supply chains moving. Together with the CHAMP leadership team, Manuel is well-positioned to guide the organisation through its next stage of growth and to support the industry as it navigates rising digital, operational, and scale demands.”

Manuel Galindo, CEO at CHAMP, commented:

 “I look forward to building on the strong strategic foundation Chris has laid. As I step into this role, my focus is to reinforce CHAMP’s position as a highly trusted, mission-critical technology partner for the global air cargo community. Our industry is evolving rapidly, and we are committed to delivering the resilient, interoperable, and forward-looking solutions our customers need to thrive in this new digital era.”

Manuel Galindo succeeds Chris McDermott, who has served as CEO since October 2020 during a period of significant strategic alignment and transformation.

“India’s plastic challenge cannot be solved through fragmented efforts. It requires scale, technology, and intent. At Avro, we have invested years of research to build a system that converts complex plastic waste into valuable raw material. Our vision goes beyond recycling—we are building a nationwide ecosystem that transforms waste into opportunity while protecting our planet.”

 Jan 9: The official announcement for BioAsia 2026, the 23rd edition of Asia’s premier life sciences and health-tech forum, was released by Minister D. Sridhar Babu  in the presence of Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IAS  Mr Shakthi M Nagappan  and other dignitaries. The poster release marks the ceremonial commencement of preparations for the upcoming summit scheduled to be held from 16–18 February 2026 in Hyderabad.

Over the past two decades, BioAsia has emerged as Asia’s foremost platform for life sciences, biopharma, health-tech, and medical innovation, consistently bringing together global leaders, investors, innovators, researchers, and policymakers. Each edition has showcased cutting-edge science while reinforcing Hyderabad and Telangana’s position as a global hub for biopharma, vaccines, medtech, and digital health innovation, supported by world-class infrastructure and a deep pool of scientific talent.

The 23rd edition of BioAsia is themed ‘TechBio Unleashed: AI, Automation & the Biology Revolution.’ The theme reflects the pivotal convergence of biology, data, and deep technology that is reshaping drug discovery, diagnostics, manufacturing of therapies, and healthcare delivery globally. TechBio is transforming how diseases are understood, how therapies are designed, and how care is delivered making healthcare more predictive, personalized, and accessible while strengthening a resilient and inclusive global health system.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, and Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana, D. Sridhar Babu said, 

“As Telangana embarks its journey towards becoming a USD 3 Trillion Economy by 2047, Lifesciences sector will play a critical role in shaping the growth of the state. Marquee event like BioAsia showcases Telangana’s leadership in life sciences and healthcare innovation and acts as a pivotal platform to foster new partnerships and explore opportunities for growth in this segment. With the release of the BioAsia 2026 poster, we begin yet another exciting journey that will bring together the world’s brightest minds to advance the TechBio revolution and build a healthier future for all.”

Adding to this Mr. Sanjay Kumar  Special Chief Secretary, Industries & Commerce and ITE & C Departments, Government of Telangana), added,

 “BioAsia 2026 will provide a powerful platform for collaboration among startups, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers. We look forward to welcoming global stakeholders to Hyderabad to explore opportunities, form partnerships, and accelerate investment in the rapidly evolving TechBio ecosystem.”

Adding to this Mr. Shakthi Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Life Sciences Foundation), said,

 “BioAsia 2026 comes at a pivotal moment when TechBio is redefining the very foundations of healthcare and life sciences. As biology converges with AI, automation and data, we see unprecedented opportunities for innovation, investment and impact. This edition of BioAsia will not just be a forum for discussions, but a platform to translate ideas into action by bringing together startups, global companies, researchers and policymakers to collaboratively shape the future of healthcare from Hyderabad to the world.”

The summit is expected to deliver strategic value for startups, researchers, investors, policymakers, and global organizations. BioAsia 2026 will connect innovators with investors, act as a bridge between laboratory breakthroughs and market adoption, and provide a forum for policymakers to co-create regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while safeguarding patient safety and public interest.

All stakeholders are invited to participate in BioAsia 2026 from 16–18 February 2026 in Hyderabad to explore investment opportunities, foster collaborations, and contribute to the TechBio revolution shaping the future of global healthcare.

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.”