Archives 2026

Budget 2026: Time to Shift from Degrees to Job-Ready Engineering Skills

By:  Mr. Roy Aniruddha, Co-Founder & Chairman of TechnoStruct Academy

“The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹1.28 lakh crore to education, including ₹20,000 crore for private R&D and ₹500 crore for AI Centres of Excellence. Despite this, results remain limited: India produces 1.5 million engineers each year, yet only 42.6% are employable (Mercer-Mettl 2025). R&D spending is just 0.7% of GDP, and nearly 99% of graduates from non-elite institutions struggle due to outdated, theory-heavy curricula that lack practical skills like BIM, VDC, and advanced manufacturing. The construction sector alone loses over ₹1.5 lakh crore annually due to digital skill gaps.

Budget 2026 must focus on vocational engineering skills rather than just credentials. Key measures should include lowering GST on skill-based courses to make them more affordable, offering tax incentives for industry-led skilling platforms and digital labs, and launching a National Construction Tech Skilling Mission with hands-on project learning and apprenticeship programs. Industry-aligned vocational training already achieves up to 95% placement for non-elite graduates. Targeted skilling reforms are essential to improving employability, boosting productivity, and driving long-term economic growth.”

Data Privacy Day: Building Trust Through Secure and Responsible Data Stewardship

 By:  Matthew Oostveen, VP & CTO, Asia Pacific & Japan, Pure Storage

“Data Privacy Day is a reminder that privacy is fundamentally about trust and how responsibly organizations protect and control the data they are entrusted with.

As data volumes grow and regulations evolve, privacy can no longer be addressed through policy alone. It must be built into the way data is stored, accessed, and governed across the enterprise. In India, the introduction of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), marks a significant step forward, placing sharper focus on accountability, consent, and responsible data stewardship for organizations operating in an increasingly digital economy.

Strong data privacy begins with secure foundations. Built-in encryption and robust key management play a critical role in protecting sensitive information at rest, supporting privacy objectives, and enabling organizations to manage regulated and mission-critical data with confidence. As regulatory frameworks such as the DPDP Act, GDPR, and DORA continue to raise expectations around accountability and resilience, maintaining clear ownership and control of data has become essential.

This Data Privacy Day, organizations should recognize that lasting trust is built not only through how data is used, but through how securely it is protected and how firmly they remain in control of it.”

From Assembled to Engineered in India: A Call for R&D-Driven Budget Support

Pic - Mr. Ritesh Goenka, Managing Director, Damson Technologies

By:  Mr. Ritesh Goenka, Managing Director, Damson Technologies,

“We have successfully moved from ‘Imported in India’ to ‘Assembled in India’; the 2026 Budget must now build the bridge to ‘Engineered in India.’ For brands like Just Corseca investing heavily in local infrastructure, the focus must shift from basic assembly incentives to deep-tier manufacturing.

We need a fiscal runway that rationalises duties on high-tech capital machinery and incentivises domestic R&D for core components like PCBAs and batteries. The government has given us the volume; now we need the policy support to own the value. This budget should be about empowering Indian brands to own the intellectual property, not just the factory floor.”

Rohtak Royals rope in four sponsors ahead of inaugural Kabaddi Champions League season

Rohtak, Jan 24: Rohtak Royals, the franchise representing the city of Rohtak in the inaugural Kabaddi Champions League (KCL), have announced a strong line-up of sponsors for the upcoming season of the KCL. Adroit Sports LLP-owned Rohtak Royals franchisee, has roped in Ixigo as the Official Travel Partner and John Players as the Official Loungewear Partner, while Campus Activewear and MuscleBlaze have come on board as the Official Footwear and Nutrition Partners, respectively. The partnerships mark a significant step for the Rohtak Royals as they prepare for their first-ever campaign in the Kabaddi Champions League, underlining the growing commercial appeal of the franchise and the league.

Commenting on the sponsorship announcements, Aishwarya Bhargava, COO, Rohtak Royals, said,

“We are delighted to welcome Ixigo, John Players, Campus Shoes, and MuscleBlaze to the Rohtak Royals family. These partnerships come at a crucial time as we gear up for the inaugural season of the Kabaddi Champions League. Each of these brands aligns perfectly with our vision of performance, professionalism, and fan engagement, and we look forward to building long-term associations with them.”

Head Coach Surender Nada added,

“Strong support off the mat plays a vital role in a team’s success on the mat. Having reputed brands come on board gives our players added confidence and motivation as we prepare for a challenging season ahead. We are focused on putting up strong performances and representing Rohtak with pride.”

Ixigo, India’s leading online travel platform, comes on board as the Official Travel Partner of Rohtak Royals. Known for its user-friendly interface and data-driven travel solutions, Ixigo will support the team’s travel requirements through the season, ensuring seamless and efficient travel for players and support staff.

John Players, a renowned name in men’s fashion, joins the franchise as the Official Loungewear Partner. With a strong focus on comfort, style, and versatility, John Players’ association adds a touch of modern lifestyle appeal to the Rohtak Royals brand, catering to both athletes and fans alike.

Campus Activewear, one of India’s biggest domestic sports and athleisure lifestyle brands, has been named the Official Footwear Partner of Rohtak Royals. Campus offers a diverse product portfolio for the entire family. With the changing market dynamics, Campus has sustained its focus on product design and innovation by facilitating access to the latest global trends and styles through a fashion-forward approach.

MuscleBlaze, a pioneer in the sports nutrition space in India, has come on board as the Official Nutrition Partner. Trusted by athletes across disciplines, MuscleBlaze will play a key role in supporting the fitness, recovery, and overall performance needs of the Rohtak Royals squad during the season.

Earlier, KMC Constructions Limited joined hands with Adroit Sports Ventures as the Strategic Partner for Rohtak Royals, combining infrastructure-led expertise with a focused sports development vision aligned with “Kheloge Kudoge Banoge Lajawaab.” Backed by Mr. Shashank Shekhar, Director, KMC Constructions Limited, Adroit Sports Ventures operates across talent identification, high-performance training, event management, and sports infrastructure, guided by Mr. Gajendra Sharma and led by Mrs. Aishwarya Bhargava, with the Rohtak Royals franchise jointly owned by Adroit Sports Ventures and Mr. Surender Malik.

Rohtak Royals will begin their inaugural Kabaddi Champions League campaign against Karnal Kings on January 25, 2026. The Kabaddi Champions League is scheduled to be held from January 25 to February 7, featuring eight teams in the league’s first season.

Vikram Roller Flour Mills expands portfolio with entry into Rice category

The company adds Basmati rice category alongside its existing range of Chakki Atta, Maida, Sooji and Dalia, with the range to be developed gradually.

New Delhi, Jan 24: Vikram Roller Flour Mills Limited (Vikram Mills), a long-established name in India’s wheat-based food segment, has entered the rice category. The company is expanding beyond wheat flour and allied staples to include everyday food products such as rice and rice-based items.

Through this expansion, Vikram Mills is looking to increase its presence in essential food categories linked to regular consumption. The basmati rice products will be introduced in stages. Distribution of rice range will cover retail outlets alongwith institutional customers such as hotels, restaurants, food service operators and FMCG companies. The focus will remain on supply continuity while maintaining the product quality.

The company supplies its products from its own manufacturing units, including facilities at Lawrence Road Industrial Area (Delhi) and Kiloi, Rohtak. These plants will support the expanded portfolio and ensure controlled, uninterrupted supply across categories.

Vikram Mills has spent the past few years studying customer preferences and demand in basmati rice category. The company has entered the segment after reviewing demand trends and procurement requirements and has ensured supply-chain preparedness before introducing rice. According to the management, customers are increasingly sourcing more than one staple product from manufacturers they already work with.

Basmati rice sourcing will follow a paddy-to-rice model, similar to the company’s wheat sourcing approach. Paddy will be procured directly, stored in warehouses for ageing and processed into rice, allowing better control over quality, grading and consistency—on lines comparable to wheat-to-flour operations at Vikram Mills.

The rice portfolio has been planned keeping in mind the regional consumption habits and bulk usage requirements. Initial offerings will focus on commonly consumed, high-quality variants, with scope for additions based on market response and feedback from trade partners and buyers.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Shubham Garg, Director, Vikram Roller Flour Mills Limited, said, “Staple foods continue to form the backbone of everyday consumption in India. While wheat-based products remain our core strength, rice is an equally important category across regions. Our entry into basmati rice builds on our manufacturing and sourcing capabilities and allows us to offer customers a wider range of essential products.”

The rice category will be supported through sourcing, grading and processing practices similar to those followed for the company’s wheat products. The same checks related to hygiene and traceability will apply to the rice range.

Over the years, Vikram Mills has built working relationships across procurement, processing and distribution, which are expected to support the steady rollout of the rice business. These existing systems will continue to support the category as it scales in a measured manner.

Its existing product range includes Chakki Atta, Maida, Sooji, Rawa and Dalia, supplied to both household consumers and institutional customers. Basmati rice has now been added to this range. The rice business will be developed in a phased manner, with emphasis on stable operations and market response.

Vikram Mills supplies its products across several markets, including tier-II and tier-III locations, through its distribution network. The company works with institutional buyers and trade partners in these markets.

With the addition of basmati rice, Vikram Mills is extending its presence within everyday staple foods while building on its existing manufacturing, sourcing and distribution capabilities. The category will be developed steadily, in line with operational readiness and demand across markets.

Pepe Jeans London Introduces Shiruku Denim – Inspired by the Softness of Japanese Silk

Mumbai,  Jan 23:  Pepe Jeans London elevates its denim portfolio with the launch of Shiruku, a premium denim line inspired by the refined touch of Japanese silk, celebrated for its exceptional softness and smoothness.

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Crafted for consumers who value comfort as much as style, Shiruku introduces the innovative features of fine textile engineering with sophisticated design to provide superior comfort, soft feel, and style.

Inspired by the sensorial elegance of Japanese silk, Shiruku Denim delivers an elevated wearing experience, light against the skin yet structured in silhouette, making it a versatile choice for all-day wear.

Prices starting from ₹4,999, Shiruku Denim is now available pan-India, across exclusive retail outlets, leading departmental stores, multi-brand outlets and leading e-commerce portals.

The launch of Shiruku further reinforces Pepe Jeans London’s position as a brand that continues to evolve with modern lifestyles while remaining rooted in its denim-first philosophy.

5 Ways Protein Protects Skin From Premature Ageing

Great skin starts from within. While skincare products play an important role, they can’t deliver all the benefits of a youthful, healthy appearance on their own. What you eat has a significant influence on your skin as what you apply to it. Protein, often thought of as only a muscle-building nutrient, is essential for maintaining skin strength, nourishment, and repair. As we age, the body’s natural ability to produce the key proteins that support healthy skin declines, making it especially important to consume enough protein every day to help maintain skin health over the long term.

Here are five key ways protein helps fight skin ageing:

1. Boosts Collagen and Elastin Production

Protein contains essential amino acids such as proline and glycine which help provide the building blocks needed for your body to produce collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth, and flexible. While protein alone will not increase collagen levels or remove wrinkles, consuming an adequate amount of protein is an important factor in supporting the body’s collagen synthesis process along with other factors that include vitamin C, the consumption of sufficient calories, the use of sunscreen, and other aspects of one’s lifestyle.

2. Improves skin repair and regeneration

The amino acids found in proteins consumed through diet supports regeneration of cells and the healing of skin. An adequate intake of protein can help the skin to better recover from the daily stresses of environmental exposure, minor inflammation, and normal wear and tear on a daily basis. While nutrition cannot prevent scarring or pigmentation alterations directly, consuming enough protein can support your body’s natural healing processes as well as help maintain a balanced, healthy skin color.

3. Strengthens the skin barrier

The skin barrier consists of proteins, lipids, and various other materials, which help keep moisture locked in and protect the body from external sources causing irritation. In addition, proteins consumed through the diet are used to produce structural proteins, which maintain the healthy condition of the skin. If a person does not consume enough protein, the ability of the skin barrier to perform its function could be negatively affected. This could lead to dry, sensitive skin and increased transepidermal water loss. Proteins, along with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, and vitamin C, all play vital roles in supporting overall skin barrier health.

4. Provides Antioxidant Defense

Cysteine and methionine are amino acids that are used to create glutathione, a major antioxidant created by the body. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which ultimately leads to skin ageing. While protein does not act as an antioxidant directly, sufficient amounts of protein consumed aid internal systems in protecting cells from oxidative damage.

5. Reduces inflammation and stress-related ageing

Protein intake, when part of balanced meals, can help stabilize blood sugar and produce hormones and enzymes that help manage stress. Prolonged stress and chronic inflammatory conditions negatively affect skin and can contribute toward skin redness, breakouts, and accelerated ageing.  Protein drinks from Not Rocket Science can offer a convenient way to help meet daily protein needs, particularly during busy or high-stress periods when regular meals may be inconsistent. It’s important to note that nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and adaptogenic herbs support inflammation and stress responses independently of protein and should be considered complementary components of a holistic nutrition approach.

DCB Bank Reports Highest Ever Quarterly PAT in Q3 FY 2026; Advances and Deposits Show Strong Growth

Mumbai, Jan 23: The Board of Directors of DCB Bank Ltd. (BSE: 532772; NSE: DCB) approved the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3 FY 2026), along with a limited review report by statutory auditors Varma & Varma, Chartered Accountants and B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Praveen Kutty, Managing Director & CEO, said:

“The growth momentum in both advances and deposits continues to be robust. Net Interest Margin (NIM) has maintained its upward trend, while fee income continues to show strong performance. Credit costs remain benign with slippages reducing, and GNPA & NNPA at their three-year lows. Despite a one-time impact of ₹26.87 crore due to the New Labour Codes, the Bank has registered its highest-ever quarterly PAT.”

The Q3 FY 2026 results highlight DCB Bank’s consistent focus on profitable growth, strong asset quality, and sustainable operational performance.

Celebrating India’s Culinary Pride: The Homegrown Journey of 5 Indian Products

India’s food heritage is a vibrant tapestry of tradition, regional flavors, and generations of craftsmanship. In recent years, several homegrown brands have transformed these age-old culinary practices into modern successes, taking authentic Indian tastes from local kitchens to global shelves. Here are seven Indian food products that proudly celebrate India’s culinary soul.

1. Amul – The Taste of India

From buttered toast to festive sweets, Amul has been a household staple for decades. Built on the cooperative movement, it empowers millions of farmers while delivering high-quality dairy products that define everyday Indian cooking.

2. Haldiram’s – From Local Namkeen to Global Snack Brand

What began as a small namkeen shop has become an international symbol of Indian snacks. Haldiram’s blends consistency with tradition, offering everything from bhujia to sweets that resonate across generations.

3. Chacha’s Pickle – Tradition in Every Jar

Chacha’s Pickle is more than just a condiment, it’s a journey back to the kitchens of our grandparents, where every spice told a story and every jar was made with love. Crafted using traditional recipes, sun-matured techniques, and authentic spices, it is completely natural, free from preservatives, and packed with the true flavors of homemade achaar.

Every bite evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the comforting warmth of home. Chacha’s Pickle is a bridge between the past and present, connecting generations through taste, nostalgia, and the timeless joy of savoring food made with heart pure, wholesome, and untainted.

4. Tata Sampann – Purity Rooted in Indian Kitchens

Tata Sampann focuses on unpolished dals, handpicked spices, and traceable sourcing, reviving trust in everyday staples while keeping Indian cooking authentic and wholesome.

5. MDH Spices – Asli Masale Sach Sach

MDH has flavored Indian kitchens for over a century. Its spice blends reflect regional diversity and remain integral to home-style cooking across the country.

Anime Heroes, Fun-filled Toons and the Spirit of India’s Republic Day with Sony YAY!

This Republic Day, patriotism gets a fun, high-energy twist as anime and toons come together to celebrate the spirit of the nation. Beyond parades and speeches, the day is also about feel-good stories that ignite belief, courage, and inspiration, as seen through the journeys of beloved anime heroes and toons. From ninja training and heroic journeys to laugh-out-loud mischief, fearless fun, and supercharged strength, it’s the perfect excuse to binge patriotism the Sony YAY! way.

After all, whether it’s anime heroes or our favourite mischievous toons, these characters aren’t just about epic battles or playful chaos. They stand for dreaming big, never giving up, standing by friends, and always backing what’s right values that sit at the heart of a proud nation. Every story arc, every against-the-odds comeback, and every giggle-filled win reflects the spirit of a country that loves to rise, cheer, and celebrate together, one inspiring and entertaining story at a time.

 Naruto: Discipline, Dreams & the Will to Never Give Up
Naruto’s journey from an underestimated outsider to a respected hero reflects the aspirations of a rising India. His unwavering belief in himself, loyalty to his people, and relentless determination echo the values of hard work and resilience that form the foundation of our Republic.

 One Punch Man: True Strength Lies in Purpose
With power that can defeat any enemy in a single punch, One Punch Man flips the definition of heroism on its head. Beneath the humour and action lies a powerful message—true strength isn’t about recognition or glory, but about integrity, restraint, and standing up when it matters. A reminder that real heroes serve without seeking applause.

 Shin chan: Freedom, Fun & Fearless Individuality
Unfiltered, mischievous, and unapologetically himself, Shin chan celebrates freedom in its purest form. His loud laughter and carefree chaos embody the joy of a free nation, reminding us that patriotism can be playful, expressive, and full of heart.

Kicko & Super Speedo: Power, Play & Patriotism

This dynamic duo shows how strength and speed go hand in hand with fairness and courage. Whether it is defending their town or standing up for what’s right, Kicko and Super Speedo represent young India’s fearless energy.

 Oggy and the Cockroaches: Chaos, Comedy & Coexistence

Oggy’s never ending battles with the cockroaches may be full of madness, but at the heart of it is a quirky lesson in coexistence. Just like India, diverse, noisy, and full of contrasts, somehow everything finds a way to live together.

From iconic anime heroes to beloved toons, animation has become the new language of patriotism for a generation that prefers binge-watching over broadcasts.

Parade pride, Tricolour love, or pure patriotic vibes, however you celebrate, Republic Day i