Archives 2026

Today, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has accorded approval for an equity infusion of INR 5,000 crore in three tranches (`3,000 crore in FY2026, `1,000 crore each in FY27 and FY28), aimed at significantly enhancing the flow of affordable and timely credit to India’s vast Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

In the recent years, SIDBI has expanded its operations rapidly and its balance sheet as on September 30, 2025 crossed `5.8 lakh crore. SIDBI has opened 65 branches in the last two FYs and its present branch network is 161 branches covering 195 identified major MSME clusters by MoMSME, GoI.

The equity infusion is expected to significantly scale up SIDBI’s ability to serve MSMEs across the country by further reaching out to all major MSME clusters. The equity support will be leveraged by the Bank to scale its business further through expansion of its branch network, introduction of more innovative digital products for working capital, invoice discounting, specialized products for defence sector, machinery loans, etc., SIDBI shall also scale up its efforts in ecosystem development. Further, theme-based refinance support, co-lending with NBFCs and RRBs, equity support at incubation and Pre-IPO stage as well as anchor investments will also be scaled up.

Shri Manoj Mittal, CMD, SIDBI stated that 

“I would like to sincerely thank the Government of India for reposing its trust in SIDBI. I am confident that SIDBI shall play a significant role in empowering the MSME sector as truly identified as a growth engine of the nation to achieve the goals under Viksit Bharat, 2047”.

The Bank would also enhance formalization process of Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs) and support ecosystem development through energy efficient and cluster interventions in the form of financing as well as outreach programs with industry associations.

Patna, Jan 22: Noted author and legendary socio-cultural thinker Dr. Birbal Jha has issued a national appeal urging citizens, students, educators, and educational institutions to observe Saraswati Chaturthi, the day preceding Basant Panchami, as a day of introspection, discipline, and reverence for knowledge.

Highlighting India’s civilisational ethos of preparation before celebration, Dr. Jha said the proposed observance draws inspiration from the ancient gurukul tradition and the Indian concept of sankalp—a conscious resolve that precedes all meaningful beginnings.

“In India, we do not rush into celebration. We prepare before we pray, reflect before we rejoice, and purify before we celebrate. Saraswati Chaturthi is about restoring that lost rhythm of reflection in our educational and cultural life,” said Dr Birbal Jha, known as the ‘Youngest Living Legend of Mithila’.

Basant Panchami is traditionally celebrated across India as the auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of wisdom, learning, language, music, and the arts. Dr. Jha proposes that observing Saraswati Chaturthi a day earlier would serve as a spiritual and intellectual prelude to the festival.

“Basant Panchami is the celebration of knowledge; Saraswati Chaturthi can be the preparation for it. Knowledge blossoms only when approached with humility and preparedness,” he remarked.

According to the appeal, Saraswati Chaturthi may be observed as a day for students and educators to reflect on their educational journey, renew their commitment to lifelong learning, and cultivate discipline, curiosity, humility, and gratitude. The initiative also encourages people to buy, collect, organise, cherish, and honour books and learning materials, reaffirming the cultural sanctity of knowledge.

Dr. Jha emphasised that the appeal does not seek to replace or alter any existing religious or cultural traditions, but rather aims to enrich the celebration of Basant Panchami by reviving the preparatory spirit intrinsic to Indian philosophy.

“This is not about changing traditions; it is about deepening them. When preparation is restored, celebration becomes more meaningful and purposeful,” he said.

Calling educational institutions, the “temples of modern India,” Dr. Jha urged schools, colleges, and universities to play a proactive role in adopting the observance.

“Education should not be reduced to mere employability. It is a sacred journey of character, culture, and consciousness. Saraswati Chaturthi can remind students that learning is a lifelong pursuit, not a transactional activity,” Dr Jha added.

Dr. Jha expressed hope that the observance would strengthen India’s knowledge tradition and inspire future generations to approach learning with devotion and dignity.

The appeal has been issued by Dr. Birbal Jha, Managing Director of British Lingua and Chairman of the Mithilalok Foundation, both institutions known for their work in education, language, and cultural advocacy.

The proposed observance concludes with a collective call to the nation to prepare before celebrating, reflect before rejoicing, and learn before proclaiming.
“Jai Maa Sharde,” the appeal concludes.

New Delhi, Jan 22: PNB Housing Finance Limited today announced its Consolidated Unaudited Financial Results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, following approval by its Board of Directors.

Key Highlights – Q3 FY26

• Retail Loan Asset grew 16% YoY to 81,931 crore, accounting for 99.7% of the total loan asset.

• Affordable and Emerging Markets (AEM) segment grew 31% YoY, contributing 39% to the retail loan book.

• Total disbursements increased 16% YoY and 4% QoQ to 6,217 crore.

• AEM segment disbursements stood at 2,935 crore, contributing nearly 50% of total retail disbursements.

• Gross NPA improved to 1.04% as of December 31, 2025, from 1.19% a year ago.

• Return on Assets (ROA) stood at 2.40% (annualised) for Q3 FY26.

• Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) remained strong at 29.46%, with Tier I at 28.92%.

• Recoveries from the written-off pool amounted to 49 crore during the quarter.

• The Company has provided for an estimated impact of 6 crore under the new labour code within employee benefit expenses.

Financial Performance – Q3 FY26

• Net Profit rose 7.7% YoY to 520 crore.

• Pre-Provision Operating Profit (PPOP) increased 8.4% YoY to 628 crore; excluding the labour code impact, PPOP grew 9.4% YoY to 634 crore.

• Net Interest Income (NII) grew 10.9% YoY to 772 crore.

• Net Interest Margin (NIM) stood at 3.63%.

• Credit cost remained negative at (-19 bps), supported by recoveries.

Performance – 9M FY26

• Net Profit increased 18.0% YoY to 1,635 crore.

• NII rose 13.9% YoY to 2,296 crore.

• ROA improved to 2.57% (annualised); ROE stood at 12.31%.

• Credit cost remained benign at (-33 bps).

Business Growth

• Loan Asset grew 14.3% YoY to 82,203 crore.

• Retail loans expanded 15.9% YoY, led by:

  • Affordable loans: up 86.0% YoY to 7,140 crore

  • Emerging Markets: up 20.3% YoY to 24,998 crore

  • Prime segment: up 8.1% YoY to 49,793 crore

• Corporate loan book reduced sharply to 272 crore, down 78.1% YoY.

• Assets Under Management (AUM) stood at 86,048 crore, up 12.0% YoY.

Distribution Network

• 358 branches across India:

  • 198 Affordable Housing branches

  • 85 Emerging Markets branches

  • 75 Prime segment branches

Asset Quality

• Net NPA at 0.68% as of December 31, 2025.

• Corporate GNPA remains NIL since June 30, 2024.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Ajai Shukla, Managing Director & CEO, said:

“Our focus remains firmly on strengthening the retail franchise with a sharper emphasis on the Affordable and Emerging Markets segment. We continue to improve asset quality while sustaining profitability through responsible lending practices. Customer experience remains central to our strategy, supported by technology-led solutions that enhance transparency and turnaround times.

Through operational excellence and digital enablement, we are building a more agile, resilient, and future-ready organization. PNB Housing Finance remains committed to enabling homeownership across India and delivering long-term value to all stakeholders.”

Bhopal, Jan 22: Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Bhopal, a premier multidisciplinary institute in Madhya Pradesh, has recorded a remarkable placement season so far for the 2026 graduating batch, with outcomes at the halfway point reflecting sustained recruiter confidence and steady hiring momentum across sectors. With highest Cost to Company (CTC) package so far at ₹70 lakh per annum, the institute renews confidence among the young graduates, who are set to lead across domains.

The placement season officially started from July 2025 and will go on till May 2026. Out of 2,023 students who registered for placements, 874 students have received job offers so far, with results of many rounds yet to be announced. With nearly half the placement cycle still ahead, these numbers point to a robust trajectory for the remainder of the season.

The institute, standing at the foundational threshold of empowering the young generations with innovation and tech-enabled future-ready learning, has seen demands for diverse talents soaring high this season. With average CTC approximately at ₹5.2 lakh per annum, demand has increased across technology, core engineering, analytics, consulting, and allied domains.

Over 400 recruiters, including more than 20 first-timers, have participated so far in the recruitment process at VIT Bhopal. Top recruiters this season so far include Amazon, HP, CISCO, Deloitte, UBS, PWC, EY, Honeywell, Mindtree, Intel, MediaTek, Philips, Nokia, Volvo, Labcrop. This continued expansion of the recruiter base underscores the university’s growing industry engagement and the relevance of its academic and skill-focused training frameworks.

Commenting on the placement progress, a university spokesperson said, “The midway placement outcomes for the 2026 batch reaffirm the confidence that industry continues to place in our students. The diversity of recruiters and the quality of roles on offer reflect the emphasis we place on industry-aligned curriculum, experiential learning, and holistic student development. With a substantial part of the season still ahead, we remain optimistic about achieving even stronger outcomes.”

With the second half of the placement season underway, VIT Bhopal University expects further growth in the number of offers, recruiter participation, and overall placement performance. The core of VIT Bhopal’s placement outreach remains at enabling a strong youth leader ecosystem that can lead India across critical and evolving domains.

Jaipur, Jan 21: Menswear is undergoing a quiet yet meaningful transformation. Moving beyond rigid norms of uniformity and restraint, today’s modern man is embracing clothing that reflects individuality, craftsmanship, and intent. At the centre of this evolution is a refined reinterpretation of patchwork — not as ornamentation, but as precision-driven design.

Leading this shift is Pleyne, a contemporary menswear brand known for its thoughtful approach to fabric, structure, and modern aesthetics. Rejecting loud or unstructured applications, Pleyne treats patchwork as a deliberate design language, where every panel, stitch, and contrast is carefully placed to enhance the garment’s form and function.

“Patchwork has often been misunderstood as something excessive or chaotic,” says Chirag Sogani, Founder of Pleyne. “For us, patchwork is about control and intent. It’s about knowing exactly where to add an element so it elevates the garment rather than overpowering it.”

Patchwork With Purpose

Traditionally associated with eclectic or vintage styles, patchwork has been redefined in modern menswear through restraint and balance. At Pleyne, contrast panels, refined stitching, and clean placement across collars, cuffs, plackets, and pockets create garments that are expressive yet composed. The result is subtle visual depth that reveals itself on closer inspection rather than demanding attention.

This philosophy mirrors a broader shift in menswear, where craftsmanship and thoughtful detailing are increasingly valued over surface-level trends. Men today seek garments that feel considered, versatile, and enduring.

“Modern menswear is becoming more intentional,” adds Chirag. “Patchwork allows us to introduce character while maintaining clarity and sophistication in design.”

Where Craft Meets Contemporary Design

Pleyne’s latest collection showcases this refined approach through premium fabrics such as textured corduroy, complemented by modern thread work and clean silhouettes. By blending heritage techniques with contemporary sensibilities, the brand delivers pieces that transition seamlessly from casual settings to elevated occasions.

Versatility remains central to the design process. Precision-led patchwork ensures that each garment remains timeless, resisting the fleeting nature of trend-driven fashion while offering individuality through detail.

Redefining Modern Masculinity

The rise of controlled patchwork also reflects a cultural shift in how masculinity is expressed through fashion. Texture, colour, and experimentation are no longer seen as departures from masculinity, but as extensions of confidence and self-awareness.

“Menswear today is less about following rules and more about understanding personal style,” says Chirag. “Our designs are meant to support that confidence. When done right, patchwork becomes a quiet expression of individuality.”

Designed for Longevity

In an era dominated by fast fashion, Pleyne remains committed to longevity. Each piece is designed to age gracefully, both in construction and style. Precision patchwork plays a key role in this philosophy, offering enduring visual interest that remains relevant season after season.

By redefining patchwork as a controlled, intentional craft, Pleyne contributes to a new chapter in menswear — one where detail matters, craftsmanship is visible, and clothing feels personal rather than performative.

By: Dipu Bose, Head, Medical Technology, ZEISS India & Neighboring Markets

We are optimistic that the upcoming Union Budget will introduce transformative reforms to address critical gaps in India’s healthcare access and infrastructure. The focus should be on reducing tax burdens, expanding incentives for innovation, and significantly increasing public health spending to build a more inclusive and robust healthcare system that benefits every citizen, regardless of income or location.

Expanding Production Linked Incentive (PLI 2.0) schemes for medical devices is vital to fostering innovation and reducing import reliance. Complementing this with phased manufacturing programs (PMP) and globally-aligned incentives for biosimilars, novel therapies, and research and development (R&D) will strengthen India’s healthcare ecosystem and bolster global competitiveness. 

Increasing public health spending to over 2.5% of GDP is essential to improving primary care and addressing decades of underinvestment in rural healthcare. Strategic investments in district hospitals, rural facilities, and telemedicine, particularly in Tier II/III cities, will bridge healthcare gaps, reduce financial strain on lower-income communities, and ensure equitable access for all.

India faces pressing challenges in delivering affordable and accessible healthcare, especially in underserved regions. Aligning GST rates for essential medical devices to the 5% slab and reducing cumulative taxes such as Basic Customs Duty (BCD), GST, and Health Cess will make critical medical devices more affordable for consumers, particularly in areas with limited domestic manufacturing capacity.

Simplifying import-export procedures by aligning with global best practices and reducing regulatory barriers can expedite device registration, classification, and clearances, enabling faster market entry for imported MedTech products. Implementing accelerated depreciation or tax incentives for hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers investing in ophthalmic equipment such as OCTs, surgical microscopes, fundus cameras, lasers, and perimeters can help offset the significant upfront costs associated with these critical investments.

Mumbai, Jan 21: Infiniti Mall, one of Mumbai’s most loved shopping and entertainment destinations, brings Republic Day celebrations to life with a curated lineup of cultural performances and interactive workshops across its Malad and Andheri locations from 23rd to 26th January 2026, offering visitors a vibrant mix of traditional art forms, patriotic expressions, and heritage-led experiences.

The celebrations will feature a Malakhambh performance, highlighting India’s indigenous sport, alongside a patriotic dance performance that captures the spirit of national pride. Visitors can also participate in a Gandhi Charkha Workshop, inspired by the values of self-reliance and India’s freedom movement, as well as enjoy an energetic EM Group Dance performance.

Curated for families and audiences of all ages, these performances and workshops reflect Infiniti Mall’s continued focus on creating meaningful cultural engagements while celebrating India’s rich traditions in an accessible, contemporary setting.

Jaipur, Jan 21: One of the most persistent misconceptions in residential interiors is the belief that lighting decisions begin and end with brightness. In reality, colour temperature plays a far more influential role—shaping how architectural volumes are perceived, how materials respond, and how spatial depth unfolds throughout the day. Warm and cool light are not merely stylistic preferences; they are scientific tools that directly affect comfort, clarity, and visual balance.

At Lumeil, lighting is approached as a calibrated design element. By understanding how colour temperature interacts with form and material, designers can move beyond trial-and-error solutions to create interiors that feel cohesive, composed, and visually effortless.

What Warm and Cool Light Really Do

Warm light, typically ranging between 2700K and 3000K, produces a soft, inviting glow that promotes relaxation and visual ease. Cool light, usually above 4000K, appears sharper and more neutral, supporting alertness and precision. Problems arise when these temperatures are applied without spatial intent.

One of the most common mistakes is treating cool light as a universal solution for contemporary interiors. While it has its place, excessive use can flatten textures, exaggerate contrast, and make living spaces feel sterile rather than refined.

“Light temperature directly influences how surfaces behave and how people feel within a space,” says Naman Jain, Founder of Lumeil. “When temperature is treated as an afterthought, even well-designed interiors can lose their sense of balance.”

How Materials Respond to Light Temperature

Materials reveal their true character only under the right light. Warm illumination enhances depth in wood, stone, metal, and textured finishes, allowing surfaces to appear richer and more dimensional.

A sculptural fixture such as the Allure Golden Orb Crystal Chandelier performs best under warm light, where the crystal diffuses illumination softly across volumes instead of producing harsh reflections. Similarly, the Adonis Premium Chandelier benefits from warmer tones that support material warmth and visual calm.

Under overly cool lighting, these same finishes can appear flat, disconnected, and visually unresolved.

Room-Specific Lighting Decisions

Living Areas
Living spaces benefit from warm to neutral light that encourages conversation and relaxation. Ambient fixtures like the Allure Golden Orb Crystal Chandelier or the Adonis Premium Chandelier establish visual hierarchy while preserving the natural warmth of materials. Accent lighting, such as the Outline Wall Light, adds depth without clutter when used in warmer tones.

Dining Spaces
Dining areas require clarity without harshness. The Panache Pendant Light, paired with warm or neutral illumination, highlights the dining surface while maintaining intimacy. Colour temperature here directly affects how food, finishes, and skin tones are perceived making warmth essential.

Bedrooms
Bedrooms are especially sensitive to light temperature. Cool light can disrupt rest and visual comfort. Soft, warm illumination through fixtures like the Aura Table Lamp or the Roseate Floor Lamp creates an atmosphere conducive to relaxation while allowing materials to retain their softness and depth.

Work and Study Zones
Cool or neutral light has a role when used selectively. In task-oriented zones, clarity takes precedence over ambience. The Duo LED Wall Light provides focused illumination that supports concentration without spilling glare into surrounding spaces.

“The mistake isn’t using cool light,” notes Jain. “The mistake is using it everywhere. Good lighting design is about containment and balance.”

Why Many Homes Feel Overlit

Homes often feel visually uncomfortable because warm and cool light sources are mixed without intention. When colour temperatures clash, materials appear inconsistent and spaces lose cohesion.

Today, designers consider light temperature alongside fixture selection—not as an afterthought. Even the most well-designed pendant or wall light performs only as well as the quality and tone of light it emits.

A More Informed Approach to Lighting

Understanding the science of colour temperature allows interiors to align naturally with daily rhythms. Warm light supports winding down, while cool light supports activity. Thoughtful transitions between the two enable spaces to evolve from day to evening without visual fatigue.

At Lumeil, lighting collections are curated to function within these principles. Each fixture is designed to work as part of a considered lighting scheme rather than as an isolated statement.

Warm and cool light are not opposing forces—they are complementary tools that demand restraint and understanding. Homes that feel calm, balanced, and architecturally resolved are rarely the result of brighter lighting. They are the result of better lighting decisions.

By recognising how colour temperature shapes perception, material response, and human behaviour, designers and homeowners alike can create interiors that feel coherent, comfortable, and enduring.

Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), Mumbai, hosted the 10th Responsible Netism National Cyber Psychology Conference, led by Ahaan Foundation through its pioneering cyber wellness initiative Responsible Netism. Centred on the theme ‘Being Responsible Netizens’, the conference positioned children as key stakeholders in conversations around digital safety, cyber well-being and responsible technology use.

Marking a significant milestone, the conference was officially recognised as a Pre-Summit Event of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, underscoring its relevance at a time when children’s digital exposure, AI adoption and online risks are rapidly increasing.

The conference brought together over 300 students, school authorities, educators, policymakers, law enforcement officials, technology leaders and civil society representatives, with 35 schools joining virtually from Maharashtra, Goa and Jaipur, alongside global participation from organisations in the UK, US and other countries.

Welcoming the gathering, Mrs. Sonali Patankar, Founder & CEO, Ahaan Foundation, said;

“Responsible Netism was initiated 13 years ago, when online safety and digital literacy were not even recognised as concerns. Today, as digital harm intensifies with evolving technologies and AI, safeguarding children has become critical. This conference reflects our belief that children must be actively involved in shaping the conversations, policies and safeguards meant for their own protection.”

She highlighted that Ahaan Foundation’s Responsible Netism initiative has grown into a nationwide movement, empowering over 18 lakh children and 10 lakh adults, supporting the resolution of 65,000+ digital harm cases, and establishing India’s first Cyber Wellness Centres across five states, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

Speaking on WeSchool’s continued association with the initiative, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool, said;

“Education today must address the realities of the digital world children inhabit. Partnering once again with Ahaan Foundation and Responsible Netism reinforces WeSchool’s commitment to enabling young minds to navigate technology with responsibility, resilience and ethical awareness.”

Designed as a unique ‘for children, by children’ platform, the day-long conference featured child-led panels, interactive demonstrations and performances covering critical aspects of digital life. Key sessions explored real-life case stories of digital harm, building cyber resilience and effective reporting mechanisms, and the impact of online gaming and gaming safety.

With a strong future-facing lens, sessions such as ‘AI: Friend or Foe’ examined children’s preparedness for artificial intelligence, ethical AI use and emerging risks, while discussions on trust and safety in technology focused on kindness, empathy and responsible online behaviour. The conference also showcased student-led skits and live demonstrations, reinforcing cyber safety concepts through peer learning.

Each panel and discussion will be consolidated into a Children’s Online Safety Manual, capturing children-led recommendations on cyber wellness, to be shared with schools and government bodies to support the adoption of safer digital practices across school ecosystems.

Addressing students and educators, Mr. Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, emphasised that “the internet is no longer a place we visit, but a space we live in,” highlighting the need for awareness, guidance and collective responsibility in safeguarding children online.

Reinforcing the urgency of responsible digital conduct, Mr. Brijesh Singh, IPS, Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, cautioned students about the permanence of digital footprints and stressed the importance of protecting identity, reputation, privacy and mental well-being in the online world.

With participation from technology leaders such as Google and Snap Inc., mental health experts, educators, policymakers and law enforcement, the conference reaffirmed Ahaan Foundation’s leadership in advancing child digital safety, supported by academic institutions like WeSchool.

As India advances towards a digitally empowered and AI-driven future, the 10th Responsible Netism National Cyber Psychology Conference, hosted at WeSchool and led by Ahaan Foundation, emerged as a defining platform, celebrating children’s voices, advocating ethical technology use, and working towards a safer, more inclusive internet for all.