Archives 2026

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.

Step into a confluence of royal traditions as Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre presents Padharo Mhare Desh, a majestic Rajasthani food festival that brings the proud Marwadi culinary legacy to the heart of Hyderabad’s Nawabi grandeur. Headlined by Guest Chef Chetan Singh from Novotel Jaipur, the showcase celebrates the timeless flavours of the desert kingdom, where age-old Rajputana recipes meet the city’s own heritage of regal indulgence.

Guest Chef Chetan Singh, brings with him deep-rooted expertise in traditional Rajasthani cuisine, shaped by regional techniques and age-old royal recipes. Known for his authentic approach and nuanced use of spices, Chef Chetan curates dishes that stay true to Rajasthan’s culinary heritage while appealing to the modern palate.

Hosted at Food Exchange and Permit To Grill, the festival showcases an elaborate Rajasthani dinner buffet with live Dal Baati Churma stations, alongside iconic royal dishes such as Laal Maas, Safed Maas, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Ker Sangri. Guests can also savour beloved Rajasthani street-style favourites including Mirchi Bada, Pyaz Kachori, and Mawa Kachori, followed by traditional desserts like Ghewar and Malpua, offering a true taste of Rajasthan’s rich culinary heritage.

The experience is further elevated with thematic decor, staff in traditional attire, and live folk music, creating an immersive cultural and gastronomic journey, perfect for families, food enthusiasts, and lovers of authentic regional flavours.

Event Details:
Venue: Food Exchange & Permit To Grill, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre
Dates: 27th January – 31st January

New Delhi, Jan 21: VinFast’s electric SUVs, VF 6 and VF 7, have achieved the highest 5-star safety certification from India’s Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), affirming the company’s commitment to engineering excellence and occupant safety.

Both models scored top marks across Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP):

• VF 6: 27.13/32 (AOP), 44.41/49 (COP)

• VF 7: 28.54/32 (AOP), 45.25/49 (COP)

In crash assessments, VF 6 and VF 7 demonstrated exceptional protection: full points in frontal and side impacts, and head injury values in pole side impact tests well below Bharat NCAP thresholds, ensuring high safety for adults and children alike.

Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said:

“These 5-star ratings underscore the quality and safety standards of VinFast EVs in India. Our vehicles are built on robust engineering, providing customers with confidence and peace of mind as they embrace electrified mobility.”

Assembled in Tamil Nadu, the VF 6 and VF 7 feature 7 airbags, an EV-dedicated platform, and smart ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Detection, enhancing safety and driving support.

These models are part of VinFast’s comprehensive EV ecosystem in India, encompassing local manufacturing, retail, charging infrastructure, and aftersales services, delivering a seamless and safe electric mobility experience.

Mumbai, Jan 21:  Sandwizzaa, Mumbai’s beloved homegrown QSR brand renowned for its indulgent sandwiches and comfort-driven menu, has expanded its presence in the city with the opening of a new outlet in Malad. This marks another step in the brand’s steady growth across Mumbai, where it has built a loyal following over the years.

From its inception, Sandwizzaa has become a part of customers’ daily routines—a destination for quick meals, familiar flavours, and consistent quality. The Malad outlet continues this tradition, serving a suburb known for its mix of residential areas, offices, colleges, and high footfall.

Commenting on the launch, Pankaj Sharma, Director, Sandwizzaa, said:

“Mumbai has always been at the heart of Sandwizzaa’s journey. Each new outlet reflects our understanding of how our customers eat and live. Malad stood out as a neighbourhood that values convenience, familiarity, and value—qualities that align perfectly with our brand.”

The Malad outlet offers Sandwizzaa’s full range of vegetarian sandwiches, fries, beverages, and comfort favourites. Guests can also enjoy refreshing drinks, thick milkshakes, frappes, and cups of tea and coffee. Designed as a convenient walk-in space, the outlet caters to both quick bites and repeat visits throughout the day.

With this expansion, Sandwizzaa continues to grow across Mumbai, guided by a thoughtful, neighbourhood-first approach that blends convenience, quality, and affordability.

Anantapur, Jan 21: Following a recent mention by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Mann Ki Baat, recognising SayTrees’ work in environmental restoration and lake rejuvenation, SayTrees Environmental Trust has announced a farmer-focused initiative this Makar Sankranti, the launch of its first soil testing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, aimed at strengthening agroforestry and rural livelihoods.

Makar Sankranti marks a time when farmers across India celebrate their harvest and prepare their land for the next season. In Andhra Pradesh, where soil is hailed as Bhoomi Talli, this initiative is SayTrees’ way of honouring both the land and the farmers who sustain the nation.

The soil testing facility is aimed to provide soil testing services to farmers associated with SayTrees’ agroforestry programmes. With a rapid, technology-enabled testing system, key soil parameters, including pH, organic carbon, NPK nutrients, sulphur, and critical micronutrients, and generate clear soil health reports can be analysed by the facility within an hour.

Anantapur region faces increasing pressure from climate variability, soil degradation, and rising input costs. By enabling farmers to understand what their soil actually needs, the facility helps them reduce unnecessary fertilizer use, save costs, and make informed crop and plantation decisions.

Reinforcing SayTrees’ commitment to inclusive, community-led solutions, the facility is staffed by an all-women team. This initiative has been supported by Infosys, enabling the organisation to scale its farmer outreach and assist over 15,000 farmers in the coming year.

SayTrees’ agroforestry programme works with farmers to integrate fruit and native trees into farmlands, improving soil health, enhancing water retention, and creating long-term income opportunities alongside crops. Till date, SayTrees has partnered with thousands of farmers across India, planting millions of fruit trees and demonstrating that climate action and livelihoods can grow together.

SayTrees is currently in the process of creating an enablement framework to support farmers in transitioning to agroforestry. The initiative aims to facilitate farmer mobilisation, capacity building across partners, and the plantation of approximately 100 million trees on farmlands over the next five years. This mission will be undertaken in collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, and CSR partners to build long-term climate resilience for farming communities.

“Sankranti is a time to thank our farmers and the land they nurture. Many farmers want to grow better crops but are not always aware of what their soil needs. This initiative is SayTrees way of supporting the providers of our food and honouring Bhoomi Talli,” said Mr. Kapil Sharma, Founder & Trustee, SayTrees Environmental Trust.

“Healthy soil is the foundation of a strong harvest and a secure future for our farmers. This Sankranti, we want to give farmers the right knowledge about their land so they can farm with confidence, reduce costs, and look ahead with hope,” said Lt Cdr Deokant Payasi (Retd.), Co-Founder & CEO, SayTrees.

Expanding support for agroforestry and climate-resilient farming across regions, SayTrees plans to introduce similar soil testing facilities in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Hyderabad, Jan 21: Period days shouldn’t come in the way of how a girl moves, plays, studies or lives her life. From early morning workouts and packed college schedules to match days and travel plans, today’s girl needs period protection that can keep up with her pace. Keeping this belief at the heart of its innovation, Whisper, India’s leading feminine hygiene brand with Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues spotlights the Whisper Period Panty, a revolutionary, modern day period care solution designed for comfort, confidence and everyday movement.

Pads, often come with the concern of leaks and stains, and are at times uncomfortable to wear as they bunch or move from place, making girls and women adjust their lifestyles on period days. The Whisper Period panty is built for girls and women who choose to define their period day on their own terms, as it delivers 360 degree protection with the ease of wearing regular underwear. It is designed for continuous absorption all day, allowing girls to move freely through their schedules, whether they’re stepping out for class, heading to the gym, travelling, or playing sport, or even just chilling at home, without any fear of leaks or stains, and without worrying about frequent checking and changing.

The product is designed like a panty, which gives full coverage, while not bunching, moving so you don’t have to worry about leaks and stains. It is soft on skin, comfortable and easy to wear like a regular panty and to dispose.

Joining Whisper in this association, Indian cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues, known for her fearless approach on and off the field reinforces the brand’s commitment to creating period solutions that fit seamlessly into today’s lives. Through this partnership, Whisper and Jemimah aim to normalise conversations around periods while highlighting the need for solutions that support today’s girls.

Giving her perspective, Jemimah shared, “When you are batting for your country, the last thing you want is to worry about your periods. Your game needs your focus and your period product needs to deliver on that. I love that the Whisper Period Panty is made for continuous absorption all day supporting me from morning to night, while giving me 360 degree protection. It is comfortable and easy to wear and lets me focus on what I’m doing, whether that’s playing a match, training, or just getting through a busy day. Periods are a normal part of life, and we need solutions that fit into our routine and not vice versa. Kyunki ab Mudna Nahi, Bas Udna Hai”

Speaking on the association, Girish Kalyanaraman, Vice President and Category Head – Feminine Care, Procter & Gamble India said,

“At Whisper, we believe that period care should evolve with the lives of girls and women today. From first periods to college life and active routines, their needs are changing, and our innovations reflect that. The Whisper Period Panty is designed to offer dependable protection with comfort even on heavy flow days, allowing girls to go about their day with confidence and ease. Our association with Jemimah Rodrigues brings this belief to life, as she truly represents a generation that refuses to look back because of periods.”