Archives 2026

 Bengaluru, Jan 13: Tara Prakashana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, following its selection under the prestigious Gyan Bharatam Mission, a national initiative focused on the preservation, digitization, documentation, and dissemination of India’s vast manuscript and knowledge traditions.

The Ministry of Culture has invited Tara Prakashana to participate in the Gyan Bharatam Mission as one of a select group of 18 institutions nationwide. In the state of Karnataka, it is one of two organizations that have been invited. In the last 20 years Tara Prakashana has come up with innovative technologies for imaging, processing, and archiving ancient manuscripts.

The Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to strengthen coordinated national efforts to safeguard India’s intellectual and manuscript heritage, enhance scholarly access, and integrate modern technologies for long-term preservation and dissemination of traditional knowledge systems.

The signing of this MoU is recognition of Tara Prakashana’s sustained contributions to research, publication, and preservation of classical Indian knowledge traditions. Under the agreement, Tara Prakashana will work closely with the Ministry of Culture to advance the objectives of the Gyan Bharatam Mission at regional, national and global levels.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. P R Mukund, Founder Trustee, Tara Prakashana, said

“ Tara Prakashana has partnered with leading global technologists in the field of ancient manuscript preservation. Tara Prakashana has brought state of-the-art technologies such as multi-spectral imaging, 3D printing, and Waferfiche™ to Bharat. It is our hope that, as a result of this partnership, these technologies can be scaled to national levels .”

Sri Samar Nanda, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India said,

“ Tara Prakashana would be a key partner for successful implementation of Gyan Bharatam.  Ministry wants to deepen ties with such institutions who are doing pioneering work in the field of manuscript conservation, digitization and research. Signing of MoU is the beginning of a long term partnership to take Gyan Bharatam forward .”

New Delhi, Jan 12: Undisputed, one of the world’s most respected breaking championship series, is set to make its debut in India with the FUJIFILM instax™ Undisputed Breaking Championship – India Qualifier, scheduled to take place on Friday, January 31, 2026, in New Delhi.

This landmark national qualifier marks India’s official entry into the global Undisputed championship circuit and will bring together the country’s top breaking talent alongside leading international athletes. The Delhi qualifier serves as a crucial stop on the road to the Undisputed World Final in Tokyo, to be held on March 21, 2026.

Winners in the Solo Women, Solo Men, and Crew (5vs5) categories will earn direct qualification and an invitation to compete at the World Final in Tokyo.

Following successful qualifiers in major cities across the globe, the India edition represents a significant milestone for the country’s breaking community, providing Indian breakers with a platform within an officially recognised international competitive framework.

International and Indian Athletes Share the Stage

The championship will feature a curated lineup of acclaimed breakers from India and abroad, including:

• BBoy Flying Machine (India) – Six-time Indian Champion

• BGirl India (Netherlands) – Three-time World Champion and Paris 2024 Olympics Athlete

• BBoy Quake (Taiwan) – Paris 2024 Olympics Athlete

• BBoy Ryoga & BGirl Yuina (Japan)

• BGirl Mia (France)

Additional national and international participants will be announced soon.

The event will highlight the depth, individuality, and evolution of India’s breaking scene while maintaining Undisputed’s global competitive standards.

Industry Leaders Share Their Vision

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said:

“As India’s creative and youth-driven cultural ecosystem continues to evolve, the country is emerging as an important contributor to global street and breaking culture. Bringing the Undisputed Breaking Championship to India for the first time reflects our recognition of this momentum. At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to enabling platforms that bring diverse communities together and encourage authentic self-expression. This initiative reinforces India’s importance as a strategic market for us, where culture plays a meaningful role in how stories are created, shared, and celebrated.”

Adding to this, Mr. Arun Babu, Associate Director & Head of Electronic Imaging, instax™ & Optical Devices Business, FUJIFILM India, said:

“The instax™ Undisputed Breaking Championship – India Qualifier is designed as an open and inclusive platform for India’s breaking community, bringing together solo dancers and crews across experience levels. Our focus is on enabling participation, nurturing grassroots talent, and creating a structured competitive environment that supports inclusivity. The instax™ philosophy of ‘don’t just take, give’ aims to connect people, capture authentic moments, and bring communities closer through shared experiences. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen the ecosystem and encourage young creators to freely express themselves through breaking.”

A Celebration of Breaking and Hip-Hop Culture

Beyond the competition, the championship is designed as a full cultural experience—celebrating breaking, hip-hop, music, and community in an open and inclusive environment.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, January 31, 2026

• City: New Delhi

• Venue: Worldmark 1, Aerocity

• Admission: Free entry

Registrations Open

Registrations for solo breakers and crews are now open via and8.dance.

Chennai, Jan 12: The 26th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR 2026) was successfully held from January 8 to 11, 2026. The four-day scientific meeting emerged as one of the largest interventional radiology conferences in India, with participation from over 900 national faculty and delegates and more than 65 international faculty representing Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and the United States.

The prestigious inaugural ceremony was graced by Sabitha IAS, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mohamed Rela emphasized the importance of leadership rooted in ethics, governance, and long-term vision in healthcare. He highlighted how meaningful collaboration between healthcare professionals, institutions, and policymakers is essential for building sustainable systems that deliver equitable and impactful patient care.

In her address, Sabitha, IAS, spoke about the growing relevance of minimally invasive therapies in modern healthcare systems. She appreciated ISVIR’s efforts in advancing medical innovation while remaining firmly aligned with patient welfare, accessibility, and public health impact.

Speaking on behalf of the society, Shyam Kumar Keshava, President, ISVIR, highlighted the evolution of interventional radiology (IR) as a transformative specialty. He underscored IR’s ability to offer safer, less invasive, and cost-effective treatment alternatives, while stressing the need for greater awareness, structured training, and multidisciplinary collaboration to strengthen the future of the specialty in India.

Adding to this vision, Nitin Shetty spoke on the expanding role of interventional radiology in comprehensive patient care and healthcare system strengthening, emphasizing the importance of partnerships across clinicians, industry, and policymakers.

In her address, Dr. DeepaShree, Organising Chairperson, highlighted how ISVIR 2026 went beyond academic excellence to actively focus on patient awareness and community engagement. A key initiative this year was the Beach Walkathon, held on Day Three of the conference, which brought together interventional radiologists and patients who had successfully undergone IR procedures.

The Walkathon was graced by Tamilisai Soundararajan, former Governor of Telangana and Puducherry, and Lakshmy Ramakrishnan (Film maker / Actor / Entrepreneur). The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from doctors, patients, and the public. Patients shared heartfelt testimonials about their treatment journeys and recovery through interventional radiology, making the event a deeply moving and inspiring celebration of patient success stories and the real-world impact of minimally invasive care.

The scientific programme featured parallel sessions covering neuro-intervention, oncology, peripheral vascular disease, venous and lymphatic interventions, paediatric IR, musculoskeletal procedures, pain management, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and emerging technologies. Strong emphasis was placed on skill development through multiple hands-on workshops, masterclasses, live demonstrations, and high-fidelity simulation training.

ISVIR 2026 successfully showcased the growing strength of interventional radiology in India—celebrating innovation, leadership, collaboration, and a strong commitment to patient-centric care, while reinforcing the specialty’s vital role in shaping the future of modern healthcare.

Mumbai, India, Jan 12: Popular crime drama series The Rookie is set to return with its eighth season on Moviesphere+ from 22nd January 2026 in India with the launch of first three episodes. Ahead of the new season, The Rookie Season 7 is currently available to stream on Moviesphere+, allowing audiences to catch up on the series.

Starring Nathan Fillion, The Rookie has built a strong global following with its compelling mix of high-stakes police procedural drama, character-driven storytelling and emotional depth. The upcoming season is expected to continue exploring the evolving personal and professional journeys of its characters, while introducing fresh challenges and intense new storylines.

Season 8’s world premiere marks the next chapter in the series’ successful run, while its India premiere on Moviesphere+ further strengthens the platform’s offering of premium international television content for Indian audiences.

As part of global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LION), Moviesphere+ continues to expand its catalogue in India with a diverse slate of Hollywood blockbusters, acclaimed series and popular global titles. Viewers in India can stream The Rookie Season 7 now and watch Season 8 from 22nd January 2026 exclusively on Moviesphere+.

Biopeak, India’s first full-stack precision health platform, participated as the exclusive longevity partner at the Peakst8 Festival 2026, anchoring the festival’s health and recovery narrative through the Longevity Lounge, a science-led, immersive experience designed to help individuals understand, optimise, and regenerate their bodies in real time.

Hosted at the Centre for Sports Excellence, Bengaluru, the day-long festival brought together over 2,500 participants, including founders, athletes, creators, and fitness-forward urban consumers, as part of Rainmatter Health’s growing movement-led ecosystem. With 20+ brands, multiple movement stages, races, recovery experiences, and honest conversations around long-term performance, Peakst8 positioned fitness and health not as isolated goals, but as shared cultural practices.

From Fitness as Activity to Health as Awareness

At the heart of Biopeak’s presence was the Longevity Lounge, a calm yet high-engagement zone that saw 500+ participants move through a guided Detect → Optimise → Regenerate framework, offering a clear snapshot of how their bodies respond to stress, effort, and recovery.

• Detect helped participants understand baseline physiology through quick, non-invasive assessments related to cardiovascular readiness, oxygen delivery, stress handling, and body composition
• Optimise focused on nervous system training and adaptability using biofeedback, reaction-based challenges, and controlled hypoxia experiences
• Regenerate introduced targeted recovery protocols, including cold plunge, infrared sauna, and red light therapy, supporting recovery, downshift, and resilience.

By integrating precision health directly into a movement-first festival, Biopeak demonstrated how longevity can move beyond abstraction and become immediately experiential, personal, and actionable.

“What we’re seeing is a shift from fitness as effort to health as awareness,” said Rishi Pardal,  CEO and Co-founder, Biopeak. “People already train hard and show up consistently. What’s missing is depth, understanding how their bodies respond, recover, and adapt over time. When that understanding happens in a shared environment like Peakst8, health stops being a solo optimisation exercise and starts becoming part of collective culture. That’s the future we’re building toward.”

Reframing the Future of Health in India

As part of the festival’s thought leadership initiatives, Shiva Subramaniam, CIO and Co-founder, Biopeak, participated in a panel discussion titled “The Future of Your Health: Why Everything You Know Is Changing.” The panel also featured Jitendra Chouksey, Founder & CEO of Fittr and Naresh Krishnaswamy, CEO, Curefit, bringing together perspectives from fitness, technology, and health entrepreneurship.

“In India, we’re at an inflection point where health is no longer just about access to care, but about interpretation,” said Subramaniam. “People are tracking more data than ever, yet still feel unsure about what truly matters. The next decade of health will be defined by our ability to translate signals into context, so individuals can make better decisions early, not reactively.”

Health as a Shared Cultural Practice

Peakst8 Festival brought together a diverse ecosystem of fitness, nutrition & wellness brands, reflecting a broader industry shift toward supporting everyday athletes and active communities. Biopeak’s presence at Peakst8 marks a step forward in its broader mission to bring precision health into everyday life, not just through clinics or programs, but by embedding deep health understanding into the environments where people already move, train, and connect. As interest in longevity, performance, and healthspan continues to grow, Biopeak plans to expand these experience-led formats, working closely with communities, athletes, and partners to help make informed, long-term health a practical norm.

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents an authentic exploration of Malaysian cuisine at Tamra from January 9 to 18, 2026, bringing together a culinary team from Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur with the restaurant’s accomplished chefs for a ten-day celebration that promises to redefine Delhi’s understanding of Southeast Asian flavours. Central to this showcase are Chef Rasyafiq Bin Sabri and Chef Muhammad Akashah Bin Shafie, both Malaysian culinary professionals from Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, whose experience spans Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. Trained in high-volume luxury kitchens and guided by classical techniques and regional authenticity, the duo brings a disciplined, flavour-forward approach that reflects Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage with precision and integrity.

Malaysian food culture represents far more than the sum of its influences. While its foundations lie in Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditions, the cuisine has evolved into a language of its own; one that prizes precision as much as generosity. Fragrant pandan, lemongrass, and ginger form its aromatic backbone, layered with the richness of coconut milk, the measured heat of chillies, and the pungent, fermented complexity of belacan. The result is food that is assertive yet balanced, with flavours that unfold gradually and linger well beyond the last bite.

The special menu reflects this philosophy through a curated selection of Malaysia’s most emblematic dishes. Nasi Lemak anchors the experience with its coconut-scented rice and classic accompaniments, while Laksa reveals the cuisine’s talent for building deeply complex broths. Flaky Roti Canai, smoky Satay served with peanut sauce, the curry-laden plates of Nasi Kandar, and the high-heat precision of Char Kway Teow together present a portrait of a culinary tradition shaped by migration, memory, and mastery of technique.

The special menu is available for Lunch and Dinner buffet. The Lunch and Dinner Buffet is available from 9 to 15 January 2026 at an exclusive price of INR 2,600 all-inclusive per person.

From 16 to 18 January, 2026, the Lunch buffet is priced at INR 3,500 plus taxes per person and the Dinner buffet is priced at INR 3,800 plus taxes per person. Sunday brunch, starting at INR 4,200 plus taxes, extends the experience into the weekend, inviting guests to engage with the cuisine in a leisurely, immersive setting that allows its layered flavours and cultural narratives to fully unfold.

Bengaluru, Jan 12: VIRGIO, India’s first tech-led sustainable fashion brand, has announced a strategic collaboration with Uppercase, a leading sustainable travel and work-accessories brand, to launch a thoughtfully designed collection that unites conscious fashion with responsible mobility.

The partnership brings together two purpose-driven brands committed to the belief that sustainability should extend beyond categories—what you wear and what you carry should reflect intentional, mindful choices in everyday life.

At the core of the collaboration is the idea that sustainability works best as a lifestyle, not just a label. VIRGIO’s technology-powered, transparent fashion ecosystem merges with Uppercase’s expertise in durable, recycled-material travel gear to create a collection that balances style, functionality, and responsibility.

The VIRGIO x Uppercase collection features versatile travel and work essentials designed for longevity and everyday relevance:

• Cabin trolley with structured hard-shell design, refined detailing, detachable laundry compartment, and separate toiletry pouch, suitable for both work and leisure travel.

• Backpack and laptop sleeve offering padded protection, smart organisation, quick-access compartments, and trolley compatibility, perfect for daily mobility.

Crafted using water-resistant, recycled materials, each product combines durability with thoughtful design, ensuring sustainable choices do not compromise performance or aesthetics.

In an evolving D2C and retail landscape, the collaboration reflects a value-led approach rather than short-term co-branding. By aligning design sensibilities, sustainability goals, and consumer insights, VIRGIO and Uppercase deliver a unified experience that is consistent, trustworthy, and long-term relevant, extending sustainability into how consumers live, work, and travel.

Both brands are committed to measurable sustainability outcomes. Uppercase’s use of recycled materials and responsible manufacturing has already reduced carbon emissions, plastic waste, and oil consumption. Integrating these products into VIRGIO’s ecosystem further amplifies awareness and adoption of impact-driven choices among a wider audience.

Amar Nagaram, Founder, VIRGIO, said:

“Sustainability should support how people actually live, not limit them. Our collaboration with Uppercase extends our ecosystem beyond fashion, bringing conscious design into travel and everyday mobility. It’s about creating thoughtful, functional choices built to last.”

Sudip Ghose, Founder & CEO, Uppercase, added:

“Partnering with VIRGIO allows us to take our shared values further. Together, we show that responsible materials, strong design, and everyday usability can seamlessly come together, making conscious consumption more accessible to everyone.”

The VIRGIO x Uppercase collection will launch exclusively online across both brands’ official websites, with cross-listing to ensure seamless discovery. This digital-first approach enables full control over storytelling, customer experience, and sustainability communication, while creating a unified ecosystem for conscious consumers.

Visakhapatnam, Jan 12: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach brings the essence of Andhra’s countryside to the city with Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam, a curated food festival celebrating traditional rural flavours. Hosted at The Square from January 14th to 25th, 2026, the festival captures the spirit of village celebrations, where food serves as a powerful expression of heritage, togetherness, and joy.

Rooted in the spirit of village festivities, Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam is a heartfelt tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s rich culinary legacy. The festival revives age-old recipes crafted using locally sourced ingredients, stone-ground spices, and time-honoured cooking techniques such as slow cooking, wood-fire preparation, and hand-crafted seasoning. The thoughtfully curated buffet presents an expansive selection of authentic vegetarian and non-vegetarian Andhra specialities, including Garelu with Natu Kodi, evoking the comforting nostalgia and abundance of traditional home-style festive meals.

With a strong focus on freshness, nutritional balance, and authentic flavours, the experience goes beyond food, transporting diners to the heart of rural Andhra. Guests will be welcomed with traditional drinks, serenaded by live music, and immersed in a thoughtfully themed setting, transforming the evening into a rich cultural and gastronomic journey.

Speaking about the initiative, Udayprakash Rudrapati, Director of Food & Beverage at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said,

“At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that meaningful dining experiences are rooted in authenticity and a strong sense of place. Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam is our tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s rural culinary legacy, where food is an expression of heritage, community and celebration. Every dish reflects time-honoured techniques, locally sourced produce and the comforting flavours of village feasts, allowing us to recreate a deeply nostalgic and heartfelt gastronomic journey for our guests.”

What: Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam
When: 14th January to 25th January 2026
Where:  The Square, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
Time: Dinner | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Reservations: 77998 84045

Whether you are a lover of traditional Andhra cuisine or seeking a culturally immersive dining experience, Palletoori Panduga Bhojanam promises an unforgettable celebration of flavour, heritage, and festivity by the sea.

Delhi NCR, Jan 12: The 61st edition of Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition 2026 was successfully held, reaffirming its legacy as one of India’s most prestigious and enduring children’s art events. With participation from over 5,000 children aged 5 to 16 years, the competition once again provided a vibrant platform for young artists to showcase their imagination, originality, and artistic talent.

Commenting on the significance of the competition, Navin Menon, Editor Publications, Children’s Book Trust, said:

“Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition has always championed the free and fearless expression of a child’s imagination. In today’s screen-driven world, this initiative is more relevant than ever, giving children an opportunity to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with their inner creativity. Seeing thousands of young minds absorbed in art reaffirms that creativity remains essential to emotional and intellectual growth.”

Since its inception in 1952, the competition has evolved into a cultural institution, encouraging creativity, self-expression, and artistic discipline across generations. The 2026 edition continued this rich tradition while addressing contemporary challenges faced by children today.

A key highlight of this year’s edition was its strong focus on digital detox. In an era dominated by screens and gadgets, participants were given three uninterrupted hours to immerse themselves in colors, ideas, and hands-on artistic expression. This initiative emphasized the importance of balancing technology with creative and mindful activities, fostering holistic child development.

The event also featured enthusiastic participation from several NGOs across Delhi NCR, including Vidya Foundation, Aarohan Foundation, and Katha Foundation, enabling children from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talent on a shared platform. This inclusivity reinforced the competition’s commitment to equal opportunity and nurturing creativity beyond social and economic boundaries.

The presence of esteemed trustees, Yamuna Shankar and Robinder Sachdev, added further significance to the occasion. Their interactions with participants, educators, and organizers highlighted the enduring vision behind the competition and its dedication to fostering creativity among young minds.

The 61st Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition 2026 stood as a powerful reminder that art is a timeless medium of expression. By blending tradition with contemporary relevance, the event celebrated artistic excellence while promoting mental well-being, focus, and imagination. As the competition continues its journey that began in 1952, it remains committed to inspiring future generations to think creatively, paint fearlessly, and grow beyond screens through the power of art.