Archives 2026

NEW DELHI – Hansraj College delivered a clinical performance today to lift the Mahatma Hansraj Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament trophy, defeating Miranda House by a massive 127 runs in a one-sided final.

​Tarun’s Century Powers Hansraj to 225

​Electing to bat first, Hansraj College set the stage on fire by posting a daunting total of 225 runs. The highlight of the innings was a sensational century by Tarun, who dismantled the opposition bowling attack. He smashed 130 runs off just 57 deliveries, a knock decorated with 19 boundaries and 6 towering sixes.

​Supporting the onslaught, Mohit Tyagi contributed a solid 41 runs, while Captain Satish Pathak added a crucial 20 runs to ensure the team reached a formidable score.
​

Miranda House Collapses Under Pressure

​Faced with a mountain to climb, the Miranda House batting lineup crumbled early. They failed to find any momentum and were eventually bowled out for 98 runs in 19 overs. Captain Sonu Giri was the top scorer for the side, though he managed only 13 runs as wickets fell at regular intervals.

​Award Ceremony

​The match concluded with a grand presentation ceremony. The Chief Guest, Professor Vijay Lakshmi, Principal of Miranda House, lauded the spirit of the game and presented the championship trophy to the winning captain, Satish Pathak.

Moscow, Jan 09:  “The Kursk region has been front-page news this past year. The news was largely alarming. Operation of the existing Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and construction of new power units occurred amid constant provocations and direct attacks from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This makes it all the more valuable that at the end of the year, the first power unit of Kursk NPP-2 was connected to the national power grid for the first time. So, the Kursk nuclear scientists deserve congratulations and thanks for such a wonderful New Year’s gift, and the entire country  for  acquiring a new source of clean energy. Much work remains ahead for the Kursk residents. But the following can already be confirmed. The Kursk unit  is  the first embodiment of the latest VVER TOI nuclear power unit design. This design not only incorporates the latest advances in nuclear energy. It is also the most powerful power unit in Rosatom’s fleet: 1250 MW, which is 50 MW more than the previous record-holders —  the power units of Leningrad NPP-2.  And secondly … “On December 30, 2024, the general plan for the deployment of power facilities through 2042 was approved, according to which we are to build 38 power units. And today, a year later, we are taking the first step in 38, the goal of which is to increase nuclear generation in the country’s energy mix from the current 20% to 25%,” noted Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Rosatom State Corporation .

The power start-up took place in the presence of the heads of Rosatom’s Electric Power and Engineering Divisions and key contractors.

“Today’s power start-up is the result of the hard work of tens of thousands of people—from those who poured the first concrete in 2018 to the engineers involved in the commissioning operations. Despite external threats, every specialist successfully completed their work, recognizing their responsibility to the team and to the country. The new power unit will increase nuclear power generation by more than 50% to meet the needs of the Kursk Region and ensure the stable operation of the Central Asian Unified Energy System of the Centre, guaranteeing its energy stability and confident progress,” said Andrey Petrov, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy at Rosatom State Corporation and President of JSC ASE (general designer, Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation).

The first connection of the generator to the grid was performed by Valery Yakushev, the electrical shop shift supervisor. “Our power unit has finally found its purpose and begun generating electricity. Considering it will operate for up to 100 years, being a part of this event  is  a great honor for me,”  he  shared after the historic occasion.

During the power startup phase, the power unit’s capacity will be gradually increased to 35-40%. This will be followed  by  a lengthy period of ramping up to 100%.

“The power unit’s commissioning is proceeding according to plan. Comprehensive testing of the unit is currently underway, ensuring the required power level is reached  . The equipment and systems must operate efficiently, reliably, and safely, as required by the process regulations,” noted Alexander Shutikov,   CEO of Rosenergoatom Concern JSC  . ” After all the process operations, we will confirm with Rostekhnadzor that the unit’s characteristics and physical parameters comply with modern nuclear energy standards and requirements.”

The commissioning of Unit 1 of the replacement plant is scheduled for 2026. The implementation of projects similar to the VVER-TOI project will ensure reliable energy supply to the region and make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development.

By: Richa Agarwal, CEO of Emami Art and Chairperson, KCC

Field Notes (On the Afterlife of Trees) is the first-ever solo exhibition by the young and emerging artist, Vishal Kumar Gupta. At the core of his practice is the deliberate and poetic depiction of the idea of fragmentation. By using it as the central idea of his artistic practice, Gupta, creates a world of abstraction and ambiguity. His deep engagement with the natural world and the overlooked objects brings a fresh perspective on visual representation as well as the use of material itself. Displayed in a fluid and expansive style, the exhibition features his most recent works, we hope the viewers have a great time discovering the spectacular world in his work.

By: Ushmita Sahu, Director and Head Curator of Emami Art

In his debut exhibition, Field Notes (On the Afterlife of Trees), Vishal Kumar Gupta explores painting with a sense of discovery. One of the key qualities of Vishal Kumar Gupta’s work is his joy in exploring the essence of painting itself. Gupta draws inspiration from the intricacies of the natural world and its most overlooked aspects. Through expressive, painterly investigations of twigs, branches, and weathered stumps, Gupta does not merely depict nature but channels its organic self and embodied time. So, the practice itself is a comprehensive exploration of time, memory and embodiment. The first-ever solo exhibition is conceptualised and designed as an introduction to the curious world of Gupta’s artistic practice.

Mumbai,  Jan 9: The Kisna Diamond Marathon, a flagship event of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd  Run for Swachh Bharat, has been officially honored with the Guinness World Records™ title for organizing the 5 km race simultaneously across 55 cities in India on 28th December 2025. The recognition was formally presented during the felicitation ceremony held on 7th of January, marking a proud milestone for the initiative and its journey of national participation and social responsibility.

Organised by the Kisna Diamond Jewellery, a brand of HK Group, the marathon brought together runners from metropolitan cities, emerging urban centres, and rural regions, reinforcing the spirit of ‘Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat’ through disciplined planning, coordinated execution, and collective public involvement.

The 10th Edition of the Kisna Diamond Marathon recorded participation of over 20,000 runners nationwide, with synchronized flag-offs, uniform race protocols, and structured coordination across all participating locations. The initiative continues to strengthen its purpose of combining fitness with social commitment while supporting cleanliness-focused community initiatives.

Gratitude to Participants and Distinguished Dignitaries

HK Group extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, volunteers, city coordinators, partner organisations, and support teams whose commitment and coordinated efforts made this landmark achievement possible. HK Group also conveys heartfelt thanks to the distinguished dignitaries, Shri Satyanarayan Choudhary- Joint Commissioner of Police, Dr Bhushan Gagrani-BMC Commissioner  Shri Anup Metha-BDB President, Mr. Sean Lin-VP Debeers Group, Dr. Kailas Shinde-NAVI Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner  Shri Russell Mehta Rosy Blue, Shri Dineshbhai Lakhani  Kiran Gems, and other dignitaries from the gems and jewellery industry.

Shri Ghanshyambhai Dholakia shared his reflections

“Inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission, I took the initiative to launch the Kisna Diamond Marathon in 2016 with just 350 participants. Today, it spans across 55 cities, honouring winners with natural diamonds. When Shri Prime Minister Narendra Modi learns that a Guinness World Record has emerged from our country, that too by HK, it will be a proud moment for the nation.”

Rooted in the values of discipline, unity, and social contribution, the Kisna Diamond Marathon continues to evolve as a purposeful national platform that encourages fitness, awareness, and community participation while strengthening its alignment with the spirit of a cleaner and healthier India.

Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India inaugurated Indusfood 2026 at Expo Mart, Greater Noida, on 8th January 2026. Indusfood is Asia’s premier food and beverage tradeshow. This is the biggest edition of the show yet  covering a total area of 120,000 square meters. Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman APEDA, Mr.  Mohit Singla, Chairman, Trade Promotion Council of India, Mr. Jens Wolfgang Michel, CEO,  Abu Dhabi Food Hub  Mr. Ashish Kumar Agrawal, Managing Director of Bhikharam  Chandmal, etc. were present on the occasion besides industry leaders, buyers, exhibitors,  and members of the global F&B ecosystem. 

Delivering his inaugural address, Shri Paswan said,

“I am here to support and motivate you  all. The mere fact that Government of India has a separate Ministry for the food processing  sector underlines the importance accorded to the sector. We are trying to be bridge  between the government and industry.” Minister congratulated TPCI for organizing the 9th successful edition of Indusfood and providing big platform to the industry.  

Food Processing Minister further appealed that,

“Now that we are food surplus, we all need  to convert this volume into value. We all know the strength of the sector and the untapped  potential of India to be the global food basket; the need is to now channelize the resources.” 

He said that his ministry is supporting more and more entrepreneurs to enter this field.  Schemes like PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Pradhan  Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana  National Institute of Food Technology  Entrepreneurship and Management, etc. are helping both farmers and the industry. He also  said that National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management scope  will be extended to cover more states. 

He said that, “Government is behind the food processing industry with unwavering support  and will do anything for a supportive policy matter, such as ease of doing business.” The  Minister informed that he took high GST rate on the food processing sector which got 

addressed through GST reforms and GST were reduced to lowest slab either to 5% or 0, which apparently helped create greater market access for the sector. 

Minister during his address appealed to all brands to open their R&D centers in India. India  has huge diversity and has immense potential to introduce new variety on the global food  platter. 

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority  has  launched an initiative to support agri-food and agri-tech startups, aimed at promoting  innovation and creating new export opportunities for young entrepreneurs. 

APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev said the initiative  BHARATI, which stands for Bharat’s  Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement, has been  designed to empower agri sector startups. 

Speaking at the inauguration Shri Mohit Singla, Chairman, Trade Promotion Council of India  said,

“The remarkable scale of Indusfood 2026 demonstrates ambition. We bring together  more than 2,200 exhibitors from 30 countries across 125,000 square metres of exhibition  space. We are privileged to host over 15,000 buyers and trade visitors from more than 120  countries. And we integrate the entire F&B value chain trade, technology, and talent  within a single vibrant ecosystem.”  

Indusfood 2026 also marks the introduction of two new pavilions  Pet Food & Animal  Nutrition and Cookware & Kitchenware. Their inclusion recognises emerging export  opportunities driven by global lifestyle shifts, premiumization, wellness, and sustainability.  By welcoming these sectors, we continue to expand the Indusfood canvas in line with  evolving world demand, he added. 

Further Chairman TPCI said,

“In partnership with IFCA, we are proud to host the World  Culinary Heritage Conference 2026, positioning cuisine as cultural capital and as a powerful  export enabler. Alongside this, more than 40 exclusive knowledge events will unfold over the  next three days featuring 150 Speakers spanning state-led investment summits, retail  procurement dialogues, focus market briefings, sector-specific export strategies, regulatory  compliance and biosecurity sessions, the growing role of AI and automation in intelligent  food ecosystems and more.” 

Mr. Jens Wolfgang Michel, CEO, Abu Dhabi Food Hub  congratulated participants of  the show and underlined huge opportunity of synergy between Indian food exporters and  UAE buyers. He also pitched for fully transparent and sustainable practices in food trade.  India–UAE Food corridor to be launched. TPCI has signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi Food Hub.

F&B Exports in 2024-25: US$ 47.3 billion and YoY growth was 8.2%, having 5-yearCAGR:  8.4%. The processed food exports registered US$ 7.9 bn with the 5-year CAGR: 9.1%.  Fastest growing processed food categories basis was Cocoa and preparations.

Life Insurance – Vivek Jain, Chief Business Officer, Life Insurance, Policybazaar.com

“India is steadily moving towards deeper financialisation, with investors increasingly gravitating towards transparent, market-linked products. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, the country is entering a multi-year, consumption-driven phase of stable growth—creating a strong foundation for long-term wealth creation.

Equity-led instruments remain best positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes over the coming decade. The year 2025 reinforced a shift towards goal-based financial planning, with customers increasingly opting for long-term retirement and wealth solutions that incorporate Waiver of Premium, ensuring critical life goals stay on track even during unforeseen disruptions.

Younger investors, in particular, are showing remarkable financial savvy, preferring disciplined, long-term investing. With investment horizons of 20–30 years, equities are emerging as the core of retirement planning—capturing India’s structural growth, beating inflation over time, and leveraging the power of compounding. Disciplined equity participation is set to define successful long-term investing in the years ahead.

On the protection front, self-employed individuals are driving growth, with their share rising from 12% to 20% and expected to reach 25% soon. Demand is also deepening across Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets, alongside a shift towards higher sum assured and more comprehensive protection. Riders like critical illness and waiver of premium are increasingly seen as essential components of holistic financial security, a trend that is expected to continue in 2026.”

Health Insurance – Amit Chhabra, Chief Business Officer, General Insurance, Policybazaar.com

“2025 was a year of historic reform, while 2026 is poised to be a year of historic adoption. The government’s exemption of 18% GST on individual and family health insurance premiums has made health coverage more affordable and unlocked demand in previously underserved regions.

Health insurance is being redefined through flexible, modular constructs—EMI options, smart deductibles, co-pay mechanisms, and preferred partner networks—making comprehensive protection accessible to a wider range of income segments. Renewal rates are at an all-time high, with growing adoption of multi-year plans and higher sum insured options.

Modern health plans now go beyond basic illness coverage, offering benefits such as mental health support, maternity coverage, Day-1 coverage for 145 medical conditions, and health management features like OPD coverage and reward-linked renewals.

Service quality is now central to growth. Consumers view policies as a promise of care rather than just a contract, emphasizing frictionless claims, hyper-responsiveness, and empathetic post-sale support. The focus has shifted from policy volume to the quality of claims experience, making insurance a trusted companion for families.”

Motor Insurance – Paras Pasricha, Head, Motor Insurance, Policybazaar.com

“Motor insurance is evolving to insure the driver, not just the car. Premiums are increasingly tied to individual driving behaviour using real-time data rather than static pricing. This allows low-usage and low-risk drivers to be priced fairly.

Regulatory changes have opened doors for product innovation, including multi-year motor policies, which are gaining traction as customers seek continuity and convenience. Third-party pricing revisions are expected to ensure system sustainability while supporting road safety.

Claims management remains critical. Faster, simpler, and clearer claims processes, enabled by digital touchpoints, will define the future of motor insurance by reducing friction and improving customer experience at the moment that matters most.”

Pension & Retirement – Vishwajeet Goel, Head, Pensionbazaar.com

“Recent policy changes have made retirement planning more flexible and attractive. Shorter lock-in periods, higher equity exposure, and easier access to accumulated savings have boosted confidence across age groups, encouraging wider adoption.

2026 is expected to see stronger participation from younger earners entering the workforce, with longer investment horizons and a growing focus on financial independence. Initiatives like the NPS e-Shramik framework are extending pension coverage to gig and platform workers through flexible, small-ticket contributions.

Retirement products are increasingly evaluated on transparency, flexibility, and long-term returns. Goal-based and early retirement planning trends, including the FIRE movement, are driving awareness and adoption. Combined with technology-led efficiencies, these trends are likely to strengthen the pension ecosystem and embed retirement planning as a core part of household financial planning, particularly for younger and first-time investors.”

New Delhi,  Jan 9: Mahindra University  and The Australian National University  have established an articulation agreement creating an international pathway for Indian undergraduate engineering students. Under this agreement, students can complete the first two years of their undergraduate study at Mahindra University in Hyderabad before transferring to ANU in Canberra for their final two years, graduating with an internationally recognised degree from Australia’s leading university.

The partnership covers seven high-demand engineering disciplines, including artificial intelligence, computer science and engineering, mechatronics, electronics and communication, electronics and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and nanotechnology.

Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University said,

“The Australian National University’s strong research heritage and global reputation align closely with Mahindra University’s academic vision. This collaboration provides a high-quality international pathway for our students while further strengthening academic and research engagement. The MoU strengthens Mahindra University’s foundation of interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, and creates long-term value for both students and faculty.”

“This partnership facilitates opportunities for high-achieving students to transition into various ANU engineering majors built on a multidisciplinary ‘systems engineering’ approach. It reflects our shared commitment to meaningful international academic engagement and collaboration. ANU strengths in natural sciences and engineering disciplines create a strong complementarity with Mahindra University’s interdisciplinary approach to education. We look forward to working closely with Mahindra University through sustained collaboration across education and research,” said Siva Karuturi, Professor and Associate Director (International), School of Engineering, College of System and Society, Australian National University.

Visalakshi Talakokula, Associate Dean of École Centrale School of Engineering, Mahindra University said 

“The partnership has been designed to provide academic continuity, quality assurance and clear progression for students aspiring to gain international exposure while completing a globally recognised engineering degree”.

Under the partnership, the progress of student will be monitored annually, with an initial intake capped at 20 students per year, to ensure academic rigour and student outcomes. The agreement also lays the foundation for broader academic engagement, including faculty interaction, curriculum alignment and future research collaboration.

Delhi, jan 1:Continuing the momentum of its highly impactful “SIs for India” series across Mumbai and Pune, Digisol Systems Ltd.  India’s Own Networking Brand hosted an exclusive conclave for leading System Integrators in Delhi, reaffirming its commitment to empowering the backbone of India’s digital infrastructure.

The Delhi meetup was not just about business  it was about connection and gratitude. It brought together Digisol’s fastest growing and most committed SI partners who have consistently powered Digisol’s expansion across government, enterprise, education, hospitality and FTTH deployments in North India. Against a backdrop of soft live music, partners connected over dinner, not as vendors and suppliers, but as collaborators celebrating a shared journey.

A defining highlight of the evening was the strong presence of Digisol’s Delhi sales leadership and frontline field team, along with members from the Mumbai Head Office, reflecting Digisol’s culture of staying deeply connected with partners  not only in meetings and site visits, but also by simply taking time to appreciate the people behind the projects.

The evening was consciously designed to offer partners a relaxed space to unwind and be acknowledged for the effort, trust and commitment they bring to Digisol every day  a small gesture of appreciation for the role they play in strengthening India’s networking ecosystem.

During the interaction, SIs openly shared how Digisol’s reliable product performance, TEC-certified Made-in-India portfolio, competitive pricing and responsive technical support have enabled them to confidently win projects against multinational brands.

Digisol leadership reiterated that the company’s growth story is written not through advertising campaigns, but through partner profitability, repeat deployments and field-proven stability. Several partners acknowledged that Digisol today enjoys stronger customer recall, smoother tender acceptance and faster project closures  positioning it as a dependable long-term business platform.

The session also featured in-depth discussions on:

• Growing FTTH and enterprise networking opportunities across North India
• Rising preference for Indian-manufactured, TEC-certified networking solutions
• Expanding Digisol’s footprint in smart cities, education and government infrastructure
• Strengthening partner margins, training and on-ground support systems

The Delhi conclave once again reinforced Digisol’s mission  to build India’s networking ecosystem through Indian partners, Indian technology and Indian trust.

As Digisol continues its nationwide SI engagement program, the company remains focused on one vision: transforming system integrators from resellers into true growth partners in India’s digital future.

With January to March being the busiest months for corporate gatherings, team celebrations, and business meetings, SALT Indian Restaurant Bar & Grill has introduced a thoughtfully curated corporate special menu, designed keeping the professional audience in mind. Rolled out across all SALT outlets, the offering features 30+ unlimited dishes, served hot and fresh directly at the table, ensuring a seamless and indulgent dining experience that fits perfectly into the corporate calendar.

Crafted to cater to discerning palates, the menu showcases SALT’s contemporary interpretation of Indian classics, combining comforting flavours with refined presentations. Guests can begin their culinary journey with crowd favourites such as Paneer Anjeer Tikka, the indulgent Truffle Murgh Tikka, and the flavour-packed Kala Gajar & Chukunder Galouti – starters that strike the perfect balance between indulgence and elegance. Ideal for corporate lunches, after-work dinners, and team get-togethers, the menu ensures great food remains at the heart of every gathering.

The main course selections continue to impress with robust flavours and comforting textures. Signature dishes such as the aromatic Gobi Mussallam, the bold Kolhapuri Chicken Rassa, and the rich Mutton Champanar reflect SALT’s commitment to delivering elevated Indian cuisine that appeals to both traditional and modern tastes. Thoughtfully curated desserts, including the Saffron Pistachio Bhapa Doi, offer a sweet conclusion, making the overall dining experience wholesome and satisfying.

With this special offering, SALT Indian Restaurant Bar & Grill further strengthens its position as a preferred destination for corporate dining. By combining unlimited table-served dishes, flavour-forward menus, warm hospitality, and a welcoming ambience, SALT ensures that every corporate meal whether a formal meeting or a relaxed team celebration is memorable and meaningful.

Bengaluru, Jan 9: BGS Bloomfield School hosted its grand Annual Day 2026, an evening of culture, creativity, and celebration, bringing together students from Nursery to Grade 10 for a vibrant showcase of talent. The event, held on the school campus, reflected BGS Bloomfield’s commitment to holistic education and character-building through arts, academics, and co-curricular excellence.

The event was graced by Sri P.C. Mohan, Member of Parliament, Bangalore Central Parliamentary Constituency, as the Chief Guest, and Sri Gangavathi Pranesh, renowned Kannada stand-up comedian, as the Guest of Honour. Their presence added inspiration and enthusiasm to the celebration, encouraging students to pursue their goals with confidence and dedication.

The Annual Day opened with a ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by a series of captivating cultural performances. Students presented classical dance, theatre, musical ensembles, and thematic performances focusing on unity, gratitude, and nation-building. Each segment reflected months of hard work and the nurturing guidance of the school’s faculty.

Speaking at the event, Dr. B. Gurappa Naidu, Chairman, BGS Bloomfield , expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements.

“Annual Day is a reflection of our students’ creativity, discipline, and teamwork. At BGS Bloomfield, we believe in nurturing every child’s potential by providing a balanced environment that encourages academic excellence along with cultural enrichment. Today’s performances stand as a testament to the dedication of our students, teachers, and parents ”

Chief Guest Sri P.C. Mohan applauded the school for its holistic approach to education.

“It is inspiring to see such young minds display confidence, discipline, and creativity on stage. Schools like BGS Bloomfield play a crucial role in shaping responsible and empowered citizens for the future. I congratulate the management, teachers, and students for presenting an impressive Annual Day celebration, ” he said.

Guest of  Sri Gangavathi Pranesh added a touch of humour and appreciation, praising the students for their heartfelt performances and the school for its dedicated efforts toward value-based education.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of teachers, parents, and partners in enabling a memorable evening. BGS Bloomfield’s Annual Day 2026 reinforced the school’s vision of fostering confident, compassionate, and future-ready learners.