Archives 2026

 Mumbai, Jan 13: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has been recognised for its leadership in technology and innovation at the prestigious Indian Banks’ Association’s (IBA) 21^st Annual Banking Technology Awards 2024-25, winning honours across five award categories among Large Banks, including four wins and one Special Mention. Bank of Baroda was adjudged the Winner in four categories – Best AI & ML Adoption, Best Fintech & DPI Adoption, Best IT Risk Management and Best Tech Talent. In addition, the Bank received a Special Mention in the Best Technology Bank category.

 Speaking on the achievement, Dr Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, “Bank of Baroda is honoured to receive these coveted awards from the IBA, which reflect our continued focus on innovation, robust risk management, and building a strong tech team. We will continue investing in advanced future-ready capabilities to deliver a seamless and secure banking experience for our customers and create lasting stakeholder value.”

Bangalore, Jan 13: Students from Greenwood High International School students delivered an outstanding performance at the 17th State Level Bangalore School Olympics – Athletics Championship 2026, with several athletes securing podium finishes at the state-level competition held at the Kitturu Rani Chennamma Stadium, Bengaluru. The students competed against participants from nearly 40 schools across Bengaluru.

The championship, organised by the Youngsters Sports Promoters Trust, featured participation from nearly 40 schools across Bengaluru. Greenwood High students competed across Under-8 to Under-16 age categories in track and field events including javelin throw, hurdles, shot put, and relay races. Greenwood High athletes competed across multiple events over the two-day programme.

Among the medal winners, Aariya Maan (Grade 6) won the Gold Medal in the Under-14 Javelin Throw, demonstrating exceptional technique and competitive spirit. Greenwood High also earned multiple silver medals, including Ansh Sandeep (Grade 4) in the 60m Hurdles, and the Under-12 (4×100m) Relay Team comprising Rohini Sindhu Prasad (Grade 5), Hanvitha Koneru (Grade 6), Ilaria Anna Melvin (Grade 6), and Aayushi Karnath (Grade 6), who delivered a strong team performance on the track. Several other Greenwood High students also won medals across different age categories and events.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School said

“We are immensely proud of our students for their achievements at the Bangalore School Olympics. Their success reflects their dedication and discipline, as well as the consistent guidance provided by our coaches and faculty. Greenwood High continues to prioritise sports as a key pillar of student development.”

The performance at the Bangalore School Olympics – Athletics Championship 2026 stands as a testament to Greenwood High International School’s continued focus on excellence across academics, sports, and co-curricular education, preparing students to compete confidently at state and national platforms.

Kolkata, Jan 13: Anemia has quietly become one of the most common yet neglected health problems among women today. Due to busy lifestyles, lack of awareness, and the tendency to ignore early symptoms, many women continue to live with low energy, weakness, and poor health without knowing the real cause. Timely blood tests can help detect anemia early, prevent complications, and significantly improve a woman’s overall well-being.

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. As a result, the body feels tired and weak, even after routine activities. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type seen in women. Anemia in women is often caused by iron deficiency due to poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, repeated pregnancies, blood loss, or poor absorption of nutrients. Chronic illnesses, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to anemia. Women with anemia may experience constant tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, pale skin, shortness of breath, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating. Since these symptoms develop gradually, many women tend to ignore them. If anemia is not detected and treated on time, it can lead to severe fatigue, reduced immunity, heart strain, complications during pregnancy, delayed recovery from illness, and poor quality of life. Long-term untreated anemia can increase the risk of serious health problems.

Dr Abhik Banerjee, Zonal Technical Chief East Zone, Apollo Diagnostic Kolkata said,

Alarmingly, close to 70% of women aged 35-55  do not opt for routine blood tests, allowing anemia to go undiagnosed and untreated for years. Nearly 40% of women who are tested show signs of anemia and are advised to take appropriate treatment.  They often normalize fatigue and weakness, unaware that untreated anemia can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, immunity, and reproductive health. Early testing can prevent years of unnecessary suffering. Simple blood tests can make a huge difference. Women who should regularly test include adolescents, women with heavy menstrual cycles, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, working women with constant fatigue, and those following restrictive diets. Early detection through blood tests allows us to manage anemia effectively with diet changes, supplements, and treatment, restoring energy and improving daily life.”

Dr Abhik  further added,

“Key tests women should take for anemia are the hemoglobin test to measure the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and confirm anemia. Iron Studies (Serum Iron, Ferritin, TIBC) help identify iron deficiency and iron stores in the body. Complete Blood Count (CBC) provides overall information about red blood cells and anemia severity. Vitamin B12 and Folate Tests allow for the detection of nutritional deficiencies causing anemia. So, understand that  anemia is easy to detect and treat if addressed early. Management includes an iron-rich diet, supplements, treating the underlying cause, and regular follow-up tests. Despite this, there is still a significant lack of awareness, and many women continue to ignore testing. Women shouldn’t  dismiss persistent tiredness and to prioritize routine blood tests for a healthier, more active life.”

Anemia should not be accepted as a “normal” part of a woman’s life. Regular blood tests are the key to early detection, prevention of complications, and long-term health. Awareness, timely testing, and proper treatment can help women regain strength, confidence, and quality of life.

Mumbai, Jan 13th: Hoopr India’s leading music licensing platform and Universal Music India (UMI), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music-based entertainment company, have partnered to launch an Indian music industry-first Artist Accelerator Programme, designed to provide emerging independent domestic artists with structured funding and support to create, release, and earn money from their artistry.

The programme aims to address key challenges faced by many independent musicians by offering end-to-end publishing, distribution, sync and micro-sync and brand opportunities. It will include the creation of a large catalogue of new original compositions, which will be released on Hoopr’s YouTube channel, Songfest, and published on its music-tech platform, Hoopr Smash. Songfest has previously collaborated with leading artists such as Monali Thakur, Shalmali Kholgade, Nikhil D’Souza and Ash King, and has also delivered award-winning brand music projects

Additionally, the programme will also make available a significant collection of iconic UMI classics for Hoopr artists to reimagine and recreate — a collection of these remixes will be released on UMG India’s Revibe YouTube channel.

UMG’s vast global distribution network and first-class ability to market music around the World, combined with Hoopr’s extensive community of independent artists, will provide emerging musicians with a unified platform to create new music with visibility and monetisation opportunities

To identify participants, curated auditions will be available to Hoopr’s community of 1000s of artists and will be conducted by UMG. Through this process, emerging talent will be selected. These artists will receive end-to-end support—including A&R guidance, studio access, mixing and mastering, music video production, and sync opportunities via Hoopr.

The programme is open to all genres and languages. At a time when independent music is leading India’s charts and brand sync opportunities are expanding rapidly, this joint programme offers a tech-enabled launchpad for the next wave of musicians.

Viral Jani, the Chief Revenue Officer at Universal Music Group in India and South Asia, said:

 “Our partnership with Hoopr is a strategic and creative one.  We pride ourselves in being an artist- first label, and we invest equally in discovering emerging talent from anywhere, and in promoting some of the biggest superstars in the business. With Hoopr, we have found a perfect sync: their significant network of emerging independent artists will have the chance to create new music the way they want – especially in the case of recreating classics from the UMG catalogue.  When this new music is combined with the extensive distribution network of UMG, these new artists will have the chance to reach audiences all around the world.”

Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-Founder & CEO, Hoopr, said:

“This program represents an essential breakthrough for India’s independent artist community – a chance, for the first time, for new musicians to receive the support they require to produce high-quality music, launch their music on an international scale, and make money doing it using transparent means such as sync or microsync. Our ambition has always been to create an ethical, opportunity-rich music ecosystem. In establishing this program, we have begun to achieve that vision. We are grateful to UMG for this partnership, which has created a first-of-its-kind collaboration and sets a new benchmark for the industry. We believe that this program will define how we identify, develop, and grow talent going forward”

Visakhapatnam, Jan 13: Adani Gangavaram Port, the deepest and one of the most modern ports in India today has been recognized for its exceptional environmental stewardship and awarded the prestigious title of “Environmental Excellence Award” Platinum Category by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) at the 19th Environment Partnership Summit & Excellence Awards held in Kolkata.

This esteemed recognition underscores the AGPL’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and responsible infrastructure development. The Port has consistently adopted innovative green practices, energy-efficient technologies, and community-driven environmental programs to minimize ecological impact and promote responsible growth.

Over the past three years, AGPL has received six national awards for environmental excellence, reaffirming its position as a leading contributor to environmental development and sustainable operations in the maritime sector. These initiatives reflect AGPL’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more efficient port ecosystem—strengthening its vision of shared progress and long-term well-being.

Key sustainability initiatives at AGPL include:

• Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Facilities for real-time compliance with air quality standards.
• Mechanised Cargo Handling Systems to reduce dust emissions and improve operational efficiency.
• Integrated Truck Tarpaulin Covering Facilities to prevent spillage and minimize environmental impact during cargo movement.
• Mechanised Road Cleaning Solutions to maintain clean, dust-free port roads, enhancing air quality and worker safety.

Speaking on the occasion, Adani Gangavaram Port Limited Management said, This award recognition reflects our entire team’s dedication and hard work in ensuring that our operations are conducted with the utmost respect for the environment. We remain committed to continuously improving our environmental performance and setting new benchmarks for sustainable port operations in India.

“Receiving the ISO 9001:2015 certification is an important organisational milestone for NIIT Foundation. It reflects the rigour of our internal processes and our focus on delivering high-quality, consistent, and scalable skilling interventions. As we work across diverse geographies and communities, strong quality systems enable us to remain accountable to learners, partners, and the larger development ecosystem.”

Bengaluru, Jan 13 : Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd, India’s leading business automation software provider, today announced the launch of TallyPrime Release 7.0, marking five years of the TallyPrime platform. Since its inception, TallyPrime has been designed around one clear promise- make digitisation simple, reliable, and truly useful for MSMEs. This milestone release strengthens that mission by bringing together deeper integrations, smarter automation, and meaningful data-protection enhancements into a more cohesive, connected experience.

Over the years, TallyPrime has helped businesses navigate India’s fast-evolving digital landscape, from e-invoicing and e-way bills to connected GST compliance and everyday financial operations. With features like Connected Banking and TallyPrime Cloud Access, businesses have enjoyed the flexibility to work from anywhere, transact securely, and engage with external systems effortlessly.

Release 7.0 sharpens this customer-centric vision even further by strengthening the core pillars MSMEs rely on every day: continuity, clarity, and control. Stronger SBI and Axis Bank integrations now enable MSMEs to manage payments, fetch balances and statements in real time, and reconcile instantly, all without leaving TallyPrime. These enhancements turn routine financial operations into quicker, more transparent, and more reliable experiences.

Tally’s partnership-driven approach also continues with Bharat Connect for Business, built with NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. With automated invoice exchange and payment linkage between buyers and sellers, MSMEs can reduce manual effort and improve accuracy across their receivables and payables cycles.

Release 7.0 also brings the enhanced TallyDrive experience that keeps business data safer and more dependable. With upgraded encryption, stronger integrity checks, and a design philosophy that keeps data strictly in the business’s control, TallyDrive underscores Tally’s long-standing belief that connected workflows must never compromise privacy. Businesses can adopt digital practices with confidence, knowing their data remains secure, backed up, and always accessible.

Speaking about the milestone, Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions, said:

“Over the last five years, TallyPrime has steadily expanded its connected capabilities, enhancing how businesses manage compliance, banking, and everyday operations. TallyPrime 7.0 is a natural extension of this journey, introducing smarter automation, deeper integrations, and enhanced privacy features. It reflects our belief that businesses today need connected digitisation, not complexity. This release strengthens the ecosystem we’ve been building, helping businesses operate with more continuity, transparency, and confidence.”

With Release 7.0, Tally further reinforces its commitment to creating a secure, intuitive, and deeply connected platform, one that helps MSMEs make timely decisions, maintain continuity, and stay aligned with India’s digital ecosystem. The updates ensure that connected services across compliance, banking, payments, and reporting work more cohesively, enabling MSMEs to run their businesses with ease and clarity.

TallyPrime Release 7.0 will be available to all existing TallyPrime customers with an active license.

Bengaluru, Jan 13: Sattva Group has announced the launch of Sattva Aaranya, a premium residential development along Mysore Road, further strengthening its residential presence in West Bengaluru. The project reflects the Group’s consistent approach to creating well planned homes that prioritise long term liveability, thoughtful design, and strong urban connectivity.

Located adjacent to Jnanabharathi Metro Station on the Namma Metro Purple Line and with direct access to the Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway, Sattva Aaranya offers convenient connectivity to key employment zones and established residential neighbourhoods across the city. The development overlooks the expansive 600 acre Bangalore University campus, one of Bengaluru’s largest protected green spaces, offering residents enduring views and a rare sense of openness within the city.

The Mysore Road corridor has seen steady residential traction in recent years, supported by sustained infrastructure investment including metro expansion, improved arterial connectivity, and expressway access. Proximity to neighbourhoods such as Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Nagarbhavi, along with growing social infrastructure, has positioned the corridor as a stable and increasingly preferred residential destination for end users.

Derived from the word Aaranya, meaning forest, the project has been conceived as a nature integrated residential environment where architecture and landscape are closely aligned. The design adopts a restrained contemporary expression, with natural materials and landscaped open spaces that respond to the surrounding green context.

Spread across 6 acres, Sattva Aaranya comprises 480 residences, offering 3 BHK homes starting from 2,117 sq. ft. and 4 BHK homes starting from 2,944 sq. ft. The homes are planned with an emphasis on proportion, natural light, ventilation, and views, resulting in interiors that are comfortable, functional, and suited for long term living.

Lifestyle amenities include a 35 metre infinity pool positioned at the P3 level, along with dedicated family and children’s pools. A considered mix of fitness, leisure, and community spaces supports everyday wellbeing and social interaction.

Commenting on the launch, Karishmah Siingh, President Sales, Marketing and CRM, Sattva Group, said,

“Homebuyers today are making more considered choices, placing importance on comfort, design quality, and long term relevance. With Sattva Aaranya, we are extending our residential approach of creating thoughtfully planned communities that integrate nature, connectivity, and everyday functionality. Mysore Road continues to evolve as a strong residential corridor, and this project reflects our long term confidence in the area.”

Sattva Group has an established presence along Mysore Road through residential developments such as Sattva Divinity and Sattva SimpliCity, supported by commercial assets including Sattva Global City. Together, these developments reflect the Group’s approach to building integrated urban environments that bring together housing, employment, and infrastructure in a cohesive manner.

Sattva Aaranya adds to the Group’s growing portfolio of premium residential developments across Bengaluru and other key markets, reinforcing its focus on quality led development and long term value creation.

Gurugram, Jan 13: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences brings a focused culinary showcase to Diya with the Regional Biryanis of India, running from 23 January to 1 February 2026. The pop-up highlights India’s celebrated biryani traditions, presented within the framework of Diya’s Northwest Frontier cuisine.

Contemporary Indian interiors, warm accents, and plush seating create an intimate atmosphere. With seating for 80 guests, the space remains personal and composed. The Maharaja Room, a glass-enclosed private dining space for up to 12 guests, is available for private gatherings and special occasions. 

The showcase is curated by Indian Master Chef Bobby, whose expertise in regional Indian cuisine shapes the menu. His approach focuses on technique, balance, and authenticity, ensuring each dish retains its special character.

The menu brings together a selection of biryanis, each representing its place of origin. Guests can expect preparations inspired by the royal Hyderabadi, soulful Kolkata, spice-forward Malabar, rustic Lucknowi, and Rampuri styles. Each biryani is prepared using indigenous spices and authentic recipes, introduced in a manner that aligns with Diya’s culinary philosophy. 

A live kitchen adds an interactive element to the dining experience, complemented by live music that enhances the overall ambience. Together, these elements curate a well-rounded and engaging experience for guests. 

With this limited-period showcase, Diya invites discerning diners to appreciate the iconic regional flavour at its most intentional, an experience defined by precision, provenance, and an approach to Indian cuisine honoured by considered detail. 

In line with Standard Chartered’s (“the Bank”) strategic pivot to the wealth and affluent segment, the Bank today announced its refreshed Priority Banking proposition in India.

The refreshed Priority proposition is built on four core pillars  wealth expertise, international banking, sales and service expertise, and exclusive lifestyle benefits. Together, they reflect the core strengths of the Bank and its approach to delivering a differentiated and integrated banking experience, as clients’ financial needs become more sophisticated and increasingly global.

The refreshed Priority proposition marks a pivot from a product-led engagement to deeper, multi-product relationships with clients, designed to support them more holistically as their financial needs evolves.

At the core of the refreshed Priority proposition is the Bank’s wealth expertise, enabling clients to grow, manage and protect their wealth through a comprehensive suite of solutions delivered through Standard Chartered and its securities arm (Standard Chartered Securities India). This is supported by a team of dedicated INSEAD trained Wealth Specialists and Relationship Managers, ensuring a consistently high standard of expertise and client experience. The Bank has also been investing in offering bespoke, personalised experiences to clients through dedicated Priority Banking Centres within existing branches.

The proposition also brings to fore Standard Chartered Group’s international network, enabling clients to manage their wealth seamlessly across borders, supported by digital capabilities, cross-border banking solutions and services, aligned to their global lifestyles.

The proposition is further complemented by ‘Priority Exclusives’, which offers curated lifestyle, travel and wellness privileges. Priority Exclusives includes access to lifestyle benefits and experiences and the Beyond Credit Card, an invite-only metal card for Priority clients, that’s in sync with the aspirations of the Global Indian.

Through a curated network of industry experts, clients can also access specialist support beyond banking, including global education, assistance with international citizenship and international relocation. These customised offerings are available to clients via SC Privileges, an integrated digital platform featuring handpicked experiences.

Speaking at the occasion, Aditya Mandloi, Head, Wealth and Retail Banking, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered said,

“India continues to be a strategic growth market for our Wealth and Retail Banking business. Our enhanced Priority proposition, including the launch of our Beyond Credit Card, reflects our commitment to further entrench ourselves within the wealth and affluent segment. We are committed to supporting the ambitions of the Global Indian client segment, leveraging our global expertise, intuitive digital platforms, and curated lifestyle benefits to ensure clients receive world-class, personalised support, in line with their evolving needs.

Our client continuum, global network and wealth expertise uniquely position Standard Chartered as a leading international wealth player. Our strategy remains centred on serving clients holistically across individual and business needs, supported by superior and consistent client experience” Mandloi added.