Archives 2026

Feb 18: Axiom Gas Engineering Limited, a Company engaged in the distribution and retailing of Auto Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Auto LPG), announced that it has received statutory licence from the Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to establish and operate new Auto LPG Dispensing Station located at Noor Colony, Shastripuram Road, in Hyderabad.

Commenting on the development, Mr. M.S. Banani, Promoter, Axiom Gas Engineering Limited, said,

“This regulatory approval is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety, compliance, and service excellence. The new facility will serve as a vital distribution hub, catering to the growing energy demands of Hyderabad’s southern region.”

Axiom Gas Engineering Limited has received in-principle approval from NSE Emerge for its proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO) and is currently in the process of filing the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP) with the Registrar of Companies and NSE Emerge, incorporating updated information 

According to DRHP, Axiom Gas Engineering Limited intends to utilise approximately ₹27 crore of the net IPO proceeds towards capital expenditure requirements and ₹7 crore towards prepayment or repayment of a portion of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the Company. The Company plans to deploy the remaining funds towards general corporate purposes and issue expenses.

The Company operates 11 Auto LPG Dispensing Stations in Telangana, 8 in Maharashtra and 2 in Karnataka under its flagship brand ‘PrimeFuel’. On the back of increased consumption of Auto LPG across the country, the Company is planning to launch its IPO to accelerate its expansion plans to set up 12 ALDS outlets in Telangana, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Axiom Gas Engineering Limited follows a retail-centric business model, wherein Auto LPG is sold directly to end consumers through its ALDS network. It procures Auto LPG from suppliers and undertakes storage, transportation, and distribution to its dispensing stations. The revenues are primarily derived from the retail sale of Auto LPG at these outlets.

The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issuance of up to 94,92,000 Equity Shares each with a face value of ₹5, through the book-building route. SKI Capital Services Limited is the sole Book Running Lead Manager to the issue, and KFIN Technologies Limited is the Registrar.

Axiom Gas Engineering Limited was founded by its promoter Mr. Alpeshkumar Naginbhai Patel and he was subsequently joined by Mr. Sadique Abdul Kadar Banani in 2012. The promoters 48+ years of cumulative experience in the Oil and Gas industry.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 17, 2026) — The National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging have awarded a multi-institutional research team led by investigators in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai $7.5 million to further study how damage to tiny blood vessels contributes to heart disease, cognitive decline and frailty as women age.

The new, five-year grant to examine sex-based differences in multiple age-related diseases supports the Microvascular Aging Effects—Women’s Evaluation of Systemic Aging Tenacity in Heart, Brain and Frailty study, commonly called MAE-WEST HBF. The acronym is a nod to the late actor, who reportedly once said, “You’re never too old to become younger.”

MAE-WEST HBF builds on prior research from Cedars-Sinai’s Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center that showed small blood vessel disease, chronic inflammation and iron buildup in women are linked to impaired heart, brain and kidney function, and declining physical strength.

“Armed with this funding, we are eager to continue uncovering biological mechanisms behind sex-based differences in aging and heart health,” said C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, the principal investigator of MAE-WEST HBF and director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center in the Smidt Heart Institute. “A better understanding of the causes of common age-related conditions in women could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies.”

For more than two decades, Bairey Merz and her team have made landmark discoveries in women’s heart health, particularly in coronary microvascular disease—a condition that occurs more often in women and results from damage to the heart’s smallest blood vessels. Symptoms of the condition, which can be subtle, were previously often dismissed, misdiagnosed or undertreated. But improved diagnostic tools and treatments resulting from Bairey Merz’s discoveries have contributed to significant reductions in cardiovascular deaths among women.

The new study brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts, including Pascal Sati, PhD, director of the Neuroimaging Program in the Department of Neurology at Cedars Sinai. Collaborators at UCLA will oversee biostatistical analysis, while those at the University of Texas at Arlington will lead frailty research.

“We now have effective treatments for small vessel dysfunction in the heart,” Bairey Merz said. “If we can better understand its effects on the brain and musculoskeletal system, we may be able to find ways to prevent or slow multiple age-related diseases—including declines in cognition and mobility—in both women and men.”

Although women generally live longer than men do, women experience higher rates of chronic conditions and so spend more years in poor health. Ultimately, investigators hope the new study will pave the way for a future in which healthy aging for women includes earlier screenings, advanced technology, and preventive care that identifies risks and stops diseases before they begin.

“After more than 25 years of progress in women’s cardiovascular research, this grant helps advance whole-person care that supports heart health, brain function and physical strength,” said Eduardo Marbán, MD, PhD, executive director of the Smidt Heart Institute. “All three are equally essential to healthy aging.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences.

-Dr. Girish Godbole, Director & Senior Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru

A heart attack is a serious health concern, and if frequently fatal. It is critical to allow the heart to heal well, and also to prevent recurrences.

Some general principles apply:

1.   Moderation is key. Avoid extremes.

2.  Quality / Quantity / Timing of food – all these must improve

3.  Your food intake should not exceed your energy expenditure – make adjustments accordingly.

Here’s one simple, practical guide I often share with my patients.

What Heart Attack Survivors Should Shift To

1. Whole grains – Oats, brown rice, millets, and whole wheat – avoid refined grains. These will help control cholesterol levels and maintain blood sugar levels steadily.

2. Fresh vegetables and fruits – Aim for a colourful plate – leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, berries, apples and citrus fruits. Their antioxidants reduce inflammation and support the health of your arteries.

3. Healthy fats in moderation – Nuts, seeds, olive oil, mustard oil, in small portions. These improve “good” HDL cholesterol and reduce plaque build-up.

4. Lean sources of protein – Pulses, legumes, tofu, low-fat dairy, fish, and skinless poultry. Fatty fish like salmon or Indian options such as rohu provide heart-protective omega-3 fats.

5. Low-sodium meals prepared at home – Fresh food prepared at home helps in better control over the consumption of salt and fat, which are quite vital after a heart attack.

What Patients Must Strictly Avoid

1. Excess Salt – Table salt; Packaged snack foods, pickles, papads, sauces, and ready-to-eat products are major contributors of sodium that increase blood pressure and burden the heart.

2. Trans fats and deep-fried foods – Bakery products, fast foods, namkeens, and fried savoury snacks can raise bad cholesterol levels and should be totally avoided.

3. Refined sugars and sugary beverages – Sweets, desserts, soft drinks, and packaged juices, which can cause insulin resistance, weight gain, and heart disease.

4. Red and processed meats – Bacon, sausages, salami, and red meat

5. Alcohol – Avoid or limit alcohol consumption; alcohol can raise blood pressure and is also directly toxic to the heart.

The Golden Rule to Remember:

A healthy lifestyle is for a lifetime – make practical changes that you can sustain.

“A heart-healthy diet is about making smart choices, day in and day out. Along with exercise, medications, and stress management, a healthy diet is a very strong preventive measure against a second heart attack.”

Bengaluru, Feb 18 : Electronics City Industries Association has announced a leadership transition as it prepares to scale up its role in strengthening India’s electronics manufacturing and semiconductor ecosystem.

As part of this change, V Sriram Kumar has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ELCIA. He previously served as President of the association and brings over three decades of industry experience. Sriram spent a significant part of his career at FANUC India, Japanese Automation and Robotics company, and has also been associated with ELCIA for more than 25 years in various honorary roles.

In his new role as CEO, Sriram will focus on driving ELCIA’s strategic initiatives, strengthening industry collaboration, and building long-term institutional capabilities aligned with national priorities in electronics manufacturing and semiconductors.

The leadership transition comes at a time when ELCIA is expanding its scope beyond industry representation to active ecosystem enablement. With India placing strong emphasis on electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, and deep technology innovation, ELCIA has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting industry, startups, and academia.

One of the key initiatives is the Electronics Centre of Excellence (e-COE), which has been envisioned to enable sensor development in India. Through this initiative, ELCIA aims to act as a catalyst for indigenous IP creation while enabling companies to design, develop, and commercialise sensors for domestic and global markets.

ELCIA is also strengthening its focus on talent and innovation infrastructure through the Electronics Skill Development Centre (ESDC) and the ELCIA Tech Hub. The Tech Hub follows a cluster-based approach to support co-development, prototyping, and collaboration among industry players, startups, and research institutions.

Alongside this transition, Sujaya Shashikiran, Executive Chairperson of Hical Private Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of electro-mechanical systems for global aerospace and defence platforms, has taken over as President of ELCIA. She will be supported by the Executive Committee and the association’s operational team, providing strategic direction and governance as ELCIA scales its initiatives.

Commenting on his appointment, V Sriram Kumar said,

“ELCIA is entering a phase where execution and impact are critical. India’s push towards electronics manufacturing and semiconductors presents a significant opportunity. Our focus will be on building platforms and partnerships that help the ecosystem innovate, develop capabilities, and scale sustainably.”

Sujaya Shashikiran said,

“ELCIA has played a pivotal role in shaping the Electronics City ecosystem. As President, I look forward to working with the Executive Committee and the CEO to strengthen ELCIA’s initiatives and ensure they deliver tangible value to industry and the larger ecosystem.”

With this leadership transition, ELCIA signals its intent to take on a larger role in India’s electronics and semiconductor journey by moving from advocacy to active ecosystem building and long-term capability creation.

Mumbai, Feb 18th: Blue Dart Express Ltd., South Asia’s premier express air and integrated transportation and distribution company, today announced a significant sustainability milestone — the successful plantation of 1 million trees across India, reinforcing its long-term commitment to climate action and community empowerment.

The pan-India initiative has been implemented over the years with a clear dual purpose. It contributes to carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration, while also creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers. At maturity, the 1 million trees are estimated to sequester approximately 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, strengthening climate resilience and supporting India’s broader environmental goals.

Beyond carbon impact, the project plays a vital role in restoring ecological balance. The plantations improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, enhance water retention, and contribute to better air quality by absorbing pollutants and generating oxygen. By stabilising local microclimates and supporting improved water cycles, the initiative enhances long-term environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Commenting on the milestone, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, said: “Reaching the milestone of one million trees planted is a significant step in our commitment to supporting India’s carbon reduction and climate resilience goals. As one of the country’s largest logistics networks, we recognise our responsibility in contributing to a low-carbon future. Expanding green cover at scale not only supports national decarbonisation ambitions but also strengthens long-term environmental sustainability. Equally important, our initiative has strengthened rural livelihoods by equipping farmers with sustainable practices and long-term income opportunities. For us, climate action must be measurable, inclusive, and aligned with India’s broader ambition of building a resilient, sustainable economy.”

A key differentiator of the programme is its strong focus on farmer capacity building. Beneficiaries receive structured training on tree plantation, maintenance, organic farming practices, mulching, pruning, pest control, and water conservation techniques. Demonstration plots and workshops enable hands-on learning, ensuring sustainable outcomes and long-term livelihood benefits. This milestone reflects Blue Dart’s continued efforts to integrate environmental responsibility with inclusive growth by strengthening ecosystems, supporting communities, and contributing meaningfully to a greener future.

Mumbai, India, Feb 18: After nearly eight decades of shaping global performance culture, the Fringe is finally coming to India. What began in 1947 as a rebellious act on the margins of the Edinburgh International Festival has grown into the world’s largest open-access arts movement, spanning more than 300 festivals, including Edinburgh, Prague and Adelaide. It has launched careers, challenged conventions and redefined what live performance can look like. This March, that spirit lands in Mumbai for the very first time.

The Mumbai Fringe Festival will make its India debut from 10–15 March 2026, opening at the iconic Tata Theatre, NCPA before unfolding across Bandra’s creative circuit including Khar Comedy Club, 3 Art House and indifferent @ Gharonda. Over six days and nearly 60 performances, the festival will transform the neighbourhood into a dynamic cultural map where audiences move between venues, discover new voices and experience comedy, theatre, poetry, storytelling and experimental work in its most immediate form.

This is not a single-stage spectacle. It is a city in motion. The India edition launches with a powerful lineup of leading Indian voices alongside internationally celebrated productions. The festival features artists such as Rohan Joshi, Kanan Gill, Varun Grover, Aakash Gupta, Priya Malik, Amandeep Khayal, Urooj Ashfaq and Amit Tandon, alongside acclaimed global works including Nigel Miles Thomas’s award-winning solo performance Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act, a striking solo adaptation of Macbeth presented by UK-based theatre company The Shakespeare Edit, and David Hoskin’s Haunted House, a genre-blending mix of mime, comedy and storytelling. True to the Fringe ethos, the programme is intimate, inventive and unafraid to take creative risks.

Tickets are live on BookMyShow, with multiple shows already sold out, signalling early demand and unmistakable momentum. The Mumbai Fringe Festival is co-founded by Steve Gove and Simar Singh, united by a shared belief that India is ready for the Fringe format.

Speaking about bringing the global movement to India, Steve Gove, Founder and Director, Prague Fringe that is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year, shared their excitement around this long-awaited debut: “Bringing Fringe to Mumbai has been a long-held dream. Cities around the world have embraced this model and watched it reshape their creative landscapes. Mumbai has the energy, the appetite and the talent to make this extraordinary. We are proud to open this chapter here.”

Highlighting the importance of creative independence, Simar Singh, Founder of UnErase Poetry, added, “The Fringe model gives artists complete freedom. It creates space for new voices and unexpected ideas to meet audiences directly. Mumbai deserves a platform like this. This is not just a festival for the city, it is a platform for artists across India to think bigger.”

Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and one of the key custodians of the world’s largest performing arts festival, said, “Born in Scotland nearly 80 years ago, the Fringe has always stood for joy, openness and giving everyone a platform with minimal gatekeeping. Over the years, we have proudly welcomed many outstanding Indian artists to the Edinburgh Fringe, and that tradition continues. We are delighted to see the Mumbai Fringe carry this same spirit forward, creating new opportunities and joy for audiences in India. We wish the Mumbai Fringe every success and look forward to supporting its journey ahead.”

Designed as a discovery-led experience rather than a large-scale spectacle, Mumbai Fringe Festival places audiences in close proximity to artists and ideas, creating moments that feel immediate, personal and electric. More than an addition to the cultural calendar, Mumbai Fringe Festival marks a defining new chapter in the city’s live arts landscape, positioning Mumbai within a global ecosystem of Fringe Festivals and offering Indian audiences a rare opportunity to experience a format that has shaped contemporary performance around the world.

For a country with one of the richest artistic traditions in the world, the arrival of the Fringe is both overdue and momentous. The movement that began on the margins now steps onto an Indian stage. And it begins in Mumbai.

Mumbai, Feb 18th: Capri Group, sponsor of alternative investment funds including Capri Stressed Assets Fund (“CSAF”) and Capri Special Situations Fund 1 (“CSSF1”), today announced that Mr. Sanjay Jain will be joining the Investment Manager to the Funds as Managing Partner, subject to requisite approvals from investors and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”).

Mr. Sanjay Jain will oversee the management and investment strategy of Capri Stressed Assets Fund and Capri Special Situations Fund 1. Capri Group is seeking regulatory approvals, to enable Mr Jain acquire 35% ownership in the Investment Manager & Sponsor of CSAF and CSSF1, reinforcing long-term alignment across the platform. Pending investors’ and SEBI’s approvals for reorganising the Investment Manager, Mr. Jain is currently serving as Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer.

Mr. Jain brings over three decades of experience across stressed assets, capital markets, investment banking, and corporate and project lease finance. Most recently, he served as CEO of Aditya Birla ARC Ltd. (2018–2025), where he led stressed asset investments of ~₹6,000 crore and oversaw resolutions delivering IRRs exceeding 40% and investment income of over ₹10,500 crores. His appointment is expected to significantly enhance the investment leadership, governance framework, and execution capabilities of Capri’s sponsored funds.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Founder, Capri Global, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Jain as Managing Partner. His deep domain expertise in stressed assets, strong track record of value creation, and hands-on leadership across complex resolutions align perfectly with our long-term vision for the platform. Sanjay will lead the management of our sponsored funds, and his meaningful capital contribution and profit participation reflect strong alignment with investor interests while reinforcing our focus on disciplined, outcome-driven investing.”

Capri Stressed Assets Fund (CSAF), a SEBI-registered Category II AIF sponsored by Capri Group, focuses on investing in Indian mid-market stressed companies with strong underlying businesses, leveraging structured capital solutions and active turnaround strategies. The Fund has a target corpus of ₹1,000 crore with an additional ₹500 crore green-shoe option. It has received commitments of ₹675 crore to date and is expected to complete its final close on 8 May 2026. The Sponsor, affiliates, and partners have committed ₹450 crore, including a ₹50 crore commitment by Mr. Sanjay Jain, underscoring strong alignment with investors.

Capri Special Situations Fund 1 (CSSF1) complements Capri Group’s investment platform by targeting special situations opportunities across sectors, with a focus on value creation through structured investments, operational improvements, and strategic capital deployment.

This development reflects Capri Group’s continued commitment to strengthening the management and performance of its sponsored funds through enhanced investment leadership and disciplined execution. Upon receipt of requisite approvals, Mr. Sanjay Jain will play a central role in steering investment and resolution strategies across the Capri-sponsored funds amid a structurally improving yet opportunity-rich stressed assets landscape in India.

Bengaluru, India Feb 18th: ATEN Advance, the leading provider of KVM, AV/IT connectivity, and management solutions, today announced the strategic expansion of its professional video wall series with the launch of the VW1608 16×8 Modular Video Wall Processor. By integrating flagship power into a compact 4U chassis, ATEN now offers a comprehensive range of visual solutions for any professional challenge. With a lineup featuring both the high-capacity VW3620 (36×20) and the compact VW1608 (16×8), ATEN ensures organizations can deploy the ideal processor for any environment, from corporate decision-making war rooms, venue and auditoriums to transportation hubs and disaster response centers, delivering absolute precision and reliability for mission-critical decision-making at every scale.

To address the complexity of modern visual data, the VW1608 features a high-performance FPGA-based hardware architecture combined with FrameSync technology. This synergy ensures tear-free, latency-free visuals even during rapid source switching, delivering seamless motion and absolute precision for critical viewing. Supporting True 4K resolution, the processor delivers crystal-clear detail and accurate color reproduction while intelligently upscaling and optimizing content. This ensures every pixel achieves maximum clarity across video walls of any display type or size.

To address the rising trend of bezel-free LED displays, the VW1608 is engineered to leverage the limitless potential of seamless video walls. By removing the constraints of physical borders, it enables flexible overlapping and cross-screen windowing that allows content to flow freely across the entire display area to maximize screen real estate. This versatility is enhanced by an intuitive Web GUI for real-time drag-and-drop layout management. Operators can utilize the local HDMI output for live previews to verify adjustments such as repositioning feeds or fine-tuning window overlays with absolute precision before pushing them live to the main LED wall.

The VW1608 features a modular 4U chassis supporting 16 sources and 8 displays, with daisy-chaining capability to expand up to 24 display outputs. Built for 24/7 stability, it includes redundant power and hot-swappable modules for effortless upgrades and maximum uptime. For high-stakes environments, the VW1608 supports high-availability clustering with real-time mirroring and automatic failover, while automatic configuration backup protects against system failures to ensure uninterrupted mission-critical operations.

“By pairing exceptional 4K fidelity with a scalable modular design in a compact form factor, the debut of the VW1608 empowers our customers to visualize critical data with total confidence,” said Nicholas Lin, Senior Vice President of ATEN International. “Whether deployed in corporate war rooms, auditoriums, transportation hubs, or disaster response centers, the demand for 24/7 stability and absolute reliability is universal. With this addition, ATEN now provides a comprehensive portfolio of video wall processors, ensuring a precision-engineered solution for any scenario, regardless of scale or complexity.”

Key Features of the VW1608 16×8 4K Modular Video Wall Processor:

• Superior 4K Visual Performance: Delivers True 4K at 60Hz clarity with FPGA-powered FrameSync technology to eliminate screen tearing and ensure near-zero latency visuals.
• Scalable Modular Architecture: Features a compact 4U chassis with four input and two output slots that support up to 16 sources and 8 displays, with scalability up to 24 displays through daisy-chaining.
• Intuitive Control and Preview: Provides the freedom to manage any source to any window via a drag-and-drop Web GUI for real-time remote monitoring. A local HDMI output enables live previews of layouts, logos, and scrolling text to verify precision before going live.
• Independent Multi-Canvas Support: Supports up to four independent canvases on a single video wall, each utilizing unique layouts and source configurations to maximize screen real estate and operational efficiency.
• Mission-Critical Reliability: Engineered for 24/7 situational awareness with hot-swappable modules and high-availability mirroring to ensure maximum uptime. Automatic configuration backup and recovery protect against system or network failures to maintain stability in demanding environments.

New Delhi, India, Feb 18: The prestigious Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad witnessed a wonderful display of India’s artistic and cultural heritage with the presence of the world-renowned sculptor and Guinness World Record holder, Shri Naresh Kumar Kumawat, who showcased his artwork through his fascinating live clay modeling at the mela. The sculptor’s presence at the mela added an immense dimension to the event, which left the visitors in awe.

Started on a reputable note, the fair was privileged with the presence of the Honorable Governor and Vice-President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, and the Honorable Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, who looked upon the pavilions at the Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Crafts Mela. He amazed the onlookers with his expertise through live clay modeling, an effective artistic form of expression, which vividly brought back the centuries-old Indian art forms.

The efforts made by Naresh Kumar Kumawat were applauded by the valuable guests, and the Honorable Chief Minister appreciated his extraordinary skills and dedication to Indian art and culture. The spectacular live modeling session encouraged the young generation to be associated with the age-old artistic treasure of India, bringing liveliness to the cultural experience rather than just a demonstration.

Further on this experience, Kumawat Ji, expressed, “It’s a moment of pride for me to had this golden opportunity to present live clay modeling at Surajkund Mela, a platform celebrating the soul of Indian art and craftsmanship, among the presence of such distinguished leaders. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Shri Amit Agarwal, IAS, Tourism Secretary, Government of Haryana, for giving me this wonderful chance to share our cultural heritage.”

Naresh Kumar Kumawat, Internationally Acclaimed Sculptor and Director of Matu Ram Art Centres Pvt. Ltd., is widely celebrated for his monumental contributions to art and public sculpture. Among his most iconic works is the 369-foot Statue of Belief, the world’s tallest statue of Lord Shiva in Rajasthan, and the 206-foot Statue of Social Justice in Andhra Pradesh, symbolizing equality and constitutional values. His artistic vision also adorns India’s new Parliament building through the evocative Samudra Manthan mural and the medallions of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

On the global horizon, Kumawat Ji’s sculptures have been exemplary ambassadors of India’s artistic essence through installations in Mexico, Geneva, Guyana, New York, Australia, Mauritius, and Costa Rica. His participation at Surajkund Mela has aptly reflected his lifelong dedication to the cause of not only preserving but also promoting India’s ancient artistic heritage for the benefit of future generations.

In today’s global scenario dominated by modern trends, Naresh Kumar Kumawat’s live art performance at Surajkund Mela has been a heart-touching tribute to India’s rich heritage, its deeply rooted cultural values, and its artistic legacy.