Archives 2026

Jaipur, Jan 13: Interior design today is increasingly measured by lifespan. According to global interior lifecycle studies, most mass-produced soft furnishings are replaced within five to seven years, often sooner in high-use residential or hospitality spaces. This cycle of frequent replacement has become one of the largest contributors to material waste in interiors.

For designers moving away from fast interiors, sustainability is no longer an abstract idea. It is a practical design decision rooted in durability, maintenance, and long-term value. Within this shift, handmade rugs are being reconsidered not as stylistic elements but as infrastructure within a space.

The Performance Advantage of Handmade Rugs

The structural difference between handmade and machine-made rugs is not aesthetic alone. Hand-knotted and hand-woven rugs typically feature higher knot density, stronger tension control, and layered construction, all of which significantly extend lifespan. In real terms, a well-made handmade rug can last anywhere from twenty to fifty years with proper care. Many outlive the interiors they were originally designed for.

By comparison, machine-made rugs are often manufactured with synthetic backings and heat-bonded fibres that begin to degrade within a decade. Once the backing fails, repair is rarely viable. From a design specification perspective, this makes handmade rugs not only more sustainable but also more economical over time.

Man Made Rugs works exclusively with traditional weaving techniques that prioritise structural integrity. Each rug is made to be serviceable, meaning it can be cleaned, restored, and repaired rather than discarded. For designers, this offers predictability in performance and longevity across long-term projects.

Why Lifespan Is the Most Honest Sustainability Metric

“As designers, we often talk about sustainability in terms of materials, but the real question is lifespan,” says Pritam Khanna, Founder of Man Made Rugs. “If something needs to be replaced every few years, it isn’t sustainable. A handmade rug earns its place because it’s designed to stay.”

Material choice plays a measurable role in this longevity. Natural fibres such as wool and silk have proven abrasion resistance, thermal regulation, and elasticity, allowing them to recover from compression in high-traffic areas. Wool, in particular, is naturally flame-resistant and soil-repellent, reducing the need for chemical treatments over time.

Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are a leading source of microplastic shedding in interiors. Studies have shown that synthetic carpets and rugs release microfibres into indoor environments through daily wear, vacuuming, and cleaning. For designers working with wellness-conscious clients, this has become an increasingly relevant consideration.

Sustainability Beyond the Finished Product

Handmade rugs also differ significantly in production impact. Machine-made rugs rely heavily on automated manufacturing, petrochemical-based materials, and energy-intensive processes. Handmade rugs require minimal electricity and are largely produced through human skill rather than industrial systems.

This slower production model supports artisan livelihoods and preserves regional weaving knowledge that has been refined over centuries. From a design ethics standpoint, handmade rugs contribute to social sustainability as much as environmental responsibility.

Visually, the benefit is equally tangible. Handmade rugs introduce subtle variation in weave and tone that softens interiors and prevents visual fatigue. Designers often use this nuance to balance highly polished surfaces such as stone, metal, and glass, creating spaces that feel warmer and more resolved.

A Foundational Element in Contemporary Design

Man Made Rugs approaches rug-making as a design collaboration rather than a decorative afterthought. The collections are intentionally restrained in palette and pattern, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors.

“We think of our rugs as part of the foundation of a space, not an accessory,” Khanna adds. “When something is made slowly and with intention, it naturally belongs.”

For interior designers, this approach reduces replacement cycles, simplifies maintenance planning, and aligns with a growing demand for responsible specification.

Rethinking Luxury Through Measurable Impact

As sustainability continues to redefine luxury, handmade rugs stand apart for one clear reason. Their value can be measured not only in appearance, but in years of use, reduced waste, and long-term performance.

ShardaCare Healthcity in Collaboration with GIFT Hosts Thalassaemia Awareness Program with a Free HLA Testing Camp: Giving Children a Chance at Cure

Greater Noida, Jan 13:  ShardaCare Healthcity, a leading super-speciality hospital in Greater Noida, renowned for its advanced clinical capabilities and patient-centric approach, is organising a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Awareness Program and Free Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Testing Camp in collaboration with the Globally Integrated Foundation for Thalassaemia (GIFT). The camp will be led by Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Senior Specialist in Blood Disorders and Bone Marrow Transplantation. The awareness session will educate families about thalassaemia, available treatment options, such as bone marrow transplant, and the importance of early intervention. The free HLA testing camp will aim to identify suitable sibling donors – an essential factor for successful transplantation.

Thalassaemia is a serious paediatric blood disorder with far-reaching health implications. As a genetic condition, it often requires affected children to undergo lifelong, regular blood transfusions, placing a significant physical, emotional, and financial burden on families. India carries a substantial share of the global thalassaemia burden, with an estimated 10,000–15,000 children born with thalassaemia major every year. Despite this, limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and restricted access to advanced treatments – such as Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)- continue to pose major challenges. Encouragingly, medical advancements like BMT offer a curative option, holding the potential to free children from lifelong transfusions and dramatically improve their quality of life.

Dr Kousar Shah, Group CEO, Shardacare Healthcity, said,

“At ShardaCare Healthcity, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between advanced Healthcare and the people who need it most. Thalassaemia is a daunting challenge for any family, but with the right clinical expertise and timely intervention, it is a challenge that we can overcome. By hosting this HLA testing camp, we are not just providing a diagnostic service; we are providing a pathway to cure. We remain steadfast in our commitment to making high-end super-speciality treatments like Bone Marrow Transplants accessible and affordable, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to lead a life free from the burden of chronic illness.”

Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Senior Specialist in Blood Disorders and Bone Marrow Transplantation, said,

“Blood disorders such as thalassaemia is not just a complex medical condition – they place an immense emotional and financial strain on families. While Bone Marrow Transplant offers a life-changing and potentially curative solution, many children continue to remain undiagnosed or untreated due to limited awareness and access to resources. Through timely diagnosis, increased awareness, and improved access to care, we can give these children a real chance at a healthier and brighter future”.

Adding to this, Madan Chawla, Founder, GIFT, said,

“The very first and most critical step towards a bone marrow transplant is HLA testing. Unfortunately, this test is expensive and out of reach for many families. Without HLA testing, a transplant is simply not possible. Through this camp, our aim is to remove this barrier and offer free HLA testing to economically weaker families, enabling them to take the first step towards a cure.”

This initiative marks a significant step towards reducing the treatment gap for thalassaemia patients and reinforcing the commitment of GIFT and Sharda Care Health City towards inclusive and compassionate healthcare.

Kishangarh, Jan 13:  For decades, beige quietly occupied interior spaces—dependable, neutral, and often overlooked. Today, it has undergone a meaningful transformation. In contemporary architecture and design, beige is no longer a supporting element or safe fallback. It has emerged as a deliberate design language, expressing calm, permanence, and understated sophistication.

This evolution reflects a broader shift in how luxury is perceived. Where opulence once defined status, today’s most refined spaces prioritise restraint, tactility, and emotional clarity. Beige especially in natural stone has become the medium through which this modern sensibility is articulated.

From Neutral to Structural

In modern interiors, beige no longer fades into the background; it anchors space. It shapes light, softens architectural volumes, and allows form and proportion to take centre stage without visual disruption. Warm-toned palettes create environments that feel composed rather than curated—spaces that reveal depth and character over time.

Designers are increasingly gravitating towards materials that do not demand attention, yet reward sustained engagement. Beige marble, with its gentle veining and mineral warmth, achieves this balance—offering richness without excess and elegance without overt display.

When Stone Becomes the Language

This shift is particularly evident in The Sands of Serenity collection by Tilak Marbles. Conceived as a cohesive palette rather than a statement piece, the collection brings together warm-toned marbles that emphasise continuity, softness, and architectural relevance.

Stones such as Pale Muse, Nude Horizon, Calm Matter, Ivory Trace, Linen Vein, Ecru Mist, Tuscan Earth, Honey Dune, Sand Muse, and Desert Whisper are defined by restraint. Their appeal lies in subtle tonal variations and nuanced textures surfaces that respond gently to light and integrate seamlessly with wood, metal, and natural textiles.

Rather than functioning as mere backdrops, these marbles form the quiet framework around which interiors are thoughtfully composed.

Designed for How Spaces Are Lived In

Beige’s renewed relevance also stems from its adaptability. Warm-toned stone surfaces transition effortlessly across residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces. They allow furniture, art, and human movement to coexist harmoniously an increasingly vital consideration in long-term, sustainable design.

In Indian interiors especially, where natural daylight is abundant and spaces are experienced throughout the day, beige marble softens light without diminishing it. The result is environments that remain visually calm while retaining architectural precision.

Reflecting on this material evolution, Praveen Gangwal, Founder of Tilak Marbles, said:

“Beige today is not about playing it safe. It is about making a conscious design decision—choosing materials that bring balance, warmth, and permanence to a space.”

He added:  “With The Sands of Serenity, we focused on stones that support architecture rather than overpower it. These are marbles that allow interiors to feel lived-in, calm, and relevant—not just today, but for years to come.”

The New Definition of Sophistication

Sophistication in contemporary design is no longer about immediacy; it is about endurance. Spaces are not created to impress at first glance, but to hold attention quietly, age gracefully, and remain emotionally resonant over time.

In this context, beige marble has moved far beyond neutrality. It has become structure, atmosphere, and intent—a material that reflects a deeper understanding of luxury as something experienced, not displayed.

Delhi, Jan 13: Vegas Mall, one of Dwarka’s leading lifestyle and fashion destinations, is delighted to announce the grand opening of Aretto, a specialized kids’ footwear brand, now welcoming shoppers at the mall. The addition of Aretto enhances the mall’s expanding mix of lifestyle and fashion offerings, catering to families and young visitors seeking stylish comfort and quality footwear for children.

Aretto is known for blending innovative comfort technology with playful style, designed especially for growing feet. The new store at Vegas Mall presents a curated range of kids’ shoes that prioritize ergonomic design, advanced sole technology, and a joyful in-store experience aligning perfectly with the mall’s commitment to providing diverse, family-friendly retail choices.

“With the launch of Aretto at Vegas Mall, we continue to elevate the shopping experience for families in Dwarka and the wider Delhi-NCR region,” said Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall. “We strive to bring brands that resonate with our community’s lifestyle needs, and Aretto’s fresh approach to children’s footwear reflects both innovation and joy values close to our ethos. We look forward to seeing our visitors embrace this exciting new addition.”

Vegas Mall remains dedicated to curating an eclectic and engaging retail environment from national and international fashion brands to experiential shopping concepts. The launch of Aretto reinforces the mall’s position as a go-to destination for quality, variety, and memorable family experiences.

By:-  Dr. K Rathnam, Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer, Milky Mist Dairy Food Limited

“The dairy sector is a cornerstone of India’s food security and rural economy, directly supporting millions of farmers and allied livelihoods. Union Budget 2026 presents a timely opportunity to accelerate the next phase of growth for this vital sector.

We welcome the government’s continued support on the GST front and believe there is scope for further rationalisation of key inputs such as packaging material, refrigeration equipment, animal feed and veterinary services. This would go a long way in easing rising cost pressures and improving overall efficiency across the value chain.

A strong policy push towards strengthening cold-chain infrastructure and logistics is critical. Enhanced capital subsidies, interest subvention schemes and easier access to long-term credit will help bridge existing infrastructure gaps, reduce wastage and improve milk quality, especially in hinterland regions.

Targeted incentives for both dairy companies and farmers are equally important. Initiatives focused on productivity enhancement, fodder development, animal health, affordable cattle insurance and cold-chain logistics can significantly improve farmer incomes while ensuring consistency in supply.

From an industry standpoint, incentives for value-added dairy products, automation, advanced quality-testing laboratories and sustainability initiatives will encourage private players to invest in modern, scalable capacity aligned with global standards.

Overall, a balanced and forward-looking Budget that strengthens farmer incomes, upgrades infrastructure and enables organised dairy players to scale sustainably will create long-term value for the sector and reinforce India’s position as one of the world’s leading dairy economies.”

Mumbai, Jan 13: Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (“Kotak Alts”) today announced the launch of the inaugural Kotak Alts Katalyst Awards, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to recognise and celebrate India’s best financial vodcast creator. Featuring a winner-takes-all prize of ₹25 lakh, the award aims to set a new benchmark for credible, high-quality financial content that educates, empowers, and builds confidence among India’s rapidly growing base of young and first-time investors.

The awards are open to Indian financial content creators, with applicants invited to submit one standout vodcast episode that was publicly available on YouTube and released during the 2025 calendar year (January 1 to December 31, 2025). Submissions can be made via katalyst.kotakalternateasset.com until January 31, 2026. Entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts on parameters including content quality, originality, and audience engagement.

Commenting on the initiative, Srini SriniWasan, Managing Director, Kotak Alts, said:

“India is witnessing an unprecedented wave of financial participation, with millions of new investors seeking clarity in an increasingly noisy digital ecosystem. Podcasts and vodcasts have emerged as powerful tools for financial literacy, but the quality and credibility of content vary widely. Katalyst addresses this gap by recognising a creator who simplifies complexity, delivers trust, and makes financial education both engaging and actionable.”

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

• Applicants must be Indian citizens residing in India with valid identification.
• Applicants must have a minimum of 50,000 YouTube subscribers as of December 31, 2025.
• Applicants should have at least one year of experience producing financial literacy vodcasts, with a minimum of three advisory episodes published by December 31, 2025.
• One vodcast episode must be submitted, with a minimum duration of five minutes, released between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
• Content should focus on simplifying finance for young and first-time investors, presented in English or major Indian languages, with English subtitles.
• Entries must be submitted via katalyst.kotakalternateasset.com by January 31, 2026.
• Final evaluation will be conducted by an eminent jury; details of the jury and assessment framework will be announced shortly.

The Kotak Alts Katalyst Awards honour creators who prioritise financial literacy over commercial interests—those who cut through digital noise to deliver clear, trustworthy, and impactful investment education. By recognising excellence in financial communication, the initiative seeks to elevate standards across the creator ecosystem, inspire responsible content creation, and foster a culture of informed investing in India.

Through Katalyst, Kotak Alts aims to make financial knowledge more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for millions of Indians, while encouraging creators to uphold the highest levels of authenticity, integrity, and educational value.

Goa, Jan 13: The World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPTL) has announced Goa Tourism as the Presenting Sponsor for its highly anticipated inaugural season, scheduled to begin on January 26 at the 1919 Cricket Stadium, Verna, Goa.

The debut edition of WLPTL promises an international sporting spectacle, featuring 90 cricketers across six teams, with a stellar lineup of global and Indian cricketing legends. International stars such as Shane Watson, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, Chris Gayle, and Faf du Plessis, along with Indian greats including Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Harbhajan Singh, among others, have been confirmed for the opening season. The tournament will offer fans in Goa a rare opportunity to witness some of the greatest T20 players in history live in action.

For more than four decades, Goa Tourism has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s tourism landscape and positioning Goa as one of India’s most preferred travel destinations. The arrival of the World Legends Pro T20 League adds a new dimension to Goa’s appeal, combining elite international cricket with the state’s renowned beaches, heritage, cuisine, and vibrant festivals. The league is set to attract both domestic and international visitors, firmly placing Goa on the global cricket calendar.

Commenting on the association, Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing and Stationery, said:

“Goa is a natural destination for global sporting events, and hosting the World Legends Pro T20 League aligns seamlessly with our vision for tourism and events. By bringing together cricketing legends and fans from around the world, the league will act as a catalyst for tourism, engage local communities and youth, and create meaningful opportunities for local businesses and the hospitality ecosystem, while positioning Goa as a hub for world-class sports entertainment.”

Speaking on the partnership, Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO, SGSE, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Goa Tourism as the Presenting Sponsor for the inaugural season of the World Legends Pro T20 League. Goa offers the perfect blend of vibrant culture and world-class hospitality, making it an ideal destination for a premium international property like WLPTL. This partnership strengthens our vision of delivering a festival-style, high-quality experience for local fans and travelling supporters, while reinforcing Goa’s position as a premier destination for international sporting events.”

Designed as a single-destination, festival-style tournament, the World Legends Pro T20 League aims to deliver a distinctive cricketing experience for fans across the globe. As the countdown to January 26 begins, spectators can look forward to legendary names returning to the field and a celebration of cricket set against the backdrop of one of India’s most iconic destinations.

Mumbai, Jan 13: BSE Index Services Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of BSE, today announced the launch of four new factor indices derived from the BSE 150 Midcap Index as the universe, with a 5% stock-level capping.

These indices are reconstituted quarterly, have a base value of 1,000, and a first value date of June 20, 2005. The methodology also includes an additional screening criterion of 100% stock trading frequency, ensuring robust liquidity and investability.

Newly Launched Indices

• BSE Midcap 150 Enhanced Value 30
  Measures the performance of the 30 companies within the BSE 150 Midcap Index with the most attractive valuations, based on proprietary value scores.

• BSE Midcap 150 Momentum 30
  Tracks the performance of the 30 companies in the BSE 150 Midcap Index that demonstrate the strongest persistence in relative performance, based on momentum scores.

• BSE Midcap 150 Low Volatility 30
  Measures the performance of the 30 least volatile companies within the BSE 150 Midcap universe.

• BSE Midcap 150 Quality 30
  Tracks the performance of the 30 highest-quality companies in the BSE 150 Midcap Index, selected based on quality scores.

Commenting on the launch, Ashutosh Singh, Managing Director & CEO, BSE Index Services Pvt. Ltd., said:

“Mid-cap stocks are a critical building block in long-term investment portfolios. With this launch, BSE’s factor indices now span large caps, large-mid caps, the broad BSE 500 universe, and mid-caps. Our objective is to create a seamless, institution-grade, investable factor continuum while enabling ETF and passive fund managers to build coherent, market-wide strategies aligned with varying risk–return objectives.”

The newly launched indices are designed to support passive investment strategies, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds. They can also serve as effective benchmarks for portfolio management services (PMS), mutual fund schemes, and institutional portfolios.

With this expansion, investors and asset managers gain access to a broader and more structured set of factor-based investment opportunities, further strengthening BSE’s comprehensive suite of benchmark and thematic indices.

Panaji, Jan 13: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and unruly behaviour involving tourists, particularly incidents that compromise the safety and dignity of women.

Responding to a recent incident involving the harassment of a woman tourist, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte stated that such behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He emphasised that while Goa welcomes responsible tourists, strict action will be taken against anyone who violates the law or disrespects individuals.

“We do not tolerate unruly behaviour that attempts to outrage the modesty of women. Goa stands for safety, dignity and responsible tourism. Based on the viral video, a police complaint was immediately filed and prompt action was ensured. The Government of Goa will not take such incidents lightly, and the police have acted swiftly to address the matter,” the Minister said.

The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, reportedly involved an intoxicated individual blocking the path of a woman tourist at a beach shack and behaving in an inappropriate manner. The individual allegedly made lewd and suggestive gestures, causing distress to the tourist. Authorities intervened immediately after the video came to light.

Following the incident, the Goa Tourism Department lodged a formal complaint at the Calangute Police Station. An FIR has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 74, 75 and 79, along with other applicable sections of law.

Commenting on the incident, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik said the Department remains fully committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all visitors.

“The Department of Tourism works closely with local administration and law enforcement agencies to address such incidents promptly. Any act of harassment or misconduct will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, to uphold Goa’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination,” he said.

The Department of Tourism has reaffirmed that the safety, dignity and well-being of tourists remain a top priority. Strict action will continue to be taken against individuals indulging in harassment or misconduct, reinforcing the State’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.

The Government of Goa urges all visitors to adhere to the law, respect local values, and contribute positively to Goa’s tourism ecosystem.

Hong Kong / Beijing, Jan 13: Cathay has welcomed the release of Igniting the SAF Market: Policy Pathways for Scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel in China, a comprehensive research study published by Peking University’s National School of Development in late 2025. The study provides timely and actionable insights into accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the Chinese Mainland, addressing both supply- and demand-side challenges.

The report analyses the current barriers and untapped potential in scaling SAF production and deployment in China, drawing on global best practices and benchmarking them against the country’s successful solar photovoltaic industry. It highlights China’s strong feedstock availability and manufacturing capabilities, while evaluating long-term cost trajectories across multiple SAF production pathways.

Notably, the study identifies the Power-to-Liquid (PtL) pathway commonly used to produce electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF)—as having the greatest potential for long-term cost reduction. With appropriate policy support, locally produced SAF via the PtL route could achieve price parity with conventional jet fuel, inclusive of China’s projected 2030 carbon price, once cumulative eSAF production reaches approximately 1.6 million tonnes.

The study further recommends a multi-pronged approach to building a robust national SAF ecosystem. Key measures include policy integration, stimulating market demand, expanding access to international markets, and establishing procurement mechanisms that ensure long-term supply and demand stability.

Commenting on the findings, Grace Cheung, General Manager Sustainability at Cathay, said:

“As a vital player in global aviation and the SAF ecosystem, the Chinese Mainland’s development of its domestic SAF industry not only supports national carbon targets, but also contributes to improving the global availability and affordability of sustainable aviation fuel.”

“This study by Peking University is highly encouraging, as it demonstrates the long-term potential for cost parity between SAF and conventional jet fuel. Achieving this will require sustained support for new technologies, large-scale SAF production, and policy frameworks that address both supply and demand. Such progress is essential for global airlines to scale SAF usage in a commercially viable manner.”

Cathay has been a longstanding supporter of SAF development in the Chinese Mainland and globally. The Group was among the early adopters of Chinese-made SAF, uplifting SAF at Hong Kong International Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, and London Heathrow Airport.

SAF remains a critical pillar of aviation’s decarbonisation pathway. Compared with conventional jet fuel, SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by around 80%, based on the SAF procured by the Cathay Group in 2024.