Archives 2026

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

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

From Fitness as Activity to Health as Awareness

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

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

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

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

Reframing the Future of Health in India

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

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

Health as a Shared Cultural Practice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amar Nagaram, Founder, VIRGIO, said:

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

Sudip Ghose, Founder & CEO, Uppercase, added:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mumbai, Jan 12: Veteran media professional James Varghese has announced the launch of OTS Communications (I) Pvt Ltd, a full-service media agency delivering integrated solutions across Out-of-Home (OOH), BTL activations, retail signages, and ATL media.

With over 33 years of experience in the media and advertising industry, Varghese brings deep expertise in media strategy, planning, and execution. He was associated with OAP for 19 years, where he played a pivotal role in driving strategic media initiatives and building long-standing client relationships across categories.

Commenting on the launch, James Varghese, Founder & CEO, OTS Communications, said,

“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to lead campaigns across platforms and categories. These experiences reinforced my belief that effective media outcomes come from strategic clarity, execution rigour, and ownership. OTS Communications is an extension of that belief—hands-on, focused, and deeply involved in delivering tangible value for clients.”

Sharing his perspective, Abhijit Sengupta, CEO & Director, OAP Mediatech, said,

“James Varghese has been an integral part of OAP’s journey for nearly two decades, and his leadership, integrity, and people-first approach have left a lasting imprint on the organisation. As he embarks on the next chapter of his professional journey, I wish him success in building something of his own and pursuing his entrepreneurial vision. I am confident that the values he has always stood for honesty, humility, and commitment will continue to guide him forward.”

His transition marks the culmination of a significant professional chapter, shaped by decades of industry experience, relationships, and trust built over more than three decades—particularly during his time at OAP forming a strong foundation as he embarks on this new entrepreneurial journey.

OTS Communications is founded on the principle that effective media delivery is achieved through a balance of sharp strategy, disciplined execution, and accountability. Built as an agile and focused organisation, the agency is designed to work closely with clients at every stage of the campaign lifecycle, ensuring measurable and outcome-driven media solutions.

Positioned as a responsive and involved media partner, OTS Communications (I) Pvt Ltd aims to deliver integrated, performance-led media solutions while maintaining close senior-level involvement across all mandates, offering clients strategic clarity, execution discipline, and accountability across media platforms.

Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani Actor Suraj Pratap Singh Praises Young Co-Stars: They are fast learners and extremely focused

“Since the kids Harathi and Aqdas have joined the show, the atmosphere on set has become even more fun and lively. All the children are extremely adorable, and together we keep pulling pranks on our co-actor Megha Ray, which adds to the laughter on set. Their energy is contagious and brings a fresh vibe to our shoot days. Being around them reminds us to enjoy the process and not take things too seriously. Honestly, when kids are on set, work stops feeling like work, it feels like play with purpose.”

“What truly amazes me is how smart and sharp today’s generation of kids is. Even during shoots, they pick up their lines very quickly and perform scenes with such confidence that retakes are rarely needed. They are fast learners and extremely focused. Kids today are also very curious, they ask questions that sometimes even surprise me. There are moments when I think, “Wow, this question never even crossed my mind!” Working with them feels less like teaching and more like learning from a new generation.”

Chennai, Jan 12: Sundaram Finance Ltd. proudly presented this year’s prestigious Spirit of Mylapore Award 2026 to Sri Vidhya Nilayam, in recognition of their contributions to keeping the culture of the neighbourhood alive for the past many years. The award was handed over by Mr Moahan Venkatesan, Sr. Vice President and Head of Operations and Mr Sudheer Warrier, Chief Technology Officer, Sundaram Finance Ltd., to the proprietor of Sri Vidhya Nilayam, S Vijayakumari and her sons yesterday, towards the conclusion of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2026.

The Spirit of Mylapore Award was first instituted in 2009 by Sundaram Finance to celebrate and honour long-standing residents and institutions of Mylapore that have made outstanding contributions to the heritage and culture of this iconic neighbourhood. The award is presented annually during the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival.

Founded in 1954, Sri Vidhya Nilayam, is a store that has been selling authentic and good quality puja products, including Kumkum, vibhooti, sandal powder and turmeric, among other things. The store is located on North Mada Street, and they have customers from across the world.

Mr Lakshmanan, son of S Vijayakumari, said, “I thank Sundaram Finance Limited for recognising us through this Spirit of Mylapore Award. It brings so much joy in our hearts. We wanted to keep the legacy of my parents alive by continuing to provide quality products and service to people.”

The Spirit of Mylapore Award has previously been presented to several distinguished recipients, including Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, Rayar’s Mess, The Sanskrit College and SSV Patasala, Vijaya Stores, Rasi Silks, Ramanathan Krishnan, P S Higher Secondary School, Dabba Chetty Shop, and Prof. R Ramachandra.

“After extended festive periods, many patients present with fatigue, acidity, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, elevated blood pressure and breathlessness. When celebrations continue without a break, the body does not get sufficient time to recover, increasing the risk of complications, particularly in people with diabetes, hypertension or obesity.”

“The liver is among the most affected organs during festive indulgence. Repeated consumption of alcohol and rich foods can worsen fatty liver disease, gastritis and other digestive disorders. Many patients seek medical attention only when symptoms persist well beyond the festive season.”

New Delhi, India, Jan 12: ECOS (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited (ECOSMOBLTY | 544239 | INE06HJ01020), one of India’s leading chauffeur-driven corporate mobility providers, has reinforced its long-term commitment to safety with the successful implementation of its #Safety365 initiative, embedding safety as a core organisational value across operations.

The initiative was designed to move beyond a short-term campaign approach and establish safety as an everyday responsibility for chauffeurs and teams. Over a four-week period, ECO Mobility conducted structured engagement and training programmes focused on awareness, responsible driving behaviour, and continuous learning, supported by interactive sessions and regular communication touchpoints.

As part of the initiative, chauffeurs participated in safety pledges, symbolising their personal commitment to ensuring safe and reliable journeys. The programme saw strong participation, with more than 2,600 chauffeurs trained across 137 sessions, delivering over 2,800 man-hours of focused safety learning.

To sustain engagement beyond formal sessions, ECO Mobility has also launched a dedicated Chauffeurs’ WhatsApp Channel, ECO Mobility: Chauffeur Club, to share ongoing safety updates, training content, and best practices, ensuring continuous reinforcement of safety standards.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Deepali DeV, Chief Operating Officer of ECOS (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited, said,

“At ECO, safety is not a periodic initiative but a responsibility we uphold every day. Through #Safety365, we are reinforcing a culture where every chauffeur takes ownership of safety, ensuring consistent, dependable, and secure mobility experiences for our customers.”

ECO Mobility continues to strengthen its safety-first culture, supporting its mission to deliver professionally managed, compliant, and reliable chauffeur-driven mobility solutions across India.