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Bengaluru, Feb 09: Following a successful roadshow kick-off at OTM Mumbai, South African Tourism has now successfully completed the Bengaluru leg of its Annual India Roadshow, continuing its focused engagement with the Indian travel trade and reinforcing India’s growing importance as a key source market for South Africa. Led by Ms. Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA), the roadshow serves as a strategic platform for industry collaboration, insights into evolving traveller behaviour, and the identification of new business opportunities across leisure, corporate and MICE travel segments.

Featuring over 40 exhibitors presenting a diverse range of offerings, the roadshow drew participation from over 235 Indian travel trade agents in Bengaluru. Continuing its focused engagement with the Indian market, the multi-city initiative will next move to Ahmedabad on 10^th February 2026, further strengthening trade collaborations and encouraging outbound travel to South Africa.

Sharing her perspective at the roadshow, Ms. Karmarkar said,

“India continues to be a priority growth market for South African Tourism, driven by strong interest across family travel, experiential holidays, and premium travel. Indian travellers today are also planning differently, using AI-powered tools to research and customise their trips, travelling more occasionally, and showing a growing willingness to explore destinations beyond traditional favourites. This shift in traveller behaviour reflects a more confident and curious audience, and it opens up new opportunities to highlight lesser-known regions and experiences across South Africa

She further added,

“Bengaluru has firmly established itself as one of South Africa’s key source markets in India. Travellers from the city are digitally savvy, experience-driven, and increasingly confident in exploring long-haul destinations. Through the roadshow, we aim to deepen our engagement with the local travel trade and further strengthen South Africa’s visibility and relevance in this important market.”

With a strong base of frequent international travellers, Bengaluru represents a high-potential market for South African Tourism, particularly across premium leisure, adventure, and wildlife segments. The city’s outbound audience is increasingly seeking personalised, well-paced itineraries that combine iconic experiences with lesser-explored regions, with safaris continuing to be a key motivator. Through sustained collaboration with the travel trade, South African Tourism is focused on unlocking new itineraries and driving greater consideration and conversion from this market.

South Africa is targeting a return to pre-Covid Indian traveller volumes in 2026 and remains committed to fostering lasting partnerships with Indian trade partners, delivering tailored experiences for a range of traveller profiles, and positioning South Africa as a must-visit destination. The roadshow demonstrates the country’s dedication to strengthening ties with the Indian market and inspiring more travellers to explore the Rainbow Nation in the years ahead.

The country is also set to host the 2027 ODI World Cup, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse tourism attractions and attract visitors from around the globe. Through ongoing trade engagement, targeted consumer outreach, and innovative marketing initiatives, the tourism board remains dedicated to expanding its presence in India.

Mumbai, Feb 09: Infiniti Mall, Mumbai’s premium destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, brings February alive with a feel good celebration of love, music, and cinema. Across its locations, the mall will host special Valentine’s décor, live performances, and an open air movie screening series, creating memorable experiences for visitors throughout the month.

The highlight of the season is the open air movie nights, curated around love stories that defined a generation. These screenings revisit iconic films that feel like old friends, stories audiences have laughed with, cried over, and returned to time and again.

From the youthful energy and coming of age romance of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the February lineup unfolds as a celebration of love in its many forms. The timeless charm of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge revisits romance that defined an era, while the soulful emotion of Veer Zaara brings depth and poetry to the screen. The series concludes with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, a story of friendship, self discovery, and living in the moment.

Open Air Movie Nights

INFINITI MALL, MALAD

Valentine’s Weekend Highlights – Infiniti Mall, Malad

Valentine’s Weekend Highlights – Infiniti Mall, Andheri

Adding to the Valentine’s Day celebrations, visitors can also enjoy special performances, festive décor, and live music designed to create a warm and lively atmosphere.

As the evenings set in and the screens light up, guests can relax, savour some popcorn, enjoy the music, and lose themselves in stories and moments that celebrate love in all its forms.

Mumbai, Feb 09: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), the apex body representing India’s real estate sector, through its CSR Foundation and member network, is initiating the second phase of its flagship ecological reforestation drive across degraded stretches of the Western Ghats, commencing with 700 acres of land restoration. In tandem, the organisation felicitated skilled construction workers who have successfully completed its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification, formally recognising their expertise and contribution to the sector.

CREDAI’s reforestation initiative launched last year aims to plantation of nearly 2 million saplings across 25 villages, approximately 9,000 acres of degraded forest land in Maharashtra, commencing from Nashik. The initiative encompassed awareness programmes and the promotion of sustainable development practices. It was implemented in collaboration with the Raah Foundation and district authorities in Maharashtra. The organisation had signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the District Collector, Nashik, to align the programme with the Government of Maharashtra’s regreening priorities and community-based forest management frameworks.

Given the exceptional ecological sensitivity and strategic importance of the Western Ghats, CREDAI Nashik plays a pivotal role in on-ground execution and community coordination, working closely with the national team to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes across all programme phases. To date, more than 3,500 acres have been restored through native-species plantations, supported by soil preparation, trenching, mulching, moisture conservation, and water-harvesting interventions. Plantations proceed at approximately 200 saplings per acre, with multi-year survival monitoring, third-party audits, and active community participation in plantation, protection, and long-term stewardship. This delivers sustained ecological regeneration, groundwater recharge, improved soil health, and enduring livelihood benefits for local communities.

In a dedicated felicitation ceremony, CREDAI honoured construction workers certified under its RPL initiative, highlighting their vital role as the foundation of India’s construction ecosystem. These programmes formally validate years of informal on-site experience, converting it into NSQF-aligned, industry-recognised certification delivered by CSDCI-certified trainers. The 10-day learn-while-you-earn model combines 1 hour of daily classroom theory with 7 hours of supervised on-the-job training, ensuring no wage loss or disruption to active sites. Certifications cover key trades: masonry (general, tiling, plastering), shuttering carpentry, and bar bending & steel fixing. CREDAI plans to significantly scale these efforts, targeting the certification of 50,000 construction workers across the country in the coming years.

To further strengthen the sector’s talent pipeline, CREDAI’s Junior Engineering Programme equips young civil engineers with practical site knowledge, technical readiness, and enhanced employability to meet the demands of rapid urbanisation. Complementing this, CREDAI has forged strategic partnerships with premier institutions for developer leadership development. In collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad, CREDAI offers the Real Estate Development Leadership (RED-L) Programme, a 6-month executive course designed for developers with 7–10 years of experience, focusing on strategic leadership, governance excellence, and industry transformation. Separately, the IIM Bangalore–CREDAI Business Leadership Programme (BLP), develops visionary leaders equipped with advanced skills in strategic thinking, emerging technologies, operational excellence, and adaptive change management in a rapidly evolving sector.

Shekhar Patel, President, CREDAI, said,

“As urbanisation and real estate growth accelerate, industry bodies bear a profound responsibility to invest in long-term environmental outcomes. The Western Ghats, sustaining millions through its biodiversity and water resources, has faced decades of degradation, making large-scale restoration an urgent imperative. Launching the second phase of our flagship reforestation drive, we are advancing science-led native-species revival, community stewardship, and rigorous monitoring to regenerate biodiversity, recharge groundwater, restore soil health, strengthen climate resilience, and create enduring livelihoods for local communities.

This reflects CREDAI’s commitment to balance development with ecological responsibility through structured, measurable, and scalable interventions that contribute to India’s ecological security. In parallel, our felicitation of RPL-certified workers and leadership collaborations with IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore further support workforce dignity and sectoral capability. Together, these efforts align with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 to foster inclusive, responsible, and eco-resilient growth. We at CREDAI are deeply proud to lead this transformative socio-ecological action.”

Esskay Beauty Resources has received the Outstanding Partnership Award from Spanish professional skincare brand Casmara at the Casmara Beauty Congress 2026, held in Spain, last week. During the same event, Esskay Beauty Resources was also officially recognised as Casmara’s No. 1 Distributor Globally, a recognition based on its 18-year-long collaboration & outstanding performance in market expansion and growth rate across India. The announcement was made in the presence of Casmara’s senior leadership and representatives from its global distributor network.

The Outstanding Partnership Award acknowledges the continuity of the long-standing relationship between Esskay Beauty Resources and Casmara, and Esskay’s contribution to building and expanding the brand in professional beauty markets over time. The company has worked closely with salon professionals, clinics, and industry partners to strengthen Casmara’s footprint and visibility across its operational markets.

Commenting on the recognition, Ankit Virmani, Director, Esskay Beauty Resources, said the acknowledgement reflected the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders.

“This recognition belongs not only to our internal teams but also to our partners who have worked alongside us and believed in the brand’s long-term potential. Being recognised at a global platform like the Casmara Beauty Congress is encouraging,” he said.

Subham Virmani, Director, Esskay Beauty Resources, said

“the global recognition was the result of sustained and consistent efforts rather than short-term outcomes. “The focus has always been on building the brand steadily across markets and strengthening professional engagement. This recognition reinforces the approach we have followed over the years & motivates us to continue aspiring for our shared goals,” he said.

Esskay Beauty Resources has been associated with Casmara for 18 years, during which the partnership has evolved steadily. Over this period, the collaboration has expanded beyond distribution to include education-led initiatives, professional training programmes, and market development efforts aimed at supporting salons and beauty professionals across India.

Casmara is a Spain-based dermo-cosmetic company specialising in professional skincare solutions. The brand is known for its focus on research-led formulations and professional treatments and operates across 80+ international markets through a network of distribution partners.

Headquartered in Gurugram, Esskay Beauty Resources has operated in the professional beauty and wellness space since 2002 and works with global brands to develop markets through distribution, education, and long-term brand-building initiatives.

New Delhi, Feb 09: In the face of rising geopolitical volatility and growing energy demand, India must significantly scale up domestic oil and gas exploration to secure its energy future, said Mr Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group, calling for nearly 2,000 active exploration licences across the country.

Highlighting India’s heavy dependence on imports, Agarwal noted that the country currently imports nearly 90% of its oil and gas requirements, leaving it strategically vulnerable despite being surrounded by sea on three sides. With India expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing oil and gas market for at least the next two decades, he stressed that boosting domestic production is no longer optional but critical.

“India is vulnerable because we import 90% of our oil and gas. In hostile times, our sea routes can be blockaded. Energy independence is a strategic necessity,” Agarwal said.

Vast Resources, Untapped Potential

India is endowed with an estimated 300 billion barrels equivalent of hydrocarbon resources, more than 30 times the potential of Guyana, Agarwal pointed out. In addition, Indian professionals account for nearly 10% of the global oil and gas talent pool, giving the country a strong human capital advantage.

However, the core challenge remains exploration. “Exploration is the heart of this business,” Agarwal said, citing the United States as an example where opening up exploration to entrepreneurs transformed the country from import dependence to energy self-sufficiency.

Drawing from Vedanta’s experience through Cairn Oil & Gas, Agarwal noted that India can produce hydrocarbons at nearly half the cost of imports. The sector has already contributed over $40 billion to the national exchequer and delivered 1.3 billion barrels of production, despite operating without sector-specific incentives such as Production Linked Incentives (PLI).

Regulatory Clarity Key to Investor Confidence

A major deterrent to investment, Agarwal said, is regulatory unce

Feb 09: Pan IIT Alumni India has welcomed the interim India–United States trade framework, stating that it could significantly accelerate India’s ambitions in semiconductors, data centres, and advanced technology manufacturing, especially when complemented by supportive domestic policy measures outlined in the Union Budget.

Welcoming the joint statement issued by India and the U.S., the alumni body said the framework signals deeper cooperation in critical and emerging technologies at a time when India is rapidly expanding its manufacturing and digital infrastructure base.

“The trade framework and the Union Budget together reflect a clear strategic alignment. India is building domestic capacity while expanding global technology partnerships,” said Mr. Prabhat Kumar, Chairman, Pan IIT Alumni India.

According to Pan IIT Alumni India, improved access to advanced components and technologies comes at a crucial moment as India pushes forward semiconductor fabrication, packaging, and design under its manufacturing incentive programmes.

“Today, everything runs on chips—from data centres and telecom networks to electric vehicles and defence systems. Stronger engagement with the U.S. can help India move faster from design to manufacturing and packaging, while reducing supply chain risks,” Kumar added.

The alumni body noted that the Union Budget further strengthens the domestic ecosystem through continued support for semiconductor manufacturing and digital infrastructure expansion. It highlighted the proposed tax holiday until 2047 for foreign cloud service providers using Indian data centre infrastructure as a key measure aimed at attracting long-term global investments.

“The trade framework improves access to advanced technology and global markets, while the Budget builds the domestic foundation. Together, they create momentum for sustained growth in advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure,” Kumar said.

Pan IIT Alumni India also emphasized that startups and MSMEs stand to benefit from smoother cross-border collaboration, improved access to capital, and integration into global value chains. It pointed out that India’s extensive network of IIT alumni working across U.S.-based technology companies and venture funds could play a catalytic role in facilitating partnerships, investments, and market access.

“From electronics and EV components to defence and aerospace, reliability matters. This framework strengthens India’s position as a trusted manufacturing and innovation partner under the evolving China+1 strategy,” Kumar noted.

Pan IIT Alumni India added that its global alumni network is uniquely positioned to help translate this momentum into tangible outcomes by facilitating stronger connections between industry, academia, and policymakers through mentoring, technology partnerships, and cross-border investments.

Hyderabad, Feb 09: The Indian Dental Association (IDA), the apex body representing dental professionals across the country, conferred the prestigious ‘IDA Performance Awards’ to outstanding IDA branches and office bearers, recognising exemplary performance, sustained commitment, and impactful initiatives in advancing oral healthcare.

At the 76th IDA Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today at Mangalore, IDA Hyderabad emerged as a standout performer, securing eight national awards, reaffirming its leadership, innovation, and dedication to community service.

The awards honour the branch and members who have demonstrated excellence through diverse projects, independent initiatives, and programmes aimed at achieving optimal oral health for all citizens.

The IDA Deccan branch clinched a plethora of IDA Performance Awards across the categories of:

1. School Dental Health Award
2. Student Activity Award
3. Best CDH Activity
4. Best Scientific Activity Award
5. Best Local Branch Secretary – Dr. A. Srikanth
6. Best All-Round Activity – Local Branch
7. Best Local Branch President – Dr. S. Niranjan Reddy
8. Best member below 30 years – Dr Ch Shreya

Congratulating the award winners, Dr. Subhra Nandy, President, Indian Dental Association, said,

“It is an honour to felicitate these outstanding contributors for their exceptional service to both the community and the dental fraternity. Their passion, leadership, and commitment set new benchmarks and will continue to inspire others to aim higher and serve better.”

The recognition underscores IDA Deccan’s unwavering commitment to professional excellence, community outreach, and advancing oral health initiatives, further strengthening its position as one of the most dynamic branches in the country.

Signature Packaged Drinking Water Brings Music and Climate Action Together with ‘Root for Mangroves’ in Gurugram

Gurugram, Feb 09: Signature Packaged Drinking Water continued its first of-its-kind concert series, Root for Mangroves, with an electrifying performance by Armaan Malik at Leisure Valley Ground, Gurugram. The concert marked the second stop of a three-city cultural platform that brings live music together with meaningful action to support mangrove regeneration in India.

Conceptualised as a culture-led initiative to spotlight the importance of mangroves, Root for Mangroves transforms live entertainment into a vehicle for environmental awareness and participation. Produced and promoted by TribeVibe Entertainment, the Gurugram concert marked the continuation of the series by combining high-energy performances with a strong message on climate resilience and conscious living.

Armaan Malik brought his energy to the stage, captivating the audience with chart-topping hits and fan favourites including ‘Pehla Pyaar’, ‘Bol Do Na Zara’, ‘Chale Aana’, ‘Jab Tak’ among others. The performance was more than just entertainment—it was a call to action, reminding fans that music has the power to inspire change beyond the stage.

“Climate change often feels like tomorrow’s problem, but it’s impacting our lives today,” said Aanandita Datta, Vice President and Portfolio Head – Marketing, Diageo India. “Root for Mangroves is an exciting music festival and a celebration of the meaningful work we are doing in Odisha, where Signature Packaged Drinking Water is already helping restore 62 acres of degraded mangrove land, planting over 30,000 saplings, and supporting five coastal villages. The festival directly fuels these efforts – every ticket sold contributes Rs 50 towards the ongoing on-groundwork. So when people attend the concerts, they are not just enjoying music; they are actively participating in protecting our environment. This is how we turn entertainment into impact, making climate action meaningful and joyful for everyone.”

Armaan Malik said,

“Performing in Gurugram was incredibly special – there’s an electrifying energy here that you can truly feel. Music has always been about connection for me; it brings people together and reminds us of the world we collectively share and protect. Supporting Signature Packaged Drinking Water’s Root for Mangroves is close to my heart because these ecosystems quietly safeguard millions of lives and livelihoods. If this performance inspires even a few people to pause, reflect, and take action – it would mean everything. I’m grateful to be part of a movement that gives music a larger purpose.”

Shoven Shah, Founder & CEO, TribeVibe Entertainment, added,

“We’re constantly looking to build experiences that go beyond the stage and Root for Mangroves is a powerful expression of that vision. Partnering with Signature Packaged Drinking Water, we’ve created a concert series where music becomes a catalyst for real-world impact. With a cause as vital as mangrove regeneration at its core, the property reflects how live entertainment can drive purpose at scale. Having icons like Armaan Malik lead this movement adds immense creative energy and reach, helping us connect audiences with a message that truly matters while setting a new benchmark for purpose-driven entertainment in India.”

Mangroves are among India’s most effective natural climate shields, protecting coastal communities, absorbing carbon, and supporting biodiversity. Through Root for Mangroves, Signature Packaged Drinking Water continues its commitment to conscious living by championing awareness and action around mangrove regeneration.

Ahmedabad, Jan 07 : Urban planning in India must move beyond drawing city boundaries and focus on people, productivity and time efficiency, K. Srinivas, Secretary, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), said on Thursday while inaugurating the 74th National Town & Country Planners Conference organised by the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI).

Mr. Srinivas said urbanisation has now been recognised as a positive force for economic growth, with town planners emerging as key stakeholders in India’s development story.

“It is no longer enough to design cities in kilometres. There is a need to design locally, design for people and, most importantly, design for time. In urban areas, time efficiency determines productivity, whether in mobility, housing, education or access to services,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead, Mr. Srinivas noted that India is expected to add between 35 and 40 crore people to its urban population in the coming decades. He cautioned that despite significant progress, urban development continues to face structural issues such as weak municipal finances, rising costs of living, inadequate health infrastructure and a persistent disconnect between urban planning and economic planning.

“Planners are often seen as gatekeepers. The need of the hour is to become facilitators and drivers of development,” he said, calling for greater congruence between public investment in urban infrastructure and its economic impact.

Earlier, NK Patel, Patron and Past President of ITPI, said Gujarat was hosting the national conference after 13 years with the same enthusiasm and commitment to advancing the planning profession.

The three-day conference, themed ‘Proactive Regional Planning and Development to Usher Viksit Bharat’, has drawn around 500 participants from across the country. Key discussions on the first day focused on planning and development approaches for rapid transit corridors and metro cities regional planning for economic development.

In his address, ITPI President Pradeep Kapoor, stressed the need to move beyond city-centric master plans.

“No city can develop in isolation. Regional planning must take centre stage if we are to manage rapid urbanisation and move towards balanced growth, especially as India approaches 40% urbanisation before 2030,” he said.

Former Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Keshav Verma urged young planners to act as urban warriors and adopt a vision-driven approach.

“Business-as-usual planning has created inefficient and unhealthy cities. The paradigm must shift for greater focus on quality of life, sustainability, green spaces and people’ participation. Good urban planning is also good economics,” he said.

Darshna Vaghela, Minister of State for Urban Development, spoke about the state’s urban transformation over the past two decades and citied the approval of over 225 town planning schemes in the last three years. She urged planners to ensure cities evolve as liveable, inclusive hubs rather than concrete-dominated spaces.

The second day of the conference will include sessions on inclusive infrastructure planning for global events, climate literacy in academia and practice, AI application for sustainable planning and management, and lessons from 100 years of town planning schemes in Gujarat. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will be the chief guest at the valedictory session.

Mumbai, Feb 06: As India gears up for the excitement of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2026, Shoppers Stop, India’s premium fashion, lifestyle, and gifting destination, has announced the launch of Style Innings, a high-energy, cricket-themed retail campaign running from 29th January to 8th March 2026 across its stores nationwide.

The campaign brings together the thrill of cricket and the joy of shopping, inviting customers to play their ‘Style Innings’ with engaging gamified experiences. Through the “Shop and Win” initiative, customers can earn shopping vouchers of ₹750 on spends of ₹7,500 or ₹1,500 on spends of ₹15,000.

Shoppers also have the chance to win premium rewards via ‘Play a Shot and Win’ for shopping of ₹7,500, including:

• BMW Bikes

• Adidas fan merchandise

• Easydiner Prime memberships

• Fashion tees from Fratini and Life

• ₹500 off on Shoppers Stop brands (on shopping of ₹3,500)

• 1,000 bonus loyalty points

• Free beauty makeovers

• Flat 40% off on Arcelia

• Exclusive app and HomeStop offers

The bumper prize includes PVR Inox couple tickets for the IND vs PAK live screening in select cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Noida, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Cyberabad.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Jiten Mahendra, Customer Care Associate and CMO, Shoppers Stop, said:

“At Shoppers Stop, we believe every great innings deserves a great reward. Style Innings is our way of letting customers play their winning shots, whether they’re cheering for Team India or refreshing their wardrobes. With exciting prizes, gamified experiences, and the thrill of the World Cup in the air, we’re ensuring that this season, everyone who walks into our stores walks out a champion.”

Through Style Innings, Shoppers Stop aims to boost customer engagement, drive footfalls across stores and digital platforms, and reinforce its premium retail positioning, ensuring that every shopper enjoys a rewarding experience during the World Cup season.