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Mumbai, Feb 26: SMFG India Credit has unveiled its new brand anthem film “Chal Pado, Aage Badho,” a high-energy celebration of progress, partnership and shared purpose. Set within the vibrant environment of SMFG India Credit’s workplace, the film highlights how progress is driven by collective momentum and philosophy of becoming SARVOTTAM – Rise to be the best.

Rooted in the spirit of “Pragati”, the campaign brings together employees across functions and levels, from teams on the office floor to senior leadership in the boardroom, reflecting alignment, collaboration and a shared vision for growth. The narrative reinforces the belief that when people move forward together with purpose and confidence, meaningful progress follows.

The anthem is more than a song, it is a celebration of who we are — a culture built on belief, collaboration, and shared ambition. From frontline teams to leadership, from new joiners to mentors, this anthem carries the collective voice of SMFG India Credit.

Speaking on the launch, Ravi Narayanan, MD and CEO, SMFG India Credit, said,

“This composition is much more than a melody; it is the very heartbeat of our organizational philosophy. In it resides a little bit of the heart and soul of each one of my colleagues across the length and breadth of Bharat. It serves as a powerful reminder of our shared mission to constantly rise to be the best – to be ‘Sarvottam.’ The stirring refrain, “Badhe Chalo,” beautifully captures our collective resolve to keep walking ahead, innovating, and growing. It reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire organization as we journey toward becoming an institution — the absolute benchmark of excellence.”

“Our anthem reflects our deepening presence across nearly 1,000 branches, the scaling of our portfolio, and the progress at SMFG India Credit. This growth story is the result of our teams moving in alignment. Over the past year, we have strengthened our foundation, sharpened execution, and built momentum across markets. The nationwide production journey was a spectacular feat of unity. Filmed across the country, every frame radiates the boundless energy and discipline of our people, which enable us to grow responsibly while expanding access to credit across India,” adds Narayanan.

India, Feb 26 : Securonix, Inc., a six-time Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant for SIEM, today announced the promotion of Ajay Biyani to Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan In this expanded role, Ajay will lead regional strategy, go-to-market execution, partner ecosystem development, and customer success initiatives across the region.

Since joining Securonix, Ajay has played a key role in scaling the company’s footprint across APJ through disciplined expansion, partner enablement, and strong customer engagement. He built and led cross-functional teams across sales, channels, and customer success, supporting more than 100 professionals across the region. Under his leadership, Securonix delivered sustained year-over-year revenue growth while expanding adoption of its Unified Defense SIEM platform across financial services, telecommunications, government, and other regulated industries.

Ajay also strengthened the regional MSSP and channel ecosystem, with strategic partnerships contributing significantly to pipeline growth and accelerating SaaS adoption across enterprise accounts.

With more than two decades of leadership experience spanning engineering, enterprise sales, and regional management, Ajay has held senior positions at ForgeRock, Verizon Enterprise Solutions, and Wipro Technologies. He has served as Vice President, APJ at Securonix since October 2022.

Across APJ, organizations are balancing rapid digital expansion with intensifying regulatory oversight and rising cyber risk. Enterprises in the region are under pressure to modernize security operations while demonstrating measurable resilience to regulators and boards. In his new role, Ajay will focus on helping organizations adopt governed, AI-powered security operations that deliver operational clarity, predictable economics, and executive-level accountability.

Ajay’s promotion reflects Securonix’s long-term investment in APJ as a strategic growth region and its broader commitment to scaling Unified Defense SIEM and agentic AI capabilities globally.

“APJ represents one of the most dynamic cybersecurity markets globally,” 

said Scott Sampson, Chief Revenue Officer, Securonix. 

“Ajay has demonstrated consistent leadership, built strong regional partnerships, and driven measurable growth. As we continue to scale our Unified Defense SIEM platform powered by agentic AI, his leadership will be instrumental in deepening customer trust and accelerating expansion across the region”.

Ajay Biyani said,

“Security leaders across APJ are under increasing pressure to deliver measurable resilience while navigating regulatory complexity and rapid digital growth. My focus will be on strengthening our partner ecosystem, supporting our customers’ transformation to AI-driven security operations, and ensuring organizations across the region become breach ready and board ready.” 

Odisha’s 2026–27 state budget has placed renewed emphasis on cultural preservation, with major announcements centered on heritage conservation, museum development and digitization initiatives. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, while presenting the budget in the state Assembly, proposed the establishment of a world-class Shree Jagannath Museum and Library in Puri, reinforcing the government’s stated priority of preserving and propagating Jagannath culture.

A World-Class Museum in Puri

• The proposed museum in Puri will complement the historic Shree Jagannath Temple, one of India’s most revered 12th-century shrines. With an allocation of ₹1,000 crore for initiatives linked to Jagannath culture, the project aims to:
• Create a global-standard museum and research library
• Digitally connect devotees through the ‘Samarpan’ digital hundi platform
• Restore the spiritual and architectural heritage of the Gundicha Temple
• Undertake conservation work at Emar Mutt, Pramod Udyan and Raghunandan Library
• Prepare a detailed inventory of the Ratna Bhandar ornaments

This initiative signals a broader shift toward integrating heritage conservation with tourism development and digital accessibility.

Condition of Odisha’s Existing Museums

Odisha houses several state-managed museums that preserve its rich maritime, tribal, artistic and archaeological heritage. However, many institutions face infrastructural and modernization challenges.

1. Odisha State Museum, Bhubaneswar

The Odisha State Museum holds valuable collections of palm-leaf manuscripts, sculptures, inscriptions, coins and folk art. While it remains a key cultural institution, sections of the museum require upgraded galleries, improved lighting, climate control systems and digital cataloguing facilities. The budget allocation of ₹10 crore for maintenance of galleries is a step toward modernization.

2. Odisha State Maritime Museum, Cuttack

Located at Jobra in Cuttack, the Odisha State Maritime Museum highlights Odisha’s ancient maritime trade links across Southeast Asia. Recent maintenance activities, including work on its aquarium facility, indicate ongoing infrastructural needs. Although operational, the museum requires technological upgrades, interactive displays and enhanced visitor services to meet contemporary standards.

3. District and Thematic Museums

Several district-level and thematic museums across Odisha face common issues:

• Limited funding for upkeep
• Shortage of trained museum professionals
• Lack of digitization of collections
• Minimal public engagement and outreach programs

Central Scheme for Museum Development: Objectives and Scope

The broader national scheme for museum development aligns closely with Odisha’s current initiatives. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance for:

Objectives

• Setting up new museums at regional, state and district levels
• Strengthening and modernizing existing museums
• Digitizing art objects and creating online catalogues
• Capacity building and training of museum professionals

Scope

Financial assistance covers museums managed by Central and State Governments, societies, autonomous bodies and trusts. The scope includes:

• Museums with collections of antiquities, numismatics, paintings, ethnology, textiles and crafts
• Online Virtual Museums
• Theme-based museums
• Virtual Experiential Museums (VEM)
• Projects of National Importance

Monitoring Mechanism

Museums receiving assistance must report annual visitor footfall for five years after project completion. A Project Monitoring Committee under the Ministry periodically reviews progress to ensure effective implementation.

Steps Toward New Museums in Odisha

The proposal for a Shree Jagannath Museum reflects a strategic cultural vision. Discussions around new museums in Odisha increasingly focus on:

1. Digitization and Virtual Access
2. Creating online archives and virtual walkthroughs to attract global audiences.
3. Experiential and Theme-Based Museums
4. Developing immersive storytelling spaces around Jagannath culture, maritime history and tribal heritage.
5. Capacity Building
6. Training curators, conservators and archivists in modern museum management practices.
7. Public-Private Partnerships
8. Involving trusts, academic institutions and autonomous bodies to strengthen governance and funding.
9. Tourism Integration
10. Linking museums with pilgrimage and heritage circuits to boost visitor engagement and revenue.

The Way Forward

Odisha stands at a critical juncture in cultural infrastructure development. While existing museums preserve invaluable heritage, many require modernization to remain relevant and engaging. The proposed Jagannath Museum in Puri could serve as a benchmark for future museum projects in the state—combining tradition, technology and tourism.

If effectively implemented, the new initiatives may transform Odisha into a leading cultural hub, where heritage preservation coexists with digital innovation and global outreach.

Chandigarh, Feb 26: As consumer preferences evolve, everyday beverages are increasingly being chosen with purpose. Functional teas, in particular, are gaining relevance as part of simple daily routines that support balanced lifestyles, without requiring drastic changes. Green tea has emerged as a familiar base in this shift, valued for its natural antioxidants and light, refreshing profile. Its versatility makes it easy to consume across the day, whether during work hours or as part of an evening routine, reinforcing consistency rather than intensity. Tetley Green Tea Slim Care builds on this growing trend by combining premium green tea with added L Carnitine, designed to help reduce body fat when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

 Available in Lemon and Honey and Ginger, Mint and Lemon flavoured variants, Tetley Green Tea Slim Care supports routine building through familiar flavours and easy consumption. Positioned as an everyday addition rather than aquicksolution, itreflects how functional teas are becoming anaturalpartof modern daily choices.

New Delhi, Feb 25: Thimme Gowda D.T., a senior Congress leader from Mysuru, on Wednesday met senior party leader and CWC member Gurdeep Singh Sappal in Delhi and discussed issues relating to organisational coordination and cadre strengthening.

Mr. Gowda lauded Mr. Sappal’s role as a permanent member of the Congress Working Committee and his responsibilities as the administration-in-charge at the All India Congress Committee (AICC). He said structured administrative functioning and coordination at the central level play a key role in maintaining institutional continuity within the party.

He lauded Mr. Sappal’s role as adviser to Congress president Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and his coordination of the party president’s office. According to Mr. Gowda, effective alignment between national leadership and State and district units remains essential for strengthening the party’s outreach.

Mr. Gowda, who has been associated with the Congress for over 25 years, has worked with the Youth Congress and the Mysuru District Congress unit in various organisational capacities. Party members in the district describe him as a grassroots worker who has remained engaged in booth-level management, voter outreach and campaign coordination during Lok Sabha, Assembly and Panchayat elections.

Over the years, he has focused on strengthening local networks and maintaining communication between party leadership and cadre at the block and village levels. Colleagues attribute to him a consistent presence in organisational activities rather than pursuit of formal positions.

Apart from electoral responsibilities, Mr. Gowda has participated in social initiatives and relief activities, particularly during periods of crisis. Party sources said his engagement combines organisational discipline with community outreach.

Mumbai, Feb 25: From the classrooms of ITM Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) to the high-energy environment of a national television set, ITM IHM students recently experienced the thrill and challenges of live show production on the set of MasterChef India. MasterChef India is a competitive cooking reality TV series where amateur and home chefs compete for the coveted title, making it one of the country’s most popular culinary platforms.

The experience gave students direct insight into television production workflows, including scheduling, coordination across departments, and adherence to broadcast timelines. During the event, the students executed a coordinated on-stage movement by placing cloches on specific contestant tables at the center of the set while maintaining a perfectly timed walk-in sequence. Each member was assigned a particular contestant’s apron and walked in a line in the exact order, ensuring synchronized entry and precise placements.

Prior to going on set, students practiced their formation and timing, focusing on alignment, pace, and clean, coordinated movements. Their preparation translated seamlessly into performance, offering first-hand insight into the precision required in live production, where every action must be accurate and camera-ready. With the live streaming market projected to grow at 26.74% annually and reach $318 billion by 2031, mastering live production disciplines has never been more career-critical.The experience underscored a critical lesson: whether in a bustling kitchen or on a live show floor, teamwork, discipline, and timing are essential for success.

The participating students from FY BBA-IHTM and SY BBA-IHTM included Shaun Mascarenhas, Fahyan Hussian, Madhusudan Mahendran, Astan Correa, Giriraj Bale, Ranveer Shinde, and Mohammad Kaif. They demonstrated exceptional professionalism and adaptability while navigating the fast-paced demands of show production.

Dr. Purva Tawade, Director & Dean of ITM IMH said, “Seeing our students bring the same discipline and professionalism from the classroom to a national stage like MasterChef India is truly inspiring. Experiences like these prepare them to excel in the fast-paced world of hospitality and beyond.”

This experience reflects ITM IHM’s commitment to bridging academic learning with real-world exposure, preparing students to excel in dynamic hospitality and event environments.

REHAU has been certified as a Great Place To Work in 2026, a recognition that shows the organisation’s sustained focus on building a workplace defined by trust, fairness, and shared accountability. Based entirely on employee feedback, the certification places REHAU ahead of industry benchmarks and offers a meaningful view into how teams experience the organisation every day.

According to the Great Place To Work assessment, REHAU performed at or above benchmark levels across key dimensions such as credibility, respect, pride, and camaraderie, indicating consistency in leadership behaviour, people practices, and workplace culture.

One of the strongest indicators to emerge from the survey was inclusion. Majority of the employees stated they are treated fairly, irrespective of gender orientation, showcasing REHAU’s emphasis on equality and dignity at the workplace. A similar percentage expressed confidence in the organisation’s contribution to the community, building upon a culture where social responsibility is understood as part of everyday decision-making rather than a separate initiative.

Employee pride remains high across functions and locations. The employees also reported feeling good about working at REHAU, while a comparable number said they feel proud of what the organisation has achieved. These responses are supported by a strong Trust Index score, signalling confidence in leadership intent, organisational direction, and long-term stability.

Commenting on the certification, Mr. Tushar Verma, Executive Vice President, REHAU India and Subcon, said,

“This recognition is important because it comes directly from our people. It shows how teams experience REHAU in their daily roles, right from the shop floor, in offices, or across functions. We have always believed that performance follows trust. When people feel respected, treated fairly, and heard, they engage more deeply with their work. The idea behind ‘Be More, Achieve More’ is to create an environment where individuals can grow with clarity, take ownership, and contribute meaningfully over the long term.”

REHAU’s people culture is anchored in transparent communication, leadership accessibility, and cross-functional collaboration. Employees are encouraged to participate in improvement initiatives, share ideas openly, and build capabilities through structured development programs. This approach has helped create a workplace where accountability is balanced with support, and growth is viewed as a shared responsibility.

Ms. Ashima Deepak Kaul, VP – Human Resources, REHAU India, said,

“Being recognised as a Great Place To Work in 2026 is a strong validation of the culture our teams have built together over time. At REHAU, trust, fairness, and inclusion are reflected in everyday interactions and decisions. When our people say they feel proud to work here and respected for who they are, it tells us that our focus on people-first leadership is resonating. It is our shared belief that when individuals feel supported and valued, they naturally perform better and grow with the organisation. This recognition motivates us to continue creating meaningful careers and a workplace where people can thrive with confidence.”

The Great Place To Work Certification 2026 marks another step in REHAU’s ongoing effort to strengthen its people-first approach as the organisation continues to grow. Through placing trust and fairness at the centre of its workplace philosophy, REHAU remains focused on building teams that are engaged, resilient, and aligned with the organisation’s long-term vision.

Chennai, Feb 25: Celebrating the spirit, stories and stalwarts of the city, Super Chennai has announced the launch of a brand-new intellectual and cultural property Super Chennai Arattai – a curated, intimate conversation series that brings Chennai’s most celebrated personalities face-to-face with their admirers.

The inaugural edition of Super Chennai Arattai will feature legendary Carnatic vocalist Padma Shri Aruna Sairam, one of India’s most revered classical musicians and a global ambassador of Chennai’s musical heritage. In this special first edition, Padma Shri Aruna Sairam will engage in an intimate chat with her fans, sharing insights from her extraordinary journey, reflections on music, culture and Chennai, and personal anecdotes that have shaped her illustrious career. She will also be felicitated as the ‘Icon of the Month’ for the month of February.

Rooted in the city’s rich culture of dialogue and community, Super Chennai Arattai is designed as a warm, up-close interaction where a distinguished celebrity or legend from Chennai will engage in an open, heartfelt conversation with a select audience of fans.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, Super Chennai said,

“Super Chennai has always been about celebrating the positive narratives and inspiring personalities that define our city. With Super Chennai Arattai, we are creating a platform for meaningful conversations – where legends are not just seen on stage, but heard, felt and experienced up close. It is our way of honouring the icons who have shaped Chennai’s identity.”

The event will be held on 28th February at 5:00 pm and is strictly by invite. Fans and admirers can register to receive an exclusive invite, making the experience both personal and curated.

With its blend of recognition and real conversation, Super Chennai Arattai aims to become a monthly cultural touchpoint – spotlighting icons across diverse fields including arts, sports, entrepreneurship, cinema, literature and public service – and strengthening the bond between Chennai’s legends and its people.

India, Feb 25 : India’s cricket season is driving a measurable surge in domestic travel, with new Airbnb data showing significant year-on-year growth in searches and bookings across demand across match-hosting cities, particularly beyond metro hubs.

Demand shifts beyond metros

As marquee tournaments unfold between February and May, travel demand is dispersing into emerging cricket centres such as Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur and Lucknow, signaling how major sporting moments are reshaping India’s tourism map.

According to Airbnb internal data, searches by Indian guests for several match-hosting cities during the cricket season rose significantly compared to the same period last year, with some of the strongest growth recorded in emerging cricket centres beyond the metro circuit.

• Ranchi saw nearly a 120% increase in searches year-on-year.
• Thiruvananthapuram recorded over 110% growth in searches year-on-year.
• Jaipur and Lucknow witnessed increases of over 70% and 60% in searches year-on-year respectively.

The data suggests that high-profile fixtures are accelerating travel into tier-2 locations, broadening the geographic distribution of visitor demand beyond India’s traditional gateway cities.

Key match-day spikes were even more pronounced

Searches for stays by Indians in the host city Colombo during the India vs Pakistan match weekend surged over 325%, while nights booked recorded a notable increase year-on-year, underscoring cricket’s power to drive cross-border travel during marquee encounters

Similarly, ahead of the cricket world cup final window Ahmedabad recorded a nearly 170% increase in searches reinforcing its position as a marquee cricket destination during major tournament fixtures.

Match day = travel getaway

Behind this surge is a generational shift in how cricket is consumed. What was once largely a living-room experience has evolved into in-real-life travel, especially among younger Indians. From streaming watch sessions to travelling across states to support favourite teams, cricket is increasingly shaping how Gen Z plans trips and getaways.

Airbnb’s Experience-Led Travel Insights survey showed that nearly 60% of India’s Gen Z say they plan to travel to attend live cricket matches in 2026, and 70% prefer to attend with friends or family. While cricket might be drawing India’s Gen Z to a destination, their trips typically extend beyond the match day. Rather than short, single purpose visits, these trips are often built as longer stays as more than half (53%) extend trips beyond match days to explore local culture, cuisine and neighbourhoods. The median trip length for a cricket match stands at 3–4 days, mirroring a growing appetite for immersive, experience-led travel.

Search trends reflect this shift. Airbnb data of Indian travelers leading up to the cricket season suggests that cricket travel is increasingly becoming a group and family-friendly experience:-

• In Ahmedabad, searches for entire homes were nearly double those for private rooms.
• Additionally, searches for homes with two or more bedrooms grew in cities such as Ahmedabad Kangra (up nearly 90%), and Visakhapatnam (up over 75%).

Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India and Southeast Asia, said,

 “Cricket has long united the country in spirit. What we’re seeing now is that same energy translating into travel, with fans building meaningful trips around the game. Increasingly, these moments go beyond the stadium, people are extending their stays, travelling with friends and family, and exploring destinations more deeply. On Airbnb, we’re seeing this shift firsthand, as travellers choose homes that allow them to stay together, experience neighbourhoods more authentically, and turn match days into fuller, more memorable getaways. It’s a powerful example of how culture shapes travel and creates meaningful impact for local communities.”

As India’s tourism ecosystem evolves, cricket-led travel is increasingly extending beyond traditional gateway cities. As fans travel for marquee fixtures and build longer stays around match weekends, visitor activity is reaching a wider set of host cities supporting local hospitality ecosystems and contributing to more geographically distributed tourism demand.

India, Feb 25: Club Med, leader in premium all-inclusive holidays for 75 years, is thrilled to announce that Club Med Phuket will transform its iconic beachfront into a high-energy celebration of Indian heritage. On 4th March 2026, the resort will invite international guests to experience the spirit of Holi through a vibrant sundowner, followed by a curated Indian gala dinner and an immersive party experience. This cross-cultural showcase is designed to bridge borders, uniting guests through the universal language of color, music, and festive joy.

Set along the pristine shores of Kata Beach, the festivities will unfold as a multi-experiential celebration capturing the true spirit of Holi which is spring, renewal, and unity.

The first highlight of the day will be a vibrant Grand Goûter & Color Battle at Coconut Garden. The Phuket team will introduce guests to the meaning of Holi, celebrating the arrival of spring and the spirit of togetherness. This will be followed by a coordinated countdown and collective colour-throw moment, creating a joyful and highly Instagrammable highlight against the stunning beachfront backdrop. Designed as a dry Holi experience, guests will play with organic, natural colour powders and fresh flowers, with safety measures thoughtfully in place to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable celebration for all.

As the sun sets, the festivities will transition into an Indian Flavors Dinner Experience at the resort’s main restaurant. Guests will indulge in a rich buffet complemented by live Indian cooking stations, showcasing authentic regional preparations. A decadent spread of traditional Indian desserts will complete the culinary journey, offering a wholesome immersion into the flavours of the festival.

The celebration will culminate in a high-energy Grand Indian Night Party, transforming the theatre or main bar area into a vibrant, Bollywood-inspired experience. Pulsating Indian beats, dynamic lighting, and spirited entertainment will invite guests to dance the night away, carrying the festive momentum into an unforgettable evening.

By bringing Indian cultural expression to Phuket through this vibrant, day-to-night celebration, Club Med continues to champion meaningful cultural exchange across its international properties creating immersive, joyful experiences that connect guests from around the world through shared celebration and cultural discovery.