May 2026

Muthoot Finance Ltd., India’s largest gold loan NBFC, has been ranked as the No. 1 Most Trusted Brand in the Financial Services category in TRA Research’s Brand Trust Report 2026, marking its 10th consecutive year of achieving this distinction. The TRA Brand Trust Report is one of India’s most comprehensive syndicated studies on consumer trust, evaluating brands across sectors based on a robust framework that combines both rational and emotional drivers of trust, ultimately influencing buying intent.   Mr. Alexander George Muthoot, Joint Managing Director, Muthoot Finance   This continued recognition reflects Muthoot Finance’s strong legacy of trust, customer-first approach, and consistent focus on delivering reliable, transparent, and accessible financial solutions to millions of customers across India. As India’s largest gold loan NBFC, the company has built deep-rooted relationships across urban and rural markets, supported by its extensive consolidated branch network of over 7,500 branches and presence across 29 states and union territories, reinforcing its position as a dependable and widely accessible financial partner. The company now serves over 2.5 lakh customers every day across India, reflecting its deep reach and strong trust among households.   Commenting on the achievement, Alexander George Muthoot, Joint Managing Director, Muthoot Finance, said, “Being recognised as India’s most trusted financial services brand for the 10th consecutive year is a matter of immense pride and responsibility for us. This milestone is a reflection of the unwavering trust our customers have placed in us across generations, and it inspires us to continue raising the bar in everything we do. At Muthoot Finance, trust is not just a value, but the foundation of our business. We have consistently focused on delivering transparent, customer-centric financial solutions while embracing innovation to meet evolving customer needs. As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening this trust, expanding access to credit, and empowering individuals and businesses across India to achieve their financial goals.”   As a pioneer in formalising the gold loan segment in India, Muthoot Finance has played a pivotal role in transforming gold loans from an informal borrowing option into a structured, transparent, and widely accepted financial product. This recognition further reinforces how gold loans are increasingly being perceived as a smart, reliable, and trustworthy credit solution, particularly for households seeking quick and secure access to funds.   Muthoot Finance has also been certified as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years by the Great Place to Work Institute, reflecting its sustained focus on employee wellbeing, a culture of trust, and a supportive, people-first work environment. The company was also recently recognised among the Top 50 India’s Best Workplaces™ in BFSI 2026 by Great Place to Work.   Muthoot Finance, which recently completed 15 years since its IPO, is also the first listed company from Kerala to cross a market capitalisation of Rs. 1 lakh crore and is a constituent of the NIFTY Next 50. The company is also classified as an Upper Layer NBFC. In addition, Muthoot Finance has undertaken extensive initiatives in CSR, and ISR, investing approximately Rs. 500 crore since 2014 and impacting over 5 million lives across India.   Muthoot Finance’s sustained leadership in the TRA Brand Trust rankings underscores its ability to build long-term relationships with customers by combining trust with service excellence and innovation. The recognition also highlights the company’s continued efforts in strengthening its brand equity while adapting to changing customer expectations and market dynamics.

North India’s leading real estate developer, Reach Group has come up with a unique concept of “AIRIA Business District” – a high-performance ecosystem comprising of Grade A retail and offices. Airia Business District serves as an identity for Reach Group’s distinct and independent commercial developments in sector 68, on NH248A.   Reach Group Unveils Airia Business District, an ecosystem of Grade A office and retail spaces The initiative has been conceptualised to position the developments to form a larger ecosystem where there are retail, entertainment, dining and office experiences around one destination-driven environment. At the centre of the ecosystem is the fully operational AIRIA Mall, a Grade-A retail destination driving over 1 lakh footfall per week. Spread across over 5 lakh sq. ft. housing more than 115 national and international brands, a 7-screen multiplex and over 25 dining destinations, the mall has established itself as one of the most prominent retail and lifestyle destinations in Gurugram. In the past, the mall hosted premium events such as Backstreet Boys, Karan Aujla, Martin Garrix among others, elevating the mall’s stature in Gurugram’s entertainment landscape. The mall acts as the anchor driving footfall and recognition to the ecosystem. Grade-A office development- AIRIA Corporate Tower, one of the tallest commercial towers on NH-248A. The tower offers the dual advantage of expansive cityscape vistas alongside panoramic views of the Aravalli range. Rising up to 19 storeys, with the first four levels are dedicated to retail, while Airia Corporate Tower office spaces commences from the fifth floor onwards. The tower will offer approximately 3.52 lakh sq. ft. of office space designed around a modern work-dine-entertain environment. The development features an imposing double-height entrance lobby on the ground floor. The tower is being planned with sustainable green building features, large floor plates, premium façade architecture and has direct connectivity with AIRIA Mall. Further elevating the appeal of this ecosystem is The BAZARIA, a premium SCO plotted development envisioned as a premium high-street retail destination, strategically next to Airia Mall. This independent SCO plotted development has been thoughtfully designed as an experience-led retail destination, enabling seamless and effortless movement for shoppers. Planned to be developed as a high-street destination with integrated sky bridges, common elevators and wraparound balconies, the project aims to benefit from the recognition and footfall of Airia Mall and offers ample parking space. The development now has an availability of plots ranging from approximately 178 sq. yd. to 200 sq. yd. on an average. While most SCO plotted developments take years to establish visibility and attract meaningful footfall, The Bazaria enjoys a distinct day-one advantage with immediate visibility and audience traction, owing to its strategic location. Ashish Tandon, Chief Business Officer, Reach Group, said, “Commercial destinations today are no longer defined by standalone retail or office developments. They are defined by ecosystems that create experiences, drive repeat engagement and bring together business, entertainment and lifestyle within one integrated environment. AIRIA Mall has already established itself as a strong commercial anchor, and through the AIRIA Business District initiative, we are further strengthening this ecosystem by bringing around complementary developments. Through Airia Business District, Reach Group aims to attract the smart investors in office & retail spaces, who understand the importance of an ecosystem led product rather a standalone development.” The Airia Business District enjoys seamless connectivity to Southern Peripheral Road, Golf Course Extension Road, CPR and NH-48, while also benefiting from proximity to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the proposed metro corridor. Surrounded by a rapidly growing residential and commercial catchment, the development cluster is well positioned to cater to the evolving business and lifestyle needs of Gurugram. With over 15 years of expertise in commercial real estate, Reach Group has developed a portfolio of nearly 3.5 million sq. ft., including under-construction projects. The company has consistently demonstrated strong leasing performance across developments including AIRIA Mall, Comercia, My Tower and 3Roads, with occupancy and leasing achievements ranging between 70% to 100%.

The BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) has formally announced the appointment of Mr. Sameep Shastri as the Chairman of the Chamber for the term April 2026 – March 2029. The appointment was confirmed during the 14th Annual General Meeting of BRICS CCI held in New Delhi, where the newly elected Office Bearers took oath during the official Oath Taking Ceremony.    Mr. Sameep Shastri appointed as the Chairman of the BRICS CCI Mr. Sameep Shastri was elected unanimously and unopposed, reflecting the confidence and trust reposed in his leadership and long-standing contribution towards strengthening the Chamber’s global vision and institutional outreach.    Mr. Sameep Shastri appointed as the Chairman of the BRICS CCI A distinguished entrepreneur, strategist, and public leader, Mr. Sameep Shastri has been closely associated with BRICS CCI’s international engagement, youth leadership initiatives, policy dialogue platforms, and strategic partnerships for several years. Having previously served as Vice Chairman of BRICS CCI for six years, he played a pivotal role in expanding the Chamber’s presence across global forums and multilateral engagements. He also strengthened institutional collaborations involving trade, diplomacy, innovation, culture, and sustainable development.  Carrying forward the illustrious legacy of his grandfather, former Prime Minister of India Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mr. Sameep Shastri represents a new generation of leadership committed to nation-building, global cooperation, and inclusive development. His appointment comes at a significant time when India is emerging as a leading voice for the Global South and BRICS nations continue to strengthen their role in shaping the future global economic order.  Under his leadership, BRICS CCI is expected to further enhance its efforts towards promoting trade and investment cooperation, innovation-led partnerships, entrepreneurship, sustainability dialogue, youth engagement, and people-to-people ties among BRICS nations and emerging economies.  Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sameep Shastri said, “It is a privilege to serve as Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry at a transformative moment for India and the BRICS ecosystem. Having worked closely with BRICS CCI for several years, it is an honour to now lead the Chamber at a time when BRICS nations are shaping a new era of global cooperation. We look forward to building stronger partnerships and creating impactful opportunities that contribute towards a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous future.”   

Over 215 Brands, 100+ Sub-Brands and 50+ Live Demonstrations to Power South India’s Largest Integrated Industrial Sourcing Platform Across 60,000+ Sq. Ft. of Exhibition Space   Smart Expos & Fairs (India) Pvt. Ltd. will present South India’s largest co-located industrial trade event of 2026 between 28–30th May at the Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam. Showcasing Tamil Nadu’s emergence as one of India’s most dynamic manufacturing destinations, the mega industrial gathering will bring together three established B2B exhibitions, COMPACK 2026 (15th Edition), LOGMAT 2026 (11th Edition), and COSS 2026 (1st Edition), all under one roof.   When?  28–30 May 2026   | Thursday & Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Chennai Trade Centre How? Free Trade Entry available with business card Online Registration Portal: smartexpos.in/vp-smart     Glimpses of the 2025 edition   Designed as a comprehensive sourcing platform for industries across Tamil Nadu and South India, the three-day event will cover the complete industrial supply ecosystem spanning packaging, material handling, warehousing, intralogistics, industrial safety, and security solutions. With free trade entry for business visitors, the exhibition cluster is expected to attract procurement heads, plant managers, operations leaders, warehouse professionals, safety officers, project engineers, and CEOs from diverse industrial sectors.   Together, the three co-located exhibitions address the core operational requirements of every modern manufacturing facility — packaging finished products, moving and storing goods efficiently, and safeguarding people, infrastructure, and industrial assets.   Tamil Nadu has emerged as one of India’s strongest manufacturing and industrial growth engines, with rapid expansion across sectors such as automotive, electronics, EVs, aerospace, warehousing, and advanced manufacturing. Every new factory and industrial project requires efficient packaging systems, robust intralogistics infrastructure, and world-class safety solutions. By bringing COMPACK, LOGMAT, and COSS together under one roof, we are creating a unified sourcing and networking platform that directly supports the evolving needs of modern industries across Tamil Nadu and South India.   The co-located trade exhibition is designed for industry professionals and decision-makers from the automotive, plastics, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, chemicals, electricals, warehousing, and logistics sectors across Tamil Nadu and South India.   About the B2B exhibitions: COMPACK 2026 (15th Edition) South India’s oldest dedicated packaging exhibition returns with over 100 brands showcasing packaging machinery, packaging materials, converting systems, printing, labelling, and coding technologies. From primary packaging equipment to end-of-line dispatch solutions, the exhibition covers the entire packaging value chain under one roof.   LOGMAT 2026 (11th Edition) Recognised as South India’s only dedicated exhibition for material handling, warehousing, and intralogistics, LOGMAT 2026 will feature more than 75 brands across material handling equipment, warehouse automation, storage systems, AIDC and RFID solutions, robotics, and intralogistics technologies. The event is expected to become a major sourcing platform for industries planning automation and capital expansion projects during FY2026–27.   COSS 2026 (1st Edition) Making its debut this year, COSS 2026 is South India’s first comprehensive exhibition focused exclusively on industrial safety and security. Over 40 brands will showcase occupational safety products, PPE, fire detection and protection systems, surveillance technologies, industrial security solutions, and compliance and training services. The exhibition addresses the growing importance of EHS compliance and workplace safety across manufacturing sectors.   Website: www.smartexpos.in

Ashwinder R. Singh has been reappointed as Chairman, CII Real Estate Committee (Northern Region) for the 2026-27 term, reinforcing his position as one of India’s most recognised voices in real estate, urban development, and industry leadership.   Widely known for scaling real estate platforms and his expertise in developing integrated townships, Ashwinder is also regarded for his experience across institutional capital, finance, and PropTech. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of BCD Group and Co-founder of BCD Royale, the group’s development arm, which is developing a 70-acre integrated township in Bangalore. He has played a key role in strengthening the group’s strategic expansion into real estate development and integrated urban growth.   Ashwinder R. Singh reappointed as Chairman, CII Real Estate Committee (Northern Region) for 2026-27   His reappointment comes at a time when India’s real estate sector is undergoing significant structural transformation, driven by infrastructure expansion, rapid urbanisation, technology adoption, capital market participation, and increasing global investor interest in India’s long-term growth story.   As Chairman of the CII Real Estate Committee (Northern Region), Ashwinder will continue working closely with policymakers, developers, financial institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to strengthen sectoral collaboration and contribute to the next phase of India’s urban and economic development.   Over the years, he has emerged as a prominent industry voice at national and international forums, participating in strategic conversations involving senior policymakers, global investors, and business leaders. He has also led multiple CII industry delegations to markets such as the UAE, Singapore, and London, contributing to stronger international engagement and positioning India’s real estate sector within broader global investment conversations.   Ashwinder brings with him over two and a half decades of leadership experience across some of India’s most recognised organisations. His professional journey includes leadership roles as CEO of Bhartiya Urban, where he led the development of a 150-acre integrated township, CEO of JLL Residential, Co-founder & CEO of ANAROCK, and senior leadership assignments at Citibank, Deutsche Bank, ICICI Bank, Fullerton Singapore, and Bajaj Housing Finance.   Across his career, he has played a pivotal role in property sales and development initiatives exceeding USD 5 billion, while also contributing to conversations around institutional funding, housing finance, PropTech innovation, and integrated urban development.   Commenting on his reappointment, Ashwinder R. Singh said, “The Indian real estate sector is entering one of the most important phases in its evolution. The opportunity today is not just to build projects, but to help build a stronger, more globally competitive India. CII has consistently played an important role in fostering constructive industry dialogue, and I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders across sectors to contribute meaningfully to this journey.”   Apart from his industry leadership roles, Ashwinder is also Advisor to NAR-India and Mentor at Earth Fund, a venture platform focused on PropTech, sustainability, and UrbanTech innovation, backed by Brigade Group and Gruhas. He also serves on multiple advisory boards across real estate, finance, media, and technology.   A three-time bestselling author and award-winning industry commentator, Ashwinder is also the voice behind the widely followed Open House newsletter and serves as Chief Advisor – Real Estate to Republic Media Network, where his insights frequently shape conversations around policy, markets, infrastructure, and urban development.   Recognised as Real Estate Person of the Year 2025 and Best Business & Money Author of 2024, he continues to be widely acknowledged for combining industry experience with strategic clarity and long-term sectoral perspective.   Know more at: www.ashwinderrsingh.com.   About CII The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is one of India’s premier industry bodies, working closely with government, industry, and civil society to support economic growth, competitiveness, sustainability, and nation-building initiatives across sectors.

Customization is the key to customer satisfaction because it caters to the needs or addresses the challenges that can hinder growth. Netrack India, being a leading provider of data center and IT infrastructure solutions, understands this need and hence offers advanced custom rack solutions designed to address the increasingly complex requirements of modern enterprises. Netrack’s customized racks are built to support high-density deployments, hybrid environments, and mission-critical workloads which ensures that they deliver enhanced performance, flexibility, and compliance across diverse industry use cases.   Netrack India Develops Custom Rack Solutions for Complex Enterprise Needs   Enterprise environments today demand precision and adaptability because they are scaling rapidly due to integration of AI, cloud, and edge computing, standard rack configurations often fall short. This is where Netrack’s customized racks save the day by catering to the exact specifications for load capacity, airflow management, power distribution, security, and integration aligned with the existing infrastructure. The result is a sustainable and future-ready platform that can enhance space utilization, improve thermal efficiency of data centers, and also ensure operational resilience.   In fact, Netrack’s customized rack solutions are designed through close collaboration with customers. This ensures that every deployment aligns with their performance objectives, compliance mandates, and growth plans. Hence, from concept to commissioning, Netrack focusses on reliability, scalability, and operational cost.   To make it a best choice, Netrack’s customized racks are manufactured with capabilities to handle high density load which is perfect for AI/ML, HPC, and blade server deployments with advanced airflow and thermal controls while considering configurations that can support business growth while minimizing disruption and retrofit costs. Again, with integrated DUs, cable management, and hot/cold aisle compatibility Netrack ensures maximized efficiency of power and cooling of the data centers. Also, these racks are built while keeping the physical security in mind, so they adhere to the global standards and certifications. Finally, with design validation, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, and on-site support Netrack makes it ideal for businesses.   This makes Netrack’s offering popular assuring in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities that enables rapid customization while maintaining stringent quality controls. Each of Netrack’s solution undergoes rigorous testing to ensure durability, safety, and performance under real-world conditions. Hence, with deployments across data centers, telecom facilities, BFSI environments, and large enterprise campuses, Netrack continues to support organizations in building resilient, efficient, and scalable infrastructure foundations.   Meta description Netrack assures scalability, security and performance to enterprises with customized racks.

BPTP Limited, a leading real estate developer in NCR, has leased office space at its Grade-A commercial development, Capital City in Sector 94, Noida, to Taiwan-based semiconductor company MediaTek for its new research and development (R&D) hub.   BPTP Capital City, Noida The transaction entails the leasing of approximately 1,04,000 sq. ft. of space. Based on the agreed commercial terms, the transaction value is estimated at approximately Rs.144 crore over the contemplated tenure, subject to contractual terms and customary escalations. The center has recently become operational and marks MediaTek’s second R&D hub in the country, after Bengaluru, further reinforcing Noida’s growing stature as a preferred destination for global technology and innovation-led companies. Strategically located with seamless connectivity to Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida, BPTP Capital City is situated around 300 metres from the Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro Station, offering strong accessibility for corporate occupiers. Commenting on the development, Manik Malik, CEO & President, BPTP, said, “The leasing by MediaTek at Capital City reflects the increasing interest from global technology companies in well-connected, high-quality commercial developments in NCR. With a focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and occupier experience, Capital City is positioned to support evolving workspace requirements of leading corporates.” A MediaTek spokesperson added, “India continues to be a key market for MediaTek’s innovation and engineering capabilities. The new R&D facility in Noida is aligned with our efforts to expand our talent base and strengthen our research capabilities. The location and infrastructure at BPTP Capital City support our operational requirements and provide a conducive environment for our teams.” BPTP Capital City is a Grade-A commercial development designed in alignment with global sustainability benchmarks. The project has achieved LEED v4.1 O&M Platinum Certification, along with IGBC Platinum and WELL Core Platinum Certification, reflecting its focus on energy efficiency, environmental performance, and occupant well-being. The development also reflects a global design approach, with architectural design by Robert A.M. Stern and interior design by HBA Studios. This is complemented by carefully curated architectural elements, including the use of a refined limestone facade, contributing to the project’s distinct and enduring identity. The development offers approximately 780,000 sq. ft. of office and mixed-use space, featuring modern infrastructure, including multi-level parking, vertical mobility systems, and a range of occupier amenities such as food courts, wellness facilities, and co-working spaces. The addition of MediaTek further strengthens the tenant mix at Capital City, which already houses companies across sectors including technology, financial services, manufacturing, and education. About BPTP BPTP Limited is a real estate developers with over two decades of operations in the Delhi-NCR region. The company has delivered numerous residential and commercial projects across multiple locations in NCR, including residential group housing, plotted developments, commercial developments and integrated townships.

FAY Investment Group, a global investment platform focused on the acquisition, management and development of real estate and hospitality assets, has announced the launch of Villa Roma EB-5, a US EB-5 investment opportunity centred on the redevelopment of the historic Villa Roma Resort in Upstate New York. Positioned within a Rural Targeted Employment Area (TEA), the project is being introduced to global investors, including India’s growing pool of outbound investors seeking residency-linked international investment opportunities.   FAY Investment Group introduces Villa Roma EB-5 to Indian investors Located across a 434-acre campus in the Catskills region, the project combines a reduced 800,000-dollar investment threshold, priority processing eligibility, and a defined hospitality redevelopment strategy within the EB-5 framework. The redevelopment plan includes a 52.1-million-dollar Property Improvement Programme to be executed over approximately 25 months while maintaining ongoing resort operations. The project aims to reposition the legacy asset into a modern, all-season hospitality destination catering to leisure travellers, events, and group tourism demand. The redevelopment scope includes the renovation of 139 hotel rooms and 232 managed serviced apartments, alongside the construction of a new conference centre. Expanded food and beverage offerings, upgraded recreational infrastructure, and dedicated employee housing are also planned as part of the broader transformation strategy. The property benefits from established tourism demand and its proximity to New York City, creating a diversified operating model intended to support year-round occupancy and long-term operational resilience. From an EB-5 perspective, the project has been structured with a focus on job creation visibility and compliance alignment. Independent economic analysis projects approximately 777 jobs linked to the development, exceeding the estimated 640 jobs required for the planned 51.2-million-dollar EB-5 raise, translating to approximately 12.14 jobs per investor. The investment structure is based on a preferred equity model, with capital deployed through a New Commercial Enterprise into the project entity. The targeted investment horizon is five years, with a potential one-year extension and multiple potential exit pathways including refinancing, asset sale, or operational cash flow, subject to market conditions. The company stated that demand from Indian investors for globally diversified, residency-linked investment opportunities continues to grow, particularly in structured real asset categories with operational visibility and defined compliance frameworks. According to the company, Villa Roma EB-5 has been designed to align hospitality asset redevelopment with the structural advantages of a Rural TEA EB-5 project, including lower investment thresholds, projected job creation visibility, priority processing eligibility, and a clearly defined investment framework. The Rural TEA designation also enables access to current priority processing provisions under the EB-5 programme, an aspect increasingly relevant for Indian investors evaluating global residency-by-investment pathways. The resort itself brings more than five decades of operating history, supported by a diversified mix of accommodations, food and beverage operations, events, and recreational amenities that contribute to year-round demand. The project is backed by institutional partners across construction, design, advisory, and fund administration functions to support execution oversight and operational transparency. Villa Roma EB-5 reflects FAY Investment Group’s broader strategy of identifying underutilised hospitality assets with strong fundamentals and unlocking value through structured capital deployment and active asset management. For detailed information about the Villa Roma EB-5 project, investment requirements, and program guidelines, visit www.fayeb5invest.com.

A new Kapiva study, based on a survey conducted by Kantar has revealed that stress and sleep disruption are emerging as major concerns among Indians living with hypertension. Despite being one of India’s most prevalent chronic conditions, the study suggests that for most patients, it remains persistently out of control and shows a clear picture of how urban Indians are living with hypertension in 2026, and what is truly driving it.   Infographic – Top 5 perceived caused for high BP   The findings challenge conventional assumptions. When patients cross Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities were asked what caused their high blood pressure, 82% cited stress as the primary perceived cause, ranking above diet, genetics, and age combined. While nearly 6 in 10 say poor sleep can trigger BP fluctuations. Among younger patients (25–44-year-olds), 43% described their workplace stress as very high. Poor sleep and acute stress were tied as the leading triggers for BP going out of control, each cited by 59% of respondents. Seven in ten patients who experience BP fluctuations do so every single week.   The physical toll is equally significant. 43% report frequent headaches, 29% experience anxiety and restlessness, and 18% suffer heart palpitations that nearly half describe as unbearable. For most patients, hypertension is not a condition managed with a twice-yearly doctor visit. It is the background noise of daily life.   Commenting on this, Ameve Sharma, Founder and CEO of Kapiva, said ,“This study reaffirms that India’s BP crisis is as much a stress and lifestyle crisis as it is a cardiovascular one. As these numbers show, preventive health solutions and sustained lifestyle changes are becoming as important as clinical intervention. At Kapiva, we have always followed a consumer-out approach, understanding what people are going through and then building solutions around those needs. Our offerings are a direct outcome of that thinking, a formulation built not just around a diagnosis but around how people are actually living with health conditions every day.”   The study also reveals a parallel care system operating quietly alongside prescription medication. 35% of BP patients are already using natural or home remedies in addition to their prescribed treatment, reaching for lemon water (71%), amla (57%), garlic (53%), and Arjun Chaal (39%). The instinct is right, but the execution faces real limits: 34% cite inconsistency and inconvenience as barriers, and 25% admit they cannot maintain the habit daily.   Critically, 60% of BP patients say they are open to trying an Ayurvedic juice for blood pressure management, a figure that rises to 73% among younger patients (25–44-year-olds).   Dr. R. Govindarajan, Chief Innovation Officer, Kapiva, added, “Hypertension today is no longer just a lifestyle condition associated with age. What we are increasingly witnessing is the impact of chronic stress, poor sleep, mental fatigue, and always-on lifestyles on cardiovascular wellness, especially among younger Indians. The study findings also emphasize the need for a more holistic approach to blood pressure management, where stress management, nutrition, sleep quality, and long-term consistency become equally important alongside medical supervision. At Kapiva, our focus has been on combining traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with standardized, research-led formulations that can support modern wellness needs in a more accessible and consistent manner.”   The study was conducted in February 2026 across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad, covering equal representation of males and females with a sample size of 303 across age groups from 25 to 65 and above.   About Kapiva Kapiva is a modern, homegrown Ayurvedic D2C brand on a mission to make evidence-based Ayurveda simple, modern, and accessible for everyday wellness. Backed by a dedicated R&D vertical of scientists and researchers, Kapiva develops authentic formulations using science-backed Ayurveda, standardised herbs, and high-quality ingredients. Kapiva has been a disruptor in the Ayurvedic industry by introducing innovation in product formats that can be easily integrated into people’s daily routines. Kapiva has expanded globally with its wholly owned subsidiaries in the USA and Middle East and has a strong offline presence across 50,000+ stores in India.

The Association for Reinventing School Education (ARISE), in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), has launched the 4th Edition of ARISE Excellence Awards 2026 — a national platform celebrating schools that are reimagining education through innovation, inclusion, institutional leadership, and excellence.   Applications are now open for the 4th Edition of ARISE Excellence Awards 2026, recognising excellence, innovation and impact in school education across India   Guided by ARISE’s motto of Student First, the Awards recognise schools that are going beyond conventional academic outcomes to build resilient learning ecosystems, nurture future-ready learners, strengthen teacher capacity and drive meaningful change within their communities. Over the past three editions, the ARISE Excellence Awards have steadily evolved into a highly regarded benchmark within the K-12 ecosystem, bringing forward inspiring stories of impact and transformation from schools across India.   The Awards have witnessed growing participation from both private and government schools, reflecting the silent yet significant shift taking place across India’s school education landscape. From rural and low-resource settings to progressive urban institutions, schools across diverse contexts are increasingly emerging as catalysts of innovation, equity and change, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.   Instituted as part of ARISE’s Impact Initiatives, the Awards seek to spotlight institutions building future-focused ecosystems through meaningful interventions in areas such as future-ready skills and experiential learning; teacher development; digital transformation and compliance; sports, visual and performing arts; sustainable development goals (SDGs); global impact leadership; and reviving Indian knowledge systems.   A defining strength of the ARISE Excellence Awards continues to be its rigorous and transparent evaluation framework. As in previous editions, the Awards will follow a robust two-tier jury process involving eminent experts from academia, governance, public policy and industry, ensuring a holistic assessment lens that combines educational depth with institutional impact. The process will once again be independently tabulated by Ernst & Young (EY), reinforcing the credibility, integrity, and transparency associated with the Awards.   The Awards aim not only to recognise excellence, but also to document and amplify scalable practices that can meaningfully contribute to the future of school education in India.   Speaking on the launch of the Awards, Ms Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI, said, “The ARISE Excellence Awards have steadily established themselves as a credible platform for recognising excellence and innovation in school education. The strength of the initiative lies in its rigorous evaluation process, diverse jury representation, and focus on identifying scalable models that can inspire the broader education ecosystem. FICCI is pleased to continue supporting an initiative that brings together schools, educators, and institutions committed to strengthening the future of education in India.”   Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Dr Arunabh Singh, President, ARISE, said, “Schools today are navigating a rapidly evolving educational landscape shaped by technology, changing learner expectations, future skills, and the need for more inclusive and holistic learning environments. Through the ARISE Excellence Awards, we aim to recognise schools that are responding to these shifts with innovation, intent, and measurable impact. It is especially encouraging to see growing participation from government schools, many of which are leading transformative work in their communities as the Awards are ultimately about celebrating practices that place students meaningfully at the centre of educational change.”   The Awards will culminate with the announcement of winners at ARISE Annual School Education Conference on September 25–26, 2026, bringing together school leaders, policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders from across the country.   Applications for the ARISE Excellence Awards 2026 are now open at: awards.ariseedu.in.   The last date for submission of applications is 30 June 2026.   About FICCI Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest Apex business organisation in India. Its history is closely interwoven with India’s struggle for independence, its industrialization, and its emergence as one of the most rapidly growing global economies. A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India’s business and industry. It serves its members from the Indian private and public corporate sectors and multinational companies, drawing its strength from diverse regional chambers of commerce and industry across states, reaching out to over 2,50,000 companies.   About ARISE Founded and Incubated in Year 2016 under FICCI, ARISE is a not-for-profit, independent industry Chamber body focused on advancing K-12 education in India through research backed strategic interventions in policy & regulatory framework. The body also serves as a platform for school founders and educators to share best practices, record learnings, build sustainable knowledge ecosystems and come together to drive a common purpose for Nation building through school education.