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BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ushers in a New Era with the Appointment of Mr. Sameep Shastri as Chairman for 2026–2029

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.”   

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Chennai to Host South India's Biggest Industrial Sourcing Platform as Tamil Nadu Leads India's Manufacturing Boom

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

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Prominent Real Estate Industry Voice Ashwinder R. Singh Reappointed as Chairman, CII Real Estate Committee for 2026-27

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.

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Netrack India Develops Custom Rack Solutions for Complex Enterprise Needs

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.

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BPTP Hosts MediaTek at Capital City, leases 1.04 Lakh Sq. Ft. Space for Rs.144 Crore Total Rent 10 years, Signalling Demand for High-Quality Workspace

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.

BPTP Hosts MediaTek at Capital City, leases 1.04 Lakh Sq. Ft. Space for Rs.144 Crore Total Rent 10 years, Signalling Demand for High-Quality Workspace Read More »

FAY Investment Group Introduces Villa Roma EB-5 to Indian Investors

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.

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82% of Indian Hypertensives trace their BP to Stress, Not Diet, Finds New Study

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.

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ARISE Invites Applications for FICCI Supported ARISE Excellence Awards 2026 to Showcase Innovation and Impact in School Education

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.

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Superdry Sport Takes the Court at Sip & Serve — A Padel Evening with Brand Ambassador Lakshya

Superdry Sport brought the heat to Phoenix Racquet Club, Palladium, Lower Parel on 9th May for Sip & Serve — a curated padel evening that was equal parts sport, style and social energy. The evening pulled in Mumbai’s fitness, fashion and creator community for a brand experience that was anything but ordinary.   Superdry Sport Takes the Court at Sip & Serve-A Padel Evening with Brand Ambassador Lakshya At the centre of it all was actor and Superdry Sport brand ambassador Lakshya — on court, in the mix, and very much in his element. He rallied with guests, owned the energy on the padel court, and made the whole evening feel effortlessly cool. With beats setting the mood and bites keeping the crowd fuelled, Sip & Serve was designed to be experienced, not just attended — a living showcase of what Superdry Sport is all about. Guests also got a first look at Superdry Sport’s new padel-ready collection — a drop that doesn’t ask you to choose between performance and personality. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Lightweight construction. Movement-friendly fits engineered for agility, comfort and endurance when the game demands everything you’ve got. Built tough, built to last — and designed to transition seamlessly from court to street without missing a beat. This drop lives inside Superdry Sport’s broader performance universe — a world engineered for intensity. Moisture-control technology, high-durability materials, and construction built to keep pace with high-output play, no compromises. Layered on top is the brand’s signature street energy: a sharp, athletic aesthetic that moves effortlessly between the court and the city.    Sip & Serve was more than an event — it was a statement. Superdry Sport is showing up at the intersection of performance, style and culture, building community that goes beyond the brand.   About Superdry Superdry is a global contemporary fashion brand celebrated for its distinctive fusion of British craftsmanship, Japanese-inspired graphic energy, and American varsity heritage. Loved by Gen Z and young millennials, the brand is recognised for its iconic streetwear, premium fabrications, and elevated style codes that blend cultural relevance with modern design. In India, Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) operates the country’s largest Superdry network and holds a 76% stake in the brand’s IP for India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Since introducing Superdry to India in 2012, RBL has expanded the brand to over 200 points of sale across more than 50 cities, with its e-commerce footprint extending reach to over 2,300 cities nationwide.

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The Benefits Making Electric Vehicles Increasingly Popular in India

For many Indian consumers, electric vehicles are increasingly becoming a practical solution that combines lower running costs, quieter urban mobility, improved driving comfort and long-term sustainability.   VinFast is also supporting EV adoption in India through a wide range of ownership incentives   The momentum for EVs in India is getting stronger as more and more buyers are embracing electric vehicles. India’s EV market surged in 2025, with E4W sales rising 86% year over year to more than 187,000 units. Momentum has continued into 2026: Electric passenger vehicle sales jumped 75.14% in April to 23,506 units, up from 13,421 a year earlier, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations.   There are several reasons that could explain this surge.   Cleaner air for Indian cities Air pollution remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in India. Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru frequently record unhealthy AQI levels, especially during peak traffic hours and winter months. The health impact is significant. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is associated with around 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide.(1)   As a result, the transition to electric mobility is increasingly viewed as part of the solution. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, helping reduce pollutants such as CO2, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide that are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.   Beyond exhaust emissions, EVs can also help reduce brake particulate pollution thanks to regenerative braking systems. Research and policy discussions published by the OECD highlight that regenerative braking significantly lowers brake wear emissions.   For Indian consumers increasingly concerned about urban air quality, this shift has become more than just an environmental issue. It is increasingly tied to daily health and quality of life.   Reducing urban noise pollution Traffic noise is another growing concern in major Indian cities. Constant exposure to engine noise, honking and congested roads has been linked to stress, sleep disorders and cardiovascular risks.   Electric vehicles operate with significantly less powertrain noise at low speeds compared with gasoline or diesel vehicles. One experiment found that EVs can produce 4-5 dB lower noise levels in urban driving conditions, especially below 30 km/h.   The difference becomes especially noticeable in dense residential areas, school zones and urban streets where stop-and-go traffic dominates.   Lower running and maintenance costs For many Indian households, economics remain one of the biggest drivers behind EV adoption.   Charging an electric vehicle in India typically costs far less than refueling with petrol or diesel. EVs also eliminate several routine maintenance items associated with ICE vehicles, including engine oil, spark plugs and exhaust system servicing. For VinFast customers in India, the savings can become even more significant thanks to the company’s free charging programme at V-GREEN charging stations until March 31, 2029.   This long-term durability advantage is increasingly supported by research. A study presented at the ICMPT 2026 international conference by researchers from Hanoi University of Science and Technology found that EVs tend to show lower long-term mechanical wear than ICE vehicles thanks to their simpler drivetrain architecture. The research analyzed theoretical reliability models alongside maintenance data from nearly 5,700 vehicles.(2)   The same study referenced analysis of more than 300 million vehicle inspection records in the UK, showing that newer generation EVs could achieve an average lifespan of up to 18.4 years.   Encouraging healthier travel habits EV ownership can also subtly encourage healthier routines. Fast charging stops often create short breaks during longer journeys, giving drivers opportunities to stretch, walk around and reduce fatigue associated with prolonged sitting.   Rahul, a VinFast VF 6 owner in Bengaluru, said: “Earlier, I would drive for hours without stopping during family trips. Now, while charging, we naturally take short breaks for coffee or a quick walk. Surprisingly, everyone feels less tired by the end of the journey.”   Supporting greener communities The growth of EV adoption is also influencing how cities and infrastructure evolve. Across India, governments and private players are accelerating investments in charging infrastructure, renewable energy integration and cleaner public transport systems.   VinFast is among the companies contributing to this shift. In India, the company is building a broader EV ecosystem that includes manufacturing, dealerships, charging partnerships, after-sales services and financing solutions. The company’s Thoothukudi plant in Tamil Nadu is positioned as a key production hub for the region.   The company currently offers the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs in India. Both models have earned strong safety credentials, including 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings, while also boasting multiple advanced features. They have already gained strong recognition in the Indian market, including the “EV SUV of the Year – Editor’s Choice” award for the VF 7 at the BBC TopGear India Awards 2026, and “Value for Money Car of the Year” for the VF 6 at the Autocar India Awards 2026.   The momentum is now extending into the MPV segment with the recently introduced VF MPV 7. Designed specifically around family comfort and long-distance practicality, the premium electric MPV offers a spacious three-row cabin, a 517 km MIDC-certified range, fast charging capability and connected smart features.   VinFast is also supporting EV adoption in India through a wide range of ownership incentives. The company currently offers free charging at V-GREEN charging stations until March 31, 2029, along with 3 years of free maintenance, a 10-year battery warranty, a 7-year vehicle warranty, a 5-year suspension warranty, a 7-year paint warranty, and 7 years of roadside assistance, creating what the company describes as a best-in-segment assurance package for customers. VinFast is also offering up to 75% assured buyback value for its electric MPV.   About VinFast VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with

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