27, Feb 2026
St. Mary’s Rehabilitation University Established in Hyderabad, Pioneering India’s First Integrated Rehabilitation Ecosystem
A landmark initiative under the Telangana State Private Universities Act aimed at training 30,000+ professionals and serving over 15 lakh individuals in the next decade.
Delhi, Feb 27: In a landmark step toward strengthening India’s rehabilitation and inclusive healthcare infrastructure, St. Mary’s Rehabilitation University (SMRU) has been formally established in Hyderabad under the Telangana State Private Universities Act. Envisioned as India’s first fully integrated Rehabilitation University, SMRU is designed to bridge critical gaps in rehabilitation education, clinical services, research, and workforce development.
At a time when India faces an acute shortage of trained professionals in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, rehabilitation psychology, special education, and allied disciplines, SMRU introduces a unified institutional model that combines academic excellence with clinical depth. The university’s foundation aligns with the constitutional mandate of inclusive growth and the objectives of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act).
Responding to India’s Growing Rehabilitation Needs
India legally recognizes 21 disabilities, and the demand for rehabilitation services continues to rise due to neurodevelopmental conditions, mental health disorders, rare diseases, age-related impairments, and trauma recovery. Despite this, rehabilitation services across the country remain fragmented, with limited interdisciplinary coordination and uneven geographic access.
SMRU has been conceptualized as a structural and systemic response to this national capacity gap. Rather than operating as a standalone academic institution, the university integrates classroom instruction, hands-on clinical immersion, rural outreach, assistive technology innovation, and human resource development into a cohesive ecosystem.
By aligning with Section 47 of the RPWD Act—which mandates the promotion of disability studies and workforce development—SMRU positions itself as a long-term capacity-building mission rather than merely a degree-granting institution.
A Fully Integrated Clinical and Academic Ecosystem
SMRU distinguishes itself through built-in clinical infrastructure that ensures real-time learning and interdisciplinary exposure. The ecosystem includes:
* A 100-bedded Medical Rehabilitation Hospital
* A 50-bedded Psychiatric Rehabilitation Facility
* A dedicated Special Education School
* Advanced laboratories and simulation-based training environments
Students begin clinical immersion early in their academic journey, fostering collaboration across therapy, psychology, nursing, public health, biomedical sciences, and education.
The purpose-built campus in Hyderabad offers a serene yet technologically advanced academic setting, supporting research, innovation, and patient-centered care.
Academic Architecture Built for the Future
The university’s academic framework spans multiple specialized schools, including:
* School of Rehabilitation Sciences
* School of Prosthetics, Orthotics & Assistive Technologies
* School of Psychology & Clinical Sciences
* School of Special Education
* School of Nursing & Public Health
* School of Rehabilitation Nutrition
* School of Engineering & Biomedical Innovation
SMRU integrates cutting-edge technologies such as AI-enabled diagnostic tools, robotics-assisted rehabilitation, assistive device design, and health informatics systems into its curriculum. This interdisciplinary architecture elevates rehabilitation from a supplementary healthcare service to a strategic pillar within India’s allied health ecosystem.
Projected Impact: Workforce, Access, and Innovation
Over the next decade, SMRU aims to:
* Train more than 30,000 rehabilitation professionals
* Provide clinical and outreach services to 12–15 lakh individuals
* Conduct over 150 rural rehabilitation camps
* Establish district-level outreach units across Telangana
* Drive research output, patents, and assistive technology innovations
The economic contribution of the rehabilitation workforce developed through SMRU is projected to exceed ₹1,000 crore annually, reinforcing both social and economic value creation.
Strengthening Telangana’s Leadership in Inclusive Development
Telangana has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of healthcare and institutional innovation. With SMRU, the state further strengthens its leadership in mental health services, inclusive education, assistive technology, and community-based rehabilitation.
By integrating healthcare delivery, education, and technological advancement within a single university system, SMRU positions Hyderabad as an emerging national hub for rehabilitation sciences and inclusive healthcare innovation.
Redefining Rehabilitation in India
Rehabilitation today is central to restoring functional independence, enabling participation in society, and advancing inclusive development. It is no longer peripheral to healthcare policy—it is foundational to it.
St. Mary’s Rehabilitation University introduces a new institutional model in Indian higher education—one designed to transform rehabilitation from fragmented services into a comprehensive, integrated national capacity system.
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- By Neel Achary
27, Feb 2026
ITC Windsor’s Raj Pavilion Presents “Holi Brunch 2026” – A Celebration of Colour, Flavours, and Festive Indulgence
Bengaluru, Feb 27: As the festival of colours approaches, Raj Pavilion at ITC Windsor invites guests to celebrate Holi with an exquisite brunch experience where festive vibrancy meets culinary sophistication. Scheduled for 4th March 2026 from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, the event promises a memorable afternoon of flavours, colours, and joyous celebrations.
Guests will be welcomed with lively chaat counters featuring Crisp Kachori Chaat and Samosa Chaat, followed by refreshing salads such as Chicken Waldorf Salad and Thai Shrimp Mango Salad, and delicate dimsums adding an Asian touch to the festive spread.
The main course promises indulgence with Kashmiri Nadru Pulao, aromatic and soulfully spiced, paired with the royal Murgh Shahjahani, slow-simmered in a velvety gravy that brings a rich and decadent touch to the brunch.
The festive feast concludes with traditional sweets including Gujiya, Jalebi with Rabdi, and Gulab Jamun, perfectly complemented by chilled, aromatic Thandai to celebrate the spirit of Holi.
Raj Pavilion, ITC Windsor, offers the perfect setting for families and friends to gather in a vibrant yet elegant ambience, creating joyful memories over a thoughtfully curated Holi brunch.
Event Details:
Where: Raj Pavilion, ITC Windsor, Bengaluru
When: 4th March 2026
Timing: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
This Holi, indulge in colours, flavours, and festive cheer with ITC Windsor’s Raj Pavilion — where every bite is a celebration.
27, Feb 2026
Hiranandani Group’s Regalia Business Parks Partners with Grav8 Sports to Launch India’s First CXO Pickleball League
Mumbai, Feb 27: In a landmark development for corporate sporting culture in India, Hiranandani Group’s Regalia Business Parks has partnered with Grav8 Sports, founded by RJ Anmol, to launch India’s first-ever CXO Pickleball League, now titled the Regalia CXO Pickleball League. This collaboration positions Regalia Business Parks as a pioneer in blending business leadership with the rising popularity of pickleball, creating a premium platform where business meets sport.
Conceptualised and created by Grav8 Sports, the league brings together the dynamism of business executives and the fast-paced energy of pickleball, encouraging active lifestyles while fostering meaningful professional connections. After a successful debut in Mumbai last year, the league is set to expand into a multi-city tour, covering Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and culminating in a grand finale in Goa. The inaugural edition generated significant buzz, highlighted by an exhibition match featuring Saina Nehwal, RJ Anmol, and Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani.
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder, Hiranandani Group, said
“At Regalia Business Parks, we believe future-ready workplaces go beyond office walls to create thriving business ecosystems. Our association with the CXO Pickleball League, powered by Regalia Business Parks and Grav8 Sports, with Saina Nehwal as Brand Ambassador, reflects this vision—bringing leaders together, encouraging active lifestyles, and blending business, sport, and wellness to strengthen professional connections.”
Olympic medalist and former World No. 1, Saina Nehwal, said
“CXO Pickleball League is the first of its kind in India, and I am thrilled to be part of this India tour. RJ Anmol’s vision for premium sports networking, now joined by the Hiranandani Group, is a winner for Grav8 Sports. Pickleball is inclusive, dynamic, and perfect for fostering connections in corporate communities.”
RJ Anmol, Founder, Grav8 Sports, added:
“Grav8 Sports is revolutionising the Indian corporate sports landscape with the CXO Pickleball League. Partnering with Regalia Business Parks, we are creating a game-changing platform where sport meets business, fostering connections, wellness, and growth. We aim to make pickleball the preferred networking sport over golf within 18 months.”
Manish Gupta, Director – CRE, Regalia Business Parks, said:
“By integrating business networking with sport and wellness, Regalia Business Parks is reinforcing its commitment to holistic growth. Our association with the Regalia CXO Pickleball League, with Saina Nehwal as Brand Ambassador, brings this philosophy to life—creating spaces where productivity, engagement, and community spirit coexist seamlessly.”
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports globally, has gained popularity within corporate communities due to its accessibility, low impact, and social nature. Often compared to golf for its networking potential, pickleball is emerging as a powerful tool for executive wellness, engagement, and strategic relationship-building in India.
The Regalia CXO Pickleball League aims to combine sport, networking, and wellness, creating a transformative experience for business leaders across the country.
27, Feb 2026
Celebrate a Colourful Countryside Holi at The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa
Sohna, Feb 27: This Holi, The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate the festival of colours with a vibrant yet relaxing countryside getaway. The resort’s specially curated Westin Family Getaway offers a holistic festive experience designed for two adults and two children (up to 12 years).
The package includes daily buffet breakfast, a choice of lunch or dinner (buffet or set menu), evening hi-tea, and exclusive savings of 20% on food, beverages, and spa therapies. Guests can also enjoy 30% savings on outdoor activities, guided morning yoga and meditation sessions, complimentary steam and sauna access, and curated children’s experiences such as toy train and airplane rides, petting zoo feeding, nature walks, and stargazing.
Adding to the festivities, the resort will host a Holi Special Brunch at The Red Brick Room from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Guests can choose from a Non-Alcoholic Buffet at INR 3,700++, an Alcoholic Brunch at INR 4,700++, or a premium Sparkling Wine experience at INR 5,700++. The brunch will be accompanied by a live singer, creating the perfect festive ambiance for families.
This Holi, The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa promises the perfect blend of celebration, indulgence, and relaxation for families seeking a memorable countryside experience.
27, Feb 2026
Ekrang 2.0 Unites 800 Participants to Celebrate Inclusivity in Pune
With a footfall of over 800 people, the two-day fest, envisioned by Romal Surana (Founder and Director, Nanhaagyan Foundation) and Soma Gupta (Founder and Director, Ghumakkad and Ahilya), succeeded in its mission to let society experience inclusivity. It was a space where every emotion found a home—the happy tears of parents watching their children shine, the pride of educators, the joy of individuals discovering their own strength.
27, Feb 2026
Binance Launches INR 2 Crore Holi Community Campaign for Verified Indian Users
Feb 27: Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and the largest digital asset exchange by trading volume and user base, is excited to announce a ₹2 crore in USDT community rewards campaign for its verified Indian users, ahead of the vibrant festival of Holi. This initiative is part of Binance’s continued commitment to strengthening engagement within India’s rapidly growing digital asset community.
The month-long campaign, themed #IndiaTurnsYellow – in the festive spirit of Holi, and inspired by Binance’s iconic yellow – will run from February 26 to March 25, 2026. It is exclusively open to users who have completed India-based KYC verification on the Binance platform.
Verified users can participate by inviting new users through a limited-time referral link. Upon successful registration, KYC verification, a minimum deposit equivalent to $5, and completion of qualifying transactions, both the inviter and invitee become eligible to unlock reward boxes. Each reward box contains USDT token vouchers valued between ₹300 and ₹1,200.
The total reward pool is ₹2 crore in USDT token vouchers, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each eligible participant can unlock up to 20 reward boxes during the campaign period.
In addition, users are invited to join an exciting week-long social challenge, featuring an additional prize pool of $10,000 in USDT. To participate, users simply need to follow Binance India’s official X and Instagram channels and engage with the social giveaways for a chance to win additional rewards.
Localizing Global Brand Engagement
This campaign exemplifies Binance’s approach to integrating global brand initiatives with India’s rich cultural calendar, aligning with the increasing interest in digital assets among Indian retail users. As India leads the global crypto adoption index, Binance remains committed to promoting safe and responsible adoption by offering comprehensive educational resources through Binance Academy, empowering users to become fully acquainted with digital assets before engaging in the crypto ecosystem.
Participation in the rewards campaign requires mandatory identity verification and is subject to predefined eligibility criteria and anti-abuse safeguards to ensure a fair experience for all participants.
Eligibility and Considerations
The campaign is open exclusively to verified Indian users, with certain trading pairs excluded as per the campaign’s terms. Rewards are issued as USDT token vouchers and credited to users’ accounts in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions.
Binance reminds users that digital asset trading involves market risk, and participants should carefully review platform policies and campaign details before joining.
27, Feb 2026
Verdant IMAP Advises Open Access Data Centres on South African Data Centre Acquisition
Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb 27: Verdant IMAP is pleased to announce that it has advised on the acquisition of a portfolio of South African data centre assets from NTT DATA, by Open Access Data Centres a subsidiary of WIOCC Group.
NTT operate global technology and digital infrastructure platforms, and the assets form part of their South African data centre operations.
The transaction comprises seven data centre facilities, strategically located in key centres across South Africa, forming an important platform within South Africa’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. The assets support enterprise, wholesale, and cloud connectivity requirements and represent critical infrastructure underpinning the country’s growing digital economy.
The acquisition strengthens WIOCC Group’s position as a multi-regional digital infrastructure provider, expanding its footprint in South Africa while complementing its broader pan-African and international network and connectivity assets. The transaction enhances the group’s ability to serve its diverse client group, which includes hyperscalers, CDNs, network operators, ISPs, and enterprise clients with scalable, resilient, and carrier-neutral data centre capacity across multiple markets.
The transaction reflects continued investment momentum in African digital infrastructure, underpinned by sustained growth in data consumption, cloud adoption, and increasing demand for neutral, carrier-dense data centre facilities in strategically located markets.
The transaction has received approval from the Competition Commission of South Africa.
Verdant IMAP acted as financial adviser to OADC (A WIOCC Group Company). The transaction involved navigating a highly complex and negotiated process, including the resolution of complex commercial, legal, and structural considerations. The transaction required extensive coordination across financial, commercial, legal, and operational workstreams over a prolonged negotiation period, reflecting the complexity typically associated with large-scale digital infrastructure transactions.
Verdant IMAP operates as part of the global IMAP platform, a long-established international investment banking network with a strong presence across major markets worldwide. IMAP forms an integral part of Verdant IMAP’s business, providing access to global sector expertise, international best practice, and cross-border perspective that underpins the firm’s advisory capabilities across complex transactions in digital infrastructure, telecoms, fintech, and technology-enabled sectors.
The transaction builds on Verdant IMAP’s growing digital infrastructure advisory franchise, reflecting the firm’s continued focus on data centres, fibre networks, telecoms, and technology-enabled infrastructure assets across Africa. Verdant IMAP continues to advise on some of the region’s most complex digital infrastructure transactions, supporting both strategic and financial clients across the investment lifecycle. The transaction is Verdant IMAP’s fourth completed transaction for WIOCC Group.
27, Feb 2026
Hunaaan Marks Women’s Day with a Simple, Sweet Gesture
This Women’s Day, Hunaaan invites guests to celebrate the occasion with a relaxed, thoughtfully crafted dining experience at its Indiranagar restaurant. To mark the day, Hunaaan will be offering a complimentary dessert to all women diners, adding a small yet meaningful touch to the celebration. The gesture reflects the restaurant’s approach to Women’s Day, simple, sincere, and centred around good food and shared moments rather than spectacle.
At Hunaaan, Women’s Day is seen as an opportunity to acknowledge women in everyday spaces and routines. It’s a day that naturally lends itself to catching up with friends, stepping out with colleagues, or simply taking a moment for oneself. The restaurant’s calm, welcoming atmosphere allows guests to enjoy the day at their own pace, making it an easy choice for those looking to celebrate without formality. The complimentary dessert serves as a subtle nod to appreciation, woven seamlessly into the overall dining experience.
The food remains at the heart of the celebration, with a menu that showcases Hunaaan’s flavour-forward Pan-Asian identity. Guests can begin with the Avocado Garden Sushi, followed by favourites like Chicken Satay and BBQ Pork Spare Ribs. Mains such as the Chicken Thai Red Curry bring warmth and depth, while the signature Dragon Shrimp Hunaaan delivers bold, satisfying flavours. The meal can be rounded off with Hunaaan’s dessert offerings, which typically range from rich, chocolate-forward creations to lighter Asian-inspired finishes like crisp, golden darsaan paired with ice cream, comforting, indulgent touches that complete the experience.
Located in the heart of Indiranagar, Hunaaan is known for its contemporary take on Pan-Asian cuisine and thoughtfully designed interiors. With warm lighting, modern textures, and an inviting layout, the restaurant encourages lingering meals and easy conversations. Rooted in consistency, flavour, and atmosphere, Hunaaan continues to be a preferred dining destination for guests seeking Asian cuisine that feels both familiar and elevated
27, Feb 2026
African Development Bank Group and African Union renew push for visa-free travel to accelerate Africa’s Economic Transformation
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Feb 27 — African policymakers, business leaders, and development institutions have renewed calls for visa-free travel across the continent, describing the free movement of people as essential to unlocking Africa’s economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The call was reinforced at a High-Level Symposium on Advancing a Visa-Free Africa for Economic Prosperity, co-convened by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission on the margins of the 39th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.
Participants framed mobility as the missing link in Africa’s integration agenda, arguing that while tariffs are falling under AfCFTA, restrictive visa regimes continue to limit trade in services, investment flows, tourism, and labour mobility.
Alex Mubiru, Director General for Eastern Africa at the African Development Bank Group, said that visa-free travel, interoperable digital systems, and integrated markets are practical enablers of enterprise, innovation, and regional value chains to translate policy ambitions into economic activity.
“The evidence is clear. The economics support openness. The human story demands it,” he told participants, urging countries to move from incremental reforms to “transformative change.”
Amma A. Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission, called for faster implementation of existing continental frameworks, describing visa openness as a strategic lever for deepening regional markets and enhancing collective responses to economic and humanitarian crises.
Former AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma reiterated that free movement is central to the African Union’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063. “If we accept that we are Africans, then we must be able to move freely across our continent,” she said, urging member states to operationalise initiatives such as the African Passport and the Free Movement of Persons Protocol.
Ghana’s Trade and Industry Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, shared her country’s experience as an early adopter of open visa policies for African travellers, citing increased business travel, tourism, and investor interest as early dividends of greater openness.
The Symposium also reviewed findings from the latest Africa Visa Openness Index, which shows that more than half of intra-African travel still requires visas before departure – seen by participants as a significant drag on intra-continental commerce.
Mesfin Bekele, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, called for full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), saying aviation connectivity and visa liberalisation must advance together to enable seamless travel.
Regional representatives, including Elias Magosi, Executive Secretary of the Southern Africa Development Community, emphasised the importance of building trust through border management and digital information-sharing systems.
Gabby Otchere Darko, Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network, urged governments to support the “Make Africa Borderless Now” campaign, while tourism campaigner Ras Mubarak called for more ratifications of the AU Free Movement of Persons protocol.
Participants concluded that achieving a visa-free Africa will require aligning migration policies, digital identity systems, and border infrastructure, alongside sustained political commitment.
In a symbolic gesture, attendees signed a “passport wall,” signalling support for accelerated reforms to make movement across African borders easier for citizens.
The African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission said they will continue working with member states and regional bodies to advance coordinated approaches to mobility – seen as a cornerstone of Africa’s integration, competitiveness, and long-term growth.
27, Feb 2026
African Development Bank Group awards $16.6 million grant to International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to scale agricultural technologies in Africa
African Development Bank Group awards $16.6 million grant to International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to scale agricultural technologies in AfricaThe agreement, signed on 18 February 2026 in Abuja, bolsters a shared commitment to modernise African agriculture by scaling proven technologies, strengthening seed systems, and expanding partnerships
ABUJA, Nigeria, Feb 27– The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a $16.61 million grant agreement to launch the third phase of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation Program (TAAT-III), aimed at scaling climate-resilient food production across the continent.
The agreement, signed on 18 February 2026 in Abuja, bolsters a shared commitment to modernise African agriculture by scaling proven technologies, strengthening seed systems, and expanding partnerships among research institutions, governments, and private sector actors.
Since its launch in 2018, TAAT has become one of Africa’s most effective and transformative platforms for agricultural innovation, reaching nearly 25 million farmers and boosting productivity across major staples. The initiative has expanded climate-resilient agricultural practices across over 35 million hectares.
Working closely with the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR) and national and regional partners, TAAT has increased crop yields as much as 69 percent and generated more than $4 billion in additional agricultural value. Countries including Sudan, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria have recorded notable gains in staple crop productivity and resilience to climate shocks.
Nigeria has been a key beneficiary of TAAT initiatives. Under its Wheat Compact, farmers adopting improved heat-tolerant varieties more than doubled yields from 1.7 tons per hectare to 3.5 tons per hectare. Programme‑supported seed system assessments also helped inform national reforms to expand access to certified, climate-resilient seeds.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abdul Kamara, Director General of the Bank Group’s Nigeria Country Department, said the new phase will focus on scaling innovation more rapidly: “TAAT-III underscores the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that proven, climate-resilient agricultural technologies reach farmers faster and at scale. This phase strengthens the systems that deliver innovation, helping countries boost productivity, enhance resilience, and align agricultural transformation efforts with the Bank’s four new areas of emphasis, dubbed the Four Cardinal Points.”
Financed through the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional lending window, TAAT-III will consolidate earlier gains while introducing a more sustainable, private sector-driven delivery model. The initiative aims to reinforce seed and technology distribution systems, deepen partnerships with governments and agribusinesses, and expand the digital tools, including its technology e-catalogues and real-time monitoring platforms, to speed up deployment of high‑impact solutions.
Simeon Ehui, Director General of IITA, remarked: “TAAT-III allows us to deepen the delivery of science‑based solutions that improve farmers’ yields and livelihoods. Working with the Bank and our partners, we are scaling technologies that make Africa’s food systems more resilient and competitive.”
TAAT featured prominently in supporting the Bank Group’s Africa Emergency Food Production Facility, helping countries to rapidly deploy improved seeds and technologies to stabilise food supplies during recent global disruptions. The programme’s third phase seeks to embed these innovations within long-term national agricultural investment strategies.
TAAT-III is expected to reach an additional 14 million farmers across 37 low-income and vulnerable countries served by the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional financing window.
