9, Feb 2026
Signature Packaged Drinking Water Unites Music and Climate Action with ‘Root for Mangroves’ in Gurugram
Signature Packaged Drinking Water Brings Music and Climate Action Together with ‘Root for Mangroves’ in Gurugram
Gurugram, Feb 09: Signature Packaged Drinking Water continued its first of-its-kind concert series, Root for Mangroves, with an electrifying performance by Armaan Malik at Leisure Valley Ground, Gurugram. The concert marked the second stop of a three-city cultural platform that brings live music together with meaningful action to support mangrove regeneration in India.
Conceptualised as a culture-led initiative to spotlight the importance of mangroves, Root for Mangroves transforms live entertainment into a vehicle for environmental awareness and participation. Produced and promoted by TribeVibe Entertainment, the Gurugram concert marked the continuation of the series by combining high-energy performances with a strong message on climate resilience and conscious living.
Armaan Malik brought his energy to the stage, captivating the audience with chart-topping hits and fan favourites including ‘Pehla Pyaar’, ‘Bol Do Na Zara’, ‘Chale Aana’, ‘Jab Tak’ among others. The performance was more than just entertainment—it was a call to action, reminding fans that music has the power to inspire change beyond the stage.
“Climate change often feels like tomorrow’s problem, but it’s impacting our lives today,” said Aanandita Datta, Vice President and Portfolio Head – Marketing, Diageo India. “Root for Mangroves is an exciting music festival and a celebration of the meaningful work we are doing in Odisha, where Signature Packaged Drinking Water is already helping restore 62 acres of degraded mangrove land, planting over 30,000 saplings, and supporting five coastal villages. The festival directly fuels these efforts – every ticket sold contributes Rs 50 towards the ongoing on-groundwork. So when people attend the concerts, they are not just enjoying music; they are actively participating in protecting our environment. This is how we turn entertainment into impact, making climate action meaningful and joyful for everyone.”
Armaan Malik said,
“Performing in Gurugram was incredibly special – there’s an electrifying energy here that you can truly feel. Music has always been about connection for me; it brings people together and reminds us of the world we collectively share and protect. Supporting Signature Packaged Drinking Water’s Root for Mangroves is close to my heart because these ecosystems quietly safeguard millions of lives and livelihoods. If this performance inspires even a few people to pause, reflect, and take action – it would mean everything. I’m grateful to be part of a movement that gives music a larger purpose.”
Shoven Shah, Founder & CEO, TribeVibe Entertainment, added,
“We’re constantly looking to build experiences that go beyond the stage and Root for Mangroves is a powerful expression of that vision. Partnering with Signature Packaged Drinking Water, we’ve created a concert series where music becomes a catalyst for real-world impact. With a cause as vital as mangrove regeneration at its core, the property reflects how live entertainment can drive purpose at scale. Having icons like Armaan Malik lead this movement adds immense creative energy and reach, helping us connect audiences with a message that truly matters while setting a new benchmark for purpose-driven entertainment in India.”
Mangroves are among India’s most effective natural climate shields, protecting coastal communities, absorbing carbon, and supporting biodiversity. Through Root for Mangroves, Signature Packaged Drinking Water continues its commitment to conscious living by championing awareness and action around mangrove regeneration.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
9, Feb 2026
PhysicsWallah Offers Free Doubt Support and Mock Preboards for Class 10 CBSE Students
PhysicsWallah Announces Free Doubt Resolution Support and Mock Preboards for Class 10 CBSE Students across India
Bengaluru, Feb 09: Education company PhysicsWallah (PW) announced a student support initiative aimed at assisting aspirants appearing for the Class 10 CBSE Board Exams in 2026. Students across the country can avail free doubt resolution and expert guidance. This initiative is not only open for PW students but any Class 10 student across the country. The initiative is designed to help reduce academic pressure during the exam season.
PW will also facilitate offline preboards in Science and Mathematics nationwide in an attempt to strengthen student readiness. These examinations will be conducted at PW’s physical centres like Vidyapeeth, Pathshala, and Tuition Centres to simulate real board exam conditions and help students improve proficiency and time-management skills under exam-day constraints.
Ankit Gupta, CEO of Vidyapeeth-Offline of PhysicsWallah (PW), said,
“Education should never be restricted by boundaries, especially when a student is preparing for a defining moment like the Board Exams. Many students lack immediate access to quality exam support and we know even a single unresolved doubt can cause stress. By opening our Vidyapeeth, Pathshala and Tuition centres to every student, regardless of whether they are enrolled with us or not, we are simply doing what is right for the student community. We want aspirants to feel supported, confident, and ready to perform to their full potential.”
Students across India can visit their nearest PW Vidyapeeth, Pathshala or Tuition Centre to obtain a Doubt Buster Pass, valid till the board exams, and book a slot for doubt resolution. Experienced faculty members will address specific queries, explain complex topics, and offer strategic guidance on answer-writing techniques. Students can clarify doubts across subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, and also receive revision cards for the CBSE Class 10 syllabus to support their preparation.
Students can book a slot at their nearest centre for the Science exam scheduled on 1 February 2026 and the Mathematics exam scheduled on 8 February 2026 through the PW app.
The initiative is being rolled out through PhysicsWallah’s network of 192 tech-enabled Vidyapeeth and Pathshala centres located across 132 cities in India as of 30th September 2025.
9, Feb 2026
Sanawar Success Summit 2026 Brings India’s Most Influential Minds Together in New Delhi
Feb 9, New Delhi: Hailed as one of the most powerful thought-leadership gatherings of the year – The Sanawar Success Summit 2026, was held on a crisp, sunlit Saturday at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), 15 Janpath, New Delhi. Organised by The Old Sanawarian Society (OSS), the alumni association of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, one of the world’s oldest co-educational boarding schools, the Summit brought together exceptional minds for a day of high-impact conversations, insights, and inspiration. The Summit was proudly sponsored by DKG Landcorp, Mohali, under the leadership of Directors Mr. Mohit Gupta and Mr. Lakshay Gupta.
The Summit commenced with a warm and elegant Chhota Haziri, a traditional high tea, setting the tone for the day ahead. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Board of Governors of the Sanawar Society. The formal proceedings began with a welcome address by Pankaj Sapru, Immediate Past President, OSS, followed by a keynote address from Vipin Sondhi, Former MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland; Ex-Chairman, JCB India & TAFE. The gathering was further enriched by remarks from the Chief Guest, Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, and Chairman, Board of Governors.
The Summit witnessed an energetic and impactful start with one of Sanawar’s distinguished alumni, emcee of the programme and also a prominent name in the business world, Gaurav Bhagat, Founder and Managing Director, Consortium Gifts, and a leading skill-training expert, who set the momentum with his engaging presence and insightful observations.
The first panel featured an eminent line-up of speakers, including Vandana Mohan, Founder & Director, The Wedding Design Company; Armeet Sandhu, Managing Partner, MSB Docs; Former CEO, Stoneware Systems Inc.; Ajeet Bajaj, Padma Shri Awardee, renowned mountaineer and Managing Director, Snow Leopard Adventures; renowned agripreneur Jang Bahadur Singh Sangha, widely recognised as the Potato King of India and leader of one of India’s largest potato and maize farming enterprises; and Dushyant Chautala, Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana (2019–2024).
Subsequent sessions throughout the day featured an extraordinary roster of speakers spanning defence, diplomacy, policy, business, academia, healthcare, technology, sustainability, and the arts. These included Lt Gen Ajai Singh, Former Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command and Independent Director, DLF Ltd; Yashish Dhaiya, Founder & Group CEO, Policybazaar; critically acclaimed Bollywood costume designer and National Film Award winner Niharika Bhasin; Dr Tarun Batra, Cancer Surgeon and Associate Professor, Banaras Hindu University; Rajeev Ahal, Director, Natural Resource Management & Agroecology, GIZ India; Taranjit Sandhu, Diplomat and Former Ambassador of India to the United States and High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; Shaila Brijnath, Founder & Chairperson, Aasraa Trust; Arun Maira, Former Member, Planning Commission of India; Akshay Dalal, Head of Regional Risk, Compliance and Ethics – Google (Middle East, Turkey & Africa); Gaurav Raina, Professor, IIT Madras and Research Fellow, Cambridge University; Ruby Garg, Director, Indus Group; Surbhi Garg, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax; Vivek Mehra, Senior Partner, PwC (Retd.) and Director on the boards of HT, DLF, Vaillant Pharma and Chambal Fertiliser; and Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.
The day-long Summit stood out for its depth and diversity of discourse, featuring insightful discussions on education, leadership, the future of work, youth mentorship, governance, and the intersection of creativity with institution-building. The event concluded with a closing address by Brigadier Adarsh Butail, President, The Old Sanawarian Society, bringing to a close an intellectually enriching and purpose-driven gathering that reaffirmed Sanawar’s enduring legacy of leadership and excellence.
7, Feb 2026
KIMS Hospital Trains Auto Drivers as First Responders in CPR & First Aid
Against the Backdrop of India’s approx 1.77 Lakh Road Deaths yearly, KIMS Hospital Trains Auto-Rickshaw Drivers in Life-Saving CPR, First Aid as First Responders
Thane, Feb 07: KIMS Hospitals, Thane, has launched a community-focused, community-led initiative to strengthen emergency response during the critical golden hour by training auto-rickshaw drivers as first responders. As part of the program, over 100 auto-rickshaw drivers from the Thane–Ghodbunder Road belt*are receiving hands-on training in CPR and basic first aid to help stabilize patients before ambulances arrive along with a first aid kit which they can keep in their auto rickshaws.
As road crashes and lifestyle-related cardiac arrests continue to claim hundreds of lives daily, KIMS Hospital is empowering auto-rickshaw drivers in Thane with CPR training and basic first aid. With traffic congestion often delaying emergency vehicles, auto-rickshaw drivers are frequently the first to reach accident sites and medical emergencies. This initiative equips them with life-saving skills and first-aid kits, enabling immediate support and early stabilization until professional medical care takes over.
The training includes live CPR demonstrations and hands-on training on mannequins, basic trauma care, and early patient stabilisation techniques, conducted by expert doctors from KIMS Hospital. Each trained driver is also being provided with a First-Aid Kit, strengthening on-ground emergency response.
The initiative is being carried out by KIMS Hospital in association with Amar Gharat Foundation, which is supporting community mobilisation and outreach among auto-rickshaw drivers in the region.
Speaking on the broader vision behind the initiative, Saurabh Gupta, Regional Director, KIMS Hospitals, said,
“Care during the golden hour often starts on the road. By training auto-rickshaw drivers as first responders and also offering them Oral cancer screenings, we are extending critical care beyond hospital walls and into the community.”
Highlighting the medical importance of early action, Dr. Anil Heroor, Director – Oncological Sciences, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said,
“Many auto-rickshaw drivers are at higher risk of oral cancer due to tobacco use. Simple screenings like these can catch early signs and make a real difference.”
Dr. Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant – Head & Neck Oncosurgery, KIMS Hospitals , Thane, added,
“Oral cancer often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious. Bringing screening closer to people helps with early detection and better outcomes.”
Emphasising emergency preparedness, Dr. Ankit Biyani, HOD – Emergency Medicine, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, added,
“The first few minutes after an accident or medical emergency are critical. Training auto drivers helps bridge the gap between an emergency and ambulance care.”
Alongside the training program, KIMS Hospitals Thane is also conducting oral health screenings for participating auto-rickshaw drivers, with a focus on early detection of oral health issues among those who consume tobacco, reinforcing the hospital’s focus on preventive and community healthcare.
Through this initiative, KIMS Hospitals continues to extend care beyond hospital walls, empowering everyday citizens, strengthening emergency response systems, and building a safer, more prepared community in Thane.
7, Feb 2026
Changthang Shans clinch a clean-sheet victory at the 3rd Season of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League
Leh, Feb 07: Changthang Shans recorded a 10-0 win over Shakar Chiktan Royals on Day nine of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 at Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium, Leh. Organised in partnership with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, the day also featured an 11-2 win for Kangs Sing in the final game. Sham Wolves opened the day with a victory, while Humas Warriors secured a win later in the schedule.
Sham Wolves opened the day with a 9-2 win over Maryul Spawo, led by hat-tricks from Captain Stanzin Chosphel and Jigmet Chotar. Chosphel broke the deadlock late in the first period with a drag shot, then added two more with a drag shot and a tap-in. Chotar struck three times in the third period, completing his hat-trick with drag flicks. Lobzang Rangdol and Nawang Namgail added tap-ins, while Nima Dorjey scored with a drag shot to take the Wolves to nine. Maryul Spawo replied through the Stanzin duo, Stanzin Stanba with a tap-in in the second period, and Stanzin Tundup with a drag-shot finish in the closing seconds. Still, Sham Wolves stayed in control to seal the result.
Changthang Shans registered a comprehensive win 10-0 over Shakar Chiktan Royals. Rigzen Namgyal set the pace with a sliding tap-in in the opening minute, followed by Thinley Dorjey’s tap-in. The Shans continued to build through Rigzen Chosphel’s close-range finish and Stanzin Jambal’s well-timed goal in the second period. Padma Namgyal and Chamba Tsetan scored twice each to keep the score moving, while Tashi Sangdup added a tap-in before Tsewang Gyaltson rounded off the scoring to seal the 10-0 result.
Humas Warriors beat United Nubra 6-1 in the next game, doing most of the damage through the first two periods before closing it out with a controlled third. Mohd Issa opened the scoring in the latter half of the first period, and Waseem Bilal doubled the lead within the next minute. Bilal added his second with a sharp wrist shot, before Sahid Shabir finished with a backhand tap-in and Sajjad Hussain converted a simple tap-in to extend the advantage. Rashid Hassanain added another before the midway point of the game. United Nubra got on the board through Tashi Chotak’s wrist shot, but both sides tightened up defensively in the third period, with no further scoring as the Warriors sealed the 6-1 win.
Kangs Sing closed the day with an 11-2 win over Kharu Falcons, stacking goals across all three periods. Mushtaque Ahmad Giri opened the scoring in the first minute and went on to complete a hat-trick. Stanzin Phuntsog and Captain Karma Rigyal Stein added wrist-shot finishes to push Kangs into early control. The second period turned into a decisive surge, with Tsewang Nurboo and Dorje Gyaltsan scoring with flick shots, followed by Giri’s backhand flick and a slapshot, and Amir Din converting a tap-in as Kangs piled up eight goals in the frame. In the third, Wangail added his second with a drag shot, Wangchen scored with another drag shot, and Phuntsog struck once more, his second and the final goal, from a drag shot, to take Kangs to 11. Kharu’s two goals came through Jigmat Choster and Rigzin Punchok, who scored with tap-ins in the first and second periods.
Points Table
| Team | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points | |
| 1 | Humas Warriors | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 41 | 13 | 28 | 21 |
| 2 | Kangs Sing | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 45 | 19 | 26 | 18 |
| 3 | Purig Warriors | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 21 | 15 | 6 | 12 |
| 4 | Shakar Chiktan Royals | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 23 | 30 | -7 | 12 |
| 5 | Changthang Shans | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 33 | 17 | 16 | 9 |
| 6 | Zanskar Chadar Tamers | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 9 |
| 7 | Sham Wolves | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 22 | 19 | 3 | 9 |
| 8 | Kharu Falcons | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 19 | 42 | -23 | 6 |
| 9 | United Nubra | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 25 | -15 | 3 |
| 10 | Changla Blasters | 7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 16 | 35 | -19 | 3 |
| 11 | Maryul Spawo | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 13 | 36 | -23 | 3 |
GF – Goals For, GA – Goals Against, GD – Goal Difference
Day ten of the League (February 07, 2026) begins with Changla Blasters facing Changthang Shans. Zanskar Chadar Tamers then take on Purig Warriors, followed by the women’s fixture between Shakar Chiktan Queens and Humas Queens. Sham Wolves meet United Nubra later in the day, before Kharu Falcons face Shakar Chiktan Royals in the final game.
As the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 3 approaches its semi-final stages, the competition has emerged as noticeably tighter across both the men’s and women’s categories. Teams from regions such as Kargil, Zanskar, Purig, Shakar and Humas have delivered consistently stronger performances this season, reflecting the impact of structured training and wider regional participation. With more teams competing at comparable levels, the league continues to build momentum on the ice while drawing sustained local engagement that anchors it firmly in Ladakh’s winter sporting culture.
7, Feb 2026
Gateway Distriparks Reports Strong Q3 FY26 Performance, Declares Special Dividend
Delhi, Feb 07: Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL), one of India’s leading multimodal logistics companies, announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3 FY26), delivering strong operational and financial performance despite Q3 traditionally being a seasonally weaker quarter.
Operational Performance
During Q3 FY26, GDL recorded a total throughput of 1,90,675 TEUs, reflecting a 4.74% year-on-year growth. Year-to-date (YTD) throughput stood at 5,75,887 TEUs, registering a 6.61% YoY increase.
-
Rail Vertical:
-
Q3 FY26: 1,02,575 TEUs (up 10.97% YoY)
-
YTD FY26: 2,97,097 TEUs (up 11.18% YoY)
-
-
CFS Vertical:
-
Q3 FY26: 88,100 TEUs
-
YTD FY26: 2,78,790 TEUs (up 2.13% YoY)
-
Financial Highlights
For Q3 FY26, the Company reported strong growth across key financial metrics:
-
Total Revenue: Up 39.10% YoY
-
EBITDA: Up 26.67% YoY
-
Profit Before Tax (PBT): Up 11.87% YoY
-
Profit After Tax (PAT): Maintained steady performance
On a YTD basis, GDL recorded:
-
Total Revenue: Up 45.85% YoY
-
EBITDA: Up 28.43% YoY
-
PBT: Up 16.63% YoY
-
PAT: Up 12.47% YoY
The financials include the consolidation of Snowman Logistics Limited as a subsidiary effective December 24, 2024. Exceptional income related to fair valuation recorded in FY25 has been excluded to ensure comparability.
Dividend Announcement
The Board of Directors declared a Second Interim Dividend for FY26, along with a Special Interim Dividend.
The special dividend is a one-time, non-recurring payout, marking GDL’s achievement of a net debt-free position for the first time since inception, and commemorating 30 years since the acquisition of land for its first facility at Nhava Sheva CFS.
Management Commentary
Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, Gateway Distriparks Limited, said:
“Normally Q3 is a weaker quarter, but our performance has remained strong and consistent with the momentum seen in recent quarters. We are optimistic about the future, particularly with the Free Trade Agreement signed with the EU and the trade deal with the USA, which are expected to significantly boost India’s global trade once ratified.”
He added that the Company has commenced domestic rail services from MMLP New Ankleshwar and is witnessing encouraging traction. GDL is expanding its rail capacity through the addition of new high-capacity rakes and the upgradation of existing leased rakes, taking the total rake count to 37 by the end of Q1 FY27.
Growth Initiatives
GDL has announced the acquisition of land for setting up a greenfield Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Indore, located near the Pithampur Industrial Area, one of India’s fastest-growing industrial regions. The Company continues to actively explore opportunities to further expand its rail and logistics network.
Snowman Logistics is also expected to benefit from upcoming trade agreements, particularly with the revival of seafood exports, and is planning to expand its warehouse network through a combination of owned assets and asset-light build-to-suit models.
7, Feb 2026
Suryakumar Yadav’s Alma Mater Hosts T20 World Cup Trophy Tour
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World Visits the Alma Mater of India’s T20I Skipper Suryakumar Yadav Under the ‘Class of ’26’ Initiative
Navi Mumbai, Feb 07 : The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour with DP World marked a significant stop at Pillai College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai, the former college of India’s current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, as part of the ‘Class of ’26’ initiative. The visit celebrated the academic journey of the Indian captain while inspiring students by bringing them face-to-face with one of cricket’s most coveted trophies.
The event was held in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Mahatma Education Society, institutional heads, and faculty members, with students actively participating in cricket-themed engagements including trivia sessions, tap-the-ball challenges, and wicket-taking activities, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere around the trophy on campus.
The trophy then travelled to Rizvi College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, the former college of India all-rounder Shivam Dube. The event was attended by senior dignitaries from the Rizvi Education Society, along with the principal and faculty members of Rizvi College of Arts, Science and Commerce. Students interacted with the official mascots while taking part in competitive engagements.
Another stop on the tour was Delhi Public School, Amritsar, the former school of India all-rounder Abhishek Sharma. The visit took place in the presence of Abhishek Sharma’s parents, Mr. Raj Kumar Sharma and Mrs. Manju Sharma, along with school dignitaries and faculty members. Students actively participated in activities including trivia sessions and tap-the-ball challenges, making the experience engaging and memorable.
The trophy also visited Karam Devi Memorial Academy, the former school of India bowler Kuldeep Yadav, where the activation took place in the presence of Kuldeep Yadav’s father and his close friend, along with school dignitaries, representatives from the Kanpur Cricket Association, as students participating in cricket-themed engagements including trivia sessions.
The trophy further travelled to Chandigarh University, Mohali, the former college of India bowler Arshdeep Singh, where the event was attended by Executive Director Student Affairs and Administration, along with faculty members. Students actively participated in interactive activities such as trivia sessions and tap-the-ball challenges, adding to the excitement around the visit.
Through the ‘Class of ’26’ initiative, the Trophy Tour with DP World inspired the next generation as the team looks to defend its title on home soil.
Fans can follow the journey on the official Trophy Tour social media handle, @icctrophytour.
Fans can secure their spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with tickets starting at just INR 100 in India (approximately USD 1.11) and LKR 1,000 in Sri Lanka (approximately USD 3.26).
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from 7 February to 8 March across venues in India and Sri Lanka, including Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai), Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi), Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (Colombo) and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Kandy).
7, Feb 2026
IIT-Madras and Unicorn India Ventures launch Rs 600 crore “IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund I”
Chennai, Feb 7: IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), India’s first university-based research park and a leading force behind India’s deep tech transformation, and Unicorn India Ventures, India’s leading DeepTech VC Fund, have joined hands to launch a Rs 600 crore deep tech fund. The fund will also have an additional Rs 400 crore as greenshoe option.
IIT Madras India’s premier engineering institution—has ranked No. 1 for ten consecutive years in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for excellence in academics and innovation, and leads the nation in intellectual property creation, achieving a record average of more than one patent per day. Bolstering the innovation & commercialization capability of IIT Madras is the IITM Research Park which is home to several global R&D labs, Centers of Excellence, and Incubators. IITM Research Park and the IITM Incubation Cell has played a pivotal role in translational research, commercialisation, and nurturing cutting-edge deep tech startups across SpaceTech, Communications, ClimateTech, EVs, Semiconductor, Quantum, and DefenseTech. To further strengthen the innovation ecosystem and accelerate the growth journey for the startups, IIT Madras Research Park has selected Unicorn India Ventures as the Fund Manager for the DeepTech Fund.
The Fund will look to build a portfolio of 25+ companies in IP-led, engineering heavy startups in sectors like Robotics, SpaceTech, DefTech, Semicon, MedTech, etc. that align with national strategic interests.
With an average first investment size of Rs 8-10 crore, the investment strategy will follow a dual stage approach. The fund will be used to invest in early-stage deep tech startups that have reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3– 4 with an aim to identify high-potential innovations to nurture them through the initial commercialization hurdles. To ensure that portfolio companies are not capital starved as deep tech is a long gestation investment business, the fund will also support them with capital at early mid stage where they have reached TRL 5 – 7 to accelerate the development of concept proven technologies. A part of the corpus would be assigned to select early late-stage companies that reach TRL 7 – 9 with a proven product tech and need support with accelerated scale up and market penetration.
Dr Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director of IIT Madras and the man behind the Shakti micro-processor says
“Science and technology will play a crucial role in the growth story and towards India becoming Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on technology sovereignty, AI, semiconductors, defencetech and quantum technology. The need of the hour to reduce reliance on technology imports and strengthen indigenous capabilities. IIT Madras has been in forefront of this wave for over a decade and this Fund is the next logical step for us.”
Natarajan Malupillai, Group CEO of IITM Research Park, says,
“India’s deep-tech ecosystem is at a pivotal moment, driven by supportive policies, sustained R&D investments, and a strong entrepreneurial aspiration among our youth. This fund will accelerate the scale-up of mission-driven, globally competitive startups while strengthening India’s culture of innovation & entrepreneurship. We are pleased to partner with Unicorn India Ventures to advance India’s deep-tech leadership—imagining, designing, and building in India for the world.”
Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says,
“It is an honour to be selected by IITM & IITMRP, which have been the backbone of deep tech innovation in India. With our proven understanding of deep tech, we believe we have the resources and the network to support early-stage deep tech companies. As an active deep tech investor, we have already built a portfolio of nearly 30 companies and this new fund in partnership with IITMRP comes at the right time as we have met numerous innovative deep tech companies in the last 2 years. India has the talent, capital and patient investors like us and IITM to pool in our collective knowledge, resources and industry connections to help the next generation of deep tech founders.”
The fund will deploy 60% of the investable corpus to build the initial portfolio and reserve 40% for follow-on rounds to ensure that there is enough “Patient Capital” to back winners through the “Valley of Death”. Significant portion of the companies will be sourced from IITM’s ecosystem and balance from the wider Indian deep tech ecosystem.
Unicorn India Ventures, as the fund manager will leverage its ability to mobilise capital beyond the primary fund corpus and build a robust co-investment engine to ensure that portfolio companies are never capital starved. The Fund will take the lead in raising the corpus from IITM alumni, and its global network of LPs comprising family offices, UHNIs, and large Indian institutions.
7, Feb 2026
Manoj Pahwa & Kumud Mishra Engage Media at Kolkata Trailer Screening
Film actors Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra interact with the media in Kolkata during the special trailer screening of their upcoming film ASSI
Kolkata, Feb 07: Actors Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra arrived in Kolkata today to attend a special media preview of the trailer of their upcoming film ASSI.
The closed-door trailer screening was held at SSR Globe Cinema, where journalists from Kolkata were invited for an exclusive viewing.
Following the screening, the film’s team engaged in an in-depth interaction with the media at Polo Floatel Hotel.
On this occasion, the makers described ASSI as a film that goes beyond being just an issue-based story. It is an experience that continues to resonate with the audience even after the film ends. A fast-paced investigative thriller that unfolds with strong dramatic elements, ASSI keeps viewers engaged till the very end—without preaching, but by posing powerful questions.
Speaking about their respective roles and the film’s sensitive treatment, Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra emphasized that ASSI does not sensationalize incidents. Instead, it explores society, mindsets, and the psychological impact such events leave on people’s lives. The film draws its strength from its compelling characters, courtroom drama, and gripping narrative pace.
The title ASSI is derived from the harsh reality of approximately 80 assault-related FIRs registered in the country every day, giving the film a deep and urgent relevance to contemporary times.
ASSI, releasing on 20 February, has been deliberately scheduled for a February release to reach college and university youth and to initiate an important conversation among them. As the film’s team stated, this is not just a film to be watched—it is a film to be shared, discussed, and reflected upon.
The film ASSI will release in cinemas across the country on 20 February.
7, Feb 2026
Palo Alto Networks NextWave Program Accelerates Partner Profitability and AI-Driven Security Outcomes
Evolution shifts focus to “Platformization,” rewarding technical expertise and service-led growth
Mumbai, India, Feb 7 — Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, today announced the next generation of its NextWave Partner Program, fundamentally redefining partner profitability for the AI era. As the industry moves toward AI-driven security, NextWave moves beyond transactional volume to reward partners who deliver platform-centric security outcomes.
The evolved program enables the entire partner ecosystem to move away from the ‘point-product’ trap. By focusing on platformization, Palo Alto Networks enables partners to integrate their customers’ security stacks across the network, cloud, and SOC—reducing complexity while increasing high-margin, partner-led service opportunities.
Available to partners now, the new NextWave Partner Program is built on direct feedback from the global partner community, focusing on three transformative benefits:
Enhancing Partner Margins: Streamlined rebates focus on Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Next-Generation Security (NGS) and platformization to reward technical expertise and maximize profitability.
Accelerating Deal Velocity: Enhanced Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) and new automated deal registrations, combined with improved service delivery tools, to reduce friction and speed up time to close.
Reinvesting For Growth: A new Partner Development Fund (PDF) reinvests earned rebates directly into partner-led demand generation, training, and solution development to drive differentiation and accelerate joint customer success.
With Tailored Paths for Every Partner:
Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs): Predictable, tiered pricing to build high-margin managed services to ensure accelerated outcomes.
Distributors: Enhanced capabilities, governance and support for Distributor Managed Partner growth.
Global System Integrators (GSIs): A “Global Path” rewarding multi-theater influence and strategic consulting with a white glove experience, coming later this year.
Authorized Services (ASC & APS): Real-time deployment assistance to ensure “first-time-right” customer implementations.
Simone Gammeri, Chief Partnerships Officer, Palo Alto Networks
“Our partner ecosystem is more critical than ever in addressing the demand for AI-driven security platforms. Unlike transactional programs, the NextWave Partner Program rewards ‘platformization’ over transactions, so we are empowering our partners to dismantle the complexity that leaves customers vulnerable. This program isn’t just about selling software; it’s about ensuring customers achieve total, AI-driven resilience with a single, unified defense.”
Hugues Foulon, CEO, Orange Cyberdefense
“The NextWave Partner Program serves as a catalyst for deeper strategic collaboration and trust between Palo Alto Networks and Orange Cyberdefense. By increasing transparency, especially around team incentives, we are able to align our efforts more closely, foster co-innovation, and tailor Palo Alto Networks’ solutions to better safeguard our joint customers against evolving cyber threats.”
