21, Aug 2026
PM Modi Engages with Space Startup Leaders, Urges India to Lead Global Space Economy
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups at Seva Teerth, highlighting the growing role of private enterprise in strengthening India’s position in the global space industry.
The interaction brought together entrepreneurs working across a wide spectrum of space technologies, including launch vehicles, reusable semi-cryogenic propulsion systems, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion, space and defence intelligence, space-debris removal, and AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence. The startup leaders outlined the rapid advances being made by India’s private space sector and shared their vision for its next phase of growth.
The founders highlighted their efforts to develop critical capabilities and technologies indigenously, noting the strong support provided by the government and increasing collaboration within the industry. They said the opening of the space sector to private participation had created significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and encouraged companies to develop innovative solutions for both domestic and global markets. Several companies are also showing interest in adopting technologies emerging from India’s private space ecosystem.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the startup leaders for taking the initiative in an emerging and strategically important sector. He said the confidence demonstrated by private space companies has reinforced the vision behind opening the sector to private participation. With several countries either unable or unwilling to make large investments in space, he noted, India has a major opportunity to expand its global footprint and emerge as a leading space power.
The Prime Minister urged companies to look beyond conventional applications and explore ways in which space technologies can directly improve people’s lives. He called for stronger collaboration between space startups and organisations in sectors such as agriculture, environment and education. For instance, space-debris companies could work with environmental organisations to scale their solutions, while companies developing space-based agricultural technologies could collaborate with agricultural universities and government departments to help farmers make better-informed decisions and improve productivity.
Calling for the creation of a world-class space ecosystem, Modi said India should aspire to become the country the world looks to whenever space is discussed. He also underlined the potential of the sector to attract global talent, investment and companies to India.
The Prime Minister further encouraged space startups to establish closer links with Atal Tinkering Labs, saying early exposure to space technology could stimulate curiosity and innovation among schoolchildren and inspire the next generation of space entrepreneurs and scientists.
The meeting was attended by leaders of 20 startups, including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara, SatSure, Suhora Technologies, Manastu Space, Astrobase, TakeMe2Space, VyomIC, Cosmoserve Space, OrbitAID Aerospace, SkyServe (Hyspace), Serendipity Space, Vassar Labs and mistEO.
The interaction underlined a broader transformation underway in India’s space economy—one in which private innovation, government support and cross-sector collaboration are increasingly coming together to build a globally competitive space ecosystem.
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- By Neel Achary
21, Aug 2026
PVR INOX to Open 25,000-Sq.-Ft. Multiscreen Multiplex at Bhumika Realty’s The Icon in Faridabad
Delhi NCR, Aug 21: Bhumika Realty, the real estate arm of Bhumika Group, today announced a partnership with PVR INOX Limited for a 25,000 sq. ft. multiscreen multiplex at The Icon, its mixed-use development on Delhi-Mathura Road in Sector 27A, Faridabad.
The agreement marks the second association between the two companies, following PVR INOX’s presence at Urban Square, Udaipur. The repeat partnership comes as Bhumika Realty expands its portfolio of mixed-use and retail developments across high-growth markets.
At The Icon, PVR INOX will occupy approximately 25,000 sq. ft. across the second and third floors. The multiplex is planned to commence operations alongside the opening of the mall.
The cinema will form part of The Icon’s wider mix of premium retail, entertainment, hospitality and residences. The development is intended to serve the established catchment around Sector 27A as well as the wider Faridabad & South Delhi market.
Uddhav Poddar, CMD, Bhumika Group, said:
“PVR INOX’s association with The Icon, following our partnership at Urban Square, is a strong endorsement of the quality and positioning of the development. As we expand into high-growth markets, we are focused on building assets that can attract leading national brands and generate sustained consumer demand. PVR INOX adds an important entertainment component to The Icon and strengthens its overall proposition.”
Located on NH-19, Delhi-Mathura Road, in Sector 27A, Faridabad, The Icon is a RERA-approved mixed-use development comprising premium retail, residences and hospitality. The project has been designed by Bentel Associates of South Africa.
The development is located within an established residential and commercial catchment and has direct frontage on the Delhi-Mathura Road corridor. Its location is expected to allow it to serve both nearby residential communities and consumers from across Faridabad and adjoining areas.
The partnership builds on PVR INOX’s existing presence at Urban Square, Udaipur, Bhumika Realty’s retail and entertainment development in Rajasthan. The two projects represent Bhumika Realty’s strategy of combining retail, entertainment and other consumer-facing uses within larger mixed-use developments.
The Icon is among Bhumika Realty’s key developments in Delhi-NCR, alongside its broader portfolio spanning retail, residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects.
21, Aug 2026
Bandhan Konnagar Launches SETU 2026 to Build a National Dialogue on Collaborative Social Development
Mumbai / New Delhi, Aug 21: Bandhan Konnagar hosted the first-ever SETU – India’s National Leadership Summit on Collaborative Social Development today, with the theme ‘From Policy to Practice: Building Partnerships for Scalable Social Impact’, to discuss the theme with policy makers, government officials, corporate CSR and ESG practitioners, philanthropists, academicians and experts from the development sector. The Summit aimed to establish a national forum for discussion and action on the opportunities and challenges of integrating development goals across government, business, civil society, communities and other stakeholders and into scalable, measurable and sustainable solutions. The Summit was organised at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, and was an important milestone in the development of a national dialogue for inclusive and collaborative social development that will be continued in the future.
Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Minister of State, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, was invited to the inaugural Summit, which brought together senior government representatives, including Shri Arun Kr Pillai, CEO, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC); Shri Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Chairman, Bandhan Group; and Shri Sanjib Kumar Das, CEO, Bandhan Konnagar, along with CSR and ESG leaders, development practitioners, philanthropies, academicians and implementation partners.
SETU is an ongoing dialogue on collaborative social development at national level. The Summit aims to foster greater linkages among policy, resources, implementation and community needs and will highlight these through cross-sector discussions, exchange of grassroots experience, evidence-based impact studies, partnership announcements and recognition of organisations contributing to inclusive development. Through the synergy of government, corporations, civil society, philanthropy, academia and communities, SETU seeks to promote solutions that can shift from policy to practice, pilot to scale, intervention to impact and measurable. With this, it aims to play a part in a development paradigm in which economic development and social development go hand in hand and be a part of India’s growth.
Shri Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Chairman, Bandhan Group, said, “India’s vision of achieving a developed country status by 2047 will be fulfilled with a purpose only when the fruits of development are realized for all the sections of society. Rural communities, women, youth and under-served communities can’t just be passive beneficiaries of development; they must be the active participants and contributors to economic and social change in India. The next step in CSR is to go beyond expenditure and activity to measurable long-term impact. SETU is a call to move from welfare to empowerment, from isolated interventions to partnerships and from short-term activities to enduring social value.”
The first session was inaugurated by Shrimati Kamlesh Paswan and Shrimati Arun Kumar Pillai, providing the background to the significance of policy, skilling and institutional partnership in inclusive development. Shri Chandra Shekhar Ghosh gave a leadership talk titled “From Inclusion to Institution: Building Development Models from the Grassroots” highlighting the importance of developing models that are more than individual interventions that can become sustainable institutions and systems. The Summit also saw the discussion around the structural issues in skill development, sustainable livelihoods and enterprise, credit and markets, community-led climate action, and the importance of health and education in inclusive human development.
Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee gave a keynote on the journey of CSR from compliance to collaborative & measurable impact and Ms. Shefali Agarwal, CGM, NABARD spoke on Graduated Rural Income Generation Programme (GRIP) and innovative means of enabling rural ultra poor families. The programme was also marked through the impact study along with a partnership announcement between Bandhan Konnagar and LEAP 300, experience sharing by livelihood beneficiaries and recognition of Bandhan Konnagar‘s CSR partners by the SETU Bandhan CSR Awards.
Shri Sanjib Kumar Das, CEO, Bandhan Konnagar, said, “For us, SETU is the next step in the development of Bandhan Konnagar‘s 25-year-long journey and we feel that it will be the key between thoughts and deeds. We hope to foster partnerships that are outcome-focused, scalable and responsive to the reality on the ground, which is defined by the coming together of communities, implementation organisations, government, corporates, donors and knowledge institutions around a shared purpose to strengthen an ecosystem in which education, skilling, livelihoods, financial inclusion and climate resilience can converge to create greater opportunities for communities, and help build a more equitable and future-ready India.”
Bandhan Konnagar, an NGO, initiated its activities in 2001 with two main goals: Poverty alleviation and Women’s empowerment which were the driving force behind organising the Summit. With a long-standing belief that social transformation is impossible with just one intervention, Bandhan Konnagar was conceptualised as an extension of this belief. Bandhan Konnagar, now with 25 years of grassroots engagement, was conceived as an extension of their long-held belief that sustainable social transformation can only be achieved through a series of interventions. The organisation sees the need for the next steps toward development in the form of enhanced partnerships, increased attention to measurable results, institutional development and solutions that help communities break free from welfare and dependency and transition to dignity, opportunity and economic self-reliance. Hence, the Summit aimed to convene multiple stakeholders to discuss evidence, experiences and models that can be transferred, enriched and scaled up to the national level in India.
21, Aug 2026
Eastern India Gets Major Rail Boost: Centre Approves INR 9,450-Crore Project for 410 km of New Lines
New Delhi, Aug. 21: The Centre has approved a major railway infrastructure project worth ₹9,450 crore aimed at adding around 410 km of new rail capacity across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Representational Image
The expansion is expected to ease congestion on some of eastern India’s busiest railway corridors, improve passenger connectivity and accelerate the movement of freight between ports, industrial centres and inland markets.
The project is expected to benefit nearly 60 lakh people across 6,448 villages, while strengthening rail infrastructure in regions with significant industrial, mining and port activity.
Four key railway corridors to get additional capacity
The approved works cover four important sections:
Kharagpur–Bhadrak: 173 km fourth line
Bhadrak–Haridaspur: 75 km fourth line
Gummidipundi–Gudur: 90 km third and fourth lines
Cuttack–Paradeep: 72 km third and fourth lines
Together, the projects will add approximately 410 km of additional railway capacity to the network.
Odisha to gain significantly
Several important railway hubs in Odisha and neighbouring states are expected to benefit from the expansion, including Bhadrak, Cuttack, Paradeep, Haridaspur and Kharagpur, along with the Gudur corridor in Andhra Pradesh.
The Cuttack–Paradeep and Kharagpur–Bhadrak sections are particularly important for Odisha’s freight network, given their links with major industrial zones and ports. Increased rail capacity is expected to facilitate smoother movement of cargo to and from ports such as Paradeep and Dhamra.
Freight movement likely to become faster
One of the biggest advantages of the project will be increased capacity for freight trains carrying coal, iron ore, steel, cement, foodgrains, containers and automobiles.
With additional lines, freight trains will have greater operational flexibility, potentially reducing waiting time and congestion while improving the movement of raw materials to industries and finished goods to domestic and export markets.
Connectivity and economic activity
The railway expansion is also expected to generate wider economic benefits by improving access to markets, supporting industrial growth and creating opportunities for local businesses and employment.
For passengers, additional track capacity could help improve train operations and reduce delays on heavily utilised routes where passenger and freight services currently compete for limited track space.
Projects targeted for completion by 2030-31
Following the Centre’s approval, the projects will move towards implementation, including construction and tendering activities. The government has set a target of completing the works by 2030-31.
The ₹9,450-crore investment is expected to significantly strengthen eastern India’s rail network and improve the region’s role as a key corridor for passenger travel, industrial development and national freight movement.
21, Aug 2026
Udaan network, Sense International India’s network of adults with deafblindness brings girls and women with deafblindness to the forefront of Advocacy
New Delhi, August 21, 2026: Sense International India (Sense India), the country’s only national organisation exclusively supporting persons with deafblindness and multiple disabilities, today hosted a press conference on ‘Building Leadership and Advocacy Skills of Girls and Women with Deafblindness’ at the Press Club, Delhi today.
Udaan Network, Sense India’s network of adults with deafblindness brought together girls and women with deafblindness to highlight the barriers faced by them and the urgent need for greater visibility, recognition and participation.
Speaking for themselves and their communities were Asha Patwal from Uttarakhand, an artist and aspiring teacher; Maiden Soben Lyngkhoi from Shillong, an aspiring baker; Alice from Kolkata, a dancer and entrepreneur; Dodiyar Maheshwari from Ahmedabad, a café professional and performer; and Ganga from Wayanad, an independent professional and advocate.
The event highlighted three urgent priorities: ensuring girls and women with deafblindness have meaningful opportunities to speak for themselves and take leadership roles; ensuring deafblindness is accurately identified and included in the Census 2027 and other data systems; and making essential information accessible in formats that persons with deafblindness can access and use.
Girls and women with deafblindness face multiple and intersecting barriers related to gender, disability, communication and accessibility, limiting their access to education, employment, public life and decision-making. The press conference emphasised that inclusion cannot simply mean being present—it must mean having the voice, agency and opportunity to lead.
The event also stressed that without accurate data through Census 2027, persons with deafblindness, particularly girls and women, risk remaining invisible in policies, programmes and services. Being counted is fundamental to being recognised. Equally, information on government schemes, education, employment, healthcare, elections, rights and public services must be made available according to individual communication needs, including through Braille, large print, tactile communication, tactile sign language and accessible digital formats.
Speaking on the occasion, Uttam Kumar, CEO, Sense International India, said, “For nearly three decades, our work has shown us that girls and women with deafblindness know what needs to change. What they are too often denied is the opportunity to say it publicly and to be heard. Today, that space belonged to them. We hope every journalist here leaves not just with a story, but with a responsibility: to help ensure that this community is counted, recognised and heard long after today. As we move towards Census 2027, it is critical that deafblindness and all 21 specified disabilities under the RPwD Act are accurately captured, so that no one is left invisible in India’s official data. What is not counted cannot be adequately planned for or addressed — and deafblind people must not be missing from the nation’s count.”
The press conference was organised in collaboration with the Deafblind Regional Centres (DbRCs), members of the Udaan Network and Sense India’s state partner organisations, which provided mentoring, preparation, accessibility and logistical support to enable the women to take the lead in the media engagement and was supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF).
The initiative seeks to challenge the perception of girls and women with deafblindness as merely recipients of care and support, and reinforce their identity as rights-holders, advocates, contributors and leaders. By creating direct dialogue between women with deafblindness and media professionals, it also aims to promote more accurate, respectful and rights-based representation of deafblindness.
The message from the women at the press conference was clear: they want to speak for themselves and address their concerns, and they should not be brought into conversations only after decisions affecting their lives have already been made.
Girls and women with deafblindness should not simply be included in conversations about their lives and rights, they should be enabled and empowered to lead those conversations.
21, Aug 2026
Young innovators driving India’s space sector, says Government
New Delhi, August 21: Young entrepreneurs and innovators emerging as the new force in India’s space sector were praised for their courage, persistence and willingness to venture into a challenging and rapidly evolving domain.
It was wonderful to meet the Yuva Urja of India’s space sector…young entrepreneurs and innovators who have shown remarkable courage by entering a new and demanding domain. They have taken risks, trusted the reform process and remained consistent in their efforts. Due to this,… pic.twitter.com/RV1Nd4dUKm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 21, 2026
Interacting with representatives of leading space startups, it was highlighted that young innovators have demonstrated remarkable confidence by taking risks, embracing new opportunities and remaining committed to their goals. Their efforts, coupled with the country’s space sector reforms, have contributed significantly to India’s rapid progress in space technology in recent years.
During the interaction, representatives of various startups presented their work and shared their experiences of building businesses and developing innovative solutions in the space sector. They also highlighted how the Government of India’s space reforms have opened new opportunities for private players and enabled startups to expand their capabilities.
The startups expressed appreciation for the policy environment and reforms that have encouraged greater private participation, innovation and investment in the sector.
The Government assured the young space entrepreneurs that it would continue to provide support and create an enabling ecosystem for startups as they work towards strengthening India’s technological and commercial capabilities in space.
It was emphasised that India’s growing private space ecosystem has the potential to establish the country as a leading global player by combining innovation, technological excellence and commercial viability.
With young entrepreneurs and startups taking the lead, India is poised to build a strong and globally competitive space economy while offering the world an innovative and sustainable model for private participation in space exploration and technology.
21, Aug 2026
On National Senior Citizens Day, Athulya Senior Care Champions Dignity, Purpose and Active Ageing
Aug 21: On National Senior Citizens Day, observed annually on 21st August, Athulya Senior Care, India’s largest assisted living provider, brought together residents, families and care teams across its centres for a series of activities focused on companionship, wellbeing and celebrating the contributions of senior citizens.
The celebrations reflected Athulya’s commitment to creating a senior-care environment that goes beyond clinical needs to foster dignity, independence, connection and a strong sense of community. With an integrated senior-care ecosystem spanning assisted living, rehabilitation, transition care, mind and memory care, palliative care and dedicated geriatric care hospital, Athulya supports seniors and their families across multiple stages of the ageing journey.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Srinivasan G., Founder & CEO, Athulya Senior Care, said, “National Senior Citizens Day is an opportunity to celebrate the experiences, contributions and individuality of our seniors. At Athulya, we believe that senior care must go beyond addressing medical needs to creating an environment where seniors feel connected, independent and valued. Every interaction and experience we create is guided by our commitment to ensuring that ageing is supported with dignity, purpose and a strong sense of belonging.”
Across Athulya’s centres, seniors participated in a range of community-centric and senior-friendly activities, including games, music, cultural performances, interactive sessions and cake-cutting ceremonies. The celebrations brought residents together with their families and care teams, creating opportunities for social connection, participation and shared experiences. The occasion reinforced Athulya’s belief that senior care should create space for joy, connection and active living at every stage of life.
21, Aug 2026
Celebrating India’s Entrepreneurial Spirit and the Next Wave of Innovation: Ms. Suranjana Ghosh
By:- Suranjana Ghosh, Head – Marico Innovation Foundation
“Entrepreneurship is, at its heart, an act of pure and continued courage—and today, that courage is driving a monumental shift in India’s growth story. Entrepreneurship has rapidly become the central engine of our economy and a preferred career of choice for many of our brightest minds. Across every corner of the country, a new generation of ambitious builders is stepping up to show that India is not just adopting technology—we are creating ground breaking solutions for the world.
On World Entrepreneur Day, we celebrate this booming startup energy. Today’s entrepreneurs are redefining success. They aren’t just chasing quick valuations; they are choosing to solve hard, structural problems—building scalable businesses that generate employment, drive economic resilience, and improve real lives. This entrepreneurial surge is the next big wave shaping our national identity, proving that sustainable, impact-driven business is the true currency of the future.
However, momentum alone isn’t enough. Transforming a bold vision into an enduring enterprise is a complex, long-term journey. As the startup landscape expands, the challenges of scaling from early traction to sustainable market leadership become steeper. Founders don’t just need capital; they need patient guidance, strategic market access, and a supportive ecosystem that backs their long game when navigating uncharted growth phases.
At Marico Innovation Foundation, our role is to fuel this rising tide. Through zero-equity support, customized mentorship, and ecosystem access, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with remarkable founders to help them accelerate their reach without compromising their mission. To every entrepreneur turning uncertainty into opportunity and driving India’s rise as a global innovation powerhouse: your vision is building tomorrow. Today, we celebrate your grit and pledge to back your ambition every step of the way.”
21, Aug 2026
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates Model Room at Paradip Port Authority
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a new Model Room at the Administrative Office Building of the Paradip Port Authority (PPA), marking an important step towards strengthening planning and visualisation of the port’s infrastructure and development initiatives.
The Model Room is designed to provide a comprehensive visual representation of Paradip Port’s existing facilities as well as its ongoing and proposed development projects. The facility is expected to help officials and stakeholders better understand the scale, connectivity and operational aspects of various infrastructure projects.
The initiative will also support more effective planning and presentation of major port-related projects. By providing a detailed visual platform, the Model Room can facilitate discussions among policymakers, port authorities, project teams and other stakeholders while enabling a clearer assessment of proposed infrastructure and development plans.
The inauguration underlines Paradip Port Authority’s continued focus on modernisation, infrastructure development and efficient project planning. The new facility is expected to contribute to a more coordinated approach towards the port’s future expansion and strengthen efforts to position Paradip as a modern and strategically important maritime gateway for India.
21, Aug 2026
New made in India Philips Signage 1000 Series brings straightforward visual quality and energy efficient performance for business
Made in India to bring greater display accessibility for businesses, the Android SoC Philips Signage 1000 Series combines versatile installation with dependable 24/7 operation, advanced connectivity, and professional processing power – for maximum impact without breaking the bank.
New Delhi, Aug 21: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, has announced the launch of its new Philips Signage 1000 Series. Made in India, for businesses in India.
Built for versatility in professional environments, the new Series combines smart integration, energy efficient operation, and dependable visual performance for better business outcomes. Driven by the processing power of its professional Android SoC, the Philips Signage 1000 Series enables easy integration of native Android applications, as well as web apps and software, directly on the display, eliminating the need for an external media player.
Developed for dependable, always on communication
Supporting 24/7 operation, the Philips Signage 1000 Series is suited to retail settings, quick service restaurants, and public venues, where content needs to remain clear and available day and night. The stylish, slim bezel design supports portrait or landscape installation, with size options including 32” and 43” in full HD, and 50”, 55”, 75” in 4K, offering flexibility across a wide range of applications.
An integrated HTML5 Chromium based browser and built in multimedia player, as well as Miracast wireless sharing, support straightforward content delivery, also making the display ideal for corporate offices and education settings, while 1.5GB RAM and 8GB ROM provide capacity for everyday signage applications.
For added continuity, FailOver automatically switches to backup content if the primary source becomes unavailable. Users select primary and secondary input connections, helping to keep essential messaging on screen when it matters most.
Introducing the new Series, Yogesh Dutt, Product Manager Professional Displays for PPDS in India, said: “Our displays made in India are a part of the PPDS Local for local strategy, also ideally supporting our Government’s Make in India initiative. This Philips Signage 1000 Series has been developed uniquely by our team here to ensure we bring the features and technologies needed by businesses in our country.
Smarter integrations, simpler to use features, and better connectivity. All wrapped up to bring better outcomes for local businesses. You asked, we are delivering. And you can find all the details on our newly launched ppds.com/en-in website.”
Simple content control, from one display to an entire network
The integrated SmartBrowser allows organisations to connect and control cloud based content on a single display or across a wider network.
The modular design also gives organisations the option to add functionality as requirements evolve. This can include Philips ScreenShare for wireless content sharing and CMND & Play smart CMS for content creation, scheduling, and updates.
Ready for remote device management with Philips Wave
Designed on PPDS’ professional Android SoC, the Philips Signage 1000 Series is Philips Wave ready, enabling remote integrations, monitoring, and control. This evolutionary cloud platform puts display and IT managers fully in control, with simplified installation and setup, upgrading firmware, managing playlists, and setting power schedules. All helping to save time, improve operational efficiency, and reduce energy use and environmental impact.
Key highlights
• Android professional System on Chip for native applications and web software.
• Integrated HTML5 Chromium based browser and multimedia player.
• Portrait or landscape installation with a new ultra narrow front frame.
• FailOver support for automatic backup content.
• Optional Philips ScreenShare and CMND & Play smart CMS functionality.
• Philips Wave ready for remote device management.
The Philips Signage 1000 Series is available in India now through PPDS’ network of distribution and integration partners.
Discover the benefits of the Philips Signage 1000 Series on the brand new for India ppds.com website here, or contact your local PPDS sales manager.
