28, Jan 2026
University of Birmingham announces Future Skills Scholarship for Indian Students
The scholarship is designed to help students develop career-ready skills aligned with the evolving demands of the global workforce. It forms part of the University’s wider commitment to investing more than £3 million in international talent, reflecting its long-standing focus on graduate employability. This focus is recognised by leading recruiters, with the University, regularly featuring at the top of the Highfliers rankings for institutions most targeted by graduate employers.
As industries are reshaped by rapid technological change, demographic shifts, and complex global challenges, the ability to adapt, innovate, and apply interdisciplinary knowledge has become critical. Developing future skills, such as data literacy, digital fluency, systems thinking, and policy awareness is no longer optional but essential for long-term employability and leadership.
For India, with a young and globally mobile talent pool, access to education that builds these capabilities equips graduates not only to succeed in international careers, but also to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, public health resilience, and sustainable development at home.
Commenting on the initiative, Professor Mark Lee, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (India), University of Birmingham, said,
“The Future Skills Scholarship reinforces the University of Birmingham’s commitment to supporting Indian students as they pursue world-class education and develop the skills that will shape tomorrow’s industries. Education opens doors, expands horizons, and creates new possibilities, and we are committed to ensuring that more Indian students can access these opportunities.”
The scholarships are open to students domiciled in India who are prepared to commence full-time study in September 2026.
The scholarship applies to the following programmes:
- MSc Business Analytics
- MSc Marketing
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Advanced Engineering Management
- MPH Public Health
- MSc Molecular Biotechnology
- MA International Relations
- LLM programmes (excluding LLM Energy and Environmental Law – Distance Learning)
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- By Neel Achary
28, Jan 2026
Cinema halls see ‘Sci-Fi Movie’ posters that are pure brand genius
Mumbai, January 27: What a unique way to position a brand and grab audience attention. SAEL, a vertically integrated and diversified renewable energy company, has creatively placed brand posters in various cinemas across major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and others.
The posters are visually compelling and so futuristic that moviegoers initially mistook them for an upcoming Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster. This smart storytelling showcases SAEL’s waste-to-energy and solar power verticals, turning casual theatre visits into intriguing introductions to clean energy innovation.
A campaign executed very subtly, yet impactful delivering a blockbuster narrative without saying a word.
28, Jan 2026
TV Industry Urges Focused Budget Support to Boost Domestic Manufacturing and Exports
As the Union Budget approaches, the television manufacturing industry hopes for a focused policy support that reflects the reality of TVs no longer being a luxury product, but an integral part of the Indian household. With the Indian TV industry valued at nearly USD 15 billion, it plays a significant role in domestic manufacturing, employment generation, and value addition under the Make in India vision.
Despite this scale, the sector has not received the same policy priority as categories like mobile phones. One long-standing expectation that has remained unaddressed across multiple Union Budgets is the introduction of a dedicated PLI framework for television manufacturing. Such a move could significantly accelerate localisation, strengthen domestic value chains, and improve global competitiveness.
While earlier GST rationalisation provided some relief, persistent challenges such as limited display fab availability, volatility in memory prices, rupee depreciation and ongoing semiconductor supply constraints have diluted its impact. Although the government has taken important steps to build a domestic ecosystem for critical components, semiconductors, and display fabs, a stronger and more coordinated ecosystem push is needed to truly encourage domestic manufacturing. In the interim, the industry hopes this Budget considers temporary duty relief and targeted support for critical components to improve supply stability, cost competitiveness, and support the long-term growth of India’s TV manufacturing industry. Additionally, export-focused measures such as duty drawbacks, logistics support, and rationalised trade barriers will be critical to enhance competitiveness, enable scale beyond the domestic market, and strengthen India’s position in global electronics and television exports.
28, Jan 2026
Tata Power Renewables crosses 10 GW EPC Execution Milestone, Reinforcing its Leadership in India’s Clean Energy Transition
Chandigarh, Jan 28: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), one of India’s leading renewable energy companies and a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited, has commissioned 10 GW of EPC projects till date thereby underscoring its position as the leader player in the renewable energy sector.
TPREL has commissioned 10 GW of EPC projects till date, which comprise 9.7 GW of solar projects and 290 MW of wind projects. These comprise both 4.2 GW in-house projects and 5.8 GW third-party projects.
TPREL has commissioned 1.88 GW of EPC RE capacity in the first 9-months of FY26. This represents a 33% increase compared to the 1.4 GW of projects commissioned during the first 9 months of FY25. These EPC project installations reflect Company’s seamless execution, rigorous project management, and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety.
Of the total 1.88 GW, 1329 MW of solar projects were completed for third party clients and 546 for in-house RE projects (187 MW Wind and 359 MW of Solar projects). These projects were executed at multiple sites across 5 states under challenging soil strata and climatic conditions.
In Q3FY26, TPREL completed 941 MW of RE projects, marking its highest-ever quarterly addition and representing a 139% increase over the 393 MW installed in Q3FY25.
This quarter of TPREL , notable projects commissioned include, NHPC, NLC and SJVNL (DCR-compliant solar projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan) and 187 MW wind project in Karur, Tamil Nadu. Leveraging advanced engineering practices, TPREL has consistently delivered projects, even in challenging environments. A robust supply chain, an agile execution model, and strong vendor partnerships enable efficient project delivery while optimizing costs.
TPREL’s total utility-scale operational capacity now stands at 6.0 GW, including 4.8 GW solar and 1.2 GW wind. It further plans to commission 0.75 GW of its utility owned capacity during FY26.
28, Jan 2026
ITC Master Chef Launches Freshly Frozen Prawns with Piri Piri Masala
Hyderabad, Jan 28: ITC Master Chef, one of India’s most trusted brands in the frozen foods category, has strengthened its leadership with the launch of Piri Piri Prawns — a bold, flavourful addition designed for seafood enthusiasts seeking a juicy, restaurant-style snack at home.
While prawns are a favourite for many, their perceived cooking complexity often discourages home preparation. ITC Master Chef Piri Piri Prawns solves this with easy-to-use masala mix sachets that can be added to prawns and cooked to perfection in minutes.
The product combines the natural juiciness of freshly frozen prawns — frozen within 15 hours of harvesting to preserve taste — with the fiery, tangy notes of Piri Piri masala. Each pack includes two Piri Piri Masala sachets, offering the perfect balance of convenience, taste, and ITC Master Chef’s renowned quality. Rich in protein and ready in minutes, these prawns are ideal for quick meals or foodie gatherings, making every bite a moment to savour.
Speaking on the launch, Ashu Phakey, Vice President and Business Head – Frozen and Fresh Foods at ITC Limited, said:
“At ITC Master Chef, our endeavour has always been to delight consumers with high-quality, convenient, and delicious food solutions. With Piri Piri Prawns, we aim to bring restaurant-style food right into home kitchens — delivering the perfect balance of freshness with flavour. This launch is another step forward in strengthening our non-veg portfolio and driving deeper category penetration.”
With this launch, ITC Master Chef continues to expand its ready-to-cook delicacies that offer a gourmet experience at home — from chicken snacks and cheesy delights to now, flavour-rich prawns that deliver a fiery, delicious bite.
28, Jan 2026
PAN India to Hosts Landmark 50th Signature CME in Bengaluru, Advancing Evidence-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice
Bengaluru, Jan 27: In a significant step toward placing nutrition at the core of modern healthcare, Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) India will host its 50th Annual Signature Continuing Medical Education (CME) on 25 January 2026 at Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, in collaboration with IMA Bangalore and Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).
The full-day, accredited CME brings together 600+ physicians, specialists, public health experts, and researchers from across the country to address one of India’s most pressing health challenges—the rapidly rising burden of obesity, pre-diabetes, and metabolic disease. Participants will earn 2 KMC credit points while engaging in in-depth scientific discussions, interactive sessions, and practical learning experiences.
The programme features an eminent panel of national and international experts and will focus on:
- Evidence-based dietary interventions in obesity and metabolic disorders
- Understanding insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk
- Re-evaluating macronutrient quality and dietary patterns
- Nutrition, healthspan, and longevity
- Translating research evidence into everyday clinical practice
A defining theme of the CME is clinical applicability. Beyond keynote lectures and panel discussions, the programme includes interactive quizzes, movement and fitness sessions, and a culinary medicine demonstration illustrating how to design calorie-appropriate, nutrient-dense dietary patterns suited to Indian contexts. A curated whole-food, plant-based lunch will offer participants a tangible experience of the dietary approaches discussed on stage.
Marking an important milestone, PAN India will also formally launch a new physician reference book on Healthy & Sustainable Diets during the CME. The book represents the first volume in a planned series of evidence-based, clinically practical nutrition resources tailored for Indian healthcare professionals.
“Nutrition is not an adjunct to treatment; it is foundational to prevention and recovery. When clinicians are equipped with evidence-based nutrition knowledge, we move from disease management to true health restoration. Embedding this evidence into healthcare systems and medical education is essential for sustained population-level impact.”
The CME also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together perspectives from clinical medicine, nutrition science, public health, and policy to explore sustainable, patient-centred healthcare models.
“We are seeing a clear shift among clinicians who want to meaningfully integrate nutrition into their practice, not as an add-on, but as a core part of patient care.”
“What is particularly encouraging is the growing interest from medical colleges and professional organisations to integrate evidence-based nutrition into curricula and training programmes.”
As PAN India marks its 50th CME, the Annual Signature CME 2026 reaffirms the organisation’s long-standing mission to integrate evidence-based nutrition into medical education and routine clinical care. With growing engagement from the medical fraternity nationwide, PAN India continues to lead the conversation on food as medicine, shaping a future where nutrition is central to healthcare delivery.
28, Jan 2026
Akums Strengthens Presence in Regulated Markets with EU GMP Approvals for 2 Haridwar Plants
New Delhi, Jan 28: Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with the renewal of European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GMP) certification for its Plant 1 facility and the grant of EU GMP certification for its Plant 2 facility, both located in SIDCUL, Haridwar. The certifications were awarded following recent inspections conducted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The EU-GMP audits comprehensively assessed Akums’ manufacturing operations, quality management systems, documentation practices, and compliance with EU GMP guidelines across both facilities. Based on the satisfactory inspection outcomes, the Drug agency renewed the EU GMP approval for Plant 1 and granted fresh certification for Plant 2.
With both facilities now operating under EU GMP norms, Akums is well positioned to expand its presence across Europe and other highly regulated geographies, supporting customers with a broader portfolio of high-quality oral formulations.
Akums Manufacturing Plant 1, located in SIDCUL, Haridwar, continues to serve as a key manufacturing hub for oral solid dosage forms. Under the renewed EU GMP certification, the approved scope includes tablets, hard gelatin capsules, and powder sachets. The facility is supported by advanced automation, precision manufacturing technologies, and robust quality systems designed to ensure consistent compliance with stringent international regulatory requirements.
Another Manufacturing Plant (Plant 2) which received EUGMP Certification, The newly granted EU GMP certification covers oral liquid dosage forms, including liquids, syrups, and suspensions. The facility features modern infrastructure and comprehensive quality control systems to support reliable and scalable manufacturing for regulated markets.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Sandeep Jain, Managing Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said:
“This milestone goes beyond regulatory approval—it reflects years of focused investment in quality systems, infrastructure, and people. The renewal of EU GMP certification for Plant 1 and the new certification for Plant 2 strengthen our ability to serve regulated markets with confidence. As an organisation supplying a significant share of India’s domestic pharmaceutical needs and exporting to over 65 countries, this achievement supports our long-term partnerships and sustained global growth.”
Mr. Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., added:
“EU GMP is amongst the most rigorous global manufacturing standards, and achieving certification across two facilities simultaneously underscores the maturity of our compliance and operational capabilities. This enables our partners to rely on Akums for consistent quality across both oral solid and oral liquid dosage forms, while enhancing our access to Europe and other regulated markets. Our focus remains on building a globally respected manufacturing platform that delivers safe, effective, and affordable medicines worldwide.”
EU GMP certification is widely recognized as one of the highest benchmarks in pharmaceutical manufacturing and is accepted by regulatory authorities across Europe and several other regulated regions. The certification enables Akums to supply products manufactured at both Haridwar facilities to these markets and supports the company’s continued international expansion.
28, Jan 2026
Kia India Delivers More Value with Expansion of Syros Line-Up; Introduces HTK(EX)
Mumbai, Jan 28: Driven by customer feedback and evolving preferences, Kia India, one of country’s leading mass-premium automaker, today expanded the Syros line-up with the introduction of the new HTK (EX) trim. Priced at ₹9,89,000 (ex-showroom) for petrol powertrain and ₹10,63,900 (ex-showroom) for diesel, the new trim enhances the overall value proposition across the range.
“At Kia, customer insights guide every product decision we make. The introduction of the HTK(EX) trim for Syros reflects our constant focus on responding to customer feedback and delivering meaningful value,” said Mr. Atul Sood, Sr. VP and National Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia India. “By expanding the lineup at an attractive price point, we aim to make our SUV more accessible while continuing to offer the features and quality that customers expect from Kia,” he added.
With the expansion of the Syros line-up, customers now have an option to choose from seven different trims. Based on the HTK(O), the HTK(EX) trim comes equipped with LED DRLs, headlamps and tail-lamps, and R16 alloy wheels, enhancing the overall style quotient.
The HTK(EX) also offers a host of premium comfort and convenience enhancements, including an electric sunroof, streamlined door handles, a 31.2 cm (12.3-inch) touchscreen infotainment system, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, and a rear parking camera with sensors. Its comprehensive safety package comprises over 20 robust features, including ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Six Airbags and Vehicle Stability Management, among others.
To further expand customer choice, the HTK(EX) is now available with a diesel powertrain, strengthening its value proposition across fuel options.
These additions make Syros emerge as a compelling choice in its segment, offering enhanced value to customers. The SUV features a spacious and airy cabin, providing an unmatched experience with refined interior and comfortable seating for all passengers, along with class-leading boot space. Built on Kia’s design philosophy of “Opposites United”, Syros blends bold aesthetics with functional versatility. Based on the reinforced K1 platform and boasting a 5-star BNCAP rating, it ranks among the safest cars for families.
With the introduction of the new HTK (EX) trim, Kia continues to optimize its value-driven offerings, incorporating customer feedback to meet evolving expectations.
28, Jan 2026
India–EU FTA to Unlock Tariff Relief, Services Access and Trade Growth: BDO India
Gyanendra Tripathi, Partner & Leader – Indirect Tax : North & West, Tax & Regulatory Advisory, BDO India
“Under the FTA, the EU will eliminate tariffs on over 90% of tariff lines, and 91% in terms of value on exports made from India, while India would eliminate tariffs on 86% of tariff lines, and 93% in terms of value of exports from EU. Moreover, both sides will partially liberalise a significant additional number of tariff lines, thereby bringing the overall coverage of trade liberalisation to 96.6% for India and 99.3% for the EU.”
The key sectors to benefit in India from customs duty elimination would be textiles, pharmaceuticals, footwear, chemicals, fisheries, gems and jewellery etc., whereas exporters from the EU would benefit from reduced import duties on machinery, medical devices, avionics, automotive and chemicals. This would make exports from these sectors more competitive in their respective jurisdictions.
For India, enhanced affordability of machinery due to reduced customs duties would encourage technological upgradation of manufacturing facilities, improving productivity. Further, duty removal for labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, and leather would boost exports. Reduction in import duties on automobiles (under tariff quotas) could also stimulate demand and potentially lead to local manufacturing. In many cases, India’s staggered duty reductions provide adequate time for domestic industries to adapt. Overall, enhanced trade between two of the world’s largest economies will significantly accelerate economic activity and growth.”
Karthik Mani, Partner & Leader – Indirect Tax : South, Tax & Regulatory Advisory, BDO India
“The FTA secures strong commitments from the EU across key sectors, including IT and IT-enabled services, creating significant opportunities for Indian technology companies to expand their export footprint.”
Provisions related to the movement of independent professionals in areas such as R&D, education services, and computer and computer-related services will enable Indian specialists to access a wider range of clients across EU member states. This is expected to enhance cross-border service delivery, deepen professional engagement, and strengthen India’s presence in high-value knowledge sectors within the EU market.”
Munjal Almoula, Managing Partner – Tax & Regulatory Advisory, BDO India
“After nearly two decades of negotiations, India and the EU finalised the landmark Free Trade Agreement on January 26, 2026, hailed by many as the ‘mother of all deals.’ Designed as a ‘living agreement’ with provisions for digital trade, AI and semiconductor collaboration, and CBAM offsets via India’s CCTS linkage, it eliminates tariffs on over 96% of EU goods across 27 nations representing 25% of global GDP.”
Textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech engineering are expected to see strong growth, with bilateral trade projected to double to $136 billion by 2032 amid ongoing global trade realignments. The agreement also eases professional mo
28, Jan 2026
India–EU FTA Signals Shift Toward Strategic, Long-Term Partnership: Sachin Alug
By:- Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services
“The India–EU Free Trade Agreement marks a clear shift toward a more strategic and enduring economic partnership. For Europe, India offers scale, diversified capabilities, and services that support innovation, resilience, and competitiveness. For Indian enterprises, the agreement provides structured access to one of the world’s most regulated and quality-driven markets, encouraging higher standards and value-led growth.
As European organizations deepen delivery footprints in India, the focus is steadily moving beyond offshore hiring toward building resilient Global Capability Centers with stronger governance, compliance, and operating rigor. This evolution is expected to drive sustained demand for specialised capabilities across compliance and trade, ESG and sustainability reporting, data protection and regulatory programmes, digital and engineering delivery, GCC build-outs, and workforce and vendor governance.
The phased reduction of motor vehicle tariffs- from 110% to 40%, with a longer-term aim of 10% within defined quotas- has the potential to reshape automotive supply chains. It lowers entry barriers while incentivising alignment with global quality, safety, and sustainability standards rather than volume-led exports.
Equally important is the focus on people mobility, including simplified student access supported by a dedicated EU office in India. Over time, this will strengthen education-to-employment pathways and the broader talent ecosystem across both regions. The India-EU startup partnership adds further momentum by connecting capital, research, and enterprise demand. Ultimately, the real impact of the agreement will depend on the speed of execution and how effectively policy intent translates into outcomes on the ground.”
