27, Jan 2026
‘Victoria’ Tops Indian Showcase Awards 2026; ‘Shape of Momo’ Secures Second Best Film
Malayalam feature ‘Victoria’ wins Best Film at Indian Showcase Awards 2026 at GAFF; ‘Shape of Momo’ gets Second Best Film
Guwahati, Jan 27: The Indian Showcase Awards 2026, presented as part of the second Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF), celebrated outstanding achievements in Indian and regional cinema, recognising filmmakers and artists whose work reflects cinematic excellence, diversity and storytelling depth.
In a glittering awards ceremony, the Best Film Award was conferred on the Malayalam feature ‘Victoria’, directed by Sivaranjini, for its compelling narrative and strong visual language. The film also earned additional recognition at GAFF with cinematographer Anand Ravi receiving the Jury Special Mention for his exceptional cinematography in the film.
The Second Best Film Award was awarded to the Nepali film ‘Shape of Momo’, directed by Tribeny Rai, applauded for its sensitive storytelling and fresh cinematic voice.
Highlighting regional cinema from the Northeast, the NE Spotlight Award went to the Assamese film ‘Noi Kotha’ (River Tales), directed by Dr Pankaj Borah, acknowledging its cultural relevance and strong narrative rooted in the region.
“The Indian Showcase Awards reflect the spirit of GAFF – celebrating bold storytelling, regional diversity and meaningful cinema. This year’s winners demonstrate how powerful narratives can emerge from different cultural landscapes while remaining universally resonant. We are proud to provide a platform where such voices are discovered, appreciated and encouraged,” said Monita Borgohain, Honorary Festival Director of GAFF.
The Indian Showcase Competition jury at GAFF 2026 was chaired by acclaimed filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, with noted film personalities Utpal Borpujari and Anupama Bose serving as jury members.
The awards underline GAFF’s commitment to promoting diverse voices from across India and Asia, offering a platform for emerging and independent filmmakers alongside established talent.
The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 also conferred its Lifetime Achievement Honour on veteran actor Bishnu Kharghoria (also known as Bishnu Kharghariya), in recognition of his extraordinary and enduring contribution to Indian cinema. Instituted as an annual honour, the award celebrates artists whose body of work has significantly shaped cinematic culture and inspired generations.
Organised by Trending Now Media, the second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival held with the support of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The festival showcased 26 curated films from across 10 Asian countries, attracting strong participation from filmmakers, cinephiles and industry professionals.
GAFF has steadily positioned itself as an important cultural platform in Northeast India, fostering dialogue, creative exchange and regional cinematic growth.
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- By Neel Achary
27, Jan 2026
GRASP 2026 AI Hackathon Offers INR 2 Lakh Prize and Global Exposure in France
From Campus to Global Stage: Win INR 2 Lakh, National Recognition & a Trip to AiVancity, France at KRUU & ASME’s GRASP 2026 AI Hackathon
KRUU, in association with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), has announced the launch of KRUU GRASP 2026, a national-level AI hackathon designed to recognise clear thinking, applied reasoning, and real-world problem solving among college students across India. Winners will receive cash prizes totaling INR 1.85 lakh, certificates jointly issued by Kruu, ASME, and partners, national-level recognition, structured expert feedback, internship opportunities, and potential global exposure, including opportunities with France-based AI institutions.
The hackathon is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students across engineering, science, healthcare, management, design, and interdisciplinary programs, with teams of three students each. Cross-disciplinary participation is strongly encouraged.
Students can apply across 4 strategic domains: AI for Social Good, AI for Education, AI for Medicine and Applied engineering.
Conceptualized and led by KRUU as the program architect, GRASP 2026 is delivered in collaboration with ASME, leveraging their global engineering excellence and professional adjudication. Supported by outreach partners CGSSC (Capital Goods & Strategic Goods & Strategic Skill Council) and Information and Communication Technology Academy of Kerala (ICTAK), the program combines KRUU’s AI-based evaluation systems with industry-aligned assessments.
Scheduled for February 6–8, 2026, GRASP departs from traditional speed-coding marathons. It introduces a thinking-first, worksheet-driven framework that mirrors professional R&D and global innovation ecosystems. Rather than focusing on interface polish, participants are judged on:
- Problem Framing & Logic
- Data Reasoning & Feasibility
- Ethics & Execution Thinking
Participants will be evaluated through a multi-layered process, including AI-based scoring of reasoning worksheets, validation through working demos, and final adjudication by a joint jury comprising professors, industry experts, and ASME representatives.
With GRASP 2026, the organizers aim to address a growing gap in AI education — shifting the focus from tool usage to reasoning quality, responsible design, and decision-making clarity.
Important Dates & Program Milestones
- February 5, 2026 – Registration & National Launch
○ National announcement of GRASP 2026
○ Registrations open
○ Domains, challenges overview, and evaluation philosophy released
- February 6, 2026 – Kick-Off & Masterclass
○ 9:00 AM: Public reveal of 12 national AI challenges
○ 11:00 AM: Mandatory masterclass led by industry leaders
○ 2:00 PM: Execution window opens
- February 6–7, 2026 – Deep Design & Submission Phase
○ System design sprint and reasoning refinement
○ Thinking audits and worksheet-based submissions
○ 11:59 PM (Feb 7): Final submission deadline (Worksheets + working demo/prototype)
- February 8, 2026 – Evaluation, Jury Review & Awards
○ 6:00 AM: AI-based national shortlisting
○ 2:00 PM: Jury deep-dive with faculty, industry experts, and ASME representatives
○ 8:00 PM: Grand finale and winners announcement
27, Jan 2026
MIC Electronics Wins Salem Division PIS Upgrade Project under Amrit Bharat Scheme
MIC Electronics to Upgrade Passenger Information Systems for Southern Railway’s Salem Division under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Chennai, Jan 27: Southern Railway has sanctioned a new set of works for the provision of advanced Passenger Information Systems (PIS) across key stations in its Salem Division under the Amrit Bharat Scheme.
The approved project covers the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of modern passenger information and digital display systems at Tirupattur, Samalpatti, Morappur, Bommidi, and Salem railway stations. The scope also includes a Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) for a period of five years.
Under the project, MIC Electronics Limited will deploy RDSO-compliant Passenger Information Systems featuring single-line double-face platform display boards, Full HD and UHD large-format commercial displays, 4K UHD professional displays, network monitoring devices, fiber management systems, public address system hardware, speakers, cabling, and associated civil, signalling, and telecom works. The scope further includes excavation, trenching, reinstatement of signalling and telecom equipment, and deployment of skilled and unskilled manpower as per site requirements.
The total sanctioned project value stands at INR 56.43 lakh, encompassing equipment supply, installation, commissioning, civil works, signalling and telecom integration, and long-term maintenance support.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Rakshit Mathur, CEO, MIC Electronics Limited, said,
“This project reinforces our long-standing association with Indian Railways and our commitment to delivering reliable, RDSO-compliant passenger information solutions. By deploying advanced digital display and communication systems across stations in the Salem Division, we aim to enhance real-time information access and significantly improve the overall passenger experience, in line with the objectives of the Amrit Bharat Scheme.”
The initiative is expected to strengthen real-time passenger communication, enhance station-level digital infrastructure, and improve operational efficiency, supporting Indian Railways’ broader vision of technology-led, passenger-centric station modernisation.
27, Jan 2026
“TecSox Launches Zen Single Wireless Earbud at INR 399, Redefining Aware Listening for the Always-On Consumer”.
TecSox today announced the launch of the TecSox Zen Single Wireless Earbud, a thoughtfully designed audio solution that blends premium sound, everyday comfort, and situational awareness. Priced at an accessible ₹399, TecSox Zen is crafted for users who want to stay connected to their audio without disconnecting from the world around them.
Unlike conventional dual-ear earbuds that isolate users from their surroundings, TecSox Zen adopts a single-ear Open Wireless Stereo (OWS) design, making it ideal for professionals, commuters, drivers, delivery partners, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to remain alert while enjoying music, podcasts, or calls. The open design allows ambient sound to flow naturally, enabling safer and more practical listening throughout the day.
TecSox Zen delivers high-resolution audio tuned for clarity and balance, ensuring crisp vocals during calls and rich sound for music and spoken content. Equipped with advanced Bluetooth connectivity, the earbud offers a stable and seamless connection, allowing uninterrupted performance during work or leisure. The ergonomic, lightweight build ensures a comfortable fit even during extended wear, eliminating in-ear pressure and fatigue.
Built for real-life use, the Zen earbud features IPX water resistance, protecting it from sweat and light splashes, making it a reliable companion for workouts and outdoor activities. The device offers up to 5 hours of continuous playback and an impressive 48 hours of standby time, ensuring dependable performance throughout busy days.
Commenting on the launch, Puneet Gulati, Founder & Promoter of TecSox said:
“We’re committed to democratizing premium technology making smart, high-quality audio accessible to everyone without compromise. TecSox Zen redefines everyday listening: immerse yourself in crystal-clear music or calls while staying fully aware and connected to the world around you. It’s not just an earbud; it’s technology that empowers real life.”
With Zen, TecSox continues its mission of combining intelligent design, reliable performance, and disruptive pricing to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers.
27, Jan 2026
Union Budget 2026–27: Strengthening General Insurance as India’s Resilience Backbone
Mr. Rakesh Jain, CEO, IndusInd General Insurance:
As India approaches the Union Budget 2026–27, we stand at a pivotal moment where economic ambition and risk preparedness must advance hand in hand. With the nation witnessing rapid formalisation, digital expansion, and rising consumer expectations, general insurance is no longer a supplementary financial product it is a foundational pillar of resilience from economic volatility for households, businesses, and national infrastructure. The Budget presents a critical opportunity to strengthen this pillar by improving affordability, expanding coverage, and creating an environment conducive to long-term, innovation led growth.
As we approach the Union Budget 2026–27, the general insurance industry stands at an inflection point where last year’s landmark reforms such as the GST exemption on health insurance policies, stricter time bound cashless claim norms, and the broader legislative push toward affordability and transparency have set a strong foundation for deeper transformation in the year ahead.
Health insurance, now the core of the general insurance market, needs policy support to counter rising medical inflation and enhance access, especially for vulnerable groups. Similarly, India’s evolving mobility and infrastructure ecosystems demand sophisticated, future ready risk solutions backed by stable regulation, stronger domestic reinsurance capacity, and clear catastrophe frameworks.
Significant focus on insuring houses and SME/MSMEs is also critical to ensure that the asset and lifestyle creation of India is not at risk due to physical or economic volatility. With rising climate linked events, rapid urbanisation, and increasing asset ownership across Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions, home insurance traditionally underpenetrated requires policy incentives, tax benefits, and simplified product frameworks to drive mass adoption and strengthen household resilience.
Building on recent reforms, the sector now needs the Budget to focus on three decisive priorities that can shift the industry from reform to measurable results.
First, India must double down on digital rails that cut friction, fraud, and administrative costs. The National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) requires full funding and a time bound, nationwide rollout to enable real time data exchange, while Bima Sugam, launched in 2025 and expected to become fully operational in 2026, must be fast tracked to deliver seamless e KYC, e policy issuance, and a unified service window for customers and intermediaries. Standard APIs, transparent claims workflows, and interoperable digital architecture across health, motor, home, and commercial lines will meaningfully reduce costs from purchase to payout.
Second, strengthening domestic reinsurance capacity and ensuring stable long term regulatory frameworks will be essential for supporting India’s expanding infrastructure, mobility, cyber, and property risk landscape. Incentives to build homegrown risk capital, promote innovation driven underwriting, and support early stage technologies such as telematics, AI led risk scoring, and satellite based property assessment will accelerate industry maturity.
Third, India must build climate and MSME resilience at scale through a National Catastrophe Risk Pool, which has become increasingly urgent amid rising urban floods, cyclones, and heat related losses. The Budget should also enable India’s first sovereign or state backed catastrophe bond via GIFT IFSC and provide viability gap funding for micro insurance and parametric products in high risk districts, ensuring meaningful protection for vulnerable communities, homeowners, and small businesses. As insurers rapidly scale AI, telematics, cyber risk modelling, and risk analytics capabilities, targeted Budget support for cybersecurity, data governance infrastructure, and insurance focused workforce skilling will be essential to ensure innovation remains safe, transparent, and accountable.
A forward looking Budget that positions general insurance as essential economic and social infrastructure anchored in digital enablement, affordability, home and MSME protection, and climate risk financing can significantly deepen insurance penetration and support the nation’s long term trajectory of inclusive and resilient growth.
27, Jan 2026
Zebra Technologies Further Strengthens APAC Leadership to Drive Regional Growth
New Delhi, India, Jan 27: Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating frontline workflows, today announced several key leadership appointments and expanded roles across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. These changes reinforce Zebra’s commitment to strengthening customer engagement and partner collaboration, enabling businesses to better address significant labor shortages, persistent supply chain disruptions, and the urgent need to modernize operations to stay ahead.
To support customers and partners in accelerating their adoption of AI-powered automation, Zebra has made two strategic appointments in the APAC region. Tom Christodoulou has been appointed as Sales Vice President, overseeing Australia & New Zealand (ANZ), Southeast Asia (SEA) and Korea.
Based in Singapore, Christodoulou will lead sales strategy for an expanded territory covering ANZ, SEA and Korea. He was formerly the Vice President of Sales for Australia, New Zealand, and India Subcontinent. He will be closely supported by a strong local leadership team, including Brett Newstead, Sales Director for ANZ, and Heejung Seo, Country Lead for South Korea. Bringing over two decades of industry experience, Christodoulou will focus on helping organizations in these regions build more resilient supply chains by empowering their connected frontline with real-time asset visibility and AI-driven decision-making.
“Organizations are under immense pressure to improve productivity and meet rising customer expectations,” said Tom Christodoulou, Sales Vice President, Australia & New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Korea, Zebra Technologies. “We will continue helping businesses solve these challenges with intelligent automation, and I’m excited to deepen our collaboration to support their critical modernization journeys.”
Christanto Suryadarma is stepping into the newly formed role of Head of Partnerships for APAC. Previously, Suryadarma was the Sales Vice President of Southeast Asia, Korea and Channels for Asia Pacific (excluding China). In his new strategic role, Suryadarma will lead Zebra’s partnership strategy and expand a diverse partner ecosystem that delivers asset visibility, connected frontline workers and intelligent automation solutions for the retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and healthcare industries. With more than 25 years of regional leadership experience, Suryadarma will be instrumental in empowering partners to help customers better modernize their operations.
“Our partners are essential for deploying solutions that build more intelligent operations for customers,” said Christanto Suryadarma, Head of Partnerships, APAC, Zebra Technologies. “I look forward to empowering our ecosystem with stronger collaboration and the best solutions to solve the intelligent operations challenges of today and tomorrow.”
To further support growing customer demand in key APAC markets, Zebra has also appointed two new country leaders:
- Subramaniam Thiruppathi has been appointed Country Lead for India Subcontinent (ISC). With nearly two decades at Zebra, he has been central to accelerating technology adoption in the region’s manufacturing, retail, and logistics industries.
- Joelle Booi has been appointed Country Lead for Singapore. She brings over 15 years of experience at Zebra and has been instrumental in advancing technology adoption in Singapore’s public and private sectors, particularly in manufacturing and AI.
Ryan Goh, previously Senior Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific, will now also lead Zebra’s Global OEM business, driving the worldwide strategy for Zebra’s OEM portfolio, enabling customers to embed Zebra’s solutions like scan engines into their specialized market solutions.
“The pace of change across APAC is accelerating rapidly. Businesses, especially those in India and Japan, are facing significant pressure from increasingly disrupted supply chains and rising labor shortfalls,” said Ryan Goh, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific and Global OEM, Zebra Technologies. “Our expanded leadership bench across APAC strategically positions our best talent to collaborate closely with our customers and partners, driving productivity and advancing digital capabilities. This team’s deep expertise will be crucial in guiding organizations, as they adopt intelligent automation to build more resilient operations and empower the connected frontline workforce.”
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Zebra has strengthened its APAC leadership to help customers navigate key industry trends like supply chain disruption and AI adoption.
- The strategic appointments include Tom Christodoulou, leading sales for ANZ, SEA and Korea, Christanto Suryadarma heading the new APAC Partnerships role, and Ryan Goh also guiding Zebra’s Global OEM business in addition to the region.
- The leadership expansion deepens local expertise in key markets like India and Singapore, aligning resources with growing customer demand for modernization.
WHO IS ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES?
Zebra provides the foundation for intelligent operations with an award-winning portfolio of connected frontline, asset visibility and automation solutions powered by AI. Organizations globally across retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and other industries rely on us to deliver outcomes today while driving innovation for what’s next. Together with our partners, we create new ways of working that improve productivity and empower organizations to be better every day.
27, Jan 2026
The Flavours of Parsi Tradition, Curated at Taj Bangalore
Rooted in warmth, tradition, and soulful flavours, Parsi cuisine takes centre stage at Taj Bangalore with a thoughtfully curated culinary pop-up celebrating its rich heritage and timeless recipes. Set within the refined ambience of the hotel, this three-day showcase invites guests to experience the soul of Parsi culinary traditions through flavour, storytelling, and shared moments.
At Tamarind, the pop-up is curated by Chef Firozi and Chef Rashna, presenting a chef-driven Table d’Hôte menu alongside select à la carte offerings. The menu highlights beloved Parsi specialties such as Patra ni Macchi, Chicken Farcha, Sali Gosh, and the iconic Dhansak served with caramelised rice. Nostalgic desserts including Lagan nu Custard and Bawa Mawa Cake complete the experience, paired with specially crafted beverages.
Elevated with heritage-inspired tableware and chef-led storytelling, the experience offers an immersive dining journey that honours tradition while celebrating culinary craftsmanship.
- Join us from 30th January to 1st February 2026.
- Timings: Lunch – 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM | Dinner – 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Reserve your table at Tamarind, Taj Bangalore, and savour a Parsi dining experience where heritage, flavour, and gracious hospitality come together.
27, Jan 2026
SKF Leads in Tribology as Platinum Sponsor of Nanotribology Forum 2026
SKF Strengthens Leadership in Tribology as Platinum Sponsor of International Nanotribology Forum 2026 in India
Mumbai, Jan 27: SKF India (Industrial) Ltd., a leading provider of premium bearing solutions and rotating equipment services, is the Platinum Sponsor of the International Nanotribology Forum (INF) 2026, a globally recognised platform advancing the science of friction, wear, and lubrication at nano and bio scales.
Scheduled from 26 to 30 January 2026 at Hotel Chandela, Khajuraho, INF 2026 continues a distinguished legacy of international nanotribology forums previously hosted across Asia, reflecting its strong global relevance and scientific credibility.
This year’s edition will focus on Soft Tribology and Biotribology, alongside core themes such as adhesion and friction fundamentals, wear mechanisms, and emerging experimental and analytical techniques in nanotribology. The programme will feature invited and contributed lectures, poster sessions, and in-depth technical discussions, fostering collaboration between leading researchers, academicians, and industry practitioners.
SKF’s association with INF 2026 is closely aligned with its purpose of ‘Less Friction, More Progress’. Tribology sits at the heart of SKF’s innovation engine—enabling higher efficiency, longer asset life, and more sustainable industrial performance. By supporting platforms such as INF, SKF reinforces its commitment to bridging fundamental research and applied engineering, accelerating the translation of scientific insight into real-world solutions.
Speaking on SKF’s association, Sanoj Somasundaran , Chief Technology Officer India & Director- Technology Development, ISEAM, said,
“Tribology is central to how we reduce friction, improves reliability and sustainability. The International Nanotribology Forum brings together some of the world’s most respected minds in this field, and as Platinum Sponsor, SKF is proud to support a platform that advances scientific understanding while strengthening its application in industry. We are in the right direction of less friction more progress”
INF 2026 will feature renowned speakers from leading institutions across the United States, Europe, Asia, and India, reinforcing its position as a key global congregation for the tribology community.
The forum will be hosted in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its architectural and cultural legacy. Well connected by air and road, the city offers an inspiring setting that blends rigorous scientific exchange with rich cultural heritage.
27, Jan 2026
Education as a Global Capability-Building Engine: Shaping Future-Ready Leaders
By: Prof. Seema Mahajan, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director, School of Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management, SVKM’s NMIMS Mumbai
On International Day of Education, it is imperative to recognise that education has shifted from a degree-granting function to a strategic capability-building engine for global readiness. In a hyper-connected world, learning can no longer be geographically siloed or confined to institutions. Competitive advantage in education now emerges through purposeful cross-border knowledge exchange—where institutions, faculty, industry, and learners co-create solutions to complex and competitive global challenges.
Equally critical is the design of inclusive learning ecosystems that democratize access across gender, geography, and generations, enabling every learner to participate in and benefit from global opportunity structures. International partnerships must evolve from symbolic MoUs to outcome-driven collaborations encompassing joint degrees, faculty co-creation, applied research, and mobility frameworks. As disruption accelerates across industries, education must develop adaptive leaders with systems thinking, ethical judgment, cultural intelligence, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The future of education will be shaped by globally aligned institutions that collaborate, not compete, to build resilient and future-ready societies.
27, Jan 2026
IEEMA Launches Telangana Power Conclave to Drive Renewable Growth and T&D Expansion
IEEMA Strengthens Southern Presence; Launches Telangana Power Conclave to Boost Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Industry
Hyderabad, Jan 27: The Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) today inaugurated the first edition of the Telangana Power Conclave in Hyderabad. The first-of-its-kind event in the state power conclave was inaugurated by Shri Navin Mittal, special chief secretary to the Government, Energy Department, Government of Telangana. Telangana Power Conclave is the sixth in the line of State Power Conclave launched by IEEMA to grow its regional engagement with industry and showcase the business potential of states in the country.
Speaking at the Telangana Power Conclave, Shri Navin Mittal, special chief secretary to Government, Energy Department, Government of Telangana, said:
“The state is focusing on expanding solar, wind, and energy storage capacities, including BESS and pumped storage. While Gujarat and Rajasthan are India’s wind and solar capital, Telangana aims to become India’s PSP capital. Transmission and distribution networks are being strengthened, with data centres emerging as key demand drivers, supported by strong government policy backing.”
He further added, “IEEMA’s initiatives like Telangana Power Conclave provide a strong platform that connects the government’s vision with industry execution. Telangana is a fast-growing state and is on track to become a $3 trillion economy by 2047. The energy sector is expected to grow at 10% annually, with installed capacity set to increase five-fold. Power consumption is projected to rise from 95 TWh currently to nearly 780 TWh by 2047, and planning has been aligned accordingly.”
Talking about Telangana’s growth and industry potential, Shri Vikram Gandotra, President, IEEMA said,
“Telangana is a powerhouse of economic vitality and now the 9th largest state economy in India, its Clean and Green Energy Policy is redefining the state’s infrastructure landscape and commended both the industry and the Telangana government for their strategic planning and sustained investments.”
Addressing the gathering, Shri Siddharth Bhutoria, IEEMA President-Elect said,
“Telangana’s rapid progress in expanding power access and setting ambitious renewable energy targets clearly demonstrates how commitment and innovation can drive industrial and social growth.”
The conclave focused on state specific opportunities and challenges, Telangana’s Roadmap for 2047, green energy, green data centers and the resilience of T&D Grid.
The event featured technical sessions, policy plans, dialogues, and networking opportunities focused on capacity building, innovative technologies & solutions. The event saw a turnout of over 300 participants.
