5, Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Express Strengthens Hyderabad Leadership with Appointment of Sandesh Parab as General Manager
“I am truly excited to take on this role and join the team at Holiday Inn Express Hyderabad Banjara Hills. The brand has always stood for smart, efficient, and guest-centred hospitality, and I look forward to building on this promise. My focus will be on creating a supportive environment for our colleagues and delivering a consistently seamless experience for our guests.”
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- By Neel Achary
3, Jan 2026
Is Infertility Becoming a New Lifestyle Disorder?
By:- Dr. Sabia Mangat, Consultant – Gynaecologist, Reproductive Medicine and IVF, Milann Fertility Hospital, Chandigarh
India is witnessing a striking paradox: even as medical technology advances, more young couples are struggling to conceive. Fertility specialists across the country report a steady rise in infertility cases often in couples in their late 20s and early 30s. While medical conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, and poor sperm quality remain important causes, a growing body of evidence suggests that infertility today is increasingly shaped by modern lifestyle choices. From stress and screen addiction to delayed childbirth and dietary habits, infertility is rapidly emerging as a lifestyle disorder.
According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data, the country’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1. Eighteen states and union territories including Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, and West Bengal are now below replacement fertility. For the first time, even rural India has touched a TFR of 2.1, while urban areas have dipped to 1.5, reflecting shifting social patterns. Fertility is declining most sharply among younger women (15–29 years), while increasing marginally among women aged 30 and above, clear evidence of delayed parenthood making it the biggest contributor.
An increasing number of couples are choosing to postpone pregnancy while they build careers, achieve financial stability, or pursue personal goals. Although empowering, this trend collides with biological reality. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and both egg quality and egg quantity begin to decline sharply after the age of 32. For men, long working hours, erratic meals, smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress are linked to reduced sperm count and motility. Together, these factors are pushing infertility into the mainstream as a lifestyle-driven phenomenon.
The urban lifestyle is another major catalyst. Long workdays, high-pressure environments, sedentary habits, and chronic screen exposure are now common across age groups. Stress has become a new normal in today’s life. And, stress triggers hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation in women and testosterone levels in men. Again, the increase in desk jobs has also led to an epidemic of obesity, and other other risk factors for ovulatory issues, insulin resistance, erectile dysfunction, and poorer IVF outcomes. Even the non-uniform working hours lead to sleep deprivation, excessive social media use, or irregular routines, disrupting hormonal cycles essential for fertility.
Diet, too, plays an increasingly important role. The growing dependence on processed foods, sugary beverages, refined carbohydrates, and high-salt snacks fuels inflammation and metabolic disorders that interfere with reproductive health. According to fertility experts, a Mediterranean-style diet, supports better hormonal balance and improves both egg and sperm quality. However, for many urban Indians, convenience often takes precedence over nutrition, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Environmental factors have also been linked to declines in fertility. Air pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics, pesticides in food, and everyday exposure to cosmetics and household products containing harmful chemicals have been linked to declining fertility rates globally. These disruptions mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, affecting menstrual cycles, sperm development, and embryo implantation.
What makes infertility particularly complex is the emotional landscape surrounding it. Modern lifestyles leave little room for rest, reflection, or interpersonal connection, creating a sense of isolation among couples facing fertility challenges. The added pressure of societal expectations, competitive careers, and financial commitments only intensifies the emotional burden. Mental health issues such as anxiety, burnout, and depressive symptoms, create a vicious cycle, further affecting hormonal and reproductive health.
Recognising infertility as a lifestyle disorder is the first step toward prevention. Time has come to take proactive approaches, such as: regular health screenings, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, reducing smoking and alcohol consumption, managing stress through yoga or mindfulness, and prioritising 7–8 hours of sleep. For couples planning to delay pregnancy, fertility preservation options such as egg or sperm freezing offer greater reproductive flexibility.
Infertility is caused by genetic and biological factors, but the rise in number reflects a deeper lifestyle shift. As work pressures intensify, diets become more processed, and stress becomes a constant companion, reproductive health inevitably takes a hit.
2, Jan 2026
SRCC’s 100-Year Journey: Centenary Curtain Raiser Reflects Enduring Impact on Indian Economy
New Delhi, Jan 2: Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), one of India’s most influential institutions in commerce and economics education, formally commenced its centenary celebrations on Friday with a landmark Curtain Raiser ceremony at its North Campus, bringing together academic leaders, policymakers, and distinguished alumni from across sectors.
As SRCC enters its 100th year (1926 2026), the institution reflected on a legacy that has closely tracked the evolution of India’s economic and governance architecture. The centenary curtain raiser outlined a year- long programme of academic conclaves, policy dialogues, alumni engagements, and global collaborations aimed at positioning SRCC for the demands of the next century.
Tribute to Founder and Institutional Legacy
The event was presided over by Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, who attended as Chief Guest, along with Mr. Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman, SRCC Governing Body. The ceremony opened with a floral tribute to Sir Shri Ram, the visionary industrialist who founded the institution in 1920 as The Commercial School to nurture indigenous business leadership in pre-Independence India.
A commemorative coffee table book, Timeless Frames, chronicling SRCC’s journey from its early years in Daryaganj to its emergence as a globally recognised centre of excellence, was also released on the occasion.
Vice Chancellor highlights SRCC’s Nation Building Role
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Yogesh Singh described SRCC as a “globally recognised academic brand” and said the college’s contribution went far beyond rankings or reputation.
“Hundred years is long enough to build institutions, shape generations and influence the journey of a nation. SRCC has done all three,” he said, adding that the University of Delhi took pride in the college’s role in producing economists, administrators, judges, and business leaders who continue to shape India’s growth story.
Referring to India’s recent economic milestone of becoming the 4th largest economy, the Vice Chancellor said the country’s emergence as a USD 4 trillion economy underscored the importance of institutions like SRCC in producing world class economists, entrepreneurs, and policy thinkers. He urged the college to focus its next phase on entrepreneurship, business incubation, and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and digital finance.
“Institutions like SRCC must now prepare leaders who create enterprises, not just join them, and who see leadership as a moral responsibility,” he said.
Chairman’s Address
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman, SRCC Governing Body, said the centenary curtain raiser marked both a moment of reflection and a roadmap for the future. Recalling SRCC’s journey from its modest beginnings in Daryaganj to becoming one of India’s foremost centres for commerce and economics education, he said the occasion was an opportunity to recognise achievements while planning ahead.
Paying tribute to late Arun Jaitley for his enduring contribution to the institution, Mr. Shriram said SRCC’s greatest strength lay in its people, its faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Outlining the path forward, he said the college would focus on academic excellence, research, infrastructure expansion, AI enabled learning, entrepreneurship, inclusion, sustainability, and deeper alumni engagement. “Our responsibility now is to ensure that SRCC not only preserves its legacy, but remains relevant, ethical, and nationally significant in the century to come,” he said.
Principal emphasises values and purpose
Welcoming the guests, Prof. Simrit Kaur, Principal, SRCC, said the centenary was a collective achievement shaped by generations of faculty, students, administrators, and alumni.
“For a hundred years, SRCC has stood for purpose over profit and ethics over expediency,” she said, adding that the college remained committed to nurturing socially responsible leaders grounded in ethical business practices, sustainability, and national service. She also acknowledged the continued support of the University leadership and the Governing Body in strengthening the institution’s academic and research framework.
Distinguished alumni reflect on SRCC’s impact
Several eminent alumni and well-wishers attended the ceremony, underscoring SRCC’s enduring influence across public life, industry, and civil society.
Sangeeta Jaitley, wife of late Arun Jaitley, former Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, recalled the profound impact SRCC had on his life and public journey. “He often spoke about the formative years he spent at this college and how deeply it shaped his thinking and values,” she said. Congratulating SRCC on completing 100 years, she added, “This is a proud moment. I wish the college many more centuries of producing leaders who excel in their own spaces and serve the nation with distinction.”
Justice A.K. Sikri, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, was also present at the event.
Sunit Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India, said SRCC’s alumni success across sectors was rooted in its academic culture. “It is a matter of great pride that SRCC alumni are doing exceptionally well in every field. Much of this credit goes to the college’s versatile, forward-looking faculty,” he said.
Sminu Jindal, Managing Director, Jindal SAW Limited and Founder Chairperson of Svayam, reflected on the institution’s inclusive ethos. “I feel extremely proud to be part of SRCC. As a person on a wheelchair, the college gave me the opportunity to study in an accessible and enabling environment, something that stayed with me throughout my life,” she said.
Vijay Goel, alumnus and former Union Minister, said SRCC played a defining role in shaping his life and leadership journey. “Whatever I am today, I owe to Shri Ram College of Commerce. The values of leadership, discipline, teamwork, and public engagement that I learnt here through academics, sports, student politics, NCC and NSS shaped not just my career, but my character,” he said.
Neeraj Ghei, Co-founder and Promoter of Select Citywalk and Select Synergies and Services Private Limited, highlighted the institution’s role in shaping professional confidence. “SRCC instils a sense of discipline, curiosity and integrity that stays with you long after you leave the campus. It prepares you not just for careers, but for leadership,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the illumination of the heritage campus, symbolising the dawn of SRCC’s next century, followed by a cultural presentation featuring a Kathak Bharatanatyam jugalbandi and a musical tribute reflecting the eras the institution has witnessed.
2, Jan 2026
Migsun Group Signs Clubhouse for 200-Key Hotel at Migsun Janpath, Lucknow
Leading realty player, Migsun Group, has signed Clubhouse, a hospitality brand, to develop and operate a 200-key hotel at its mixed-use project Migsun Janpath in Lucknow. The agreement has been structured as a 28-year-long-term revenue share lease.
The addition of the hotel is part of Migsun Janpath’s planned development mix, which integrates retail, commercial, and lifestyle components. The upcoming hotel is expected to cater to business travellers, social events, and leisure demand, as Lucknow continues to see steady growth in organised hospitality and mixed-use developments.
Yash Miglani, Managing Director, Migsun Group, said,
“The signing of Clubhouse is aligned with our strategy of adding stabilised, income-generating assets to our mixed-use developments. Lucknow has been witnessing consistent demand across business, social, and leisure travel, which creates a strong quality case for well-located hotels. The 28-year revenue share structure ensures long-term alignment between developer and operator while allowing the asset to respond to market changes over time. We believe this addition will strengthen the overall project ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to the city’s evolving hospitality landscape.”
The addition of Clubhouse will bring a strong hospitality dimension to Migsun Janpath, enhancing its appeal as a destination that seamlessly integrates retail, leisure, and stay experiences.
2, Jan 2026
IndiGo Strengthens Regional Air Connectivity from Mysuru and Hubballi
IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, continues to strengthen dependable regional air connectivity through its scheduled services from Mysuru and Hubballi, reinforcing its long-term commitment to southern India.
Mysuru: Since commencing operations on 27 October 2019, IndiGo has steadily expanded its presence from seven to 14 weekly flights, connecting the city with Hyderabad and Chennai. These services offer seamless onward connectivity across IndiGo’s domestic network, supporting travel for business, education, medical, and personal purposes, while ensuring reliability and predictable schedules for passengers.
Hubballi: IndiGo began operations in the city on 28 June 2018 and currently operates 39 weekly flights, connecting Hubballi with five major metro cities. The airline’s sustained presence underscores its role in improving access to national markets and enabling a wide range of travel needs for the region.
Through its focus on operational discipline, network integration, and consistent schedules, IndiGo continues to drive regional growth, enhance accessibility, and reaffirm its leadership in connecting southern India with the rest of the country.
2, Jan 2026
MSDE Concludes Week long Kaushal Manthan to Shape Skilling Roadmap for 2026
Mumbai, Jan 2: Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, chaired the concluding session of the week-long (23rd December 2025-31st December 2025) Kaushal Manthan, bringing together senior officials across divisions, institutions, and key stakeholders from MSDE.
The objective of the discussions held over a period of one week was to identify priority reforms and initiatives, aligned with national priorities. Deliberations focused on building a robust, responsive, and outcome-oriented skilling ecosystem. The session culminated in the firming up of Skill Resolutions for 2026, which will guide policy action and programme implementation in the coming year.
Emphasis was placed on the next phase of reforms, with a sharper focus on outcomes, stronger convergence with State Governments and industry, and improved monitoring of training quality, assessments, and certifications.
A key theme of the discussions was the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms while simplifying systems. Proposed directions include outcome-based grading mechanisms for ITIs to drive quality improvement, delegation of powers to regional and institutional levels to enable ease of doing business. The reorganization and strengthening of Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) was also discussed, alongwith regular review of SSCs and assignment of KPIs. The deliberations highlighted the need for continuous curriculum upgradation in line with technological change and industry demand.
Modernising curriculum and, strengthening industry co-creation, and ensuring flexibility and adaptability in training design were identified as key enablers for building a resilient skilling ecosystem.
Creation of clear and seamless pathways across skill levels was emphasized upon; from school to post-school, for dropouts, working professionals, and lifelong learners supported by credit frameworks and mobility across programmes.
During the recently held CS Conference MSDE had committed to establishing a National Federated Skill and Workforce Registry, operationalising a National Trainer Framework, repositioning apprenticeships as the primary school-to-work pathway, and integrating MSMEs into national skilling and apprenticeship frameworks in a time-bound manner.
The Kaushal Manthan reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to regular and structured consultations with State Governments, deeper and continuous industry engagement, strengthened inter-ministerial and institutional convergence
These common levers are expected to underpin the implementation of reforms and ensure alignment across stakeholders.
1, Jan 2026
Jana Nayagan director H Vinoth wonders why Bollywood overlooked Bobby Deol
As H Vinoth prepares for the release of his upcoming political action drama Jana Nayagan, the filmmaker has stirred an interesting conversation by calling out Bollywood for failing to fully recognise Bobby Deol’s true potential. Speaking ahead of the film’s release on January 9, Vinoth praised Deol’s commanding performance as the main antagonist and wondered how Hindi cinema allowed such a versatile star to remain underutilised for years.
Sharing his thoughts in an interview with Ananda Vikatan, Vinoth said that Bobby Deol is inherently built for powerful action roles and has delivered far beyond expectations in Jana Nayagan. “I don’t know how Hindi cinema let go of Bobby Deol for so long, because he is pure action-hero material. When we write certain characters, we imagine how they might finally look on screen. In this role, he exceeded everything I imagined,” he stated.
Vinoth also pointed out the striking contrast between Bobby’s calm off-screen persona and the electrifying energy he brings to camera. “Bobby is naturally quiet, but on screen he scores big and leaves a strong impact. If I ever get an opportunity to direct a Hindi film, I would love to make an action film with him. That’s how much I enjoyed working with him,” he added.
Jana Nayagan features Thalapathy Vijay in the lead, with Bobby Deol playing a formidable adversary. The film boasts a strong ensemble including Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, Prakash Raj and Narain. The story revolves around a former police officer who rises to unexpected leadership after standing up against injustice.
1, Jan 2026
Scalefusion outlines key enterprise IT shifts in 2025 and AI-led UEM priorities for 2026
Year-End Review & 2026 Outlook: UEM, Device Security and AI Trends Shaping Enterprise IT Scalefusion Insights
As 2025 draws to a close, Scalefusion marked several significant milestones by unifying IT operations, security, identity, and endpoint management into a single, integrated platform. This consolidation eliminated tool silos, automated routine IT workflows, simplified compliance, and enabled device signal–driven conditional access—delivering measurable efficiency gains for organizations managing hybrid workforces across multiple operating systems in over 124 countries.
The year also highlighted growing tool fatigue and cost pressures, accelerating enterprise demand for platform consolidation. Organizations increasingly turned to unified solutions to reduce complexity while enforcing zero-trust access models. By building strong regional partnerships, Scalefusion successfully addressed region-specific compliance requirements, enabling seamless global expansion for its customers.
Looking ahead to 2026, the company expects strong momentum in customisable, industry-specific UEM solutions with deep multi-OS support and user-centric management. AI-driven automation and predictive security will remain central, transforming endpoint management into a proactive, strategic capability—one that reduces IT complexity while strengthening defenses against emerging threats.
Sriram Kakarala, Chief Producer Officer, Scalefusion.
As we look back on 2025, Scalefusion reached several major milestones by unifying IT operations, security, identity, and endpoint management into a single platform. This move eliminated tool silos, automated routine IT tasks, streamlined device signal-driven conditional access, and made compliance simpler – delivering clear efficiency gains for clients managing hybrid workforces across multiple OS environments in more than 124 countries.
The year exposed rising tool fatigue and cost pressure, pushing companies to consolidate platforms to cut complexity while enforcing zero-trust access. By building strategic local partnerships, we navigated region-specific compliances and enabled smooth global expansion.
Looking to 2026, we anticipate rapid growth in customizable, industry-specific UEM solutions with robust multi-OS support and user-centric management. AI-driven automation and predictive security will stay central, turning endpoint management into a proactive, strategic asset that reduces IT complexity while protecting against new threats.
From Idea to Reality in Seconds: Abhinav Girdhar Defines 2025 as the Year of Autonomous Creation
Abhinav Girdhar, Founder, Appy Pie
“As we close out 2025, it’s clear that we have moved beyond the era of merely ‘using’ AI and entered a phase of truly ‘partnering’ with it. This was the year the digital divide finally began to close in a meaningful way. In the no-code ecosystem, we have evolved from simplifying development to enabling Autonomous Creation—where the gap between a human idea and a fully functional software ecosystem is now measured in seconds, not lines of code. At Appy Pie, we believe 2025 proved that the most powerful thing you can give an entrepreneur isn’t just a tool, but the confidence that their imagination is the only limit they have left.”
1, Jan 2026
Smile Foundation’s Santanu Mishra honoured at BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025
New Delhi, Jan 01: Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee of Smile Foundation was awarded at BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025. He was honoured for Smile Foundation’s initiatives, which are anchored in the idea that as artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems, and data-driven public infrastructure will reshape development models. Hence, the future of social impact must remain firmly people-centred.
The forum underscored a critical shift underway across the social sector: while technology today enables scale, precision, and real-time insight, meaningful change continues to depend on human intent, ethical leadership, and deep community engagement. BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025 brought together social entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders, CSR professionals, policymakers, technologists, and impact investors to examine how emerging tools can strengthen transparency, improve decision-making, and extend services to underserved communities—without losing sight of dignity, inclusion, and participation. The conversations reinforced that technology is most powerful when it acts as an enabler of empathy-led action rather than a substitute for it.
The recognition process followed a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation, with nominations assessed on measurable outcomes, authenticity of impact, quality of governance, scalability of models, and the responsible use of technology as a force multiplier. Shortlisted initiatives underwent detailed qualitative review, examining how programmes support inclusion, build resilient local ecosystems, and deliver sustainable, long-term transformation. Final selections were made after comprehensive jury deliberations, bringing together perspectives from policy, development, technology, corporate citizenship, and social innovation.
Reflecting on the recognition, Santanu Mishra said, “This acknowledgement feels meaningful because it highlights collective purpose rather than individual achievement, which resonates well with the theme of “Tech with Soul”. At Smile Foundation, our work is grounded in partnerships, and in the belief that progress must be inclusive, ethical, and people-first. The discussions at BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025 reaffirmed that technology finds its true value only when guided by empathy and social responsibility.”
He added that the platform provided a valuable space to reflect on how tools such as AI can strengthen education, healthcare, livelihoods, and community welfare, while keeping human dignity at the centre of development efforts. “This recognition belongs to our teams across geographies whose quiet, consistent work translates intent into impact every day,” he said.
BW Disrupt Social Impact 2025, convened in partnership with BW Businessworld, highlighted the growing consensus that the next phase of social progress in India will be shaped not by technology alone, but by how thoughtfully it is integrated into human systems, values, and institutions.
1, Jan 2026
Abakkus Mutual Fund raises INR 2,468 cr during NFO period of its maiden fund
Mumbai, Jan 1, 2026: Abakkus Mutual Fund has cited that the new fund offer (NFO) of their maiden fund – Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund, which opened on December 8, 2025 and closed on December 22, 2025, secured assets under management (AUM) with the subscription value of ₹2,468 crores. This is a reflection of strong interest from investors across the country, recording participation from nearly 5,518 pin codes from across 2,000 cities. About 36,688 retail and 1,060 institutional investors subscribed the flexi cap fund during the NFO period. To bring investment inclusivity and business scalability, Abakkus Mutual Fund has built an extensive network of 4,700 empanelled distributors.
Vaiibhavv Chugh, Chief Executive Officer, Abakkus Investment Managers Private Limited said, “Favourable reception from investors across the country for our maiden fund is a testament of strong brand capital of Abakkus Group and trust built through prudent advisory offered by our sales team & distributors during the NFO period of Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund. Our portfolio construction is true to label flexi cap product with diverse spread across market cap classifications and appropriate allocation to the conviction ideas. We will be aiming to launch more funds in the coming years.”
The Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund is managed by Sanjay Doshi, Head of Investments and Research, and re-opened for investments from December 30 2025, available in both regular and direct plans.
Sanjay Doshi, Head of Investments & Research, Abakkus AMC said, “Our flexi cap fund will be aligned to market conditions offering right balance of allocation across large, mid and small caps. The fund will have notable allocation to conviction ideas and will be supported by a well-defined risk management framework aligned to long term wealth creation.”
The equity scheme invests across large, mid and small cap stocks, offering portfolio flexibility across market capitalisations. The fund is benchmarked against the BSE 500 TRI and will invest a minimum of 65 percent of its assets in equities and equity-related instruments, with the balance allocated to debt, money market instruments, and up to 10 percent in REITs and InvITs.
All schemes under Abakkus Mutual Fund will follow the in-house MEETS framework, which focuses on Management pedigree and track record, Earnings quality and the ability of companies to multiply profits, Events/Trends that affect or disrupt operations, Timing of investment at reasonable pricing and Structural aspects like size of the opportunity and competitive positioning.
