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.
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- By Neel Achary
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.”
28, Jan 2026
Axis Bank’s #DeshKaLocker Reimagines Respect for the Tricolour
Mumbai, Jan 28:Axis Bank, in collaboration with Grey India, has unveiled #DeshKaLocker, a Republic Day campaign that redefines how Indians express respect for the national flag. The initiative urges citizens not only to raise the tricolour with pride, but also to reflect on what happens after the celebrations end.
Every year on January 26, millions of flags are hoisted across homes, schools, and workplaces nationwide. Yet once the day concludes, many of these flags are often left unattended, mishandled, or quietly discarded. Desh Ka Locker brings attention to this overlooked moment, reminding the nation that true respect for the flag extends beyond hoisting—it includes caring for it with dignity even after the occasion has passed.
Rooted in Axis Bank’s core promise of safety and trust, the campaign expands the idea of protection beyond financial security. This Republic Day, the Bank invites Indians to safeguard something deeply personal and patriotic—the national flag itself.
Commenting on the idea, Harsh Kapadia, Chief Creative Officer, Grey India, said:
“India knows exactly what to do on the morning of January 26. What we don’t talk about is the evening. Desh Ka Locker comes from that gap. It turns a moment of emotion into a simple behaviour—raise the flag with pride, then keep it with pride.”
The campaign is anchored by a powerful brand film inspired by the journey of world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen. It traces her years of discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance leading up to a defining moment on the podium, standing beneath the tricolour as the national anthem plays.
Just as the film seems to reach its natural conclusion, it reveals a quiet yet poignant second act. Nikhat carefully folds the flag and places it inside a locker—symbolising a simple but profound truth: responsibility towards the national flag does not end when it is hoisted, but continues even when it is no longer on display.
Through this gesture, the film brings alive the central thought of the campaign:
Whatever your reason to raise the flag—victory, a milestone, or a new beginning—keep that pride safe.
Activated across 4,600 Axis Bank branches nationwide, #DeshKaLocker transforms Axis Bank’s safe deposit lockers into more than just a place for valuables. This Republic Day, they become a respectful home for the national flag—serving as a reminder that protecting what matters most also includes the symbols we hold sacred.
28, Jan 2026
India Energy Week 2026 Opens in Goa, Positioning India at the Centre of Global Energy Growth and Partnerships
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlights $500 billion energy investment opportunity and landmark India–EU trade agreement; Dr. Sultan Al Jaber calls reliable partnerships the “real strategic reserve” in an era of transformation.
Jan 28- India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 officially opened today in Goa, bringing together global policymakers, energy ministers, CEOs, investors and innovators to shape the future of energy security, sustainability and growth.
With representatives from nearly 125 countries, the opening day included key speeches from leading global figures, highlighting India’s influence at a time when global energy systems are undergoing transformation.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: India’s energy moment has arrived
Addressing the inaugural ceremony via video conferencing, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi welcomed global delegates and emphasised the importance of India Energy Week as a key forum for shaping a secure and sustainable future.
“India is a land of immense opportunities for the energy sector,” the Prime Minister said. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India’s demand for energy is rising continuously – and at the same time, India offers the capacity and capability to help meet global demand.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s expanding role in global energy markets – India is among the top five exporters of petroleum products, supplying more than 150 countries worldwide. He emphasised the opportunities for India’s large refining base – currently the world’s second largest.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the landmark Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, describing it as a remarkable example of coordination between two of the world’s largest economies.
This agreement represents nearly one-quarter of global GDP and around one-third of global trade, Shri Modi said. Beyond trade, it reinforces India’s shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
In addition to Europe, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s expanding international engagement, including discussions with Canada on strengthening cooperation across the energy value chain. Discussions between Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri were held on the first day.
Outlining India’s ambition, Prime Minister Modi said the country was moving beyond energy security towards the mission of energy independence, supported by wide-ranging reforms, deep-sea exploration initiatives, LNG infrastructure expansion and rapid growth in city gas distribution.
“Our energy sector lies at the heart of India’s aspirations,” he said. “It holds $500 billion in investment opportunities. That is why Make in India. Innovate in India. Scale with India. Invest in India.”
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber: “Reliable partnerships are the real strategic reserves”
Another key speaker at the opening day was Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC. He urged industry leaders to look beyond short-term volatility and focus on the scale of opportunity created by rising global energy demand.
In an era of constant change, reliable partnerships are the real strategic reserves, Dr. Al Jaber said. “Transformation rewards those who move boldly, not those who wait for calm seas.”
Dr. Al Jaber described today’s energy landscape as being shaped by the rise of emerging markets, exponential growth in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, and the transformation of global energy systems – trends that converge in India.
Between now and 2040, oil demand will remain above 100 million barrels per day, he said. Demand for LNG and electricity will grow by 50 percent or more.
Highlighting India’s central role in global energy growth, Dr. Al Jaber noted that over the next 15 years India’s air travel is expected to grow by 150 percent, its urban population will approach one billion, and data centre capacity will increase ten-fold.
“Progress and growth at this scale require a special kind of partnership,” he said. “Partnership that is strategic, long-term, agile and flexible – steadfast, dependable, principled and consistent. This is precisely what defines the UAE-India relationship.”
He reaffirmed ADNOC’s commitment to India, noting that India is the UAE’s number one LNG market, ADNOC is India’s largest LPG supplier, and a reliable provider of crude, feedstocks and chemicals.
Natural gas critical to reducing emissions
Also on the first day of India Energy Week, a high level leadership panel examined the evolving role of natural gas and LNG in strengthening energy resilience, supporting economic growth and enabling a realistic and inclusive energy transition amid geopolitical uncertainty.
The panel included Shri Arvinder Singh Sahney, Chairman, IndianOil Corporation Limited, Shri Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, GAIL (India) Limited, Ms Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO, ADNOC Gas, and Mr Steven Kobos, President & CEO, Excelerate Energy. Panellists underscored that natural gas and LNG are increasingly emerging as long-term, foundational components of modern energy systems and that the energy transition must be approached as energy addition rather than abrupt replacement.
Hydrogen Zone inauguration
India’s Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the Hydrogen Zone on Day One of India Energy Week. The Hydrogen Zone, one of 11 thematic zones at this year’s event, showcases cutting-edge hydrogen technologies and solutions shaping India’s low-carbon future.
A platform for global collaboration
India Energy Week 2026 continues throughout the week with ministerial dialogues, executive roundtables, strategic agreements and technology showcases – reinforcing India’s position as a global convenor for energy insights and a catalyst for investment, innovation and partnership.
27, Jan 2026
Unity, Discipline and Nation-Building: 77th Republic Day Celebrated with Dignity at ECL Headquarters
27, Jan 2026
Data Privacy Emerges as a Core Risk Imperative for BFSI Amid Rising Breach Costs and Shadow AI Threats
By: Anuj Khurana, Co-founder & CEO, Anaptyss
“In an increasingly digital world, data privacy has moved beyond being a compliance checkbox to becoming a core business and risk imperative with direct financial impact. In 2025, the average cost of a data breach has risen to approximately USD 4.4 million, with financial services institutions facing even higher exposure- often exceeding USD 5.5-6.0 million per incident- given the sensitivity of their data and the complexity of their ecosystems.
Across the global BFSI landscape, threat vectors continue to evolve. Phishing and supply-chain compromises remain persistent drivers of breaches, but a newer and fast-emerging risk is the ungoverned use of AI, often referred to as ‘Shadow AI’. In India, Shadow AI already ranks among the top three contributors to breach costs, underscoring a broader global trend where the pace of AI adoption is outstripping security, governance, and regulatory controls.
At Anaptyss, we see this convergence of data privacy, cybersecurity, and financial crime risk as a defining challenge for the industry. BFSI organizations can no longer afford to manage privacy, compliance, and financial crime controls in silos. Modern risk and compliance architectures must be engineered with privacy-by-design at their core- embedding data classification, lineage and provenance tracking, access governance, model explainability, and lifecycle management directly into AML, fraud detection, and risk analytics platforms.
By aligning data governance with real-time risk intelligence and resilient operating controls, financial institutions can not only reduce privacy breach exposure but also strengthen their defenses against financial crime. On this Data Privacy Day, the message is clear: responsible data and AI governance is no longer optional- it is foundational to trust, resilience, and sustainable innovation in the financial services ecosystem.”
27, Jan 2026
Modern Diagnostic IPO Subscribed Nearly 350.49 Times, Reflecting Strong Investor Confidence
Modern Diagnostic & Research Centre, a leading diagnostic chain, has successfully concluded its Initial Public Offering (IPO), raising ₹36.89 crore, which received an exceptional response from investors across categories. The issue was oversubscribed by a staggering 350.49 times at the close of the oversubscription period, which shows the market’s confidence in the company’s growth strategy and business model.
The IPO, which was open for subscription from Wednesday, December 31, 2025, closed on January 2, 2026, had its allotment of shares completed on Monday, January 5, 2026. The allotment status for the same was made available on the BSE website or on the registrar’s website, MUFG Intime India. The public issue consisted of a fresh issue of 4.1 million equity shares, aggregating ₹38.49 crore, offered in a price band of ₹85 to ₹90 per equity share with a lot size of 1,600 equity shares. Modern Diagnostic shares also commenced trading on the BSE SME exchange on January 7, 2026.
Modern Diagnostic & Research Centre was founded by Dr. D.S. Yadav, CMD, with an esteemed & rich heritage of quality diagnostics since inception, opening operations at New Railway Road, Gurugram, in 1985, with an impressive journey of more than four decades, earning the organization a pioneering name in quality pathology, as well as quality imaging, with a capacity to conduct 2,500 different tests in-house, mostly related to molecular, cytogenic, as well as radiological, studies.
The network of the company consists of more than 20 laboratories and diagnostic centers spread over 8 states, catering to individual patients, hospitals, and corporate clients with sophisticated diagnostic solutions. The USP of the company, MDRC, lies in the blend of legacy strengths, broad test menu, accredited labs, state-of-the-art imaging and pathology offerings, home sample collection, digital reporting for patients, and the focus for accurate results in diagnostics.
The company intended to use ₹20.7 crore of the net proceeds to acquire sophisticated medical equipment for its diagnostic centers and laboratories, thus enhancing its capabilities. Another ₹8 crore was allocated to meet the working capital needs, while ₹1 crore was earmarked to repay part of the debt. The rest of the amount was set aside for general corporate purposes.
During the allotment phase, the grey market price of the unlisted shares of Modern Diagnostic was reported at around ₹103.5 per share, indicating a Grey Market Premium (GMP) of ₹13.5, or approximately 15 percent, over the higher end of the IPO price band, as reported by sources monitoring the grey market activity. It was noted that grey markets are unregulated and unofficial markets, and investors should not solely depend on the GMP for IPO listing performance.
Expressing his views on the successful IPO, Dr. D.S. Yadav, the CMD for Modern Diagnostic & Research Centre, stated, “The strong enthusiasm shown by the investors has reaffirmed our conviction that precise diagnostic facilities provide a strong base for quality health. The amount generated from the IPO has been used for the installation of the most advanced health facilities and systems that would further improve the diagnostic facilities and provide a strong base for a transparent organisation.”
With a robust subscription response and a plan in place for the use of funds, Modern Diagnostic & Research Centre entered its next phase of growth with renewed momentum and was poised to further enhance its presence and improve the standards of diagnosis across its network.
27, Jan 2026
3 Spices, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad Presents Sofreh – A Journey into the Soul of Persian Cuisine
This January, 3 Spices invites diners to embark on a richly immersive culinary journey with Sofreh, an exclusive Persian food pop-up celebrating the depth, warmth, and heritage of one of the world’s oldest cuisines. Scheduled from 26th to 31st January 2026, the food pop-up will be available only during dinner, offering guests an evocative taste of Persia through time-honoured recipes and soulful flavours.
Curated to reflect the essence of Persian gastronomy, Sofreh showcases a menu steeped in tradition, where saffron-infused delicacies, aromatic grilled kebabs, and herb-rich slow-cooked stews take centre stage. Signature dishes include the comforting Ghormeh Sabzi, the indulgent Fesenjan with its delicate balance of nutty and tangy notes, Albaloo Polo, and fragrant Persian pilaf, each prepared using authentic techniques and ingredients true to the cuisine’s roots.
Speaking about the pop-up, the Khizer Khan, Hotel Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad said,
“With Sofreh, we aim to bring an authentic and immersive dining experience to our guests—one that goes beyond food and tells the story of Persian culture, heritage, and hospitality. At 3 Spices, we continuously strive to curate meaningful culinary journeys, and this pop-up is a celebration of flavours that are both soulful and timeless.”
So, this January, head to 3 Spices at Double Tree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad and savour the soul of Persia through a dining experience that blends tradition, flavour, and finesse.
