Author: Neel Achary

SWITCH Mobility Flags Off 200+ Electric Buses in Delhi, Further Strengthening City’s Electric Public Transport Network

Bangalore, Feb 10: SWITCH Mobility, a global leader in electric buses and light commercial vehicles and part of the Hinduja Group, today flagged off 272 SWITCH EiV12 Low Floor Bus for city transport under the CESL (Convergence Energy Services Limited) tender from the Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi.  The flag-off forms part of a centralised rollout of 950 electric buses in the Capital city.

The flag-off was undertaken by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, Ms. Rekha Gupta, in the presence of Mr. Nitin Nabin, National President, BJP; Mr. Pankaj Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Government of NCT of Delhi; Ms. Niharika Singh, Commissioner, Transport; and Mr. Jitender Yadav, Managing Director, DTC. The occasion underscores Delhi’s continued commitment to strengthening sustainable urban mobility and improving air quality for its citizens, in line with the Government of India’s vision for “Disabled-Friendly means of transport” and “No Emission Buses”.

Under the CESL tender for Delhi, SWITCH Mobility will deploy a total of 950 electric buses across key depots in the national capital, supporting the city’s transition to a cleaner public transport system. Deployment will be undertaken in phases across Okhla Srinivas Puri (SNP) Depot, Grand Trunk Road Depot and Rajghat Bus Terminal and other depots. Ohm Global Mobility will support operational deployment and service readiness for the fleet, enabling integration into Delhi’s public transport network.

Manufactured at SWITCH’s state-of-the-art facility in Tamil Nadu, the SWITCH EiV12 Low Floor Bus embodies the company’s ‘Make in India for the World’ vision, bringing together cutting-edge global technology and Indian manufacturing excellence to serve the nation’s capital.

The Low Floor Bus features an ultra-low entry design with kneeling and tilting for effortless boarding, supported by floor-mounted batteries that ensure a low center of gravity and superior stability. Rear-mounted charger ports enable quick and ergonomic charging, while a large manual or automated wheelchair ramp enhances accessibility. Panoramic glass creates a spacious, airy interior, complemented by a Fire Detection and Suppression System for safety. Advanced SWITCH iON technology monitors 140+ parameters with low latency and 80+ alerts, alongside dual gun fast-charging for quick turnarounds and silent operation delivering inclusive, comfortable mobility for seniors, people with special needs, and parents with prams.

Mr. Ganesh Mani, Chief Executive Officer of SWITCH Mobility, said,

“The flag-off of 200+ SWITCH EiV12 Low Floor Buses electric buses in partnership with CESL is a significant milestone in strengthening Delhi’s electric public transport ecosystem. SWITCH Mobility is committed to collaborating with city transport authorities to deliver dependable, high-performance electric buses that can scale rapidly. Deployments like these demonstrate how electric mobility can be seamlessly integrated into urban operations while delivering tangible benefits in emissions reduction and passenger experience.“

The phased deployment of 200+ buses from Srinivas Puri Depot aligns with the Delhi Government’s ambitious vision to make Delhi the city with the highest number of electric buses in operation. This strategic rollout is expected to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and provide safer, more comfortable commutes for Delhi’s millions of daily bus commuters while setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban transportation.

Barista Coffee Spreads the Love with “Currently Romantic” – A Special Valentine’s Campaign

Valentine’s is a special time to celebrate love and share memorable moments with your loved ones. As Valentine’s is a time for togetherness and creating cherished memories, Barista Coffee aims to make every moment meaningful for couples and loved ones. This season, India’s iconic café brand, Barista Coffee Company, invites you to indulge in sweetness and irresistible flavours through its special ‘Currently Romantic’ menu.

As a part of “Currently Romantic”, Barista brings crafted  Valentine’s limited-time offerings, available from 1st February onwards across all Barista outlets. Customers can treat their love with the Strawberry Brownie Frappe, a heavenly mix of fruity and chocolatey goodness, the Brownie Latte, a rich, creamy, and indulgently comforting coffee, and much more. For those who want to celebrate the spirit of love by indulging in a sweet treat, the Valentine’s Cake is a thoughtful way to share a piece of love that can be relished and remembered.

Speaking on the campaign, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said,

“As we enter into a season of love, our intent is to make people feel special, and our aim is to spread warmth, happiness, and indulgence across cities and bring our customers close to their loved ones. With these specially designed treats, we are ensuring that everyone can celebrate love, whether it is a quiet café experience, a fun date, or a treat for yourself.”

The campaign embodies the essence of Barista’s brand identity, full of life, energy, and experiences giving customers the opportunity to make memories over cups of coffee and desserts that are not only delicious but also ‘gram-worthy. The exclusive Valentine’s menu will be available at select Barista cafes across the country, starting 1st February, and is an invitation to everyone to indulge, celebrate, and fall in love with every sip and bite.

Expert Says Union Budget 2026-27 Balances Growth, Inclusion, and Climate Action

Sandhya Haribal, Sr. Program Manager – CDD Society and a member of the NFSSM Alliance

“The Union Budget 2026-27 provides a road map for India by ensuring continued growth to reach the ambitious target of becoming a global financial hub. While impetus is being focussed on achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’, there is an equal focus on ensuring inclusion and sustainability to become a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Initiatives like high-speed rail corridors, 20 national waterways, City Economic Regions, Infrastructure Risk Guarantee fund, SASCI scheme etc. would help in further boosting development of cities across the country. However, it is also important to understand what this means in terms of equitable and uniform access to basic services like water and sanitation for all citizens.”

While there seems to be either a stagnation or reduction in the populous schemes in the water and sanitation space like AMRUT, SBM – Urban & Rural, JJM etc., allocation of Rs. 20,000 Crore over next 5 years for Climate Action could be planned in a strategic manner by the cities and villages to make them resilient to climate change impacts. Keeping in mind the sustainable development of necessary infrastructure, the provision of Rs. 1.4 lakh Crores for Rural and Urban local bodies and Disaster Management Grants could be a game-changer.

To conclude, the budget rightly indicates reforms over rhetoric- from the experiences over the past few schemes, this means that while big numbers and ambitious budgets are being set out, the implementation and regulation at the ground level become equally crucial through alignment of all the key stakeholders; Public-Private-People-Partnerships. While budget is being guided by the three Kartavyas, inclusion of the water-sanitation-climate nexus.”

Japanese Scientists Reveal Key Polymer Micelle Insights for Next-Gen Drug Delivery

Japanese Researchers Unlock Key Insights into Polymer Micelle Behavior, Paving the Way for Advanced Drug Nanocarriers

Chiba University, in collaboration with Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology and Muroran Institute of Technology, has made a breakthrough in understanding how polymer micelles behave under physiological conditions—a major step forward for drug delivery and nanomedicine.

The study focused on poloxamer 407 (P407), a widely studied micelle-forming polymer known for its temperature-dependent sol–gel transition. This property allows P407 to slowly release drugs over time, reducing dosing frequency and minimizing side effects. However, the sol–gel transition is influenced not just by individual micelles but by how they interact collectively, especially in environments resembling human bodily fluids.

Led by Associate Professor Takeshi Morita of Chiba University, the research team combined small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering to analyze P407 micelles in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a solution that mimics body conditions. They calculated the pair interaction potential, quantifying the forces that drive micelles to attract or repel each other at different temperatures.

The study revealed that micelles in saline bind more strongly than in pure water, forming gels with greater structural fluctuations. These fluctuations make the gels less uniform and more likely to collapse at lower temperatures, providing critical insights for designing stable and predictable drug delivery systems.

“This research provides a fundamental understanding of how polymer micelles interact and organize under physiological conditions,” said Dr. Morita. “These findings will help scientists design more effective drug nanocarriers, enhancing the delivery of poorly soluble drugs while improving patient outcomes.”

The paper, co-authored by Shunsuke Takamatsu, Dr. Kenjirou Higashi, Minami Saito (Chiba University), Dr. Hiroshi Imamura (Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology), and Dr. Tomonari Sumi (Muroran Institute of Technology), was made available online on December 9, 2025, and is scheduled for publication in Volume 707 of the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science on April 1, 2026.

This breakthrough underscores the importance of experimentally grounded approaches in soft materials research, offering a roadmap for translating nanoscience discoveries into practical medical applications.

South African Tourism Engages 235+ Trade Partners at Bengaluru Roadshow

Bengaluru, Feb 09: Following a successful roadshow kick-off at OTM Mumbai, South African Tourism has now successfully completed the Bengaluru leg of its Annual India Roadshow, continuing its focused engagement with the Indian travel trade and reinforcing India’s growing importance as a key source market for South Africa. Led by Ms. Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA), the roadshow serves as a strategic platform for industry collaboration, insights into evolving traveller behaviour, and the identification of new business opportunities across leisure, corporate and MICE travel segments.

Featuring over 40 exhibitors presenting a diverse range of offerings, the roadshow drew participation from over 235 Indian travel trade agents in Bengaluru. Continuing its focused engagement with the Indian market, the multi-city initiative will next move to Ahmedabad on 10^th February 2026, further strengthening trade collaborations and encouraging outbound travel to South Africa.

Sharing her perspective at the roadshow, Ms. Karmarkar said,

“India continues to be a priority growth market for South African Tourism, driven by strong interest across family travel, experiential holidays, and premium travel. Indian travellers today are also planning differently, using AI-powered tools to research and customise their trips, travelling more occasionally, and showing a growing willingness to explore destinations beyond traditional favourites. This shift in traveller behaviour reflects a more confident and curious audience, and it opens up new opportunities to highlight lesser-known regions and experiences across South Africa

She further added,

“Bengaluru has firmly established itself as one of South Africa’s key source markets in India. Travellers from the city are digitally savvy, experience-driven, and increasingly confident in exploring long-haul destinations. Through the roadshow, we aim to deepen our engagement with the local travel trade and further strengthen South Africa’s visibility and relevance in this important market.”

With a strong base of frequent international travellers, Bengaluru represents a high-potential market for South African Tourism, particularly across premium leisure, adventure, and wildlife segments. The city’s outbound audience is increasingly seeking personalised, well-paced itineraries that combine iconic experiences with lesser-explored regions, with safaris continuing to be a key motivator. Through sustained collaboration with the travel trade, South African Tourism is focused on unlocking new itineraries and driving greater consideration and conversion from this market.

South Africa is targeting a return to pre-Covid Indian traveller volumes in 2026 and remains committed to fostering lasting partnerships with Indian trade partners, delivering tailored experiences for a range of traveller profiles, and positioning South Africa as a must-visit destination. The roadshow demonstrates the country’s dedication to strengthening ties with the Indian market and inspiring more travellers to explore the Rainbow Nation in the years ahead.

The country is also set to host the 2027 ODI World Cup, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse tourism attractions and attract visitors from around the globe. Through ongoing trade engagement, targeted consumer outreach, and innovative marketing initiatives, the tourism board remains dedicated to expanding its presence in India.

Celebrate Love the Infiniti Way: Movies, Music, and Magical Evenings

Mumbai, Feb 09: Infiniti Mall, Mumbai’s premium destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, brings February alive with a feel good celebration of love, music, and cinema. Across its locations, the mall will host special Valentine’s décor, live performances, and an open air movie screening series, creating memorable experiences for visitors throughout the month.

The highlight of the season is the open air movie nights, curated around love stories that defined a generation. These screenings revisit iconic films that feel like old friends, stories audiences have laughed with, cried over, and returned to time and again.

From the youthful energy and coming of age romance of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the February lineup unfolds as a celebration of love in its many forms. The timeless charm of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge revisits romance that defined an era, while the soulful emotion of Veer Zaara brings depth and poetry to the screen. The series concludes with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, a story of friendship, self discovery, and living in the moment.

Open Air Movie Nights

INFINITI MALL, MALAD

Valentine’s Weekend Highlights – Infiniti Mall, Malad

Valentine’s Weekend Highlights – Infiniti Mall, Andheri

Adding to the Valentine’s Day celebrations, visitors can also enjoy special performances, festive décor, and live music designed to create a warm and lively atmosphere.

As the evenings set in and the screens light up, guests can relax, savour some popcorn, enjoy the music, and lose themselves in stories and moments that celebrate love in all its forms.

CREDAI Advances Sustainability & Skilling: Launches Second Phase Reforestation and Felicitates RPL-Certified Workers

Mumbai, Feb 09: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), the apex body representing India’s real estate sector, through its CSR Foundation and member network, is initiating the second phase of its flagship ecological reforestation drive across degraded stretches of the Western Ghats, commencing with 700 acres of land restoration. In tandem, the organisation felicitated skilled construction workers who have successfully completed its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification, formally recognising their expertise and contribution to the sector.

CREDAI’s reforestation initiative launched last year aims to plantation of nearly 2 million saplings across 25 villages, approximately 9,000 acres of degraded forest land in Maharashtra, commencing from Nashik. The initiative encompassed awareness programmes and the promotion of sustainable development practices. It was implemented in collaboration with the Raah Foundation and district authorities in Maharashtra. The organisation had signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the District Collector, Nashik, to align the programme with the Government of Maharashtra’s regreening priorities and community-based forest management frameworks.

Given the exceptional ecological sensitivity and strategic importance of the Western Ghats, CREDAI Nashik plays a pivotal role in on-ground execution and community coordination, working closely with the national team to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes across all programme phases. To date, more than 3,500 acres have been restored through native-species plantations, supported by soil preparation, trenching, mulching, moisture conservation, and water-harvesting interventions. Plantations proceed at approximately 200 saplings per acre, with multi-year survival monitoring, third-party audits, and active community participation in plantation, protection, and long-term stewardship. This delivers sustained ecological regeneration, groundwater recharge, improved soil health, and enduring livelihood benefits for local communities.

In a dedicated felicitation ceremony, CREDAI honoured construction workers certified under its RPL initiative, highlighting their vital role as the foundation of India’s construction ecosystem. These programmes formally validate years of informal on-site experience, converting it into NSQF-aligned, industry-recognised certification delivered by CSDCI-certified trainers. The 10-day learn-while-you-earn model combines 1 hour of daily classroom theory with 7 hours of supervised on-the-job training, ensuring no wage loss or disruption to active sites. Certifications cover key trades: masonry (general, tiling, plastering), shuttering carpentry, and bar bending & steel fixing. CREDAI plans to significantly scale these efforts, targeting the certification of 50,000 construction workers across the country in the coming years.

To further strengthen the sector’s talent pipeline, CREDAI’s Junior Engineering Programme equips young civil engineers with practical site knowledge, technical readiness, and enhanced employability to meet the demands of rapid urbanisation. Complementing this, CREDAI has forged strategic partnerships with premier institutions for developer leadership development. In collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad, CREDAI offers the Real Estate Development Leadership (RED-L) Programme, a 6-month executive course designed for developers with 7–10 years of experience, focusing on strategic leadership, governance excellence, and industry transformation. Separately, the IIM Bangalore–CREDAI Business Leadership Programme (BLP), develops visionary leaders equipped with advanced skills in strategic thinking, emerging technologies, operational excellence, and adaptive change management in a rapidly evolving sector.

Shekhar Patel, President, CREDAI, said,

“As urbanisation and real estate growth accelerate, industry bodies bear a profound responsibility to invest in long-term environmental outcomes. The Western Ghats, sustaining millions through its biodiversity and water resources, has faced decades of degradation, making large-scale restoration an urgent imperative. Launching the second phase of our flagship reforestation drive, we are advancing science-led native-species revival, community stewardship, and rigorous monitoring to regenerate biodiversity, recharge groundwater, restore soil health, strengthen climate resilience, and create enduring livelihoods for local communities.

This reflects CREDAI’s commitment to balance development with ecological responsibility through structured, measurable, and scalable interventions that contribute to India’s ecological security. In parallel, our felicitation of RPL-certified workers and leadership collaborations with IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore further support workforce dignity and sectoral capability. Together, these efforts align with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 to foster inclusive, responsible, and eco-resilient growth. We at CREDAI are deeply proud to lead this transformative socio-ecological action.”