Category Archives: News

Celebrating India’s Culinary Pride: The Homegrown Journey of 5 Indian Products

India’s food heritage is a vibrant tapestry of tradition, regional flavors, and generations of craftsmanship. In recent years, several homegrown brands have transformed these age-old culinary practices into modern successes, taking authentic Indian tastes from local kitchens to global shelves. Here are seven Indian food products that proudly celebrate India’s culinary soul.

1. Amul – The Taste of India

From buttered toast to festive sweets, Amul has been a household staple for decades. Built on the cooperative movement, it empowers millions of farmers while delivering high-quality dairy products that define everyday Indian cooking.

2. Haldiram’s – From Local Namkeen to Global Snack Brand

What began as a small namkeen shop has become an international symbol of Indian snacks. Haldiram’s blends consistency with tradition, offering everything from bhujia to sweets that resonate across generations.

3. Chacha’s Pickle – Tradition in Every Jar

Chacha’s Pickle is more than just a condiment, it’s a journey back to the kitchens of our grandparents, where every spice told a story and every jar was made with love. Crafted using traditional recipes, sun-matured techniques, and authentic spices, it is completely natural, free from preservatives, and packed with the true flavors of homemade achaar.

Every bite evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the comforting warmth of home. Chacha’s Pickle is a bridge between the past and present, connecting generations through taste, nostalgia, and the timeless joy of savoring food made with heart pure, wholesome, and untainted.

4. Tata Sampann – Purity Rooted in Indian Kitchens

Tata Sampann focuses on unpolished dals, handpicked spices, and traceable sourcing, reviving trust in everyday staples while keeping Indian cooking authentic and wholesome.

5. MDH Spices – Asli Masale Sach Sach

MDH has flavored Indian kitchens for over a century. Its spice blends reflect regional diversity and remain integral to home-style cooking across the country.

Truzon Solar Starts a New Repository in Pune

Truzon Solar, a leading provider of solar energy solutions, has inaugurated their new Office and warehouse in Pune. The facility aims to strengthen customer service and improve operational efficiency across Pune and nearby regions.

The new repository is a key step in expanding the company’s customer base and reducing rooftop solar installation timelines by deploying local installation teams. It will also help streamline logistics, enabling faster and more efficient service delivery.

Commenting on the opening, J. Srinivas, CEO, Truzon Solar, said,

“Setting up operations in Pune is an important step in strengthening our regional presence. This facility will help us execute projects faster and provide quicker on-ground support to customers in and around Pune.”

With this expansion, Truzon Solar continues to strengthen its presence in key markets including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The company remains committed to meeting the growing demand for rooftop solar solutions and promoting sustainable energy adoption.

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Introduces ‘Matcha Moments’ at Autm 

In a city that rarely slows down, Autm at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar introduces Matcha Moments, a ceremonial matcha experience launching 21st January 2026, inviting guests to pause, recalibrate, and savour stillness through thoughtfully crafted beverages. 

Rooted in tradition yet designed for the modern palate, Matcha Moments explores matcha beyond trend, highlighting its natural energy, antioxidant richness, and layered umami character. The à la carte menu features hand-whisked ceremonial Matcha Tea, smooth Matcha Lattes, and refreshing iced creations, alongside vibrant signatures such as the Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte, Coconut Matcha Cloud, and the citrus-forward Matcha Yuzu Spritz, each crafted to balance flavour, ritual, and function. 

Matcha Moments at Autm at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar presents a carefully curated matcha menu that blends ceremonial tradition with contemporary flavour. Designed as an all-day offering, the experience brings together clarity, balance, and refreshment, positioning matcha as both a mindful indulgence and a modern everyday essential.

Empowered Daughter, Prosperous India”: NIMS University Hosts Seminar and Marathon on National Girl Child Day

Jaipur, Jan 23: In celebration of National Girl Child Day, NIMS University organized a meaningful seminar and marathon under the theme “Sashakt Beti – Samriddha Bharat” (Empowered Daughter – Prosperous India), highlighting the crucial role of girl child empowerment in building a progressive society. The event was jointly hosted by the NIMS School of Business, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, and the Rajasthan Police, aiming to promote awareness about the dignity, education, safety, and rights of girls.

The program witnessed active participation from students, faculty, and law enforcement officials, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue and action toward a safer and more inclusive society for women.

Dignitaries Highlight Importance of Awareness and Equality

The event was presided over by Mrs. Rakhi Rathore, State President of Mahila Morcha, with Mrs. Sunita Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rajasthan Police), attending as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Santosh Nair, Executive President, Global NIMS University, said,
“A truly prosperous India can only be built when girls are given equal opportunities, a secure environment, and access to quality education. Empowering girls is not just a social responsibility, but a national necessity.”

Key Takeaways from the Seminar:

• Digital Awareness and Self-Reliance: Mrs. Rakhi Rathore emphasized the importance of digital literacy, responsible use of social media, and awareness of government welfare schemes, encouraging girls to become self-reliant and confident.

• Safety, Cybercrime, and Law Enforcement Support: Chief Guest Additional DCP Sunita Meena highlighted the challenges of cybercrime and online harassment. She conducted a live session on digital safety and demonstrated the use of the Rajasthan Police App to seek help during emergencies.

• Education and Cultural Values: Dr. Meghendra Sharma, State Organizing Secretary of Vigyan Bharati, spoke on the Indian Knowledge System and the transformative role of NEP 2020, blending modern education with India’s cultural and ethical values to foster holistic student development.

Marathon Promotes Community Awareness

In addition to the seminar, a marathon was organized to extend the message of girl child empowerment beyond the campus. Students participated enthusiastically, taking the campaign into the wider community.

Strong Institutional Participation

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Suresh Soni. Senior faculty members, NSS volunteers, and a large student turnout reinforced the event’s impact, making it a powerful reminder that education, awareness, and safety for girls are foundational to India’s progress and prosperity.

BugSpeaks Launches the Enhanced 2026 Gut Microbiome Report with Clearer Insights for Everyday Health

Leucine Rich Bio, South Asia’s leading microbiome company based in Bengaluru, continues its mission to make gut health understanding straightforward, personalized, and backed by science. Since 2014, the company has focused on delivering practical microbiome testing that helps people and doctors make informed decisions about wellness.

The 2026 version of the BugSpeaks Gut Microbiome Report introduces important improvements that make the results much easier to read and use. Complex gut data is now presented with clear visuals, color coding, and simple categories so users can quickly see what’s balanced and what needs attention.

Dr. Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder and Director of Leucine Rich Bio, commented:

“The 2026 BugSpeaks update has been in the works for about a year. Our endeavor has always been to include the latest insights from the microbiome science and our own data into the report to make it more actionable. The current upgraded version is the fourth iteration of the BugSpeaks report since the launch in 2017. With better visuals and new and  straightforward categories, people can now more easily understand their results and take practical steps to support digestion, energy, and overall well being.”

Major upgrades include:

1. Easy to Read Color Coded Scales: New 7-bin and 3-bin systems show how your gut microbes compare to healthy people. Green means good balance; orange and red point to areas that may need improvement.
2. Clear Rych Index Score: The main gut health number (0-100) now comes with an easy visual dial. Green shows you’re in the ideal zone; red indicates room for improvement.
3. Improved Risk Overview: Simple 3-level scoring for common gut-related concerns (such as inflammation potential or leaky gut potential) and likelihood of conditions or disease susceptibility like for Type 2 Diabetes or IBS, shown in percentages for better clarity.
4. More Detail on Key Gut Species: Expanded tables list important foundation microbes and the top species in each group (Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, etc.), making it easier to understand what supports a stable gut.
5. Novel parameters: New parameters such as microplastics exposure risk potential, micronutrients bioavailability potential add a new dimension to the upgraded report.

All the parameters included in the report are based on the microbiota profile of the individual and are individualized in nature.

These changes keep the report’s trusted features, personalized 12-week nutrition plans (with Indian or SE Asian or Arabic or continental food recommendations), probiotic suggestions, and short-chain fatty acid/vitamin insights while adding stronger reminders that the report is for information only and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Aptronix Launches Multi-Device Exchange Programme to Boost E-Waste Recycling

New Delhi, Jan 23: Aptronix, an Apple Premium Partner in India, has introduced a new multi-device exchange initiative aimed at strengthening formal e-waste collection and responsible recycling across the country. The programme, titled Limitless Aptronix Exchange, allows customers to exchange up to 10 electronic devices of any brand and condition at Aptronix retail outlets.

Powered by device lifecycle management company Servify and recycling partner Karo Sambhav, a government-authorised Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), the initiative accepts both functional and non-functional devices. Eligible categories include smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables, and select household electronics.

Functional devices are assessed instantly through Servify’s diagnostic platform, with the evaluated value redeemable against the purchase of new Apple products. Devices without resale value are routed for responsible recycling, with customers receiving vouchers, along with a tree planted on their behalf.

According to Aptronix, the programme is designed to address India’s growing e-waste challenge by encouraging consumers to responsibly dispose of unused and obsolete electronics. The company expects the initiative to divert a significant volume of electronic waste from landfills during its first year.

Servify’s platform enables transparent device assessment and end-to-end tracking, ensuring devices move through certified refurbishment or recycling channels. Karo Sambhav will oversee recycling operations in compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines, providing traceability from collection to final processing.

Commenting on the launch, Meghna Singh, CEO, Aptronix, said,

“This programme is about making responsible disposal simple and accessible for consumers. By removing friction from the recycling process, we hope to encourage more people to part with old devices responsibly.”

Sreevathsa Prabhakar, Founder & CEO, Servify, added,

“Technology-driven diagnostics, transparent valuation, and traceable recycling are critical to formalising e-waste management at scale.”

The programme is available across all Aptronix retail locations and is open to customers irrespective of device brand. Aptronix will monitor key environmental impact metrics, including the number of devices collected, recycled, and consumer participation levels.

Industry observers note that initiatives such as this align with India’s tightening regulatory framework around e-waste management and reinforce the growing emphasis on producer and consumer responsibility within the electronics ecosystem.

Death of Situationships: 3 in 5 Daters Above 25 Demand Clarity Before Commitment, Finds QuackQuack Study

The era of vague, undefined romantic connections—popularly known as situationships—appears to be losing its appeal among Indian daters. A recent consumer study by Indian dating app QuackQuack reveals a significant shift in dating behaviour, with nearly 3 in 5 daters above the age of 25 actively seeking clarity early in a connection to avoid emotional ambiguity and unintentional attachment.

The study, conducted among 11,959 daters aged 25–35 across Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, indicates that modern dating is becoming more intentional, transparent, and emotionally aware. While situationships once thrived on low-pressure connections and “let’s see where it goes” dynamics, daters today are increasingly prioritising emotional clarity and aligned expectations.

Survey findings show that 2 in 10 couples were emotionally exclusive but hesitant to commit, often due to fear of labels or long-term expectations. However, this reluctance is now giving way to maturity and decisiveness. Nearly 41% of respondents acknowledged that while situationships may have seemed like a trial phase, the emotional cost of staying stuck without direction outweighs any perceived benefits.

Commenting on the findings, Ravi Mittal, Founder & CEO of QuackQuack, said,

“We’ve seen the rise of situationships, and now we’re clearly witnessing their decline. As a dating platform, our goal has always been to help users find meaningful connections—romantic or friendly. Situationships often end with at least one person getting hurt. It’s encouraging to see daters recognising this and consciously choosing clarity over confusion. Match quality is improving, and so is the value users place on genuine interactions.”

Situationship Burnout Replaces the Thrill

Across cities and demographics, daters reported growing emotional fatigue associated with undefined relationships. The uncertainty, mixed signals, and inability to set boundaries were cited as emotionally draining.

Amrita (27), from Delhi, shared,

“The worst part of being in a situationship was not being able to confront him when I felt insecure. That uncertainty weighed heavily on me. I now believe clarity and commitment—even if it takes longer—are far healthier than staying in emotional limbo.”

‘Time-Pass’ Dating Losing Relevance

While dating in one’s early 20s is often exploratory, respondents above 25 expressed a growing awareness of time and emotional investment. 36% of daters aged 28–35 said they are now more intentional about whom they spend their limited time with.

The study also revealed that 49% of women and 44% of men are less willing to invest in connections that remain undefined beyond the one-month mark. While casual dating remains relevant, daters increasingly reject casual ambiguity, emphasising the need for transparency and mutual intent.

Past Experiences Driving Stronger Boundaries

Nearly 22% of respondents who had previously been in a situationship said the experience shaped stronger boundaries in their current dating lives.

Kirti (30), a social activist, said,

“Being emotionally invested without reciprocation left a mark. I wish I had recognised it sooner. Today, I’m clear about what I want, and if it doesn’t align, I’m prepared to walk away.”

The findings highlight a broader cultural shift in Indian dating—one that values clarity, emotional safety, and intentional connection over uncertainty. As dating continues to evolve, situationships may soon become a relic of the past rather than a modern norm.

USD 30B Investment Partnership Announced by RMZ and Maharashtra at WEF

RMZ Announces Strategic Investment Partnership with the Government of Maharashtra at WEF Davos 2026 to Facilitate Investments up to USD 30 Billion

Davos, Switzerland / Mumbai, Jan 23: RMZ, Asia’s leading integrated alternative-assets platform owned by the Menda family, today announced a strategic investment partnership with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and City & Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.

Under this long-term partnership, RMZ plans to facilitate investments of up to USD 30 billion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over the next ten years in a phased manner. The initiative has the potential to generate approximately 3 lakh direct and indirect jobs throughout the project lifecycle. The collaboration is designed to drive economic growth through foreign direct investment (FDI) in urban, regional, and infrastructure development.

As part of the partnership with MMRDA, RMZ will lead investment structuring and capital mobilisation, alongside master planning, project development, and long-term asset management, leveraging global best practices across real estate, infrastructure, logistics parks, and data centres. MMRDA will support land identification and aggregation, provide policy-level support, and facilitate approvals and planning for the projects.

In collaboration with CIDCO, RMZ will develop new data centre and commercial projects in Navi Mumbai, with project execution expected to commence in FY 2026-27. CIDCO will support RMZ in obtaining necessary permissions, land allotments, approvals, and clearances from relevant government authorities in line with Maharashtra’s policies and regulations.

A CIDCO spokesperson said,

“We are excited to announce this partnership with RMZ, which aligns with Maharashtra’s vision to attract large-scale, technology-led infrastructure projects, strengthen digital resilience, and meet India’s growing demand for data-driven services. Navi Mumbai is fast emerging as a preferred hub for high-value data centres and digital infrastructure. This collaboration will enable planned, future-ready development by providing the necessary infrastructure, approvals, and ecosystem support for long-term digital and economic growth.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manoj Menda, Chairman – Supervisory Board, RMZ, said,

“Large, long-duration investments require more than capital; they demand alignment, trust, and strong institutional frameworks. Maharashtra’s focus on planned development and long-term economic value creation provides an ideal foundation. This strategic investment partnership reflects RMZ’s commitment to patient capital, sound governance, and building infrastructure platforms designed to deliver enduring economic outcomes.”

Mr. Deepak Chhabria, President – RMZ Infrastructure, added,

“Mumbai and its surrounding regions are emerging as critical hubs in India’s digital infrastructure and data-driven economy. RMZ already has approximately 230 MW of colocation capacity across its digital infrastructure platform, including assets in and around Mumbai. The partnership with MMRDA and CIDCO supports the next phase of expansion for future-ready data centre and AI infrastructure aligned with global standards. Our focus remains on developing efficient, sustainable platforms to support India’s growing digital economy over the long term.”

The collaboration aims to transform strategic locations into thriving growth hubs, enhance connectivity, and accelerate the implementation of key infrastructure projects, driving economic growth and long-term investment certainty for global capital.

KLAY Launches Republic Day Campaign ‘What Is India?’, Showcasing How Children Perceive The Nation At An Early Age

This Republic Day, KLAY, one of India’s leading and most trusted early childhood education and care brands, has launched its Republic Day digital campaign, ‘What Is India?’ The campaign draws from the innate curiosity of preschool children, exploring how early ideas of belonging and national identity begin to form long before children formally understand the concept of a nation.

Designed to spark reflection among parents, educators, and communities, the campaign highlights how young children perceive India—not through history lessons or national symbols, but through the behaviours, emotions, and relationships they observe in their everyday lives. By centring the voices of preschoolers, the campaign reimagines nationhood as a lived experience rooted in inclusion, care, and shared social moments.

Preschoolers may not yet grasp abstract concepts such as governance or geography. However, exposure to national celebrations like Republic Day and witnessing adults express pride and emotion naturally prompts children to ask questions about what India represents. The campaign’s central question, “What Is India?”, emerges from this early curiosity, recognising that children derive meaning from lived experiences rather than formal explanations.

The campaign is anchored in KLAY’s belief that a child’s environment plays a critical role in shaping their worldview. At this formative stage, ideas of identity and belonging are shaped through relationships, community interactions, and emotional security within familiar spaces such as classrooms and homes.

Speaking on the campaign, Arshleen Kalra, Head of Academic, KLAY Preschools and Daycare, said,

“While the idea of a nation may still be abstract for young children, they are highly perceptive to behavioural patterns and interpersonal relationships. When children witness pride in India around them, they naturally seek to understand what India stands for. This campaign interprets that curiosity through children’s everyday experiences and interactions.”

Through ‘What Is India?’, KLAY reiterates its commitment to early learning that extends beyond academic readiness to include social awareness, emotional development, and a strong sense of community. The campaign reinforces the belief that the foundations of citizenship are laid early in life—quietly shaped by the environments in which children grow, observe, and absorb the world around them.

Salaam Namaste Community Radio Completes 16 Years of Empowering Communities

Noida, Jan 22: IMS Noida’s community radio Salaam Namaste has successfully completed 16 remarkable years of community broadcasting and social transformation. To mark this milestone, a programme focusing on women entrepreneurship and youth empowerment was organized at the institute campus. During the event, homepreneur units such as Nani’s Potli and Aventra, along with representatives from NGOs Sadarg and Mera Sahara, shared their inspiring success stories. Discussions were also held on the preservation and promotion of Indian art and culture.

In his message, IMS Noida President Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta stated that it is the result of sustained efforts that Salaam Namaste has so far received four National Awards from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, for thematic interventions, community engagement, and promotion of local art and culture. Since its inception, Salaam Namaste has continuously played an active role in empowering the local community. He added that the radio station will continue to be the voice of the community, promoting social change, empowerment, and positive thinking in the years to come.

Speaking on the occasion, IMS Noida Director General Professor (Dr.) Vikas Dhawan said that the institute is celebrating the 16th anniversary of its success today. He highlighted that Salaam Namaste, the first community radio of Noida and Ghaziabad, has been broadcasting programmes focused on social issues since 2009. Over the years, the station has been honored by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, for its programmes “Chak De Chhotu” (focused on underprivileged children) in 2016 and “Salaam Shakti” in 2019. Other award-winning and popular programmes of Salaam Namaste include Second Inning Ko Salaam, Med Didi, Salaam Sehat, Radio Tuition, Salaam School, Career Express, Nanhi Awaaz Badi Seekh, and Noida Ke Saarthi.

Station Head Ms. Varsha Chhabaria shared that Salaam Namaste Community Radio works extensively in key areas such as health, women empowerment, environmental conservation, Vocal for Local, and art and culture, with a strong focus on social welfare, education, and community empowerment. Popular programmes like “Sehat Sahi Laabh Kai” (health awareness), “Maati Ke Geet” (local folk music), and “Second Inning Ko Salaam” (focused on senior citizens’ welfare) have been highly appreciated by listeners.

She further informed that in 2025, Salaam Namaste Community Radio received its fourth National Award at WAVES 2025 held in Mumbai for the programme “Med Didi”. In addition, the station was also honored by the Bureau of Indian Standards on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day 2025 and World Standards Day for its significant contributions.