Category Archives: News

Sachin Leads JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar into Next Phase of Luxury Hospitality

A seasoned hotelier with over two decades of global experience, Sachin has been associated with Marriott International for more than 16 years. He has successfully led brand repositioning initiatives, large-scale hotel openings, and driven operational excellence across India, the USA, and Europe. Most recently, as Senior Director of Operations, South Asia, he played a pivotal role in strengthening and scaling Marriott’s regional portfolio.

Now at the helm of JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Sachin is leading the hotel into its next phase of growth, further solidifying its position as the Gateway to Mumbai and a preferred luxury destination for both business and leisure travellers.

Sachin is available to share insights on topics such as:

• The evolution of luxury hospitality and experiential travel in India and global markets

• Leadership, agility, and organisational transformation in a post-pandemic world

• Driving guest-centric innovation and operational excellence at scale

• Mumbai’s role as a strategic hub for global business, travel, and events

We welcome opportunities for interviews, panel discussions, keynote sessions, or curated industry conversations tailored to your editorial focus or platform.

Pravasi Bharatiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav 2026 to Celebrate Global Indian Classical Arts in Kolkata

Kolkata, February 19, 2026:
Swaranjali Delhi, in association with Sarbabharatiya Sangeet-O-Sanskriti Parishad, is set to present the Pravasi Bharatiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav 2026, an evening dedicated to Indian classical music and dance, bringing together eminent artistes from India and abroad.

The cultural programme will be held on February 19, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM, at the historic Rathindra Mancha, located within the iconic Jorasanko Thakurbari complex in north Kolkata.

The Mahotsav will commence with a Vandana presented by the students’ group of Sarbabharatiya Sangeet-O-Sanskriti Parishad, Kolkata, setting a devotional and classical tone for the evening. This will be followed by a Tabla Solo performance by internationally acclaimed percussionist Florian Schiertz, showcasing the global reach of Indian rhythmic traditions.

A soulful Sarod Recital by Monit Paul will highlight the depth of Indian string instruments, while the vocal segment will feature Mitali Bhawmik, representing the Indian diaspora from the United States. The dance segment will be presented by Nritya Malancha, adding a vibrant visual dimension through classical and choreographic expressions.

The performances will be supported by distinguished accompanying artistes Amit Chatterjee, Tapas Guha Thakurata, and Kamalaksha Mukherjee. The evening will be gracefully anchored by Sonali Chattopadhyay.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Sangeet & Nritya Mahotsav 2026 aims to strengthen cultural bonds between India and the global Indian community, celebrating the timeless appeal of Indian classical music and dance through cross-border artistic collaboration.

Carlsberg India Inaugurates New Can Line at Mysuru Brewery, Reinforcing Commitment to Karnataka

Karnataka, Jan 16: Carlsberg India, a subsidiary of the globally renowned Danish brewer with a 178-year legacy, announced the inauguration of a new can line at its Mysuru brewery. This milestone reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to Karnataka, following its ₹350 crore expansion pledge made at Invest Karnataka 2025 to further expand the Mysuru facility.

The new can line has been established with an investment of ₹100 crore and offers a production capacity of 22,000 cans per hour (CPH). The addition significantly enhances the brewery’s ability to meet growing consumer demand and forms an integral part of Carlsberg India’s broader expansion strategy across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Government of Karnataka, said,

“We appreciate Carlsberg India’s continued investments of INR 350 crore in Karnataka, particularly in Mysuru, and their impactful work that contributes positively to society. These efforts reflect the company’s strong confidence in the state’s industrial ecosystem. We encourage more companies to step forward with increased local investments and job creation, especially in Mysuru, to support inclusive and sustainable regional development.”

Commenting on the development, Mr. Nilesh Patel, Managing Director, Carlsberg India, said,

“Our continued investment in Karnataka underscores our long-term commitment to the state. Through this expansion, we aim to sustainably produce international-quality beers for consumers, contribute to state excise revenues, and generate additional direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local community.”

Located in Nanjangud taluk, the Mysuru brewery is spread across 28 acres and manufactures Carlsberg and Tuborg brands. The facility reflects Carlsberg India’s strong focus on responsible and sustainable brewing practices. It operates biomass boilers using husk and biogas as fuel. Additionally, 85% of the brewery’s power requirements are met through solar energy.

Carlsberg India is also actively engaged in water sustainability initiatives in Karnataka, working in partnership with WaterAid and local communities to promote responsible water stewardship.

Leeford Ortho Promotes Ortho Care as an Active Lifestyle Choice with Tiger Shroff

Leeford Ortho Repositions Orthopedic Support as a Lifestyle Choice with ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’ Campaign Featuring Tiger Shroff

Leeford Ortho has launched its high-energy ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’ campaign, transforming orthopedic support from a medical necessity into an aspirational lifestyle enabler. The initiative features action superstar Tiger Shroff and actor Varun Sharma across three hero films that celebrate continuous momentum for ambitious, fitness-driven consumers.

The campaign signals a fundamental shift in the way orthopedic care is perceived. Instead of focusing solely on treatment and recovery, Leeford Ortho positions fitness as a way of life, appealing to consumers who view staying active, ambitious, and ahead as an integral part of their daily routine. This strategic repositioning moves the category away from its conventional, medicalized perception, making daily health and pain management seamlessly integrated into everyday living.

Schbang led Leeford’s complete communication journey, defining brand positioning, creative expression, and the memorable tagline “Fit Raho, Hit Raho”, capturing the spirit of continuous activity. The three films, produced by Hogarth, leverage situations authentic to both Tiger Shroff and Varun Sharma, ensuring strong product recall while maintaining high relatability with mass audiences.

What sets this strategy apart is its focus on lifestyle over ailment. The campaign speaks to consumers who treat fitness as an identity rather than an occasional activity, while Leeford Ortho’s fast-acting relief supports their active routines. By making orthopedic support easy to use and integrate into daily life, the brand positions itself as a catalyst for sustained movement rather than a temporary solution.

The campaign also balances Leeford’s strong healthcare legacy with a youth-relevant, energetic voice, connecting with modern, fitness-conscious audiences. It demonstrates that effective brand repositioning happens when product benefits align with how consumers actually want to live.

Sidhant Gupta, Director, Leeford Healthcare Ltd., said:

“With ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’, we target people who see fitness as a way of life, not just a solution. Schbang helped us translate that vision into a campaign that feels energetic, relatable, and true to who our consumers are today.”

Hariharan Subramanian, Creative Director, Schbang, added:

“Leeford gave us a unique opportunity—not just to shape the brand’s voice in advertising, but to break the category out of its clinical mould. Instead of sounding medicinal, we chose to speak to people before they became patients, connecting with them in their everyday lives.”

Through ‘Fit Raho, Hit Raho’, Leeford Ortho establishes itself as a brand that understands modern fitness culture, proving that orthopedic care can be both effective and aspirational, enabling consumers to maintain momentum, confidence, and an active lifestyle.

Habuild Achieves 8th World Record for Global Yoga Viewership, Announces Construction of A School Initiative

 Mumbai, Jan 15: Habuild, India’s first habit building platform, has officially made a world record for the Most Yoga Viewership in a Day, as validated by the World Records Union. The record was achieved through six live online yoga sessions conducted throughout the day, with participation counted cumulatively across all sessions. The initiative witnessed global participation, with 9.3Lakh people joining in. Marking the milestone, the platform also announced the construction of a school, with every new participant’s presence contributing a brick towards the building of the school.

The record was created as a part of Habuild’s Har Ghar Yoga initiative. The theme for this year is designed around promises for new beginnings.  Every New Year begins with promises like better health, more movement, calmer minds. Yet by mid-January, most resolutions fade away. In fact, the second Friday of January is often referred to as Quitter’s Day, when motivation dips and people are most likely to give up. This World Record is Habuild’s response to this moment.

Instead of pushing people to do more, the initiative invited them to start softer. Instead of chasing perfection, it celebrated showing up. And instead of framing quitting as failure, it reminded people that beginning again is always allowed. The day symbolised renewal, self-belief, and conscious action  making it a meaningful day to collectively begin, or begin again.

Women aged 45 and above formed a significant part of the participation, reflecting the community that continues to shape Habuild’s daily practice. The scale of engagement highlighted how shared routines and gentle accountability help habits take root.

Commenting on the milestone, Saurabh Bothra, Co founder & Yoga Teacher, Habuild, said,

“This day felt less about a record and more about people finding their way back. When participation feels welcoming, consistency follows. Har Ghar Yoga was created to hold that space and the response showed how powerful that can be. Our community has always believed in servitude. Hence we have also announced construction of a school in my ancestral village. For every person who joins us through our community, we are donating a brick towards the construction of this school. ”

For Habuild, the day marks a continuation of its focus on everyday practice and larger good towards the society. The work ahead remains centred on supporting people as they carry this rhythm into daily life, one session at a time.

SEBI Chairman Launches Handbook for Issuers at AIBI Annual Convention

SEBI Chairman Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey Unveils Handbook for Issuers along with a Merchant Banker Compliance Referencer at 14^th Annual Convention of AIBI

Mumbai, Jan 15: The Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI) successfully hosted its 14th Annual Convention at the Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, bringing together over 1500 delegates, including senior regulators, market leaders, policymakers, investors, and investment banking professionals.

The Convention, themed “IPOs India: Gateway to Global Capital, Sustainable Growth, Viksit Bharat,” focused on strengthening India’s primary markets as a critical conduit for global capital flows and a key enabler of sustainable economic growth aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Convention was graced by Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, SEBI, along with eminent dignitaries including Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, and Shri Sundararaman Ramamurthy, MD & CEO, BSE, Shri Mahavir Lunawat, Chairman AIBI among other key dignitaries. The presence of senior leadership from SEBI, stock exchanges, asset managers, merchant bankers, and issuers underscored the growing importance of India’s capital markets on the global stage.

The Convention featured a series of high-impact keynote addresses, fireside conversations, and panel discussions spanning the entire lifecycle of capital formation. Key sessions focused on the role of exchanges in capital formation, SME IPOs, mutual funds as engines of capital formation, and reforms aimed at simplifying market access and enhancing transparency in IPO markets. A special session on India’s long-term capital market vision aligned IPO reforms with the broader national agenda of sustainable growth and financial resilience.

AIBI unveiled a series of landmark initiatives designed to strengthen the merchant banking ecosystem and support the continued growth of India’s capital markets, including:

• Preparing Offer Document: Standard Practices and Disclosures – an updated reference highlighting key standard observations to improve efficiency in offer document preparation
• Handbook for Issuers – a comprehensive guide to regulatory and procedural requirements for SME listings
• Investor Handbook – a simplified guide to capital markets and public issue processes aimed at improving investor awareness
• MoU between AIBI and International Capital Market Association (ICMA), London – aimed at fostering global collaboration and capacity building
• Investor Focused Prospectus Navigation Guide – designed to simplify disclosures and enhance informed participation
• White Paper on Capital Formation – examining liquidity trends, capital needs, and India’s journey towards a USD 10 trillion economy
• AIBI 2nd Annual Magazine – featuring industry insights, regulatory updates, market data, and AIBI’s initiatives
• Merchant Banker Compliance Referencer – a structured compliance resource for merchant bankers
• Investor Awareness Video – developed to guide investors on rights and grievance redressal
• Shadow Art – Informed Investor: A symbolic performance highlighting the values of discipline, trust, resilience, and transparency that underpin India’s evolving capital markets

Speaking at the 14^th Annual Convention, Mr. Mahavir Lunawat, Chairman, AIBI and CMD, Pantomath Capital said, 

“India is at an inflection point where capital markets are growing more stronger with continuously widening investor base, At AIBI, our continuous efforts are focussed on creating a robust investment culture and enabling access to knowledge and intelligence for better capital formation and these initiatives are a step in that direction”

The 14th Annual Convention reaffirmed AIBI’s commitment to working closely with regulators, exchanges, and market participants to strengthen market integrity, enhance investor confidence, and support sustainable growth in India’s capital markets. As the primary markets continue to evolve, AIBI reiterated its resolve to help shape a resilient, transparent, and globally competitive capital market framework aligned with India’s long-term economic aspirations.

Where Chillies Tell Stories: A Global Spice Brunch at JW Café, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Mumbai, Jan 15:  JW Café at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar presents A Spice Affair, a one-day-only global spice brunch that reimagines heat as an art form rather than a challenge. This immersive culinary experience traces the historic spice route, showcasing how chillies and aromatics can be layered with finesse to create depth, balance, and elegance.

Designed as a curated journey across continents, A Spice Affair brings together live cooking stations and signature dishes inspired by iconic spices—from the gentle warmth of Kashmiri chilli and the smoky complexity of Mexican chipotle to vibrant African peri-peri, earthy Middle Eastern za’atar, numbing Sichuan pepper, and the bold punch of Southeast Asian bird’s eye chilli. Each creation honours its cultural roots while remaining thoughtfully crafted for refined, approachable palates.

The winter-forward menu spans fiery soups, chilli-led starters, tandoor specialities, globally inspired mains, heat-driven grains, and delicately spiced desserts. Techniques such as roasting, grilling, fermenting, and slow cooking enhance flavour complexity, allowing spice to unfold with nuance rather than intensity alone.

At the heart of the experience lies interactive storytelling. Aroma-led tablescapes and a dedicated spice bar invite guests to see, smell, and understand these ingredients in their purest form. Complemented by live music, A Spice Affair offers a vibrant yet sophisticated setting—encouraging Mumbaikars to rediscover the artistry, heritage, and storytelling power of the world’s most essential flavours.

Date: 18th January, 2026
Venue: JW Café, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

NoMoZo 7.0 Showcases Sustainable Living, Regenerative Tourism and Responsible Innovation in Porvorim

Porvorim, Jan 15:  Transforming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Porvorim, into a vibrant, people-centric public space, the seventh edition of NoMoZo (No-Motor Zone) was successfully held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, reinforcing the importance of sustainable urban living through reduced vehicular movement and active community engagement.

The annual initiative provided a dynamic platform for startups, student innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase solutions rooted in sustainability, responsible innovation and technology-driven problem-solving, reflecting Goa’s evolving innovation ecosystem.

The event was organised under the leadership of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Tourism, Printing & Stationery, and MLA of Porvorim. Shri Kedar J. Naik, Chairman, GTDC and MLA, Saligao, was also present. Renowned actor Shri Manoj Bajpayee graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, adding prominence to the celebration.

Marking its participation at NoMoZo 7.0, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, curated an engaging stall highlighting the State’s vision for Regenerative Tourism. The exhibit emphasised responsible travel practices that generate positive social, cultural and environmental outcomes, encouraging visitors to engage meaningfully with Goa’s communities, heritage and natural ecosystems. Informative displays showcased key Goa Tourism initiatives focused on sustainable, experiential and community-driven tourism across the State.

The Tourism Department stall also highlighted major cultural initiatives, including Carnaval, upcoming tourism programmes, and a preview of the Shigmo Festival, one of Goa’s most vibrant traditional celebrations. Overall, Goa Tourism’s presence reflected an integrated approach that brings together sustainability, culture and community participation, reinforcing Goa’s positioning as a year-round destination rooted in responsible and inclusive tourism.

A dedicated heritage zone showcased the work of local artisans, including traditional Goan earthen pots, offering visitors a glimpse into Goa’s living craft traditions and cultural legacy.

Another key highlight was the dedicated innovation space curated by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C). The platform enabled startups and student entrepreneurs to present cutting-edge solutions and showcase emerging entrepreneurial talent.

Under the Campus Innovation Scheme, students presented projects addressing real-world challenges. Don Bosco College of Engineering students showcased two notable innovations. Teams from the Electronics and Computer Science Department presented ‘Synapse-Connect: A Neuro-Muscular Signal Integration Framework’, focused on advanced human–machine interaction. Students from the Mechanical Engineering Department demonstrated a sustainability-led project titled ‘Processing and Testing of Recyclable Materials for 3D Printing Applications’, highlighting the effective reuse of recycled materials for additive manufacturing.

From the Agnel Institute of Technology and Design (AITD), the team ‘Innovator’s Squad’ presented a smart jacket for visually impaired individuals, designed to aid obstacle detection and navigation. Another AITD team showcased AI Aaji, a voice assistant developed to deliver real-time updates and support multiple user tasks.

Several startups further enriched the innovation showcase. Sevaco, a mobile platform connecting busy individuals with verified students for everyday tasks; Burraa, India’s go-out app enabling discovery and booking of curated experiences; Asier Solutions, focused on STEM skill development programmes; and DigiWiz, specialising in robotics, drone kits, IoT hardware and home automation, demonstrated solutions aligned with real-world needs.

Overall, NoMoZo 7.0 successfully highlighted how innovation, technology and entrepreneurship are shaping Goa’s growth narrative. The diverse exhibits reflected the State’s creative potential and reinforced its emergence as a hub for sustainable, technology-driven and responsible innovation.

Systematix Initiates Coverage on Enviro Infra Engineers with ‘BUY’ Rating, Sees 83% Upside Potential

New Delhi, Jan 15:  Systematix Institutional Equities has released a research report on India’s Water Supply & Management sector, initiating coverage on Enviro Infra Engineers Limited (EIEL) with a ‘BUY’ rating and a target price of Rs 346, implying an upside potential of 83% from the current market price of approximately Rs 189.

According to the report, Enviro Infra Engineers is well-positioned as a leading EPC player in India’s water and wastewater treatment space, supported by strong execution capabilities across both municipal and industrial projects.

Systematix highlighted Enviro’s robust financial performance over the last five years, with revenue and EBITDA CAGR of 71% and 107%, respectively. Looking ahead, the company’s management has guided for 35–40% revenue CAGR over the next 3–4 years, backed by a healthy order book of Rs 18.8 billion, equivalent to approximately 1.8x FY25 revenue.

The report further notes that Enviro Infra Engineers has a strong bidding pipeline of around Rs 80 billion, with a historical success rate of nearly 40%, providing strong multi-year revenue visibility.

On profitability, Systematix expects EBITDA margins to remain healthy at 22–24% over the coming years, driven by operating leverage and a favourable project mix.

Overall, the research forecasts revenue, EBITDA and PAT CAGR of 32%, 30% and 32%, respectively, over FY25–FY28E, reinforcing Enviro Infra Engineers’ strong growth outlook within India’s expanding water infrastructure landscape.

Sampark Foundation Invests INR 25 Crore to Expand Smart Schools and AI-Led Governance

Bengaluru, Jan 15: Sampark Foundation has unveiled a significant expansion of its efforts to transform learning and improve educational outcomes in government schools across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh, through an investment of ₹25 crore. The announcement comes as the Foundation completes 20 years of driving innovation and impact in public education.

As part of this expansion, the Foundation will support the creation of 20,000 additional smart schools across the eight states, aligned with the National Education Policy’s vision of digitally empowered classrooms. Under this initiative, Sampark TV will be installed free of cost in government schools where smart televisions or smart boards already exist or are planned, alongside structured teacher training to enable effective classroom integration.

A parallel focus of this expansion is the deployment of an AI-based, real-time classroom monitoring and governance platform, planned to be rolled out across 80,000 government schools. The platform will enable district, block, and school-level education officials to track teaching data, monitor classroom engagement, and predict learning outcomes, strengthening evidence-based decision-making and accountability within the public education system. This first-of-its-kind platform will be implemented at no cost across all covered schools.

Letters of intent have been formally shared with all eight state governments, marking the next phase of collaboration to scale technology-enabled, student-centric learning across public education systems. Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Vineet Nayar, Founder and Chairman, Sampark Foundation, said,

“Twenty years ago, Sampark Foundation began with a simple idea: every child deserves a learning experience that excites the mind and sparks curiosity, regardless of geography or circumstance. As we renew our efforts to deepen partnerships with state governments, we aim to create classrooms where curiosity thrives and learning outcomes improve meaningfully and sustainably.”

Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao, President, Sampark Foundation and former Special Secretary, NITI Aayog, added,

“The future of public education lies in the intelligent use of data, technology, and governance. The AI-based monitoring platform will enable education leaders at every level to respond faster, plan better, and ensure accountability where it matters most – in the classroom. This initiative represents a significant step towards institutionalising data-driven decision-making in government school systems.”

In addition, the Foundation will host large state-level AI Education Conclaves in March 2026 across each of the eight states, focused on the theme “AI Revolution in Education,” bringing together policymakers, practitioners, and global experts to advance dialogue on the future of technology-enabled learning.

Committed to strengthening education delivery across India and fostering a love of learning in every child, Sampark Foundation works closely with state governments to ensure inclusive access to quality education. Through its flagship Sampark Smart Shala programme, the Foundation has reached over 1.8 crore children across more than 1.4 lakh government schools, trained over 8.5 lakh teachers, and established 40,000 smart classrooms that enhance teaching and learning experiences nationwide. Over the past  two decades, what began as a vision has evolved into one of the world’s largest education movements, documented as a Harvard Case Study and recognised globally among leading large-scale education innovations.