Category Archives: News

DesignCafe Strengthens its North India Presence with New Experience Centre Launch in Noida

Noida, Jan 13: Strengthening its footprint in North India while continuing its national expansion, DesignCafe, India’s leading home interiors brand, has launched a new Experience Centre in Noida, marking its 21st store in India. With a growing presence across key cities, DesignCafe continues to scale it’s pan-India footprint by adding six more Experience Centres in the coming months.

Spread across 2,700 sq. ft., the Noida Experience Centre is designed to show how interiors come together in real homes. It includes a fully designed three-bedroom apartment, along with modular kitchens, wardrobes, bedrooms, and living spaces. The centre also showcases four kitchen formats and DesignCafe’s unique space-saving design solutions, aimed at improving everyday living.

Beyond modular design experience zones, the Noida Experience Centre brings a more premium, material-led experience to the forefront, shaped by a detailed study of the region. The space is curated to reflect the refined sensibilities of Noida and the wider NCR, so homeowners can experience the difference across finishes, tones, and styling cues, not just view them on a screen. With a fully designed three-bedroom apartment and multiple design directions under one roof, the experience is intentionally 360-degree: immersive, highly personalised, and versatile enough to suit distinct tastes, from understated sophistication to bold statements.

The new centre marks a focused expansion within the National Capital Region, with Noida’s growing residential developments and rising demand for organised, modular interiors, making it an important market for the brand. DesignCafe noted that the homeowners in Noida are increasingly looking for functional, personalised design solutions delivered through a transparent, end-to-end process.

Founded by award-winning architect co-founders Gita Ramanan and Shezaan Bhojani, DesignCafe has built its growth around a design-led, technology-enabled approach focused on delivering personalised, high-quality interior solutions for modern Indian homeowners.

Commenting on the expansion, Gita Ramanan, Co-founder & CEO, DesignCafe, said,

“When we started DesignCafe, our goal was simple – to make personalised, high-quality home interiors easier to access and easier to trust. Noida is a fast-evolving market, with homeowners who care deeply about functionality, finish, and the feeling of a well-made home. With this Experience Centre, we’re bringing a more immersive way to explore design, backed by transparent processes, strong technology, and craftsmanship you can see and feel.”

Shezaan Bhojani, Co-founder & CEO, DesignCafe, added,

“We’re excited to open our new Experience Centre in Noida, bringing DesignCafe closer to homeowners across NCR.  Noida has always stood out as a region where homeowners want the best for their home in terms of design and product. We are glad to launch a centre that brings the best in global design and materials to the Noida market.” 

The company’s manufacturing operations are supported by a 65,000 sq. ft. facility equipped with precision German machinery. Each project goes through multiple quality checks, uses materials sourced from established partners, and is backed by long-term warranty coverage, with a focus on durability and efficient use of space.

DesignCafe currently works with 11 franchise partners across India, a network that supports local entrepreneurs through access to DesignCafe’s technology platforms, training, and operational support, while enabling the brand to scale its presence consistently. The new Noida Experience Centre is now open to visitors and offers homeowners an opportunity to explore interior solutions and engage with the brand’s trusted and admired design process.

Budget 2026 Should Strengthen Dairy Infrastructure and Farm Productivity: Akshali Shah

By: Akshali Shah, Executive Director, Parag Milk Foods

“Ahead of Budget 2026, a continued focus on the dairy and agriculture sector, particularly on strengthening infrastructure, improving farm productivity, and expanding milk collection, can help the sector become more efficient and globally competitive. Investments in modern processing technology, organised supply chains, and better farm practices will not only support farmers and reduce wastage but also give the Indian dairy sector greater global reach and recognition for quality products.

Reforms in GST and other taxation have played a positive role in supporting consumption patterns over the past year. Boosting consumption remains an important ask from the FMCG sector. While urban demand is showing signs of recovery, rural consumption—though resilient—requires continued policy support, especially in the face of monsoon risks and inflationary pressures.

Looking ahead, we hope Budget 2026 will continue to strengthen agricultural and dairy infrastructure, support rural development, and encourage the adoption of modern technology. Initiatives such as incentivising modern processing facilities and expanding cold-chain logistics can help improve milk availability, product quality, and overall efficiency. By building on recent progress and supporting farmers with better access to credit and resources, the sector can become more resilient, competitive, and capable of meeting growing consumer demand.”

Bank of Baroda Joins Hands with CREDAI Hyderabad for Property Show 2026

Chandigarh, Jan 13: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced its association with CREDAI Hyderabad as the Exclusive Presenting Partner for the upcoming CREDAI Hyderabad Property Show 2026, scheduled to be held from February 6 to 8 at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The three-day property expo will bring together leading real estate developers from across the city, offering prospective homebuyers a single platform to explore a diverse range of residential projects and avail attractive financing solutions from Bank of Baroda.

Organised by the Hyderabad chapter of Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), the Property Show will feature only RERA-approved projects from CREDAI member developers, ensuring transparency, credibility and enhanced consumer confidence.

At the Bank of Baroda stall, home buyers can avail instant in-principle home loan sanctions, special offers and receive personalised loan consultations.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ritesh Kumar, General Manager & Zonal Head Hyderabad Zone, Bank of Baroda said,

“At Bank of Baroda, our aim to play a constructive role in Hyderabad’s growth and development by acting as an enabler for both homebuyers and developers through timely, accessible and customised financial solutions. Our association with CREDAI Hyderabad for the Property Show 2026 reflects this commitment. Hyderabad is one of India’s most vibrant housing markets, and through this partnership, we look forward to making home ownership more accessible and affordable for aspiring buyers.”

Switch Double-Decker Bus to Support Chennai’s Heritage Tourism Initiative

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Jan 13: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, along with Switch Mobility and Tamil NRIs based in the United States, today gifted a double-decker bus to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, inaugurated Chennai’s new double-decker tourism bus service, which will connect the city’s iconic landmarks and heritage sites.

The initiative aims to offer residents and tourists an immersive experience of Chennai’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, while promoting sustainable and modern urban mobility solutions.

The initiative underscores Ashok Leyland’s continued focus on sustainable mobility and highlights its enduring partnership with Tamil Nadu in driving innovation-led growth in public and tourist transportation.

The Real Green Luxury: Handmade Rugs That Outlast Fast Interiors

Jaipur, Jan 13: Interior design today is increasingly measured by lifespan. According to global interior lifecycle studies, most mass-produced soft furnishings are replaced within five to seven years, often sooner in high-use residential or hospitality spaces. This cycle of frequent replacement has become one of the largest contributors to material waste in interiors.

For designers moving away from fast interiors, sustainability is no longer an abstract idea. It is a practical design decision rooted in durability, maintenance, and long-term value. Within this shift, handmade rugs are being reconsidered not as stylistic elements but as infrastructure within a space.

The Performance Advantage of Handmade Rugs

The structural difference between handmade and machine-made rugs is not aesthetic alone. Hand-knotted and hand-woven rugs typically feature higher knot density, stronger tension control, and layered construction, all of which significantly extend lifespan. In real terms, a well-made handmade rug can last anywhere from twenty to fifty years with proper care. Many outlive the interiors they were originally designed for.

By comparison, machine-made rugs are often manufactured with synthetic backings and heat-bonded fibres that begin to degrade within a decade. Once the backing fails, repair is rarely viable. From a design specification perspective, this makes handmade rugs not only more sustainable but also more economical over time.

Man Made Rugs works exclusively with traditional weaving techniques that prioritise structural integrity. Each rug is made to be serviceable, meaning it can be cleaned, restored, and repaired rather than discarded. For designers, this offers predictability in performance and longevity across long-term projects.

Why Lifespan Is the Most Honest Sustainability Metric

“As designers, we often talk about sustainability in terms of materials, but the real question is lifespan,” says Pritam Khanna, Founder of Man Made Rugs. “If something needs to be replaced every few years, it isn’t sustainable. A handmade rug earns its place because it’s designed to stay.”

Material choice plays a measurable role in this longevity. Natural fibres such as wool and silk have proven abrasion resistance, thermal regulation, and elasticity, allowing them to recover from compression in high-traffic areas. Wool, in particular, is naturally flame-resistant and soil-repellent, reducing the need for chemical treatments over time.

Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are a leading source of microplastic shedding in interiors. Studies have shown that synthetic carpets and rugs release microfibres into indoor environments through daily wear, vacuuming, and cleaning. For designers working with wellness-conscious clients, this has become an increasingly relevant consideration.

Sustainability Beyond the Finished Product

Handmade rugs also differ significantly in production impact. Machine-made rugs rely heavily on automated manufacturing, petrochemical-based materials, and energy-intensive processes. Handmade rugs require minimal electricity and are largely produced through human skill rather than industrial systems.

This slower production model supports artisan livelihoods and preserves regional weaving knowledge that has been refined over centuries. From a design ethics standpoint, handmade rugs contribute to social sustainability as much as environmental responsibility.

Visually, the benefit is equally tangible. Handmade rugs introduce subtle variation in weave and tone that softens interiors and prevents visual fatigue. Designers often use this nuance to balance highly polished surfaces such as stone, metal, and glass, creating spaces that feel warmer and more resolved.

A Foundational Element in Contemporary Design

Man Made Rugs approaches rug-making as a design collaboration rather than a decorative afterthought. The collections are intentionally restrained in palette and pattern, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors.

“We think of our rugs as part of the foundation of a space, not an accessory,” Khanna adds. “When something is made slowly and with intention, it naturally belongs.”

For interior designers, this approach reduces replacement cycles, simplifies maintenance planning, and aligns with a growing demand for responsible specification.

Rethinking Luxury Through Measurable Impact

As sustainability continues to redefine luxury, handmade rugs stand apart for one clear reason. Their value can be measured not only in appearance, but in years of use, reduced waste, and long-term performance.

Budget 2026 Must Accelerate Growth and Efficiency in India’s Dairy Sector: Dr. K Rathnam

By:-  Dr. K Rathnam, Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer, Milky Mist Dairy Food Limited

“The dairy sector is a cornerstone of India’s food security and rural economy, directly supporting millions of farmers and allied livelihoods. Union Budget 2026 presents a timely opportunity to accelerate the next phase of growth for this vital sector.

We welcome the government’s continued support on the GST front and believe there is scope for further rationalisation of key inputs such as packaging material, refrigeration equipment, animal feed and veterinary services. This would go a long way in easing rising cost pressures and improving overall efficiency across the value chain.

A strong policy push towards strengthening cold-chain infrastructure and logistics is critical. Enhanced capital subsidies, interest subvention schemes and easier access to long-term credit will help bridge existing infrastructure gaps, reduce wastage and improve milk quality, especially in hinterland regions.

Targeted incentives for both dairy companies and farmers are equally important. Initiatives focused on productivity enhancement, fodder development, animal health, affordable cattle insurance and cold-chain logistics can significantly improve farmer incomes while ensuring consistency in supply.

From an industry standpoint, incentives for value-added dairy products, automation, advanced quality-testing laboratories and sustainability initiatives will encourage private players to invest in modern, scalable capacity aligned with global standards.

Overall, a balanced and forward-looking Budget that strengthens farmer incomes, upgrades infrastructure and enables organised dairy players to scale sustainably will create long-term value for the sector and reinforce India’s position as one of the world’s leading dairy economies.”

Goa Tourism Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Harassment, Acts Swiftly on Viral Video Incident

Panaji, Jan 13: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and unruly behaviour involving tourists, particularly incidents that compromise the safety and dignity of women.

Responding to a recent incident involving the harassment of a woman tourist, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte stated that such behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He emphasised that while Goa welcomes responsible tourists, strict action will be taken against anyone who violates the law or disrespects individuals.

“We do not tolerate unruly behaviour that attempts to outrage the modesty of women. Goa stands for safety, dignity and responsible tourism. Based on the viral video, a police complaint was immediately filed and prompt action was ensured. The Government of Goa will not take such incidents lightly, and the police have acted swiftly to address the matter,” the Minister said.

The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, reportedly involved an intoxicated individual blocking the path of a woman tourist at a beach shack and behaving in an inappropriate manner. The individual allegedly made lewd and suggestive gestures, causing distress to the tourist. Authorities intervened immediately after the video came to light.

Following the incident, the Goa Tourism Department lodged a formal complaint at the Calangute Police Station. An FIR has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 74, 75 and 79, along with other applicable sections of law.

Commenting on the incident, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik said the Department remains fully committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all visitors.

“The Department of Tourism works closely with local administration and law enforcement agencies to address such incidents promptly. Any act of harassment or misconduct will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, to uphold Goa’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination,” he said.

The Department of Tourism has reaffirmed that the safety, dignity and well-being of tourists remain a top priority. Strict action will continue to be taken against individuals indulging in harassment or misconduct, reinforcing the State’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.

The Government of Goa urges all visitors to adhere to the law, respect local values, and contribute positively to Goa’s tourism ecosystem.

PRIF’s Initiative Raftaar Expands Access to Organized Sports to 1,600+ Tribal Youth in Maharashtra, 50 Percent of Top Performers Are Girls

Mumbai, Jan 13: On National Youth Day, Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF) marks three years of Raftaar, a structured athletic training program implemented in partnership with the Bridges of Sports Foundation for tribal youth under the age of 14 across three villages—Talegaon, Awankhed and Karanji—in Dindori Taluka, Nashik. So far, Raftaar has reached more than 1,600 tribal children through community sports events, 531 through regular training which includes 20 athletes who received structured training in sprinting. Girls constitute 50% of the program’s top performers, demonstrating visible shifts in participation and confidence. Programs such as Raftaar reflect PRIF’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in working for an equitable society using sports as a tool for inclusion, discipline, and opportunity.

As per reports, access to organised sports in India remains limited. Only 1% of Indian youth under the age of 35 participate in organised sports, while women’s participation stands at 29%, significantly below the global average of 40%. For tribal youth in regions such as Dindori, Nashik, these gaps are further compounded by schools lacking physical education teachers, sports equipment, and means to identify talent. Girls are often the first to be withdrawn from physical activity due to social expectations, restricting opportunities for holistic development and confidence.

Launched in 2022, Project Raftaar was launched based on assessment of the sports ecosystem in over 20 primary schools and through interaction with teachers, parents and children. The program identifies talent through fitness tests and supports them with regular coaching, sports gear, and nutrition. Athletes demonstrating higher potential receive advanced training and opportunities to participate in state-level competitions. Over the past three years, the program has conducted over 300 training sessions. The program has trained nine local coaches drawn from the community, strengthening local capacity and supporting long-term continuity. Athletes supported through Raftaar have won over 50 medals across district, state and national level competitions, compared to one medal in the year prior to the program.

Mr. Gagandeep Sethi, Senior Vice President, Integrated Operations, Sustainability & Responsibility, Pernod Ricard India, said, 

“Diversity and inclusion are central to PRIF’s work. Through Raftaar, we are supporting structured access to sports for tribal youth while strengthening local coaching capacity and encouraging greater participation among youth in tribal regions of Maharashtra.”

To strengthen local infrastructure, a community sports gym-cum-activity room is established at Gurukul School, Karanji, benefiting school and community children through regular access to training facilities.

In the long term, Raftaar aims to support more tribal youth in accessing national sports academies, sports-related careers, and opportunities in the armed forces, while continuing to strengthen community-led initiatives.

Krystal Integrated Services secures multiple municipal sanitation contracts worth approx. 275 crores across Vasai–Virar

Mumbai, Jan 13: Krystal Integrated Services Ltd, a leading provider of integrated facility management solutions, has secured three major municipal solid waste management contracts from the Vasai–Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), with a combined contract value of approximately 275 crore over a five-year period with an additional three-month preparatory phase. The mandates cover end-to-end municipal sanitation services in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The scope of work includes door-to-door collection, segregation, transportation of municipal solid waste, street cleaning services and cleaning of public spaces across residential, commercial, institutional, and notified public areas. Krystal will also ensure transportation of segregated waste to authorised processing, treatment, and disposal facilities. Krystal will deploy dedicated manpower, specialised vehicles, and modern equipment, to ensure uninterrupted, hygienic, and compliant waste management services across all three wards, while maintaining strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Sanjay Dighe, CEO and Director of Krystal Integrated Services Ltd, said,

“Securing these multiple municipal sanitation mandates from Vasai–Virar City Municipal Corporation marks another important milestone for Krystal Integrated Services. Urban waste management is a critical public service that demands operational discipline, reliability, and regulatory compliance. These engagements reinforce our ability to manage large-scale, people-intensive municipal operations while supporting city administrations in delivering cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.”

The Vasai–Virar City Municipal Corporation serves one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing urban regions, and these contracts highlight the increasing reliance on professional facility management partners for civic sanitation and urban infrastructure services.

For Krystal Integrated Services, these wins further strengthen its municipal services portfolio and underscore its capability to deliver long-term, high-impact public infrastructure operations at scale.

Tara Prakashana signs MoU with Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under Gyan Bharatam Mission

 Bengaluru, Jan 13: Tara Prakashana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, following its selection under the prestigious Gyan Bharatam Mission, a national initiative focused on the preservation, digitization, documentation, and dissemination of India’s vast manuscript and knowledge traditions.

The Ministry of Culture has invited Tara Prakashana to participate in the Gyan Bharatam Mission as one of a select group of 18 institutions nationwide. In the state of Karnataka, it is one of two organizations that have been invited. In the last 20 years Tara Prakashana has come up with innovative technologies for imaging, processing, and archiving ancient manuscripts.

The Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to strengthen coordinated national efforts to safeguard India’s intellectual and manuscript heritage, enhance scholarly access, and integrate modern technologies for long-term preservation and dissemination of traditional knowledge systems.

The signing of this MoU is recognition of Tara Prakashana’s sustained contributions to research, publication, and preservation of classical Indian knowledge traditions. Under the agreement, Tara Prakashana will work closely with the Ministry of Culture to advance the objectives of the Gyan Bharatam Mission at regional, national and global levels.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. P R Mukund, Founder Trustee, Tara Prakashana, said

“ Tara Prakashana has partnered with leading global technologists in the field of ancient manuscript preservation. Tara Prakashana has brought state of-the-art technologies such as multi-spectral imaging, 3D printing, and Waferfiche™ to Bharat. It is our hope that, as a result of this partnership, these technologies can be scaled to national levels .”

Sri Samar Nanda, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India said,

“ Tara Prakashana would be a key partner for successful implementation of Gyan Bharatam.  Ministry wants to deepen ties with such institutions who are doing pioneering work in the field of manuscript conservation, digitization and research. Signing of MoU is the beginning of a long term partnership to take Gyan Bharatam forward .”