Category Archives: News

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 Girls are often the first to be withdrawn from physical activity due to social expectations, restricting opportunities for holistic development and confidence.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 .”

FUJIFILM instax™ Undisputed Breaking Championship Makes India Debut with National Qualifier in Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 12: Undisputed, one of the world’s most respected breaking championship series, is set to make its debut in India with the FUJIFILM instax™ Undisputed Breaking Championship – India Qualifier, scheduled to take place on Friday, January 31, 2026, in New Delhi.

This landmark national qualifier marks India’s official entry into the global Undisputed championship circuit and will bring together the country’s top breaking talent alongside leading international athletes. The Delhi qualifier serves as a crucial stop on the road to the Undisputed World Final in Tokyo, to be held on March 21, 2026.

Winners in the Solo Women, Solo Men, and Crew (5vs5) categories will earn direct qualification and an invitation to compete at the World Final in Tokyo.

Following successful qualifiers in major cities across the globe, the India edition represents a significant milestone for the country’s breaking community, providing Indian breakers with a platform within an officially recognised international competitive framework.

International and Indian Athletes Share the Stage

The championship will feature a curated lineup of acclaimed breakers from India and abroad, including:

• BBoy Flying Machine (India) – Six-time Indian Champion

• BGirl India (Netherlands) – Three-time World Champion and Paris 2024 Olympics Athlete

• BBoy Quake (Taiwan) – Paris 2024 Olympics Athlete

• BBoy Ryoga & BGirl Yuina (Japan)

• BGirl Mia (France)

Additional national and international participants will be announced soon.

The event will highlight the depth, individuality, and evolution of India’s breaking scene while maintaining Undisputed’s global competitive standards.

Industry Leaders Share Their Vision

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said:

“As India’s creative and youth-driven cultural ecosystem continues to evolve, the country is emerging as an important contributor to global street and breaking culture. Bringing the Undisputed Breaking Championship to India for the first time reflects our recognition of this momentum. At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to enabling platforms that bring diverse communities together and encourage authentic self-expression. This initiative reinforces India’s importance as a strategic market for us, where culture plays a meaningful role in how stories are created, shared, and celebrated.”

Adding to this, Mr. Arun Babu, Associate Director & Head of Electronic Imaging, instax™ & Optical Devices Business, FUJIFILM India, said:

“The instax™ Undisputed Breaking Championship – India Qualifier is designed as an open and inclusive platform for India’s breaking community, bringing together solo dancers and crews across experience levels. Our focus is on enabling participation, nurturing grassroots talent, and creating a structured competitive environment that supports inclusivity. The instax™ philosophy of ‘don’t just take, give’ aims to connect people, capture authentic moments, and bring communities closer through shared experiences. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen the ecosystem and encourage young creators to freely express themselves through breaking.”

A Celebration of Breaking and Hip-Hop Culture

Beyond the competition, the championship is designed as a full cultural experience—celebrating breaking, hip-hop, music, and community in an open and inclusive environment.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, January 31, 2026

• City: New Delhi

• Venue: Worldmark 1, Aerocity

• Admission: Free entry

Registrations Open

Registrations for solo breakers and crews are now open via and8.dance.

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Showcases Authentic Malaysian Cuisine at Tamra

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents an authentic exploration of Malaysian cuisine at Tamra from January 9 to 18, 2026, bringing together a culinary team from Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur with the restaurant’s accomplished chefs for a ten-day celebration that promises to redefine Delhi’s understanding of Southeast Asian flavours. Central to this showcase are Chef Rasyafiq Bin Sabri and Chef Muhammad Akashah Bin Shafie, both Malaysian culinary professionals from Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, whose experience spans Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. Trained in high-volume luxury kitchens and guided by classical techniques and regional authenticity, the duo brings a disciplined, flavour-forward approach that reflects Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage with precision and integrity.

Malaysian food culture represents far more than the sum of its influences. While its foundations lie in Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditions, the cuisine has evolved into a language of its own; one that prizes precision as much as generosity. Fragrant pandan, lemongrass, and ginger form its aromatic backbone, layered with the richness of coconut milk, the measured heat of chillies, and the pungent, fermented complexity of belacan. The result is food that is assertive yet balanced, with flavours that unfold gradually and linger well beyond the last bite.

The special menu reflects this philosophy through a curated selection of Malaysia’s most emblematic dishes. Nasi Lemak anchors the experience with its coconut-scented rice and classic accompaniments, while Laksa reveals the cuisine’s talent for building deeply complex broths. Flaky Roti Canai, smoky Satay served with peanut sauce, the curry-laden plates of Nasi Kandar, and the high-heat precision of Char Kway Teow together present a portrait of a culinary tradition shaped by migration, memory, and mastery of technique.

The special menu is available for Lunch and Dinner buffet. The Lunch and Dinner Buffet is available from 9 to 15 January 2026 at an exclusive price of INR 2,600 all-inclusive per person.

From 16 to 18 January, 2026, the Lunch buffet is priced at INR 3,500 plus taxes per person and the Dinner buffet is priced at INR 3,800 plus taxes per person. Sunday brunch, starting at INR 4,200 plus taxes, extends the experience into the weekend, inviting guests to engage with the cuisine in a leisurely, immersive setting that allows its layered flavours and cultural narratives to fully unfold.

VIRGIO Collaborates with Uppercase to Launch Sustainable Travel and Work Accessories Collection

Bengaluru, Jan 12: VIRGIO, India’s first tech-led sustainable fashion brand, has announced a strategic collaboration with Uppercase, a leading sustainable travel and work-accessories brand, to launch a thoughtfully designed collection that unites conscious fashion with responsible mobility.

The partnership brings together two purpose-driven brands committed to the belief that sustainability should extend beyond categories—what you wear and what you carry should reflect intentional, mindful choices in everyday life.

At the core of the collaboration is the idea that sustainability works best as a lifestyle, not just a label. VIRGIO’s technology-powered, transparent fashion ecosystem merges with Uppercase’s expertise in durable, recycled-material travel gear to create a collection that balances style, functionality, and responsibility.

The VIRGIO x Uppercase collection features versatile travel and work essentials designed for longevity and everyday relevance:

• Cabin trolley with structured hard-shell design, refined detailing, detachable laundry compartment, and separate toiletry pouch, suitable for both work and leisure travel.

• Backpack and laptop sleeve offering padded protection, smart organisation, quick-access compartments, and trolley compatibility, perfect for daily mobility.

Crafted using water-resistant, recycled materials, each product combines durability with thoughtful design, ensuring sustainable choices do not compromise performance or aesthetics.

In an evolving D2C and retail landscape, the collaboration reflects a value-led approach rather than short-term co-branding. By aligning design sensibilities, sustainability goals, and consumer insights, VIRGIO and Uppercase deliver a unified experience that is consistent, trustworthy, and long-term relevant, extending sustainability into how consumers live, work, and travel.

Both brands are committed to measurable sustainability outcomes. Uppercase’s use of recycled materials and responsible manufacturing has already reduced carbon emissions, plastic waste, and oil consumption. Integrating these products into VIRGIO’s ecosystem further amplifies awareness and adoption of impact-driven choices among a wider audience.

Amar Nagaram, Founder, VIRGIO, said:

“Sustainability should support how people actually live, not limit them. Our collaboration with Uppercase extends our ecosystem beyond fashion, bringing conscious design into travel and everyday mobility. It’s about creating thoughtful, functional choices built to last.”

Sudip Ghose, Founder & CEO, Uppercase, added:

“Partnering with VIRGIO allows us to take our shared values further. Together, we show that responsible materials, strong design, and everyday usability can seamlessly come together, making conscious consumption more accessible to everyone.”

The VIRGIO x Uppercase collection will launch exclusively online across both brands’ official websites, with cross-listing to ensure seamless discovery. This digital-first approach enables full control over storytelling, customer experience, and sustainability communication, while creating a unified ecosystem for conscious consumers.

ECO Mobility Reinforces Safety-First Culture Through #Safety365 Programme

New Delhi, India, Jan 12: ECOS (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited (ECOSMOBLTY | 544239 | INE06HJ01020), one of India’s leading chauffeur-driven corporate mobility providers, has reinforced its long-term commitment to safety with the successful implementation of its #Safety365 initiative, embedding safety as a core organisational value across operations.

The initiative was designed to move beyond a short-term campaign approach and establish safety as an everyday responsibility for chauffeurs and teams. Over a four-week period, ECO Mobility conducted structured engagement and training programmes focused on awareness, responsible driving behaviour, and continuous learning, supported by interactive sessions and regular communication touchpoints.

As part of the initiative, chauffeurs participated in safety pledges, symbolising their personal commitment to ensuring safe and reliable journeys. The programme saw strong participation, with more than 2,600 chauffeurs trained across 137 sessions, delivering over 2,800 man-hours of focused safety learning.

To sustain engagement beyond formal sessions, ECO Mobility has also launched a dedicated Chauffeurs’ WhatsApp Channel, ECO Mobility: Chauffeur Club, to share ongoing safety updates, training content, and best practices, ensuring continuous reinforcement of safety standards.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Deepali DeV, Chief Operating Officer of ECOS (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited, said,

“At ECO, safety is not a periodic initiative but a responsibility we uphold every day. Through #Safety365, we are reinforcing a culture where every chauffeur takes ownership of safety, ensuring consistent, dependable, and secure mobility experiences for our customers.”

ECO Mobility continues to strengthen its safety-first culture, supporting its mission to deliver professionally managed, compliant, and reliable chauffeur-driven mobility solutions across India.

Varthana Secures $6M Loan from WaterEquity to Boost Safe Water and Sanitation in Indian Schools

Varthana secures USD 6 million loan from WaterEquity to expand access to safe water and sanitation in underserved schools across India

Varthana Finance, a leading NBFC in the affordable education sector in India, has secured a USD 6 million loan from WaterEquity, a global asset manager exclusively focused on water and sanitation. The funding aims to expand access to safe water and sanitation in underserved school communities across India. The proceeds will be deployed exclusively toward school improvement loans that incorporate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, enabling affordable private schools to provide clean drinking water, improved sanitation facilities, and promote healthy hygiene practices for students.

This investment aligns with Varthana’s commitment to creating sustainable impact through education-focused financing. With deep geographical reach across peri-urban and rural India, Varthana is well-positioned to scale access to water and sanitation infrastructure in affordable private schools. WaterEquity brings sectoral expertise through prior investments in microfinance institutions, housing finance companies, and SMEs. This transaction introduces school financing to WaterEquity’s India portfolio, expanding its support of long-term impact.

“Access to safe water and sanitation is fundamental to creating a healthy and conducive learning environment,” said Steve Hardgrave, Wholetime Director and Executive Vice Chairman, Varthana. “By integrating WASH improvements into our school financing model, we are ensuring that quality education goes hand in hand with the well-being of students. Our collaboration with WaterEquity helps us deepen our commitment to sustainable school ecosystems, especially in communities that need it most.”

“Children spend a significant portion of their day at school, and access to safe, dignified WASH facilities is essential to improving attendance and learning outcomes – particularly for girls,” said Amit Agarwal, Head of South and Central Asia for Financial Institutions, WaterEquity. “Varthana’s extensive network of affordable private schools presents a strong platform to scale these improvements. This transaction marks WaterEquity’s first global investment in the school finance sector adding WASH lending for schools as a new product in our debt portfolio. That portfolio currently generates water and sanitation impact in 23 countries through households and enterprises loan products from Microfinance Institutions, Banks, Housing Finance Companies and other non-Banking Financial Institutions. We are pleased to support Varthana in expanding sustainable school infrastructure and improving access to water and sanitation in underserved communities.”

This initiative is expected to contribute to improved public health outcomes, increased school attendance, and India’s progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By combining WaterEquity’s expertise in impact investing and Varthana’s on-ground reach and financial acumen, this collaboration seeks  to help bridge the gap that often prevents vulnerable communities from accessing basic water and sanitation facilities.

Messe Frankfurt India Inks MoU with Tamil Nadu Govt to Launch Techtextil India Summit

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Signs Landmark MoU with Government of Tamil Nadu to Launch Techtextil India Summit in Coimbatore

Mumbai, Maharashtra, Jan 12: In a significant move to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position in the global technical textiles value chain, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Textiles and Guidance Tamil Nadu, Government of Tamil Nadu, to launch the Techtextil India Summit in Coimbatore. The Summit is scheduled to be held from 26–27 November 2026 at CODISSIA, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

The MoU, signed on 25 November 2025 in Coimbatore, formalises the launch of the Tamil Nadu edition of the Techtextil India Summit, which will be organised every alternate year starting 2026. The partnership aims to establish a dedicated knowledge-sharing platform for the rapidly growing technical textiles sector, facilitating expert exchange, innovation, and global collaboration.

Under this long-term association, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India will conceptualise, curate, and deliver five editions of the Techtextil India Summit in Tamil Nadu over the coming decades. As India’s leading B2B platform for technical textiles, nonwovens, and composites, and part of the globally renowned Techtextil brand, the initiative brings one of the world’s most influential textile platforms closer to India’s largest textile and apparel hub.

The MoU was signed in the august presence of Thiru. M K Stalin, Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, during the Tamil Nadu Rising Investment Summit.

Sharing her views on the collaboration, Smt R. Lalitha, IAS, Director of Textiles, Department of Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu, said,

“Tamil Nadu has a strong and well-established textile ecosystem. This collaboration with Messe Frankfurt India will further enable the State to assume a leadership role in the technical textiles sector by strengthening industry linkages. Through structured knowledge exchange and exposure to global best practices, entrepreneurs and manufacturers will be better equipped to adopt advanced innovations and reinforce Tamil Nadu’s position as a hub for high-value, functional textile solutions.”

Commenting on the milestone, Mr Winston Pereira, Executive Director, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd, said,

“We are honoured by the trust placed in us by the Department of Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu. The State’s proactive approach, supported by progressive policies and infrastructure development, provides a strong foundation for the growth of technical textiles. With global knowledge platforms like Techtextil, Tamil Nadu has the potential to evolve beyond its traditional strengths in spinning and knitwear into high-value technical textiles, creating a robust pipeline for future investments. Launching Techtextil in Coimbatore will position the State as a focal point for global industry dialogue.”

Backed by strong policy-level support from the Government of Tamil Nadu, the initiative is expected to strengthen industry–academia linkages, attract international stakeholders, unlock new opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and accelerate the State’s leadership in the high-growth technical textiles segment.

The first two editions of the Techtextil India Summit will be hosted in a high-level confex format in Coimbatore, laying the groundwork for a full-scale trade fair from the third edition onwards. The Summit will actively engage key textile stakeholders across the State, including MSMEs, research institutions, universities, and sectoral agencies such as SIDCO, TIDCO, TANSIDCO, SITRA, PSG Tech, and Anna University.

Techtextil India and Techtextil India Summit are part of Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network, which spans the entire textile value chain—from research and development, yarns and fabrics, to apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles, along with processing and cleaning technologies. With over 60 international textile trade fairs across 13 countries, Messe Frankfurt connects more than 500,000 industry participants worldwide, reinforcing its position as the global market leader in textile trade fairs.

Transcend Goa 2026: India’s First-Ever Transmedia Conclave Set to Debut in Goa

Goa is set to host a landmark moment for India’s creative industries with the launch of Transcend Goa 2026, a premier Transmedia Conclave. Organized by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and Goa Future proof, with the supportof the Government of Goa, the pilot summit will take place on 15 and 16 January 2026 at the historic Marquinez Palace in Panjim.

Envisioned, as a future-facing platform by the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Transcend Goa 2026 aims to bring together the brightest creative minds from Cinema, Publishing, Gaming, and Artificial Intelligence to explore how stories can evolve beyond a single medium.

The conclave aimed at converging stakeholders across the board, will spotlight conversations on taking cinema beyond the screen, developing Indian-origin Transmedia intellectual properties (IPs), and presenting case studies on how Indian content can successfully transform across formats, from the written word to immersive, multi-platform experiences.

At its core, Transcend Goa 2026 is designed to champion homegrown content and spark dialogue on taking Indian stories to global audiences, fostering collaboration across industries that shape contemporary storytelling. With each subsequent edition evolving into making it more grand and forward focused, Transcend Goa has been crafted to put Goa on the global creative economy map.

The two-day conclave will feature keynote sessions, panels, and case studies led by an influential lineup of speakers, including Sajan Raj Kurup, Chairman of the Creativeland Asia Group; producer and Partner at Emmay Entertainment, Monisha Advani, Veerendra Patil, Founder and Creative Director at Zebu Animation, Rajiv Chilaka, Founder of Green Gold Animation; acclaimed filmmakers Raja Krishna Menon, Reema Maya and Q; along with industry veterans Afsar Zaidi and Caleb Franklin, among other prominent speakers. The conclave will also feature special presentations including those by Vipul Agrawal, Founder of India’s leading AI driven content company and production house, Vignesh Raja, Co-Founder of AR Rahman’s mega META project and Sanjay and Vasu Gupta, Founders of Raj Comics among others.

Speaking about the vision behind the conclave, Harish Rao, organiser of Transcend Goa 2026, said

“Indian stories have always had the power to travel across cultures. With Transcend Goa, we want to create a platform where creators, technologists, and industry leaders can come together to re-imagine how our stories are told, experienced, and scaled globally, across cinema, books, games, and emerging technologies