JD Institutes Dalal Family Launches “House of JD” to Take Emerging Design Talent from Portfolio to Marketplace

New e-commerce marketplace will connect students, alumni and emerging designers with consumers, creating a pathway from design creation to products, sales and brand building

Mumbai, Sept 14: A design project can take months to conceptualise and create, but for many young designers, its journey often ends with a portfolio or an exhibition. JD Institute, led by Yogesh Dalal, Payal Dalal and Rinesh Dalal, is seeking to bridge that gap with the launch of House of JD, an e-commerce marketplace designed to take design talent from portfolio to marketplace.

Launching on September 14, House of JD will bring together fashion, interiors, textiles, art, objects and lifestyle, giving students, alumni, aspiring and emerging designers as well as established creative talent an opportunity to showcase and sell their work to consumers.

The platform is an extension of JD Institute of Fashion Technology’s long-standing engagement with the design industry. Established in 1988, JD Institute of Fashion Technology has spent over three decades building a design education ecosystem, with 38+ learning centres and more than 45,000 design graduates. Its alumni have gone on to build labels, work across fashion, interiors, jewellery, styling and other creative fields, and collaborate with brands, design studios and industry professionals in India and internationally.

House of JD takes that ecosystem a step further,  from education and industry exposure to consumer access and commerce. For emerging designers, the platform creates an opportunity to take a completed design project beyond the portfolio, turn it into a product and understand what it means to present creative work to a customer.

For many emerging designers, the challenge is not creating the work, but finding the opportunity to take it to market. House of JD aims to create that bridge by providing a dedicated space where designers can showcase and sell their creations.

The platform will allow designers to build experience around presenting, positioning and commercialising their work, while giving consumers access to design-led products and the stories behind the people who created them.

House of JD will also bring together student and emerging work alongside established labels, premium brands and limited-edition collaborations, creating a destination where different stages of the design ecosystem can come together.

Unlike an open marketplace, House of JD will follow a considered curation process, with designers, collections and products reviewed before being featured. An advisory board will review collections as part of this process, to keep the platform “curated, not crowded” and focused on discovering relevant design talent.

The offering will be organised across five categories: hoJD Student, hoJD Next, hoJD Signature, hoJD Collective and hoJD Legendary, connecting students, alumni, faculty, industry and consumers within the larger JD ecosystem.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Rinesh Dalal, Director, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, said, “India has no shortage of design talent. What is needed are more places for designers to start and take their work forward. House of JD creates that opportunity by giving designers a space to bring their work to a wider audience and develop it further. We aim to discover, curate and commercialise the work of the next generation of creative entrepreneurs, while creating a space where consumers can discover the people and ideas behind the work. We want designers to use this space to be original, be themselves and enjoy the process of learning and creating as they take their work forward.”

For consumers, House of JD will focus on discovery and originality, offering fashion and home pieces, art, objects and lifestyle products from new and established creative talent. For designers, it creates another route to reach consumers and begin building a commercial journey around their work.

With House of JD, JD Education Trust is expanding its role from nurturing design talent to creating a pathway for that talent to reach the market, bringing together education, creativity, industry and commerce on one platform.

Indian Railways Boosts Passenger Connectivity and Freight Capacity in August 2026

New Delhi, September 14, 2026: Indian Railways recorded broad-based growth in passenger services and freight operations during August 2026, with freight loading rising 5.4% year-on-year and the network expanding its passenger connectivity through regularisation of Amrit Bharat services and additional festival-season trains.

During the month, 14 Amrit Bharat services were converted from special to regular services, taking the total number of Amrit Bharat services to 86. At the same time, five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) were commissioned, strengthening rail-based freight connectivity for industries and commercial centres.

Freight Loading Rises 5.4%

Indian Railways loaded 137.9 million tonnes of freight in August 2026, compared with 130.9 million tonnes during the corresponding month last year. The increase represents a 5.4% year-on-year growth.

Freight revenue also increased, rising 6.27% compared with August 2025, signalling continued momentum in the railway’s freight business.

The growth was supported by higher movement across several major commodity categories, including coal, iron ore, steel, fertilisers and other goods. Increased rail freight movement provides industries with a large-scale transportation network for moving raw materials, intermediate goods and finished products across the country.

Iron Ore, Coal and Container Traffic Lead Growth

Several key freight segments registered notable increases during August.

Iron ore loading grew 12.1%, while clinker increased 10.4%. Domestic container loading rose 9.2%, and coal loading grew 6%. Finished steel recorded 4.9% growth, mineral oil increased 3.1% and fertiliser loading rose 1.6%.

The Balance Other Goods category also registered 8.2% growth.

The increase in container traffic is particularly significant as it supports the movement of a wider range of commodities through rail-based logistics. Higher loading across industrial commodities also strengthens the role of railways in supporting manufacturing, construction, energy and other economic activities.

Five New Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Commissioned

Indian Railways commissioned five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals in August, taking the cumulative number of commissioned GCTs to 149 as of August 31, 2026.

The new terminals are located at:

• Shivlakha, Gujarat
• Nalli, Tamil Nadu
• Shaktinagar, Uttar Pradesh
• Deoragram, Madhya Pradesh
• Brajrajnagar, Odisha

The expansion of the GCT network is aimed at bringing modern freight-handling infrastructure closer to production and consumption centres.

Greater access to such terminals can help streamline cargo handling, improve first- and last-mile connectivity and reduce avoidable logistics movement. The network also supports closer integration between Indian Railways and the country’s broader multimodal logistics infrastructure.

14 Amrit Bharat Services Made Regular

Passenger connectivity received a further boost during August, with 14 Amrit Bharat services regularised from special to regular operations. The move takes the total number of Amrit Bharat services to 86.

Among the routes covered are:

• Subedarganj–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
• Gorakhpur–Bandra Terminus
• Gorakhpur–Delhi Junction
• Ahmedabad–Bhagalpur
• Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Prayagraj Junction
• Prayagraj Junction–Udhna Junction
• Dhanbad–Coimbatore

The additional regular services are expected to expand affordable long-distance travel options between major metropolitan centres and regional destinations.

The Gorakhpur–Bandra Terminus and Gorakhpur–Delhi Junction services, for instance, strengthen connections between eastern Uttar Pradesh and two major metropolitan regions. The routes can provide additional travel options for people travelling for employment, education, business and family-related purposes.

Similarly, the Ahmedabad–Bhagalpur service creates a direct rail connection between Gujarat and Bihar, while the Dhanbad–Coimbatore route strengthens connectivity between eastern and southern India.

Services linking Prayagraj with Udhna and Mumbai further expand travel options for passengers travelling from Uttar Pradesh towards western India.

Passenger Traffic Continues to Rise

Indian Railways carried 67.27 crore passengers in August 2026, compared with 64.43 crore in August 2025.

Suburban traffic recorded particularly strong growth, increasing 9.02% year-on-year. Suburban rail services carried 38.01 crore passengers during August 2026, compared with 34.89 crore during the same month last year.

The figures underline the continued importance of the railway network as an affordable and high-volume mode of daily transportation, particularly across India’s densely populated metropolitan and suburban areas.

More Special Trains for Festival Travel

Indian Railways also increased the number of special train services to manage the seasonal surge in passenger demand.

During the Rakshabandhan period from August 25 to 31, 2026, the railways operated 144 trips of special trains, compared with 48 trips operated between August 8 and 14, 2025.

The substantially higher number of special train trips provided additional capacity during the festival rush, particularly for passengers travelling to their hometowns and families.

Additional services during peak periods can help distribute passenger demand, ease pressure on regular trains and provide greater flexibility for travellers during major festivals.

Railways Strengthens Passenger and Freight Network

The performance during August reflects Indian Railways’ simultaneous focus on expanding passenger services and strengthening freight infrastructure.

The regularisation of Amrit Bharat services is widening affordable long-distance connectivity, while additional festival trains are helping accommodate seasonal passenger demand. On the freight side, higher commodity loading and the expansion of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals are strengthening the railway’s role in India’s logistics ecosystem.

With continued investment in capacity, connectivity and operational infrastructure, Indian Railways is positioning its passenger and freight networks to handle growing demand while supporting everyday mobility, industrial supply chains and broader economic activity across the country.

Dryland Congress 2026 Ends with Delhi Declaration, Sets Agenda for South-South Cooperation

New Delhi, September 14, 2026: The three-day Dryland Congress 2026 concluded in New Delhi with participating governments, institutions, researchers and development partners endorsing the Delhi Declaration on Drylands (3D) and calling for stronger South-South and triangular cooperation to accelerate innovation and action in dryland agriculture.

Held under the theme “Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South-South Cooperation,” the Congress brought together stakeholders from across the Global South to explore solutions for improving agricultural resilience, food security, climate adaptation and rural livelihoods in dryland regions.

The closing day coincided with the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, reinforcing the Congress’s emphasis on partnerships, knowledge exchange and the scaling of agricultural innovations across developing countries.

The Delhi Declaration outlines a common agenda for transforming dryland agriculture through collaboration, scientific knowledge, innovation and collective action. It was endorsed during the closing plenary by participating governments, institutions, partners and delegates.

ICAR Calls for Greater Foresight and Data

Addressing the concluding session, Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, stressed the importance of incorporating foresight into strategies for dryland agriculture.

Jat called for the creation of a strong institutional mechanism for agricultural foresight and proposed that the ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (ICAR-NIAP) be given a mandate to lead foresight activities related to dryland agriculture.

He also highlighted the need for robust data and information systems capable of supporting decision-making across dryland agri-food systems. According to him, common innovation platforms and living laboratories could help connect research institutions with farmers, policymakers and other stakeholders.

ICRISAT Stresses Need to Move from Ideas to Action

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, underlined the critical role of drylands in global food security and called for the outcomes of the Congress to be converted into measurable action.

He urged participants to prioritise the recommendations emerging from the three-day discussions into short- and long-term programmes. The focus, he said, should be on moving from ideas to concepts and ultimately to implementation by combining expertise, knowledge and partnerships.

The valedictory session also highlighted several new collaborations emerging from the Congress, including agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with the Global Crop Diversity Trust.

ICRISAT also entered into MoUs with Avior Life Sciences, NIFTEM, Wipro Limited, and the Angul and Rayagada district administrations of Odisha, strengthening partnerships aimed at promoting innovation and practical interventions in dryland agriculture.

The Congress Co-Chairs, Dr D.K. Yadava, DDG (Crop Science), ICAR, and Dr Stanford Blade, DDG (Research & Innovation), ICRISAT, presented a summary of the deliberations and outlined key recommendations and outcomes.

Strengthening South-South Agricultural Partnerships

The final day began with a commemoration of the UN Day for South-South Cooperation, featuring messages from the UN Secretary-General, FAO Director-General and UNOSSC Director Dima Al-Khatib.

Pathak presented the vision of the International Solidarity for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) and highlighted the need for stronger partnerships among countries of the Global South.

Representatives from ICRISAT, ICAR, CGIAR, RIS, NABARD and the CGIAR Capacity Sharing Accelerator reaffirmed their commitment to advancing South-South cooperation and increasing its impact on agricultural development.

A subsequent session, “Knowledge Without Borders: Advancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation,” was convened in collaboration with CGIAR. Discussions examined how successful cooperation models could be strengthened, replicated and taken to scale.

Experts and representatives from national agricultural research systems in Ethiopia, Senegal, Brazil, China and India, alongside delegates from CGIAR, FARA and APAARI, shared experiences on building effective South-South and triangular partnerships.

ISSCA Global Awards Recognise Agricultural Innovations

The Congress also hosted the ISSCA Global Awards 2026, which recognise proven agricultural innovations from institutions across the Global South that demonstrate potential for large-scale adoption and adaptation across countries.

The inaugural awards attracted 170 nominations from 34 countries spanning Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The ISSCA Global Award for Transformative Excellence (Mega Award) was presented to:

• ICARDA, Lebanon, for TAAT Wheat Compact Technologies: Heat-Tolerant Wheat Varieties;
• CIMMYT, Mexico, for e-Agrology 360; and
• Odisha Livelihoods Mission, Government of Odisha, India, for Women-Led Sustainable Farming for Nutrition and Rural Resilience.

Awards Span Crop, Climate and Digital Agriculture

The Crop Improvement & Production Technologies category recognised the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute for BARI Chinabadam-9, the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, for GPBD 4, and Myanmar’s Department of Agricultural Research for climate-smart, early-maturing chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut varieties.

In Natural Resource Management & Climate Resilience, awards went to the Karnataka State Department of Agriculture for Krishi Bhagya; NECTAR, India, for integrated banana pseudo-stem processing; the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, for rejuvenating Aahar–Pyne landscapes; and Sustainable Farming Solutions, Malawi, for digital land-restoration stewardship.

The Agribusiness & Market Systems awards recognised BIID Foundation, Bangladesh, for e-Krishok; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for the TNAU-FPO Linkage Programme; and the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute for its Parabolic-Shaped Solar Dryer.

In Digital Agriculture, the awards went to the Department of Horticulture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, for the APMIP Digital Ecosystem, and the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat, for Krushi Pragati.

The Livestock Improvement & Production Technologies category recognised WorldFish, Bangladesh, for its improved carp seed system and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya, for the Participatory Indigenous Chicken Breed Improvement Program (PIC-BIP).

The Congress also presented 16 Best Poster Awards to students and research scholars, recognising emerging research and scientific talent in dryland agriculture.

Delhi Declaration Sets a Collaborative Roadmap

The conclusion of Dryland Congress 2026 marks a renewed push to make South-South cooperation a practical mechanism for addressing the challenges facing dryland agriculture.

The Delhi Declaration on Drylands places collaboration, evidence-based research, innovation, knowledge sharing and institutional partnerships at the centre of this agenda.

With climate variability, resource constraints and food-security pressures continuing to affect dryland regions, the Congress highlighted the importance of scaling technologies and practices that have already demonstrated results.

The event ultimately sought to move beyond the exchange of ideas towards implementation—connecting scientific institutions, governments, development organisations and farming communities to build more resilient, productive and sustainable dryland agri-food systems across the Global South.

BRICS Pushes for Stronger Global Cooperation on Traditional Medicine

The 18th BRICS Summit has placed traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) higher on the international health agenda, with the New Delhi Declaration calling for stronger cooperation, scientific research and evidence-based approaches to traditional healthcare systems.

A major outcome of the declaration is its support for the proposed creation of a BRICS Expert Working Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine under the BRICS Health Track. The proposed mechanism is expected to provide BRICS member countries with a structured platform to exchange knowledge, collaborate on research and develop common approaches to traditional medicine.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, said the recognition of TCIM in the declaration represents an important step towards expanding international cooperation in traditional medicine.

He said the proposed expert group could enable member countries to share knowledge, strengthen research and promote evidence-based approaches. India, he added, would continue to advance Ayurveda and other traditional systems through scientific research, quality assurance and international partnerships.

Focus on Research and Medicinal Plants

The New Delhi Declaration places particular emphasis on collaborative research into medicinal plants and herbal preparations used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes.

It notes that the traditional pharmacopoeias of BRICS countries could provide a valuable foundation for developing safe, effective and affordable therapeutic products. Greater collaboration in this area could help countries improve documentation, generate scientific evidence and deepen understanding of medicinal resources.

Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, said the declaration provides an opportunity to build more structured cooperation among BRICS nations on TCIM.

According to Kotecha, the proposed Expert Working Group could facilitate collaboration on research, evidence generation, quality standards and regulatory approaches. He said India’s Ayush ecosystem would contribute to the process by promoting rigorous research and evidence-informed practices.

Emphasis on Safety, Quality and Efficacy

The declaration also stresses that TCIM practices and products should meet appropriate standards of quality, safety and efficacy. It encourages evidence-informed approaches and regulatory frameworks that take into account the national circumstances of individual BRICS members.

The emphasis could pave the way for greater exchange of expertise in areas including research methodologies, pharmacopoeial standards, quality control, regulatory systems and scientific validation of traditional medicine.

For traditional medicine systems that have developed over generations, such cooperation could help bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation while ensuring that new products and practices meet appropriate safety and quality benchmarks.

India’s BRICS Chairship Provides Momentum

The latest development follows the BRICS Meeting on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine held in Chandigarh on July 21, 2026, during India’s BRICS Chairship.

The meeting brought together government officials, technical specialists and representatives from BRICS member countries to discuss cooperation in areas including research, education, knowledge sharing and regulatory frameworks.

The participating countries also reached consensus on the Terms of Reference for the proposed BRICS Expert Working Group on TCIM, laying the groundwork for more institutionalised cooperation.

The proposed group could subsequently provide a platform connecting policymakers, researchers, academic institutions and technical experts across BRICS countries, potentially allowing cooperation to continue beyond individual meetings and initiatives.

Opportunity for Ayurveda and the Ayush Sector

For India, the declaration is particularly significant because it strengthens the international platform for Ayurveda and other Ayush systems.

India has increasingly focused on scientific research, evidence generation, standardisation, quality assurance and international collaboration as part of its efforts to promote traditional medicine globally. The BRICS framework provides another avenue for India to share its experience while learning from the traditional healthcare systems and research capabilities of other member countries.

The focus on medicinal plants and herbal preparations could also create opportunities for joint research, improved documentation and the development of scientifically validated and quality-assured therapeutic products.

Growing Global Attention to Traditional Medicine

The BRICS initiative comes at a time when traditional medicine is receiving greater attention internationally, particularly in discussions around accessible healthcare, prevention and the strengthening of health systems.

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 places emphasis on strengthening the evidence base for traditional medicine, improving safety and quality, and supporting its appropriate integration into health systems.

Against this backdrop, the BRICS focus on TCIM represents more than a formal recognition of traditional healthcare practices. It points towards a model of international cooperation centred on research, scientific evidence, quality, safety and responsible integration.

A More Structured BRICS Health Cooperation Framework

The proposed Expert Working Group could bring together the diverse traditional medicine experience of BRICS countries and encourage collaboration across research, capacity building, knowledge exchange and regulatory practices.

The New Delhi Declaration therefore provides a framework for moving traditional medicine cooperation from dialogue towards more sustained institutional engagement.

For India, it also strengthens the international space for Ayurveda and the broader Ayush ecosystem to participate in global discussions on evidence-based traditional medicine, preventive healthcare and resilient health systems.

By placing TCIM within the BRICS Health Track and connecting it with objectives such as Universal Health Coverage, scientific research, evidence generation, quality, safety and efficacy, the declaration establishes a foundation for deeper cooperation among member countries in developing safe, effective and affordable healthcare solutions.

Kia India Opens Pre-Bookings for Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG and Carnival Limousine Hybrid; Expands Powertrain Choice

Mumbai, 14 September 2026: Kia India, one of the country’s leading mass-premium automakers, announced the opening of pre-bookings for its Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG and Carnival Limousine Hybrid models, further expanding its multi-powertrain portfolio and offering customers greater choice across its product range.

Recently showcased at Kia Inspiration Day, the three offerings reinforce Kia India’s commitment to responding to evolving customer preferences through a diversified range of mobility solutions. The introduction of CNG options for the Carens and Carens Clavis, alongside a Hybrid powertrain for the Carnival Limousine, will enable customers to choose what best suits their individual mobility requirements.

The Carens and Carens Clavis CNG, based on G1.5 6MT, will feature a factory-fitted CNG kit with a 60-litre tank capacity, combining the practicality and versatility of Kia’s three-row models with an additional powertrain option. Both Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG variants also feature 16-inch wheels and 16-inch disc brakes, along with CNG-specific engine calibration and modified suspension. A CNG Fuel Change Switch and 4.2-inch Colour TFT MID with CNG DTE Logic further enhance the CNG experience, while a modified third-row Seat-Back Frame improves the recline angle for added passenger comfort in both models.

The Carens CNG will be available in Premium (O) G1.5 6MT, while the Carens Clavis CNG will be offered in HTE and HTE (O) G1.5 6MT. For B2B (business-to-business) and commercial mobility solutions, the Carens CNG will be available on M-Drive G1.5 6MT, while the Carens Clavis CNG will be available in HTM G1.5 6MT.

The Carnival Limousine Hybrid, based on G1.6T HEV 6AT, will be offered on the Limousine+ trim, bringing an electrified powertrain option to Kia’s premium MPV portfolio. The hybrid model offers premium comfort, space and convenience, complemented by 18-inch (45.72 cm) Crystal Cut Dual Tone Aero Alloy Wheels, Active Air Flaps (AAF) and Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS). It also features a Smart Pure Air Purifier with AQI Display, Retractable, Height-Adjustable Seat Back Tables with Wireless Charging, Monotone Ambient Lighting and Cup Holders, and Leatherette-Wrapped door trims.

With these new offerings, Kia India takes another step forward in its multi-powertrain approach, bringing Hybrid and factory-fitted CNG options to its portfolio in response to the diverse and evolving mobility needs of Indian customers.

Pre-bookings for Kia Carens CNG, Clavis CNG and Carnival Limousine Hybrid are now open through Kia India’s authorized dealer network. Prices for all three models will be announced soon.