24, Aug 2026
TAT defines The Year of Transformation as Thailand’s 2027 tourism direction
Four strategic moves target 5% tourism revenue growth and position Thailand as Asia’s No.1 High-Value & Meaningful Destination
BANGKOK, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled “The Year of Transformation” as Thailand’s strategic tourism direction for 2027, built around four strategic moves supporting “The Winning Goal 2027”. TAT targets tourism revenue growth of at least 5% over 2026, a 60:40 visitor distribution between major and emerging destinations, and a place among Asia’s top three destinations for traveller loyalty, working towards the goal of becoming “Asia’s No.1 High-Value & Meaningful Destination”.

The four strategic moves comprise Rebalance Market Portfolio, Shape Experience Platform, Build New Growth Engine, and Transform Together.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The Year of Transformation is a clear commitment to reshape Thai tourism around quality, value and long-term competitiveness. We’ve moved beyond volume alone, using Thailand’s distinctive strengths to create experiences that earn traveller loyalty, distribute income more widely and generate sustainable value. Through these four Strategic Moves, TAT is sharpening the country’s tourism ecosystem to innovate, compete and deliver a stronger future.”
Presented at Rajadamnern Stadium under “The Ultimate Fight: Transform for the Win!”, TAT’s 2027 strategic direction used Thailand’s historic Muay Thai arena to convey the need for the sector to adapt, sharpen its strategy and compete in a rapidly changing global environment. It also reflected TAT’s shift from simply relying on established strengths to converting Thailand’s advantages in wellness, culture, gastronomy, meaningful experiences and sustainability into greater market value and competitive advantage.
Rebalance Market Portfolio, the first move, will create a more balanced structure across markets, traveller segments and destinations while reducing reliance on any one market source or destination. TAT will strengthen domestic tourism as a core foundation and manage international markets through Retain to sustain growth while expanding quality segments and spending; Reshape to attract higher-value travellers through wellness, luxury, family and lifestyle experiences; and Recover to rebuild confidence through safety, convenience and value. New opportunities in Eastern Europe, Latin America and new origin cities will be supported by stronger air and multimodal connectivity.
Alongside this, TAT will refine its Segmentation Portfolio around Mainstream, Experience, High Value and Premium Travellers, with products shaped around motivations ranging from gastronomy, culture and nature to wellness, longevity, sport and luxury. At destination level, “The Link Plus” will match suitable markets and traveller segments with 19 priority areas, targeting a 10% increase in international arrivals to these destinations.
Shape Experience Platform, the second move, will strengthen the Amazing Thailand brand by shifting perceptions from a Value for Money Destination to a Meaningful Destination under “Healing is the New Luxury”. TAT will introduce new characters “Nong Sukjai” and “Nong Rak Yim” to communicate Thai charm and build emotional connections with travellers. For the domestic market, “365 Thai Thiao Thai – Thiao Dai Thang Pi” (literally, “Thai people can travel domestically throughout all 365 days of the year”) will be promoted through “Suk Thanti Thi Thiao Thai – Toem Mueang Thai Hai Jai Dai Heal” (literally, “Thai people can find instant happiness when travelling in Thailand and let their hearts heal”).
TAT will also develop themed experiences reflecting each region’s distinct identity, extend the UNESCO Thailand Network across 29 areas and more than 55 community tourism destinations, and build Signature Destination Branding, initially in Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Songkhla, Trat and Samut Songkhram.
Build New Growth Engine, the third move, will convert Thailand’s tourism strengths into new economic value through four Life Economy growth engines. Theme Product Experience will develop nine experience groups, led by the early-2027 launch of “Unseen Luxperience 2027” for Premium Travellers, combining hidden gems with private and exclusive experiences rooted in Thai textiles, gems and jewellery, Thai massage and Muay Thai, with a special guest joining the unveiling. Well-being Tourism will position Thailand as a Global Health & Healing Destination through Medical Excellence, Science-Based Wellness and Science-Based Local Wisdom, helping travellers Heal Better, Live Longer and Feel Better.
Festival Economy will position Thailand as a year-round events destination under “365 Days of Celebration”, spanning World & International Events, Pride, music festivals such as S2O, Wonderfruit and Tomorrowland, art and design, sport and adventure. TAT will elevate the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession, Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession and Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade — towards “Must-Experience in Thailand” status. Future Sustainability will expand sustainable tourism destination prototypes to Nan and Wellness Valley areas, extend the CF Hotel low-carbon network and encourage wider use of the Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) assessment framework.
Transform Together, the fourth move, reflects TAT’s evolving role from Tourism Promoter to Tourism Ecosystem Orchestrator, connecting traveller demand with partners across the wider Visitor Economy to develop higher-value products, services and experiences. This approach recognises tourism as an ecosystem extending beyond leisure travel into wellness, sport, festivals and other special-interest journeys, with growth requiring stronger collaboration across the public and private sectors.
Through Tourism Value Intelligence, TAT will analyse visitor and tourism revenue data, supported by 45 domestic offices, two coordination centres and 29 overseas offices. A TAT-supported tourism leadership programme, now under development, will strengthen industry capability and collaboration, while support for start-ups, technology and AI will improve the traveller journey.
TAT’s 2027 direction is designed to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness as it advances towards Asia’s No.1 High-Value & Meaningful Destination status. TAT will work across the tourism sector guided by four principles: integrity to build trust, safety to strengthen confidence, quality to create lasting impressions, and experiences that inspire visitors to return. TAT aims to generate higher-quality growth, spread tourism income more widely and strengthen community benefits, carrying the spirit of “Transform Together, Win Together” into the next phase of Amazing Thailand.

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- By Sai Krishna
24, Aug 2026
Everpure Named A Leader in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Storage Platforms
Data Primacy will be the future of IT architectures in the AI era, and we believe the Gartner recognition validates Everpure’s innovation to make enterprise data truly AI-ready. To scale AI, organizations need an IT architecture where trusted, governed, contextualized data powers every application and AI agent across the enterprise; this is precisely what we enable with the Everpure Platform and Everpure Data Intelligence.” – Charles Giancarlo, Chief Executive Officer, Everpure
Everpure believes its positioning validates a broader industry shift toward this model. Everpure’s Data Primacy approach reframes data management for the AI era—reducing operational friction and helping enterprises manage information as a trusted asset across hybrid environments through a global data plane and intelligent control plane.
- Everpure Data Intelligence™: Makes fragmented data usable for AI by discovering, classifying, contextualizing, and governing data at the source across Everpure, cloud, SaaS, and third-party environments.
- Enterprise Data Cloud Enhancements: Unifies data, policy, and semantics across hybrid estates to streamline operations and enforce consistent governance.
- AI Data Stream: Automates data discovery, preparation, and delivery pipelines, making real-time information immediately accessible to AI applications.
- Cyber Resilience Innovations: Strengthens protection and speeds recovery from cyber threats to ensure continuous business resilience.
Customer Validation
- “Easy-to-use Interface Stands out, Support Rated Highly. The intuitive GUI, performance of the Array and support provided by PURE is 5” – Technical Lead Infrastructure, Finance
- “Truly been a game changer for my company. FlashArray has enabled my company to do more than we thought possible, help streamline our operations and minimize our infrastructure spend due to array efficiencies and feature functionality. We have had a 100% uptime on all of our arrays and no data availability issues.” – IT Reviewer, IT Services Industry
- “If you need strong performance and support, Pure is the answer to your storage questions. Pure is not the cheapest, but the performance and the support (pre and post sales) has been world-class. – IT Manager, Manufacturing
- “Consistent high performance with seamless VMware integration and reliable replication.” – Enterprise Storage Reviewer
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“A game-changer for our infrastructure’s performance. We noticed a significant improvement in the loading speed of databases and modern applications, allowing us to consolidate workloads effectively.” – IT Specialist, Enterprise Infrastructure
24, Aug 2026
From Desert Landscapes to Island Romance: Destination Wedding Locations to Consider for 2026–27

Aug 24: Destination weddings are no longer only about finding a beautiful venue. The destination itself has become part of the celebration, shaping everything from the ceremony and setting to the experiences guests share over the wedding weekend.
For couples planning their celebrations for 2026–27, these destinations offer very different ways to say “I do”—from desert landscapes and mountain views to tropical beaches and Swahili coastlines.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah brings together beaches, desert landscapes and mountains within a single destination, making it an interesting choice for couples who want their wedding to feel like more than just a ceremony and reception. Along the Arabian Gulf, celebrations can unfold by the beach, while the Hajar Mountains and desert offer a very different backdrop for couples looking for something more dramatic.
For a classic celebration, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah offers elegant ballroom, garden and beachfront settings. At the other end of the spectrum, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert places couples in the heart of the desert, where outdoor celebrations can be followed by evenings beneath the stars.
The destination also lends itself to celebrations that are a little less conventional. Couples can explore the mountain scenery of Jebel Jais, discover the historic village of Al Jazeera Al Hamra or visit Dhayah Fort, while guests can kayak through mangroves, experience pearl-farming traditions at Suwaidi Pearls or simply spend time by the sea.
With its mix of nature, heritage and luxury, Ras Al Khaimah allows couples to turn the wedding weekend into a shared holiday, giving guests plenty to discover before and after the celebrations.
Kenya
Kenya may be synonymous with safari, but its coastline makes an equally compelling case for a destination wedding. Along the Indian Ocean, powder-soft beaches, Swahili influences and centuries-old coastal towns offer celebrations that feel romantic without following the usual tropical-wedding script.
Diani Beach is an obvious starting point, with its white sands and turquoise waters setting the scene for ceremonies by the sea. Couples can opt for beach, garden or poolside celebrations at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, while Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa offers everything from beachfront vows to garden gatherings and larger ballroom receptions.
For something more intimate, there is Lamu. With its carved Swahili doorways, winding lanes, traditional dhows and laid-back island rhythm, it feels made for celebrations that favour character over grandeur. At The Majlis Resort, a beachside wedding can slip effortlessly into a sunset dhow cruise and an evening overlooking the Indian Ocean. Better still, the destination becomes part of the celebration itself; guests can linger afterwards to explore Lamu Old Town, sail through the archipelago or simply spend a few extra days barefoot by the sea.
Bali
Bali has long understood romance. Temple traditions, tropical landscapes, dramatic coastlines and golden-hour sunsets give couples plenty to work with, while Nusa Dua brings a more polished side of the island into the mix—ideal for those looking for a destination wedding with the Indian Ocean always somewhere in the frame.
At The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, couples can make the setting as much a part of the story as the ceremony itself. The glass-walled Majestic Chapel, overlooking Sawangan Beach, creates a dramatic setting for the vows, while beachfront ceremonies and celebrations on the Cliff Lawn make the most of Bali’s coastal landscape. Smaller gatherings can move to the Chapel Lawn, Senses Lawn or one of the resort’s private villas for something more intimate.
And there is no need for the wedding to end with the reception. The days that follow can unfold at a distinctly Balinese pace—with spa rituals, local cultural experiences and long afternoons by the sea turning the celebration into a holiday for everyone who made the journey.
Thailand
Imagine saying ‘I do’ with sand between your toes, laughter echoing under palm trees, and every day after the wedding feeling like a holiday in paradise—that’s Thailand. With stunning beaches, elegant resorts, and warm hospitality, this destination offers couples a setting that feels both magical and effortless. Picture exchanging vows with the sea stretching out behind you in Phuket, celebrating beneath the dramatic limestone cliffs of Krabi, or choosing Koh Samui for its palm-fringed beaches and relaxed island charm. Alongside these, Hua Hin adds a royal coastal elegance with heritage resorts and a relaxed atmosphere, while Khao Lak offers secluded stretches of sand and intimate resorts, perfect for couples seeking privacy and understated romance. Each location brings its own flavour of love, ensuring your wedding feels personal, picturesque, and unforgettable.
Beyond the ceremonies, Thailand unfolds as a journey for guests. Long dinners under the tropical sky, boat rides across turquoise waters, bustling Thai markets, spa afternoons, and culinary adventures make the celebration last well beyond the vows. For Indian couples and their guests, visa-exempt stays of up to 30 days make travelling to Thailand even more convenient. With Bangkok serving as a major hub for international connectivity and offering luxury urban venues for pre-wedding events, Thailand makes for a perfect wedding destination.
24, Aug 2026
First micro-documentary on Haiyang Big Yangko Dance released
YANTAI, China, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Haiyang sits on the southern tip of the Jiaodong Peninsula, under the administration of Yantai city, Shandong province. Endowed with majestic mountains and a scenic coastline, the city derives its name from its location north of the Yellow Sea. In 1398, the Ming government established Dasong Garrison in present-day Haiyang, Shandong. In 1425, to celebrate Commander Zhao Tong, who concurrently served as Zhenfu (Military Supervisor), having five generations living under one roof, Dasong Garrison integrated elegant classical music with local folk dance traditions to create the Big Yangko Dance dance. The performance debuted officially on the day an imperial gold plaque inscribed with Qiye Yanxiang (Seven Leaves Spreading Auspiciousness) was unveiled. From then on, Haiyang Big Yangko Dance began to thrive.
Over six centuries, Haiyang Big Yangko Dance has taken root amid the city’s mountains, coastline and local customs. It has gradually evolved into a well-established dance system, embodying a folk art style that is powerful and uninhibited, robust and dynamic, and yet equally festive, lively, and vibrant.
Haiyang Big Yangko Dance brings the DNA of this intangible cultural heritage to life through its vivid Nine Major Roles. These nine characters act as living folk symbols and grassroots cultural envoys, embodying the honest local ethos through their physical performances. Apart from the nine leading roles, supporting performers, known as miscellaneous players in Haiyang Big Yangko Dance, portray figures such as donkeys, land boats, opera characters and mythical figures. Their improvisational acts add richer narrative layers to Big Yangko Dance performances.
“No Big Yangko Dance, no Spring Festival.” This local saying epitomizes the cultural identity of Haiyang people. “Big Yangko Dance fills the first lunar month celebrations with play, the second with bustle, and lingers playfully into the third.” “Big Yangko Dance ushers in spring” has become a vital way for locals to express festive joy and strengthen community bonds during Chinese New Year. This is far more than a simple folk performance; it embodies the community’s gratitude and reverence for the ocean—a belief deeply ingrained in the lifeblood of Jiaodong fishing communities.
Haiyang is renowned as the Home of Chinese Folk Art. Haiyang Big Yangko Dance enjoys national acclaim and is recognized as one of the three major Big Yangko Dance styles in Shandong. In 2006, it was inscribed on the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, evolving into a cultural tourism attraction and a hallmark of Haiyang’s external promotion. The year 2024 marked another milestone for Haiyang Big Yangko Dance: It clinched the Shanhua Award, the highest honor in Chinese folk art.
Like a brilliant cultural pearl, Haiyang Big Yangko Dance radiates the civilizational brilliance of generations of Haiyang people, heralding their aspirations for an even better life.
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24, Aug 2026
From Syrup Diversion to Sugar Production: SED’s Integrated Process House Solution for Shivshakti Sugars’ 7,500 TCD Plant
SED will execute the design, engineering, equipment supply, erection and commissioning of the sugar crystallization section on an accelerated timeline, with key equipment dispatch targeted by 15 September and plant commissioning scheduled by 31 October 2026.
MOHALI, India, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In an industry where steam economy, process stability, and recovery efficiency directly determine plant profitability, Shivshakti Sugars Limited, Belagavi, Karnataka, has placed its trust in Spray Engineering Devices Limited (SED) for strengthening of the evaporator station and addition of a sugar crystallization section for 7500 TCD in existing syrup production plant. The project will support the plant’s conversion to plantation white sugar production at 340 TCH, marking a significant step toward higher efficiency and modernized sugar manufacturing.
“For us at SED, engineering has never been about supplying equipment; it is about owning performance. With Shivshakti Sugars, we are bringing together process design, energy efficiency, and operational control in a way that works at plant scale. The aim is simple: build systems that run reliably and help sugar producers operate more efficiently and at greater scale,” said Mr. Vivek Verma, Managing Director, SED.
Under the proposed scope, SED will supply and commission a comprehensive process package covering condensate juice heater, falling film evaporator, condensate heat recovery, spray continuous pan for A, B & C massecuite, vacuum, sealing and vertical crystallizers with associated automation. The package includes condensate heaters, two 5,000 m² falling film evaporators, three Spray Continuous Pans with capacities of 110, 45 and 35 TPH, at A, B and C massecuite duty respectively along with vacuum, air-cooled and vertical crystallizers for low grade massecuite.
The technology package is designed to utilise low-grade vapour more effectively and improve process control. SED’s Spray Continuous Pan technology enables continuous massecuite boiling with individual chamber control of vapour, temperature, level and consistency, while the evaporator system includes recirculation and provisions for online chemical cleaning.
SED will undertake design and engineering for its supplied equipment, along with transportation, erection, and commissioning. The plant will be commissioned by October 31, 2026, with provisions linked to schedule performance.
The project represents another application of SED’s integrated process engineering approach in the sugar sector, combining equipment design, energy-saving systems and process automation within a single plant-level solution.
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24, Aug 2026
Teledyne FLIR to Show the New Si2a-PD Continuous Partial Discharge Monitor at Electric & Power Indonesia 2026
A fixed-mount acoustic imaging camera built to watch energized electrical assets around the clock.

Aug 24: Teledyne FLIR will bring the new FLIR Si2a-PD to Electric & Power Indonesia 2026 — a fixed-mount acoustic imaging camera built to watch energized electrical assets around the clock. It joins the portable Si2-Series, iXX-Series, Exx-Series and T-Series cameras at Booth #2501 in Hall A, September 2–5 at the Jakarta International Expo.
Partial discharge is intermittent. A quarterly inspection catches it only if the discharge happens to be active when the inspector walks past. Closing that gap is what the Si2a-PD is for.
Si2a-PD: An Always-On Electrical Guardian
The Si2a-PD detects, locates, classifies and assesses partial discharge, corona and arcing from 0.3 m (1.0 ft) up to 200 m (656 ft). An array of 124 low-noise MEMS microphones covers a 2 kHz to 130 kHz bandwidth and overlays the acoustic image on a 12 MP color camera view with a 75° field of view.
AI-based severity assessment ranks what the camera finds and recommends an action, so the output is a maintenance decision rather than a waveform for someone to interpret. The unit is IP66-rated with VESA mounting for switchgear rooms, GIS and outdoor substations, and it feeds FLIR Assetlink™ for event tracking and integration into existing digital maintenance workflows.
“Partial discharge is often intermittent and can therefore be difficult to capture during routine inspections,” said Darrell Taylor, Business Director for Acoustics at Teledyne FLIR. “With the Si2a-PD, customers gain continuous visibility into their assets, enabling earlier detection, improved reliability, and more informed maintenance decisions.”
Si2-Series: The Portable Counterpart
Where the Si2a-PD stays mounted, the Si2-Series goes to the asset. The Si2-PD locates partial discharge in high-voltage equipment. The Si2-LD finds pressurized leaks and mechanical faults. The Si2-Pro does both and quantifies gas leaks, including hydrogen, CO₂, methane, helium, argon and ammonia. All three use the same 124-microphone array and the same 200 m reach in a one-handed camera that takes minimal training, and the Si2x models carry that capability into ATEX and HazLoc classified areas.
iXX-Series, Exx-Series and T-Series: Thermal on the Same Stand
Thermal imaging remains the fastest way to find a loose connection or an overloaded conductor before it fails. The iXX-Series — the i34 at 240 × 320 and the i64 at 480 × 640 — runs guided workflows on the camera itself and uploads results automatically to FLIR Assetlink™ for route planning or FLIR Ignite™ for trend tracking and work order generation through a connected CMMS.
The Exx-Series runs from the E54 up to the E96, which images at 640 × 480 and measures to 1500°C (2732°F), with laser-assisted autofocus on the E76, E86 and E96. The T-Series adds a 180° rotating lens platform for overhead and floor-level targets and an optional 6° telephoto lens for reading terminations from outside the fence line.
Visit Us at Electric & Power Indonesia 2026
Teledyne FLIR is at Booth #2501, Hall A, Jakarta International Expo, September 2–5, 2026. To book time with the team or to learn more about the products on display, visit www.flir.com.
24, Aug 2026
Global ambitions, local beginnings: South Asian students rethink the route to international careers
Aug 24: South Asian students remain ambitious about global careers, but the route they are taking to get there is changing.
Findings from the Cambridge University Press Assessment Destination Survey 2025–26 suggest a growing preference for a more strategic higher education journey: undergraduate study closer to home, followed by international postgraduate education and global career opportunities.
The shift has increasingly been seen in India and Bangladesh, with many schools reporting that a majority of learners are choosing local universities before pursuing international postgraduate education.
WHAT IS DRIVING THE CHANGE?
- Across South Asia, technology-led careers are rising in popularity, while business & management studies are popular subjects in India – indicating the flexible and non-conventional choices learners are making
- The international destination map is widening, with Singapore, the UAE, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Japan and South Korea increasingly being considered alongside traditional destinations
- Value is becoming central to decision-making, with affordability, employability, return on investment and visa certainty influencing destination choices.
Rod Smith, Group Managing Director, International Education, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “Learners across South Asia remain ambitious about global careers. What is changing is how they achieve those ambitions. More learners are choosing to begin their journey locally, build strong foundations, and pursue international opportunities at the right stage of their education. The rapid growth in interest around AI, computer science and technology-focused careers reinforces the importance of educational pathways that develop critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability alongside subject knowledge.”
Vinay Sharma, Regional Director – International Education, South Asia, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “The survey findings are reflected in the choices we are seeing among Cambridge learners in India. Through both our March and June series results, we are seeing increasing numbers of students choosing to pursue their undergraduate education in India, while keeping international postgraduate opportunities firmly in view. This shift is being driven by a combination of factors, including greater alignment of Cambridge qualifications with competitive examinations such as JEE and NEET, and also structured to India’s university admissions cycle. Importantly, the survey shows that this is not unique to India. Globally, more students are choosing to begin their higher education journey in their home country before seeking international exposure at the postgraduate level, reflecting a more strategic and value-conscious approach to educational planning.”
India: A Market Transformation
The survey suggests growing demand for India’s higher education ecosystem that includes many global universities opening campuses in India. Several schools reported that between 70% and 90% of their learners are now choosing Indian universities for undergraduate education, supported by stronger domestic options, emerging private universities, international collaborations and expanding skilling opportunities.
There is a widespread belief that students from international curricula face lower acceptance rates at Indian institutions or are more likely to head overseas. The data tells a different story. A significant proportion of Cambridge graduates are successfully securing admissions to leading Indian universities, demonstrating increasing recognition and acceptance of international qualifications by the domestic higher education sector.
Bangladesh: Balancing Global Aspirations and Affordability
Bangladesh continues to demonstrate strong interest in international education, as learners and families are becoming increasingly selective in their choices. Survey respondents cited rising tuition and living costs, reduced scholarship opportunities, visa challenges and post-study work uncertainties as key factors influencing decisions. At the same time, progression towards domestic universities is an outcome of a desire to reduce overall education costs, leading more learners to consider completing undergraduate studies locally before pursuing postgraduate qualifications overseas
Nepal: Growing Interest in Flexible Global Pathways
Learners in Nepal continue to demonstrate strong international aspirations, particularly towards destinations that offer quality education, scholarship opportunities and post-study career pathways. The survey suggests that affordability and return on investment are becoming increasingly important considerations, leading learners to explore a broader range of destination countries and progression routes. There is also growing interest in pathways that provide flexibility between local and international higher education opportunities.
Sri Lanka: Seeking Value, Mobility and Future Skills
Across Sri Lanka, learners remain highly motivated by opportunities for global exposure, international qualifications and enhanced career prospects. However, economic considerations, evolving immigration policies and the availability of regional education options are influencing destination choices. Survey insights point to growing demand for qualifications and pathways that support mobility while equipping learners with future-ready skills in technology, innovation and problem-solving.
24, Aug 2026
49th Barsha 2026: Celebrating Monsoon, Music and the Timeless Beauty of Indian Classical Dance
Aug 24: The 49th Barsha 2026, presented by Chinta O Chetana, will bring together a vibrant selection of Indian classical dance and music traditions for a celebration of art, culture and the monsoon season.
The festival is scheduled to be held at Rabindra Mandap on August 25 and 26, 2026, from 7 PM onwards. The programme will feature Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Sattriya dance performances, along with Odissi and Hindustani vocal recitals and instrumental presentations.
A Celebration of Indian Classical Arts
The festival brings together acclaimed artists, gurus, dance institutions and cultural groups representing different classical traditions. The programme highlights the richness of India’s performing arts, with a strong emphasis on Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Programme Highlights
Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya
- Odissi Dance: Basudha
Sitar Recital
- Raag Megh
- Pandit Subrat De – Sitar
- Guru Kulamani Sahoo – Tabla
Sattriya Dance
- Barish Ke Boond
- Vidushi Anjana Moyee Saikia
Odissi Vocal
- Guru Dr. Nimakanta Routary
- Sushree Bijaya Lakshmi Routary & Troupe
Barsha Bichitra
- Guru Kulamani Sahoo & Troupe

Odissi and Bharatanatyam Performances
Nupur Odissi Dance
- Chinta Chetanara
- Barsha
- Guru Dr. Niranjan Rout & Troupe
Kala Sampada – Bharatanatyam
- The Rain
- Vidushi Veena C. Seshadri & Troupe
Odissi Vocal
- Guru Dr. Rupak Parida
- Guru Dr. Matru Prasad Das & Troupe
Mardal Badan
- Guru Dr. Dhaneswar Swain & Troupe
More Cultural Performances
Orissa Dance Academy
- Barsha Bitana
Adidwani
- Tupp Tupp Barsha
- Guru Rabi Ratan Sahoo & Troupe
Hindustani Vocal
- Raag Malhar
- Pandit Sankumay Debnath
- Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee – Tabla
- Sri Akash Biswal – Harmonium
Odishi Vocal
- Guru Dr. Ramahari Das
- Guru Dr. Bijaya Kumar Jena
- Pandit Sachidananda Das – Mardal
Event Details
- Event: 49th Barsha 2026
- Organiser: Chinta O Chetana
- Venue: Rabindra Mandap
- Dates: August 25–26, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM onwards
- Theme: Monsoon-inspired Indian classical dance and music
- Art Forms: Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Sattriya, Hindustani Classical Music and Indian classical instrumental music
The 49th Barsha 2026 promises a rich cultural experience, bringing together diverse classical traditions and artists under the evocative theme of the monsoon.
24, Aug 2026
Asia Pacific Office Demand Rises 3 percentage YoY in H1 2026; India Leads Regional Demand: Colliers
Bengaluru, Aug 24: Asia Pacific’s 11 key office markets recorded office leasing of 4.6 million sq m in H1 2026, a 3 percentage year‑on‑year increase, anchored by robust Grade A space uptake across major markets including India, Mainland China and Japan, according to Colliers’ Asia Pacific Office Market Insights H1 2026report. India alone accounted for over 70% of total leasing during H1 2026. Within the region, the growth in demand during H1 2026 was strongest in markets such as Hong Kong and Taiwan, reflecting improving business confidence and renewed expansion.
During H1 2026, new supply declined by 37% year-on-year to 3.0 million sq m. New supply was highly concentrated in India and Mainland China, which together accounted for more than 80% of completions.
“India continues to anchor leasing volumes in the APAC office market, underpinned by strong demand fundamentals, including expansion of global capability centers in the country. In fact, India accounted for over two-thirds of the region’s demand and supply during H1 2026. Looking ahead, despite geopolitical uncertainty, skilled talent availability and cost arbitrage are likely to support robust absorption and further strengthen India’s position as a preferred office market in the Asia Pacific region,” said Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, Colliers India.
“Office demand across key APAC markets remained resilient in H1 2026, with leasing activity reaching 4.6 million sq m (49.5 million sq ft). Despite moderating GDP growth, the region continues to outperform global peers. While elevated inflation levels have prompted central banks to maintain a cautious approach to monetary policy, sustained business confidence continues to underpin occupier demand and investment activity. Looking ahead, renewed expansion plans and a growing preference for high-quality, future-ready workplaces are expected to sustain office space demand in the APAC region, with India continuing to drive leasing volumes over the next few quarters,” said Vimal Nadar, National Director & Head of Research, Colliers India.
Asia Pacific continues to outperform peers and remains a key contributor to global economic expansion, according to the report. The report also notes that the region’s resilient growth outlook and likely stability in interest rates are expected to support business confidence and investment, although geopolitical risks and trade uncertainties remain key factors.
“The APAC office market is entering the second half of 2026 with growing momentum. As occupiers double down on high-quality workplaces to attract talent, drive productivity and support business growth, regional demand is increasingly concentrating in best-in-class assets. Over the next few quarters, supply and demand are expected to remain healthy, supported by strong occupier activity and continued preference for high-quality office assets,”Mike Davis, Colliers Managing Director, Occupier Services, Asia Pacific
Overall, the APAC office market activity is expected to remain strong in H2 2026, supported by continued leasing momentum and business expansion. As demand keeps pace with new supply, vacancy levels are likely to stay stable while rents could be on an upswing in high-activity markets.
24, Aug 2026
Raksha Bandhan Gifting – Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub By Magical Blends
Aug 24: This Raksha Bandhan, make skincare a part of your sister’s gifting hamper with Magical Blends’ 98 percentage Natural Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub — a thoughtful, fuss-free pick for anyone who loves clean, effective skincare.

The pH-balanced formula features Rice Scrub, a gentle physical exfoliant that buffs away dead skin cells to reveal brighter, more radiant skin. It also cleanses pores, enhances skin texture, and absorbs excess oil, leaving the skin feeling fresh. Plant-Based Exfoliants help improve skin texture while reducing dullness and acne. AHAs, a naturally derived blend of 5 fruit acids, enhance the complexion, boost collagen production and skin firmness, effectively exfoliate, and promote skin radiance. Seaweed extracts help naturally brighten skin and reduce pigmentation by regulating melanin pathways, while Lavender and Rose Water soothe inflammation and act as gentle astringents to refine pores without drying the skin. The scrub also helps prepare the skin for enhanced absorption of serums and moisturisers in the PM routine. What’s more, it is vegan, contains no nasties and has absolutely no artificial colours or fragrances making it ultra-safe for your skin.
And at INR 650, it makes gifting clean, natural skincare delightfully affordable — because a little self-care is always a lovely way to celebrate the sister who deserves it.
