22, Jan 2026
Healthcare Experts and Industry Leaders Urge Stronger Investment Ahead of Union Budget 2026–27
New Delhi, Jan 22: As India gears up for the Union Budget 2026–27, healthcare experts and industry leaders have called on the government to significantly scale up public spending on healthcare, highlighting persistent gaps in infrastructure, workforce capacity, and access to affordable care across the country.
In FY 2025–26, the government allocated ₹99,858.56 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, an 11% increase over the revised ₹89,974.12 crore in FY 2024–25. While this rise was welcomed, the Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI) noted that public health expenditure remains well below the National Health Policy target of 2.5% of GDP and lags behind benchmarks in comparable developing economies.
India’s healthcare system faces mounting pressure from a dual disease burden—communicable and non-communicable conditions—alongside growing demand for specialty, preventive, and long-term care services. AHPI emphasised that Budget 2026–27 should prioritise strengthening healthcare delivery in rural, semi-urban, and underserved regions, advancing the nation’s goal of universal health coverage.
According to National Health Accounts, households still bear nearly 48% of healthcare costs out-of-pocket, exposing families to financial vulnerability during medical emergencies. AHPI has urged higher public investment to expand medical and nursing education, establish training institutions, accelerate adult immunisation programmes, and scale up mental health, geriatric care, emergency services, and telemedicine networks. The association also highlighted the need to rationalise GST on healthcare services and reform insurance regulations to improve affordability and coverage.
Key Voices from the Healthcare Sector:
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Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General, AHPI, said,
“To secure a healthier future for India, it is imperative to invest in robust health systems today. Budget 2026–27 must enhance funding to expand infrastructure, strengthen the workforce, and ensure equitable access to quality services, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.” -
Mr. Probal Ghosal, Founder & Managing Partner, GCV; Co-Founder and former Chairman, Ujala Cygnus, commented,
“The upcoming budget is a pivotal moment for India’s healthcare. Sustainable public healthcare schemes, digital integration under Ayushman Bharat, rational package rates, and prompt reimbursements are critical to maintain quality care in the hinterlands and expand patient access nationwide.” -
Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Deputy Director General, AHPI, added,
“India’s healthcare demands are evolving faster than current systems can support. The budget must accelerate investments in technology-driven care, quality assurance, and hospital capacity-building to create a resilient, future-ready ecosystem.” -
Dr. V. K. Gupta, Founder-Director, Silverstreak Superspeciality Hospital, stated,
“Budget 2026–27 offers a crucial opportunity to bridge regional healthcare disparities. Targeted fiscal incentives and easier access to long-term capital can encourage hospitals to expand into tier 2 and tier 3 cities, improving care access and easing pressure on metropolitan healthcare systems.”
AHPI further emphasised that private sector participation in healthcare infrastructure development will be key to complement public investment. With India’s doctor-to-patient ratio still below WHO norms, the association views Budget 2026–27 as a decisive moment to strengthen healthcare system resilience, improve preparedness for future public health challenges, and ensure equitable access to quality care nationwide.
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- By Neel Achary
22, Jan 2026
Pocket FM launches 36 exclusive Marvel audio story titles in India
Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has collaborated with Disney Publishing APAC to bring 36 iconic Marvel audio series in Hindi to listeners in India.
Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers, and Wolverine will be featured across 36 Hindi audio series, produced as high-quality audio content for on-the-go listening. These stories will unfold across multi-episode arcs, bringing the power of Disney’s storytelling to a new, mobile-first generation of listeners.
“We’ve always believed in the power of Disney storytelling, proving that stories can travel anywhere when they connect with audiences,” said Veronica Cabalinan, VP – Publishing and Experiences, APAC, Disney Publishing. “Pocket FM is turning listening into a deeply emotional and almost cinematic experience. We are excited to see how Marvel’s Super Heroes will inspire a new generation of fans in India by harnessing the power of audio.”
From mythology-inspired series to supernatural thrillers and dark fantasy sagas, listeners in India are embracing worlds that stretch the imagination. Pocket FM, a leading platform for fantasy audio series, sees fantasy as an emerging genre blending tradition, technology, and creativity.
“Our cultural DNA is built on imagination, and larger-than-life storytelling.” said Rohan Nayak, Co-Founder and CEO, Pocket FM. “Together with Disney, we’re turning the epic stories of Marvel Super Heroes into serialized audio journeys that feel native, emotional, and accessible. Fantasy and super-hero series have always been one of Pocket FM’s strongest genres and continues to grow exponentially. With this collaboration, we are ensuring that premium fantasy entertainment is inclusive and deeply relatable so that anyone, anywhere in India, can feel like they are truly part of the story.”
22, Jan 2026
ASUS Records Strongest Growth Momentum in South India, Posts 25 Percent YoY Growth in 2025 and 40% Cumulative Growth
Bangalore, India, Jan 22: ASUS, the Taiwanese tech giant, today announced robust performance in South India, achieving sustained growth over the last three years and reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing PC brands in the region. Between 2023 and 2025, ASUS recorded ~40% cumulative growth, maintaining a strong upward trajectory despite a challenging and volatile market environment.
In 2025 alone, ASUS delivered 25% year-on-year growth across South India, significantly outperforming the broader PC market. According to GfK, even as the overall market declined post-pandemic, ASUS strengthened its market share, reflecting strong brand pull, channel execution, and category leadership.
“Each region in India requires a tailored go-to-market strategy, but our vision remains unified: to make state-of-the-art technology accessible to more consumers. From AI PCs to premium gaming and consumer notebooks, our focused efforts have driven consistent growth in southern India, even in a volatile market. As we move into 2026, our priority will be scaling further, with a sharper focus on AI PCs and the premium segment,” said Arnold Su, Vice President, Consumer & Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India.
Among southern states, Tamil Nadu led the growth, contributing 35% of the region’s expansion, driven by strong offline presence and exclusive store performance. Kerala followed with 25% YoY growth, supported by festive demand and channel execution, while Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka delivered steady gains of 23% and 8% YoY, respectively.
From a category perspective, consumer notebooks (NB) remained the primary growth driver, contributing 57% of total volumes, followed by gaming PCs (NR) at 40%. Gaming notebooks, in particular, performed strongly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, reinforcing ASUS’ leadership in high-performance and enthusiast segments.
The quarter’s performance was further boosted by robust festive demand and ASUS’ extensive retail network, which helped capture higher share across regional markets. Recognizing the importance of experiential retail in India, ASUS also launched the ROG Labs gaming-first premium experience format in Bengaluru, enhancing brand engagement with consumers.
Despite a declining overall market, ASUS’ consistent outperformance demonstrates its ability to grow faster than the industry and strengthen market share, solidifying its position as one of South India’s fastest-growing PC brands.
22, Jan 2026
Vergo Makes National Debut on Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz, Flags the Productivity Cost of Poor Seating in India
New Delhi, Jan 22: Ergonomic furniture startup Vergo made its national television debut on Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz, the reality show featuring India’s most disruptive startups, by drawing attention to one of the most overlooked workplace health challenges—prolonged sitting and poor seating ergonomics.
During the episode, Vergo highlighted the hidden costs associated with traditional office seating. Studies cited revealed that over 56% of Indian office workers sit for more than eight hours daily, while musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) impact nearly 72% of IT professionals, leading to absenteeism rates almost three times higher than in ergonomically optimised workplaces. Research further indicates that Indian businesses lose over ₹8,500 crore annually due to productivity losses linked to poor seating, while poor sleep alone costs organisations ₹2.1 lakh per employee per year. For every 100 employees using suboptimal seating, losses can reach ₹28 lakh annually due to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare expenses.
The founder explained that most conventional chairs are designed around static postures, restricting natural spinal movement and causing back, neck, and shoulder discomfort within minutes. According to studies, 68% of office workers report lower back pain, 52% experience neck pain, and 45% suffer shoulder pain—largely attributed to rigid backrests and fixed lumbar support that prevent essential micro-movements.
Vergo’s approach centres on adaptive seating that responds to individual body movement rather than forcing the user to adapt to the chair. Active seating solutions that support dynamic posture have been shown to improve body engagement and reduce attention-task errors by 20%. However, 77% of Indian offices continue to rely on static seating. The brand showcased three key solutions: adjustable ergonomic chairs, active stools that encourage movement, and dynamic chairs using springs or elastomers to absorb and return force—making extended sitting healthier and more productive.
Harsh Wadhwani, Founder, Vergo, said,
“People tend to normalise discomfort because the damage occurs gradually. Once individuals experience seating that supports natural movement, their expectations shift permanently. Our mission is to make ergonomics preventive rather than reactive. Chairs are not merely furniture—they are tools for health, productivity, and long-term well-being.”
The episode also addressed the broader challenge of ergonomic adoption in India. Despite 68% of employees reporting musculoskeletal pain and more than half sitting over eight hours daily, workplace seating remains underinvested due to cost sensitivity and limited awareness. Research shows that organisations save ₹289 in healthcare costs and ₹241 in absenteeism for every rupee invested in workplace wellness, demonstrating a strong return on investment.
Vergo challenged the misconception that ergonomics is a luxury, illustrating how poor seating contributes to stress, fatigue, and reduced efficiency. The founder explained how design innovations—such as a 120-degree anterior hip tilt, split-seat pans, elastomer lumbar ribs, and dynamic armrests and footrests—can reduce gluteal pressure by up to 30%, support natural spinal alignment, and promote healthy micro-movements.
Vergo’s appearance on IdeaBaaz resonate strongly with viewers, reflecting a growing shift among younger professionals who increasingly view ergonomic seating as a long-term investment in health, comfort, and productivity.
22, Jan 2026
MentorCloud Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Amritkaal Mentors Movement inspired by Viksit Bharat
Gurugram, India, Jan 22: MentorCloud, the world’s leading Human+AI mentoring and coaching platform, today celebrated the first anniversary of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement, a nationwide initiative aimed at democratizing access to career and life mentorship for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs across India.
Conceptualised by Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder & CEO, MentorCloud, the movement draws inspiration from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Amritkaal Mentors was formally launched on 12 January 2025, marking Swami Vivekananda’s 163rd birth anniversary, celebrated nationally as National Youth Day—a fitting tribute to youth empowerment and nation-building.
Over the past year, seasoned mentors from India and the United States, spanning disciplines such as Engineering, Technology, AI, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, Manufacturing, Public Policy, Finance, and Human Resources, have delivered impactful sessions to thousands of students from 1,340 degree and engineering colleges across the country. More than 85% of participating students rated the sessions as extremely relevant and valuable, with 1,482 students receiving certificates of attendance, strengthening their employability and interview readiness.
“Equipping students with the right vocabulary and confidence to articulate their skills during job interviews is one of the core objectives of this movement,” said Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement and Founder & CEO of MentorCloud.
Distinguished Speakers and Topics
The first year of Amritkaal Mentors featured an impressive lineup of thought leaders and practitioners, including Sadhguru (Founder, Isha Foundation); Dr. Velumani Arokiaswamy (Founder, Thyrocare); Navi Radjou (Author and Frugal Innovation Expert); MR Rangaswami (Founder, Indiaspora); Ramesh Vaswani (Serial Entrepreneur, IIT Madras); Sanjeev Sharan (CHRO – Director HR, ZTE); Geetha Murthy (Ex-HR Head, Collins Aerospace); Geetha Kannan (Ex-HR Head, Infosys), among several others from industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem.
These mentors delivered engaging, hour-long sessions covering a wide range of topics, including Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Career Mapping, Interview Skills, Personal Finance, Mental Health, Smart Manufacturing, Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Skills for Employability, India as Vishwa Guru, and crafting a 100-year life journey.
“Amritkaal Mentors showcases the true democratization of mentoring and knowledge-sharing by ensuring every aspiring Indian youth has access to the wisdom of global experts,” Dr. Gundlapalli added. “By breaking jargon and sharing real-life experiences, the movement is helping ignite the potential of our youth to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by or before 2047.”
Sharing their experience, Sanjeev Sharan, CHRO – Director HR, ZTE, said,
“Amritkaal Mentors is a powerful initiative democratizing knowledge by connecting learners with experienced mentors. I was honoured to be part of the movement as a launching mentor.”
Geetha Murthy, former HR Head at Collins Aerospace, added,
“I am honoured to contribute to the Amritkaal Mentors talk series by addressing mental health and hustle culture, in support of India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”
Voices from the Student Community
Students across institutions highlighted the practical impact of the sessions. One participant shared,
“The session offered valuable perspectives on robotics, automation, and future career opportunities. It was both insightful and inspiring. I am grateful to the Amritkaal Mentors initiative for creating such meaningful learning experiences.”
Tilak M. K., a student from The National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, added,
“It was an insightful webinar on wealth creation, long-term value thinking, and aligning skills with market needs. I’m grateful to Amritkaal Mentors and MentorCloud for enabling such impactful learning.”
Looking Ahead
As the movement enters its second year, MentorCloud, along with key partners Pod.ai, Become.Team, and Verbinden.ai, plans to significantly scale the initiative. The goal is to onboard 100+ experienced mentors from leading organizations and academic institutions and reach over 10,000 students across Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities and towns.
MentorCloud extends its sincere gratitude to all mentors, students, and partners who contributed to making the first year of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement a resounding success.
22, Jan 2026
Lifelong and FindYourFit bring back Wellness Carnival to Delhi, Championing holistic health with Milind Soman
New Delhi, Jan 22: Lifelong, one of India’s leading consumer lifestyle and fitness brands, has partnered with FindYourFit to bring back the seventh edition of The Wellness Carnival, a one-day celebration of holistic health and well-being, scheduled for January 31, 2026, at Sunder Nursery, Delhi, headlined by fitness icon Milind Soman. The collaboration reflects Lifelong’s continued focus on promoting active, balanced and wellness-led lifestyles across India.
Curated as an immersive wellness experience, The Wellness Carnival will bring together fitness, mental well-being and community engagement through a diverse lineup of activities. As part of the Carnival, Milind Soman will lead a 5 km community run, followed by an interactive session on how running and movement can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life, reinforcing the belief that fitness should be accessible, inclusive and sustainable. The event is expected to witness participation from over 2000 wellness enthusiasts, fitness professionals and families from across the city.
Himanshu Mehta, Head of D2C Marketing, Lifelong Online, said,
“The Wellness Carnival reflects what Lifelong stands for, making fitness and well-being simple, inclusive and sustainable. We’re proud to support a platform that inspires healthier choices through movement, mindfulness and community.”
Shivalika Bhasin, Brand Partnerships Manager at Lifelong Online and spokesperson for FindYourFit, said,
“At Lifelong, we’ve always believed that wellness is not a destination, it’s a way of life shaped by everyday choices. The Lifelong Wellness Carnival beautifully brings together movement, mindfulness and community in a format that feels inclusive and accessible and easy for everyone. Through our association, we want to support people and initiatives that inspire healthier choices, mindful living and make well-being a shared, joyful experience.”
Arushi Lohani, Co- Founder at FindYourFit added,
“With each edition, The Wellness Carnival continues to evolve as a space where people can explore wellness beyond workouts. Our collaboration with Lifelong and the presence of voices like Milind Soman help us make holistic well-being more approachable and relevant for today’s urban communities.”
Milind Soman added,
“Fitness doesn’t need to be complicated or extreme. It’s about consistency, enjoying movement and finding what works for you. Platforms like The Wellness Carnival, supported by Lifelong, help make wellness more approachable and inclusive for everyone.”
The Wellness Carnival will feature a wide range of experiences including yoga, Pilates, box flow, strength training workshops, animal flow, breathwork and journaling sessions, alongside wellness workshops, fireside chats and a curated Wellness Bazaar. Designed for participants across age groups and fitness levels, the Carnival aims to redefine how wellness is experienced in a social and engaging setting.
Through this association, Lifelong continues to extend its commitment beyond products by supporting platforms that inspire healthier choices, mindful living and community-led wellness experiences.
22, Jan 2026
Knauf India CEO Calls for Budget 2026 Push on Sustainable, Low-Carbon Construction
By: Mr. Sumit Bidani, CEO, Knauf, India
“While the continued focus on infrastructure is welcome, the Union Budget 2026 must now look beyond ‘what’ we build to ‘how’ we build. To meet India’s urban housing and commercial demands, we need to transition from labor-heavy, resource-intensive traditional methods to modern, dry-construction technologies. We expect the government to incentivize circularity in construction – specifically rewarding the use of recyclable materials like gypsum that minimize waste and reduce the ’embodied carbon’ of our cities. By providing fiscal support for energy-efficient building systems and prioritizing ‘Value over Lowest Cost’ in public procurement, the Budget can accelerate India’s path to a Net-Zero built environment while ensuring faster, world-class project delivery.”
22, Jan 2026
Fibe Extends Consumer Credit to E-commerce, Partners with Flipkart
Pune, Jan 22: Fibe, has forayed into the consumer lending space for e-commerce through a strategic partnership with Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace. Through this integration, Fibe’s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution is now live on Flipkart, enabling its customers to access a convenient checkout finance option.
As India’s digital commerce ecosystem continues to evolve, affordability remains a key driver of online purchase behaviour. Through this partnership, Fibe is extending its credit solutions to e-commerce to solve this. The integration of BNPL directly at checkout is designed to provide digitally savvy shoppers with financial flexibility. With Flipkart’s scale and deep reach across customer segments, the partnership brings Fibe’s credit solutions to a wider base of online shoppers.
Whether it is upgrading gadgets, buying gifts for loved ones, or finally making a long-awaited big-ticket purchase, Fibe’s credit offering ensures a smooth shopping experience. It enables users to convert their purchases into simple repayment plans
“This partnership allows us to integrate our consumer financing offering into an e-commerce checkout experience. Working with Flipkart aligns with our focus on building technology-led credit solutions for everyday use cases,” said Akshay Mehrotra, MD & Group CEO, Fibe.
Commenting on the partnership, Nishant Kurup, Vice President, Fintech, Flipkart Group, said,
“Flipkart is committed to expanding access to convenient and affordable purchase options for customers across India. Our partnership with Fibe enhances the financing choices available at checkout, supporting shoppers, including mobile-first and value-conscious customers, in planning their purchases with confidence. By integrating flexible credit solutions into the payment journey, we continue to simplify online shopping.”
Fibe has been offering BNPL solutions across essential use cases such as healthcare and education/upskilling and is now extending this capability to the e-commerce space as part of its broader consumer financing offerings.
This collaboration will allow eligible users to avail credit approval during checkout, with minimal documentation and no hidden charges. Eligible consumers will be able to convert cart value of up to ₹1 lac into EMIs and repay over tenures ranging from 3 to 12 months. The credit journey is 100% digital offering eligible users a seamless checkout experience.
With this integration, Fibe continues to deepen its distribution across digital channels.
22, Jan 2026
Soft Power Dressing: Why Modern Men Are Choosing Pastels Over Power Blacks
Jaipur: For decades, black has been the undisputed symbol of power in menswear. Sharp, commanding, and authoritative, it dominated wardrobes built around formality and control. Today, however, modern masculinity is being redefined. In its place, a quieter form of confidence is emerging. One that favours subtlety over severity and expression over rigidity. This evolution has given rise to soft power dressing, where pastels are becoming the new markers of strength.
At the centre of this shift is a growing understanding that confidence no longer needs to be loud. Modern men are gravitating towards colours that communicate ease, clarity, and self-assurance. Pastels, once considered delicate or unconventional in menswear, are now being embraced as symbols of assured style.
“Power today is not about intimidation. It is about presence,” says Chirag Sogani, Founder of Pleyne.
“When a man is comfortable in softer colours, it shows confidence without effort.”
The Psychology of Pastels
Colour plays a powerful role in how clothing is perceived. While darker tones project authority, softer shades communicate approachability and emotional intelligence. Pastels offer balance. They retain sophistication while allowing room for individuality.
This shift reflects broader cultural changes. As workplaces become more flexible and lifestyles more fluid, menswear is adapting to reflect personal identity rather than hierarchy. Pastels fit naturally into this narrative. They feel modern, thoughtful, and relevant across settings.
Pleyne embraces this change by incorporating refined pastel tones into its contemporary menswear range. Designed with clean structure and thoughtful detailing, the garments allow colour to enhance the silhouette rather than dominate it.
Redefining Masculinity Through Colour
Soft power dressing challenges long-held assumptions about masculinity. Strength is no longer measured by how imposing a look appears, but by how comfortably it reflects the wearer.
“Menswear is becoming more human,” Chirag explains.
“Men are no longer dressing to fit a mould. They are dressed to express who they are.”
By pairing pastel palettes with structured tailoring and textured fabrics such as corduroy, Pleyne ensures that softness never compromises strength. The result is clothing that feels balanced and intentional, appealing to men who value clarity in design.
Where Subtlety Meets Craft
Pleyne’s current collection reflects this philosophy across a premium menswear range. The focus remains on wearable luxury, where fabric choice, contrast detailing, and refined stitching elevate everyday dressing.
Rather than relying on bold graphics or heavy branding, the designs allow colour and texture to speak. Pastels are used with restraint, creating garments that feel composed and versatile. They transition seamlessly from casual environments to more elevated settings.
This approach reinforces the idea that modern power dressing does not rely on extremes. It exists in nuance and precision.
The Future of Power Dressing
As menswear continues to evolve, the dominance of black is giving way to a broader colour conversation. Pastels are no longer a seasonal experiment. They are becoming a permanent part of the modern wardrobe.
Soft power dressing represents a mindset shift. One where confidence is internal, style is intentional, and clothing becomes an extension of personality rather than performance.
“At Pleyne, we believe that real power is quiet,” Chirag concludes.
“It is reflected in choices that feel natural, considered, and true to the individual.”
In embracing pastels, modern men are not abandoning strength. They are redefining it. And in doing so, they are shaping a new, more nuanced language of menswear.
22, Jan 2026
ZEISS India CFO Calls for Duty Rationalisation to Boost High-Value Manufacturing
By:- Dhaval Radia, Chief Financial Officer, ZEISS India
As we look ahead to the upcoming Union Budget, there is strong expectation around further rationalisation of customs duties, particularly for the core growth sectors such as healthcare and high-end and precision manufacturing. Addressing inverted duty structures and ensuring a more predictable import framework and simplified governance framework will be critical for improving cost competitiveness and long-term investment planning and predictability.
Equally important is continued progress on ease of doing business through fewer licenses, permits, and discretionary approvals for non-sensitive, technology-intensive imports. For advanced manufacturing, speed, certainty, and regulatory simplicity matter as much as incentives. A Budget that enables seamless access to global components, faster clearances, and stable policy signals will go a long way in strengthening India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for high-value, technology-led manufacturing.
Clear policy support for Global Capability Centres focused on high – value work such as Engineering, Digital Computing, Deep Tech, AI, Finance Transformation, and R&D – including rationalised transfer pricing rates and governance, simplified compliance, radically improving physical infrastructure specifically in GCC hotspots, and targeted incentives. Progress on the proposed India – EU free trade agreement, particularly with Germany, would be a strong enabler for technology-led manufacturing, smoother trade flows, and deeper industrial collaboration.
