KORA by Nilesh Chhadva and Mitesh Sumbad, the bridge to luxury Indian men’s ethnic wear, is thrilled to announce the opening of its third store in Tamil Nadu at 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai on January 14, 2026. This new flagship store marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey, driven by the overwhelming love and support received from Chennai customers since the launch of its Nungambakkam store.

KORA by Nilesh Mitesh Opens Its Third Store in Tamil Nadu at Anna Nagar, Chennai

The Anna Nagar store opening is a heartfelt response to the warmth and appreciation shown by Chennai’s discerning clientele. Following the success of KORA’s presence in Nungambakkam and Coimbatore, this expansion brings the complete KORA experience closer to North Chennai residents, offering unparalleled access to luxury ethnic wear crafted for the modern Indian man.

A Celebration of Tamil Heritage Meets Contemporary Elegance
Understanding the cultural nuances and preferences of Tamil customers, the Anna Nagar store showcases collections that beautifully resonate with local traditions while embracing contemporary sophistication. The store features an exquisite range of traditional veshti sets, angavastram-styled sherwanis, classic pancha with coordinated kurtas, and festive silk kurta sets perfect for Pongal, weddings, and temple occasions. Each piece honors Tamil heritage while incorporating modern silhouettes and premium fabrics that appeal to today’s gentleman.

For the Tamil bridegroom, KORA offers bespoke wedding collections featuring luxurious silk sherwanis, intricately embroidered, designer veshti combinations, and contemporary indo-western ensembles that perfectly blend tradition with style. The store’s made-to-measure service ensures every groom looks and feels exceptional on his special day, with personalized styling consultations that respect cultural traditions while creating distinctive, memorable looks.

“The love we’ve received from Chennai has been overwhelming and truly humbling. Our customers in Nungambakkam and across Tamil Nadu have embraced KORA as their destination for meaningful celebrations and everyday elegance. Opening our third store in Tamil Nadu at Anna Nagar is our way of saying thank you and bringing the KORA experience even closer to the wonderful people of Chennai who have made us part of their most cherished moments,” Nilesh Chhadva & Mitesh Sumbad, Founders, KORA by Nilesh Mitesh.

A Global Brand with Deep Indian Roots
Since its establishment in 2011 by designer duo Nilesh and Mitesh, KORA by Nilesh Mitesh has grown from a boutique design studio to a globally recognized bridge to luxury Indian men’s ethnic wear. Today, KORA operates 28 stores across three countries, serving discerning gentlemen who appreciate the perfect balance of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.

KORA’s Pan-India & International Presence: 

• Maharashtra: Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur

• Gujarat: Ahmedabad ,Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara

• Karnataka: Bangalore (Richmond Road, Jayanagar)

• Telangana: Hyderabad (Banjara Hills, Gachibowli)

• Tamil Nadu: Chennai (Nungambakkam, Anna Nagar), Coimbatore

• Other Cities: Delhi (Omaxe Chowk), Indore, Lucknow, Vijayawada

• International: London, Birmingham, Dubai (Meena Bazaar)

The KORA Experience at Anna Nagar
The new Anna Nagar store spans 4,200 square feet of elegantly designed retail space, featuring contemporary interiors that celebrate Indian aesthetics. The store offers an immersive shopping experience with dedicated sections for traditional wear, contemporary fusion pieces, wedding collections, and festive ensembles. Customers can expect personalized styling consultations, expert tailoring services, and access to exclusive collections crafted with premium fabrics and intricate handwork.

KORA’s signature made-to-measure service allows every customer to create garments tailored to perfection, ensuring impeccable fit and personalized style. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in every stitch, with each piece reflecting meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for Indian textile heritage.

Grand Opening Celebrations
To celebrate the Anna Nagar launch, KORA by Nilesh Mitesh invites Chennai residents to experience the store’s opening week festivities. Visitors will enjoy exclusive previews of new collections, complimentary styling consultations, and special launch offers. The store will operate from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with appointments available for personalized consultations.

“As we expand our footprint in Tamil Nadu, we remain committed to our founding vision: to be the bridge that connects discerning gentlemen to luxury ethnic wear that celebrates their heritage while embracing their contemporary lifestyle. Whether you’re a groom preparing for your wedding or someone building a timeless wardrobe, KORA is where tradition meets innovation, and quality meets soul,” Nilesh Chhadva & Mitesh Sumbad, Founders, KORA by Nilesh Mitesh.

About KORA by Nilesh Mitesh
KORA by Nilesh Mitesh is a bridge to luxury Indian men’s ethnic wear brand established in 2011 by designer duo Nilesh and Mitesh. The brand specializes in traditional and contemporary ethnic wear that honors Indian craftsmanship while embracing modern design sensibilities. With 28 stores across India, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, KORA serves the modern Indian gentleman who seeks the perfect balance of heritage and contemporary style. Each KORA garment is crafted using premium fabrics, intricate handwork, and impeccable tailoring, offering collections that include kurta sets, sherwanis, indo-western ensembles, bandhgalas, and bespoke wedding attire. The brand’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer service has made it a trusted destination for weddings, festivals, and special celebrations. For more information, visit www.koranm.com or follow @korabynm on Instagram.

Store Address:
KORA by Nilesh Mitesh
Shop No. 5, 2nd Avenue
Anna Nagar, Chennai

Tamil Nadu 600040
Phone: +91 [9820039056]

Email: kora@korabynm.com

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, will host the International Rover Challenge (IRC) 2026 and the International Space Drone Challenge (ISDC) 2026 from January 28th to February 2nd, 2026. Organised by the Space Robotics Society (SPROS), the on-site finals will take place at the MIT campus, bringing together talented student teams in space robotics from across the globe. The MIT campus will be transformed into a simulated Martian environment through a specially designed Mars-analogue terrain called “Sproscape.” On this terrain, student-built rovers and aerial drones will carry out complex missions that closely resemble real-life space exploration tasks and astronaut-support operations on Mars.
 

MAHE Mars Rover strives to achieve excellence
 

Global Participation: After a rigorous multi-stage selection process, top-performing student teams from around the world have qualified for the on-site finals. International teams from Poland and Germany (TU Berlin) will compete alongside leading Indian institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IITs, BITS, VIT, SRM, and MIT. The event positions Manipal as a global hub for innovation and collaboration in space robotics.
 

Challenging Missions: IRC and ISDC are demanding engineering competitions that test students’ ability to design, build, and operate advanced space robotics systems. The missions include:

• Reconnaissance & Delivery Operation (R&DO): Rovers navigate difficult terrain to locate targets and deliver payloads.

• Astrobiology Expedition (ABEx): Rovers collect soil samples and analyse them to detect possible biosignatures.

• Instrument Deployment & Maintenance Operation (IDMO): Rovers perform precision tasks on mock instrument panels, simulating servicing and maintenance work.

• Autonomous Mission: Rovers traverse unstructured terrain independently without human intervention.
   

Speaking on the occasion, Dr (Cdr) Anil Rana, Director, MIT Manipal, said, “Hosting the International Rover Challenge and the International Space Drone Challenge reflects MIT’s commitment to hands-on, future-focused engineering education. These competitions provide students with a unique opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world space exploration challenges, while also developing teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills that are essential for careers in advanced technology sectors.”
 

MIT Manipal’s Leadership in Space Robotics: MIT Manipal, a constituent unit of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has a strong legacy in engineering education and innovation. Its student team, Mars Rover Manipal, has won the International Rover Challenge in 2024 and 2025, establishing itself as a leading force in space robotics. As the host team, they will defend their title on home ground against a strong international field.
 

Learning Beyond Competition: Beyond technical excellence, IRC and ISDC offer students valuable industry-relevant exposure. By closely simulating the expectations of the space and robotics industries, the competitions help bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. Participants are evaluated not only on engineering performance but also on planning, project management, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
 

To learn more, please visit roverchallenge.org.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.
 

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred the prestigious Institution of Eminence status on MAHE. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations in search of top talent.

• Designed for in-utero interventions, high-risk pregnancies, and advanced fetal procedures

• Covers 16 specialised in-utero interventions

• Applicable for women aged 18–45 years

Bajaj General Insurance Limited (formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited), one of India’s leading private general insurers, today unveiled ‘Fetal Flourish’, a pioneering insurance rider crafted exclusively for fetal health. This unique solution extends financial support for advanced in-utero procedures and high-risk pregnancies, an area that has long remained outside the scope of conventional maternity insurance. The rider is offered along with their flagship products, “My Health Care Plan” and “Health Guard”.

Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj General Insurance at the launch of Fetal Flourish

Fetal Flourish brings medical expertise and insurance design together to address a critical need in prenatal care. While maternity products traditionally focus on delivery and postnatal treatment, this rider centres on the protection of the unborn child during the most delicate phase, inside the womb.

Addressing a growing need in maternal and fetal care

As per reports, with about 17% of women in India giving birth after the age of 35, pregnancy-related complexities are increasing. At the same time, procedures such as amniocentesis, fetal reduction, fetoscopic laser surgery, and intrauterine transfusions have become essential for managing high-risk cases. Until now, families often bore the full cost of these interventions due to the absence of a dedicated insurance product.

Speaking about the launch, Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj General Insurance, said, “Pregnancy is a deeply personal journey for every family, shaped by hope, anticipation, and the desire to do what is best for the child. When medical complexities arise, families face difficult decisions at a very early stage. Advances in fetal care have made it possible to intervene sooner, but the financial strain can add to an already challenging experience. With the Fetal Flourish rider, we have tried to ease this burden by supporting essential procedures, so parents can focus on treatment and outcomes rather than costs. This offering reflects our belief that care, and protection should begin at the very earliest stage of life.”

Coverage highlights

• Up to INR 2 lakh sum insured per maternity event (first two events)

• Coverage available for two maternity events under the base Health Indemnity Policy

• Nine-month waiting period from policy inception

• Eligibility: women aged 18 to 45 years

List of 16 covered procedures:

Amniocentesis, Chorionic Villus Sampling, Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling, Fetal Tissue Biopsy, Amnioinfusion, Amnio-reduction, Thoracoamniotic Shunt for Fetal Pleural Effusion, Fetoscopy, Fetoscopic Laser Surgery for TTTS, Fetal Reduction, Surgeries for Neural Tube Defects, Fetal Cystoscopic Surgery, FETO for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Amniotic Band Syndrome Surgery, Fetal Aortic Valvuloplasty, and Intrauterine Transfusion.

A step forward for India’s maternal care ecosystem

Fetal Flourish brings a new dimension to prenatal care by integrating insurance with modern fetal treatment practices. It offers focused coverage for specialised in-utero procedures that are increasingly shaping clinical management of high-risk pregnancies. With this launch, Bajaj General Insurance strengthens its commitment to innovation and care, extending protection to one of the earliest and most sensitive stages of life.

About Bajaj General Insurance

Bajaj General Insurance Limited (formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited) is one of India’s leading, most trusted and dynamic private general insurance companies. It is a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Limited, India’s leading and most diversified financial services group.

Bajaj General offers a broad portfolio of innovative and customer-focused insurance solutions, spanning motor, health, and home insurance, along with specialised products such as pet insurance, wedding insurance, event protection, cyber insurance, and rural insurance. From safeguarding your health and home to protecting your travels and life’s most important moments, Bajaj General aims to be a constant partner in your journey. Bajaj General equally offers a comprehensive and a well-diversified range of products, including fire, marine, engineering, liability and surety insurance to corporates and SMEs. The company also participates in various government schemes with a focus on financial inclusion. The company is also known for its robust risk selection capabilities, digital adoption and product innovation.

Established in 2001, the company has grown its footprint to nearly 1,500 towns and cities across India, ensuring easy access and a close connection to its customers. This access is enabled through the largest distribution network, spanning across individual agents, point-of-sales personnel, banks, NBFCs, motor dealers, brokers and the company’s proprietary sales force.

It holds an [ICRA]AAA rating from ICRA Limited, reflecting the highest level of confidence in its financial strength and stability. With a strong legacy, a forward-looking mindset, and an unwavering focus on its ‘Customer-First’ philosophy, Bajaj General remains committed to protecting what matters most, empowering individuals, families, and businesses to live with confidence and peace of mind.

Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia), Asia’s leading franchising and licensing trade event, will return from 13–15 August 2026 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore.

Organised by MP Singapore, and presented by the Franchising & Licensing Association (Singapore), FLAsia 2026 marks a new chapter for the long-running industry event as it enters its 21st edition under a new organiser partnership. The appointment of MP Singapore brings expanded regional reach, deeper industry engagement and a strengthened focus on business outcomes for exhibitors and visitors across Asia.

FLAsia 2026 is expected to welcome more than 7,000 trade visitors and over 250 exhibiting brands from franchising, licensing, character IP, retail concepts and emerging business models. The event will continue to serve as a central marketplace for brand owners, franchisors, licensors, investors and entrepreneurs to connect, explore partnerships and identify expansion opportunities across regional and international markets.

Building on the momentum from previous edition, the Brand Licensing Village will return in 2026. The dedicated zone will spotlight locally developed intellectual property that has already been successfully commercialised, offering visitors a focused platform to discover market-ready IP, connect with licensing experts and explore collaboration opportunities across categories. The Licensing Village reinforces FLAsia’s role in supporting IP growth and brand extension within the region’s licensing ecosystem.

On the franchising front, the Chinese Franchise Conference will make a return, reflecting continued interest from Chinese brands and investors seeking expansion opportunities across Southeast Asia and beyond. Curated in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, the conference will provide targeted insights, market perspectives and networking opportunities for Chinese franchise brands and regional partners.

FLAsia 2026 will also feature international pavilions and brand participation from key markets, with brands from Korea, Thailand and other regional economies expected to be present, further strengthening the show’s international profile. Alongside the exhibition showcase, the event will include curated business sessions, industry sharing, talent and career touchpoints, and dedicated zones highlighting innovation, IP development and brand growth, reinforcing FLAsia’s position as a leading gateway for franchising and licensing opportunities in Asia.

“Partnering with MP Singapore marks a dynamic leap forward for FLAsia. Together, we’re amplifying the event’s influence and reach, ensuring the franchising and licensing community thrives as the industry surges across Asia,” Mr Gan Shee Wen, President, Franchising & Licensing Association (Singapore).

“FLAsia is a well-established platform with strong industry trust, and we are pleased to be organising the event for the first time. By leveraging on MP’s global network, we will connect brands, partners and stakeholders in a way that will foster an environment that encourages collaboration, supports quality participation and drives tangible outcomes for both exhibitors and visitors. We are excited to grow FLAsia alongside the industry in the years ahead.” Jason Ng, Managing Director of MP Group.

Franchising & Licensing Asia has, over the years, established itself as a key business platform for brands seeking growth, market entry and partnership opportunities in Asia. With Singapore as its springboard, the event continues to attract regional and international participation, reinforcing its role as a gateway to Asian markets.

More information about FLAsia 2026 can be found at www.franchiselicenseasia.com.

About FLAsia

Franchising & Licensing Asia (FLAsia) – 21st Edition – Asia’s leading marketplace for franchising and licensing, FLAsia brings together reputable brand owners, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to create a dynamic platform for accelerating business growth, expanding professional networks, and increasing brand visibility across the vibrant Asian market.​ ​FLAsia provides the chance for exhibitors to showcase unique business concepts, engage in face-to-face meetings with high quality visitors and create meaningful business connections.​ ​Visitors get to connect directly with brand owners, franchisors, licensors, industry experts, and like-minded leaders, attend insightful conferences, and access high quality business opportunities.​
 

About Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore)

Franchising and Licensing Association (FLA Singapore), one of the founding members of the World Franchise Council, was established in 1993 with the mission to nurture and develop Singapore’s franchising industry. An essential component of Singapore’s knowledge-based economy, FLA Singapore promotes and facilitates the use of franchising, licensing and branding as a growth strategy for Singapore enterprises, thus contributing to turning Singapore into a regional franchise and license hub.

Through its partnership with Singapore government agencies and international franchise and license bodies, FLA Singapore also assists its members in their international development programmes. With an active growing membership of close to 150 companies, representing more than 250 strong brands, FLA (Singapore) is led and managed by a dedicated team of advisors, committee members and a full-time secretariat with the goal of supporting Singapore companies to expand internationally.
 

About MP Singapore

The MP Singapore (MP) is a global full-service agency that specialises in connecting and building eco-systems, industry engagement, events management and marketing. Established since 1987, MP embodies more than a quarter century of event building, marketing and management experience in both Eastern and Western cultures, practices, and business philosophies. We bring world-class talent, industry expertise, and incredible enthusiasm into the design and management of extraordinary online-to-offline experiences for your organisation.

MP is part of Pico Group, a global group of agencies specialising in engaging people, creating experiences and activating brands for businesses, institutions and governments. As part of the Pico group, MP has unlimited access to a wide network of industry contacts and resources. Pico Far East Holdings has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1992.

Indians are stepping into 2026 with their bags half-packed and wanderlust switched on, but planning the perfect trip is proving more challenging than ever. According to leading global travel app Skyscanner, 84% of Indian travellers are considering international trips this year, signalling a strong appetite to explore. However, with uncertainty over fares, timing, and an overwhelming array of choices, 81% admit that booking travel for 2026 feels daunting. Responding to these real planning pain points, Skyscanner revealed its Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2026, alongside the launch of a NEW Cheapest Destination Planner designed to simplify value-led travel decisions and make planning smarter.

Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, highlights how Indians are planning their travel ahead

At an event hosted in Delhi, Skyscanner shared these insights and explored how Indians are prioritising and planning their trips for the year ahead. Speaking at the event, Neel Ghose, Travel Trends & Destinations Expert, Skyscanner, said, “January is a peak moment in the travel cycle. We’re already seeing searches in the first week of January 2026 up 25% compared to the same period in 2025 (1) – highest volume recorded since 2024 – signalling that Indians are heading into the year with renewed intent for travel planning in January. Travellers are keen to explore in the year ahead – 89% say they’re open to alternative or lesser-known holiday destinations, while 77% plan to splurge on a luxury hotel stay on the final night of their holiday, yet they’re navigating post-year fatigue, rising cost perceptions and an overwhelming number of choices. The real opportunity, in January, is to replace that anxiety with clarity, which is why we’ve introduced our new Cheapest Destination Planner to help travellers instantly compare options by month, see the cheapest destinations to fly to, and plan with greater confidence and value.”

2026 Travel Planning Trends:

• Early Planning Momentum: January has become a clear planning inflection point for Indian travellers, with 73% mapping out trips at the start of the year. Driven by an emotional need to slow down, 67% plan holidays in January specifically to recharge, and create breathing space after an intense year.

• Lifestyle Trade-Off & Compromises: 49% Indian travellers say they’ve made personal financial sacrifices, from skipping meals out to forgoing haircuts, to make their last holiday possible. When saving for trips, 46% are even willing to skip buying new clothes, while 32% are open to cutting back on socialising with friends.

• High Travel Intent, Higher Overwhelm: Many Indian travellers haven’t confirmed their 2026 trips yet simply because they’re overwhelmed: 46% are worried about costs, 45% are struggling when to travel, and 40% are unsure where to go.

Skyscanner Launches NEW Cheapest Destination Planner

The research also found that 50% Indian travellers say they would be more likely to book their holidays in January if they simply had clarity on the cheapest destinations and the cheapest day to fly. To help travellers compare options effortlessly and book with confidence, Skyscanner has launched its NEW Cheapest Destination Planner, designed to cut through the stress of decision-making, allowing travellers to select their preferred month and instantly see the cheapest destinations to fly to, alongside average flight prices and the cheapest day to travel.

How does the Cheapest Destination Planner work?

1. Simply select the month you want to travel

2. The tool will reveal the top 10 cheapest destinations (on average) for that month- you’ll see the top reasons to visit and average price for a return flight alongside the cheapest days to travel

3. Made your choice?  You can click through to explore flights and/or hotel options for your chosen destination

Skyscanner’s NEW Cheapest Destination Planner

Sharing his own travel habits, Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav, Skyscanner Brand Ambassador, said, “With a packed schedule, finding time to plan travel isn’t always easy, and I know that’s true for a lot of Indians. That’s why smart solutions really matter. For me, it’s about travelling efficiently so you can enjoy the moments that help you truly switch off, making sure the trip actually feels worth it. Skyscanner’s new Cheapest Destination Planner makes those decisions simpler and quicker, so you spend less time worrying and more time looking forward to the trip. It makes it much easier for people to discover great-value destinations!”

Busting Myths & Taking The Stress Out of Planning

• Skyscanner’s analysis also revealed that, on average, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly in 2026: a fact that is surprising to many, given that only around three in ten correctly identified midweek travel as the most cost-effective.

• While 67% anticipate flight costs exceeding INR 30,000 for their main 2026 holiday, Skyscanner has analysed millions of flight prices to identify the Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2026, with average return fares starting from only under INR 10,000, proving that great trips don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. (Refer to appendix for the complete list).

More Smart Ways for Indians To Save On 2026 Travel

• Drops: In-app feature that checks flight prices and reveals anomaly price drops of at least 20% for real bargains! 

• ‘Everywhere’ search: The all-time favourite – find the cheapest flights to anywhere in the world. 

• Price Alerts and Saved: Still in decision making mode?  Save your routes and keep track of the flight fluctuations.

Appendix

The Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for 2026: 

Notes to Editors

*Skyscanner research conducted with OnePoll in November 2026 with 2,000 respondents in India.

**Return economy flights booked on Skyscanner between 1 January 2025 and 31 October 2025 for travel between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026.

About Skyscanner 

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options. 

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they’ve seen the best possible options, all in one place.

(1) Skyscanner search data for flights originating from India, comparing searches made between 1 – 7 January, 2026 with the same period 1 – 7 January, 2025. Percentage reflects year-on-year growth in search volume.

Headsup B2B, a tech-enabled B2B procurement and supply platform, has secured mandates for the supply of 40+ MW of solar panels and ancillary products across multiple projects in Rajasthan and Jharkhand. With an aggregated supply value of approximately Rs. 85 Crore, the execution is scheduled over the upcoming six months, reinforcing its role in India’s renewable energy ecosystem!
 

The Headsup B2B team at the company’s New Delhi office
 

The supplies will support a mix of utility-scale solar projects as well as institutional and commercial solar installations under government-backed programmes, including deployments aligned with the PM KUSUM scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with Rajasthan’s high solar potential and Jharkhand’s growing renewable footprint serving as key deployment support. The engagement will be limited to module sourcing and supply of ancillary products, ensuring technical compliance, logistics planning, and phased deliveries, in line with approved quality standards and project timelines.
 

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Sumit Kumar, Founder, Headsup B2B, said, “This 40+ MW mandate reflects our ability to manage large-scale, multi-location renewable supply programmes efficiently. By combining technology-led procurement with structured supply-chain coordination, we help EPCs and developers mitigate procurement risks while maintaining quality and delivery timelines. We are already in advanced discussions with leading execution partners for upcoming projects aggregating nearly 200 MW in the next financial year, which could help unlock an overall project value of approximately Rs. 400+ Crore across the ecosystem.”
 

Operating on an aggregator-led, asset-light model, Headsup B2B enables access to approved brands, competitive pricing, and structured procurement processes. Its renewable portfolio includes solar modules, inverters, structures, cables, energy storage solutions, and balance-of-system components, serving EPCs, infrastructure companies, and institutional buyers nationwide.
 

This milestone aligns with the company’s broader strategy to scale operations in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and clean-tech procurement, supporting India’s transition toward long-term energy security and sustainability.
 

About Headsup B2B
Headsup B2B is a technology-driven B2B marketplace offering integrated procurement solutions across renewable energy, metal solutions, building materials, electricals, industrial warehousing, road safety equipment, and sustainable infrastructure, focused on transparency, efficiency, and scalable execution.

Vikramshila, IIT Kharagpur West Bengal
IIT Kharagpur will host Kshitij 2026, its annual techno-management symposium, from 16 to 18 January 2026. One of India’s prominent student-led festivals focused on technology and innovation, the 2026 edition coincides with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of IIT Kharagpur, marking 75 years of the Institute’s contribution to education, research and national development.
 

Kshitij 2026
 

NPCI is serving as the Title Sponsor, with HCL Tech as the Co-Title Sponsor and Hero MotoCorp as the Associate Title Sponsor and for this edition, underscoring strong industry participation in the festival’s academic and outreach initiatives.
 

The Guest Lecture Series will feature speakers like Mr. K. N. Vyas, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and a former Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy; Mr. Ashok Lavasa, former Finance Secretary of India and former Chief Election Officer and former Vice President (South Asia), Asian Development Bank; and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the 51st Chief Justice of India.
 

Also participating are Mr. Suresh Prabhu, former Union Minister for Railways, Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation; Mr. Rajat Sharma, Founder and Chairman of India TV; Mr. Rishi Kumar Shukla, former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation; and Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India. The lecture series will address themes of governance, constitutional values, economic policy and institutional leadership.
 

The festival will include workshops, a Technology Summit, and a Business Conclave, focusing on industry-relevant skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Previous editions have seen participation from organizations such as Bajaj, Boeing, Cisco, and Genpact.

 

Kshitij 2026 will feature a wide range of competitive technical, analytical and innovation-driven events, drawing student participation from across the country and abroad. Core engineering competitions include Robowars, Drone Racing, Laws of Motion,Championship, Line Follower, Droid Blitz, and Sand Rover, testing skills in robotics, automation, aeromodelling and mechanical design. Mechatronics events focus on autonomous systems, control algorithms and real-time decision-making.
 

The festival will also host multiple hackathons and coding challenges, including Overnite, Source Code, On-Block Web3 Hackathon,Tech Triad Hackathon,Scam Bust Challenge,Lexicognition AI,Build with Gemini and the NLP Challenge, addressing problem statements in blockchain, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity.
 

On the management and innovation front, events such as B-Plan, the Indian Case Challenge, Enigma (Biz-Tech Quiz),Anadigix and Kshitij Maths Olympiad provide platforms for entrepreneurship, strategic thinking and analytical excellence. Sustainability-focused initiatives like SolarVision and the WASH Innovation Challenge highlight real-world applications of technology for social impact.
 

Kshitij 2026 will host large-scale technology and robotics exhibitions, featuring quadruped robots, humanoid robots, autonomous service robots, AR/VR-integrated systems and LiDAR- based installations presented by the Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design (CoE- UPD), IIT Kharagpur. The exhibition zone will also feature a showcase of Ducati motorcycles and a professional stunt show by Hero MotoCorp.
 

The Megashows this year will be headlined by live performances of Raftaar and Last Minute India, reflecting the scale and outreach associated with the festival.
 

Further information is available at www.ktj.in, with accommodation details at www.ktj.in/Accommodation.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is ready to welcome the Year of the Horse with one of the world’s most vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations. On 17 February, the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will transform the city into a glittering carnival of light, music, global cultures and festive spirit. Celebrate a Lunar New Year like no other, with colorful blossoms in Fairs, incense offerings for good luck in temples across Hong Kong, horse racing on Year of the Horse Raceday, and more.

A vibrant display of performers and floats brings Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year Night Parade alive

Start the First Day of the Year of the Horse with a Parade of Dazzling Floats and Enticing Performances from All Around the World.

Get ready for the first night of the Lunar New Year with a pre-parade street party, leading up to the dazzling procession of floats and performances. The Parade will start from Hong Kong Cultural Centre and travel through major roads in Tsim Sha Tsui – including Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road – beginning at 8 PM on 17 February. With the theme “BEST FORTUNE. WORLD PARTY,”, the festivities celebrate the energetic spirit of the horse, a symbol of strength, vitality, progress, and success in Chinese culture.

The 2026 Parade will be an authentic night-long celebration showcasing a spectacular line-up of themed floats sweeping in the best luck of the year. Some float sponsors will celebrate milestone anniversaries – with Cathay marking its 80th anniversary, Hong Kong Disneyland celebrating its 20th and McDonald’s Hong Kong debuting a float in honour of its 50th – adding extra excitement to the parade and doubling the surprises for all. The first-ever float from the Hong Kong Brand Toy Association will heat up the party by bringing beloved IP characters to the festivity. The Ocean Park Hong Kong will invite their adorable Panda Friends to spread new year blessings to families and friends, while the Hong Kong Jockey Club will spotlight the zodiac year with shimmering horse installations to bring prosperity to all. Multiple dazzling floats will be on display at Kai Tak Sports Park from 18 to 27 February, extending the Parade excitement to visitors throughout the festive season.

Beyond the floats, a dynamic line-up of performances from around the world during the Parade will reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a truly international festival city. Not only will France’s FierS à Cheval set the tone with illuminated horse tableaux that capture the spirit of the Year of the Horse, the exhilarating performances including the precision of the Xi’an Acrobatic Troupe from the Chinese Mainland, the comic acrobat duo Les Vitaminés from Canada, and the debut of Australia’s Manly Seabirds cheer performers will bring high-energy sparkle to the parade route. 

The Parade also embraces innovation while honouring tradition. Hong Kong’s East-Meets-West culture shines bright as the mesmerising Luminous Dragon Dance by Chinese Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Association of Hong Kong, China, dances along the parade route with Italy’s Cromosauro, a large-scale dinosaur skeleton adorned with vibrant, colourful fabrics. 

Citywide Celebrations for best fortune in the Year of the Horse

There are many more Lunar New Year celebrations in addition to the Parade – the city pulses with festivities, giving visitors endless reasons to explore. 

For a week running up to the early hours of Lunar New Year’s Eve (11–17 February), visitors can dive into the festive spirit at Lunar New Year Fairs, commonly known as Chinese New Year flower markets, where parks and community hubs will burst with seasonal flowers, symbolic decorations and joyful atmosphere. Be sure to drop by some of the popular fairs for experiencing the vibrant ambience such as in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay or Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok. 

As we gallop into the Year of the Horse, visitors cannot miss at the much-loved Year of the Horse Raceday on the third day of Lunar New Year (19 February), where Sha Tin Racecourse will be filled with thrilling horse racing, entertainment, and festive excitement, promising your chance to boost the luck. 

Visitors can also take part in heartfelt blessings at the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen from 17 February to 3 March, where visitors can write their wishes on a piece of joss paper attached to an orange and toss it up to the tree. It is believed that wishes will come true if they successfully cling to the wishing tree. Those seeking spiritual connection can visit Hong Kong’s many historic temples – including Wong Tai Sin Temple, Che Kung Temple and Kwun Yum Temples – to pray for fortune, love, prosperity, and success in the Year of the Horse. 

With its captivating parade spectacles, luminous celebrations, and welcoming festive spirit, Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year promises joy at every moment. This Year of the Horse, travellers are invited to embrace the energy, happiness, and optimism that Hong Kong radiates at this special time of year. 

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhancing visitors’ experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.