KT Professional, an Indian-born professional haircare brand, added a winning touch to Miss Universe India 2026 as the Official Hair Expert Partner, bringing its salon-inspired haircare expertise to the prestigious beauty platform.
 

Mr Dhruv Sayani, MD & CEO of KT Life awarding the winner of Miss Universe India 2026 – Ms Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala

Over the three-month journey, all 52 contestants incorporated KT Professional 6X Keratin Gloss Shampoo & Conditioner into their haircare and styling routines, supporting their preparation for shoots, appearances, press engagements and the pageant. The range helped strengthen hair while enhancing shine, smoothness and a glossy finish, while helping control frizz.
 

Mr Dhruv Sayani MD & CEO KT Life awarding Tejaswini Shrivastava being awarded Best Miss Headshot

The association culminated in the Jaipur finale, where Mr. Dhruv Sayani, MD & CEO, KT Life, presented the winner’s award to Miss Universe India 2026, Ms. Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala. KT Professional also recognised Miss Tejaswini Shrivastava with the “Best Miss Headshot” award, celebrating her hair strength, quality and overall appearance as part of her standout look.

KT Professional further contributed to the Miss Universe community through more than 300 curated hampers, which were distributed among contestants, judges, key press conference attendees, the international hairstylist and VIP guests.
 

The partnership also generated organic visibility for KT Professional, with contestants sharing Instagram Reels and Stories featuring the brand’s 6X Gloss Shampoo & Conditioner. Content from contestants from the previous edition also highlighted their experience with the range, extending the product conversation across editions of the competition.
 

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Dhruv Sayani, MD & CEO – KT Life, said, “We are delighted to have been the Official Hair Expert Partner for Miss Universe 2026. Hair plays an important role in how every contestant presents her individuality, confidence and personality, and we are proud that KT Professional’s 6X Gloss Shampoo & Conditioner supported the hair looks of all 52 contestants. From the contestants and judges to the international hairstylist, press and VIP guests, this partnership gave us an opportunity to bring our professional haircare expertise to a truly global community. The organic stories and Reels shared by the contestants, along with the continuing association with contestants from the previous edition, made this collaboration especially meaningful for us.”
 

The partnership marked an important step in KT Professional’s journey from salon-inspired Indian haircare to global beauty platforms, strengthening its positioning at the intersection of professional expertise, hair health, styling and confidence.

Leading jewellery retailer Thangamayil Jewellery has expanded its presence in Chennai with the opening of two new stores in Mogappair West and Purasaiwakkam on 23^rd August 2026. The launch takes the brand’s operational network to 66+ stores across Tamil Nadu.

Thangamayil Jewellery inaugurated its new store in Mogappair West, Chennai on 23rd August 2026

The Mogappair West showroom and the Purasaiwakkam showroom were inaugurated by the Management of Thangamayil Jewellery in the presence of company officials and customers. A range of special offers has been introduced to mark the opening of these new showrooms.

Thangamayil Jewellery inaugurated its new store in Purasaiwakkam, Chennai on 23rd August 2026

The newly inaugurated stores are located at Plot No. 4/5, TNHB, 8th Block, Mogappair West, Nolambur, Chennai – 600037 and No. 138 (Old No. 228), Purasaiwakkam High Road, Chennai – 600084. The new outlets in Mogappair West and Purasaiwakkam spanning 6270 sq.ft and 8746 sq.ft respectively, have been designed to deliver a modern and immersive shopping experience.

The grand opening witnessed an overwhelming response from customers across the city, as hundreds of jewellery enthusiasts, families, and well-wishers thronged the showroom to celebrate the launch and experience its premium collections.

Speaking on the inauguration, Mr. Ba. Ramesh, Joint Managing Director, Thangamayil Jewellery Limited said, “We are happy to announce the launch of our new stores in Chennai, which is a very significant market for us. These flagship showrooms reflect our commitment to offering an unparalleled jewellery shopping experience with the finest craftsmanship, transparency, and exceptional service.”

The new showrooms offer a wide range of gold, diamond, and silver jewellery collections. The stores have been launched to cater to growing consumer demand in Chennai and will serve customers across categories including bridal jewellery, festive purchases, everyday wear, gifting, and special occasions.

About Thangamayil Jewellery Ltd.

Thangamayil Jewellery Limited (TMJL), is one of the fastest growing companies in India, positioned in the market as a chain of retail jewellery stores across Tamil Nadu. Headquartered in Madurai, Thangamayil Jewellery turned public limited company in 2007. It released its maiden equity shares in 2010, and the shares were listed in Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Limited and National Stock Exchange (NSE) Limited. The company has its presence in Chennai through its flagship store at T.Nagar and stores in suburbs of Chennai and overall presence in Tamil Nadu all comprising 66+ stores, thereby increasing the stores to foster future growth and development. Today, the company boasts a total operating area of approx. 1,49,000 square feet all over Tamil Nadu. 

• Norton Manx R wins Bronze at the 2026 International Design Excellence Awards

• First combustion-engined production sports motorcycle to receive an IDEA award

• International design jury honours Norton’s reductive design direction

• Award recognises the Resurgence design strategy shaped by Gerry McGovern and led by Simon Skinner

• High-resolution imagery can be found here: Norton Resurgence Manx R image gallery

Norton Motorcycles has won Bronze at the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) for the Norton Manx R, the flagship superbike leading the brand’s new Resurgence strategy.
 

Norton Manx R earns landmark International Design Excellence Award

The Manx R was recognised in the Automotive and Transportation category at the 2026 IDEA Awards, organised annually by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). The award was collected by Darren McNeill, Head of Marketing at Norton US, at the IDEA Ceremony and Gala in Pasadena, California.
 

Simon Skinner, Head of Design at Norton Motorcycles, said, “The Manx R was created to challenge what a modern superbike can look and feel like. We wanted to move away from visual noise and create something more reductive, more crafted and more connected to the rider. Every surface, exposed component and detail had to earn its place. Winning an IDEA award is a proud moment for the whole Norton team because it recognises the depth of design thinking behind the bike, not just the finished object.”
 

The recognition underlines the originality of the Manx R within the superbike category. According to the IDEA archive, the Manx R is one of only a handful of motorcycles to receive an IDEA award in the programme’s 45-year history, the first combustion-engined motorcycle recognised since 2015, and the first production combustion-engined sports motorcycle to receive the accolade.
 

While recent motorcycle design recognition has largely centred on electric mobility and future concepts, the Manx R demonstrates that a production combustion-engined superbike can still move the category forward through design, material execution and a rider-centred focus. Rather than follow the increasingly complex visual language of many contemporary superbikes, the Manx R takes a reductive approach. It rejects the familiar language of aggressive winglets, excessive creases and racing graphics in favour of clean surfaces, disciplined proportions and exposed mechanical elements treated as crafted design details.

The result is a production motorcycle that breaks the mould of superbike design: dramatic and muscular, but not cluttered; technically advanced, but not defined by excess; engineered for real-world rider connection as much as outright performance.

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Advisor to Norton Motorcycles, said, “From the beginning, the ambition for Norton’s Resurgence was to create a design direction that was modern, emotionally engaging and worthy of the brand’s extraordinary heritage. The Manx R proves that motorcycles, like cars, can be objects of desire through proportion, stance, drama and detail. To see that recognised by an international jury of designers is a meaningful endorsement of the direction Norton has taken.”

Created as the flagship product of Norton’s Resurgence under TVS Motor Company ownership, the Manx R was developed for a modern, design-conscious generation of rider. Its design direction was shaped by Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Advisor to Norton and one of the automotive industry’s most respected design leaders, with the Manx R created by Simon Skinner and Norton’s in-house design and engineering teams.
 

The Manx R is the first model in Norton’s new-generation product line-up and the clearest expression of the brand’s core design principles: modernity, integration, drama and connection. Its award-winning design is combined with an all-new V4 powertrain, semi-active suspension, Brembo braking system, advanced rider assistance technology and an 8-inch TFT touchscreen.
 

Designed, engineered and built at Norton’s global headquarters in Solihull, UK, the Manx R champions Norton’s position as a highly desirable and modern manufacturer with a design-led future. The Norton Manx R superbike and Atlas mid-size adventure bike will arrive on sale in the United States from October 2026 with pricing to be announced soon.

Notes to Editors
 

About Norton Motorcycles
Norton Motorcycles was founded in 1898 and is one of Britain’s most iconic motorcycle marques, with a heritage shaped by engineering innovation, racing success and distinctive design. Its name is closely associated with the Isle of Man TT and with celebrated models including the Manx, Commando, Dominator, Atlas, Navigator and 650SS.
 

Today, Norton is entering a new chapter under the ownership of TVS Motor Company, which acquired the brand in April 2020. Based at Norton’s modern manufacturing facility in Solihull, West Midlands, the company designs, engineers and builds British motorcycles, assembled using traditional hand-crafted techniques supported by modern engineering, advanced manufacturing processes and rigorous quality standards.
 

Norton’s new generation of motorcycles embodies contemporary technology, emotional performance, modern aesthetics and exclusivity. Guided by the principles of design, dynamics and detail, Norton is focused on creating motorcycles that honour its past while establishing a desirable, high-quality and distinctive future.

Tourism Malaysia continued to strengthen its presence in the Indian market through its Sales Mission Series 2, held in Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi from 12 to 20 August 2026, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining strong engagement with one of its most important international source markets while navigating the evolving global travel landscape.
 

Tourism Malaysia Sales Mission 2026 in Delhi boosts India-Malaysia ties, unveils Visit Malaysia 2026-27 roadmap led by Director General, Mohd Amirul Rizal
 

The sales mission brought together 47 Malaysian tourism stakeholders, comprising tour operators, hoteliers and airline partners, to strengthen trade partnerships, expand business opportunities and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers. The programme also served as a platform for business-to-business (B2B) engagements, networking and the development of new travel opportunities between Malaysian and Indian tourism stakeholders.

The mission was led by Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and organised in collaboration with Batik Air, reflecting the strong public- private partnership in promoting Malaysia as a premier tourism destination.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said, “India remains one of Tourism Malaysia’s most important and fastest-growing source markets. While the current geopolitical developments and evolving international travel landscape may influence travel sentiment in certain regions, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to maintaining a strong presence in the market and ensuring Malaysia remains top of mind among Indian travellers. This calls for sustained, targeted and market-driven promotional efforts, supported by close collaboration with our airline partners and the travel trade.”

Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal added, “Through this sales mission, we aim to strengthen business partnerships, generate new commercial opportunities and encourage our industry partners to develop more attractive and competitive travel packages tailored to the Indian market. At the same time, we want to inspire travellers to explore destinations beyond the traditional Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands itineraries.”
 

“Destinations such as Sarawak, Langkawi, Penang, Johor and Sabah offer tremendous potential for the Indian market, featuring diverse experiences ranging from nature, adventure and island holidays to cultural heritage, gastronomy, shopping, family attractions, MICE and destination weddings. Promoting these destinations more extensively will encourage longer stays, higher visitor spending and repeat visitation.”

India continues to be one of Malaysia’s key international source markets, supported by an extensive network of more than 190 direct flights weekly, offering a seat capacity of over 37,000 seats per week. This strong air connectivity provides seamless access to Malaysia and continues to support sustained growth in visitor arrivals.

The market also continues to record encouraging performance. Following the introduction of visa-free travel for Indian nationals in December 2023, Malaysia welcomed more than 1.5 million visitor arrivals from India in 2025, placing India among Malaysia’s top five international source markets, alongside Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and China. This positive momentum is expected to continue through 2026 and beyond.

With the Visit Malaysia campaign extended through 2027, Tourism Malaysia will further intensify its promotional initiatives in India to sustain the momentum generated under Visit Malaysia 2026 while building a stronger pipeline of visitors for the extended campaign period. The extension provides greater opportunities to deepen industry collaboration, maintain Malaysia’s destination visibility and strengthen market confidence amid an evolving global tourism environment.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

Galgotias University has announced the launch of its B.Tech CSE Specialisation in AI & ML, in collaboration with Microsoft and powered by byteXL. The industry-integrated programme is designed to build deep expertise in Generative AI, Machine Learning, Cloud AI and Intelligent Applications through an industry-aligned curriculum, immersive hands-on learning and Microsoft technologies.
 

Galgotias University launches an industry-integrated AI & ML programme with Microsoft and byteXL

Designed for the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, the four-year programme combines strong computer-science fundamentals with specialised, project-based learning. Students tackle real-world problems through live projects and case studies, building practical, job-ready capabilities beyond the classroom. The curriculum is continually aligned with industry needs, preparing graduates for high-demand roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, AI Application Developer, Data Scientist, MLOps Engineer and Cloud AI Specialist.

What the Programme Offers
The programme is structured around six core pillars: next-generation AI technologies, Microsoft certifications, career-launch support, high-demand AI roles, emerging AI domains and industry research. Together, these pillars are designed to give students an edge in a competitive, technology-driven job market.

Industry-collaborative research is central to the learning experience, covering Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Reinforcement Learning, Computer Vision, Speech Recognition and Robotics. Working alongside faculty and industry mentors, students gain exposure to cutting-edge tools, research practices and emerging AI domains.

Globally Recognised Microsoft Azure Certifications
A key feature of the programme is the opportunity to earn Microsoft Azure certifications recognised by employers worldwide. These include Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901), Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900), Azure AI App and Agent Developer (AI-103), Azure MLOps Engineer (AI-300), Azure AI Cloud Developer (AI-200) and Azure SQL AI Developer Associate (DP-800). These credentials enable students to validate their skills and strengthen their profiles with recruiters from day one.

Placement Assistance from byteXL
Placement and career support are integral to the programme. Through byteXL’s dedicated placement assistance, students receive structured, end-to-end career-launch support, including industry mentorship, internships, soft-skills and communication training, aptitude and technical interview preparation, mock interviews and access to byteXL’s network of hiring partners. The support is designed to help students translate their skills and certifications into strong career outcomes and placements with leading technology companies.

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, Chief Executive Officer, Galgotias University, said, “AI education cannot be limited to teaching tools that may be outdated by the time students graduate. Our focus is on helping students develop the judgement to frame problems, work responsibly with data and models, and take AI systems from experiment to deployment. By combining Microsoft’s technology ecosystem with byteXL’s applied learning and career support, the programme creates a structured path from computer-science foundations to industry-ready AI practice.”

Galgotias University is ranked 16th among India’s top private universities, third among private universities in Uttar Pradesh and 46th among India’s top private and government universities. It has also been globally ranked for three consecutive years. The NAAC A+ accredited university is now accepting applications for the programme.

Admissions are now open for the B.Tech CSE Specialisation in AI & ML, in collaboration with Microsoft and powered by byteXL. Prospective students can review eligibility and submit their application through the Galgotias University admissions portal: admissions.galgotiasuniversity.edu.in

Ai+ Smartphone today announced a price revision of Approx Rs 2,000 across select devices in its smartphone portfolio, effective immediately. The adjustment comes in response to sustained increases in component and input costs impacting the broader smartphone industry.

Price Reset Hits Ai+ smartphone Lineup

The smartphone industry continues to navigate a challenging cost environment, with rising costs across key components, particularly memory, alongside manufacturing, logistics and other critical inputs. These pressures have increasingly impacted device economics across price segments, requiring brands to reassess pricing while continuing to balance affordability with product experience.

Ai+ Smartphone has absorbed a significant portion of these incremental costs to maintain accessible pricing for consumers. However, with cost pressures continuing, the company has implemented a measured price revision across select devices effective today.

Commenting on the development, Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said: Our Mission is to deliver exceptional technology and real value to Indian consumers while building a strong, sustainable business. The industry is under pressure with rising component costs, and while we’ve absorbed much of it, a strategic price adjustment is necessary. One thing remains clear: we will keep technology accessible, and Ai+ will continue to provide unparalleled value across our offerings.”

The company emphasised that the revision reflects the broader change in industry cost structures and is aimed at maintaining a sustainable balance between affordability, product experience and long-term value.

Despite the adjustment, Ai+ Smartphone will continue to focus on delivering a strong price-to-experience proposition across its portfolio, while closely evaluating market and supply-chain dynamics to ensure its devices remain competitively positioned for Indian consumers.

Revised Price list :

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system, the brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

About Ai+ and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies

NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is designed, engineered, and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.

TDCX, a leading global customer experience solutions firm, today opened its second campus in India at Meenakshi Eco Park in Hyderabad. The new site reinforces India’s position as the company’s fourth-largest operations base and follows a more than 600% increase in TDCX’s India headcount over the past three years.
 

TDCX Founder and CEO Laurent Junique (center) cuts the ribbon at the company’s second Hyderabad campus at Meenakshi Eco Park, joined by Group CIO and EVP Byron Fernandez and India Country Director Ananth Premkumar, August 20, 2026
 

Hyderabad is one of TDCX’s fastest-growing locations, supported by the city’s strong technology ecosystem, deep talent pool, and growing reputation as a center for customer experience, sales, digital support, and technology-enabled services.

The India Business Process Outsourcing services market, valued at approximately US$18.7 billion in 2024, is projected to reach US$51 billion by 2035 (Market Research Future, India Business Process Outsourcing Services Market, April 2026). TDCX has outpaced this market as global clients consolidate complex customer, sales, and technology workflows with fewer, more capable partners.
 

Byron Fernandez, Group Chief Information Officer and EVP, TDCX, with executive oversight of the company’s India operations, said, “India has moved well past the cost arbitrage conversation. When clients choose Hyderabad for customer experience, sales, or technology support, they are choosing access to skilled, ambitious talent that can run complex workflows at scale. Our expansion here reflects how seriously global clients now take India as a primary delivery market, rather than a secondary one.”
 

A campus built for scale and speed

Located within the 6 million sq. ft. Meenakshi Eco Park, one of Hyderabad’s key technology corridors, the new campus is designed to support TDCX’s continued expansion in India while giving employees a workplace built around learning, collaboration, and performance.
 

TDCX India supports leading global brands across digital advertising, e-commerce, fintech and technology, delivering omnichannel support for clients across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and North America. TDCX India has achieved strong customer and business outcomes for global clients, achieving high customer satisfaction scores while supporting complex workstreams across multiple markets reflecting the strength of its delivery model and the quality of talent in the market.
 

Ananth Premkumar, Country Director, TDCX India, said, “Hyderabad has emerged as one of India’s leading hubs for technology, innovation, and customer experience delivery. As our clients expand across global markets, they need partners who can quickly build high-quality teams at scale. For one of our technology clients, we are able to make agents production-ready in under six weeks, helping them accelerate their go-to-market timelines. This combination of skilled talent, speed, and operational excellence is what makes Hyderabad such a strategic location for TDCX.”
 

Recognized as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years, TDCX India continues to build its reputation as both a strong delivery hub and an employer of choice.

About TDCX

Singapore-headquartered TDCX is a leading global customer experience solutions firm that provides customer experience solutions, sales and digital marketing services, and content moderation for clients across industries including digital advertising and social media, e-commerce, fintech, gaming, healthtech, media, technology, and travel and hospitality.

With a focus on helping companies enable the future, TDCX’s smart, scalable approach, driven by innovation and operational precision, positions it as a key partner for companies targeting tangible outcomes. With more than 20,000 employees across 37 locations worldwide, TDCX provides clients with comprehensive coverage in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
 

For more information, please visit www.tdcx.com.

TDCX, a leading global customer experience solutions firm, today opened its second campus in India at Meenakshi Eco Park in Hyderabad. The new site reinforces India’s position as the company’s fourth-largest operations base and follows a more than 600% increase in TDCX’s India headcount over the past three years.
 

TDCX Founder and CEO Laurent Junique (center) cuts the ribbon at the company’s second Hyderabad campus at Meenakshi Eco Park, joined by Group CIO and EVP Byron Fernandez and India Country Director Ananth Premkumar, August 20, 2026
 

Hyderabad is one of TDCX’s fastest-growing locations, supported by the city’s strong technology ecosystem, deep talent pool, and growing reputation as a center for customer experience, sales, digital support, and technology-enabled services.

The India Business Process Outsourcing services market, valued at approximately US$18.7 billion in 2024, is projected to reach US$51 billion by 2035 (Market Research Future, India Business Process Outsourcing Services Market, April 2026). TDCX has outpaced this market as global clients consolidate complex customer, sales, and technology workflows with fewer, more capable partners.
 

Byron Fernandez, Group Chief Information Officer and EVP, TDCX, with executive oversight of the company’s India operations, said, “India has moved well past the cost arbitrage conversation. When clients choose Hyderabad for customer experience, sales, or technology support, they are choosing access to skilled, ambitious talent that can run complex workflows at scale. Our expansion here reflects how seriously global clients now take India as a primary delivery market, rather than a secondary one.”
 

A campus built for scale and speed

Located within the 6 million sq. ft. Meenakshi Eco Park, one of Hyderabad’s key technology corridors, the new campus is designed to support TDCX’s continued expansion in India while giving employees a workplace built around learning, collaboration, and performance.
 

TDCX India supports leading global brands across digital advertising, e-commerce, fintech and technology, delivering omnichannel support for clients across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and North America. TDCX India has achieved strong customer and business outcomes for global clients, achieving high customer satisfaction scores while supporting complex workstreams across multiple markets reflecting the strength of its delivery model and the quality of talent in the market.
 

Ananth Premkumar, Country Director, TDCX India, said, “Hyderabad has emerged as one of India’s leading hubs for technology, innovation, and customer experience delivery. As our clients expand across global markets, they need partners who can quickly build high-quality teams at scale. For one of our technology clients, we are able to make agents production-ready in under six weeks, helping them accelerate their go-to-market timelines. This combination of skilled talent, speed, and operational excellence is what makes Hyderabad such a strategic location for TDCX.”
 

Recognized as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years, TDCX India continues to build its reputation as both a strong delivery hub and an employer of choice.

About TDCX

Singapore-headquartered TDCX is a leading global customer experience solutions firm that provides customer experience solutions, sales and digital marketing services, and content moderation for clients across industries including digital advertising and social media, e-commerce, fintech, gaming, healthtech, media, technology, and travel and hospitality.

With a focus on helping companies enable the future, TDCX’s smart, scalable approach, driven by innovation and operational precision, positions it as a key partner for companies targeting tangible outcomes. With more than 20,000 employees across 37 locations worldwide, TDCX provides clients with comprehensive coverage in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
 

For more information, please visit www.tdcx.com.

NICMAR University, Pune, is organising the 10th International Conference on Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Project Management (ICCRIP 2026) on August 21-22, 2026, at its campus in Baner, Pune. Its flagship international conference aims to bring together senior industry leaders, academicians, practitioners, researchers and experts to deliberate on the key issues shaping the future of India’s built environment.

L-R: Mr. Don Ward, Chief Executive, CIB UK; Mr. Jayanta Basu, Managing Director, Cemindia Projects Limited; Dr. Vijay Gupchup, President, NICMAR University Pune; Dr. Anil L Agarwal, VC, NICMAR University Pune; Dr. Rajni Kant Rajhans, Dean-R&D, NICMAR University Pune; Dr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director General, NICMAR at the 10th Edition of ICCRIP 2026

The two-day ICCRIP serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, research and dialogue on emerging developments across construction, real estate, infrastructure and project management. The first day placed a strong focus on sustainable urban development, institutional capacity and effective project delivery as India responds to the growing scale and complexity of its infrastructure and urbanisation needs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vijay Gupchup, President, NICMAR University Pune and Chief Patron, ICCRIP 2026, said, “India’s cities and infrastructure are expanding at a pace that demands new thinking around how we plan, build and deliver projects. The discussions at ICCRIP 2026 reinforced that sustainable development cannot be achieved through policy or technology alone; it requires skilled professionals, stronger institutional capacity and closer collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers. As an institution dedicated to the built environment, NICMAR University has a responsibility to help bridge this gap by creating knowledge, developing future-ready talent and providing platforms where research and industry experience can come together to address real-world challenges.”

A key highlight of Day 1 was the panel discussion on “Building Sustainable Cities: Bridging Policy, Capacity, and Project Delivery,” which brought together perspectives from industry and academia on translating India’s urban development ambitions into sustainable and effectively delivered projects. The discussion highlighted the need to bridge the gap between policy and on-ground execution, strengthen institutional and professional capacity, and foster greater collaboration among academia, industry and policymakers.

The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Jayanta Basu, Managing Director, Cemindia Projects Limited, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Don Ward, Chief Executive, CIB, UK, as the Guest of Honour, alongside Dr. Vijay Gupchup, President, NICMAR University Pune and Chief Patron, Dr. Anil L Agarwal, VC, NICMAR University Pune and Conference Patron, Dr. Rajni Kant Rajhans, Dean-R&D, NICMAR University Pune and Conference Convener, Dr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director General, NICMAR and Conference Mentor,  ICCRIP 2026, senior representatives from industry and academia, NICMAR University leadership, faculty members, researchers and students.

The wider deliberations also focused on the changing nature of project delivery as infrastructure and urban development become increasingly complex. Speakers emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary capabilities, embedding sustainability across the project lifecycle, strengthening knowledge exchange between academia and industry, and preparing professionals for the evolving demands of the built environment.

In addition to the panel discussion, the conference featured keynote addresses, technical sessions and practitioner-led conversations, enabling researchers, academicians and industry professionals to exchange perspectives on emerging practices, research and evolving challenges across construction, real estate, infrastructure and project management.

The conference will continue on August 22 with further technical sessions, expert-led discussions and knowledge-sharing engagements. The second and final day will build on the opening day’s deliberations, bringing together researchers, academicians and industry practitioners to explore emerging developments and strengthen the connection between research and real-world application across the built environment.

ICCRIP 2026 features seven key segments: Research Papers, Case Studies, Practitioners’ Perspectives, Doctoral Colloquium, Hackathon, Paper Development Workshop and Editors’ Conclave, and an Industry Showcase. Now in its 10^th edition, the ICCRIP reflects NICMAR University’s continued focus on strengthening dialogue between academia and industry and creating a platform for research, knowledge exchange and conversations that respond to the evolving needs of the construction, real estate, infrastructure and project management sectors.

About NICMAR

Established in 1983, NICMAR is an autonomous, non-governmental, not-for-profit and India’s only premier CRIP (Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Project) dedicated education institute. Backed by some of the largest and leading construction companies, NICMAR is recognised for academic excellence, industry relevance, and strong placement outcomes, with four campuses in Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. The Institute is recognised globally for its contributions to the built environment.

For more information, please visit www.nicmar.ac.in

EPSRR Holdings Private Limited (“EPSRR”) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Axton Capital, UK (“Axton”), to develop and expand food and beverage concepts in Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman.
 

EPSRR and Axton Capital partner to develop F&B concepts in Sri Lanka & Oman
 

Under the MOU, the two companies intend to collaborate through J M Robertson & Company Limited (“JMR”), a subsidiary of Axton, to establish and scale F&B concepts across both markets. JMR — which traces its history to 1845 and is one of the oldest coffee trading companies in the Indian subcontinent — already owns and operates cafes under the Department of Coffee brand in Sri Lanka and Oman, giving the partnership an established operating base in both target markets from the outset.

The collaboration will focus initially on Colombo and Muscat, with further opportunities across Sri Lanka, Oman, and other selected markets to be evaluated as the partnership develops.

EPSRR has previously invested in and developed Club Sulaimani Food & Beverages LLP, which operates the Club Sulaimani® and CS Signature® brands in India and is developing EPSRR Le Bistro® for international markets.

Speaking at the event to mark the MOU signing, Mr. Riyas Kalliyath, Chairman of EPSRR and Club Sulaimani said, “EPSRR today has taken the first major step to launch series of outlets internationally starting with Oman followed by Sri Lanka and other GCC, European and American markets. We are looking to grow as an international brand offering multi cuisine delicacies serving patrons across continents. Our association with Axton is our first internationally which we look to grow rapidly.”

Mr. Anand R. Iyer, Chief Executive Officer of EPSRR & Club Sulaimani and Vice Chairman of EPSRR, said, “We are delighted to have signed two major MOUs for Sri Lanka and our first GCC outlet at Oman today. This is our first major step out of India and our strategy is to get our footprints to major markets internationally. I am excited to welcome Axton group to participate in this growth journey.”

Speaking on behalf of Axton and J M Robertson, Malith Perera, Director said, “With roots going back to 1845 and more than 180 years in the trade, J M Robertson has deep operating experience across Sri Lanka and Oman, including our own Department of Coffee cafes in both markets. That gives EPSRR a genuine running start rather than a standing one. We are pleased to bring our platform and local knowledge to concepts with the character and track record of EPSRR, and we look forward to building this partnership across both markets and beyond.”

About EPSRR Holdings Private Limited

EPSRR Holdings Private Limited is an investment holding company headquartered in Cochin, Kerala, India, with interests in the conceptualisation, investment, and development of businesses primarily in the food and beverage sector. Its investments include Club Sulaimani Food & Beverages LLP, operator of Club Sulaimani® and CS Signature® in India, and it is developing EPSRR Le Bistro® as part of its international growth strategy. The group has experience operating F&B locations across airports, malls and city centres in India and intends to expand its portfolio both domestically and internationally.

About Axton Capital and J M Robertson & Company Limited

Axton Capital is an investment company operating in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka, focused on developing businesses with long-term growth potential across selected international markets.
 

J M Robertson & Company Limited (“JMR”), a subsidiary of Axton, traces its history to 1845 and, with more than 180 years in the trade, is one of the oldest coffee trading companies in the Indian subcontinent. JMR owns its own tea and coffee brands and operates cafés under the Department of Coffee brand in Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman, giving Axton an established F&B platform and operating presence in both markets. Through JMR, the partnership with EPSRR will support the introduction and scaling of additional food, beverage and hospitality concepts across Sri Lanka, Oman and other selected markets.