Want to make this Rakhi extra special with a unique twist on traditional mithai? Add a burst of South African Citrus to your festive platter with this delightful Orange Sandesh. A refreshing take on the classic Bengali sweet, it combines soft, melt-in-the-mouth chhena with milk powder, a zero-calorie sweetener and fragrant South African Citrus zest. With a juicy mandarin segment tucked inside, every bite brings a delicious citrus surprise. Light, flavourful and made without sugar or cream, this vibrant festive treat is the perfect way to add a fresh and memorable touch to your Rakhi celebrations.

South African Orange Sandesh- Chef Neha Deepak Shah

South African Citrus Orange Sandesh –Chef Neha Deepak Shah

Ingredients –

500 ml milk 

2 tsp vinegar 

1/4 cup milk powder 

1/4 cup low sweetener of your choice 

A pinch of saffron or orange food colour (optional)

1 South African Mandarins (for stuffing and zest)

Some cloves, pistachios & mint leaves for garnish

Preparations-

1. Heat the milk until hot. Add vinegar gradually and stir gently until the milk curdles and the chhena separates.

2. Strain the chhena using a muslin cloth and wash it well.

3. Squeeze out the excess water and transfer the soft chhena to a mixer.

4. Add zero-calorie sweetener and milk powder, then blend until smooth.

5. Transfer the mixture to a pan and cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until it becomes slightly dry and starts leaving the sides of the pan.

6. Add saffron or orange food colour, if using, and mix well.

7. Stir in the finely grated South African mandarin zest for a fresh citrusy aroma.

8. Let the mixture cool slightly. Take a small portion and flatten it gently.

9. Place a juicy South African mandarin segment in the centre and carefully shape the mixture into a ball, sealing the fruit inside.

10. Repeat with the remaining mixture and mandarin segments.

11. Serve these citrus-filled sandesh as a special mithai for Rakhi and surprise your loved ones with a burst of freshness in every bite.

About Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) represents citrus growers across Southern Africa. For over 120 years, growers have produced premium citrus fruits with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, innovation, nutrition, and preventive health. Grown under ideal climatic conditions and carefully harvested, these fruits deliver scientifically supported health benefits with every serving. Behind this success are passionate individuals who take pride in agriculture and understand the dedication required to produce world-class fruit – a commitment that truly sets Southern African citrus apart. truly sets Southern African citrus apart.

Bajaj Finance has launched Loan Utsav 2026, offering a limited-period reward bundle to eligible customers whose Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is successfully disbursed during the campaign period. The campaign combines access to personal financing with entertainment, dining and lifestyle benefits.
 

Loan Utsav 2026 is available until 10 September 2026, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Eligible customers can explore the reward bundle while considering a personal loan for planned or urgent expenses.
 

Bajaj Finance Personal Loan
 

What is new in Loan Utsav 2026?

Loan Utsav 2026 introduces a reward bundle for eligible customers whose Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is successfully disbursed during the campaign period.
 

The reward bundle includes benefits across entertainment, music, dining and shopping categories:

• Zee 5, Sony Liv & 14 other OTTs – 6 months free membership

• JioHotstar membership – 3 months

• Free 3-month Zomato Gold Membership

• Free 3-month JioSaavn Pro

• Free 45 Day Gaana membership

• Free 40+ Vouchers
   

The rewards are applicable after successful loan disbursal within the campaign period. Eligibility and reward fulfilment are subject to the applicable campaign terms and conditions.
 

Who can benefit from Loan Utsav 2026?

Loan Utsav 2026 can be relevant for eligible customers who are already considering a personal loan for a planned or urgent financial requirement.
 

A Bajaj Finance Personal Loan can help manage various personal expenses. Customers can choose a loan amount and repayment tenure based on their financial needs and applicable eligibility.
 

The campaign rewards are linked to successful loan disbursal during the specified campaign period. Customers should review the applicable terms before applying.
 

What are the key features of a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan?

A Bajaj Finance Personal Loan offers a loan amount ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, subject to applicable eligibility criteria. The repayment tenure ranges from 12 months to 108 months.
 

The personal loan interest rate ranges from 10% to 30.5% per annum, depending on applicable terms and the customer’s profile.
 

The loan is collateral-free, so eligible customers do not need to pledge an asset as security. Funds can be disbursed within 24 hours*, subject to fulfilment of applicable conditions and documentation.
 

These features allow customers to consider different loan amounts and repayment periods based on their financial requirements.
 

How does the extended tenure help with financial planning?

The repayment tenure of up to 108 months gives eligible customers more flexibility when planning their monthly repayments.
 

A longer tenure can reduce the monthly EMI for a given loan amount, which may help customers manage their monthly cash flow. However, extending the tenure can also increase the total interest payable over the loan period.
 

Customers should compare different tenure options and consider their income, existing financial commitments and repayment capacity before selecting a repayment schedule.
 

What is the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan interest rate?

The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan interest rate ranges from 10% to 30.5% per annum, subject to applicable terms and the customer’s profile.
 

The interest rate is an important factor when assessing the overall cost of a personal loan. Customers should review the applicable rate, EMI, processing charges and other relevant terms before accepting a loan offer.
 

Using an EMI calculator can also help customers understand how the loan amount, interest rate and tenure can affect their monthly repayment.
 

How can customers apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan?

Customers can begin the application process online by checking their eligibility and providing the required information. The process includes submitting relevant details and documents for assessment.
 

Eligible customers can select a suitable loan amount and repayment tenure based on their requirements and applicable terms. Once the required checks and documentation are completed, the loan can be disbursed within 24 hours*.
 

Customers applying during Loan Utsav 2026 should ensure that the loan is successfully disbursed within the campaign period to qualify for the applicable reward benefits, subject to the campaign terms.
 

Why consider a personal loan during Loan Utsav 2026?

Loan Utsav 2026 brings together personal financing and a limited-period reward bundle. For customers who already have a planned borrowing requirement, the campaign provides an opportunity to explore the applicable rewards along with the features of a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan.
 

The loan offers amounts from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, repayment tenures from 12 months to 108 months, and interest rates from 10% to 30.5% per annum. It is also a collateral-free loan, with disbursal within 24 hours* subject to applicable conditions.
 

Customers should borrow based on their actual financial requirements and repayment capacity rather than choosing a loan solely for the campaign rewards.
 

A simple and customer-focused borrowing journey

Bajaj Finance provides a structured process for customers exploring personal finance options. The combination of online application, flexible repayment tenures and collateral-free borrowing can help eligible customers manage different financial needs.
 

Loan Utsav 2026 adds a limited-period reward bundle for eligible customers whose loan is successfully disbursed during the campaign period. Customers should check the campaign terms, loan costs and applicable eligibility criteria before proceeding.
 

Customers can check their eligibility online and review the applicable terms for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan.
 

*Terms and conditions apply.
 

About Bajaj Finance Ltd.

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL serves over 124.43 million customers through a diversified portfolio comprising consumer loans, SME finance, commercial lending, rural lending, fixed deposits and payments, offered through Web, App and at 4,000+ locations. As a FinAI company, BFL is focused on continuous innovation through smart use of technology, data and analytics to drive seamless, simplified and personalized experiences for its customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BBB/Stable and a short-term rating of A-2 by S&P Global ratings. It has been assigned a ‘Baa3 Corporate Family Rating’ with Stable outlook from Moody’s Rating.

Azim Premji Foundation today announced the launch of the Azim Premji Scholarship for Delhi (NCT). The scholarship will support up to 20,000 girls in Delhi this year to continue their higher education. Each selected student will receive INR 30,000 a year, from the first year of college until she completes her undergraduate degree or diploma. Depending on the duration of the course, which can range from two to five years, a student can receive up to INR 1.5 lakh. The scholarship can be used to pay college fees and meet other education-related expenses.

L-R: Nikhil Mathur, Delhi State Lead, Azim Premji Foundation; Sudheesh Venkatesh, Chief Communications Officer at the Azim Premji Foundation

Launched in 2024, the scholarship is now open to girls who have completed their schooling in any of 21 States and Union Territories: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi (NCT), Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

To be eligible, a student must have completed Classes 10 and 12 in a government school in one of these States/UTs and secured admission to the first year of an undergraduate degree or diploma course at a recognised institution anywhere in India.

The Foundation aims to support up to 5 lakh girls across India every year. Since most undergraduate programmes last around three years, and students continue to receive the scholarship throughout their course, nearly 15 lakh girls could have an active Azim Premji Scholarship at any given time. Since the scholarship was launched in 2024, more than 1.9 lakh girls have received support.

The Azim Premji Scholarship application process is completely online and free. Applications can be submitted only through the official Azim Premji Foundation website.

Anurag Behar, CEO, Azim Premji Foundation, said, “Girls will have a greater influence on the future of our country and our society’s well-being — more than any other demographic group. So, we must ensure equitable opportunities for them in all spheres. Higher Education is one the most important of these spheres — it is an enabler of lifelong empowerment. Our scholarship directly addresses some of the barriers that girls continue to confront in accessing Higher Education.”

About Azim Premji Foundation

Azim Premji Foundation works towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. The Foundation works across education, health and other areas of social development. It partners with governments, institutions, civil society organisations and communities across India.

The Indian commercial property market enters H2 2026 on a foundation of quality, connectivity, flexibility, and value, becoming the key demand drivers. GCC development, infrastructure improvement, and changing occupier demands are influencing the evaluation criteria for offices and retail properties.

Commercial real estate growth driven by connectivity, infrastructure and evolving demand

As per the latest industry report, GCCs have contributed 43% to the total leasing of office spaces in India’s major cities in the first half of 2026. In addition, the total office inventory in India surpassed 1 billion square feet in 2026. 

Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, said, “The commercial real estate sector is gradually shifting towards a demand-based phase where the occupants and investors are assessing the opportunities in terms of connectivity, quality, and sustainability. In locations like Noida and Greater Noida, the development in the infrastructure coupled with new business and job openings is supporting the increasing demand for modern office spaces. This trend will also push the developers to build commercial assets in sync with the changing requirements of the businesses and investors.”

Building on this shift towards demand-led commercial growth, connectivity and infrastructure are also emerging as critical factors influencing occupier and investor decisions across key NCR markets.

Harinder Singh Hora, Founder Chairman, Reach Group, said, “The current momentum in retail leasing reflects a fundamental shift in how commercial destinations are being conceived and consumed. Retail performs best when it is anchored by a strong and evolving catchment, supported by residential, workplaces, hospitality, entertainment and dining that together create sustained footfall throughout the day. Gurugram is a strong example of this transition, with emerging growth corridors giving rise to new consumer catchments and expanding the addressable market for organised retail.”

Mitul Jain, Managing Director, SPJ Group, added, “The commercial real estate industry, especially the retail segment, is increasingly adopting an experiential approach, wherein the objective of providing an experience is going beyond transactions to destinations which encourage the consumers to spend time, engage themselves, and keep coming back. In Gurugram, the new demand scenario of the consumers is leading to increased relevance of the retail settings that offer shopping, dining, entertainment, and convenience all under one roof and in a well-connected location. High visibility, accessibility, good catchments, and steady footfalls are increasingly becoming key factors that help the occupiers and investors gauge the future prospects of a commercial real estate property.”

This growing emphasis on strong fundamentals and consumer-led demand is also reflected in the broader investment outlook, with investors increasingly assessing commercial assets through the lens of long-term resilience and real demand.

Ashwani Kumar, Pyramid Infratech, said, “Real estate investment in H2 2026 would be driven more by fundamentals than by sentiment, and will look towards the basic demand and the potential of the real estate asset. Aspects like connectivity, catchment areas, good development and the capability of an area to facilitate economic activities will continue to play an important part in real estate investments. In regions like Gurugram, the growing infrastructure and residential population create opportunities for commercial and retail spaces that can meet the needs of consumers and businesses. Such assets, which are supported by demand, proper location, good infrastructure and future-proof planning, would be able to create sustainable value and stay resilient in different market cycles.”

Beyond Gurugram, the same fundamentals are gaining traction across emerging NCR markets, where infrastructure expansion and growing catchments are creating opportunities for integrated commercial developments.

Azad Ahmad Lone, President, Biigtech, said, “In Greater Noida, improving infrastructure, expanding residential catchments and the region’s growing economic relevance are creating a stronger foundation for organised retail and commercial developments. Occupiers are increasingly seeking spaces that offer visibility, accessibility and a strong consumer ecosystem, while investors are looking for assets with sustainable demand drivers rather than short-term speculation. We expect mixed-use developments, experiential retail and well-planned commercial destinations to gain traction. The focus will increasingly be on creating integrated ecosystems that combine retail, dining, entertainment and business uses, thereby supporting both occupier demand and long-term investment value.”

With experience becoming a central component of retail performance, developers and retailers are also placing greater emphasis on the elements that drive sustained footfall and repeat consumer engagement.

Ajendra Singh, Vice President (Sales and Marketing), Spectrum Metro, said, “Clearly, there is a trend emerging within the retail real estate industry, whereby retailers and consumers are not satisfied by mere retail opportunities but rather want an experience that adds value to their visit. In the second half of 2026, having a good catchment area, ease of access, good tenant mix, entertainment, and food and beverage options will still be important factors for creating consistent footfall and good retail performance.”

Overall, H2 2026 is expected to favour commercial assets that combine strategic location, quality infrastructure, sustainability and strong demand fundamentals, with GCC growth and evolving consumer and occupier preferences continuing to shape the market.

Ai+ Smartphone announced Nova 2 Power 5G, the newest addition to its Nova 2 Series, through Project Open Review 2.0, revealing the device’s design, colourways and chipset ahead of its market debut. The programme invites reviewers, creators, journalists, technology enthusiasts and ethical hackers to independently put Nova 2 Power to the test before it reaches consumers. 
 

Ai+ Smartphone Announces Nova 2 Power through Project Open Review 2.0, Unveiling a Bold New Design and Powerful Performance
 

Building on the first edition of Project Open Review, which drew more than 700 registrations, Open Review 2.0 expands participation to include ethical hackers for the first time, reflecting Ai+’s commitment to building Trust through Transparency before the product reaches the end consumer. 
 

With Nova 2 Power, Ai+ Smartphone is introducing a smartphone built around two defining ideas – “Design that inspires and Power that outlasts.” The design story comes to life through two striking dual Colour Fusion finishes: Golden Blue Fusion, which brings together muted gold and deep navy blue in a fluid gradient that shifts from understated warmth to a deeper, bolder tone; and Blue Fusion, which transitions from cool ocean blue to vivid sunset orange for a younger, more expressive visual identity.
 

Rather than treating colour as a surface-level addition, the design language brings contrasting tones together in a dual flowing finish, giving Nova 2 Power a distinctive and recognisable identity. The approach is designed for consumers who increasingly see their smartphone not just as a technology device, but as an extension of their personal style.
 

Ai+ Smartphone Announces Nova 2 Power through Project Open Review 2.0, Unveiling a Bold New Design and Powerful Performance
 

Under the hood, Nova 2 Power runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7100, built on a 6nm process designed to deliver a balance of sustained performance and power efficiency. 
 

Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said, “Nova 2 Power represents the next evolution of the Nova Series bringing together performance and a design identity that is distinctly its own. The Dimensity 7100 gives it the performance foundation, while our new Colour Fusion finishes allow the device to stand out beyond specifications. But we also believe a product should earn confidence before it asks consumers for it. With Project Open Review 2.0, we are putting the Nova 2 Power to test before it reaches the end consumer.”
 

Under Project Open Review 2.0, participants will get early, independent access to evaluate Nova 2 Power across all the specs and overall user experience. The process is entirely unscripted, with no expectation of a favourable verdict. Nova 2 Power runs on NxtQuantum OS, Ai+ Smartphone’s mobile operating system, and extends the Nova Series into a more performance and design-led territory. 
 

Further details on Nova 2 Power, including additional specifications, pricing and availability, will be announced closer to its consumer launch. 
 

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is an Indian technology brand delivering high-performance, accessible mobile experiences powered by NxtQuantum OS — India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. By combining clean design, long battery life and privacy-first software across its smartphone and Connected AIoT ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is establishing a new standard for trust, performance and user-owned technology.
 

About 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 authored in India and globally competitive.

The Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) has welcomed the recent stakeholder consultation on the draft Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, appreciating the open and constructive consultative approach adopted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) with the alternate capital industry.

IVCA Welcomes Consultative Approach on Draft FEMA NDI Rules

The consultation brought together policymakers, regulators and industry participants to discuss the proposed framework and its practical implications. IVCA members participated actively in the discussions and appreciated the opportunity to share concerns, suggestions and implementation-related inputs directly with the relevant authorities.

The industry welcomed the proposed measures aimed at further liberalising foreign investment and improving ease of doing business, as regards to stakes below 10% and the likelihood of a move towards allowing market forces to determine valuation. At the same time, IVCA emphasised the importance of maintaining the existing treatment of AIFs under the IOCC framework, grandfathering transactions and funds undertaken under the current regulations, and ensuring that any new provisions be applied prospectively.

Srini Sriniwasan, Chairperson, IVCA, said, “We deeply appreciate the joint forum of RBI, SEBI, DPIIT and DEA on this important reform and liberalisation measure. Bringing policymakers, regulators and industry together provides an important opportunity to discuss the practical implications of the proposed framework and ensure that industry perspectives are considered as the regulations evolve. Such a consultative approach will be important in creating greater predictability, improving ease of doing business and strengthening India’s attractiveness for global capital.” 

IVCA believes the consultation reflects the value of bringing policymakers, regulators and market participants together while regulations are being shaped. Such a consultative approach enables practical implementation issues to be discussed early and provides industry an opportunity to contribute its experience towards an efficient and investment-friendly regulatory framework.

IVCA looks forward to continuing to provide relevant industry inputs as the proposed framework evolves and supporting efforts towards a simpler and more predictable foreign investment regime.

About Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA)
The Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) is a not-for-profit, apex industry body promoting the alternate capital industry and fostering a vibrant investing ecosystem in India. IVCA is committed to supporting the ecosystem by facilitating advocacy discussions with the Government of India, policymakers, and regulators, resulting in the rise of entrepreneurial activity, innovation, and job creation in India and contributing towards the development of India as a leading fund management hub. IVCA represents 500+ funds with a combined AUM of over USD 350 billion. Our members are the most active domestic and global VCs, PEs, funds for infrastructure, real estate, credit funds, limited partners, investment companies, family offices, corporate VCs, and knowledge partners. These funds invest in emerging companies, venture growth, buyout, special situations, distressed assets, and credit and venture debt, among others.

• Maa Kauvery brings together maternity care, obstetrics and gynaecology, fertility, neonatology, paediatrics and paediatric critical care under one roof.

• The hospital is equipped with advanced neonatal and paediatric care facilities, including a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Kauvery Hospital – Radial Road has launched Maa Kauvery, a dedicated 120-bed hospital for women and children, offering an extensive range of services related to maternity care, obstetrics and gynaecology, fertility, neonatology, paediatrics and paediatric critical care under one roof.

Dr. K.G. Arunraj, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu inaugurated the hospital at Radial Road

Dr. K.G. Arunraj, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu inaugurated the hospital in the presence of Dr S Chandrakumar, Founder & Executive Chairman, Dr Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder & Managing Director, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Dr D Sengutuvvan, Co-Founder & Executive Director from Kauvery Group of Hospitals.

The occasion was also graced by Mr. D. Sarathkumar, Hon’ble Minister for Human Resources Management, Government of Tamil Nadu and Smt. J. Kamatchi, Hon’ble MLA, Pallavaram Constituency.

Maa Kauvery will provide 24/7 maternity care and specialised management of normal and high-risk pregnancies for expectant mothers, with dedicated clinical teams available round the clock to support women through pregnancy, labour and childbirth. The hospital will offer dedicated birthing facilities, besides providing comprehensive antenatal, delivery and postnatal care, ensuring coordinated support for mothers and newborns throughout the maternity journey.

This comprehensive maternity care will be supported by advanced laparoscopic gynaecologic surgery and fetal medicine services, enabling women to access specialised care across different stages of their maternal journey. The hospital will also extend its women’s healthcare services to fertility care through assisted reproductive services, including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

For newborns, the hospital is equipped with advanced neonatal care facilities, including a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The in-house Level 3 NICU enables the hospital to provide advanced and comprehensive care for critically ill newborns including premature babies born before 30 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1.5 kg. The unit will also have round-the-clock access to neonatal specialists, respiratory support and advanced life-support technologies. The paediatric specialities also include paediatric pulmonology, paediatric nephrology, paediatric intensive care, paediatric haematology, neonatology and supporting care.

For children, Maa Kauvery will offer comprehensive paediatric care, including a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and 24/7 paediatric emergency services. Specialised teams will be available round the clock to provide prompt assessment and management of critically ill and high-risk children.

Dr. D. Senguttuvan, Co-Founder, Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “Women and children have healthcare needs that are unique and constantly evolving. Since 2024, Kauvery Hospital has been successfully running a 200-bed Maa Kauvery in Trichy, developing and refining an integrated model of care for women and children. With the launch of Maa Kauvery at Radial Road in Chennai, we are bringing this proven and perfected model to the city, combining specialised expertise, advanced infrastructure and compassionate care in one place. The hospital is equipped with cutting-edge technology and a team of highly trained specialists available 24/7. It will also address the evolving healthcare needs of women at every stage of life, including adolescent health, reproductive health and fertility care. Building on our experience in Trichy, this new facility aims to set new standards in paediatric and obstetric care in Chennai.”

In addition to maternity and paediatric services, Maa Kauvery will provide comprehensive gynaecological care, extending the continuum of healthcare for women across different stages of life. The services will cover a wide range of needs, from menstrual health and PMOS to menopause and other gynaecological conditions. The facility will also have a counselling clinic offering personalised health advice and preventive care, along with specialised services for gynaecologic oncology and breast health, including mammography.

The AVPN Global Conference 2026 opened today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India, marking the first time in its 13-year history that the Conference is being held in the country. This signature convening takes place as AVPN enters its 15th year of moving capital towards impact for Asia, underscoring the organisation’s strategic evolution and its call for Asia leaders to shift from participation to leadership in advancing Asia-led solutions. 

AVPN: Kevin Teo (CTO), Naina Subberwal Batra (CEO), Achal Agarwal (Chair), Roshini Prakash (CKPO), Ramkumar Venkatramani (Director, Impact Investing)

This year’s edition brings together close to 2,000 of the region’s most influential funders, investors, corporates, policymakers and changemakers to shape practical and scalable pathways for inclusive growth. A Special Address titled “Advancing India’s Health Agenda” was delivered by  Anupriya Patel, Honourable Minister of State & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, who spoke on how India can translate its health ambitions into actionable, inclusive strategies. 

Distinguished speakers of the Conference include Ajay Piramal (Chairman, Piramal Group), Boon Heong Ng (Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Foundation), Budi Gunadi Sadikin (Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia), Professor Larry Kramer (President & Vice-chancellor, London School of Economics & Political Science), Neerja Birla (Founder & Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust), Piyush Gupta (Chairman, Singapore Management University) and Tony Tan (Executive Director, CapitaLand Hope Foundation). 

The Conference reflects AVPN’s role as Asia’s largest platform for social impact, where more than 700 resource providers, innovators and intermediaries from across 43 markets collaborate to mobilise capital for a more prosperous and inclusive Asia. 

“India has a growing role in Asia’s impact story, and is no longer simply a destination for impact capital,” said Achal Agarwal, Chair at AVPN. “It is fast becoming a source of ideas, innovation and solutions that will shape Asia’s future. Hosting our Global Conference here for the first time reflects that shift. This is a strategic choice: New Delhi gives us a two-way bridge, a platform for the rest of Asia to bring forward investment-ready ideas, and for innovations emerging from India to shape solutions across the region.” 

Asia is confronting a USD 26-trillion financing need through 2030 to maintain growth, eradicate poverty and respond to climate change, alongside a USD 1.5-trillion annual SDG financing gap that demands more coordinated capital. The urgency is reflected in this year’s Conference theme, “A Blueprint for Action in Asia,” which focuses on how leadership is exercised in and for the region through collaboration, mobilising capital, and pursuing innovative financing approaches that create opportunities for communities and markets alike. The Conference is designed to move the ecosystem from fragmented efforts to coordinated action, positioning AVPN as the connective tissue that allows capital to amplify impact in Asia.

“In a year like this, our biggest breakthrough will not come from any single funder, instrument or initiative. It will come from how bravely we choose to work together,” said Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO at AVPN. “We need an ecosystem where philanthropists, investors, corporates, governments and innovators see themselves not as separate actors, but as co-owners of shared outcomes. That is what the Conference is here to build, partnerships that translate intent into coordinated action, and capital that moves in ways that honour the realities of our communities. If we can do that, Asia will not just respond to this moment; we will redefine what effective, collaborative impact looks like for Asia.” 

Over three days, the Conference will feature stakeholders across sectors participating in wide-ranging discussions and robust sessions centered around themes like blended finance, health impact, gender equality, economic inclusion and climate action. The Conference will also spotlight dynamic cross-cutting levers such as AI, policy, impact investing and faith-based giving, which AVPN is harnessing to unlock new forms of capital and innovation for Asia. 

The Conference will conclude with an Impact Investing Day focused on actionable capital flows. It will bring together leading investors, fund managers, limited partners, general partners, philanthropists and ecosystem leaders to explore how the full continuum of capital, from grants to debt and equity, can be intentionally aligned to move solutions from innovation to scale. By convening unlikely allies and catalysing coalitions, AVPN aims to foster shared accountability among partners across sectors, enabling them to converge around collective outcomes. 

Key highlights of the Opening Day of the AVPN Global Conference 2026 include:

• Towards a More Cohesive Asia: Harmony in Diversity Fund Grantee Announcement. Southeast Asia’s rich diversity fuels creativity, resilience, and innovation, yet sustaining harmony across communities requires continuous collaboration and locally rooted leadership. The Harmony in Diversity Fund mobilises capital to support initiatives that strengthen harmony and intercultural understanding. In this session, meet the first cohort of community-based organisations from across the region to benefit from the Fund.

• Maharashtra Climate Investment Programme: From Pipeline to Deal. The Government of Maharashtra and AVPN unveiled a USD 1 billion climate investment pipeline, bringing together investment-ready opportunities across clean transport, industrial decarbonisation, renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture. The announcement also marked the programme’s move from pipeline to deployment, with the first freight electrification transaction on the JNPA corridor and plans for a catalytic fund to help unlock private capital at scale.

• Nexa Lighthouse. As climate change increasingly affects health outcomes across Asia, there is growing momentum to strengthen collaboration across climate, health, philanthropy, and innovation. This emerging regional platform is designed to connect capital, knowledge, and partnerships with locally led solutions addressing urgent climate-related health risks.

• A Regional Reckoning: Eliminating Tuberculosis in Asia. Asia bears the heaviest burden of tuberculosis globally, yet the policy ambition to match that scale remains uneven. Naina Subberwal Batra (AVPN CEO) was joined by Punya Salila Srivastava (Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India), Mark Suzman (CEO, Gates Foundation) and Boon Heong Ng (Executive Director & CEO, Temasek Foundation) on how the end of tuberculosis is a political choice, and how governments and policymakers can make this choice. 

For more information about the AVPN Global Conference 2026, visit avpn.asia/conference.

About AVPN
AVPN is Asia’s largest platform for social impact, where over 700 resource providers, innovators and intermediaries from across 43 markets collaborate to mobilise capital.  Grounded in deep regional expertise and partnerships, AVPN is building a thriving ecosystem that accelerates measurable progress toward inclusive growth, empowering Asia to lead the way in global impact. AVPN’s mission is to translate intent into impact by bringing together people, ideas, and resources for Asia. We do this by strengthening partnerships, fostering open collaboration, and enabling the coordinated flow of resources across markets and borders. Together with our community, AVPN is building a thriving impact ecosystem that drives a prosperous and inclusive Asia.

For more information about AVPN and our work, please visit our website and read our latest Annual Review.

About AVPN Global Conference 2026
The AVPN Global Conference, the largest annual networking event for resource providers active in Asia, brings together leaders from Asia and beyond to collectively envision an impactful future that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable. The Conference is an opportunity to build trust between resource providers, philanthropists and community impact leaders on priorities shaping Asia’s impact landscape which forms the Conference’s 12 interconnected tracks. Alongside the Conference is a dedicated AVPN Impact Investing Day, the first-of-its-kind large-scale impact investment-focused convening in Asia, featuring global and Asian investors, funders as well as Limited Partners including asset managers, family offices, and institutional investors.

Robb Report India, part of RPSG Lifestyle Media, celebrated its first anniversary titled Chapter One: The Circle of Influence—an exclusive, invite-only gathering at Fairmont Udaipur Palace on August 23 and 24, 2026. With Fairmont Udaipur Palace and Accor as hospitality partner along with BMW Excellence Club as Luxury Mobility Partner, The Macallan as Experience Partner, Vedica as Hydration Partner, Titan Nebula as Celebrations Partner and Aabee as the Luxury Travel and Concierge Partner — the event brought together a select group of tastemakers, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders to commemorate a year that established Robb Report India as the country’s most considered voice in luxury media. 

RR Circle members with RR Circle chair Avarna Jain (center, in white) and Editor of Robb Report India, Aindrila Mitra

Avarna Jain, Chairperson of RPSG Lifestyle Media, said, “India is at an exciting inflection point in shaping the global luxury narrative. For Robb Report India and RPSG Lifestyle Media to play a part in taking India’s stories of craftsmanship, culture and contemporary luxury to the world is a matter of immense pride. Since its launch in September 2025, Robb Report India has sought to set a new benchmark for luxury storytelling and experiences.”

Avarna Jain and Kajol discuss films, luxury and more

Robb Report India has been the gold standard in luxury media, offering insights across categories such as automobiles, travel, fine dining, real estate, and rare collectibles. This is not a title chasing trends—it is one that sets them. 

Swati and Somesh Agarwal (owners of Fairmont Udaipur Palace)

Robb Report curates the world’s finest offerings for a readership that is increasingly setting the terms of global living, rather than just following them, and in India, Robb Report upholds that with purpose.

Shashwat and Shivika Goenka

Off the pages too, Robb Report India has created its own identity with a series of unique experiences. The RR Experience series—invite-only, immersive, and built around access to spaces and people not ordinarily in the public eye—began in Udaipur, before moving to Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior for Palace Privé in April 2026, where Priyadarshini Raje Scindia and her son, Mahaaryaman Scindia, opened their ancestral home to a gathering that included well-known names across Bollywood, fashion, business and culture. 

L to R Yogesh Chaudhary, Tarang Arora, Aditya Dugar, Aditi Dugar, Avarna Jain, Akanksha Arora, Abhimanyu Alsisar, Aindrila Mitra, Rahul Mishra and Divya Bhatt Mishra

With Chapter One: The Circle of Influence, Robb Report returned to where the RR Experience began—in Udaipur. Fairmont Udaipur Palace, with its grandeur, is a significant luxury address in Rajasthan. Cocooned within the lush Aravalli hills, with stunning views all around, it played the perfect backdrop for a momentous occasion.

Avarna Jain

The programme, including the launch of the coveted RR Circle Members 2026-2027, spread over two days, encompassed celebrations and building connections with guests ranging from business, fashion, art, sports, Bollywood, royal families and some of the country’s top tastemakers. 

Day one opened with lunch, followed by Celebration Experiences in the afternoon and a VIP gala at the Imperial Ballroom. At the fireside chat, Jain was joined by Bollywood legend Kajol, who spoke about 30 years of Simran, and what luxury means to her: the ability and the bandwidth to have choice, be it a slow morning, the choice to work or not, the choice to be who she is. 

Guests were treated to a curated menu inspired by local flavours, while Jasleen Royal had a private performance where she sang her hits such as ‘Love You Zindagi’ and ‘Heeriye’ among others. She also invited one of the guests, former international cricketer Suresh Raina on stage for an impromptu performance.  

This was followed by an after-party where DJ Aqeel played an exclusive set at Dahaad, only for the guests. He belted out favourites such as ‘Kali Kali Ankhein’, ‘Tu Mera Hero,’ ‘Baby’ among others as the party continued into the wee hours of the morning.

Day two kicked off with early risers and enthusiastic guests playing a game of padel and lounging in the hotel’s breathtaking pool, followed by breakfast before departure.

High-profile guests who attended this special celebration included RPSG Vice-Chairman and Vice-President of CII 2026-27, Shashwat Goenka; Shivika Goenka- Director of Education and Luxury at RPSG; design couturiers Rahul and Divya Mishra; top tastemakers from the art and design fraternity including gallerists Prateek and Priyanka Raja, Bhavna Kakkar, designers Gautam Seth and Prateek Jain from Klove, artist Paresh Maity; jewellers Tarang Arora and Siddharth Kasliwal from Amrapali and Gem Palace, respectively, as well as several royal family members including the Mewar royal family, Alsisar, Karauli, etc. 

Aindrila Mitra, Editor, Robb Report India, said, “Robb Report India has had a remarkable year one with the launch of various IPs like The Robb Report Table, Culinary Masters, At Home with Royalty and our marquee RR Experience. And while we step towards Chapter Two, it will be our endeavour to steer this title towards Luxury with Purpose. Where multi-format immersive content, access and mindful storytelling become our hallmarks.” 

About Robb Report India

Robb Report India is the global voice of luxury, trusted by those who never settle for anything but the exceptional. With 22 international editions, Robb Report curates the rare, the timeless, and the unforgettable for an audience that lives extraordinarily. At its core, the brand believes that true luxury today lies not merely in ownership but in experiencing fine craftsmanship, engaging intimately with culture, cuisine, and destinations, and embracing moments that are exclusive, private, and deeply personal. In India, Robb Report champions an India-first perspective within the high-end space, bringing to life emotionally rich, people-forward storytelling that celebrates the country’s heritage, creativity, and evolving definition of modern luxury.

About Fairmont Udaipur Palace

Fairmont Udaipur Palace is a luxury palace hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, managed by Accor. Its architecture draws from the Rajput and Mughal traditions of the Mewar region, and it is among India’s most significant luxury hospitality addresses—a setting where heritage and contemporary luxury exist in direct and uncompromised conversation.

About RPSG Lifestyle Media

Part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, RPSG Lifestyle Media has launched multiple media titles including Esquire India, The Hollywood Reporter India, Robb Report India, and wedding-forward title Manifest. The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group is a USD 7-billion group with interests in power, carbon black, IT, retail, FMCG, sports, media, and entertainment.