• Builds community ownership through sustained engagement with local stakeholders

• 20 drip-irrigation pilots planned for 2026–27 to advance efficient agricultural water use

Tetra Pak, in partnership with Alternative Development Initiatives (ADI), today handed over rejuvenated community ponds in Pur and Rase villages of Khed Taluka, Pune, marking a key milestone under its Integrated Water Resource Development and Management (IWRDM) Programme. The handover, held in the presence of Gajanan Patil, CEO, Zilla Parishad Pune, places the assets in the stewardship of the local communities, following a phased programme of water conservation and community-led interventions undertaken since 2024.

Gajanan Patil, CEO, Zilla Parishad Pune, joined Tetra Pak leaders at the IWRDM Programme community handover in Khed, Pune

Tetra Pak’s first social impact programme in India focused on water conservation, the initiative has enhanced the combined water-holding capacity of the rejuvenated structures to 58.89 million litres and created an estimated annual groundwater recharge potential of 73.61 million litres across Pur and Rase. The programme was developed following a landscape-level assessment of 188 villages across Khed Taluka, of which six villages were shortlisted for detailed assessment and Pur and Rase were selected for implementation. 

Commenting on the occasion, Gajanan Patil, CEO, Zilla Parishad Pune said, “Addressing resource challenges requires collective effort from communities, government and the private sector. Pur and Rase have faced challenges around water availability, and initiatives such as this can make a meaningful difference at the local level. We appreciate the efforts of Tetra Pak and ADI in working with the communities to strengthen water security and create long-term impact.”

• 73.61 million litres annual groundwater recharge potential created

• 58.89 million litres water-holding capacity established

• 61 women mobilised through six self-help groups

• 23 community awareness and capacity-building programmes conducted

• Over 830 cumulative participations recorded

• 20 drip-irrigation pilots planned for 2026-27

A phased approach to strengthening water security
Implemented in phases since 2024, the programme began in Pur, later expanding to Rase, combining water-asset rejuvenation with groundwater, and rainfall monitoring and community-led water management. The interventions have increased water-holding capacity from 11.16 to 32.13 million litres in Pur and from 11.27 to 26.76 million litres in Rase, creating an estimated annual groundwater recharge potential of 40.16 million litres and 33.45 million litres, respectively.

Cassio Simoes, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia, said, “Chakan has been central to Tetra Pak’s journey in India, and with that comes a deep sense of responsibility towards the communities around us. For us, sustainability is about creating lasting value- not only through the way we operate, but also by helping strengthen the resilience of the communities and ecosystems we are part of. In Pur and Rase, we have taken a science-led, community-centred approach to water security, addressing both the availability and responsible management of this critical resource. As we hand over these assets to the community, we are reinforcing what has been fundamental to the programme from the outset: building local ownership so that the impact can endure well beyond the intervention itself.”

Building community ownership beyond infrastructure
Community participation has been integral to the programme, with interventions extending beyond water infrastructure to livelihood development and environmental awareness. To date, the initiative has mobilised six self-help groups involving 61 women, with training and guidance across livelihood skills including stitching, soap making, etc. School awareness sessions have also engaged students on water conservation, plantation, environmental awareness and responsible use of local resources. 

Overall, the programme has conducted 23 training, awareness and community activities, recording over 830 cumulative participations, helping build local capacity and ownership to support the long-term sustainability of the interventions.

Sarang Kulkarni, Hydrogeologist, Alternative Development Initiatives (ADI), said, “The IWRDM Programme has been shaped by understanding the local groundwater conditions, existing water resources and the needs of the communities in Pur and Rase. Along with rejuvenation of the village water-harvesting structures, interventions such as open-well recharge and rooftop rainwater harvesting are helping strengthen local recharge and improve the use of available rainwater. The rejuvenated structures have increased the combined water-holding capacity by more than 36 million litres, with an estimated annual groundwater recharge potential of 73.61 million litres. Regular groundwater and rainfall monitoring is helping us better understand seasonal water availability, while our work with farmers, women’s SHGs, youth and schoolchildren is building awareness, skills and local ownership. The next phase will further strengthen this through seasonal water budgeting, farmer capacity building and drip-irrigation pilots, helping communities use water more efficiently and sustain these benefits over the long term.”

The next phase: efficient agriculture and sustained stewardship
The programme will now focus on consolidating the gains made across Pur and Rase through continued groundwater monitoring, community stewardship, livelihood and school-based interventions. It will also strengthen efficient agricultural water use, with 20 drip-irrigation pilots planned for 2026–27, supported by seasonal water budgeting and farmer capacity building. 

The IWRDM Programme adds to Tetra Pak’s growing portfolio of sustainability initiatives in India, spanning climate, circularity and community impact. Through these efforts, the company continues to translate its global sustainability ambitions into locally relevant action and measurable impact in India.

About Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak is a world-leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working with our customers and suppliers, we provide access to safe, nutritious food for hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries every day. With over 24,000 employees worldwide, we commit to making food safe and available everywhere, and we promise to protect what’s good: food, people and the planet.
 

More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com

Rocket Learning, one of India’s largest early learning non-profits, hosted Udaan 2026 in New Delhi – India’s largest convening on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). The event brought together a diverse line-up of speakers and experts from government and policymaking, research and academia, education, civil society and technology. The theme for this edition was ‘From Surviving to Thriving’, and the event saw discussions on enhancing Anganwadis, investing in early childhood development, the role of technology in supporting India’s youngest children and the resulting impact, through speaker sessions and panel discussion. 
 

Azeez Gupta, Rocket Learning; Dr. Shena Aggarwal, Govt. of Punjab; Radhika Jha, Govt. of India; Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Govt. of Odisha; Rakhi, Parent from Sonipat
 

Amongst the esteemed speakers and guests were distinguished leaders including Dr. M. Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog; Arti Ahuja, Former Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India; Amanda Devercelli, Former Global Early Childhood Development Head, World Bank Group; Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation; Radhika Jha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India; Dr. Dinesh Arora, Principal Specialist at the Asian Development Bank, and Dr. Abhijeet Singh, Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics and Board Member (Education), J-PAL. They were joined by Dr. Shena Aggarwal, Special Secretary-cum-Director, Dept. of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Govt. of Punjab; Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Dept. of Women and Child Development, Govt. of Odisha and senior officials of the Women and Child Development departments of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Andhra Pradesh; leaders from OpenAI, TRYST at IIT Bombay, and SIRA; and Rocket Learning co-founders Azeez Gupta, Namya Mahajan, Siddhant Sachdeva, and Utsav Kheria.

Delivering the keynote discussion on reducing the administrative burden on Anganwadi workers in India, Dr. M. Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog, said, “Frontline workers like Anganwadi staff should not be burdened solely with administrative tasks and manual record-keeping. Technology and policy changes must simplify their workload so they can focus on their primary mission: directly nurturing mothers and children.”

Speaking on targeted AI interventions for vulnerable families, Arti Ahuja, Former Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt. of India, said, “The true power of AI lies in data-driven empathy. Down to the village and hamlet level, AI can help us identify red flags such as family migration or food scarcity, thus enabling targeted, local-level support for the most vulnerable children and families before they fall behind.”

Speaking about the vision behind building Udaan as a cross-sector platform, Rocket Learning’s co-founders, Azeez Gupta, Namya Mahajan, Siddhant Sachdeva, and Utsav Kheria, in a joint statement said, “Every child deserves more than simply surviving the early years – they deserve the opportunity to thrive. We have witnessed the possibilities of Anganwadi educators, pre-school teachers and parents working together as one coherent unit to change children’s trajectories. Udaan 2026 was about moving from surviving to thriving, and the conversations on evidence, investment and technology reinforced that India has both – the ideas and the will – to make this possible at scale. Rocket Learning remains committed to supporting India’s early learning ecosystem, with Udaan 2026 marking an important milestone in this journey.”

Discussions throughout the day addressed how to best reform and enable Anganwadis, better invest in early childhood development, lessons from academia, and the role of technology in supporting the youngest children. The conference also saw the launch of results and lessons from the evaluation of a highly successful, technology-based homegrown early childhood development model, presented by Dr. Abhijeet Singh, and extended a platform to showcase stories of Anganwadi educators and parents.

Udaan 2026 reinforced that the case for ECCE is clearly established. The task now is to translate that understanding into action at scale – with rigour, compassion and a commitment to every child.

About Rocket Learning

Rocket Learning is one of India’s largest early learning non-profits focused on transforming early childhood and foundational learning outcomes at scale. Eighty-five percent of brain development happens before the age of six, making early learning extremely critical. By leveraging technology, behavioral insights, and strong government partnerships, Rocket Learning empowers parents, teachers, and frontline educators to drive measurable improvements in children’s learning. Working directly with government systems across 15 states and union territories and 200+ districts, since 2020 the organization has impacted 6 million children between birth and 6 years of age, across more than 500,000 classrooms, including 400,000 Anganwadi educators. Through responsible use of AI and digital innovation, Rocket Learning is striving to make quality early education accessible, inclusive, and effective for every child, with the aim to positively impact 50 million underserved children by 2030.

For more information, visit rocketlearning.org.

Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, has been named one of 12 Top Nominees for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 Malaysia awards, in the Woman Entrepreneur category. This year’s programme, the 25th in Malaysia, drew a record number of nominations.
 

Media OutReach Newswire Founder & CEO Jennifer Kok, Top Nominee for the EY Entrepreneur Of the Year 2026 Malaysia awards, in the Woman Entrepreneur category
 

Since its launch in 2002, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Malaysia has recognised more than 350 entrepreneurs, as part of a global programme held in more than 60 countries and jurisdictions. An independent panel of judges assesses nominees against four pillars: entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 1 December 2026.

A 17-year entrepreneurial journey

Entrepreneurial spirit that built Asia’s first global newswire
Jennifer founded Media OutReach Newswire in 2009 to build what the industry lacked – a global newswire born in Asia – becoming the first woman to found a global newswire, and has continued to redefine the PR industry through industry-first innovations, from the digital era to the age of AI.
 

Purpose that turns business success into shared opportunity
Her mission since day one has been to help Asian brands authentically build their reputation in global markets, leading with a social enterprise mindset that creates opportunity for clients, the PR community and her team. Giving back has always been close to her heart. She provides pro bono press release distribution to help NGOs and community initiatives amplify their impact, while supporting children, marginalised communities and animal welfare.

Growth that promotes Asian excellence worldwide
Today, Media OutReach Newswire connects brands with 200,000+ journalists and editors and 70,000+ media titles across 190+ countries and territories, with targeted distribution across 500+ trade categories, alongside 1,500+ media partnerships and offices in eight Asian markets, including Malaysia.

Impact is redefining PR for the AI era
Trusted by thousands of agencies, corporations, governments and SMEs, the company has repeatedly set industry standards – most recently becoming a fully AI-enabled newswire in 2026. Media OutReach Newswire connects clients’ news with journalists and enables the news to be cited by AI, helping build brand trust, increase AI visibility, and maximise PR impact.

Media OutReach Newswire’s next phase of growth is anchored in three pillars: AI innovation, people and social impact. The company uses AI to innovate its services and workflows for clients and staff, invests in its team, and funds community projects for children and animals.

“Seventeen years ago, I set out to build Asia Pacific’s first global newswire so that Asian brands could tell their stories to the world,” said Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire.

“To be named a Top Nominee in the award’s 25th year in Malaysia is an honour I share with our team, media partners and clients. Entrepreneurship, to me, has never been just about business. It is about creating opportunities, empowering the PR industry, investing in people and using what you build to help others succeed. Our vision is to help Asian brands to achieve global communications success.”
 

Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Steven Sim Chee Keong (eighth from right) with Top Nominees for the EY Entrepreneur Of the Year 2026 Malaysia awards

About Media OutReach Newswire
Media OutReach Newswire is Asia Pacific’s first global newswire, founded in 2009 by Jennifer Kok as a trusted partner to media, corporations, agencies and governments. As an AI-enabled global newswire, Media OutReach Newswire connects brands with 200,000+ journalists and editors and 70,000+ media titles across 190+ countries and territories. Through targeted press release distribution, direct journalist access and guaranteed posting on credible news sites with domain authority, it helps brands earn media coverage and build visibility and citations in AI search. Every distribution includes multi-format reports with data insights, and its PR Campaign Intelligence measures communications impact over time.

Headquartered in Hong Kong SAR, with offices in the Chinese Mainland, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan, Media OutReach Newswire’s distribution network spans Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, the UK and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

For more information, please visit www.media-outreach.com

VinFast officially signs Letters of Intent (LOIs) with its first 50+ e-motorcycle dealer partners across 15 states and territories in India. The milestone marks an important step in VinFast’s strategy to expand its distribution network, strengthen its position and reinforce the appeal of the Vietnamese brand in one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets.

VinFast and its dealer partners will work together to establish 50+ e-motorcycle showrooms across 34 cities in 15 states and territories in India

The signing ceremony took place at VinFast’s Manufacturing Complex in Hai Phong, as part of the Indian dealer partners’ visit and working program in Vietnam.

Under the agreements, VinFast and its dealer partners will work together to establish 50+ e-motorcycle showrooms across 34 cities in 15 states and territories, including Delhi NCR, Rajasthan and Punjab in the North; Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh in Central India; Maharashtra and Gujarat in the West; Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in the South; as well as West Bengal and Odisha in the East.

These cities and regions have large two-wheeler markets, creating significant room for the electrification of mobility. VinFast’s presence in these locations will create favorable conditions for the company to bring modern, economical and sustainable mobility solutions closer to local consumers.

Prior to their visit to Vietnam, the dealer partners had already recognized VinFast’s brand reputation and diverse product portfolio. After witnessing firsthand, the company’s manufacturing scale and production standards at its factory, as well as experiencing the strong presence of VinFast e-motorcycles in Vietnam, the partners became even more determined to accelerate the expansion of VinFast’s network in India.

Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, said, “India is one of the most important markets in VinFast’s global growth story, and this partnership reflects the scale of ambition we hold for the region. As we expand our presence across markets worldwide, India stands out for its scale, its growing demand for electric mobility, and the opportunity it offers to redefine mobility. This LOI signing demonstrates our long-term commitment to India, as well as our expectations and confidence in the vast scale and potential of the market.”

Mr. Anurag Saxena, CEO, VinFast India E-Scooters, shared, “Partnering with more than 50 dealer partners across 15 states and territories and 34 cities marks the beginning of our journey to bring VinFast e-motorcycles across India. Alongside, we are also building charging infrastructure and strengthening after-sales services to ensure that customers across these locations receive the support they need throughout their ownership journey.”

VinFast entered India’s green mobility market in 2025, with activities spanning the distribution, manufacturing and assembly of electric cars. The signing of these LOIs marks a new phase in VinFast’s expansion in the Indian market, while also representing the company’s first dedicated distribution network for e-motorcycle products in India.

With its large population and high mobility demand, India is currently the world’s largest two-wheeler market, with 21.41 million two-wheelers registered in fiscal year 2025-2026, of which electric vehicles accounted for only 6.54%. This figure highlights the significant room for further electrification of mobility in India, creating substantial potential for VinFast to expand its presence and capture opportunities in the market.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

Bisleri International, in collaboration with Meerut Cantonment, PACT & H2OMovement, held a two-day sustainability outreach programme to strengthen awareness and community participation in responsible plastic, water management and environmental stewardship. The initiative aligns with Bisleri’ s Greener Promise and PACT & H2OMovement. The programme brought together Army Personnel at the Meerut Cantonment, Students, Families, and Community Members through awareness sessions, demonstrations, and cultural engagement.

Bisleri international partners with meerut cantonment, the H2OMovement, pact to advance responsible water & plastic management warmly

The programme was inaugurated on September 30 in the presence of Major General Sumit Rana, Meerut Cantonment, Mr K Ganesh, Director, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, and Dr Sanjaanaa Jon, Founder PACT & H2Omovement.

As part of the inaugural event, Bisleri unveiled recycled plastic benches and used plastic collection bins to show case post-consumer plastics can be made to useful product and promote circular economy.

Bisleri and H2OMovement teams conducted sessions with school students on water, plastic management, source segregation, four-bin segregation, and recycling.

Speaking at the event, Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, “Building a circular economy requires collective action by businesses, institutions and communities. Through Bottles for Change, we are focused on making responsible plastic management a part of everyday behaviour. Our collaboration with the Meerut Cantonment and H2OMovement gives us an opportunity to engage directly with students, families and the wider community, while demonstrating simple actions such as segregation at source that can make responsible waste management more effective.”

Major General Sumit Rana, Meerut Cantonment said, “Lasting change in waste management largely depends on informed and responsible participation. Our collaboration with Bisleri International and H2OMovement brings together institutions, families and young people to build greater awareness and encourage practices that can become part of everyday life at the Cantonment.”

Dr Sanjaanaa Jon, Founder PACT and H2Omovement explained, “The youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow -they are the changemakers of today. From the world’s largest democracy, we have an extraordinary opportunity to mobilise millions of young voices around one of humanity’s most fundamental responsibilities: protecting water. Every drop we save is an investment in our collective future. Through the Bisleri H2OMovement and PACT, our mission is to take ‘Walk for Water, Walk for Life’ from a message into a people’s movement -connecting students, families, institutions and communities and inspiring them to become ambassadors for water, sustainability and responsible living. If we can inspire a generation to value every drop and take responsibility for the waste it creates, we can create change that travels from Meerut to India and from India to the world, taking sustainability into homes and communities.”

The outreach extended beyond Schools to Army personnel and their families, with community-level sessions designed to demonstrate how segregation can be practised at the household level. Interactive activities, including door-to-door awareness, demonstrations and street theatre, made responsible waste-management practices more accessible and relatable for participants.

The programme culminated in a clean-up drive involving the Bisleri and H2Omovement team, volunteers, and participants. This was followed by the placement of collection bins and benches. 

Through BISLERI H2OMOVEMENT • PACT, this effort is connected to the larger call for water conservation, youth mobilisation and responsible environmental action, building a culture in which saving water, managing waste responsibly and protecting our planet become everyday actions rather than occasional campaigns.

The collaboration between Meerut Cantonment, Bisleri International and BISLERI H2OMOVEMENT • PACT demonstrates the power of institutions, communities and young people working together to translate sustainability from an idea into a movement.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) is hosting the Council of Architecture (CoA) National Awards 2026, bringing together emerging architectural talent from across India. As part of the prestigious event, an exhibition showcasing outstanding architectural thesis projects, curated by the faculty and students of MUJ, was inaugurated on 8 October 2026 at the university campus.

The CoA National Awards for Excellence 2026 Jury Begins at Manipal University Jaipur

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Ar. Naveen Kanithi, Vice President, CoA; Shri Deepak Kumar, Registrar, CoA; Ar. Jayashree Deshpande, Director, CoA-TRC and Convenor; and Ar. Bhavna Vimawala, Member, CoA. Representing Manipal University Jaipur were Cdr. (Dr) Anil Rana, Pro President, MUJ; Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, MUJ; Prof. (Dr) Kuldip Singh Sangwan, Dean, FoSTA; Prof. (Dr) Madhura Yadav, Dean, DSW ; and Dr. Pooja Lalit Kumar, Director, School of Architecture & Design, along with faculty members and 220 student participants from MUJ and architecture institutions across India.

Dr. Pooja Lalit Kumar, Director, School of Architecture & Design welcomed all dignitaries and said that students and faculty members of the school had put in their best efforts to make the national event a success. She noted that the world-class infrastructure and academic environment at Manipal University Jaipur provide an ideal setting for an event of national stature and offer participating students an opportunity to showcase and explore their creative and academic potential.

Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Pro-President, Manipal University Jaipur delivered the presidential address. He highlighted the achievements of Manipal University Jaipur in research, academic excellence and its global footprint in ranking and accreditations. He appreciated the efforts of School of Architecture and Design and thanks Council of Architecture for choosing Manipal University Jaipur for this national event. 

The exhibition presents a diverse spectrum of architectural ideas, highlighting innovative design thinking, contextual sensitivity, sustainability and contemporary approaches to the built environment. It provides a platform for young architects to showcase their academic explorations, exchange ideas and engage with distinguished professionals and academicians.

The event also highlights the evolving role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in architectural education, while emphasising the continued importance of critical thinking, creativity, contextual understanding and empathy in design.

Reaffirming the School of Architecture & Design’s vision of being “locally invested but globally relevant”, the event underscores the importance of preparing future architects who remain rooted in their cultural and environmental contexts while equipped to address emerging global challenges.

The School of Architecture & Design extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. N. N. Sharma, President, Manipal University Jaipur for his valuable support and encouragement in making the event possible.

A press conference of the event was presided by the Council of Architecture at The Lalit Jaipur in presence of the President CoA, Executive committee Council of Architecture, along with the convenors and coordinators of the event from CoA and Manipal University Jaipur. Prof (Ar) Kiran S Mahajani, addressed the press briefing on the process of the CoA awards, the selection and evaluation. He also emphasised on creating platforms to promote the efficiency of built environment to the grass root levels, emphasising not just urban but also at rural levels.

The jury proceedings and Award Ceremony will be held on 9 October 2026, marking the culmination of the two-day event and recognising outstanding student achievements in architectural education.

India’s office and workplace market is entering a new phase, with demand increasingly shaped not only by how much space is being built and occupied, but by what that space needs to deliver. As organizations rethink workplace strategy around flexibility, technology, sustainability and employee experience, ORGATEC India 2026 will bring architects, designers, corporate real estate leaders, manufacturers, technology providers and facility managers together on one platform to address this shift.

ORGATEC India 2026 to Spotlight India’s Workplace Transformation with ‘WorkNXT – Design × Technology × Experiences’

India recorded 45.5 million sq.ft. of office space absorption in H1 2026, the highest first-half figure on record, as demand from Global Capability Centers (GCCs), flexible workspace operators and large domestic occupiers continues to accelerate. According to the CBRE 2026 India Office Occupier Survey, 77% of occupiers expect their office portfolios to expand over the next two years, underlining that even as work patterns evolve, the physical workplace remains central to business strategy — provided it is designed to be more adaptable, intelligent and experience-led.

The Platform Driving the Shift

This transformation is precisely what ORGATEC India is built to serve. As the only dedicated trade platform for workplace design, furniture, infrastructure and technology in the country, it functions as a convening point where architects, designers, corporate real estate leaders, manufacturers, technology providers and facility managers can align on a shared vision for the Indian workplace, rather than working in isolation across fragmented parts of the same project.

By bringing global design and technology benchmarks onto an Indian stage, ORGATEC India supports the adoption of sustainable, intelligent and experience-led workplace practices across the country’s fast-growing office market. For an industry expanding at record pace, this kind of shared platform for knowledge exchange, sourcing and business development is increasingly central to how the market matures, helping India’s workplace ecosystem move faster from ambition to execution, and reinforcing the country’s growing position within the global workplace conversation.

A Connected Workplace Ecosystem

Creating a workplace today is a far more interconnected process than it once was. Furniture, lighting, acoustics, technology, facility management and employee experience can no longer be planned in isolation — architects, designers, corporate real estate and procurement teams, manufacturers, technology providers and facility managers are all now involved at different stages of the same project.

ORGATEC India’s 2026 theme, WorkNXT, is built around this shift and organises the workplace journey into six connected stages:

• DESIGN — How should spaces respond to changing workstyles, people and business requirements?

• SPECIFY — How can workplace ambitions be translated into the right furniture, materials, technology and performance standards?

• PROCURE — How can organisations balance quality, cost, availability, sustainability and long-term value?

• BUILD — How can workplace concepts become adaptable, technology-enabled and future-ready environments?

• OPERATE — How can facilities, technology, data and services work together to make workplaces more efficient, responsive and sustainable?

• EXPERIENCE — What does the workplace enable people to do, how does it make them feel, and why would they want to return?

Through the exhibition and knowledge programme, WorkNXT connects these stages through product discovery, knowledge exchange, expert discussions and business engagement — bringing together the people who design workplaces with those who specify, procure, build, operate and ultimately experience them.

Executive Comment

“When we set out to shape WorkNXT as this year’s theme, the idea was to move India’s workplace conversation beyond individual products and square footage, and look at the workplace as one connected journey where design, technology and experience are working together, end to end. India’s office market is entering a defining decade, and what the industry needs now isn’t just a platform to showcase what already exists, but one that helps shape what comes next. That’s the role ORGATEC India is built to play — bringing together the architects, designers, manufacturers and technology providers who will define how India works, tomorrow,” Manoj Nandiot, Portfolio Director, Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd.

Experience as Part of Design, Not an Afterthought

One of the most significant shifts in workplace strategy is the growing weight given to workplace experience. Modern workplaces are increasingly evaluated not just on utilisation and efficiency, but on how effectively they support collaboration, focus, creativity, wellbeing and organizational culture — and experience is now shaping decisions much earlier in the design process, rather than being added on at the end.

Acoustics, ergonomics, lighting, office furniture, workplace technology, flexibility, sustainability and hospitality-inspired amenities are converging into a single, interconnected definition of workplace experience. For ORGATEC India, this marks a broader evolution for the Indian workplace ecosystem — moving the conversation from individual products to the performance of the complete environment.

Leading Brands on the Show Floor

The strength of ORGATEC India 2026 is reflected in the leading brands confirming their participation across office furniture, ergonomic seating, acoustics, lighting and workplace technology segments — including Haworth, Kokuyo, Univicoustic, Interio by Godrej, Featherlite, Nilkamal Edge, among other segment leaders. Their presence adds significant depth to the exhibition, giving visitors direct access to global and Indian products and solutions alongside the platform’s knowledge program.

What to Expect at ORGATEC India 2026

Across three days, ORGATEC India 2026 will bring together workplace design, office and ergonomic furniture, workplace infrastructure, lighting, acoustics, flooring and materials, smart workplace technology, automation and IoT, facility and workplace management solutions, collaboration tools and future workspace technologies — alongside a dedicated knowledge platform featuring keynotes and panel discussions with architects, designers and workplace strategists.

The exhibition will also provide professionals across architecture and interior design, corporate real estate, procurement, facility and workplace management, workplace technology, real estate, GCCs and flexible workspace with opportunities to discover solutions, connect with suppliers, explore new ideas and build business relationships across the workplace ecosystem.

Event Fact File

• Event: ORGATEC India 2026 — “WorkNXT: Design × Technology × Experiences”

• Dates: 19–21 November 2026

• Venue: Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), BKC, Mumbai, India

• Organiser: Koelnmesse India Pvt. Ltd.

• Exhibition space: 10,000 sq. m.

• Edition: 2nd edition

About ORGATEC India

ORGATEC India is a dedicated trade platform for workplace design, office furniture, workplace infrastructure, smart workplace technology and future workspace solutions. Organised by Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd, it brings together the ecosystem shaping the future of work — from architects, interior designers and corporate real estate professionals to facility managers, technology providers, manufacturers and workplace strategists. The 2026 edition is the second edition of ORGATEC India, focusing on the evolving relationship between design, technology and workplace experience.

To know more and register to visit www.orgatec-india.com

For people living with end-stage heart or lung failure, everyday life can be marked by physical limitations, emotional strain and uncertainty. At Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, the convergence of cutting-edge medical innovation, exceptional clinical expertise and compassionate, multidisciplinary care is transforming these journeys—turning the seemingly impossible into renewed possibilities for life. At the forefront of complex cardiopulmonary care, Narayana Health is pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in transplantation, offering patients and their families something far greater than survival: the opportunity to live fully again. Ahead of World Heart Day on September 29, Narayana Health brought together more than 40 heart and lung transplant recipients and their families to celebrate the extraordinary gift of a second chance at life.

At Narayana Health’s Heart Transplant Press Conference, engaging with experts and media on advancements in heart transplantation and cardiac care

The gathering underscored Narayana Health City’s standing as a premier institution for advanced cardiac and pulmonary care, delivering some of the most complex and demanding procedures in modern medicine. With 136 heart and lung transplants performed to date, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru has established a comprehensive transplant programme spanning complex adult and paediatric heart and lung transplantation. These achievements represent the pinnacle of medical innovation, uniting advanced surgical expertise, life-support technologies and multidisciplinary care to deliver complex transplants with outcomes aligned with international standards.

For patients and families, however, the true measure of transplant success extends far beyond the operating theatre. The transplant team emphasised that a heart transplant is not merely a complex surgical intervention; it can represent a profound new beginning for an entire family. Patients who once struggled with debilitating breathlessness and the uncertainty of end-stage heart failure can reclaim their independence, return to their passions and rediscover the joys of everyday life. With 95% of recipients returning to meaningful lives, the programme’s impact is reflected in children returning to school and recipients going on to excel in competitive sports. These remarkable journeys are a testament to the resilience of transplant recipients, the dedication of the clinical teams and, above all, the extraordinary generosity of donor families whose selflessness makes these second chances possible.

The event brought together moving stories that reflect the life-changing impact of transplantation. Mr. V. K., now 16 years post-transplant, is the longest-surviving heart transplant recipient in the cohort, demonstrating the potential for sustained life and well-being long after transplantation. Mr. S. S., who once faced end-stage heart failure, went on to win a gold medal at the World Transplant Games—a remarkable testament to the possibilities of life after transplant. The programme’s impact spans generations: Baby K., who received a donor heart at just 14 months of age, became India’s youngest heart transplant recipient, while Mr. K. S., who underwent a combined heart–lung transplant at the age of 68, continues to thrive at 75. The stories of Mrs. A. F. M., transplanted in 2022, and Miss N. N., transplanted in 2025, further highlight Narayana Health’s expertise in complex combined heart and lung transplantation, where advanced clinical capabilities and highly coordinated care are essential to achieving successful outcomes.

For critically ill patients who cannot safely wait for a donor organ, Narayana Health City’s advanced mechanical circulatory support programme represents another dimension of its clinical innovation. With the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), the transplant team can provide life-sustaining support to patients with severe cardiac and/or respiratory failure while they await a suitable donor organ. These sophisticated technologies, combined with round-the-clock critical care, advanced cardiac imaging, specialised transplant expertise and collaborative multidisciplinary decision-making, enable selected critically ill patients to be stabilised and maintained as potential transplant candidates during this crucial waiting period. This seamless integration of advanced technology, clinical precision and timely intervention exemplifies the extraordinary complexity of modern transplantation—and Narayana Health’s ability to bring together the expertise and resources required to deliver life-saving care when patients need it most.

Narayana Health’s transplant programme has emerged as a national destination for patients with end-stage cardiac and pulmonary disease, attracting recipients from across India and beyond. Nearly 50% of its 136 transplant recipients have travelled from outside Karnataka, representing 19 Indian states. The programme’s reach also extends internationally, with successful transplants performed for overseas patients, including recipients from Sudan.

While the gathering celebrated remarkable recoveries, renewed possibilities and the resilience of transplant recipients, it also highlighted the persistent and urgent challenge of organ scarcity in India. Across the country, patients continue to lose their lives while waiting for a suitable donor organ. Narayana Health reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening organ donation awareness and encouraging greater public participation in donor pledges. Every pledge has the potential to become a lifeline, offering someone awaiting transplantation the possibility of a second chance. As Narayana Health celebrates life beyond transplantation, its message remains clear: the true promise of medical innovation is not simply to extend life, but to restore the possibility of living it to the fullest.

About Narayana Health

Narayana Health, founded by Dr. Devi Shetty and headquartered in Bengaluru, is a leading presence in the global healthcare landscape. As one of the largest healthcare providers in India, Narayana Health operates a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and super-speciality tertiary care facilities across India, UK and the Caribbean. The group’s Centres of Excellence in various medical domains, a team of 18,822 dedicated professionals, including 3,868 skilled doctors and specialists, and a relentless focus on patient well-being and clinical excellence underscore its position as a beacon of hope and healing in the healthcare industry. Narayana One Health (NH Integrated Care) and Narayana Health Insurance are subsidiaries of Narayana Health.

For more information, visit www.narayanahealth.org.

Chitkara Design School hosted DesignUp Day at Chitkara University, bringing together designers, practitioners and creative thinkers for a series of conversations focused on the evolving role of design and its potential to create meaningful impact.

DesignUp Day at Chitkara University bringing together creative minds, diverse perspectives and a shared belief in designing with purpose

The event offered students an opportunity to engage with professionals from diverse fields and explore design beyond conventional boundaries. The sessions featured Alysha Naples, Designer Artist Coach Somatic Practitioner, Shiva Vishwanathan, Curator Director, DesignUp; Niteesh Yadav, AVP Design and Research, Pocket FM; and Meru Vashisht, Human-Centered Design Lead, International Rescue Committee.

Through engaging sessions and interactions, the speakers shared perspectives drawn from design, technology, storytelling, human-centred practice and social impact. Students explored how observation, empathy, experimentation and interdisciplinary thinking can influence the way designers understand people, identify problems and develop relevant solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-founder, Chitkara University, said, “Design is not simply about creating what looks good; it is about understanding what matters. When students learn to observe closely, question thoughtfully and design with empathy, they begin to see possibilities where others may see limitations. Platforms such as DesignUp give our students the opportunity to engage with practitioners who bring different experiences and perspectives, helping them understand the responsibility and possibilities that come with being a designer.”

The conversations also encouraged students to reflect on the changing role of designers in a world shaped by technology, social complexity and evolving human needs. By bringing together perspectives from creative practice, emerging technologies and social impact, DesignUp Day highlighted the value of interdisciplinary thinking in developing thoughtful and relevant design responses.

For students of Chitkara Design School, the event served as a valuable opportunity to learn directly from accomplished practitioners, gain insights into contemporary design practice and connect academic learning with real-world challenges.

DesignUp Day at Chitkara University reinforced the idea that meaningful design begins with understanding of people, contexts and the problems that shape everyday life and grows through curiosity, experimentation and purpose.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality and emerging technology fields. For Class 11 and 12 students planning higher education, the University provides industry-aligned programs designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities.

Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.

For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in.

As air pollution continues to pose a growing challenge for cities and industrial centres, Zerocarbontech24, a Mumbai-based company, and The Art of Living – Sri Sri Naisargik (AOL-SSN), Bengaluru, have jointly developed and marketing WARO-C6, an outdoor, solar-powered, filterless air purification and carbon-capture device designed to capture airborne pollutants closer to their source.

WARO-C6 unveiled at The Art of Living International Centre, Bengaluru

The innovation comes at a time when conventional approaches to urban air pollution management, including road sweeping and water sprinkling, are increasingly being supplemented by technologies that seek to capture pollutants before they disperse into the surrounding environment.

WARO-C6 Brings Innovative, Sustainable Air-Pollution Control Technology to Urban Hubs

WARO-C6 is designed for deployment in high-pollution zones, including roadsides, traffic corridors, industrial premises and other locations where airborne dust and particulate emissions can affect surrounding communities.

Addressing pollution where it originates

Air pollution is a complex environmental challenge arising from multiple sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction, road dust and the burning of fuels and waste. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, is a significant concern because its small size allows it to penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

While citywide emission controls remain essential to reducing pollution, technologies that capture airborne pollutants at or near their source may provide an additional tool for managing localised pollution hotspots.

WARO-C6 has been developed around this approach. Rather than relying on conventional filtration systems, the device uses a proprietary, software-controlled mechanism designed to draw in polluted ambient air and capture particulate matter.

According to the company, the system operates without traditional physical filters, ionisation, ultraviolet light, magnetic fields or high-voltage components. Its operating mechanism uses static principles, internal air pressure and kinetic energy, managed through a low-voltage electronic chip.

The company positions this filterless approach as a way to reduce dependence on replaceable filter consumables and minimise routine maintenance requirements.

How the technology works

WARO-C6 is designed to draw polluted air into the device, capture particulate pollutants and release treated air back into the surrounding environment.

The company states that each unit can process approximately 30 litres of air per second, equivalent to a claimed capacity of up to 300,000 litres per hour. The system is designed to capture particles across different size categories, including PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10, along with dust and smoke.

These performance figures describe the volume of air processed, rather than the amount of pollution removed. Actual air-quality improvement in an open environment depends on factors such as pollutant concentration, wind speed, atmospheric conditions, device placement and the rate at which new pollution enters the area.

A low-energy, water-free approach

One of the stated features of WARO-C6 is its low-voltage power requirement. The device is designed to operate on 12V DC power, with solar energy, batteries or grid electricity serving as potential power sources.

The company also refers to a 14-volt solar-powered configuration.

Its dry-operation model is intended to avoid water consumption, distinguishing it from water-based dust suppression methods commonly used on roads and construction sites.

The combination of solar compatibility, low-voltage operation and filterless design could make the system relevant to locations where access to conventional power infrastructure is limited or where recurring operational costs are a concern.

Turning captured pollutants into usable materials

A central element of WARO-C6’s proposed design is its circular-economy approach.

Instead of treating captured dust and particulate matter solely as waste, the company says the system is designed to collect pollutants for potential reuse in construction materials such as paver blocks and bricks.

This approach seeks to connect air pollution management with resource recovery, potentially reducing the amount of material requiring disposal while creating opportunities for reuse.

AI and real-time environmental monitoring

WARO-C6 also incorporates artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, according to the company.

The system is equipped with environmental sensors intended to monitor parameters such as particulate matter, rainfall and temperature. GPS tracking and a live dashboard are designed to provide information about device locations and operating conditions.

These features could help operators track equipment performance, monitor local environmental conditions and identify locations requiring additional pollution-control measures.

For municipal authorities and industrial operators, the availability of location-specific monitoring data may support more informed decisions about deployment and maintenance.

Multiple deployment possibilities

The WARO technology platform is designed for different operating environments. The company identifies pole-mounted systems, road-divider installations and higher-capacity industrial configurations among its deployment models.

These include STR-101 for pole mounting, DVR-101 for road-divider applications, and THOR-101 and IG-101 for heavy industrial environments.

Such configurations are intended to allow pollution-control equipment to be positioned closer to potential emission sources rather than relying exclusively on centralised infrastructure.

Technology as part of a wider pollution-control strategy

The development of WARO-C6 reflects growing interest in technologies that combine localised pollution capture, energy efficiency and digital monitoring.

Its filterless design, solar compatibility and proposed pollutant-recovery model distinguish it from conventional air-purification systems. Its potential application in open environments also raises a different set of questions from indoor air purification, where air movement and treatment conditions can be more controlled.

Independent evaluation of its performance under varied outdoor conditions will be important in determining how effectively the technology can contribute to ambient air-quality improvement.

Ultimately, devices such as WARO-C6 are not substitutes for reducing pollution at its source through cleaner energy, transport, industrial processes and construction practices. Their potential role lies in complementing those measures by capturing pollutants that are already airborne.

As cities and industries explore additional ways to manage pollution hotspots, technologies that combine targeted capture, low-resource operation and transparent monitoring may become part of a broader portfolio of environmental solutions.

For WARO-C6, the next phase of its journey will depend on demonstrated performance across real-world settings, the safe handling of captured pollutants and the ability to deliver measurable, sustained improvements in local air quality.

About The Art of Living – Sri Sri Naisargik

As a flagship initiative of The Art of Living, Sri Sri Naisargik is an innovation-led enterprise developing sustainable, nature-based and technology-enabled solutions for environmental protection, resource recovery, rural development and climate resilience. Its portfolio addresses land, water, air and odour pollution mitigation, along with solid waste management through practical solutions that combine innovation with measurable environmental, economic and social impact.

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