The Department of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in association with the Surfing Federation of India, is set to host the national-level surfing championship ‘Little Andaman Pro 2026’ for the very first time in the islands. Scheduled from April 9 to 12, the four-day championship will take place at the picturesque Butler Bay Beach, marking a significant step forward for water sports and adventure tourism in the region.

Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship

Presented by Andaman & Nicobar Tourism, the championship will bring together some of India’s top-ranked surfers and stand-up paddle (SUP) athletes competing in the Senior Division across Surfing and Stand-Up Paddle disciplines.

The championship was formally inaugurated by Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in the presence of senior officials from the Administration, representatives of the Surfing Federation of India, and a large gathering of surfers from across the country.

The event is expected to witness the participation of around 86 surfers, including international competitors, who will compete across multiple categories such as Men’s Open Surfing Shortboard, Women’s Open Surfing Shortboard, Men’s Open Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP), and Women’s Open Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP).

With the hosting of Little Andaman Pro 2026, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are poised to script a new chapter in adventure tourism and ocean sports, firmly establishing Little Andaman as an emerging surfing destination in India.

The championship represents an important step in expanding India’s competitive surfing circuit. By introducing athletes to new and technically challenging wave environments, the event provides valuable exposure beyond the typical beach breaks of mainland India. Events of this scale play a vital role in strengthening the national surfing talent pipeline by offering athletes the experience and competitive platform required to progress to international competitions.

Speaking about the upcoming championship, Arun Vasu, President of the Surfing Federation of India, said, “The Little Andaman Pro marks an important milestone for Indian surfing. It not only strengthens our National Surf Series but also provides athletes the opportunity to compete in high-quality reef conditions, which is essential for their growth at the international level.”

A senior official from Andaman & Nicobar Tourism added, “We are proud to support the Little Andaman Pro 2026. The event showcases the incredible natural potential of the islands while promoting sustainable tourism and adventure sports in the region.”

As surfing continues to gain popularity worldwide, destinations that combine world-class waves with responsible tourism practices are becoming increasingly significant. The Andaman Islands, known for their pristine marine ecosystems and conservation-driven approach to tourism, offer an ideal setting for such sporting events.

Beyond the competition, the championship highlights the immense potential of the islands as a future hub for surfing and ocean sports. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and consistent swell patterns, Little Andaman presents natural advantages that are increasingly attracting surfers and adventure travellers.

The event also aims to engage and inspire local communities by creating opportunities for participation, training, and employment within the growing ocean sports ecosystem.

Little Andaman Pro 2026 ultimately celebrates the spirit of surfing while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable engagement with the ocean.

For More Information: www.instagram.com/sfisurfing

Event Overview
Event: Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship
Dates: 9 – 12 April 2026
Location: Little Andaman, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Divisions: Senior Division (Surfing & Stand-Up Paddle)
Organised by: Surfing Federation of India
Presented by: Andaman & Nicobar Tourism

About the Surfing Federation of India
The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) is the national governing body for surfing in India, responsible for developing the sport through competitions, athlete development programs, and international representation. Under the leadership of President Arun Vasu, SFI continues to build a strong and inclusive surfing ecosystem across the country.

For more information, please log on to www.surfingfederationofindia.org

The RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate at 5.25% reflects a calibrated approach amid global uncertainties and inflationary pressures. The central bank’s neutral stance reflects a deliberate effort to sustain equilibrium rather than trigger premature shifts. For the real estate sector, this approach translates into continuity where stable financing conditions and predictable credit flows are enabling both residential and commercial segments to build on existing momentum without disruption.

Real estate leaders welcome RBI’s neutral stance as steady repo rate ensures stability in home loans, EMIs, and sector growth momentum

Sandeep Chhillar, Founder & Chairman, Landmark Group, says, “The announcement comes at a time when global uncertainty is still quite high. RBI has avoided a premature shift that could have unsettled the broader economy. The neutral stance shows a clear awareness of both inflation risks and uneven global growth trends. For the real estate, this means near-stable home loan rates, giving policymakers space to assess data more carefully.”

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, says, “Maintaining the repo rate at 5.25% is a pragmatic move in an environment still shaped by global headwinds. It brings much-needed stability to home loan markets. For borrowers, this effectively means EMIs are likely to remain in the same range for now, without any immediate easing in interest burden. While a slight rate cut would have offered some relief and improved affordability at the margin, the RBI has clearly chosen to wait for stronger macro signals before shifting direction.”

Shamsheer Singh, Director of AIPL Group, adds, “The RBI’s unchanged repo rate reflects a conscious effort to preserve ongoing growth momentum without introducing unnecessary friction. At 5.25%, the policy rate remains supportive enough to sustain credit flow, while the neutral stance ensures flexibility for future adjustments. The decision suggests confidence that the current interest rate environment is adequately balanced for both inflation management and economic activity.”

Gurpal Singh Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC, says, “With GDP growth projections revised upwards and inflation expected to remain within a manageable range despite near-term pressures, the RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% will provide continued stability to the sector. The neutral stance reflects a calibrated approach amid global uncertainties. This, coupled with stable liquidity conditions and improving investment sentiment, will help maintain the current momentum in real estate.”

Shyamrup Roy Choudhury, Founder and Managing Director, Aura World, says, “The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate and choose a neutral stance ensures continuity in the benefits accrued from last year’s cumulative rate cuts. Stable EMIs and predictable financing conditions will encourage new homebuyers to enter the market. While inflationary risks persist due to global developments, the stance taken by the RBI ensures policy certainty.”

Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, MD & CEO, SS Group, says, “For homebuyers, steady benchmark rates translate into more predictable home loan offerings. For developers, too, it brings comfort on the financing side, allowing uninterrupted project execution. This steady policy stance quietly supports housing demand by keeping sentiment steady and avoiding any disruption in credit conditions.”

Harinder Singh Hora, Founder Chairman, Reach Group, says, “The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged brings much-needed stability across lending and liquidity channels. It ensures that borrowing costs for businesses, retailers, and developers remain predictable, which is crucial for planning expansions and leasing strategies. The neutral stance will reduce uncertainty around credit pricing and enable institutional players to take more structured, long-term decisions.”

Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, says, “The status quo on the repo rate at 5.25% creates a balanced and predictable environment for both residential and commercial segments. Stable financing conditions support homebuyer confidence in tier 2 cities, where affordability plays a major role, while also enabling investments in commercial assets. This continuity in policy will help sustain demand momentum and reinforce growth across key real estate segments.”

Mohit Batra, Regional Director, Realistic Realtors, says, “The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged reflects a data-led and cautious approach. Inflation is still being shaped by global commodity movements and uneven supply-side pressures. The neutral stance is equally important; it signals that policy is balanced for now. It allows both residential and commercial markets to operate in a stable interest rate environment.’

Raj Kumar Sisodia, COO of Biigtech, says, “In a market where long-term commitments drive decision-making, consistent interest rates help occupiers and investors move ahead with greater confidence. Rather than triggering a surge, this kind of policy environment quietly supports steady momentum, where demand builds gradually, and investment decisions are made with a longer-term view.”

Paras Rai, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Property Master, “The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged while maintaining a neutral stance reflects a conscious effort to stay flexible. It gives the central bank room to respond as macro conditions evolve, rather than committing to a fixed direction too early. This kind of pause is less about inaction and more about staying prepared. At the same time, it signals that future rate moves will be closely linked to how inflation and global factors play out in the coming months.”

Ashwani Kumar, Pyramid Infratech, said, “Keeping the repo rate unchanged is a carefully balanced approach as it will facilitate stability for home loan borrowers at a crucial time. For prospective buyers, stable interest rates encourage affordability levels and lessen uncertainty around long-term financial commitments. Since home loans are directly subjected to the impact of rate cut movements, the status quo ensures that EMIs remain unchanged for existing borrowers, offering much-needed predictability in household cash flows.”

The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% reflects a calibrated “wait-and-watch” approach at a time when global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and inflationary pressures continue to shape macroeconomic conditions. While the central bank maintained a neutral stance and signalled confidence in India’s growth trajectory with an upward revision in near-term GDP projections, the move has been largely welcomed by the real estate sector.

RBI holding the repo rate at 5.25% ensures stability for real estate, keeping borrowing costs steady and supporting housing demand despite ongoing global uncertainties

Developers believe that stable borrowing costs and policy continuity will help sustain end-user demand, support project viability, and provide much-needed visibility for both residential and commercial segments, even as expectations of a future rate cut remain intact.

Deepak Kapoor, Director, Gulshan Group, says, “In the backdrop of global volatility and inflationary pressures driven by high energy prices, the RBI’s move to hold the repo rate steady at 5.25% reinforces confidence in India’s economic resilience. The upward revision in near-term GDP projections further strengthens this outlook. For real estate, stable borrowing costs and policy continuity create a conducive environment for sustained demand, and we remain optimistic about steady growth across residential segments through the year.”

Prateek Tiwari, Managing Director, Prateek Group, says, “The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% is a balanced approach against a backdrop of global economic uncertainties and geopolitical pressures. For the housing sector, the consistent rate helps strengthen sentiment, reassuring buyers and keeping financing conditions stable. This plays a key role in home buyers’ purchasing decisions, particularly for first-time buyers and end-users exploring opportunities in strong demand corridors.”

Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Group, says, “The central bank’s neutral stance reflects a calibrated and forward-looking approach to managing inflationary pressures and uncertainty. This continuity in borrowing costs boosts confidence, supports end-user demand, and strengthens project viability. We believe this will encourage sustained investment and reinforce positive momentum across the sector.”

Amit Modi, Director, County Group, says, “A marginal rate cut at this juncture would have offered meaningful relief to homebuyers, especially first-time borrowers managing stretched affordability in key urban markets. For the sector, this is a phase of resilience rather than acceleration, where confidence matters as much as the cost of capital.”

Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, says, “A steady repo rate combined with a neutral policy stance bodes well for the commercial real estate sector. It provides greater visibility on borrowing costs, fostering confidence among developers, investors, and occupiers alike. For developers, this stability enables more predictable project planning and efficient liquidity management.”

Moreover, amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the resulting risks of imported inflation, the RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate has resonated positively with the real estate sector.

Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, says, “Maintaining the repo rate at 5.25% reflects a clear “wait and watch” approach from the RBI amid global uncertainty. For real estate, this brings stable but subdued financing conditions. While developers would have welcomed a rate cut to further unlock demand momentum, especially in the affordable and mid-housing categories, the current geopolitical backdrop is keeping inflation risks elevated.”

Tejpreet Gill, Managing Director, Gillco Group, says, “The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% with a neutral stance underscores policy stability at a time of global uncertainty and inflationary concerns. For the real estate sector, stable interest rates enable long-term planning and execution, while supporting sustained traction across residential and commercial projects.”

Nitin Shrivastava, Managing Partner, Big FM Realty, says, “Stability in policy matters more than aggressive interventions. The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate at 5.25% comes as a reassuring signal, especially for the housing sector. For homebuyers, it means EMIs remain predictable, making it easier to plan purchases with confidence. For developers, it supports pricing discipline and allows supply to be introduced in a more measured way.”

Udit Jain, Director, One Group, says, “The unchanged repo rate strengthens the outlook for housing in Tier 2 cities, where markets are still evolving and respond sharply to interest rate signals. In these regions, buyers tend to be more cautious and value clarity over short-term incentives, and stable home loan rates help build that confidence. For developers, it creates a more predictable demand environment, where launches can be planned with greater alignment to actual absorption.”

Piyush Kansal, Executive Director, Royale Estate Group, says, “Despite near-term inflationary pressures driven by global factors, the current rate environment ensures predictable borrowing costs. This will encourage end-users to make purchase decisions, supporting steady demand across emerging cities.”

Ajendra Singh, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Spectrum Metro, says, “RBI’s keeping repo rate stable comes as a positive step for the retail segment, where consumption and expansion plans are closely linked to borrowing conditions. With interest rates holding steady, retailers and brands get better visibility on financing costs, while developers can have more structured planning of retail assets and tenant mix. In a broader sense, a predictable rate environment supports steady leasing activity and healthier occupancies across organised retail spaces.”

The Department of Hotel Management at Manipal University Jaipur, in collaboration with the Royal Rajasthan Chefs Society, successfully organized the Manipal International Chefs’ Conclave 2.0 on its campus on Wednesday.

Inaugural ceremony of International Chefs Conclave at Manipal University Jaipur

The conclave, themed “Culinary Heritage of Rajasthan & Its Impact on Tourism Economy,” underscored the vital role of traditional cuisine in promoting tourism and driving economic growth. The event began with a traditional welcome ceremony featuring tilak, safa ceremony, lamp lighting, and Saraswati Vandana, setting a culturally rich tone for the proceedings.

All guests and participants were welcomed by Dr. Chef Sourabh Sharma, HoD, Hotel Management and Dr. Brajesh Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Management, Commerce and Arts, Manipal University Jaipur.

Addressing the gathering, Pro-President Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar described food as a philosophy that engages all five senses (Panchendriya) and offers complete satisfaction. He emphasized that food acts as a powerful carrier of culture, connecting people across geographies and generations.

Renowned culinary expert Manjit Singh Gill set the context for the conclave, advocating for greater recognition of Indian cuisine as a representation of the country’s cultural identity. Celebrity chef Ajay Chopra, known for his association with MasterChef India, spoke on the importance of food tourism and sustainability. He highlighted that the transfer of culinary knowledge to future generations is key to sustaining the industry.

The conclave brought together an impressive lineup of eminent chefs from India and abroad, including Vijaya Baskaran, Vimal Dhar, Sabyasachi Gorai, Ashish Bhasin, Akshraj Jodha, Nand Lal Sharma, Rajeev Goyal, TC Gokhan Kesen, Amey Marathe, Ravikant Pathak, Abhiru Biswas, Bharat Alagh, Sumanta Chakrabarti, Sangeeta Dhar, and Manjit Singh Ratoo, among others.

Keynote sessions and panel discussions focused on culinary tourism, sustainability, and the economic potential of regional cuisines. Two engaging panel discussions explored the socio-economic impact of culinary tourism and examined how social media is influencing culinary authenticity in the modern era.

Adding an interactive dimension, the conclave featured a culinary quiz that saw enthusiastic participation from students, fostering engagement and learning. The event concluded with the felicitation of contributors, a formal vote of thanks, and a networking session that encouraged collaboration between academia and industry.

With active participation from students, faculty, and industry professionals, the conclave emerged as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, industry dialogue, and inspiration for aspiring hospitality professionals.

BPTP Limited announces the award of the construction contract for its residential development, Downtown 66 in Sector 66, Gurugram, to NCC Limited.

Downtown 66 by BPTP Limited

The contract, valued at approximately INR 488 Crore, pertains to civil structure and finishing with a total construction area of approximately 1,79,302 Sq.mtr. The scope of work includes towers, and other amenities, aligned with approved project plans and defined project specifications.

Commenting on the development, Manik Malik, CEO & President, BPTP Limited, said, “BPTP has awarded the construction contract for Downtown 66 to NCC Limited an established player in the construction sector. This engagement reflects our strategic emphasis on partnering with seasoned contractors for project execution, aligned with design imperatives and project requirements.”

Located along Golf Course Extension Road, Downtown 66 forms part of BPTP’s development portfolio in Gurugram. The project is planned with a focus on modern design, holistic and multi-generational living, sustainability, connectivity, and occupier requirements, and is being developed in compliance with applicable laws, approvals and regulatory framework.

Downtown 66 is envisioned to bring together design-led planning, sustainability discipline and engineering integration. The project includes collaboration with global and domestic consultants, including AEDAS Singapore (Principal Architect & Interior Design), Coopers Hill Singapore (Landscape), Nulty Studio Dubai (Lighting), End Point Dubai (Signage), GreenTree (Green Building), Manish Consultant (Structural Proof), BES (Façade), RSMS (Building Bye-laws), ATN Consultants (Kitchen Design), Sanelac (MEP), RWDI (Wind Tunnel), and Proion (Fire Safety). The development is being planned in alignment with India’s highest seismic considerations of Zone V for high-rise structures, viz-a-viz Zone IV as stipulated by Indian Codes and has received IGBC Platinum pre-certification, based on current design parameters.

NCC Limited has extensive experience across residential, commercial and infrastructure developments and will lead project execution in line with the defined scope of work. NCC is also engaged by other real estate developers in the region for their marquee residential and commercial projects.

About BPTP

BPTP Limited is a real estate developer with over two decades of operations in the Delhi-NCR region. The Company has delivered numerous residential and commercial projects across multiple locations in NCR, including group housings, plotted developments and integrated townships.

Pepe Jeans London, the iconic denim lifestyle brand known for its international fashion sensibility, announces an exclusive collaboration with Indian cricket star Shreyas Iyer, in association with ELLE India. The partnership brings together sport, style, and contemporary culture, positioning Shreyas Iyer as a natural extension of the brand’s confident and evolving aesthetic.

Shreyas Iyer styled in Pepe Jeans in association with ELLE

The collaboration presents a series of elevated casual looks that blend classic denim with modern silhouettes, from timeless double-denim styles to relaxed, refined fits. Shot in a clean, editorial-style setting, the campaign captures Iyer’s effortless presence, where comfort meets confidence, and versatility defines everyday style.

Reflecting his personal approach to fashion, the edit subtly mirrors a sense of ease, adaptability, and understated confidence, qualities that resonate with both his on-field persona and off-duty wardrobe.

Shreyas embodies the spirit of modern India, confident, expressive, and constantly evolving. His style aligns seamlessly with the brand’s focus on individuality and contemporary fashion, making this collaboration a natural fit. Through this association with ELLE India, the brand aims to create a strong cultural moment at the intersection of sport and style.

With this collaboration, Pepe Jeans London continues to strengthen its cultural relevance in India, aligning with influential voices who bridge sport and lifestyle with authenticity.

You can watch the video here: youtube.com/shorts/Y8WYCjo1aCo?si=eICH1Be49oaXuGNs

About Pepe Jeans London

Pepe Jeans London was born on London’s iconic Portobello Road in 1973. Today, over 50 years later, the brand remains devoted to its initial mantra and pledge to create the world’s most exciting denim-led fashion. The diversity and mix of cultures that define the city of London also define the Pepe Jeans personality, providing a constant source of inspiration for the women’s, men’s, and junior collections. Music, Culture, Fashion, London, and Denim, that’s what Pepe Jeans is all about.

Pepper successfully hosted INDEX’26, its flagship GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) Growth Summit, bringing together over 200 senior marketing and AI leaders for a closed-door, operator-led conversation on what is truly driving measurable demand in an AI-first world.

(L- R) Anirudh Singla, Co – founder and CEO of Pepper, Vamshi Sriperumbudur, Former Palo Alto Networks SASE CMO, Kishan Panpalia, Founding Team of Pepper & Rishabh Shekhar, Co-founder and COO of Pepper

INDEX’26 featured a distinguished lineup of global leaders at the forefront of marketing, AI, and technology. The event opened with a keynote by Dane Vahey, Head of B2B at OpenAI, followed by Alexandra London, CMO at G2.

The summit witnessed overwhelming demand, with registrations closing at 2.5 times capacity and over 80 professionals waitlisted—achieved entirely without paid promotion. This strong organic response signals a growing urgency among enterprises to understand and adapt to AI-led discovery and visibility.

Anirudh Singla, Co-founder & CEO, Pepper said, “INDEX’26 was never meant to be another marketing conference—it was designed as a room for operators who are actively rethinking growth in an AI-first world. What we saw in San Francisco validates a much larger shift: enterprises are no longer asking if AI will change discovery, but how fast they need to adapt to it. The level of demand, the depth of conversations, and the quality of leaders in the room—from platforms like OpenAI, LinkedIn, and Reddit—signal that Generative Engine Optimization is moving from concept to implementation. INDEX is our way of building a global movement around this shift—grounded in real insights, real operators, and real outcomes.”

An ecosystem panel featuring Dev Khare of Lightspeed Ventures, Sid Arora from LinkedIn, and DJ Capobianco of Reddit explored how shifting market dynamics are redefining growth strategies. The conference also featured prominent speakers including Joyce Hwang from Dropbox, Heidi Bullock from Marketo, Christine Royston from Wrike, along with Amanda Kahlow, Drew Neisser, Sydney Sloan, Elay Cohen, and AJ Gandhi.

The audience comprised a highly curated group of enterprise decision-makers, including leaders from Salesforce, Nvidia, Intel, Snowflake, Gong, 6sense, Demandbase, JFrog, Zendesk, and Tealium, including CMOs, VPs, and Heads of Marketing.

A key highlight of the summit was Pepper’s Founding member Kishan Panpalia’s GEO research presentation, which drew standing-room-only participation. The session drove exceptional engagement, with over 500 screenshots captured by attendees across a 20-slide presentation—an uncommon response for a research-focused session and a strong indicator of the relevance of GEO frameworks.

Reflecting on the broader shift, Dev Khare remarked, “It’s not marketing that’s changing—it’s market structures.” This insight resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the need for organizations to rethink not just tactics, but the fundamental systems driving demand.

Within 24 hours of the event, industry leaders including Claire Darling, Genefa Murphy, Anand Akela, Meghan Keough, Sandra Lopez, Karen Brewer, and David DeJonghe shared organic, unsolicited feedback on LinkedIn, calling INDEX’26 one of the highest-quality marketing conferences of the year.

INDEX’26 stands as a testament to the power of conviction-led community building. Without the backing of large-scale funding or agency amplification, Pepper successfully brought together global technology platforms and enterprise leaders in one room—driven purely by relevance, insight, and industry trust.

Building on the momentum from San Francisco, INDEX’26 will next take place in New York City on May 27, as Pepper continues to expand its global footprint and lead the conversation on AI-first growth and GEO adoption.