Star Health Launches 32 Arogya Seva Kendras; To Provide Primary Healthcare Access To A Million Liv

·First Arogya Seva Kendra inaugurated in Egmore, Chennai; Tamil Nadu rollout includes Nagercoil, Thoothukudi, Tiruppur and Karur

· Structured clinics to offer doctor consultations, NCD screening, diagnostics, medicines and adult pneumococcal vaccination support – All Free of Cost

· Outreach expected to touch over a million lives

· Initiative targets districts with 20% - 40% hypertension prevalence and diabetes burden reaching up to 29%

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH; BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, on Monday announced the launch of 32 Arogya Seva Kendra’s (ASK) across 9 states under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, aimed at strengthening access to community-level primary healthcare.

The ASK health clinics, being implemented in partnership with Piramal Swasthya, part of Piramal Foundation, will provide structured primary care services at Zero Cost to the patients. These services include doctor consultations, lab diagnostics that help in screening of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as Anaemia, Diabetes, Hypertension, etc. Additionally medicines, counselling and adult pneumococcal vaccination support will also be provided.

The Arogya Seva Kendras in Phase 1 will be launched across 32 key cities including Nagercoil, Thoothukudi, Tiruppur, Chennai and Karur in Tamil Nadu; Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi, Davanagere and Ballari in Karnataka; Nizamabad, Khammam, Karimnagar and Mahabubnagar in Telangana; Kurnool and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh; Rourkela and Berhampur in Odisha; Bathinda, Amritsar and Patiala in Punjab; Gorakhpur, Mathura, Prayagraj and Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh; Asansol and Siliguri in West Bengal; and Nashik, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Akola in Maharashtra.

India continues to see rising burden of hypertension and diabetes; much of it remaining undiagnosed until advanced complications emerge. In districts across the nine participating states, hypertension prevalence ranges between approximately 20% - 40% among adults, with diabetes prevalence reaching nearly 29% in certain geographies.

Anand Roy, MD & CEO, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, said:

"India’s healthcare conversation must begin within the community. We cannot hospitalise our way out of the non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis; and we believe primary care is where healthcare equity begins.

When screening, medicines and follow-up are consistently accessible, complications are prevented before they become catastrophic. Institutions across the healthcare ecosystem have a shared responsibility to strengthen this foundation. Through this CSR initiative, we are contributing to that collective effort, and ensuring primary healthcare reaches people early, reliably and close to where they live."

Each ASK health clinic provides the following Free of Cost Services

MBBS doctor consultations

Screening for hypertension, diabetes and oral health conditions

Laboratory diagnostics for Blood Sugar, Haemoglobin, RDT, etc.

Medicines for common ailments and chronic conditions

Health counselling and awareness sessions

Pneumococcal vaccination support for eligible beneficiaries

ASK health clinics will operate with dedicated medical teams and defined service protocols to ensure continuity and structured follow-up with the patients.

Star Health is funding the capital and operational expenditure under its CSR allocation, while Piramal Swasthya will manage implementation, staffing and clinical governance.

Ajay Piramal, Chairman, Piramal Group said:

“Over the past 17 years, Piramal Foundation has worked across India’s most challenging geographies, guided by deep community engagement and systems transformation. This CSR partnership with Star Health Insurance builds on that legacy - bringing trusted, comprehensive primary care closer to communities, impacting over a million lives through accessible consultations, diagnostics, and free medicines.”

Pneumococcal infections remain a significant contributor to respiratory disease burden and Pfizer, is enhancing the initiative with its knowledge and expertise in vaccination.

Saral Gupta, Director Market Access, Pfizer India said:

"Adult immunization remains an overlooked yet vital component of India’s preventive healthcare framework. Our country bears 23% of the global burden of community-acquired pneumonia and strengthening access to vaccination, especially for high risk adult groups, is critical to lowering the overall impact of such vaccine preventable diseases.

We congratulate Star Health on making adult vaccination an integral part of their Arogya Seva Kendra initiative, and are pleased to continue supporting it with our expertise. "

Through this initiative we want to reach over a million lives.

The clinics have been in districts identified as having elevated NCD burden and gaps in primary healthcare access.

The Chennai launch marks the beginning of a structured, long-term CSR initiative focused on preventive, accessible and continuous primary healthcare delivery.

About Star Health and Allied Insurance: Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. (BSE: 54312 | NSE: STARHEALTH) is the market leader in standalone health insurance in India. The Company commenced operations in 2006 as India’s first Standalone Health Insurance Company. Star Health Insurance provides Health, Personal Accident and Travel Insurance to its customers. The Company has grown to emerge as one of the preferred health insurance companies in India with several pioneering products and services to its credit. With customer-centricity at its core, the Company has developed superior and innovative product offerings, service capabilities and a seamless claims management process. Star Health offers tailor made products to cater to needs such as, cancer, diabetes, cardiac illnesses and to specific segments such as senior citizens, women and children. Star Health is India’s first health insurance company to settle over 1.4 crore claims.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. has a strong multi-channel distribution network of 900+ offices, over 8 lakh agents and robust bancassurance and financial institution partners. The Company has 14,500+ network hospitals and 18,000+ employees. In FY2025, Star Health’s Gross Written Premium stood at ₹16,781 Crore with its net worth at ₹8,668 Crore.

For more information visit www.starhealth.in

Amazon Opens Its Second Largest 1.1 Million Sq ft Office In Asia Near Bengaluru Airport

• Campus officially inaugurated by Dr. MB Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka.

• The campus is also Amazon's second-largest single-building corporate office globally, housing over 7,000 employees across businesses

Amazon today announced the opening of its second largest office in Asia in Bengaluru. The 1.1 million square feet, 12-storey campus will support over 7,000 employees across ecommerce, operations, payments, technology, and seller services in India. Built on a five-acre site approximately 15 kilometres from Kempegowda International Airport, the corporate building was officially inaugurated by Dr. M.B. Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka. The new corporate building has been thoughtfully designed to bring teams together at scale and enable collaboration, flexibility, learning, and wellbeing. The launch of this new campus is part of Amazon’s continued investments in India. The company has already invested over $40 billion in India and has committed to invest an additional $35 billion in India by 2030.

According to Dr. M.B. Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, “Amazon’s continued investment in Bengaluru reflects India's growing role as a global technology and innovation hub. Large-scale campuses like Amazon’s new campus create high-quality jobs, strengthen local ecosystem, and support India's digital economy. We welcome investments that build long-term capability and create opportunity for our workforce.”

According to Samir Kumar, Country Manager Amazon India, "India continues to be a long-term priority for Amazon, and Bengaluru has played a central role in our journey here. Over the years, the city has been home to some of our earliest technology and business teams, and today it remains a key hub for innovation and talent. We are grateful to Dr. M.B. Patil for joining us to inaugurate this campus and for Government of Karnataka’s continued support. As we build for customers in India and around the world, we remain committed to investing in infrastructure, technology, and talent for the long term."

The campus brings together adaptable workspaces and collaborative zones organised into self-sustaining neighbourhoods with meeting rooms, huddle spaces, breakout areas, and event spaces that can host more than 200 people. Employees have access to dedicated recreation facilities including basketball and pickleball courts, an amphitheater, landscaped lawns, and outdoor community spaces. Cafeterias across two floors serve a range of global cuisines.

Amazon’s new campus represents progress in our effort to reduce carbon across our corporate office portfolio, aligned with Amazon’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon by 2040 under The Climate Pledge. The project incorporates strategies such as responsible material sourcing, reuse of office assets, and high-efficiency systems that are intended to reduce embodied and operational carbon.

Amazon in Karnataka

Amazon has significant presence in Karnataka with ten corporate offices, seven fulfillment centers, three sort centers, over 130 last mile delivery stations, and a robust network of micro-FCs for Amazon Now across Bengaluru. Additionally, over 80,000 sellers from Karnataka are already selling on Amazon.in.

About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.aboutamazon.in

ICICI Prudential Life Launches Dividend Leaders 50 Index Fund For Customers Seeking Stability And Long-Term Wealth Creation

· Investment strategy – invest in fundamentally strong companies with a consistent dividend payout history

· Rule-based disciplined investment approach enables long-term wealth creation

· Diversification across multiple sectors provides stability

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched the Dividend Leaders 50 Index Fund under its Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The new fund will enable customers to build wealth over the long-term by investing in fundamentally strong stocks with a proven track record of consistent dividend payouts.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Manish Kumar, Chief Investment Officer, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited, said, “The Dividend Leaders 50 Index Fund offers customers a disciplined and transparent way to participate in equity markets by investing in fundamentally sound companies with a consistent dividend track record.

The fund’s strategy is structured around four pillars which includes dividend payout-focused stock selection, quality checks aimed at stronger financials and stable cash flows, diversification across multiple sectors, and a transparent, rule-based and disciplined investment process with periodic review and rebalancing.

Importantly, this new fund will empower our customers to stay invested with confidence, knowing their portfolio is aligned with financially strong and time-tested companies. This launch is another step in our journey towards a disciplined, transparent, and high-quality investment opportunity for our ULIP customers while also getting a life cover.”

The fund follows the BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index, which tracks the performance of 50 companies selected from the broader BSE 500 universe that have consistently paid dividends over the past 10 years. The index comprises 50 constituents and is rebalanced annually. Through the fund, we are giving our customers access to companies that have demonstrated financial strength and commitment to shareholders over time.

Historically, the index factsheet presents annualised total returns of 33.63% over three years, 30.96% over five years and 20.40% over ten years, as of January 30, 2026, highlighting the long-term potential of a disciplined investment strategy. However, regulations may restrict the Company from investing in all the stocks in line with their weights in the index from time to time. As a result, there could be a possible tracking error. The fund adopts a passive, index-mirroring approach, tracking the stocks in the index instead of picking stocks actively.

The Dividend Leaders 50 Index Fund is available with some of the Company’s popular ULIP products such as ICICI Pru Signature Assure, ICICI Pru SmartKid Assure, ICICI Pru Smart Insurance Plan Plus (SIP+) amongst other ULIP products available on www.iciciprulife.com.

About ICICI Prudential Life Insurance (www.iciciprulife.com)

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited is promoted by ICICI Bank Limited and Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited. The Company began its operations in fiscal year 2001 and has consistently been amongst the top private sector life insurance companies in India on Retail Weighted Received Premium (RWRP) basis. The Company offers an array of products in the Protection and Savings category which match the different life stage requirements of customers, enabling them to provide a financial safety net to their families as well as achieve their long-term financial goals. The digital platform of the Company provides a paperless buying experience to customers, empowers them to conduct an assortment of self-service transactions, provides a convenient route to make digital payments and facilitates a hassle-free claims settlement process.

The Company has introduced ICICI Pru Stack, a first-of-its kind suite of platform capabilities that combines digital tools and analytics. This innovative suite aims to enhance the understanding of customers' requirements and enable distributors to offer suitable insurance products, deliver seamless experiences, and provide exceptional pre- and post-sale services. By deploying this comprehensive solution, the Company aspires to transform into the most customer-friendly and partnerable insurance provider in the country.

At December 31, 2025, the Company had an AUM of Rs. 3.31 lakh crore and a total in-force sum assured of Rs. 43.44 lakh crore. ICICI Prudential Life is also the first insurance company in India to be listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Limited.

Manjushree Technopack Completes Rebranding To Alternicq Following Shareholder And ROC Approval

India’s largest rigid plastic packaging company is now ‘Alternicq’ (formerly Manjushree Technopack). Following receipt of shareholder approval and the Certificate of Incorporation from the Registrar of Companies (ROC), Manjushree Technopack Limited is now officially renamed as Alternicq Limited.

The adoption of the new corporate identity marks the company’s evolution from a quality and scale-led manufacturer to innovation-led, customer-centric, integrated packaging solutions provider, with a strong focus on enabling circularity in rigid plastic packaging.

Alternicq, representing alternative thinking, reflects the company’s sharpened focus on pioneering innovation and delivering high quality packaging solutions at scale, all while managing complexity for customers across the packaging value chain. Alternicq is designed to symbolise collaboration between the company and its customers, reinforcing a shift from a traditional supplier role to that of a co-creation partner. The visual identity—two rectangles coming together to form a diamond—represents Alternicq and its customers coming together to create path-breaking, future-ready packaging solutions.

Commenting on the adoption of the new corporate identity, Thimmaiah Napanda, Managing Director and CEO, Alternicq Limited said, “With shareholder and regulatory approvals now secured, our transition from Manjushree Technopack to Alternicq is now complete, marking a defining milestone in our over 40 year old journey. This transition marks a shift in how we operate and engage with our customers—moving beyond a manufacturing-led approach to a collaborative, solutions-driven model offering integrated packaging solutions. Alternicq reflects the operating maturity we have built, where innovation, scale and execution come together to help customers manage complexity and meet evolving market and sustainability requirements. As demand for rigid plastic packaging in India continues to grow, our integrated design and pan-India manufacturing presence position us strongly to scale and gain market share.”

As customer needs have evolved, the company has expanded well beyond manufacturing to become a one-stop packaging solutions partner, combining scale, agility, technical expertise, regulatory expertise and collaborative innovation all under one roof. Alternicq brings together capabilities across preforms, containers, caps and closures, pumps and dispensers, pharmaceutical primary packaging and recycling—supported by pan-India manufacturing, AI-enabled digitised processes and strong innovation partnerships.

Backed by PAG, one of Asia’s leading alternate asset managers, Alternicq is strengthening its presence in the packaging space, including in pharmaceutical packaging, through PAG’s acquisition of specialist pharma firm Pravesha Industries. The new corporate identity aligns the company’s operating model, innovation capabilities and customer partnerships under a single, future-ready brand.

Alternicq Limited

Alternicq Limited (formerly known as Manjushree Technopack) is India’s largest rigid plastic packaging company by installed capacity. Founded in 1987, the Company today operates 30 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across India, employing over 2400 people, with a production capacity of 2,75,000+ MTPA of containers, bottles, closures, drums, pumps and dispensers, along with 2,000+ million units of cartons, labels and leaflets. The Company is backed by PAG, a leading Asia-focused alternate asset manager.

A leader in consumer rigid plastic packaging, Alternicq Ltd. is a diversified, one-stop solutions partner with integrated design, manufacturing, and recycling capabilities. Its integrated capabilities spans across containers, preforms, caps and closures, pumps, and dispensers, supported by captive recycling infrastructure, serving diverse industries including food and beverages, home and personal care, pharmaceuticals, dairy, automotive, and agrochemicals. Its innovative design and development expertise spans all major technologies (ISBM, EBM, IMM, IBM), & Substrates (PET, PP, HDPE, PCR).

Built on scale, technical depth, and customer trust, Alternicq enables brands to simplify packaging complexity while accelerating speed to market and supporting long-term growth. Its systems and capabilities support evolving EPR, recycled content, and traceability requirements across domestic and export markets, and its pharma packaging aligns with global standards and benchmarks.

For more information, visit: LinkedIn

Phoenix Mall of Asia Hosts Rohan Joshi For A Night Of Stand-Up That Turns Middle Age Into Comedy Gold

Self-aware, culturally tuned in, and unapologetically honest, this live set captures adulthood in all its absurdity.

Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru is set for a laughter-packed evening as comedian and content creator Rohan Joshi takes the stage on Saturday, 28th February 2026. Performing live at FAN Park from 7.30pm onwards, Rohan brings a brand-new set that dives headfirst into his mid-life awakening, complete with sharp observations, self-aware humour, exploring adulthood, responsibility, and the inevitable evolution into the classic Indian uncle.

A founding member of the iconic comedy collective All India Bakchod, Rohan has written and performed in some of India’s most widely watched digital sketches and co-created the satirical show On Air with AIB. Today, through his independent YouTube presence and collaborative reaction content, he continues to shape contemporary Indian comedy with a voice that is both irreverent and relatable.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of FAN Park at Phoenix Mall of Asia, the show promises a lively weekend atmosphere where stand-up and personal storytelling come together in a dynamic live format. Book your tickets now on BookMyShow.

Event Details:

Event: Rohan Joshi Live
Date: Saturday, 28th February 2026
Time: 7:30 PM onwards
Venue: FAN Park, Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru
Tickets: Available on BookMyShow

University of Canberra Celebrates Hat-Trick Year Of UC Cricket Challenge In India

Flagship youth cricket initiative returns for the third consecutive year in Bengaluru, deepening India–Australia ties through sport, education and global pathways

The University of Canberra’s (UC) Cricket Challenge is back for a hat-trick year, marking the tournament’s third consecutive edition and reinforcing the University’s long-term commitment to strengthening its India–Australia engagement through sport, education and youth development.

Delivered in partnership with Cricket ACT, the governing body for cricket in the Australian Capital Territory, the UC Cricket Challenge has steadily evolved into a distinctive international platform that integrates competitive school-level cricket with academic exposure, cultural exchange and future-ready education pathways.

Since the tournament’s inception, promising young cricketers from schools across India have enjoyed unique opportunities to engage with Australia’s sport-led education ecosystem while competing at a high-performance level.

Talking about the unique initiative, Mr Andrew Barr, MLA, Chief Minister, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, said, “The University of Canberra Cricket Challenge represents exactly what Canberra stands for – innovation, opportunity and partnership. This program strengthens our international education relationships, opens new pathways for young athletes, and showcases Canberra as a global destination where talent is nurtured both on the field and in the classroom. We are proud to support an initiative that builds futures, deepens global connects and reflects the very best of our community.”

The UC Cricket Challenge is the realisation of the shared vision between UC and Cricket ACT to nurture emerging talent and create meaningful ‘study and play’ pathways that allow students to pursue sporting excellence alongside academic ambition. The initiative reflects UC’s broader focus on employability, industry integration and real-world learning.

Building on the success of the previous two editions, the 2026 UC Cricket Challenge will feature inter-school T10 matches in Bengaluru, complemented by a range of engagement activities designed to expose students to international education opportunities, high-performance sporting environments and cross-cultural learning experiences. Further details regarding dates, venues, participating schools and programme elements will be announced in due course.

Prof. The Hon. Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Canberra, said the UC Cricket Challenge represents the values that define the University of Canberra - opportunity, aspiration and global connection.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together. Through this initiative we are creating pathways for young talent to thrive both on the field and in the classroom,” he said.

“As we mark the third consecutive year of the Challenge in India, we will focus on building enduring partnerships, strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Australia, and positioning Canberra as a destination for students looking to combine education with sporting excellence.”

Speaking about the legacy being created by this flagship tournament, Ms Olivia Thorton, Chief Executive Officer, Cricket ACT Australia, said, “The UC Cricket Challenge demonstrates how cricket can bring India and Australia closer while creating meaningful education and sport pathways for young people. Cricket ACT is proud to support an initiative that connects communities and opens global opportunities for emerging talent.”

The tournament also reflects the growing role of sport as a bridge between education systems and international collaboration. Through its partnership with Cricket ACT, UC continues to strengthen links between schools, sporting bodies and higher education institutions, supporting talent development, coaching excellence and future leadership in sport.

As part of UC’s wider engagement with India, the UC Cricket Challenge complements the university’s broader initiatives across student recruitment, school outreach, training and development programmes, and collaborative partnerships. Together, these efforts underscore UC’s commitment to India as a key strategic market and partner in its global vision.

The hat-trick edition of the UC Cricket Challenge further reinforces UC’s belief that sport-led education can play a powerful role in shaping globally minded, career-ready graduates while fostering deeper cultural and institutional ties between nations.

Photo Caption: The University of Canberra and Cricket ACT formally launched the UC Cricket Challenge, bringing together institutional leaders and program partners to celebrate the future of global education pathways.

Reebok Announces Olympic Shooter Manu Bhaker As Brand Ambassador

* Celebrating discipline, training and the mindset shaping India’s next generation of athletes

Reebok announced Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker as its brand ambassador in India. The partnership brings together Reebok’s training-first philosophy with one of the country’s most focused and driven athletes, united by a shared belief that true performance is built long before competition day.

At just 24, Manu has established herself as one of India’s most accomplished sport shooters and a symbol of resilience and mental strength. She made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning two bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team events, becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals at a single Olympic Games and the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. Her journey has been shaped as much by training and discipline as by results, making her a natural fit for Reebok, a brand that has long championed training, fitness and high-performance sport. Manu embodies a new generation of Indian athletes who are confident, self-aware, and deeply invested in the process. From refining technique to building mental strength, her career reflects the realities of elite sport, where progress is earned through consistency and intent.

Commenting on the collaboration, Manu Bhaker said, “Every result begins long before competition day. Training, focus, and belief shape everything I do, and that’s what connects me with Reebok. I’m proud to represent a brand that stands for preparation and backs athletes through every phase of the journey.”

Speaking on the association, Arjun Ramamoorthy, Brand Head, Reebok India, added, “Manu Bhaker represents the future of Indian sport – focused, fearless, and deeply committed to the work behind performance. As Reebok sharpens its focus on training and high-performance sport in India, this partnership reflects our belief in athletes who don’t chase shortcuts, but show up prepared. It’s about empowering people to push further through training and self-belief.”

This strategic collaboration underscores Reebok’s renewed commitment to sport and distribution growth across India, strengthening its presence in performance categories and engaging communities that value the discipline of daily training as the foundation of performance. Together, Reebok and Manu Bhaker will encourage athletes and fitness enthusiasts to shift focus from podium moments to the preparation that earns them.



Link to the announcement: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DU-Gh5EE8oB/