WEutsav: Festival Of Rural Women Entrepreneurs Comes To Bengaluru On 14 February 2026

• Exhibition to showcase rural women entrepreneurs from 15+ Indian states

• Focus on ‘Skill to Entrepreneurship: Building Sustainable Livelihoods.’

• Live craft demonstrations, experience zones, and direct market access

• Platform to promote women's empowerment, indigenous crafts, and rural enterprises

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, supported initiative and organized by WeAct, today announced WEutsav, a one-day exhibition celebrating rural women entrepreneurship, to be held on 14 February 2026 at Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bengaluru, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Entry to the exhibition will be free and open to the public.

WEutsav aims to highlight the entrepreneurial journey from skill development to sustainable enterprise creation, with a special focus on rural women-led businesses. The exhibition will feature women entrepreneurs from 15+ Indian states, showcasing handcrafted, eco-friendly, and indigenous products across sectors such as textiles, handicrafts, home décor, food products, and sustainable lifestyle goods.

The event will include product exhibition and sales stalls, live craft demonstrations, and state-wise experience zones that present the heritage, culture, ethnicity, and iconic landmarks of participating states. These immersive zones are designed to offer visitors an engaging, first-hand experience of India’s diverse traditional crafts and rural enterprises.

WEutsav also serves as a platform for youth and students to engage with real-life entrepreneurial stories, encouraging innovation, enterprise thinking, and appreciation for grassroots businesses. Participating students and institutions will receive certificates of participation, reinforcing learning beyond classrooms.

Through WEutsav, EDII, and WeAct reaffirm their commitment to women empowerment, livelihood generation, and inclusive economic development by strengthening market access and visibility for rural entrepreneurs.

Event Details:

Venue: Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bengaluru

Date: 14 February 2026

Time: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Entry: Open to the public

About WeAct

WeAct (Women Entrepreneurs Access Connect Transform) is a national-level initiative formed by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, to empower rural women entrepreneurs. It provides hands-on support in business planning, marketing, market access, digital adoption, and financial literacy, helping women-led micro-businesses become sustainable and profitable. WeAct’s structure strengthens women’s participation in India’s rural enterprise ecosystem. For more information, visit: www.weact.in

About Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, was set up in 1983 with the support of apex financial institutions - the IDBI Bank Ltd., IFCI Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., State Bank of India (SBI), and the Government of Gujarat. EDII has been recognized as the CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The Institute is closely associated with premier corporates in implementing their CSR initiatives across the county leading to strengthening of MSMEs, promotion of women entrepreneurship, and creation of sustainable livelihoods. For more information, visit: www.ediindia.org

Ultraviolette Accelerates Network Expansion With Its 5th Experience Centre In Bangalore

· X-47 Crossover and F77s are now available for sale in Nagarbhavi, Domlur, Yelahanka, Hosur Road and Whitefield.

· The launch of the UV Space Station in Whitefield widens Ultraviolette’s national presence, further strengthening its foothold across thirty-five cities nationwide.

· Customer Access: Offers enthusiasts an immersive brand experience by catering to the end-to-end requirements of the customer lifecycle.

· Personalized Test Rides and Service: Experience centre features tailored test ride opportunities, dedicated service assistance, and access to genuine spares.

Ultraviolette Automotive today announced the launch of a new UV Space Station in Bangalore, marking its fifth experience centre in the city and a significant step in strengthening its nationwide retail and service network. The expansion follows a series of recent product and technology milestones, including the launch of the X-47 Crossover and the UV Crossfade carbon-fibre helmet, and reflects Ultraviolette’s continued focus on scaling a performance-driven electric mobility ecosystem. With this addition, the company further deepens customer access to its performance electric motorcycles and further reinforces Bangalore’s position as the epicentre of Ultraviolette’s engineering, innovation, and product development.

The newly established UV Space Station, in partnership with dealer M/s Lithium Wheels, will provide customers a comprehensive experience to explore Ultraviolette's performance motorcycles the X-47 Crossover and F77s. The UV Space Station is a 3S facility and is designed to offer an immersive experience, starting with test ride experience, sales, service, and a range of motorcycle accessories- all under one roof.

The Experience Centre will display the company’s performance motorcycles the X-47 and F77s. The products redefine electric performance with a powertrain boasting 40.2 hp and 100 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 kph in just 2.8 seconds. Equipped with a 10.3 kWh battery, it boasts an IDC range of 323 kms on a single charge.

Commenting on the launch Narayan Subramaniam, Co-founder & CEO, Ultraviolette, said, “The launch of our fifth Ultraviolette Experience Center in Bangalore represents a key step in expanding our retail and service network in a city that has been central to our engineering, product development, and innovation journey. This new Space Station strengthens our ability to deliver a seamless, end-to-end ownership experience in one of our most important markets, while also supporting the scale required for our growing product portfolio. Looking ahead, our roadmap to 100 touchpoints across India in 2026 is gaining strong momentum, with additional outlets planned in the coming months. Each new location is designed to strengthen customer engagement, scale execution, and accelerate the adoption of electric mobility across the country.”

Built on Ultraviolette’s deep engineering and platform-led innovation, the X-47 Crossover is the world’s first radar-integrated electric motorcycle offered as standard, marking a decisive shift in how performance electric motorcycles are designed and experienced. The motorcycle features a rider-focused interface with a 5-inch TFT display, three distinct ride modes, long-travel suspension and industry-first radial all-terrain tyres, delivering confidence, stability and control across varied riding conditions.

Advanced safety and intelligence are delivered through Ultraviolette’s UV Radar Intelligence, powered by a 77 GHz rear radar and the UV HyperSense Advanced Rider Assistance System, enabling functions such as blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, overtake alerts and rear collision warnings. The X-47 also incorporates the world’s most power-dense air-cooled onboard charger, engineered, developed and designed in-house by Ultraviolette, alongside parallel boost charging and an integrated dashcam system. This engineering-led approach has earned recognition across the automotive industry, including honours from leading automotive awards as EV Motorcycle of the Year, reinforcing Ultraviolette’s ambition to build globally competitive electric mobility solutions from India.

Address of the UV Space Station in Whitefield: No.931 B.Narayanapura Village K.R.Puram Hobli Bangalore East Thaluk Pin 560016.

About Ultraviolette Automotive:

Ultraviolette (UV) is an innovator in future-ready Electric Vehicle Platforms and Battery Technology. Infused with Aviation DNA, this enterprise was conceived in 2016 by the founders, Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan. Ultraviolette is backed by a spectrum of global investors, including Lingotto, TDK Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, Zoho Corporation, TVS Motors, and Speciale Invest.

For more information, visit https://www.ultraviolette.com/

Photo Caption: (L to R) Ms. Smitha Srinivasa, Director, Ms. Lithium Wheels; Mr. Vinayak Bhat, Chief Product Officer, Ultraviolette; and Mr. Abin Varghese, Director, Ms. Lithium Wheels, during the inauguration of the UV Space Station, Whitefield, Bengaluru.

JSW Foundation In Partnership With Michelangelo Foundation To Take Indian Artisans To The Global Stage At Homo Faber 2026, Venice

In a significant step towards placing Indian craftsmanship within a global contemporary dialogue, JSW Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the diversified JSW Group has announced its collaboration with Homo Faber 2026, the internationally acclaimed cultural movement supporting creative artisans worldwide presented by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship.

Through this collaboration, JSW Foundation will support the participation of Indian artisans at the fourth edition of the Homo Faber Biennial, to be held from 1 to 30 September 2026 at the historic Fondazione Giorgio Cini on San Giorgio Maggiore Island in Venice. The biennial brings together exceptional artisans from across the world, spotlighting craftsmanship as a living, evolving creative practice.

Curated under the theme “Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light,” the upcoming edition will feature works by hundreds of artisans whose practices span materials, techniques and cultural contexts. By becoming a Homo Faber Guardian of Creativity and Craftsmanship, JSW Foundation will enable Indian artisans to participate in this global platform, offering them international visibility and meaningful engagement beyond traditional narratives of craft.

The collaboration was announced at the India Art Fair on 5 February, in the presence of Tarini Jindal Handa and Sangita Jindal, reaffirming JSW Foundation’s commitment to championing craft traditions from India and South Asia on a global stage.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation, said, “We are proud that JSW Foundation will participate in Homo Faber in Venice in September 2026, creating an international stage where Indian master artisans engage with global audiences, not as representatives of folklore, but as peers in a shared creative language.”

Sangita Jindal has been instrumental in building capacity for artisans through her leadership at JSW Foundation, creating opportunities through skill development, design collaborations, market access and global platforms. Her efforts have focused on preserving traditional crafts while positioning artisans as contemporary creators, strengthening livelihoods and elevating Indian craftsmanship on the international platforms.

“Homo Faber 2026 will be dedicated to craft artists from all over the world, whose outstanding artworks will contribute to the narrative that Artistic Director Es Devlin is creating,” said Alberto Cavalli, Executive Director of the Michelangelo Foundation. “Our partnership with JSW Foundation is allowing us to give space, attention and relevance to a meaningful selection of gifted artisans from India whose work represents the authenticity, beauty and sophistication of contemporary Indian artisanship. Their participation will help these artisans gain reputation, visibility and hope – the same hope we share: that beauty, crafted by humans for humans, will always be the universal language that nourishes our community.”

With this collaboration, JSW Foundation reinforces its long-standing commitment to preserving and advancing India’s craft traditions, while repositioning Indian artisans within a global contemporary framework, one that recognises craftsmanship not as heritage alone, but as a vital and forward-looking creative force.

About JSW Foundation:

JSW Foundation has a long track record and comes from a rich legacy of empowering rural communities to enrich their lives since the last three decades. JSW Foundation’s focus areas are Health and Nutrition; Education; Water, Environment and Sanitation; Waste Management; Agriculture; Skills and Livelihoods; Sports Promotion; and Art, Culture and Heritage. Through a strong field presence, JSW Foundation operates across 39 districts in 18 states with priority on communities around JSW’s core areas of operations. JSW Foundation also reaches out to communities beyond these locations to contribute towards India’s social development in an impactful way.

About Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship:

Founded in 2016, the Geneva-based Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship champions contemporary craftspeople worldwide with the aim of promoting a more human, inclusive and sustainable future. Its signature projects comprise: Homo Faber NextGen, a suite of education programmes for the next generations of artisans; Homo Faber Guide, an online platform showcasing artisans around the world; Homo Faber Finds, which identifies craft excellence and proposes imaginative ideas to inspire collaborations, private commissions and acquisitions; and a yearly programme of events including flagship celebration Homo Faber Biennial and curated exhibition series Homo Faber Capsule. homofaber.com

Maharashtra Govt Orders Statewide Action Against Illegal Mosquito Agarbatti ‘Comfort’ And ‘Sleep Well’

Directs Retailers and Shopkeepers to Stop Stocking and Selling

In a strong move to protect public health, the Maharashtra Department of Agriculture has directed all Insecticide Inspectors across the state to take immediate enforcement action against the sale of illegal mosquito agarbatti sold under the brand names “Comfort” and “Sleep Well.” The government has ordered strict implementation under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Insecticides Rules, 1971, including raids, seizures, and prosecution of violators.

The Home Insect Control Association (HICA), a non-profit industry body promoting the safe and responsible use of household insecticides in India, has welcomed the government’s decisive step. Over the past several months, HICA has remained in close coordination with authorities and consistently flagged concerns around mosquito agarbattis containing unapproved chemicals.

Earlier investigations into Sleep Well in Andhra Pradesh and Comfort in Mumbai confirmed through laboratory testing the presence of illegal and unapproved insecticides, prompting regulatory scrutiny and enforcement action in multiple states. Within just 15 days of the Mumbai raid and ban on ‘Comfort’, Maharashtra has now escalated its response to a statewide level, issuing a fresh circular to curb the sale of both products across the state.

Following this, the Director of Agriculture, Maharashtra, has issued a fresh statewide circular to all Divisional Joint Directors of Agriculture and Insecticide Inspectors, mandating immediate enforcement action against retailers and distributors selling “Comfort” and “Sleep Well” mosquito agarbattis. The circular instructs field authorities to carry out raids, seize illegal stock, and report all actions to the Commissionerate of Agriculture.

The Maharashtra Government has also cautioned shopkeepers and distributors that the sale and distribution of unregistered insecticide products is illegal and punishable under law, and has directed all retailers to immediately stop stocking and selling these products.

Jayant Deshpande, Hon. Secretary, Home Insect Control Association (HICA), said, “We strongly appreciate the Maharashtra government for its decisive and timely action against illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis like Comfort and Sleep Well. The misuse of illegal and unapproved chemicals in incense repellent formats is extremely concerning and poses potential risks to public. Such products are deliberately sold without regulatory approvals and mislead consumers into believing they are safe. This enforcement is in the interest of people who unknowingly buy spurious mosquito agarbattis. The government action sends a clear message that illegal manufacturers and those enabling their distribution will not be tolerated. We urge sustained action across states and advise consumers to purchase only mosquito repellents that carry a valid CIBRC registration number.”

HICA has urged retailers and distributors to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and advised consumers to buy only mosquito repellents that carry a valid CIR (Central Insecticide Registration) number on the packaging.

About HOME INSECT CONTROL ASSOCIATION (HICA)

HOME INSECT CONTROL ASSOCIATION (HICA) is a premier organization established 1995 in Mumbai to give impetus to the domestic Home Insecticides sector, to facilitate the members of the association for the overall safety of the environment and to educate the public about the healthy and proper use of the home insecticides for a pest free life.

For more details, visit https://www.hica.co.in/

Marwadi University Concludes Emulate 2026, Packed With Culture, Creativity And Expression

Marwadi University echoed with creativity, culture, and celebration with its flagship fest “Emulate 2026”. Previously known as MU Fest, the event was scheduled from February 4 to 6, 2026. Recognised as one of the most anticipated inter-college youth festivals in the region, the three-day extravaganza witnessed participation from over 15,000 students featuring 70 diverse events.

The major attraction of was the musical nights which emerged as a showstopper, with chart-topping rapper Divine delivering a high-octane performance that had the crowd on its feet, followed by an emotionally resonant and melodious concert by celebrated playback singer Shaan, creating moments that students will cherish long after the fest.

Adding the flavour of humour, popular stand-up comedians Gurleen Pannu and Ravi Gupta had the crowd in splits with their witty one-liners marking the beginning of a hilarious celebration.

Adding depth and inspiration to the fest were engaging fireside chat sessions with Aparshakti Khurana, Shivankit Singh, and Anya Singh, where students gained insights into creativity, personal journeys, and the evolving entertainment landscape through candid conversations.

Dhruv Marwadi, Trustee, Marwadi University, shared, “Emulate 2026 brought together art, culture, dialogue, and entertainment on one platform. We aimed to empower young minds to express themselves, think creatively, and build confidence. The scale and diversity of this year’s fest underlined our commitment to creating enriching experiences that shape students into dynamic and socially aware individuals.”

A key highlight of the first evening was the student-led fashion show, where the students took centre stage, showcasing innovation, confidence, and contemporary design sensibilities, reinforcing the fest’s core spirit of student empowerment.

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, To Host Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 From 12-14 February

The Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 (MES 2026), India’s leading student-led entrepreneurship and innovation platform organised by the Entrepreneurship Cell of the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, will be held from 12 to 14 February 2026. The three-day summit will convene students, startups, investors, industry leaders, creators, and policymakers from across India to promote innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial development.

Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit is recognised as one of India’s most energetic student-led startup platforms. It seeks to boost the national entrepreneurial ecosystem by integrating thought leadership, funding options, competitive events, and extensive industry engagement in a single event. The summit offers a distinctive space where young innovators can connect directly with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry specialists, facilitating the transformation of ideas into tangible, real-world ventures.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM, (Retd.) Vice Chancellor, MAHE, stated, “The Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 underscores MAHE’s vision of promoting innovation-driven education and entrepreneurship as key enablers of national development.

By bringing together academia, industry, startups, and policymakers on a common platform, MES 2026 exemplifies our commitment as an Institution of Eminence to nurturing socially relevant, scalable, and sustainable ventures. Such initiatives empower students to become job creators and responsible leaders in a rapidly evolving global economy.”

Dr. (Cdr) Anil Rana, Director, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, said, “The Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 reflects MIT's sustained commitment to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry readiness among students. By providing a platform that connects young minds with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, MES 2026 enables experiential learning beyond the classroom and encourages students to translate ideas into impactful ventures. Such initiatives play a critical role in strengthening India’s startup ecosystem and preparing future-ready entrepreneurs.”

The summit will commence with keynote and guest sessions by well-known entrepreneurs and creators, including Shantanu Deshpande, Ankur Warikoo, and Sahiba Bali. Their journeys across startups, content creation, and brand building are expected to inspire students and early-stage founders. A key highlight of MES 2026 is Pitch Tank, a pan-India startup pitching competition. Over 650 participants and 100+ teams will present their business ideas before venture capitalists and angel investors. The competition offers a prize pool of ₹1.5 lakh, along with mentorship and potential funding support.

MES 2026 will also feature the Innovation Mela, the summit’s flagship startup expo. The expo will showcase 150+ startups, MSMEs, research labs, and student innovators, and is expected to attract over 22,000 visitors, making it one of the largest innovation showcases in the region. The platform provides startups with valuable exposure, partnership opportunities, and direct access to investors and industry leaders.

Introducing a strong policy focus this year, MES 2026 will launch the Innovation Policy Consortium (IPC), a national inter-college initiative. Through this platform, student bodies will collaboratively develop research-based policy recommendations to address key challenges in India’s startup ecosystem. The final policy document will be presented to government representatives during the summit. The summit will conclude with an Influencers’ Conclave, featuring prominent entrepreneur-creators such as Parul Gulati and Gaurav Taneja (Flying Beast). The conclave will offer insights into digital-first businesses, personal branding, and community-driven growth.

With a legacy of over 25,000 attendees in previous editions, the Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit continues to serve as a national platform that supports emerging startups and local MSMEs, while providing students with meaningful industry exposure beyond the classroom. MES 2026 reinforces Manipal’s position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship and empowers the next generation of founders and changemakers.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.

Dyson Airwrap, Marshall Speakers, iPhone 17: Everything On Sale This Valentine's Day At Croma

* Offers include category-wide discounts, special prices, bundle packs and bank benefits for a limited period 

Croma, India’s leading omni‑channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, presents the ultimate gifting guide this Valentine’s Day with a wide range of options starting from ₹699. From premium devices to everyday essentials, special prices, category discounts and curated bundle deals across smartphones, tablets, wearables, audio, personal care, and more, will make finding the perfect gift for your loved one easier across budgets.

The Valentine’s Day offers will be available from February 6 to 15 across all Croma stores. Customers can unlock a range of exciting benefits including cashback and easy EMI options, making this a value packed electronics sale. All prices and offers vary depending on brand, model, store, day, city and availability, and are subject to applicable bank or finance partner terms. Additionally, customers can avail a discount of up to 10% on select products using the HDFC TATA Neu credit card.

Among the key Valentine’s Day highlights are Croma’s Hero offers, bringing major savings on bestselling smartphones, audio products and more.

· The iPhone 17 is now available at an effective price of ₹47,742. How to get this offer:

o Exchange your old smartphone for up to ₹23,500 (depending on condition and model)

o Get an additional ₹8,000 exchange bonus

o Avail a flat ₹2,000 bank cashback

· Marshall Bluetooth speaker available at the market price of ₹19,999, can be bought at ₹12,999

· Sony headphones, at ₹14,990, can be availed at a 50% discount at ₹7,499

In the smartphone category, customers can enjoy attractive discounts, including 22% off on the Redmi Note 15G and 14% off on the OnePlus Nord CE5, while the Apple iPad 11th Gen is available at a 12% discount, bringing its price to ₹30,766.

In wearables, shoppers can avail up to 80% off on popular smartwatch brands such as the Boat Wave Astra Neo and Noise ColorFit Victor. The Apple Watch Series SE 3, starting at ₹25,900, can now be purchased on a nine‑month no‑cost EMI of just ₹2,791.

The personal care category also features compelling offers, with up to 30% off on Philips multi‑grooming kits and straightening brushes, and 10% off on the Dyson Airwrap. Croma is offering up to 65% discount on its range of grooming essentials, while the Havells hair straightener and curler comes at a significant 45% discount.

Additionally, customers can explore exciting combo deals and freebie offers available exclusively in stores.

“Valentine’s Day is a key gifting moment, to celebrate relationships with thoughtful and meaningful choices. At Croma, we have curated a wide range of attractive offers across smartphones, audio, wearables, personal care and more, making it easier for customers to find the perfect tech gift across budgets. With compelling prices, value-driven bundles and expert in-store assistance, we aim to help customers gift with confidence and make this Valentine’s Day truly special,” said a spokesperson from Infiniti Retail Ltd.

About Croma:

Infiniti Retail Ltd. is one of the first organised consumer durables and electronics retailers in India operating under the brand name Croma. With over 570 stores across 200+ cities, the company continues to aggressively open new stores to expand its presence especially in suburban region of metro cities along with tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Croma offers its customers a world-class ambience to shop both in-store and staged at www.croma.com and allows for a seamless omnichannel shopping experience that lets a customer enjoy the best of both worlds. Through its deep integration with the Tata Neu ecosystem, products from Croma are also available on the Tata Neu app. Croma has been featured among the 100 most valuable Indian brands by Brand Finance India 100 report for two years in a row.