Milky Mist Signs MoU With Maharashtra Government At Davos For Large-Scale Milk Processing & Dairy Products

India’s leading value-added dairy firm Milky Mist Dairy Food Ltd today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to set up a large-scale milk processing and dairy products manufacturing facility in the state. The MoU was signed at the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The agreement was executed by Dr. K. Rathnam, CEO of Milky Mist, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion plans beyond southern India.

Under the MoU, Milky Mist will establish a 10 LLPD milk processing plant, expandable up to 25 LLPD, with a diverse product portfolio including paneer, yogurts, curd, mozzarella cheese, ice cream, butter, ghee etc. The project will be developed on a land parcel measuring 1, 94,866 square metres (approximately 48.15 acres), with the land allotted by MIDC.

The total project investment is estimated at ₹1,130 crore and is expected to generate direct employment for about 800 people, providing a significant boost to local livelihoods and the regional dairy ecosystem. The project will be implemented in a phase manner. Milk procurement for the facility will be sourced within the state.

Founded in 1997 by entrepreneur T. Sathish Kumar, Milky Mist has grown into one of India’s leading value-added dairy companies, known for its strong farmer linkages, technology-driven operations and premium dairy offerings across domestic and international markets.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. K. Rathnam said, “This MoU reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening India’s dairy value chain while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and communities. Maharashtra’s progressive policies, robust infrastructure and strong milk-producing regions make it an ideal partner for our next phase of growth.” The plant in Maharashtra will help the company at to expand its strong market presence in western India.

About Milky Mist

Led by Sathishkumar T, Milky Mist is, exclusively focused on value-added dairy products and caters to evolving consumer preferences from breakfast to dinner. The company has expanded its portfolio beyond traditional dairy offerings to include cheese, butter, ghee, yogurt, ice cream, ultrahigh temperature (UHT) products, frozen foods, ready-to-eat (RTE), and ready-to-cook (RTC) items, as well as chocolates. The company operates a fully automated processing facility in Perundurai, Erode, Tamil Nadu, focussing on higher throughput, quality products and improved production timelines and its own integrated logistics model. They offer their products under the umbrella brand ‘Milky Mist’, and sub-brands such as ‘SmartChef’, ‘Capella’, and ‘Misty Lite’—along with recently acquired brands ‘Briyas’ and ‘Asal’. Milky Mist continues to focus on continuous innovation and maintain a commitment to quality, helping us stay competitive in the dairy industry.

London To Nagpur Shopfloor: Why Globally Educated Youth Are Choosing Retail Training

In an age where young Indians chase global corporate jobs and polished office titles, a surprising career pivot is quietly playing out on India’s retail shopfloors — even foreign-qualified graduates are choosing frontline retail training to get job-ready.

It’s not because they ran out of options. It’s because many are figuring out something early: degrees open doors, but don’t always prepare you for the moment when a customer is standing in front of you — impatient, uncertain, comparing brands, and expecting answers in seconds.

This shift is becoming visible in Samsung’s DOST Sales Programme, which has steadily grown into a structured route for young professionals to learn the business from the ground up. The 2026 cohort reflects that change clearly — with participants coming from diverse academic backgrounds, including graduates with international education, choosing hands-on retail experience as a foundation for long-term careers.

So, what exactly is DOST? Put simply, it is a structured retail skilling programme that trains youth for organised sales roles through a mix of classroom learning and on-ground store exposure. Participants learn customer handling, product understanding, communication, and the basics of retail operations — skills that often decide whether a fresher stays stuck at entry-level or grows.

India’s retail market today is no longer about simply “selling”. It’s about solving. Customers arrive with online reviews, price comparisons, and strong opinions. And the shopfloor executive isn’t just a salesperson anymore — they are a guide, problem-solver, and trust-builder in a fast-moving consumer environment.

For Quazi Faizan Afroz Akhlaque Uz Zama (27), an MBA graduate from Amravati University currently training in Amravati, the programme has been less about theory and more about learning real-time decision-making.

“Through training and hands-on exposure, I learned how to communicate with customers, manage situations, and make informed decisions in real time,” he said. “Understanding customer behaviour and product differentiation has helped me approach conversations with clarity and confidence.”

But the headline moments in this year’s cohort come from those with global exposure. Take Rashneet Kaur Chhabra (26) — a graduate of University College London (UCL) with a Master’s degree in Architecture focused on Bio-Integrated Design — now training in Pune.

It’s not a conventional move. But she says it’s a necessary one.

“The diversity of the programme — across age, background, and experience — helped me understand business from a very human perspective,” she said. “In India, retail is deeply rooted in relationships and cultural understanding. Building trust and personal connection with customers is central, and that’s a lesson I will carry into global markets.”

Her experience captures what many young professionals are discovering: real confidence is built on the shopfloor — not in a classroom. It comes from conversations you can’t script, objections you can’t predict, and pressure situations you can’t pause.

The international footprint of the cohort also includes participants like Tushar, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Technology, Sydney, underlining a growing view among youth — that frontline experience can be a serious career accelerator, not a temporary stop.

Beyond individual journeys, programmes like DOST Sales reflect a broader shift in what employability now means in India. While companies across sectors often speak about “future-ready talent”, the challenge is real: many graduates are qualified but not fully prepared for high-pressure customer environments, performance-driven roles, and rapid on-the-spot problem-solving.

That’s where structured retail skilling programmes can have a larger social impact — turning education into experience, and experience into opportunity. For many young Indians, especially first-generation professionals, the shopfloor is not just a workplace — it is where confidence is built, careers take shape, and ambition becomes practical.

“With its industry-first, five-month training framework, Samsung DOST is addressing a critical need for job-ready talent in the retail ecosystem. The sharp rise in enrolments this year, including candidates with global education exposure, reflects the growing relevance of the programme. At a time when digital transformation is reshaping retail, DOST is helping build a skilled workforce equipped for the future,” said Shubham Mukherjee, Head, CSR & Corporate Communications, Samsung Southwest Asia.

As India’s organised retail economy expands, the demand for professionals who can combine product knowledge with customer trust-building is only rising. And for an increasing number of globally-educated young Indians, starting at the ground level is no longer seen as “small”.

It’s seen as smart. Because in today’s economy, the fastest way to learn isn’t always through a job title.

Sometimes, it begins by proving yourself — one customer at a time.

Samsung Newsroom India: https://news.samsung.com/in/london-to-nagpur-shopfloor-why-globally-educated-youth-are-choosing-retail-training

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news,  visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/

Technology Meets Traditions: Godrej Supports Revival Of Indian Handlooms With Its Advanced Handloom-Friendly Washing Machines

* Unveils ‘Tested for handlooms’ initiative in its AI powered washing machines, encouraging Indians to wear handloom fabrics more frequently

This Republic Day, the Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group takes a meaningful step towards reviving India’s timeless handloom legacy through its ‘Tested for Handlooms’ initiative. With its handloom friendly front-load washing machine technology, the brand is making handloom care effortless, encouraging fellow Indians to celebrate our handloom fabrics and wear them more frequently with pride.

Every Indian state has its own handloom fabric- Kasavu from Kerala, Mysore Silk from Karnataka, Pochampally Ikkat from Telangana, Paithani from Maharashtra, Chikankari from Lucknow, Bandhani from Guiarat & Rajasthan, Muga Silk from Assam and several others, with some having been recognized by UNESCO as well. These handwoven traditions, many of them originating centuries earlier are an integral part of Indian’s rich and diverse culture. Despite this, the handloom sector is in urgent need of revival, and we need consumers to patronise handlooms far more. However, handlooms are often seen by people as high maintenance. Most people rely only on hand wash or dry cleaning due to concerns around fabric damage, consequently wearing and buying handloom fabrics less often.

To address these concerns and make everyday handloom care easier, Godrej has tested its AI Powered advanced Front Load Washing Machines successfully for twenty five handlooms from different parts of India, ranging from Banarasi Silk and Patola Silk to Pochampally Ikat and Jamdani. The machine’s gentle wash program is now proven to wash as many as twenty-five handloom fabrics with utmost care for as many as 25 washes*. The fabrics have been subjected not just to visual checks by a team but also examined under the microscope at 40x magnification, to assess the fabric’s structural integrity for acceptable levels of wear and tear.

Commenting on this initiative, Kamal Nandi, Business Head - Appliances Division of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “It is only when technology meets our traditions that we can preserve what matters and pioneer progress for generations. Indian handlooms need our collective efforts for its revival, and with our ‘designed for India’ washing machines, we encourage Indians to wear and flaunt their beautiful handlooms more often, with confidence and pride.”

Further, Swati Rathi, Head – Marketing, Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “At Godrej Enterprises, we have always been committed to technology that is truly made for India. With this ‘Tested for Handlooms’ initiative, we are making it easier for Indian consumers to care for their handloom fabrics at home, with their Godrej washing machines.”

For more details visit our website landing page- https://www.godrejenterprises.com/lp/home-appliances/washing-machines/tested-for-handlooms

NBBL Powers Mobility Sector With Simplified EV Wallet Recharge Via Bharat Connect

NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is strengthening digital payment solutions for India’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem through its ‘EV Recharge’ category on Bharat Connect. Launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, the new category allows electric vehicle owners to seamlessly top up their EV wallets through Bharat Connect-enabled touchpoints.

As per a NITI AYOG report, sale of EVs in India went up from 50,000 in 2016 to 2.08 million in 2024. The report further states that India seeks to attain a 30% share of electric vehicles, in the total vehicles sold, by 2030. Despite the strong growth momentum, Electric vehicle users have long had to navigate fragmented platforms or switch between multiple operator apps to manage their charging needs, often resulting in inconvenience and inconsistent experiences. By integrating major EV wallet providers and charging networks into a single, accessible framework, NBBL is supporting the growth of EV landscape by building a hassle-free payments infrastructure for EV customers. It also offers users a consistent experience across partner applications, enabled by Bharat Connect’s API-driven infrastructure.

According to the Ministry of Power (MoP), a total of 29,277 public EV charging stations have been installed across the country as of August 2025. With EV wallet top-ups now accessible on Bharat Connect-enabled apps and websites, customers can seamlessly manage their charging balances for stations such as Tata EZ Charge and Zeon Charging. Transactions can be completed through familiar payment modes, including UPI, cards, net banking, and wallets, with instant confirmations and digital records for transparency.

Speaking on the new category, Ms. Noopur Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, NBBL, said, “As electric mobility becomes central to India’s transport landscape, offering a dependable solution for EV wallet recharges is essential. To meet this need, we have integrated the service into Bharat Connect’s robust and expansive biller network, leveraging its reach and interoperability to ensure a unified experience for EV users across the country. The ‘EV Recharge’ category is built for scalability, and convenience and will continue to evolve alongside India’s growing EV adoption.”

This initiative strengthens NBBL’s position as a trusted facilitator of essential digital payment services and extends its support into a biller category vital to India’s clean mobility transition. It also supports ecosystem participants by improving discoverability and opening access to a large digital network.

B L Kashyap Backed Roots Football Club Honoured At Inaugural KSFA Annual Awards 2024–25

B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. (BLK) has reinforced its commitment to sports development as Roots Football Club, supported by BLK as a CSR partner, was recognised at the first-ever Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) Annual Awards 2024–25 for its outstanding contribution to football development in the state. The recognition reflects the progress achieved by the club through sustained institutional support focused on structured youth and women’s football development over the past three years.

Roots Football Club was conferred with the Best Youth Development Club and Best Football Academy honours, while Ura Dimri was named Emerging Player of the Year (Women), marking a significant milestone for the club’s women’s football programme.

Commenting on the recognition, Ms. Shruti Kashyap Choudhari, Director, B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. said, “Our association with Roots Football Club has been built on the belief that young players need continuity and structure to progress beyond the youth level. At BL Kashyap, we believe that the true measure of impact lies in creating long-term opportunity, and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to using sport as a platform for social transformation whether it is enabling young players to continue competitive football beyond the age of 18, or supporting women to pursue sport as a viable profession. The recognition at the KSFA Awards is encouraging, but more importantly, it reinforces our belief that sustained investment in grassroots ecosystems can create impact far beyond the field.”

The awards ceremony was hosted by Mr. N. A. Harris, President – KSFA and Vice President – AIFF, and was attended by leading figures from Indian football, including Mr. Sunil Chhetri, former Indian national team captain; Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, President – AIFF; Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary – AIFF; and Dr. K. Govindaraj, President – Karnataka Olympic Association, underscoring the importance of the initiative in strengthening grassroots football across Karnataka.

In addition to the wins, Roots FC received nominations across key categories including Best Club Management, Fair Play Award, and Best Women’s Club. Individual nominations were also secured by team members, including Coach of the Year – Men, Youth Player of the Year, and Emerging Player of the Year – Men, reflecting the depth and consistency of the club’s development model.

Over the past three years, BLK’s CSR partnership with Roots Football Club has supported both the women’s team and the senior men’s division, creating continuity beyond the youth level. In the senior men’s team, over 60% of players come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and the support has enabled them to continue competitive football post-18 while pursuing structured professional pathways.

Beyond performance outcomes, the partnership has allowed women athletes to pursue football as a viable profession and earn an income from the sport. This has contributed to greater acceptance and long-term support for women’s participation in football within families and communities, with the impact extending beyond the field.

Celebrate Republic Day With Timeless Indian Flavours At Taj West End, Bengaluru

Mark the spirit of India’s Republic Day with a thoughtfully curated lunch at Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru, on 26 January 2026. Set amidst the restaurant’s tranquil environs, the experience offers a refined yet heartfelt celebration of India’s diverse culinary heritage, presented with Taj’s signature gracious service.

The culinary spread takes guests on a flavourful journey across the country—from the robust spices of the North to the coastal richness of the South, and from the comforting tastes of the East to the vibrant bounty of the West. Highlights include Nalli Nihari, Tandoori Chicken, Hyderabadi Biryani, Ghee Roast, Machar Jhol, and Undhiyu—timeless regional favourites prepared with authenticity, elegance, and care.

Date: 26 January 2026

Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Venue: Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru

Price: INR 2,450 + taxes per person

For reservations, please contact: 080 6660 5660

Celebrate the pride of the nation with a culinary tribute that honours India’s rich traditions and timeless tastes at Taj West End, Bengaluru.

Tata Power-Led Odisha Discoms Recognized At National Level During EDICON 2026

* TPCODL wins Gold for improved rural revenue recovery; TPWODL wins Silver for best use of smart meters’ data

Tata Power-led Odisha DISCOMs continue to be among the best-performing power distribution utilities in the country, earning national recognition at the Electricity Distribution Industry Conference ‘EDICON: 2026’.

At the national platform, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) received the Gold Award for Improvement in Recovery of Revenue in Rural Areas, while TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) was conferred the Silver Award for Best Use of Smart Meter Data.

The awards were presented today by Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power, during the inaugural session of EDICON 2026 being held in New Delhi on January 21–22, 2026.

The awards reaffirm the strong performance and transformation journey of Tata Power-led Odisha DISCOMs in building financially sustainable, technologically advanced, and consumer-focused electricity distribution systems.

The recognition for TPCODL highlights sustained progress in strengthening revenue recovery across rural areas, driven by improved processes, focused field-level interventions, and consumer engagement.

The award for TPWODL reflects innovation and leadership in leveraging smart metering and smart meter data to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and consumer services.

Commenting on the achievement, Gajanan Kale, Chief- Odisha Distribution Business, Tata Power said “We are honoured to receive national recognition at EDICON 2026. These awards reflect the commitment of our teams on the ground and our continued efforts to build a modern, consumer-centric and financially sustainable power distribution ecosystem in Odisha. We remain dedicated to supporting the state’s growth aspirations by ensuring reliable power supply and improved service experience for every consumer.”

Together, these recognitions further strengthen the positioning of all Tata Power-led DISCOMs in Odisha as among the best in the country, setting benchmarks for modern, resilient, and responsive power distribution.

Tata Power-led Odisha DISCOMs include TPCODL, TPWODL, TPSODL, and TPNODL, serving a large consumer base across Odisha. These utilities are committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and quality power supply, while advancing digital transformation, loss reduction, smart metering, and enhanced consumer services across both urban and rural areas.

EDICON 2026 is organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Power, in collaboration with the All India Discoms Association (AIDA). The conference brings together key stakeholders to deliberate on themes including financial sustainability of DISCOMs, consumer-centric reforms, innovation, digital transformation, and future-ready electricity distribution systems.