World Bank Approves Long‑Term Financing For 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project In Bhutan Co-Owned By Tata Power, DGPC

· To generate more than 4,500 GWh of clean electricity annually, about 80 % of which will be supplied to India

· Project showcases regional cooperation in South Asia’s clean energy push

· Bhutan’s largest hydropower project under PPP model

The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has approved and sanctioned long-term financing for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project (DHPL). DHPL is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly owned by Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (60 percent) and Tata Power (40 percent), India’s largest private integrated power company. The Project will boost clean energy cooperation between India and Bhutan and strengthens regional energy security.

It will be Bhutan’s largest hydropower project to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and is expected to generate more than 4,500 GWh of clean electricity annually. This will expand Bhutan’s installed energy capacity by nearly 40 percent and further strengthen the country’s position as a reliable exporter of clean energy to India. About 80 % of the annual electricity generation form the Project will be supplied to India.

Tata Power Trading Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power, will be responsible for importing the power into India and managing its onward distribution.

The financing package includes a $150 million grant and a $150 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $15 million enclave loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to DGPC (Government of Bhutan), as well as a $200 million IBRD enclave loan and a $300 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited (DHPL). The balance funding requirements for the project will be arranged from various market participants.

The World Bank’s approval reflects confidence in the project’s technical and financial foundations. It provides long‑term visibility and strengthens Tata Power’s and DGPC’s ability to advance the project in a measured and disciplined manner, while focusing on delivering sustainable value for all stakeholders.

The Dorjilung project reinforces long-standing energy cooperation between Bhutan and India, highlighting how regional partnerships can deliver shared economic and environmental benefits while advancing South Asia’s clean energy landscape.

The project is expected to generate significant employment during both construction and operations, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and support livelihoods in the Mongar and Lhuentse districts in Bhutan.

Dorjilung marks the next chapter in this enduring partnership focused on sustainable development, and illustrates how partnerships between Governments, Multilateral Institutions, and the Private Sector can translate policy ambition into bankable, high-impact outcomes.

Marking The 79th Year Of Independence, HDFC Mutual Fund Conducted 79 Nukkad Nataks Nationwide

HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd., investment manager to HDFC Mutual Fund, rolled out the on-ground leg of its flagship ‘Barni Se Azadi’ initiative, with 79 Nukkad Natak (street play) performances going live across multiple cities. The initiative underscored HDFC Mutual Fund’s continued commitment to taking financial awareness directly to communities at the grassroots level through culturally relevant and accessible formats.

‘Barni Se Azadi’ is a purpose-led initiative that sought to encourage individuals, especially women, to move beyond traditional saving practices and take informed steps towards long- term financial security. By leveraging the power of street theatre, the initiative aimed to spark relatable conversations around money, savings, and investing in a simple and culturally resonant format that was accessible to people from all walks of life.

The Nukkad Nataks were performed across seven cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Surat, Lucknow, Baroda, and Jaipur. With a total of 79 performances scheduled, the plays commenced in December 2025 and were designed to engage audiences in public spaces such as markets, residential areas, and community hubs.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Navneet Munot, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd., said, “Financial awareness has the power to change not just individual lives, but entire communities. Through the Nukkad Natak conducted under HDFC Mutual Fund’s ‘Barni Se Azaadi’ investor education initiative, financial awareness found a voice on the streets—educating, engaging, and inspiring individuals, especially women, to take control of their financial future.”

Over the years, ‘Barni Se Azadi’ evolved into a broader movement that challenged conventional notions of savings and empowered women to take control of their financial futures. The on-ground activation through Nukkad Nataks strengthened this mission by creating direct, human connections and encouraging dialogue at the community level.

Benefits of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

- Freedom from market timing

- Well-suited for long-term wealth accumulation

- Disciplined wealth creation

To know more visit https://www.hdfcfund.com/learn/barni-se-azadi

An Investor Education and Awareness Initiative

Visit https://www.hdfcfund.com/information/key-know-how to know more about the process to complete a one-time Know Your Customer (KYC) requirement to invest in Mutual Funds. Investors should only deal with registered Mutual Funds, details of which can be verified on the SEBI website (www.sebi.gov.in/intermediaries.html). For any queries, complaints & grievance redressal, investors may reach out to the AMCs and / or Investor Relations Officers. Additionally, investors may also lodge complaints directly with the AMCs. If they are not satisfied with the resolutions given by AMCs, they may raise complaint through the SCORES portal on https://scores.sebi.gov.in/ SCORES portal facilitates investors to lodge complaint online with SEBI and subsequently view its status. In case the investor is not satisfied with the resolution of the complaints raised directly with the AMC or through the SCORES portal, they may file any complaint on the Smart ODR on https://smartodr.in/login.

South India’s Tier-2 & Tier-3 Residential Sales Value Crosses ₹20,000 Crore In 2025

Research indicates residential and commercial sales expanding despite geopolitical uncertainty and economic cycle headwinds.

“South India’s real estate market closed 2025 with an estimated ₹20,000 crore in residential sales value, marking a decisive recovery from the pandemic phase and signalling a deeper structural shift toward emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities,” said Mr. M.R. Jaishankar, Chairman & Managing Director, Brigade Group, while addressing a keynote speech at CREDAI SouthCon 2026, the South India Knowledge Conclave held in Bengaluru.

According to Mr. Jaishankar, South India still trails the all-India market in absolute scale due to the presence of much larger Tier-2 cities in the North and West, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Indore and Kanpur. In contrast, South India’s Tier-2 powerhouses, notably Coimbatore, Kochi, Trivandrum and the rapidly advancing Visakhapatnam (Vizag) are now emerging as the primary growth engines for the region.

South India’s commercial real estate has surpassed 2025 projections with modest absorption: 2-4 Million Square Feet (office), 4-8 Million Square Feet (retail/mall), 8-12 Million Square Feet (warehousing), 5,000-8,000 hotel rooms and 10-30 MW data-centre capacity.

Giving a forecast for the year 2030, he mentioned that a stronger growth is predicted, 8-12 Million Square Feet (office), 15-20 Million Square Feet (retail), 40–60 Million Square Feet (warehousing), 12,000-18,000 hotel rooms and 200-300 MW (data centres).

By 2035, ambitions escalate further: 15-20 Million Square Feet (office), 30-40 Million Square Feet (retail), 90-120 Million Square Feet (warehousing), 25,000-35,000 hotel rooms and 600-900 MW (data centres), though linear projections often falter against real-world economics.

Tier-2/3 Momentum Extending into the Next Decade

Research shared during the conclave projects that by 2030, Tier-2 and Tier-3 South Indian cities could collectively deliver 40,000 residential units, scaling up to 60,000 units by 2035, translating into a compounded growth trajectory of 10–12% over the period. Developers expect 100% growth in Tier-2 sales volumes over the next five years, contingent on macro stability.

Infrastructure is Rewiring Demand Geography Mr. Jaishankar attributed the sales value surge to India’s aggressive infrastructure rollout spanning Bharat Mala, Vande Bharat, national corridor expansions and the Udaan airport network, which grew from under 10 airports to 65+ and is projected to reach 170 airports in the coming years.

The improved logistics, mobility and airport density are advancing demand beyond Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, enabling residential, retail, warehousing and hospitality assets to scale in previously under-served cities.

Beyond Residential: Warehousing, Hospitality and Data Centers Break Out

While residential contributed the bulk of the 2025 sales value, the conclave highlighted that warehousing, hospitality and data center assets are now expanding faster than office and retail in South India: Warehousing is benefiting from lower land costs in Tier-2 belts Hospitality has seen record occupancy & ARR since 2022 due to domestic leisure travel Data center capacity is shifting toward coastal cities, with Vizag emerging as a contender following large multinational intent, including a $15 billion investment announcement by Google

Cycles, Risks and Caution Against Over-Leveraging Mr. Jaishankar reminded delegates that multiple economic cycles from the 1991 liquidity crisis to COVID-19 have repeatedly reshaped India’s real estate market, cautioning developers against over-leveraged land banking and untested expansion strategies.

He stressed that while India remains relatively insulated compared to global markets, geopolitical shocks, AI-driven employment restructuring in IT hubs and tightening cycles could affect absorption in 2026-2028.

Brand, Trust and Mixed-Use as Competitive Moats

The conclave discussion highlighted that brand strength, transparency, RERA-aligned governance and mixed-use planning are now outperforming stand-alone development models, especially in slow cycles. Developers with stronger brands and better compliance continue to transact even in down markets.

To honor the tireless labour of construction workers, the event commenced with a symbolic lamp-lighting ceremony performed by three construction workers.

CREDAI Sees Strong Housing Demand and Improved Delivery Momentum Amid Policy Push

A press briefing by respective CREDAI State Presidents, Mr. Bhaskar T Nagendrappa (CREDAI Karnataka), Mr. K Indrasena Reddy (CREDAI Telangana), Mr. Bayana Srinivas Rao (CREDAI Andhra Pradesh), Mr. Roy Peter (CREDAI Kerala) and W S Habib (CREDAI Tamil Nadu) was held. They said that while demand for apartments continues to rise post-COVID, affordability is deteriorating because the long-standing ₹45-lakh cap no longer matches today’s construction and land costs.

Mr. Bhaskar T Nagendrappa, President, CREDAI Karnataka, said, “South India’s real estate sector is entering a decisive decade. With technology transforming demand, Tier-II cities accelerating and stakeholders demanding greater transparency, trust is no longer optional—it is the basis for growth. CREDAI Karnataka is committed to building an ecosystem where policy, innovation and responsible development come together to shape a more vibrant and equitable urban future for our region and for the country.”

They noted that developers have urged the government to revise this definition, expand unit size limits, reduce GST and stamp duty and make affordable housing viable through faster approvals and PPP-based land support. Although they insisted delivery delays are largely a thing of the past due to regulatory reforms, they also admitted that permissions, E-khata processes and power connections continue to face bureaucratic bottlenecks that push up finance costs and slow handovers. CREDAI acknowledged that Karnataka has not seen a single viable private affordable housing project under the current framework and said this reflects a need for policy overhaul rather than lack of developer commitment. On labour, they maintained that workers are being better supported and paid, but argued that the government’s underuse of labour-cess funds and the growing scarcity of skilled workers are pushing the industry toward greater mechanisation.

On a positive note, CREDAI said that regulatory reforms, stronger buyer confidence and ongoing urban migration are expanding the housing market and creating momentum for more timely project delivery, with developers expressing willingness to collaborate with government on policy improvements and PPP models to revive the affordable housing segment.

SouthCon 2026 is a 2-day event representing itself as a southern knowledge forum rather than a routine real-estate gathering, framing the event around the theme ‘Trust Through Transparency-Readying for the Growth of the Next Decade.’ Over 450 delegates representing real estate developers from across multiple states participated in SouthCon 2026.

Angel One And Zepto Bring ‘Fitverse’ To Bangalore, Redefining Fitness Through The Lens Of Compounding Habits

The wellness-led experience connects everyday fitness habits with long-term wealth creation through the principle of compounding

Angel One Limited, one of India’s leading fintech platforms, collaborated with Zepto to host Fitverse, a curated wellness experience that brought together physical fitness and financial fitness under a shared idea. The event was held at Hyfit Fitness Club and saw participation from creators, wellness brands, and fitness enthusiasts.

Built around the principle that progress, whether in health or wealth, is driven by consistency and compounding, Fitverse reframed fitness beyond short-term resolutions. The experience encouraged participants to view both physical training and financial planning as habits shaped through small, regular actions that deliver long-term results.

Angel One participated as the financial fitness partner, using the platform to simplify conversations around investing by anchoring them in everyday behaviour. Through immersive workouts and interactive experiences, the event highlighted how disciplined routines, over time, can create meaningful outcomes across both fitness and finance.

Commenting on the association, Arief Mohamed, Chief Business Officer, Angel One, said, “People often approach money the way they approach fitness in January, with intensity but without continuity. Fitverse was designed to change that mindset. By placing financial fitness in a wellness setting, we are reinforcing a simple truth: wealth, like health, is built through small, consistent actions that compound quietly over time.”

The invite-only experience hosted 60 to 70 leading Indian creators, positioning Fitverse as a cultural moment for a generation that is increasingly focused on mindful progress across health, money, and lifestyle.

As conversations around wellness continue to evolve, Angel One remains focused on building awareness around financial fitness as a long-term practice, making investing more relatable by connecting it to everyday habits and sustained decision-making.

Young Innovators’ Expo 2026 Successfully Concludes At Marwadi University In Collaboration With DST, Government of India

Marwadi University, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, successfully organized the Young Innovators’ Expo 2026. The event served as a dynamic platform to nurture innovation, creativity, and scientific thinking among school students from the Saurashtra region.

The expo witnessed enthusiastic participation from 269 students representing around 25 schools from Rajkot, Morbi, and Gondal. A total of 140 unique innovation projects were presented and demonstrated by the young innovators, reflecting their curiosity, problem-solving ability, and commitment to addressing real-world challenges.

The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by Mr. Dikshit H. Patel, District Education Officer, and Rajkot, who provided motivational inputs and encouraged students to pursue innovation, research, and scientific inquiry from an early age. University leadership and faculty members were also present to welcome the participants and mentor teachers.

Projects were evaluated by an expert jury based on innovation, creativity, societal relevance, environmental impact, and feasibility. To encourage and recognize outstanding innovations, cash prizes and awards were conferred to the top-performing teams and projects.

Winners of Young Innovators’ Expo 2026

• First Prize: Saket Ganatra and Rohan Pinara, Saint Paul’s School

• Second Prize: Utsav Patel, Saint Paul’s School

• Third Prize: Vishw Jalu and Param Meheta, Dholakiya School

In addition to the top three awards, 10 projects were recognized under Special Category Awards, including: Social Impact, Sustainability & Green Innovation, Grassroot Innovation, Frugal Engineering, Assistive Technology, Digital / Smart Solutions, Use of Recycled or Waste Materials, Conceptual Innovation, Effective Use of Science & Technology, Best Presentation & Communication of Idea

A key highlight of the expo was an expert talk on “Harnessing Technologies Through IPRs” delivered by Mr. Karan Puri, Associate Vice President, Ennoble IP, which introduced students and mentor teachers to the importance of Intellectual Property Rights and patent protection. The Patent Filing Workshop further sensitized participants about converting innovative ideas into protected intellectual assets.

The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Dr. Sumit Vyas, Project Director, Regional Science Centre, Rajkot, who inspired students to continue their journey of innovation and scientific exploration. The felicitation of winners and participants added a celebratory conclusion to the event.

Young Innovators’ Expo 2026 has emerged as a trend-setting initiative in the Saurashtra–Kutch region, promoting innovation and creativity at the school level. The event strongly aligns with the Vision and Mission of Marwadi University and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing experiential learning and innovation-driven education.

Marwadi University expressed its sincere gratitude to the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, for funding and supporting this initiative, enabling the University to extend its innovation ecosystem to school students and strengthen its societal responsibility.

Through this collaborative effort, Marwadi University and DST aim to inspire young minds, nurture grassroots innovation, and build a strong foundation for future scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The organizes of the event express sincere thanks to Trusty Shri Dhruv Marwadi and DST, Government of India for providing financial and logistic support.

Four Signals From Republic Day Sales 2026: Unicommerce Analysis

Republic Day Sales 2026 offer a clear view into how India’s e-commerce market is maturing beyond discount-driven spikes towards structurally driven growth. An analysis by Unicommerce, based on over 27 million order items processed on its Uniware platform during the 2025 and 2026 Republic Day Sales periods, highlights four signals shaping the sector’s trajectory.
Tier 3 Cities Are Now Volume Leaders

Smaller cities emerged as key growth drivers. Tier 3 cities, led by Kolar (Karnataka), Rohtak (Haryana), Kamrup (Assam), Ernakulam (Kerala) and Khordha (Odisha) among others accounted for nearly 40% of total order items, with order volumes growing over 19% YoY. Healthy food volumes more than doubled in Tier 2 cities, while Tier 3 markets contributed around 43% of total food and beverage orders, underscoring the deepening reach of e-commerce beyond metros.
Repeat consumption driving growth

Order volumes grew 16.9% year-on-year, while GMV rose 11.9%, driven by higher order frequency rather than ticket size alone. FMCG & Agriculture and Beauty & Wellness were the fastest-growing categories, with nearly 80% and ~53% YoY growth respectively. Demand was led by healthy and everyday items such as dry fruits, millet-based products, packaged healthy snacks, and organic staples, and face serums, body washes along with other grooming products—reflecting a shift towards habit-driven, repeat consumption.
Speed and Automation Are Driving Conversions

Channel trends highlighted rising expectations for faster fulfillment. Quick commerce led growth with a ~25% YoY increase in order volumes, followed by brand-owned websites at 23%, while marketplaces continued to process the largest share of orders. Brands increasingly relied on automation to manage real-time inventory, routing, and customer engagement, reinforcing that execution quality is now as critical as pricing in driving sales performance.

AI-Led Engagement Is Closing the Conversion Gap

Brands leveraged AI and automation to convert high-intent demand during the Republic Day sale period this year. Insights from Unicommerce’s Convertway platform show over 2.5 million customer communications across SMS, WhatsApp, and RCS, driving improvement in conversion rates. AI Voice Agent ‘Catalyst’ further enabled last-mile order completion, with over 1.2 lakh calls made during the sales period—generating over ten times revenue for brands compared to the cost they incurred, making it a high-yield channel and highlighting the growing role of AI in shaping sale outcomes.

Together, these four signals point to an inflection in India’s e-commerce growth: repeat consumption driving growth, execution and technology-led expansion, smaller-city participation, faster fulfillment, and AI engagement emerging as the key growth levers in 2026.

About Unicommerce

Unicommerce’s solutions serve all the key processes of an e-commerce business. Uniware simplifies the backend operations of e-commerce businesses, including inventory management, order processing across multiple channels, warehouse operations, and seamless handling of return inventory. Shipway, a full-stack logistics management platform, offers courier aggregation and shipping automation. Convertway is an AI-enabled marketing automation platform designed to boost conversions and sales.

Unicommerce serves 7500+ clients across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Some of its marquee clients include FabIndia, Lenskart, Timex, TCNS, Mamaearth, Sugar, Emami, Urban Company, Cello, Symphony, Healthkart, GNC, boAt, Portronics, TMRW, Mensa, Landmark Group and many more. Unicommerce’s flagship platform, Uniware, achieved an annualised transaction run rate of over 1 billion order items in Q3 FY25.

Unicommerce’s product suite is sector and size-agnostic and designed to meet the business needs of various types and sizes of retail and e-commerce enterprises, both online and offline. Incorporated in 2012, Unicommerce is ISO 27001 (standard for information security management system) & ISO 27701 (standard for data privacy controls) certified. It is listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited.

Chris Hemsworth And Elsa Pataky’s Family-Friendly Abu Dhabi Itinerary

Looking back on their recent visits to Abu Dhabi, Chris Hemsworth shared how it’s the perfect choice for family travel, with days that mix high-energy fun with quality time you’ll remember for years to come.

“I love travelling to Abu Dhabi with the kids because there’s so much on offer. From action-packed thrills to calm, immersive and educational moments, Abu Dhabi has it covered. Experiencing nature, culture, and adventure together reminds us of what really matters: time shared, moments made, memories locked in.”

For Elsa Pataky, the easy mix of experiences makes travelling here so enjoyable as a family: “Abu Dhabi has this beautiful balance: thrilling adventures for the kids, cultural experiences for the adults, and endless opportunities for the whole family to connect and enjoy time together.”

Here’s where Chris and Elsa went on their latest visit

CLYMB Abu Dhabi

Try indoor climbing and skydiving on Yas Island. During their visit, Chris and Elsa’s family tried it all, with routes for all ages and experience Challenge yourself in the skydiving chamber or try to tackle progressively harder climbing routes, from beginner level to advanced.

Surf Abu Dhabi

On Hudayriyat Island, Surf Abu Dhabi offers controlled wave conditions suitable for first-time surfers and almost every age. Sessions can be tailored to different abilities, so it’s an easy way for parents and children to try a new sport in a relaxed, with plenty of options for food and drinks.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The fast-paced rides and indoor attractions are designed for all ages, making it easy for families to spend an entire day together. Families can move between high-energy experiences and gentler rides, entertaining little ones alongside adults with a need for speed.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Explore themed lands inspired by well-known characters, from Batman to Scooby Doo and The Flintstones, with rides and interactive experiences designed for all ages. It’s a colourful and fun space for families looking for a full day of entertainment together.

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

Art meets innovation with this interactive environment where immersive digital art installations respond to your every move. The unique spaces encourage curiosity and exploration, making it a natural stop for families looking to slow their pace and enjoy creative moments.

Yas Waterworld

Inspired by Emirati pearl-diving heritage, Yas Waterworld has a wide range of slides, wave pools and family-friendly rides. With 60+ attractions designed for different age groups, there’s space for both high-energy fun and relaxed downtime.

Beyond Chris and Elsa’s itinerary, families can explore new cultural highlights, like Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, or take a short trip to Al Ain Region, where culture, nature and heritage offer even more ways to spend time together—just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi City or Dubai.

For more ideas and to plan your visit: visitabudhabi.ae

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae/