The Tree House Resort Jaipur: An Immersive Nature-Led Retreat On The Outskirts Of The Pink City

Nestled amidst lush greenery along the Old Delhi Highway, approximately 40 kilometres from Jaipur, The Tree House Resort Jaipur offers a rare blend of nature, design and experiential hospitality. Spread across nearly 13 acres and home to close to one lakh trees, the resort feels like a true oasis away from the city. With temperatures that are consistently 2 to 3 degrees cooler than Jaipur and a thriving ecosystem of flora and fauna, the property is designed for guests seeking tranquility, adventure and meaningful connection with nature.

With 72 keys, The Tree House Resort accommodation is thoughtfully designed around the elements of nature and offers multiple room categories. The most premium offering is the Water Villa, featuring wooden cabins surrounded by water on three sides and located in a serene, secluded part of the resort. These villas are designed to deliver complete privacy and a deep sense of calm. The signature Tree House Cottages are built around trees, with each standalone unit incorporating a tree within the structure itself, making it a truly immersive stay experience. The Earth House Cottages, limited in number, resemble charming masonry cottages and offer the comfort of a spacious studio-style layout. The Superior Rooms serve as the base category, offering well-appointed, hotel-style rooms ideal for short stays and families. Room sizes across categories range between approximately 340 to 350 square feet, with select options accommodating additional guests through extra bedding.

Dining at The Tree House Resort Jaipur is a highlight in itself, with multiple food and beverage outlets catering to varied tastes and moods. Spice, the all-day dining restaurant, serves buffet and à la carte options and is where guests enjoy their inclusive meals. Café Chak offers a contemporary take on Rajasthani cuisine, blending local flavours with modern techniques, and operates from late morning to night. Agni, the seasonal barbecue restaurant, delivers an experiential dining format inspired by traditional Rajasthani cooking methods, complete with live grills and cultural performances. Vayu, the rooftop bar located atop the Earth House building, offers an open-air setting that comes alive during winter evenings.

The resort offers a balanced mix of recreational and nature-led experiences for guests across age groups, with indoor activities hosted at the clubhouse and outdoor adventures at the nearby Khel Zone. Experiences include archery, pellet shooting, horse riding, camel cart rides, pottery and painting workshops, photography walks and e-cycle trails, along with wellness offerings at the Svaastha Spa. A key highlight is the guided night safari conducted in nearby farm areas, offering an opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife. Nature experiences also include guided village tours to Chak Charnawas, daytime nature walks and complimentary birdwatching sessions, where guests can spot a variety of wildlife and over 70 species of birds with expert guidance.

The property offers multiple banquet halls, including a distinctive circular hall with a central fountain, boardrooms for smaller meetings, and conference spaces accommodating up to 60 guests. Outdoor venues include a large lawn that can host up to 400 guests and two additional lawns suitable for mid-sized gatherings. These facilities make The Tree House an ideal choice for private and corporate functions including weddings and daycations.

Sustainability is deeply embedded into the resort’s operations. The resort is an IGBC-certified property and has eliminated single-use plastic across the resort. It operates its own water treatment and bottling plant, sewage treatment facility and uses sustainable, plastic-free amenities in guest rooms. A significant portion of the resort’s electricity requirements is met through solar power, with approximately 500 to 600 kilowatts of solar panels installed on-site, contributing to reduced environmental impact across seasons.

At its core, the resort is designed as an experience-driven destination where nature, culture, adventure and comfort come together seamlessly. Whether it is a family holiday, a romantic escape, a destination wedding or a corporate retreat, the resort offers guests an opportunity to disconnect from routine and reconnect with nature in a setting that feels both expansive and intimate.  

Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Inaugurates International Rover Challenge 2026 And International Space Drone Challenge 2026

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University in collaboration with the Space Robotics Society (SPROS), inaugurated the International Rover Challenge (IRC) 2026 and the International Space Drone Challenge (ISDC) 2026 on 28 January at the MIT Quadrangle. The inauguration marked the commencement of a global convergence of young innovators, celebrating technological excellence, scientific curiosity, and collaborative learning.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, presided over the ceremony as Chief Guest. Expressing his appreciation for the enthusiastic participation, he noted the presence of 33 international and national rover teams and 22 drone teams at Manipal. Welcoming participants from across India and abroad, he underscored that platforms such as IRC and ISDC exemplify MAHE’s philosophy of learning by doing, where theoretical knowledge is translated into practical, real-world solutions. He further emphasised that such competitions cultivate perseverance, confidence, and a sustained spirit of innovation, contributing not only to technological advancement but also to nation-building and economic growth.

Addressing the gathering, Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director, MIT, highlighted the vibrant energy and creative ambition resonating across the campus. He reiterated MIT’s commitment to holistic education beyond classroom instruction, supported by 26 major student project teams and over 70 technical and cultural clubs. He also acknowledged experiential initiatives, including the Himalayan cycling expedition, which play a vital role in shaping resilient, adaptable, and future-ready engineers.

Mr Sagar Dhaka, alumnus of MIT (EEE, Class of 2019) and Founder of the Space Robotics Society (SPROS), was warmly acknowledged for his visionary leadership and continued engagement with his alma mater. His contributions were recognised as instrumental in promoting, on global platforms, the idea that students can innovate, collaborate, and excel in advanced domains of robotics and aerospace technologies.

The inauguration of IRC 2026 and ISDC 2026 set an inspiring tone for the days ahead, reinforcing MIT MAHE’s role as a hub for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence in engineering and technology.

Tata Power Commissions 765 kV Mainpuri–Bara And Mainpuri–Unnao Transmission Lines Spanning 574 CKM In UP

* 380-ckm Mainpuri–Bara and 194-ckm Mainpuri–Unnao high-capacity corridors strengthen the Northern Grid and enable large-scale power evacuation across the state

The Tata Power Company Limited (Tata Power) , one of India’s largest integrated power companies, has successfully commissioned two critical 765 kV Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission corridors in Uttar Pradesh, marking a major step in strengthening the northern region’s power transmission network and improving grid reliability across the state.

The newly commissioned corridors - Mainpuri–Bara spanning 380 circuit kilometres and Mainpuri–Unnao- covering 194 circuit kilometres have been developed under the South East UP Power Transmission Company Limited (SEUPPTCL) project and form part of Tata Power’s expanding national transmission portfolio. Together, the lines form a critical backbone for reliable power flow within Uttar Pradesh and across the northern grid.

The project, acquired by Resurgent Power Ventures Pte. Ltd., a joint venture led by Tata Power, ICICI Bank and global investors, is part of the resolution of previously stressed power assets. Once operational, the two corridors will facilitate the evacuation of over 3,000 MW of thermal power generated within the state, significantly improving grid stability and supporting Uttar Pradesh’s long-term energy security objectives

The execution of the project involved complex engineering and large-scale deployment of resources. Construction required over 42,000 metric tonnes of tower steel, 6,900 kilometres of conductor stringing, and the completion of more than 100 major crossings, including railway lines, rivers and existing transmission corridors. The lines also traverse forest stretches and were built in strict compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

Despite these challenges, the project was delivered in line with Tata Power’s benchmarks for operational excellence, quality execution and stringent safety standards, reinforcing the company’s credentials as a leading transmission infrastructure developer.

With the commissioning of these two 765 kV corridors, Tata Power now has 5,312 circuit kilometres of transmission lines operational, with an additional 1,997 circuit kilometres under construction. The expanding portfolio underscores the company’s growing role in building and modernising India’s high-voltage transmission backbone at a time when grid capacity is critical to sustaining economic growth.

Air India Express Showcases Cultural Connectivity At Wings India 2026 With A Multi-State Musical Ensemble Led By Usha Uthup

* The performance celebrated India’s cultural spirit, with the backdrop of the airline’s first line-fit aeroplane, VT-RNT, showcased at Begumpet Airport.

On the third day of Wings India 2026, Air India Express took centre stage with a vibrant cultural showcase featuring a special live performance by Padma Bhushan awardee Usha Uthup, against the backdrop of its first line-fit Boeing 737-8 aeroplane, VT-RNT. As the tarmac of the Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad transformed into a high-energy concert space, the full-house performance drew thousands of attendees. Joining Usha Uthup were artistes from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. The showcase reflects the airline’s belief that travel is not just about mobility, but about enabling cultural immersion and shared human experiences.

At Wings India, the airline received the prestigious Domestic Connectivity award, instituted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and presented by the Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.

One of the highlights of the static display at Wings India was the showcase of VT-RNT, featuring a livery inspired by Parsi Gara embroidery. VT-RNT is the first of the airline’s factory line-fit aeroplane, designed and configured by Boeing to its new product and brand standards. The cabin features ergonomically designed seats with comfortable cushioning, generous legroom, and fast-charging power outlets in each seat. It also has on-board ovens for ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, larger overhead bins for cabin baggage, a quieter cabin environment and Boeing’s Sky Interior with soothing mood lighting, creating a modern and welcoming cabin environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer, Air India Express, said, “In an increasingly digitally connected world, the true value of travel lies in real, immersive experiences and meaningful human connections, enabling cultural discovery and shared moments that make for lasting memories. We are delighted to bring this philosophy alive, partnering with and curating festivals and cultural performances like the Hornbill Festival, Bloom in Green, and our showcase at Wings India. Being recognised as ‘Sustainability Champions’ at Wings India 2024 and for ‘Domestic Connectivity’ at Wings India 2026 reinforces our commitment to growing responsibly while fostering meaningful connections between people, cultures and communities.”

Sharing her experience, Usha Uthup said, “Music is a language that connects people across cultures and geographies. Performing at Wings India 2026 with Air India Express as the country’s cultural ambassador, alongside artists from different parts of India, is truly special. Presenting this celebration on the tarmac, with the backdrop of the beautiful Air India Express Tales of India livery, makes it a powerful and joyful tribute to India’s cultural unity.”

The airline previously curated a memorable musical experience at Wings India 2024, with a live performance by renowned percussionist and Padma Shri awardee Sivamani, alongside the display of one of its new Boeing 737-8 aeroplanes, VT-BXH, featuring the Kalamkari livery. The performance showcased India’s cultural and musical diversity, with 45 percussion instruments flown in from across the country weaving together a sonic tapestry that transcended cultural boundaries.

Through its ‘Tales of India’ initiative, Air India Express celebrates artistic and cultural heritage with liveries showcasing indigenous art and designs, from Kalamkari and Gamosa to Bandhani, Jamawar, Kasavu, Warli, Ikat, Phulkari, and Kanjeevaram. The celebration of regional flavours is extended to the airline’s ‘Gourmair’ in-flight dining experience, featuring regional favourites and festive menus celebrating Onam, Navratri, Durga Puja, Diwali, and Rakhi. In December 2025, as the Official Travel Partner for the Hornbill Festival, the airline partnered with the Government of Nagaland to encourage travellers to explore the region and celebrate indigenous art and culture. The airline was also the Title Sponsor for India’s first transformational and only residential festival Bloom in Green.

Samsung Sets Two Guinness World Records With Its India #WithGalaxy Photography Campaign

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that its nation-wide India #WithGalaxy photography challenge for Galaxy S Series has made it to the Guinness World Records (GWR). This marks a milestone in smartphone photography and national storytelling.

Launched in 2010, the Galaxy S series has endeared consumers over the years with its revolutionary photography, premium design and easy-to-use functionality. It has brought users closer to the world around them, made their lives convenient, and offered them unprecedented mobile experiences with one groundbreaking innovation after another.

A Record-Breaking Achievement

The campaign captured the essence of the nation through the lens of the Galaxy S Series and set two new world records:

Largest Smartphone Photography Competition: Samsung has created the largest smartphone photography competition in history.

Most Contributions to an online photo sentence (artwork): The photo submissions have formed one of the world’s largest collaborative digital artwork celebrating creativity and digital participation across India’s rich cultural tapestry.

“The India #WithGalaxy campaign unites people and celebrates the essence of a nation. By setting two Guinness World Records, we have showcased the capabilities of the Galaxy S Series and amplified the voices of our consumers who celebrate India’s diversity, beauty, and spirit through their lenses. This initiative reflects Samsung’s commitment to fostering innovation and cultural storytelling, empowering individuals to share their unique perspectives. We are immensely proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who contributed to making this milestone possible,” said Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India.

The campaign ran from December 30, 2025 to January 26, 2026 and invited Indian citizens to capture real moments in the country using the Galaxy S Series. The initiative garnered a total of 31331 submissions that reflect the country’s diversity, beauty and spirit, and created a vibrant visual mosaic of “India #WithGalaxy”. The campaign was anchored by celebrated Indian filmmaker Kabir Khan and 30+ regional photographers.

Celebrating India’s Storytelling Through Galaxy S Series, the India #WithGalaxy campaign captured four key themes

Faces of India: Portraits of real people that showcase the country’s warmth and diversity.

Sights of India: The breathtaking natural and architectural beauty, from the Himalayas to coastal landscapes.

Spirit of India: Everyday moments of pride, resilience, and unity that shape the country’s identity.

Colours of India: The vibrant textures, attire, and food that make every corner of the nation visually distinct.

A Cultural Celebration Beyond Technology

The campaign highlights the Galaxy S Series’ technological prowess, and also weaves in a deep cultural narrative. Samsung has reinforced its commitment to fostering cultural relevance and people-powered storytelling by enabling citizens to document their India stories. Samsung extends its gratitude to all participants, creators, and partners who made this record-breaking achievement possible. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our mission to push the boundaries of innovation and inspire global storytelling through technology. For more information about the India #WithGalaxy campaign and Samsung Galaxy’s camera technologies, visit https://www.samsung.com/in/india-with-galaxy/

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, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in

Photo Caption: From left to right: Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India with Swapnil Dangarikar, Senior Adjudicator, Guinness World Records at the presentation ceremony.

SBI General Insurance Powers Ahead In 9M FY26 Growing 1.7 Times Faster Than The Industry

SBI General Insurance, one of India's leading general insurance companies, has delivered a strong performance in 9M FY26, reinforcing its position as one of India’s fastest growing general insurance companies.

Continuing its robust growth trajectory, the company reported a Gross Direct Premium (GDP) of INR 10,769 crore, recording a growth of 14.5%, exceeding the industry growth rate of 8.7%. The Ex-Crop business growth is 25.5% v/s industry growth at 13.1%.

The Company’s strong performance in 9M FY26 was driven by sustained growth across key lines of business like Health by 29%, Personal Accident (PA) by 49%, Motor by 19%, and Fire by 13%. Together, these segments reinforced the company’s focus on scalable growth, operational excellence, and customer-centric innovation. Additionally, the Company improved its market share among private & SAHI companies by 39 basis points from 6.25% in 9M FY25 to 6.64% in 9MFY26.

The Company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of INR 522 crore. The Loss ratio also improved significantly to 78.5% in 9M FY26 from 84.3% in 9M FY25. In addition, the solvency ratio stood at 2.12 times, well above the regulatory minimum of 1.50, underscoring the company's solid financial foundation.

Commenting on the Company's performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said “Our performance in 9M FY26 reflects the strength of the foundation we are building for the future. In 9M FY26, we’ve grown by 1.7 times faster than the industry and 1.9 times faster than Private & SAHI companies. The Company has recorded a GDP of INR 10,769 crore in 9M FY26. This growth is not just about scale, but about building a resilient, technology-led, and customer-centric insurance institution. We are focused on creating sustainable value by strengthening our core portfolios, deepening trust with customers, and expanding access to protection across India’s evolving risk landscape.”

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added: “Our financial performance in 9M FY26 highlights the effectiveness of our risk management framework, operating discipline, and long-term financial strategy. The company has displayed a significant improvement in the loss ratio of 78.5% from 84.3% in the previous financial year. This is a testament to enhanced underwriting, improved risk selection, better claims management, and increased operational efficiency. Our focus remains on sustainable profitable growth, strengthening capital efficiency, and building a financially robust institution that delivers long-term value to all stakeholders in a dynamic market environment.”

SBI General Insurance continues to strengthen its growth momentum through focused investments in technology, product innovation, a consistent emphasis on customer experience, and disciplined operational execution. Supported by a well-balanced business portfolio and scalable platforms, the Company is building a stable foundation for long-term profitability while steadily expanding its market presence.

About SBI General Insurance

SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

Marwadi University Becomes Gateway To Indo–French Academic Collaboration With Choose France Tour 2026

Anchored in the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, India is actively encouraging partnerships with global universities for joint research, student mobility, and cross-border knowledge exchange. Advancing this national vision, Marwadi University emerged as a key contributor to India’s global education agenda by hosting the Regional Choose France Tour 2026, earning exceptional international recognition and positioning its campus as a dynamic hub of global academic engagement and international collaboration.

The participation of senior French diplomatic and academic leaders and 18 leading French institutions reflected growing international confidence in India’s higher education capabilities and its emerging universities.

The gathering was graced with the participation of senior officials from the Consulate General of France, Institut Français en Inde, and Campus France, reflecting the depth and seriousness of Indo–French academic cooperation.

With a cumulative reach of over 1,000 students, including undergraduate, final-year, and research-oriented learners across disciplines, the Choose France Tour created a ripple effect that extended well beyond a single day. Students were exposed to structured international pathways, government-supported mobility frameworks, and the strategic advantages of studying and researching in France.

The event featured dedicated sessions on Études en France procedures, personalized counselling during the student fair, and a specialized French language and cultural orientation conducted in collaboration with Alliance Française. These activities enabled students to gain clarity on applications, scholarships, research opportunities, and academic integration in France.

Dhruv Marwadi, Trustee, Marwadi University, shared, “These vibrant engagements ensured that students did not merely receive information, but develop readiness for global education. Hosting this tour marked more than an event; it signalled the arrival of a new wave of internationalization in Rajkot. By bringing global institutions, diplomatic leadership, and students onto one platform, the initiative redefined access to international education for the region.”

Prominent institutions including KEDGE Business School, Audencia Business School, Grenoble Ecole de Management, NEOMA Business School, SKEMA Business School, Rennes School of Business, and EM Strasbourg —renowned for prestigious accreditations like AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA also participated in the event. These were joined by specialized leaders such as EPITECH – European Institute of Technology, Institut Lyfe France, ESSCA School of Management, De Vinci Higher Education, Burgundy School of Business, ESDES Business School, OMNES Education France, ESAIP, TBS Education, ISC Paris Business School, and MBS School of Business.

The event was attended by distinguished guests including Ms. Sophie Henquinet, Attaché for French Language Cooperation (West India), Consulate General of France; Ms. Eloise Ondet, National Coordinator, Campus France India, New Delhi; Mr. Angel Fortin and Ms. Ainaen Han, Scientific and Academic Cooperation Officers from the Consulate General of France in Mumbai; Ms. Khushi Nigam, Officer, Procédure Études en France; and senior Campus France managers Mr. Sujit Nair (Ahmedabad), Ms. Shalaka Joshi (Mumbai), and Ms. Urjita Jaisinghani (Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh).