Reebok Announces Olympic Shooter Manu Bhaker As Brand Ambassador

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

G42, Mohamed Bin Zayed University Of Artificial Intelligence And Cerebras Partner With CDAC

* To Establish AI Supercomputer In India

G42, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and Cerebras have partnered with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing to establish a national-scale AI supercomputer in India with 8 exaflops of compute capacity, marking a new phase in India’s AI infrastructure development.

The landmark project was announced on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 taking place in New Delhi, India. It follows the 5th India-UAE Strategic Dialogue held in December 2025 and the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to India in January 2026, that solidified a comprehensive partnership framework across defense, technology, space and energy.

At 8 exaflops, the new system represents a significant increase in peak compute capacity, marking a transition to exaflop-scale AI infrastructure in India and expanding the country’s domestic compute capabilities for advanced AI development.

Hosted within India, the system will operate under India-defined governance frameworks, with all data remaining within national jurisdiction. Designed to meet sovereign security and compliance requirements, the supercomputer will serve as a foundational asset under the India AI Mission.

Manu Jain, CEO of G42 India, said: "Sovereign AI infrastructure is becoming essential for national competitiveness. This project brings that capability to India at a national scale, enabling local researchers, innovators, and enterprises to become AI-native while maintaining full data sovereignty and security."

Once operational, the India supercomputer will be accessible to the nation's diverse ecosystem, from premier institutions to startups, small and medium enterprises, and government ministries. This democratized access model is designed to lower barriers to AI innovation, particularly for applications serving India's 1.4 billion citizens.

Richard Morton, Executive Director, Institute of Foundation Models, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, said: "MBZUAI is committed to advancing AI research and education that addresses real-world challenges. This collaboration with India represents a shared commitment to expanding access to advanced AI compute for researchers and students, enabling breakthroughs in critical areas like healthcare, agriculture and education.”

Andy Hock, Chief Strategy Officer, Cerebras, said: "Cerebras and G42 have already successfully delivered Condor Galaxy supercomputers in the United States, demonstrating how our technology is purpose-built for the most demanding AI workloads at scale. Deploying this system in India marks a significant step forward in the country’s computational capacity and sovereign AI initiatives. It will accelerate training and inference for large-scale models, enabling researchers and developers to build AI tailored to India’s needs."

This latest project builds on G42’s commitment to supporting nations in building domestic AI capability. In December 2025, G42 and MBZUAI released the latest version of the open-source Hindi-English large language model (LLM), NANDA 87B, featuring 87 billion parameters. As one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, India plays a central role in advancing regional AI innovation. The new supercomputer aims to strengthen India’s ability to build, deploy and scale AI securely within its own borders.

Three Years, Stronger Every Year: How Sharada Mundada Built A Thriving Insurance Career With PBPartners

Policybazaar’s PoSP arm, PBPartners, is enabling individuals across India to turn ambition into sustainable insurance careers. One such inspiring journey is that of Sharada Mundada from Bengaluru, a testament to three years of consistent growth, resilience, and determination.

She began her insurance journey with PBPartners, eventually evolving from a new advisor into a high-performing partner while building a solid presence in the industry.
Business Growth, Learning, and Recognition

Over the period of three years, Sharada has grown her business, supported by PBPartners’ integrated digital platform that streamlines product access, servicing, and renewals. She also participated in specialised training programs to strengthen her product understanding and business clarity. Her journey has been recognised through the PBP One loyalty program, where she redeemed multiple rewards and earned international travel opportunities to Dubai, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Building a Diverse and Trusted Insurance Portfolio

Sharada began her journey with a focus on health insurance and gradually expanded into multiple insurance segments. With access to a wide pool of insurers through PBPartners, she was able to offer tailored solutions to customers across categories, helping her strengthen client relationships while expanding her business reach. This flexibility enabled her to build credibility and position herself as a reliable insurance advisor.
Support and Future Outlook

Sharada describes her journey with PBPartners as both independent and well-supported. She shared, “The PBPartners team and my Relationship Manager have always provided dependable support while allowing me the independence to grow my business in my own way.”

With a strong foundation in place, she now looks forward to expanding her reach further and exploring new opportunities with PBPartners.

Union Bank of India Receives “CareEdge - ESG 1+” ESG Rating By CareEdge ESG Ratings

* The bank is Positioned In the “Leadership” Category for ESG Performance

Union Bank of India has been assigned the “CareEdge -ESG 1+” ESG Rating by CareEdge ESG Ratings, under “Leadership” category for its strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.

The CareEdge-ESG 1+ rating is among the highest ESG distinctions awarded by CareEdge and signifies the Bank’s commitment to sustainable banking practices, responsible governance, and socially inclusive initiatives. This recognition reflects Union Bank of India’s proactive measures to integrate ESG principles into its business operations, risk management frameworks, and strategic decision-making processes.

The rating highlights the Bank’s continuous efforts in areas like adoption of environmentally conscious lending practices; focus on financial inclusion and community development; robust governance structures and transparent disclosures & integration of ESG considerations into enterprise-wide risk management.

Union Bank of India remains committed to advancing its sustainability roadmap and contributing meaningfully to India’s broader ESG agenda.

Plumbex India 2026: India’s Largest Exhibition On Water, Sanitation And Plumbing Heads To Bengaluru

* Strengthening India’s Vision for Sustainable Water, Sanitation and Plumbing Innovation

The Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) proudly announces that Plumbex India 2026, the nation’s premier exhibition for water, sanitation, and plumbing products and technologies, will be held from 16th to 18th April 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru.

Plumbex India 2026 is supported by two key Ministries of the Government of India — the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) — reinforcing its alignment with national priorities on water security, sanitation, and sustainable urban development.

The Plumbex India continues its legacy as a leading industry platform that brings together manufacturers, developers, architects, consultants, policymakers, contractors, and innovators under one roof to shape the future of India’s building services ecosystem.

As the largest and most influential platform for the plumbing, water, sanitation and building industry, Plumbex India has spent decades catalysing sectoral growth, contributing to standardization, and introducing global technologies to the Indian market. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in advancing the plumbing and sanitation sector by creating a unified platform for knowledge exchange, innovation showcases, and business collaboration. Previous editions have attracted thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors, reinforcing its role in driving industry growth, innovation adoption, and sustainable practices across the construction and infrastructure value chain.

Why Bengaluru?

Plumbex India has evolved beyond an exhibition — it is a catalyst for industry transformation. By connecting manufacturers, start-ups, and solution providers with architects, real estate developers, and MEP consultants, the platform enables meaningful partnerships that translate into real-world projects and scalable impact.

With Bengaluru expanding rapidly and facing unique urban water management challenges, Plumbex India 2026 serves as a critical convergence point for brands to showcase solutions in a market actively seeking Net-Zero Water buildings, smart water systems, and advanced MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) technologies.

Plumbex India 2026 will host over 15,000 visitors, representing a large and diverse pool of stakeholders, including architects, MEP consultants, real estate developers, contractors, channel partners, technical professionals, and representatives from government and urban development bodies.

Event Highlights – Plumbex India 2026

Plumbex India 2026, South India’s largest dedicated to water, sanitation and plumbing (spread across 1.4 lakh sq. ft.), will host high-quality stakeholders from across the building and infrastructure ecosystem.

Key highlights include:

High-level Symposiums & Panel Discussions featuring industry leaders and policymakers

The student-focused Architectural Design Competition – ‘Around the Drop’

The live IPA Bathroom Challenge (with IAPMO & IWSH), aligned with NBC and UIPC-I standards

The prestigious IPA Award of Excellence

Focused networking with the industry stakeholders

A powerful platform to launch and showcase new products and technologies directly to decision-makers

The exhibition aligns strongly with India’s growing push toward sustainable water management, green buildings, and resilient urban infrastructure.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gurmit Singh Arora, National President, Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), said: “Plumbex India is far more than an exhibition — it is a strategic platform driving water security, public health, and sustainable growth. Over the years, the industry has evolved from conventional installations to integrated, high-efficiency water management systems. By bringing Plumbex India 2026 to Bengaluru, we aim to connect global innovations with India’s most dynamic construction and infrastructure ecosystem, accelerating the adoption of future-ready plumbing and water management solutions.”

Mr. Balkrishna Mehta, Chairman – IPA Bengaluru Chapter, added: “Bengaluru is fully prepared to host the biggest names in the global plumbing, water, and sanitation industry. At BIEC, we are creating a focused business environment where brands can directly engage with the decision-makers shaping the city’s rapidly evolving skyline and urban water infrastructure. From smart water heating solutions to advanced sewage treatment and sanitation systems, Plumbex India 2026 will serve as a launchpad for innovations that will redefine water efficiency, sanitation standards, and sustainable living in Indian homes and commercial spaces over the next decade.”

About Plumbex India : Organised by the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), Plumbex India, established in 2008, is India’s largest exhibition dedicated to water, sanitation, and plumbing products and technologies. It provides a comprehensive platform to showcase innovative plumbing solutions, efficient installation systems, and water-efficient technologies, with a strong focus on conservation and sustainable water management. Held on a rotational basis across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the exhibition brings together manufacturers, buyers, policymakers, and industry professionals to drive innovation, collaboration, and responsible water use in the built environment, supporting India’s goals for sanitation and sustainable urban growth

Aurelia Unveils Spring Summer ’26 Collection With Ananya Panday

* Strengthening Its Position As India’s Trend-Forward Indian Wear Destination

* Unveils its Spring Summer ’26 collection that celebrates staying stylish, relevant, and always on trend

Aurelia, one of India’s most loved women’s ethnic wear brands from the house of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, strengthens its positioning as the go-to brand for the latest trends in Indian wear with the launch of its Spring Summer ’26 collection under the vibrant #HameshaTrending campaign, starring Bollywood actor Ananya Panday. Aurelia has always been the preferred choice for young, fashion-forward women who love staying updated with the latest trends while staying rooted in their Indian aesthetic. With this new collection, the brand celebrates women who want to look in-trend, confident, and effortlessly stylish every day.

The Spring Summer ’26 collection brings the freshest trends in Indian wear to the forefront, from updated kurta silhouettes and fluid co-ord sets to playful sleeves, statement necklines, softer pastels and trend-right florals, which are perfect for the season. Crafted in breathable fabrics like cotton and lightweight blends, the collection prioritizes comfort and season-appropriate dressing. Easy fits, soft drapes and mix-and-match separates ensure versatility across everyday wear, festive occasions, summer celebrations and travel.

Anant Daga, Chief Executive Officer - TCNS Division, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited added, “Aurelia has consistently resonated with women who want to stay relevant in an ever-evolving fashion landscape. With this sharp positioning, we are reinforcing Aurelia’s role as the go-to destination for the latest trends in Indian wear. The Spring Summer ’26 collection and #HameshaTrending campaign are strategic steps toward strengthening our fashion-forward credentials while continuing to offer accessibility, comfort, and inclusivity at scale. Ananya’s strong connect with young consumers further amplifies this vision and aligns perfectly with the brand’s growth ambitions.”

Unfolding across nine distinct trend stories, SS’26 reflects Aurelia’s strongest and most relevant design pillars. Bold Florals dominate the season across kurtas, dresses, kaftans, co-ord sets and three-piece ensembles, while co-ord sets continue their rise as a key wardrobe category, offering relaxed and regular fits that move effortlessly between on-duty and off-duty dressing. Summer Denims, crafted in lightweight blends, bring a fresh, breathable take on denim through kurtas, waistcoat sets and easy summer dresses.

Further elevating the collection are waistcoat sets, spaghetti strap silhouettes and halter necklines designed for sun-drenched days and modern statement dressing. Heritage-inspired Farshi salwars return in fluid fabrics and contemporary proportions, while Schiffli detailing adds texture, craftsmanship and visual lightness across kurtas, palazzos, co-ord sets and festive separates. The collection also extends Aurelia’s lifestyle-led design approach through its Mom & Me range, offering coordinated silhouettes that allow mothers and daughters to share modern style moments through aligned colours, fabrics and design language.

With SS ’26, Aurelia makes one thing clear: staying on trend doesn’t have to be intimidating - it can be effortless, inclusive, and rooted in who you are.

The Spring Summer ’26 collection is now available across Aurelia stores and online platforms nationwide.

Ecofluence 3.0 International Conference On Economics & Public Policy And Research Championship At IBA

Ecofluence 3.0 (where 'Eco' stands for economics), an International conference jointly organised by Indus Business Academy in association with the Indian Economic Association (IEA), Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) and supported by AMDISA, commenced its first day on February 20, 2026, at IBA.

The conference was inaugurated with a welcome speech by Dr. Easwar Krishna Iyer, Director of Indus Business Academy, and an address by Dr. Subhash Sharma, Chief Mentor and Chairman Governing Council, IBA. Conference Co-Chairs Prof. Prashant Kulkarni and Dr. Mansi Bansal provided the formal introduction to Ecofluence.

The inaugural address was delivered by the Chief Guest, Dr. S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (PM-EAC). Dr. Charan Singh, Founder and CEO of the EGROW Foundation and former IIMB Professor, addressed the gathering as the Guest of Honour.

Dr. R.S. Deshpande, Chair Advisory Committee, and Dr. Ravindra Brahme, General Secretary of the Indian Economics Association, also addressed the gathering during the inauguration. Another highlight of the morning was the release of the book titled "Micro-Motives and Macro-Behaviour of Modinomics" by authors Prof. Prashant Kulkarni and Dr. Mansi Bansal.

The day's agenda progressed with special talks, including "The Digital and the Regenerative" by Dr. Shishir Jha and "Decoding Government Policies" by Dr. Pravakar Sahoo. A prominent Panel Discussion focusing on "Karnataka, India and the Digital Economy" was held in the afternoon, featuring expert panelists Dr. Neelakanta NT, Dr. Mahesha M, Dr. Shivasubramanian, Dr. B. M. Nasir Khan, and Dr. K S Rajshekara.

The other notable dignitaries present for extensive sessions on Development Economics and Sustainability included Dr. MH Suryanarayana, Dr. Ashok Dalwai, Dr. Lallan Prasad, Dr. Vinayak Deshpande, Dr. Elumalai Kannan, Dr. N Sivakumar, Dr. Navitha Thimmaiah, and Dr. Pushkarni Panchamukhi, alongside preliminary rounds for the Debate and Research Championships.

The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks and concluding comments, paving the way for the remainder of the day's academic discourse.

Photo Caption: Mr.Prashant Kulkarni- Senior Associate Professor , IBA

Dr. R.S.Deshpande

Dr.Anup Pujari- IAS, Secretary(Retd.) MSME,Mines, Govt. of India

Dr. Charan Singh - CEO, EGROW Foundation

Dr. S. Mahendra Dev - Chairman, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Counsil

Dr. Subhash Sharma- Chief Mentor - IBA

Dr. Manish Jain-Chairman(Founder CEO)-IBA are presented at the Ecofluence 3.0 International conference on Economics & Public policy and Research Championshipat IBA.