Varthana Partners With All India Private Schools Association (AIPSA) To Expand Access To School Financing Nationwide

Varthana Finance, a leading NBFC in the affordable education sector in India, today announced a five-year strategic partnership with the All India Private School Association (AIPSA), a national body representing private schools across the country. Through this collaboration, Varthana Finance becomes an official Partner of AIPSA, enabling deeper engagement with school leaders and expanding access to structured, education-focused financial solutions across the AIPSA network.

AIPSA works actively in policy advocacy, institutional strengthening, leadership support, and strategic partnerships to empower private school management and improve educational standards nationwide. Through partnerships, AIPSA member institutions gain access to structured, education-focused financial solutions.

Varthana Finance, with over 13 years of experience working closely with K–12 schools, understands the dedication required to improve learning environments, expand facilities, and build lasting trust with parents. Since inception, Varthana has supported more than 13,000 schools across 16 states and Union Territories, helping institutions upgrade infrastructure, scale operations, and enhance student outcomes. Through this partnership, Varthana will support AIPSA’s network of private schools in infrastructure expansion, technology adoption, and long-term institutional growth.

Adv. Shiju Augustine, Managing Director - All India Private School Association, said, “At AIPSA, we continuously identify and onboard credible partners who can strengthen the operational and infrastructure capacity of private schools across India. Our collaboration with Varthana Finance reflects our commitment to enabling sustainable growth and long-term institutional stability for our member schools.”

“We are very excited with this alliance. Private schools play a vital role in expanding access to quality education across India,” said Vikas Jain, Head - Alliances, Varthana Finance. “We hope all AIPSA members take full advantage of this arrangement. Loans will be made available for construction of additional classrooms, labs, toilets, etc. so that the schools grow stronger and better. Our partnership with AIPSA reflects our commitment to supporting school leaders with the right financial solutions and long-term growth support. Together, we aim to help schools strengthen infrastructure, enhance learning environments, and create lasting impact for students and communities.”

About Varthana Finance Pvt Ltd

Varthana Finance, headquartered in Bengaluru, is one of India’s largest education-focused NBFCs. Established in 2013, the organization has a presence in 16 states and union territories, through 32 branches and 150 spokes. Varthana aims to transform affordable education in India by catering to the needs of affordable private schools through financial assistance and academic support. It is also committed to serving domestic students attending college, technical training/short-term courses, and postgraduate studies by providing them with loans to continue their education. Varthana aims to make education accessible to over 10 million students by 2026. varthana.com.

About All India Private School Association (AIPSA)

All India Private Schools Association (AIPSA) is a common platform that brings together all the private schools across the country to give them a unified voice to address their concerns about legislations and byelaws which apply to them, and to facilitate quality education in schools. AIPSA is strengthening the learning platforms of INDIA by coordinating all the schools in the private sector following different syllabuses like CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE & State boards. https://allindiaprivateschools.org/

CM Shri Siddaramaiah Inaugurates Bengaluru GAFX 2026, Reinforcing Karnataka’s Global AVGC-XR Vision

Key Highlights:

Celebrate the cinematic brilliance of Kantara with Arvind Kashyap as he reveals how subtle VFX and distinctive camera work elevated the storytelling while preserving its cultural authenticity

A Fireside chat around Game Communities and Creative Industry by Rajan Navani from Jetline Group of Companies and Sean Hyunil Sohn from Krafton India

A session featuring an in-depth creative and technical walkthrough behind Netflix’s hit animated series Kurukshetra by Ashish Thapar of Hitech Animation.

A deep dive into the making of the Oscar-nominated short film Cardboard by DNEG, a session on the Oscar-nominated Lost World, and a session on the Making of Deadpool & Wolverine VFX by Prashant Nair, Framestore

Building Superhit Character IP Franchises by Grace, Bluezoo Animation

Showcase the creative and technical journey behind delivering high-end visual effects for the Oscar-nominated movie - "The Lost Bus" by Arnab, ILM

Behind the scenes VFX of Saare Jahan Se Accha by Phantom FX

Sessions that highlight India’s rich narrative heritage as a source of global content creation in “Making of an IP: The Wonderful Adventures of Suppandi,” by Zebu Animation, “Making of Mary Margaret Road Grade,” and “Indian Mythology: A Treasure Trove of Stories.”

Making of George Martin's Mary Margaret Road Grader by Saffronic

Making of animated feature Stitch Head by Assemblage Studios

Bengaluru GAFX 2026, the annual conference and exhibition for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, XR, and immersive and interactive content, commenced today at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. The three-day summit, running from February 27 to March 1, marks the 7th edition of the flagship event and reinforces Karnataka’s position as a driving force in India’s expanding AVGC-XR ecosystem.

With the theme “Evolution Reloaded,” this year’s edition marks the next phase of growth for the AVGC industry, where human creativity converges with artificial intelligence, real-time technologies, immersive media, and next-generation storytelling tools. GAFX 2026 celebrates this transformation by recharging skills, redefining production pipelines, and reimagining what is possible across animation, VFX, gaming, comics, XR, and AI-driven creativity.

The grand inauguration was attended by Shri. Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka; Shri. D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka; Shri. Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj and Information Technology & Biotechnology; Rizwan Arshad, Member of Legislative Assembly; and Sharath Bachegowda, Chairman of KEONICS, along with senior officials from the Government of Karnataka and the ABAI team.

Dignitaries on the dais included Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology; Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, IT, BT & S&T; Rajan Navani, President IDGS and Founder & CEO of Jetsynthesys; Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru; Hilary McGeachy, Consul General of Australia in Bengaluru; Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner & HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia – United Kingdom; and Ashish Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, Punnaryug Artivision Pvt. Ltd., reflecting strong government, diplomatic and industry participation.

Addressing the gathering, Shri. Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, “It is a matter of great pride for me to inaugurate the 7th edition of the Bengaluru Effects, Games, Animation and Visual Effects Conference, ‘Evolution Reloaded.’ Bengaluru is not just the technology capital of India; it is a city where creativity blends seamlessly with engineering and innovation attracts investment. The AVGC-XR sector has emerged as a powerful new frontier, transforming the way we engage with stories, culture, education, and governance in the digital age. Karnataka led the way as the first state to introduce a dedicated AVGC policy, and we continue to reinforce that commitment through incentives, skill initiatives, Centres of Excellence, and strong industry collaborations. Our efforts are now extending beyond Bengaluru to emerging cities to ensure inclusive and regionally balanced growth. It has the potential to create 20 lakh jobs in the next five years across design, coding, storytelling, music, motion capture, AI modelling, and production management. Our roadmap is focused on nurturing future-ready talent, enhancing production ecosystems, promoting original intellectual property rooted in our cultural heritage, decentralizing growth, and expanding global partnerships. By embracing innovation and responsibly leveraging Artificial Intelligence, we are determined to position Karnataka as a global leader in next-generation storytelling and immersive digital experiences.”

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Shri. D. K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, said, “Karnataka has consistently led from the front in the AVGC sector, and we were the first in Asia to introduce a dedicated policy for it in 2016, recognizing the immense potential of the orange economy well before it became a national focus. Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, today stands as a global innovation hub with nearly 875 GCCs, supported by a strong ecosystem and a steady annual output of 1.5 lakh skilled IT professionals and engineers. Our AVGC sector is growing at 25–30% annually, has attracted over ₹2,000 crore in investments, and holds the potential to create 1.5 lakh jobs. The government is fully committed to supporting innovation, R&D, and talent development, while ensuring true speed of businesses beyond single-window clearances. We are focusing on gaming, visual effects, comics, extended reality, and the rapidly growing film industry. By 2028, we aim to train 50,000 students and create 13,000 high-quality jobs. With 6.5 lakh employees being trained in generative AI, we are confident that technology will create new opportunities, just as computers once did. I call upon industry, academia, students, and investors to join us in strengthening Karnataka’s leadership in the global creative technology revolution.”

Talking about the GAFX 2026, Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, said, “Today, Karnataka stands at the center of India’s rapidly expanding orange economy, with the AVGC industry poised to grow from $2 billion to $25 billion by 2032. Bengaluru alone contributes 20% of India’s AVGC output, supported by over 300 studios and thousands of skilled professionals. We have evolved from an outsourcing destination to a creator of globally acclaimed original content, powered by cutting-edge technologies like AR, VR, XR, CGI, and AI. Through our AVGC Policy 3.0, built on skilling, innovation, infrastructure, and startup support, we are strengthening the entire ecosystem. Over the next three days, GAFX 2026 will foster collaboration among studios, investors, startups, and students to shape the future of India’s creative technology economy.”

Over the next three days, GAFX 2026 will host 200+ speakers across 100+ sessions, masterclasses, and workshops, with participation from leading global studios. The summit will feature keynote sessions and masterclasses by internationally acclaimed author Anand Neelakantan on mythological storytelling for modern screens; senior creative and technical leaders from Industrial Light & Magic; gaming innovators such as Shyam Deshpande from Krafton India; visionary filmmaker Suresh Eriyat of Eeksaurus; alongside making-of sessions from major Indian productions including Kantara Chapter 1, Netflix’s Kurukshetra, Mahavatar Narasimha, Dhurandhar, and Lokah.

Strong Focus on AI at GAFX 2026:

A major highlight of GAFX 2026 is its strong focus on AI and its transformative impact on animation and visual effects production. Dedicated AI tracks and curated sessions will explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping creative pipelines, from AI-assisted storyboarding and pre-visualization to generative asset creation, procedural world-building, intelligent character rigging, motion synthesis, automated rotoscoping, smart compositing, and real-time rendering acceleration. Industry experts will demonstrate how machine learning tools are reducing production timelines, optimizing resource allocation, enhancing realism, and enabling studios of all sizes to scale high-quality output for global audiences. Through real-world case studies and live demonstrations, the summit will showcase how AI-enabled workflows are redefining efficiency, cost structures, and global competitiveness in animation and VFX.

Gaming will take center stage with insights from global industry stalwarts, including Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, Krafton India, who will share perspectives on the evolving gaming economy, India’s emergence as a strategic global market, and how AI-driven development tools and real-time engines are redefining player engagement and IP scalability. GAFX 2026 also highlights the new age of storytelling led by digital-first platforms and startups such as Pratilipi and Pocket FM, which are redefining how stories are created, distributed, and monetized for mobile-native and global audiences. Their sessions will explore how data intelligence, audience analytics, and AI-enabled content strategies are shaping serialized storytelling and enabling IP to travel seamlessly across audio, animation, gaming, comics, and immersive formats.

Karnataka today contributes close to 20% of India’s Media & Entertainment industry and is home to 300+ AVGC-XR studios and approximately 15,000 professionals, supported by a strong freelance and startup ecosystem. The state’s progressive AVGC-XR Policy 2024–2029, along with the AVGC Centre of Excellence (CoE), continues to strengthen infrastructure, global partnerships, skilling, R&D, and startup incubation across the sector.

The AVGC Centre of Excellence has executed over 200 projects across domestic and international markets and supported more than 100 startups by providing access to production-ready infrastructure, licensed software, render capacity, and mentorship. With CoE 2.0, Karnataka is expanding this ecosystem beyond Bengaluru into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, building a distributed and future-ready creative technology network.

Phase 1 World has curated, promoted, and managed GAFX 2026, in collaboration with ABAI. On the inauguration of GAFX 2026, Oum Pradutt, Founder and Managing Director, Phase 1 World, said, “We’ve been part of the GAFX journey since its first edition, watching it evolve and transform the AVGC industry. This time, we have taken on a more collaborative role with ABAI and the Government of Karnataka to elevate the experience in every dimension — be it scale, substance, or global relevance. It is time that India’s creative and technological capabilities command the attention they truly deserve, and we are merely setting the stage for this grand show.”

GAFX 2026 also features a strong B2B Investor Connect, AI-driven production showcases, Comics Street, board game launches, GAFX Art Challenges, and curated networking sessions aimed at fostering global collaborations and export opportunities.

Over the years, Bengaluru GAFX has hosted leading global brands and studios such as Walt Disney Animation, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, and Rockstar Games, further strengthening Bengaluru’s position as a global creative technology hub.

With thousands of attendees expected over the three-day Bengaluru GAFX 2026 summit, “Evolution Reloaded” sets the stage for India’s next leap in the Orange Economy, where culture, creativity, and innovative technology converge.

For more information, visit: https://gafx.in/

Photo Caption: Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of K'taka, Shri Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj and IT & Biotechnology, GoK, and Dr. N. Manjula, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, Science & Technology, GoK, along with other dignitaries at the inauguration of the 7th edition of Bengaluru GAFX 2026 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

This Holi, Keep Your Celebrations Brighter, Closer, And More Connected With WhatsApp

Holi is here and with it, vibrant colours, spontaneous plans, endless group chats, and memories you’ll want to relive long after the colours fade. From planning the perfect Holi party to sharing those unfiltered, colour-splashed selfies, WhatsApp helps you stay connected through every splash, laugh, and last-minute plan.

Here’s how you can make your Holi even more vibrant with WhatsApp:

Voice Chat: Plan the Party Without the Ping

Coordinating Holi plans in a busy group chat? Instead of endless back-and-forth messages, start a Voice Chat in your group and let everyone jump in when they’re free. Finalising the venue, confirming who’s bringing the gujiyas, or deciding the playlist, quick decisions, zero missed calls, and no ringing interruptions.

Status with Music: Let the Colours Sing

Holi isn’t just seen, it’s felt. Add music to your Status and turn every colour-splashed moment into a mini celebration. Share your Holi look, that perfect water balloon throw, or a slow-mo colour burst, then tap the music icon and add your favourite festive track. Suddenly, your friends aren’t just watching, they’re celebrating with you.

Schedule Calls: Plan Before the Colours Fly

Getting friends and family together before the big day? Schedule your Holi video call in advance. Just tap the + in your Calls tab → scheduled calls, invite your group, and set the time. Everyone gets notified when it’s time to join — perfect for coordinating meet-ups, planning surprises, or including loved ones who can’t be there in person.

Group Chats, Upgraded: More Ways to Celebrate Together

Holi plans usually live in group chats and now they’re even better. With new updates on WhatsApp, you can add Member Tags to show your role in each group (whether you’re the host, DJ, or snack-in-charge), turn any message into a standout Text Sticker instantly, and set Event Reminders so no one misses the party or the call.

Status, Reimagined for Holi: More Ways to Share Every Splash

Holi moments deserve more than just a single photo and WhatsApp Status gives you new ways to bring them to life. Create a collage with Layout to showcase up to six of your best colour-splashed shots and turn your favourite Holi click into a fun Photo Sticker. You can even use Add Yours to start a colour-filled chain with friends and see how everyone’s celebrating. With these new features rolling out, sharing your Holi highlights just got more creative and a lot more personal.

From neighbourhood celebrations to long-distance family calls, Holi is all about togetherness. And whether you’re sharing colours in person or through your screen, WhatsApp helps you stay in sync.

This Holi, make every message brighter, every call louder, and every shared moment more colourful.

Aarthi Scans & Labs Launches Nationwide Free Anemia & Thyroid Testing Camp For Women

To mark International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, Aarthi Scans & Labs has announced a month-long nationwide free anemia and thyroid testing for across all its branches in India. The initiative will run from March 1 to March 31, 2026, covering major cities including Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Trivandrum, Visakhapatnam and more.

As part of the campaign, women can avail free Iron (Anemia) and TSH (Thyroid) tests, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. No prior appointment is required, and expert guidance will be available at all centers.

The campaign comes against the backdrop of growing concern around thyroid disorders and anemia among Indian women. Approximately 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disorders, with women significantly more affected than men. Studies indicate that 1 in 10 adults in India has hypothyroidism, with prevalence in women nearly double that of men. Women in reproductive age groups and those above 60 years are particularly vulnerable.

Alarmingly, over 60% of thyroid cases in India remain undiagnosed, suggesting the actual burden may be much higher. Thyroid dysfunction in women often presents as infertility, menstrual irregularities, pregnancy complications, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss.

Anemia remains an equally pressing public health challenge. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), approximately 57% of women aged 15–49 in India are anemic, with the prevalence rising to 59.1% among adolescent girls and 52.2% among pregnant women. These figures underscore the urgent need for routine screening and early detection.

Speaking on the nationwide free thyroid and anemia testing for women, Dr. Aarthi Govindarajan, Chief Radiologist and Executive Director at Aarthi Scans & Labs said, “Thyroid disorders and anemia frequently go undetected in women because their symptoms - such as fatigue, hair loss, or weight changes - are often dismissed as lifestyle-related. Through this nationwide screening drive, our goal is to encourage early testing, timely diagnosis, and greater awareness so women can take charge of their health with confidence.”

Hosted at NABL-accredited Aarthi Scans & Labs, backed by over 38 years of trusted diagnostic service, the initiative aims to empower women to proactively monitor and manage silent health risks that often go unnoticed until complications arise.

Women are encouraged to visit their nearest Aarthi Scans & Labs branch during campaign hours to avail the free tests and take the first step toward improved health awareness and preventive care.

Campaign Details:
Date: March 1 – 31, 2026
Venue: All Aarthi Scans & Labs centres across India
Timings: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

About Aarthi Scans and Labs

Founded in 1988 by Mr. V Govindarajan, Aarthi Scans and Labs is India's largest integrated diagnostics provider. With over 74 MRI scanners, 75 CT scanners, and 20 processing labs, Aarthi serves more than 8000 patients daily across cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata and Bangalore. Renowned for its affordable pricing, quality imaging, and ethics, Aarthi Scans is pioneering a new model of healthcare—where cost never comes at the cost of care.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Receives IRDAI Approval For Index Linked Annuity Product - “Index Guaranteed Annuity Plus”

~ A new age hybrid annuity plan for retirement that offers combination of guaranteed and index linked regular income for lifetime~

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (“ABSLI”), the life insurance subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital, India’s leading diversified financial services company, today announced that it has received IRDAI’s approval for ABSLI Index Guaranteed Annuity Plus – a Single or Limited/ Regular premium index linked annuity plan. This plan is designed to provide lifetime retirement income with a combination of guaranteed and variable annuity which is linked to the performance of “Nifty 50” benchmark Index. The launch of this product is planned in March 2026.

The plan offers flexibility to customise the proportion of guaranteed and variable annuity components, enabling the policyholders to balance income stability with growth potential. Furthermore, policyholders will have the option to receive annuity income immediately or defer the pay-outs based on individual retirement planning needs. Customers can choose:

1. Life Annuity, which provides guaranteed income for life
2. Life Annuity with Return of Purchase Price, which ensures lifelong income with return of purchase price on death to the nominee
3. Deferred Life Annuity with Return of Premium, which allows customers to start income at later date and build a higher retirement income with return of all the premiums paid on death to the nominee

Mr. Kamlesh Rao, MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited, said, “We sincerely thank IRDAI for their concurrence on this unique product proposition, which we believe will benefit all stakeholders. At ABSLI, our focus is on empowering customers with solutions that support financial independence and security across life stages, including retirement. ABSLI Index Guaranteed Annuity Plus enables customers to tailor their retirement income for lifetime through a combination of guaranteed and variable annuity pay‑outs, helping them build a stable and personalised retirement solution.

Once launched, the plan will be available to individuals aged between 40 and 80 years, subject to the selected plan option, offering flexibility across life stages. Customers can choose to pay premiums either as a Single or Limited/Regular premium‑payment term ranging from 2 to 10 years.

ABSLI’s newly approved Index-Linked Annuity Plan represents a significant step forward in retirement planning. If a customer buys this upcoming Index-Linked Annuity Plan at age 50, pays premiums for 10 years with 60:40 component of Guaranteed and Variable annuity, and starts receiving annual annuity from age 60, the annuity rate is expected to be higher than the fully guaranteed annuity plan. In this example, our existing fully guaranteed annuity plan offers a fixed annuity rate of 8.91% for lifetime while the new Index-Linked annuity plan could offer 11.64% in the first year itself based on the Historical return of the benchmark index “Nifty 50” and in the subsequent years annuity rates tied to market performance. This means the customer enjoys a delta of 2.73% in annuity rate, translating into higher retirement income potential demonstrating how the new plan combines the guarantee with the opportunity for growth, giving customers best of both worlds.

Insights from the ABSLI अ‑Nishchit Index 2.0 reveal that retirement anxiety in India is increasingly shaped by preparedness gaps, ranging from insufficient planning and rising healthcare costs to concerns around inflation and financial independence in old age. Against this backdrop, ABSLI Index Guaranteed Annuity Plus has been designed to help customers navigate these uncertainties by offering a stable, adaptable and future‑ready retirement income.

Note:

The annuity rates illustrated above are hypothetical and are based on historical index performance over a specified period. Past performance of the index does not guarantee future performance. The annuity payable under the Index-Linked Annuity option may vary depending on market conditions and may be lower or higher than the illustrated rates. The comparison shown is for illustration purposes only and does not represent a guaranteed differential in annuity rates. #Guaranteed benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure and policy document carefully before concluding a sale.

About Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited:

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (“ABSLI”) is a part of Aditya Birla Capital Ltd (“ABCL”). ABSLI was incorporated on August 4th, 2000, and commenced operations on January 17th, 2001. ABSLI is a 51:49 a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group and Sun Life Financial Inc., an international financial services organization in Canada. ABSLI offers a range of products across the customer’s life cycle, including children future plans, wealth protection plans, retirement and pension solutions, health plans, traditional term plans and Unit Linked Insurance Plans (“ULIPs”). As of December 31, 2025 total AUM of ABSLI stood at Rs.110,048 Cr. ABSLI recorded a gross premium income of Rs.15,471 Cr with Individual Business FYP with Single Premium at 10% of Rs. 3,076 Cr registering a growth of 18.6%. Renewal Premium grew by 18% with gross Individual and Group segment. ABSLI has a nationwide distribution presence through 445+ branches, 12 bancassurance partners, 6 distribution channels, over 65,400+ direct selling agents, other Corporate Agents, and Brokers through its website. The company has over 31,000+ employees and 29.05 lakh active customers. IRDAI Reg no. 109.

About Aditya Birla Capital Limited:

Aditya Birla Capital Limited (“ABCL”) is a listed systemically important non deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and the holding company of the financial services businesses. ABCL and its subsidiaries/JVs provides a comprehensive suite of financial solutions across Loans, Investments, Insurance, and Payment solutions to serve the diverse needs of customers across their lifecycles. Powered by over 66,000 employees, the businesses of ABCL have a nationwide reach with over 1,742 branches and more than 200,000 agents/channel partners along with several bank partners. ABCL and its subsidiaries/JVs manage aggregate assets under management of about Rs. 6 Lakh Crore with a consolidated lending book of over Rs 1.90 Lakh Crore as of Dec 31, 2025. Aditya Birla Capital Limited is a part of the US$ 67 billion global conglomerate Aditya Birla Group, which is in the league of Fortune 500 and has a consolidated market cap of over US$117 billion, as of Jan 1, 2026. Anchored by an extraordinary force of over 227,500 employees, the Group is built on a strong foundation of stakeholder value creation. With over seven decades of responsible business practices, the Group’s businesses have grown into global powerhouses in a wide range of sectors - from metals to cement, fashion to financial services and textiles to trading. Today, over 40% of the Group revenues flow from overseas operations that span 41 countries across six continents with over 340 state-of-the-art manufacturing units. For more information, visit www.adityabirlacapital.com/

Malabar Group Expands Micro Learning Centres To More Regions

Malabar Group is expanding its Micro Learning Centres (MLCs) to additional states and regions as part of its ongoing efforts to rehabilitate street children and enable their return to formal education. The initiative focuses on providing basic learning support and structured care to children who are out of school due to social and economic challenges, with the objective of reintegrating them into mainstream education.

As part of this expansion, a week-long training programme for State and Zonal Coordinators and volunteers leading the MLCs is currently underway at the Malabar Group Headquarters in Kuttikkattur, Kozhikode. The programme brings together domain experts and field teams to develop a structured roadmap for scaling the MLC model to new locations and strengthening operational effectiveness across existing centres.

The Micro Learning Centres operate under Malabar Group’s flagship social initiative, Hunger Free World, which aims to address hunger and educational deprivation among vulnerable communities. Through this programme, children living on the streets, engaged in forced labour, or who have dropped out of school are provided with nutritious meals, basic education and support to re-enter formal schooling, along with rehabilitation and social integration assistance.

Currently, 1,534 Micro Learning Centres are operational across 18 states, supporting over 64,000 children, primarily in urban slum areas. According to UNICEF estimates, nearly 20 million children in India live on the streets, with over 80 percent residing in urban centres, highlighting the need for sustained intervention in densely populated cities.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, said:
“Through our work with Micro Learning Centres, we have seen first-hand the harsh realities faced by children living on the streets. Expanding this initiative to more regions is part of our responsibility to ensure that vulnerable children have access to food, education and a path back into society. We firmly believe that business must play an active role in creating long-term social impact, and we will continue to strengthen our efforts in this direction.”

Since its inception, Malabar Group has committed five percent of its profits towards social responsibility initiatives. Under the Hunger Free World programme, the Group currently provides daily meals to over 115,000 beneficiaries in India, Zambia and Ethiopia. In addition, the Grandma Home project offers shelter and care to underprivileged and destitute women, ensuring safe accommodation and essential facilities.

Malabar Group’s CSR focus areas include women empowerment, health, education and environmental sustainability. To date, the Group has invested over Rs. 376 crore in social development programmes, positively impacting the lives of more than 1.8 million people.

About Malabar Gold and Diamonds

Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate.

With an annual turnover of $7.36 billion, the company currently ranks as the 5th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of over 420 showrooms spread across 14 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centers, wholesale units, and factories spread across India, Middle East, Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia & New Zealand. The group, owned by 3,500 shareholders, has more than 27,500 professionals from over 26 countries working towards its continued success. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite jewelry at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.

The group also operates MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery, a retail concept offering trendy and light weight jewellery that represents the independent and the modern woman through its designs and collections.

Mojawhraty by Malabar is the latest retail concept from the brand, exclusively catering to Arabic audience globally. Mojawhraty blends Arabic tradition with modern elegance.

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been the primary commitment of the group since its inception. The key ESG focus area of Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment and Women empowerment. Integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business, Malabar Group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization. The group contributes 5% of its profit to such initiatives in the same country of operation.

Four Margarita Orders: And What They Secretly Say About You

Margarita Month has become more than just an excuse to order another round. It’s a celebration of craft, balance and personality, because the way you take your margarita says more about you than you think.

Are you a classic? A holiday-in-a-glass person? The social spark? Or the one who turns up the heat?

Here are four margarita orders, and what they quietly reveal about you:

The Classic One: PATRÓN Perfect Margarita

You are relaxed, effortless, clean, balanced and timeless, and your margarita order reflects exactly that. You don’t need twists or theatrics.

For you, the benchmark would also be the classic, with the perfect balance of sweet, sour and agave and PATRÓN as the quality benchmark for a truly great Margarita

The Recipe: PATRÓN Perfect Margarita

Ingredients

45 ml PATRÓN Silver

30 ml PATRÓN Citrónge Orange Liqueur

22 ml fresh lime juice

7 ml simple syrup

Kosher salt

Method
Add PATRÓN Silver, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Fine strain into a chilled coupette or rocks glass with a kosher salt rim.

The Cool One: PATRÓN Frozen Margarita

Some people order a drink. You order an escape.

For people who want to switch off, chill out and feel like they are on holiday for one drink. If this is your go-to, you know how to romanticize the moment. You’re not rushing through the evening, you’re settling into it…

The Recipe: PATRÓN Frozen Margarita

Ingredients

60 ml PATRÓN Silver

22.5 ml PATRÓN Citrónge Orange Liqueur

15 ml fresh lime juice

7.5 ml orange juice

15 ml agave syrup (50/50)

Crushed ice

Method
Add all liquid ingredients into a blender jug. Add ice to the fill line (or as per the spec sheet). Blend until smooth, then pour into a frozen margarita glass or large rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and a classic salt rim.

The Fruity One: PATRÓN Pineapple Margarita

This is the drink that gets the table talking- the sociable, instantly likeable serve! This is a vibrant burst of flavour for people who want something playful, without losing the craft.

If this is your order, you’re the connector. You like flavour that’s expressive, colourful and fun, but you still appreciate balance and quality behind the scenes.

The Recipe: PATRÓN Pineapple Margarita

Ingredients

45 ml PATRÓN Reposado

15 ml PATRÓN Citrónge Orange Liqueur

30 ml pineapple juice

15 ml fresh lime juice

Tajín rim

Lime wedge for garnish

Method
Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake until well combined and properly chilled. Strain into a Tajín-rimmed rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or a pineapple wedge and leaves for added flair.

The Spicy One: PATRÓN Picante

Not everyone orders the spicy margarita, but the ones who do, mean it.

This bold, high-energy serve is for people who like a little heat and are not shy about it. This is the confident order that wakes the table up. It’s not about overwhelming the palate, it’s about adding fire with finesse.

The Recipe: PATRÓN Picante

Ingredients

60 ml PATRÓN Reposado

30 ml fresh lime juice

30 ml agave syrup

3 seedless jalapeño slices

Tajín rim

Lime wheel and jalapeño slice for garnish

Method

Lightly muddle the jalapeño slices in a shaker to release their heat. Add PATRÓN Reposado, fresh lime juice, agave syrup and ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a Tajín-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh jalapeño slice.

This Margarita Month, your order isn’t just a preference, it’s a statement. So the only real question is: what does your margarita say about you tonight?