Tata Power Skill Development Institute Expands Green Skilling Footprint With ICICI Foundation Through Centre In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

* Commences tribal youth training batches with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs across Prayagraj, Odisha and Jharkhand, inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Jual Oram.

Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, through its skilling arm Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), is set to expand its national footprint with the inauguration of a new training centre in Prayagraj in partnership with ICICI Foundation. The centre aims to equip local youth and women with industry-relevant skills in power, renewable energy, and allied sectors, supporting India’s growing demand for a future-ready workforce.

The centre was jointly inaugurated by Ms. Saumya Agarwal (IAS), Commissioner, Prayagraj, and Mr. Himal Tewari (CHRO, Chief – Sustainability & CSR, Tata Power), in the presence of Mr. Ashok Panda, CEO, PPGCL, and Mr. Alok Prasad, Head – TPSDI, marking another milestone in Tata Power’s commitment to advancing skill development through collaborative partnerships.

The TPSDI–Prayagraj centre will offer industry-aligned, hands-on training in renewable energy technologies, including solar PV installation and maintenance, electrical safety, and energy efficiency.

TPSDI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has also launched specialised training batches for tribal youth, which were virtually inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram. These programmes will commence at the Prayagraj centre and across TPSDI’s four newly established centres in Odisha – Balasore, Dhenkanal, Berhampur and Sambalpur – as well as its existing centres in Cuttack, Maithon (Jharkhand) and Jojobera (Jharkhand).

The centre will also deliver training programmes under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with certifications designed to enhance employability and enable faster placement with industry stakeholders, including EPC companies, channel partners, and service providers.

Since its inception, TPSDI has established itself as a leading institute in energy sector skilling, offering over 200 modular courses across domains such as Green Energy, Power Systems, Transmission & Distribution, Safety, and Soft Skills. The institute has trained over 4.2 lakh individuals, contributing more than 1.6 million person-days of training, including significant participation from women and beneficiaries from affirmative action groups.

With the establishment of the Prayagraj centre, Tata Power aims to build a strong local talent pipeline to support regional energy infrastructure and future projects. The initiative is expected to contribute to sustainable livelihoods while supporting India’s broader clean energy and skilling ambitions.

The inauguration underscores Tata Power’s ongoing commitment to nation-building through skill development, empowering communities, and supporting India’s transition towards a resilient and sustainable energy future.

About Tata Power:

The Tata Power Company Limited, a leading integrated power company and a part of the Tata Group, India's largest multinational business conglomerate, owns a diversified portfolio of 16.3 GW. This portfolio spans the entire power value chain, from renewable and conventional energy generation to transmission, distribution, trading, storage solutions, and solar cell and module manufacturing. As a pioneer in India's clean energy transition, Tata Power has 7.5 GW of clean energy generation, constituting 46% of its total capacity. Committed to achieving Net Zero by 2045, Tata Power has successfully partnered with public and private entities across India's generation, transmission, and distribution sectors, serving ~13 million customers nationwide.

A Festival Of Fresh Vietnamese Flavours At Blue Ginger, Taj West End

Inspired by the purity and finesse of Vietnamese cuisine, Blue Ginger at Taj West End, Bengaluru, presents a Festival of Fresh Vietnamese Flavours — a refined midday experience designed for leisurely tropical afternoons. From 27th to 29th March 2026, the limited-period festival brings together light, refreshing flavours in a setting that celebrates calm, elegance, and balance.

Over three thoughtfully curated days, the menu showcases a harmonious selection of light broths, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, delicate proteins, and chilled desserts — reflecting the essence of Vietnam’s most refreshing culinary traditions. Rooted in simplicity yet elevated in execution, the experience offers a graceful interplay of textures and flavours.

The culinary journey begins with a delicate Vermicelli Noodle Soup, available in both chicken and vegetarian variants, followed by a vibrant selection of salads including glass noodle with crispy tofu, green apple and green mango, and young papaya salad with shrimp. Guests can also savour beautifully crafted rice paper rolls with options ranging from tofu and garden greens to shrimp with chicken, alongside flavourful crab claws that highlight the finesse of Vietnamese coastal cuisine. The experience concludes on a soothing note with elegant desserts such as water chestnut in coconut milk and Vietnamese coffee mousse, offering a cool and refined finish.

Venue: Blue Ginger, Taj West End, Bengaluru
Dates: 27 March – 29 March 2026
Timings: 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Reservations: +91 80666 05660 / +91 79075 78474

Air India Touches Down At Rome Fiumicino Airport, Expanding Mainland Europe Network To 8 Gateways

Air India inaugurated its new 4x weekly non-stop service to Rome Fiumicino, touching down at the Italian capital city after nearly six years and thus, expanding its presence in Mainland Europe. Rome is Air India’s eighth gateway in Mainland Europe and the second destination in Italy, after Milan.

Flight AI123 departed from Delhi at 1332 Hrs (IST) of 25 March, landing at Rome Fiumicino in the evening to a warm welcome from dignitaries from the Indian Embassy in Italy, Fiumicino airport officials, and Air India staff.

The first flight was welcomed by a delegation including H.E. Ms Vani Rao, Ambassador of India to Italy and San Marino; Mr Gaurav Gandhi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Rome; Mr. Swaminathan Krishnamoorthy, Head of Chancery, Embassy of India in Rome; and senior officials from Aeroporti Di Roma, who also inaugurated the departing flight from Rome, which landed in Delhi at 1029 Hrs (IST) today. The dignitaries celebrated the occasion with a traditional Indian ceremony of lamp-lighting, cake-cutting and honouring the first passenger to board the flight.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Demand for travel between India and Europe continues to grow across both leisure and business segments, with the two nations sharing so much in common culturally, and their increasing exchange that continues to deepen business, trade, and people-to-people ties. We are delighted to reconnect the two historic capital cities while also enabling seamless onward travels via our Delhi hub to and from destinations across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.”

Deepening India-Italy ties

Italy remains an important partner for India across trade, tourism and cultural exchange. Bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed USD 14 billion in 2025, supported by strong collaboration in sectors like engineering, automative, fashion and design. Italy is also home to one of the largest Indian communities in continental Europe, with more than 200,000 people of Indian origin contributing to steadily growing travel demand between the two countries.

“We are pleased to welcome Air India’s arrival in Rome,” said Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma. “The new direct connection to Delhi enhances our offering to the Indian capital and meets the growing travel demand between Italy and India. This new route further strengthens Rome Fiumicino’s role as a leading international hub in the Mediterranean, increasingly central to air links with Asia.”

Flight schedule

Air India now operates between Delhi and Rome four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – using its B787-8 aircraft. The aircraft features a two-class cabin configuration with 18 fully flat beds in Business Class and 241 spacious seats in Economy Class, offering guests a comfortable flying experience complemented by Air India’s signature warm Indian hospitality and onboard service.

The flight schedule has been designed to enable convenient connections via Delhi to several destinations across India and Southeast Asia, including but not limited to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. This enables travellers from Italy to easily access Air India’s growing international and domestic network

 

SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN DELHI (DEL) AND ROME (FCO)
Flight #	City Pair	Departure	Arrival
AI123	Delhi-Rome	1315 Hrs	1855 Hrs
AI122	Rome-Delhi	2050Hrs	0900 Hrs+1
All times local. +1 indicates next calendar day arrival.

Air India now flies non-stop from India to eight points in Mainland Europe, namely Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Rome, Vienna, and Zurich.

Bookings for Air India’s flights between Delhi and Rome are available on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through travel agents worldwide.

About Air India group

The Air India group – comprising of full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries customers to 59 domestic and 51 international destinations across five continents.

Returning to the Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India group is in the midst of a five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed an order for 600 new aircraft. In 2024, sister airlines Air Asia India and Vistara were successfully merged into Air India Express and Air India, respectively, and the Airline opened South Asia’s largest aviation training academy. A new flying school is scheduled to open in 2026, and construction of a greenfield maintenance base, to be operational in 2026, is underway. In addition to receiving new aircraft, all existing aircraft are progressively undergoing a full interior refit.

With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.

For more stories on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Unveils Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ ₹200 Crore CSR Initiative For FY 2026–27

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s fifth-largest retail jewellery group and a responsible jewellery brand, has announced their CSR initiatives worth INR 200 crore for the financial year 2026-27 held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi in the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry.

At the CSR initiative, the Union Minister inaugurated the distribution of educational scholarships for 33,000 girl students across India. The event was attended by Malabar Group Chairman Mr. M.P. Ahammad, Managing Director - India Operations Mr. O. Asher, Executive Directors Mr. Nishad A.K. and Mr. Abdulla Ibrahim, Kerala House Resident Commissioner Mr. Puneet Kumar, IAS, Pratham CEO Ms. Rukmini Banerji, and Thanal Chairman Dr. Idris, among others.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the initiatives of the Malabar Charitable Trust align closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering India’s daughters through programs like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.

He added that “Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ decision to allocate INR 200 crore towards CSR will further strengthen the nation’s progress,” emphasizing that India’s growth is rooted in the empowerment of its people - especially women and girls and appreciating the company’s efforts in driving meaningful change through education.”

“He also encouraged students and young citizens to dream big, aspire beyond limitations, and seize the vast opportunities India offers, urging them to contribute actively to the nation’s growth story”.

Malabar Group, Chairman, Mr. M.P. Ahammad highlighted “Human resource development is the backbone of national growth. He noted that nurturing talent through quality education is essential, and that the scholarship programme enables students to achieve academic success and contribute to the country’s development. He added that the group remains committed to creating sustainable, long-term societal impact through significant CSR investments.”

During 2026-27, CSR projects worth INR 200 crore will be implemented across more than 3,000 locations in 19 states, covering 15 major initiatives. These programmes are expected to benefit over 2 lakh people.

A significant focus is on education with INR 114 crore allocated to initiatives such as micro-learning centres for street children and national scholarship programmes for girls. INR 30 crore has been earmarked for food distribution under the Hunger Free World project, and INR 14.2 crore for healthcare initiatives. Housing projects, including the ‘Grandma Home’ initiative for destitute mothers, will receive INR 25 crore. Additionally, INR 6.8 crore will be allocated for other humanitarian activities and INR 10 crore for environmental protection.

As part of the Malabar Group’s 33rd anniversary, scholarships will be awarded this year to 33,000 girl students from 284 districts across 18 states. Since its inception, the programme has benefited over 1,15,000 girls. All CSR initiatives are implemented through the Malabar Charitable Trust.

For the rehabilitation of street children, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has established 1,543 micro-learning centres across 17 states in partnership with Pratham Education Foundation, one of India’s largest NGOs. The number of centres will be increased to 2,500 this year, with student enrolment expected to grow from over 64,000 to 1 lakh.

Under the Hunger Free World project, nutritious meals are provided daily to 1,15,000 people across India, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Other CSR initiatives include the ‘Grandma Home’ project, which provides free accommodation and care for destitute women, and Malabar-Thanal pharmacies that offer medicines at subsidized rates to the underprivileged.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ operations are guided by ESG principles. Since its inception, the company has allocated 5% of its net trading profit towards CSR activities. These initiatives focus on women empowerment, healthcare, education, and environmental protection, in collaboration with NGOs such as Pratham and Thanal.

These efforts have already brought positive change to the lives of over 1.8 million people across India.

About Malabar Gold & 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 operates a strong retail network of over 425 showrooms across 14 countries, supported by offices, design centres, wholesale units, and manufacturing facilities across India, the Middle East, the Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The group, owned by more than 3,500 shareholders, has over 30,000 professionals from more than 26 countries working towards its continued growth. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also operates an online store, enabling customers to purchase jewellery at any time.

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been a core commitment of Malabar Group since its inception. The key ESG focus areas of the Group include health, housing, hunger eradication, education, environment, and women empowerment. The group contributes five percent of its profits to social responsibility initiatives in the same country of operation.

Photo Caption: Piyush Goyal - Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, M P Ahammad – Chairman, Malabar Group, Asher O - Managing Director - India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kirit Bhansali – Chairman GJEPC at the unveiling of Malabar Gold & Diamonds CSR initiative for FY 2026 -27 along with other respected dignitaries and scholarship recipients.

How To Be The Pillar: Supporting Loved Ones Through Early Breast Cancer

At 45, Shalini thought the hardest part of her early breast cancer diagnosis would be chemotherapy. But months after her tumour was removed and chemotherapy ended, she found herself lying awake at night, replaying one thought: What if it comes back? Her doctors had explained that her cancer was detected early and that further treatment would help reduce the risk of recurrence. Still, the uncertainty felt heavy. What steadied her was not just medical reassurance, it was her daughter setting daily medication reminders on her phone, her husband accompanying her to every follow-up visit, and her family treating each clear scan as a shared victory. In those quiet acts of support, Shalini found the strength to focus not only on survival, but on living fully again.

Early breast cancer today is increasingly treatable, with outcomes improving due to timely diagnosis and evolving therapies. Yet the journey doesn’t end with surgery or chemotherapy. The possibility of recurrence can weigh heavily, and extended treatments may continue for months or years to reduce that risk. During this phase, quality of life, physical energy, emotional stability, and daily routine, becomes just as important as medical milestones. This is where loved ones play a defining role.

Prof Dr Somashekhar SP, Chairman Medical Advisory Board, Aster DM Healthcare & Global Director, Aster International Institute of Oncology Bangalore India, said, "It's a common misconception that early breast cancer is completely curable. The reality is that the risk of recurrence can be as high as 50%.[1]So, our main goal is to minimize this risk of recurrence, not just treat the initial tumor. Advanced targeted therapies allow us to do this effectively for eligible patients, helping them maintain their quality of life. Family support is crucial in this journey, as their understanding encourages patients to adhere to treatment and builds emotional resilience."

Supporting someone through early breast cancer is not about grand gestures. It is about consistent, informed, compassionate presence. Here are 4 ways you can support your loved ones through their early breast cancer journey-

1. Learn About Advanced Treatments Together

For women diagnosed with early breast cancer, advanced therapies including hormone-based drugs and targeted treatments can reduce the risk of recurrence while maintaining the quality of life. Take the time to understand why additional therapy may be recommended even after the tumour is removed. Be actively involved during medical consultations- attend doctor appointments together write down questions in advance, and discuss concerns openly. When you learn together, decisions feel shared rather than overwhelming, and adherence to treatment becomes stronger.

2. Create Space for Recurrence Conversations

Fear of recurrence can surface suddenly, before a scan, during a minor ache, or even on a happy day. Instead of dismissing worries, acknowledge them. Simple words like, “I’m here, tell me what you’re feeling,” can ease emotional isolation. Being a safe space for vulnerability strengthens trust and reduces silent anxiety.

3. Protect Quality of Life in Everyday Ways

Healing is not only clinical, it is deeply personal. Help maintain balanced meals, encourage doctor-approved physical activity, and support adequate rest. Manage medication reminders if needed. Plan small activities that bring joy and normalcy. By focusing on energy, positivity, and routine, you help ensure that treatment supports life, rather than putting it on hold.

4. Celebrate Progress, However Small

Completion of a treatment cycle, a stable scan, improved lab results, or even a week of regained strength, each is worth acknowledging. Create rituals around milestones, whether it’s a favourite meal, a family photo, or a quiet moment of gratitude. These celebrations shift the focus from fear of recurrence to shared resilience.

Early breast cancer may begin as a medical diagnosis, but navigating recurrence risk and long-term therapy is a shared journey. Advanced treatments are reshaping outcomes, offering renewed hope for recurrence-free futures and preserved quality of life. Yet the true pillar of strength often stands at home, in the loved one who listens, learns, shows up, and stays. 

Adhira & Appa Onboards Actors Shruti Haasan And Murali Sharma As Brand Ambassadors While The Café Eyes National Expansion

Adhira & Appa Coffee, built on the philosophy of sustainability and authenticity and part of the EBG Group, has announced acclaimed actors Shruti Haasan and Murali Sharma as their brand ambassadors. The group is now eyeing national expansion, aligning with the evolving QSR and beverage landscape while staying rooted in sustainability and tradition. It aims to bring authentic South Indian filter coffee to cities across India.

Crafted from premium beans and prepared through processes designed to significantly reduce carbon output compared to conventional methods, the brand’s focus on sustainability, combined with in-house sourcing, forms the core of its identity. With strong early momentum, the brand plans to scale to 400 outlets across major metropolitan and Tier-2 cities in India by 2027.

Currently, the café is operating in Kochi, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Pune, Dehradun, Indore, Chandigarh, Nashik and Bengaluru, and about to open in Mumbai, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Raipur, Bangalore, Pune, Ludhiana, and other locations across India. The association with Shruti Haasan and Murali Sharma will help strengthen Adhira & Appa’s vision of building a café brand that blends tradition with a modern touch. Shruti Haasan connects well with younger, urban audiences and adds to the brand’s contemporary appeal, while Murali Sharma brings a sense of authenticity and relatability that resonates with those who value tradition. Together, they reflect the brand’s idea of combining heritage with changing consumer preferences, helping it grow across the country and connect with a wider audience.

Speaking about the partnership, versatile South Indian actor Murali Sharma said, “I am happy to collaborate with a brand like Adhira & Appa that celebrates our rich coffee heritage while prioritizing sustainability. It's inspiring to see tradition meet innovation in every cup. There is no doubt that the café will be welcomed across the country by those seeking to taste authentic South Indian filter coffee.”

Meanwhile, singer and actor Shruti Haasan said, “Adhira & Appa captures the soul of South Indian filter coffee with a modern twist. As someone who loves authentic flavors and eco-conscious brands, I'm thrilled to be part of this journey, bringing that warmth to more people.”

Commenting on the actors' partnership, EBG Group Chairman Dr. Irfan Khan said, “Partnering with versatile talents like Shruti Haasan and Murali Sharma aligns perfectly with our vision at EBG Group. Adhira & Appa isn't just about serving coffee, it is a movement that blends deep-rooted South Indian culture, uncompromising quality, and genuine care for the planet. We're excited to scale this authentic experience nationwide and reduce our environmental footprint every step of the way.”

Karan Mendon, COO of Adhira & Appa, said, “We offer a thoughtfully curated food menu including dosa, tacos, medu vada waffles, and filter coffee tiramisu, appealing to a new generation of coffee and food lovers seeking comfort, culture, and quality. Our sustainable practices ensure every sip supports ethical farming and low-waste production, setting us apart as an authentic alternative to global chains like Starbucks and Third Wave Coffee Roasters.”

While the Indian specialty coffee market is becoming increasingly crowded, Adhira & Appa Coffee is betting big on a "Heritage-First" model to capture the rapidly growing Gen Z and middle-class demographics. The brand stands at the forefront of the "new retro" movement—a cultural desire to reconnect with authentic roots through a modern lens.

FundsIndia Scales To Rs 25,000 Crore AUM, Strengthening Its Position As A Digital Wealth Leader

FundsIndia has surpassed Rs 25,000 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), after recording a 25% increase from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 25,000 crore in a little over a quarter. Beyond the milestone, the growth signals a defining phase for the company amid a structural transformation in India’s wealth management ecosystem.

FundsIndia’s current AUM of Rs 25,000 crore represents a year-on-year growth of 58% and a three-year CAGR of 38%. Over the past 12 months, the platform recorded net inflows of Rs 2,100 crore, with cumulative inflows of Rs 2,900 crore over the last 24 months. Retail investors account for 77% of total assets, while HNI and UHNI investors contribute 23%, reflecting a well-balanced and resilient asset base.

The AUM growth has been anchored by sustained retail participation, stronger engagement within the company’s IFA partner ecosystem, and accelerating traction among affluent and private wealth segments. Notably, the expansion reflects more than short-term market momentum; it is underpinned instead by steady inflows, systematic allocations, and diversified participation across investor cohorts.

The growth underscores the growing salience of digital-led, advisor-anchored investing, as Indian investors across segments adopt disciplined, goal-oriented approaches to long-term wealth creation. FundsIndia’s transformation from a pure digital distributor to a full-spectrum wealth management platform mirrors this transition, one driven by trust, transparency, and technology-led execution.

The platform today serves ~30 lakh users across India, with participation extending well beyond traditional urban wealth centres. About 39% of investors are from T30 cities, while 61% are from B30 markets, highlighting the deepening penetration of structured investing across emerging geographies. Systematic investing remains a cornerstone of this growth, with FundsIndia’s SIP book at Rs 142 crore and an incremental monthly run-rate of Rs.2 crore, reflecting consistent investor commitment to long-term wealth creation.

From a product's perspective, Mutual funds remain the largest contributor, complemented by PMS and AIF offerings, fixed-income and bond products, and stocks. This diversified mix reflects the platform’s evolution into a comprehensive wealth management institution serving retail, affluent, and private wealth clients.

Commenting on the milestone, Akshay Sapru, Group CEO, FundsIndia, said:

“Crossing Rs 25,000 crore in AUM marks another significant milestone in our journey and reflects the deep trust investors and partners place in us. This growth reaffirms our resolve to champion systematic, disciplined and goal-based long-term wealth creation in India.

At FundsIndia, our strength lies in our focused verticals. Our Digital business, led by Rhishab Garg, continues to democratize access to intelligent investing at scale. Our Private Wealth vertical, under the leadership of Srinivas Mendu, is delivering sophisticated, high-touch wealth solutions for emerging and established affluent investors. And our Partners business, spearheaded by Manish Gadhvi, is empowering thousands of financial advisors with research depth, technology, and execution capabilities.

Together, these three verticals create a powerful, integrated ecosystem that adds meaningful value to investors and partners across segments. Our priority remains building enduring capabilities, strong governance, research depth, and scalable technology to deliver consistent, long-term outcomes as we advance our mission of enhancing financial prosperity across India.”

Backed by WestBridge Capital, FundsIndia is investing substantially to strengthen its technology stack, data infrastructure, and core platform capabilities. During FY25–26, the company has sharpened its advisory frameworks, enhanced portfolio intelligence, and improved the end-to-end client experience across digital and partner-led channels. Parallel investments in AI- and analytics-led capabilities will enable deeper personalization and scalable advisory efficiency.

With 1150 professionals currently on board, FundsIndia continues to strengthen capabilities across advisory, technology, private wealth, and risk management, positioning itself for responsible scale and long-term value creation in India’s evolving wealth landscape.