Hitachi Vantara Advances AI-Ready Partner Strategy At India & SAARC Partner Summit 2026

* Three-day summit brought together more than 80 partners for strategic discussions around AI-ready data strategies, partner programs and a shared vision for digital transformation across the region

Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), concluded its annual Partner Summit 2026, welcoming approximately 80 partners and distributors from India and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for three days of strategic collaboration, recognition and forward-looking alignment.

To learn more about Hitachi Vantara's storage solutions, visit: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/products/storage-platforms

Held June 3 - 5 at The Westin Rishikesh, the summit was anchored by the theme "Dream, Discipline and Determination," a call to action for partners to embrace bold ambitions, execute with focus and build the resilience needed to lead in an AI-driven market. Partners engaged in leadership conversations, future-ready insights and hands-on sessions designed to address modern data challenges and the accelerating pace of digital transformation across the region.

"India and the SAARC region stand at the forefront of one of the most significant waves of AI-driven transformation we've seen, and our partners are the force multiplying that momentum. At Hitachi Vantara, our commitment goes beyond technology; we are here to co-create, co-invest, and grow alongside our partners as they help customers harness the power of data to build smarter, more resilient businesses. This summit reflects that shared ambition and a signal of how far we can go together," said Hemant Tiwari, managing director and vice president for India and SAARC Region, Hitachi Vantara.

As part of its broader partner strategy, Hitachi Vantara confirmed the continuation of a regional partner program across India and the SAARC region focused on accelerating new customer acquisition and driving demand for midrange systems. The program is designed to help partners expand their market impact through simplified engagement, enhanced digital marketing support and expanded regional enablement.

In addition, Hitachi Vantara’s exclusive Partner Advisory Board forum, now in its third year, brought together twelve partner executives to exchange insights with leadership and provide input on strategy, innovation priorities and ecosystem engagement.

"The theme of Dream, Discipline and Determination is the foundation on which we're building a stronger, more resilient partner ecosystem across India and SAARC. This summit was about giving our partners the AI-ready tools, incentives and the confidence to lead boldly in their markets. The energy and momentum we've built here will carry forward into every customer conversation, every deal, and every breakthrough our partners drive in the months ahead" said Darsshan Somaiya, head of strategic partner and alliances for India and SAARC, Hitachi Vantara.

The summit also included the annual partner awards program recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements across the partner ecosystem.

Hitachi Vantara India & SAARC Partner Summit Award Winners for Fiscal Year 2025:

India Government, North, East & Government Vertical

• FY25 Breakthrough Partner of the Region - North, East & Government Vertical – Infovirgin Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Partner of the Region - North – Niveshan Technologies India Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Value Added Distributor of the Region - North – Redington Ltd
• FY25 Best Upcountry Partner of the Region - East – Wizertech Informatics Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Best Upcountry Partner of the Region - North – Spectra Computech Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Best Innovative Solution Partner of the Region - North – Corporate Infotech Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Emerging Partner of the Region - North – Grand Ortus Solutions Pvt Ltd

India South Region

• FY25 Breakthrough Partner of the Region - South – Giniminds Solutions Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Partner of the Region - South – Onlineteksupport IT Solutions Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Value Added Distributor of the Region - South – iValue InfoSolutions Ltd
• FY25 Emerging Partner of the Region - South – Futurenet Technologies India Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Best Innovative Solution Partner of the Region - South – Techfruits Solutions Ltd
• FY25 Best Upcountry Partner of the Region - South – StarONE IT Solutions India Pvt Ltd

India West Region

• FY25 Breakthrough Partner of the Region - West – COMnet Solutions Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Partner of the Region - West – Swan Solutions & Services Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Value Added Distributor of the Region - West – RAH Infotech Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Best Upcountry Partner of the Region - Gujarat – Informatics Technologies Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Best Upcountry Partner of the Region - RoM – Vcom Technologies Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Best Innovative Solution Partner of the Region - West – VDA Infosolutions Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Emerging Partner of the Region - West – Techigent Technologies Pvt Ltd

National Awards

• FY25 Breakthrough Partner of the Year – VarniTech Solution Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Value Added Partner of the Year – Hitachi Systems India Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Partner Led Deal of the Year – Swan Solutions & Services Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Value Added Distributor of the Year – Redington Limited
• FY25 Emerging Territory Partner of the Year - India – Cache Digitech Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Emerging Territory Partner of the Year - SAARC – CAS Trading House Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Innovative Partner of The Year – Ishan Technologies
• FY25 Best Reseller of the Year - Run to Win – Micro Hard IT Solutions Pvt Ltd
• FY25 Best Distributor of the Year - Run to Win – RAH Infotech Pvt Ltd
• FY25 CSP of the Year – Sterlite Technologies Ltd

For more information about Hitachi Vantara’s partner program, please visit: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/partners/partner-ecosystem

About Hitachi Vantara

Hitachi Vantara is transforming the way data fuels innovation. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Vantara provides the data foundation the world's leading innovators rely on. Through data storage, infrastructure systems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps customers build the foundation for sustainable business growth. To learn more, visit www.hitachivantara.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.

Tata Power Powers Over 414 Million Green Miles Through Its EV Charging Network Across India

* 5,500+ public charging points across 700+ cities and towns powering India's EV transition
* Enables over 7.5 lakh EV charging sessions across the country helps India avoid 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ Emissions
* New chargers were recently inaugurated at Pune, Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway and Kolkata

India's energy future is being shaped not just by policy ambition, but by the everyday choices of millions of citizens increasingly aware of the cost and consequences of conventional fuel dependence. As running costs continue to favour electric mobility, India's EV adoption is moving from the margins to the mainstream and the latest industry numbers make the shift unmistakable.

Tata Power, one of India's largest Integrated Power Companies and the operator of one of India's largest EV charging networks, is enabling this transition at scale. Through its expanding charging infrastructure, the company has facilitated over 7.5 lakh charging sessions and 414 million green miles across the country, while helping avoid approximately 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ tailpipe emissions.

Today, Tata Power's EV charging ecosystem spans more than 5,500 public charging points across over 700 cities and towns, making EV charging increasingly accessible across urban centres, highways, workplaces, commercial destinations and residential communities. In partnership with leading automotive OEMs, the company has also introduced end-to-end home charger installation services and has installed over 2.3 lakh home chargers across India, supporting a seamless charging experience for EV owners and strengthening the country's overall EV charging ecosystem.

Further strengthening its EV charging footprint across key mobility corridors and urban centres, Tata Power EZ Charge will inaugurate new charging stations at Kopa Mall in Pune, IOCL locations on both sides of the Ahmedabad–Vadodara Expressway, and a Shapoorji Pallonji Mini Hub in Kolkata equipped with six charging guns. These additions are aimed at enhancing charging accessibility across city hubs and high-traffic travel routes, supporting a more convenient and reliable EV ownership experience for both daily commuters and long-distance travellers.

EV sales in India surpassed 2.55 million units in FY2026, with all four vehicle segments registering double-digit growth. Demand for zero-emission passenger vehicles was especially strong, with retail sales rising significantly during the year.

As more Indians look toward electric mobility for both environmental and economic reasons, Tata Power's charging network is ensuring that the infrastructure keeps pace with intent. From residential communities and commercial campuses to highways and urban hubs, the company's charging footprint is helping create a future where mobility is cleaner, smarter, and more resilient.

About Tata Power

The Tata Power Company,  a vertically integrated power company and part of the Tata Group, India’s largest multinational business conglomerate, has built a diversified portfolio across the entire power value chain, with its total operational and pipeline capacity surpassing 26 GW. This includes approximately 17.5 GW of clean and green energy capacity (including projects under construction) and around 8.9 GW of thermal generation capacity, ensuring a balanced and resilient energy mix. The Company also has a strong transmission and distribution footprint, with over 7,400 circuit kilometres of transmission lines, including pipeline projects, and serves nearly 13 million customers across its distribution businesses, making it one of India’s largest private power distribution companies.

Further strengthening its leadership in future-ready energy solutions, Tata Power has established 4.9 GW of integrated solar cell and module manufacturing capacity, signed 2.8 GW of pumped hydro storage projects, and expanded its EV charging network to over 7.000 public charging points across 706 cities and towns in India.

As a pioneer in India’s clean energy transition, Tata Power remains committed to achieving Net Zero by 2045 and continues to partner with public and private stakeholders to deliver reliable, sustainable, and technology-led energy solutions across the country.

Do You Want Mysore’s Iconic ‘Lalitha Mahal Palace’ To Emerge In Ruins Like Range Bazaar (Lansdowne Building), Devaraja Market?

By Manu Sharma

* International and domestic hotel chains are aggressively securing historical properties in India to tap into the booming luxury and experiential travel segment by converting age-old royal estates into high-end hotels, these brands are targeting the rising influx of affluent travelers.

The century-old ⁠Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel in Mysuru requires urgent and extensive restoration. The Karnataka government is seeking private operators and exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) lease to fund the repairs and preservation to fix crumbling ceilings, peeling plaster, and deteriorating infrastructure but official apathy, political delays, and poor maintenance have reduced the former royal residence to a shadow of its original European grandeur.

Built on a raised ground, the palace was fashioned on the lines of St Paul’s Cathedral in London and is one of the most imposing structures in Mysore. It has renaissance architectural style, blending the aesthetics of Italianate palazzos and grand English manor houses.The palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1974. It was run as a part of the Lalit Ashok Group of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) under the Government of India until 2018 when it was transferred to a unit of the Government of Karnataka. However, only a veneer of the original royal ambience of the palace is now maintained.

Lansdowne Building, initially called Range Bazaar, is another historic commercial complex in the city, once bustling with shops and services. While it holds significant heritage value, some reviews suggest it's currently in a state of disrepair and underutilization, with parts used as public toilets.

Former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Prathap Simha speaking at a panel discussion on ‘Mysore Airport: Connecting Mysuru to the World’ held on the second day of the fifth edition of Mysore Travel Mart (MTM-2026) at Jagannatha Centre for Art & Culture (JCAC) in Vijayanagar, has expressed concern that the proposed renovation of the century-old Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel could meet the same fate as the Lansdowne Building, which he said has been left to deteriorate due to official apathy.

Simha said that although the State Government has repeatedly promised restoration work of the Lalitha Mahal Palace, there has been little visible progress on the ground. Lansdowne Building on the Sayyaji Rao Road is another heritage building of Mysuru that needs restoration.

Reasons For Deterioration

The deterioration of the century-old Lalitha Mahal Palace is a major concern for locals and heritage lovers. Decades of official apathy, political delays, and poor maintenance have reduced the former royal residence to a shadow of its original grandeur.. The property has several ongoing issues

Severe Disrepair: Guests and tourists frequently report many maintenance and upkeep  issues, including peeling paint, damp-smelling rooms, broken plumbing, and outdated facilities.

Funding and Delays: While the state government announced partial funds for "temporary" fixes, political stakeholders remain concerned that bureaucratic delays and failed management will lead to a deterioration, similar to what has occurred in other historical structures in Mysuru (like the Lansdowne Building). Despite being in a premium location at the foothills of Chamundi Hills, previous attempts to maintain the 52-room heritage hotel as a top-tier luxury destination have fallen short.

The future of the site remains uncertain as citizens continue to urge the government to fast-track true restoration and protect the architectural legacy of the Lalitha Mahal.

Lalitha Hotel Changes Hand From ITDC To JLR

This magnificent palace building would have been another one of the heritage buildings which would have been dilapidated but not for the vision of one Mysorean, who was the Chairman of the ITDC in the seventies. He realised that this building could be converted to a magnificent heritage hotel and he convinced the State Government to hand over the building to ITDC.

Since ITDC itself was on the disinvestment list, the management decided to hand over the building back to the Karnataka Government in 2018 and the lease period was till 2023. The state government in its wisdom asked Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) to take care of the property. This was supposed to be temporary and a tender was supposed to be put out for leasing this property to ensure that this “jewel in the Crown” was maintained in its full glory. JLR now still runs Jungle Lodges and they do not have the expertise or experience for managing a heritage property like Lalita Mahal.

The Palace Heritage Background:

Commissioned in 1921 by the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, to host the Viceroy of India and European guests.

Current Management: Currently it operates as a 5-star heritage hotel, the state-owned JLR has sought major government funding to execute urgent restorations.

Challenges: The building suffers from maintenance issues like roof leaks and requires structural updates. Local stakeholders are pushing for faster action to save the site from falling into a state of severe disrepair.

Restorations: Restoring historic Indian palaces requires integrating traditional materials like lime mortar with modern luxury. The iconic Palace is currently undergoing a search for private lease and restoration—requires an estimated ₹38 to ₹50 crore to repair the plaster and preserve its italian architecture.

Rich Artifacts At The Palace

It is an opulent treasure trove filled with imported Italian marble, Belgian crystal, and stunning royal portraits.The palace’s interiors and structural highlights feature numerous rich artifacts and historical centerpieces: Belgian Crystal Chandeliers: Grand, multi-tiered chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, casting a regal glow over the palace’s sweeping corridors and halls. Life-Size Royal Portraits: The central hall and banquet areas display full-length oil paintings of the 24 kings of the Wadiyar Dynasty, framed with intricate gold leaf work. Italian Marble Staircase: A sweeping, double-curved staircase crafted from imported Italian marble, considered one of the most prominent structural artifacts in the estate. Exquisite Carpets: Hand-woven Persian rugs and woven carpets. Stained Glass Roof: The roof of the erstwhile ballroom features a breathtaking stained-glass skylight inspired by St. Paul's Cathedral in London and Heirloom Furniture: The rooms and suites are heavily furnished with antique, ornate Victorian and Edwardian furniture, alongside lavish Ottoman-style seating.

Unique Hand-Operated Waygood-Otis Lift

The palace features two historic elevators installed in 1921 by the Maharaja of Mysore. The most famous is a hand-operated, vintage passenger lift imported from England, which is carefully preserved without altering its original heritage features. The prized elevator was manufactured and imported from the renowned Waygood - Otis company in England. It features a 1-tonne (2,000-pound) capacity and the original architectural features are preserved intact. It is often reserved for emergency use or operated occasionally by staff to give guests a glimpse into princely history. 

JLR Poor Management Skills And Negative Feedbacks

While Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) runs properties across Karnataka (like Kaini River Lodge and Bandipur Jungle Lodges) and offers unparalleled jungle access and knowledgeable naturalists, guests frequently report that their amenities, food, and hospitality is of very poor taste and does not match the premium prices.

In 2018, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw took to Twitter to highlight the sorry state of the JLR facility at Kabini, located in the southern fringes of Nagarahole National Park. Lashing out at the tourism department, Kiran said her foreign guests had visited the Kabini facility and she was told that the rooms were primitive and the food awful. The tourism officials don’t have a clue about being world class even if it is ecotourism,” she said in another tweet.

Her comments drew a multitude of reactions on various social media platforms.

What’s Happened To Other Indian Royal Palaces?

While India's era of royalty might seem to be long past, there are still many majestic palaces in the country which offer visitors an opportunity to experience royal comfort and luxury. As a result of high maintenance costs following India's independence, a number of royal families converted their royal palaces into luxury hotels. The palaces offer visitors today accommodation that used to be home to Indian maharajas, royal halls where they had their feasts, and overall a sense of heritage unmatched by any other luxury hotel.

International & Domestic Hotel Chains Eye For Historical Properties

International hotel chains like Marriott, Accor, Hilton, and Hyatt are aggressively securing historical properties in India to tap into the booming luxury and experiential travel segment. By converting age-old havelis, hunting lodges, and royal estates into high-end hotels, these brands are targeting the rising influx of affluent travelers.

Domestic Hospitality Chains: Historically, chains like Leela Palaces, The Taj Hotels and The Oberoi Hotels have dominated this space. Indian operators remain aggressively competitive in preserving and expanding their heritage portfolio.

The domestic and international hotel chains are best suited to preserve architectural heritage while integrating modern ultra luxury amenities. Leasing the Lalith Mahal palace to one of these chains via a tender may be the best option to maintain this historical landmark.

Notable Some Palaces Converted Into 5 Star Hotels

The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace: A 350-year-old royal residence in Madhya Pradesh, meticulously restored by the Oberoi Group to blend Bundela dynasty architecture with contemporary luxury.

Taj Falaknuma Palace: The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, which underwent extensive restoration to preserve its massive crystal chandeliers and regal interiors is now part of The Taj Hotels.

Ran Baas: An 18th-century royal guesthouse in Patiala, Punjab, restored to offer guests an intimate heritage experience.

The Fairmont Udaipur Palace (Udaipur, Rajasthan), a 327-key hotel, opened in July 2025.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed byTaj Group. It is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner, Gaj Singh. The palace has 347 rooms and is the principal residence of the former Jodhpur royal family. A part of the palace is a museum.

The Leela Palaces: Operates some of India's most iconic 5-star palace hotels. While only a few are converted historic palaces, others—like the Bangalore property—are custom-built to emulate the grandeur and architectural heritage of bygone Indian empires. It runs key heritage and palace properties like The Leela Palace Udaipur: The Leela Palace Jaipur and The Leela Palace Bengaluru: While not a historical property lease, it is heavily inspired by the Vijayanagara Empire and Mysore architectural styles, with open courtyards and intricate domes.

Girl Power In IITs: Number Of Female Students Qualifying For Counselling More Than Doubles In 10 Years

Female students are getting more opportunities through the Female Pool quota under the Supernumerary Scheme.

With changing times, courses have evolved, and subjects such as AI, Machine Learning, and Computer Science have increased the interest of female students.

This year, a record 10,107 female students have qualified the highest ever so far.

Girls are increasingly making their mark in engineering education and competing on an equal footing with their male counterparts. The number of female students securing admission opportunities in India’s prestigious IITs has been rising steadily over the years. According to the JEE Advanced 2026 results, the number of girls qualifying for counselling has reached an all-time high.

This year, 10,107 girls qualified for JEE Advanced counselling, accounting for 17.76 percent of the total qualified candidates. Never before has the number of qualified girls crossed the 10,000 mark. A significant contribution to this achievement has come from ALLEN Career Institute, where 1,044 girl students qualified for counselling this year.

Adding to the institute’s success, Arohi Deshpande, a student of ALLEN Kota, emerged as the All India Girl Topper, securing AIR 77. Over the last decade, the number of girls qualifying for JEE Advanced counselling has more than doubled—from 4,570 in 2016 to 10,107 in 2026.

Nitin Kukreja, CEO of ALLEN Career Institute, said that the growing interest of girls in engineering education is a positive sign for the country's future. “The increasing participation of girls in technical fields is driving social transformation. ALLEN remains committed to creating awareness about engineering education among female students and encouraging them to pursue their aspirations. This year, 1,044 girls from ALLEN qualified, and we expect a large number of them to secure admission to IITs,” he said.

Speaking about her achievement, Arohi Deshpande, the All India Girl Topper in JEE Advanced 2026, said that one should always dream big and work hard to achieve those dreams. “My family supported me throughout my journey and stayed with me in Kota for four years. The guidance provided by ALLEN faculty members played a crucial role in my success. The result exceeded my expectations, and I am delighted to emerge as the girl topper,” she said.

More Than 50,000 Girls Studying in Kota
Kota, India's most prominent hub for engineering and medical entrance examination preparation, attracts students from across the country. More than 50,000 girl students are currently studying in the city. Owing to national-level competition, a safe environment, and quality education, students preparing in Kota generally achieve better success rates compared to many other cities and states.

Three Key Reasons behind the Rise in Girls’ Participation in Engineering Education
1. Supernumerary Quota for Girls
To encourage female participation in engineering education, the Government of India introduced the Supernumerary Quota in IIT admissions in 2018. Under this initiative, girls were offered an additional 14 percent of seats through the female-only pool. The quota was increased to 17 percent in 2019 and further raised to 20 percent in 2020. Currently, girls are offered admission against 20 percent additional seats under this scheme.
2. Technological Transformation
The rapid growth of technology sectors such as Information Technology, Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced the appeal of engineering among girls. Earlier, engineering was primarily associated with field-based disciplines such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Communication Engineering. However, the emergence of technology-driven careers and computer-based work environments has made engineering more accessible and attractive for female students. The availability of high-paying career opportunities in these fields has further boosted interest among girls.
3. Increased Awareness across Rural India
At one time, institutions like IITs and NITs were largely known only in metropolitan cities. The growth of coaching for IIT-JEE and the success of students from small towns and villages in securing IIT admissions helped spread awareness across the country. As stories of successful careers and lucrative international salary packages reached society, students from rural areas became increasingly aware of these opportunities. Along with boys, girls from villages and small towns also began aspiring to join IITs, resulting in greater female participation in engineering entrance examinations.

Qualified Girls in JEE Advanced
Year Qualified Girls
2016 -4,570
2017 -7,259
2018 -4,179
2019 -5,356
2020 -6,707
2021 -6,452
2022 -6,516
2023 -7,509
2024 -7,964
2025 -9,404
2026 -10,107

Growth in Girl Registrations
Year Registered Girls
2016 -27,778
2017 -29,872
2018 -31,021
2019 -33,249
2020 -32,851
2021 -32,285
2022 -33,608
2023 -40,645
2024 -41,020
2025 -41,337
2026 -43,112

Celebrating World Environment Day With A Commitment To Responsible Hospitality

* Recognised with IGBC Gold Certification, Taj Bangalore, Bengaluru continues to integrate conscious practices across operations and guest experiences

With sustainability continuing to shape the future of hospitality, Taj Bangalore marks World Environment Day by reaffirming its commitment to responsible and conscious luxury through Paathya — IHCL’s framework for sustainable operations. Further strengthening this commitment, the hotel has also been recognised with the prestigious IGBC Gold Certification, reflecting its continued focus on environmentally responsible infrastructure and operational practices.

Blending sustainability seamlessly into the guest experience as well as backend operations, the hotel has implemented several thoughtful initiatives across the property. The hotel operates on 100% green energy while continuously adopting cleaner and more energy-efficient alternatives across key operational areas. Sustainable dining practices have also been integrated through conscious kitchen operations and energy-efficient culinary systems.

In line with its efforts to reduce environmental impact across guest touchpoints, the hotel has introduced Paathya water bottles and sustainable in-room amenities, while continuing to maintain a strong focus on minimising single-use plastics across operations.

Several meeting and event spaces across the hotel are designed to maximise natural daylight, creating brighter, more energy-efficient environments with reduced dependency on artificial lighting. Supporting the growing shift towards greener mobility, Taj Bangalore also offers electric vehicle charging facilities for guests.

The hotel has additionally implemented water conservation and smart monitoring systems as part of its larger operational sustainability efforts, reinforcing a more mindful approach towards resource management.

At Taj Bangalore, sustainability is not viewed as a standalone initiative, but as an integral part of delivering responsible luxury — thoughtfully balancing comfort, efficiency, and environmental consciousness in everyday hospitality experiences.

Titan Watches Sets Guinness Book Of World Records With Zero Hour 500M Professional Diver's Automatic Watch

* Accomplishes deepest underwater product photoshoot at a depth of 52.1metres

Far beneath the ocean’s surface in a realm defined by immense pressure, absolute precision and uncompromising conditions, Titan Watches, India's most iconic watchmaker, has achieved a remarkable milestone. In a first-of-its-kind feat, the brand has set a Guinness Book of World Records for the deepest underwater product photoshoot. Executed at a depth of 52.1 metres, featuring one of the only 1000 limited numbered Titan Zero Hour 500M Professional Diver's Automatic Watches, the landmark endeavour further reinforced the watch’s credentials as a serious instrument built for the extremes.

Against the vast expanse of the open ocean at Racha Noi Island, Phuket, Thailand, where every descent pushes the limits of endurance and engineering, a team of five certified technical divers set out to demonstrate the limits of precision and performance. Reaching 50 metres within seven minutes and eventually attaining a maximum depth of 52.1 metres, the divers completed a highly specialised underwater photoshoot with an arsenal of cameras in a 20-minute operational window under authentic open-ocean conditions.

Speaking on the achievement, Kuruvilla Markose, CEO, Watches Division, Titan Company Limited, said, "Zero Hour was built on the belief that Indian watchmaking can compete on the world's most demanding stages. Every benchmark we have achieved- from ISO 6425 compliance and PADI validation to the Guinness Book of World Records, lies at the intersection of engineering conviction, innovation and craftsmanship. In essence, proving capability through action. As we continue to advance our capabilities and build on this momentum, achievements like these furthers our ambition to build world-class performance timepieces that earn credibility with an intent to elevate Indian watchmaking on the global stage. This has been the vision for Zero Hour since its very inception, and the Guiness World Record accomplishment is an important step in that journey."

Introduced earlier this year, Zero Hour is Titan's dedicated performance sports watch sub-brand, with the Divers’ collection as its first chapter. Zero Hour represents the defining moment before action begins, where precision and reliability allow no margin for error. The successful execution of the deepest underwater product photoshoot under real open-ocean conditions serves as a powerful expression of the philosophy that gives Zero Hour its name.

The Titan Zero Hour collection spans twelve timepieces, ranging in depth capability from 100 metres to 500 metres, and is priced between INR 15,795 and INR 77,995. It is available at Titan World stores, large format retail destinations, premium watch retailers, e-commerce platforms and at www.titan.co.in   

What On Earth Is Shoojit Sircar Cooking Up With Ananya, Sushmita & Radhika?

Whispers from Mumbai’s glam circles suggest that filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, yes the man behind some of Indian cinema’s most emotionally layered stories, was recently spotted directing Sushmita Sen, Radhika Apte and Ananya Panday together on a super hush hush set.

And naturally, the industry has gone into full speculation mode. Because let’s be honest, what exactly is Shoojit Sircar doing with this trio? A film? An OTT anthology? A fashion meets cinema experiment? Whatever this is, it has already got the industry curious. Adding to the mystery, everybody involved is maintaining absolute silence. No confirmation, no announcements, no leaks.

One thing's for sure Shoojit, Sushmita, Radhika and Ananya is not a combination we saw coming in 2026. It’s too intentional to ignore!