INR 2,000 Crore Impact Venture Fund, Among India's Largest, Launched By Next Bharat Ventures

* Next Bharat Venture’s second fund, will be led by Suzuki Motor Corporation as the anchor LP

* Through its first INR 340 crore fund NBV invested in over 20 impact organisations

* The second fund aims to support entrepreneurs across sectors including agriculture, financial inclusion, healthcare, AI for social good and more

Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private limited today announced the launch of its second fund of INR 2000 crore, making it among the largest impact-focused venture fund in India. This second corpus will enable Next Bharat to significantly expand its support towards “Impact Entrepreneurs” building to improve quality of life and sustainable livelihoods across rural India and migrated and urban marginalised communities.

Next Bharat Ventures is a 2-year-old entity that is focussed on sectors like agriculture, rural supply chains, financial inclusion, healthcare, rural mobility, and AI for social good. The initiative aligns closely with India's national priorities under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, supporting locally built enterprises that create employment, improve farmer incomes, strengthen rural value chains, and promote women-led entrepreneurship.

This launch builds on the success of Next Bharat’s first INR 340 crore fund, which demonstrated the viability of a long-term, patient-capital approach to nurturing rural entrepreneurs solving real problems for billions of Indians in rural and informal economies. To date, Next Bharat has supported more than 50 impact startups, investing in over 20 of them through capital, mentorship, and ecosystem support. Several of these startups have also begun business pilots with companies in Japan.

Speaking on the fund announcement, Vipul Jindal Nath, Founder and CEO, Next Bharat Ventures, an IIT Hyderabad Alum, said, "Our first fund is proof that impact and business can co-exist, and that strong businesses can be built and scaled around livelihoods and improved quality of life. Our impact founders are innovators working on grassroot level transformation while ensuring business output, with over 90% of our portfolio companies already heading towards profitability in their early years.

I encourage all the aspiring founders to build their next startup which not only creates commercial value but also deeply solves a social problem of our rural and informal communities, because that’s the heart of India. If you are able to create a big enough impact, I guarantee the commercial returns will follow.”

Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director & President of Suzuki Motor Corporation said, “Japan's investment in India has always been rooted in a shared belief in India's potential, and nowhere is that more evident than in our four-decade partnership. The most important legacy is not the cars themselves, but the enterprises born from it - ordinary shops that became major dealerships, repair workshops that became auto-parts suppliers, and a single supplier that gave rise to entire SME ecosystems. In this way, we created an estimated 3,000-plus entrepreneurs across India, each a homegrown engine of local jobs and income. With Fund II, we are deepening this commitment, and we are honoured to walk this path with the Government of India toward a truly Atmanirbhar Bharat”

Established in 2024, Next Bharat Ventures goes beyond capital to offering an end-to-end support ecosystem to founders. Its flagship ten-day residency programme supports early-stage entrepreneurs with mentorship, networks, and equity investments ranging from INR 1–5 crore to help them scale into sustainable enterprises. Complementing this is the Why Club, a founder led community launched by Next Bharat that fosters collaboration, funding, and long-term support to help impact entrepreneurs sustain and grow their ventures.

The INR 2000 crore second fund substantially expands Next Bharat’s investment capacity. Over the years, Next Bharat has invested in several promising rural startups including MeMeraki – an authentic Indian folk art marketplace; E-Bik – a rural mobility brand that provides affordable e-mobility kits for cycles and rickshaws; SGB Agro – a brand that offers affordable mechanisation for small-holding farmers; and Atypical Advantage – India’s largest PwD livelihood platform; many of which have grown into successful brands and enterprises delivering both commercial success and meaningful impact to the communities they serve.

Bhima Jewellers Signs Janhvi Kapoor, Strengthening Its Connect With Consumers Across India

As Bhima Jewellers continues to strengthen its presence across markets, the brand remains deeply committed to celebrating the craftsmanship, trust, and cultural heritage that have defined its legacy over the years.

In line with this vision, Bhima Jewellers has announced actor Janhvi Kapoor as its brand ambassador. The association marks a significant milestone for the brand as it seeks to deepen its connection with consumers across regions while staying true to the values that have shaped its journey.

Janhvi Kapoor brings together a rare blend of South Indian heritage and pan-India appeal, making her a natural fit for the brand. Her ability to resonate with audiences across generations and geographies reflects the evolving aspirations of today's consumers, who value both cultural authenticity and contemporary expression.

For generations, Bhima Jewellers has been a part of life's most cherished celebrations, creating jewellery that embodies timeless craftsmanship while evolving with changing consumer preferences. Through this partnership, the brand aims to further strengthen its relevance among a new generation of consumers while continuing to uphold the trust and excellence that have long been its hallmark.

The collaboration also carries a strong cultural significance. Janhvi's deep-rooted connection to South India, coupled with her widespread popularity across the country, mirrors Bhima Jewellers' own journey of taking its rich South Indian legacy to a wider national audience. Together, the partnership celebrates a shared appreciation for heritage, tradition, and modern aspirations.

Sharing her excitement, Janhvi Kapoor said: "Some of my fondest memories are of seeing jewellery become a part of our family’s celebrations and milestones. It holds stories that are passed down through generations. That’s what makes my association with Bhima Jewellers so special. With a legacy spanning 100 years, Bhima Jewellers beautifully reflects trust, tradition, and timeless craftsmanship, and I’m delighted to join its legacy.”

Commenting on the association, Bhima spokesperson stated, “At Bhima Jewellers, we have always believed that jewellery is much more than an ornament. It is a part of life’s most treasured moments, carrying memories, emotions, and traditions across generations. Janhvi Kapoor's warmth, elegance, and deep appreciation for her roots make her a natural fit for our brand. There is an authenticity about her that resonates with the values we hold close, and we are delighted to welcome her to the Bhima Jewellers family. We look forward to celebrating timeless stories, meaningful connections, and special milestones together.”

Through this association, Bhima Jewellers continues its commitment to creating meaningful connections with consumers across the country, bringing together heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary relevance in every piece it creates.    

Turkish Airlines Announces Flight Resumptions, Restoring Middle East Network

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other in the world, continues the restoration of its Middle East network following a temporary suspension of services, resuming flights to Abu Dhabi starting July 1, 2026, Dammam starting July 10, 2026 and Kuwait starting July 11, 2026 and Bahrain starting July 16, 2026.

These resumptions follow the restart of Dubai operations on June 9. Flag carrier has also increased its Dubai flight frequency from 7 to 14 weekly flights; effective June 25, 2026, Amman flight frequency from 14 to 21 weekly flights effective June 19, 2026 and Beirut flight frequency from 21 to 28 weekly flights effective July 1, 2026.

With services resuming, Turkish Airlines continues to connect travelers across the Middle East with its global network through its hub in Istanbul. As the airline flying to six continents, Turkish Airlines offers access to more than 350 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas.

Abu Dhabi Flight Schedule

FLIGHT NO	START	FREQUENCY	ORG	DST	DEP	ARR
TK 868	July 1, 2026	1.3.5.7	IST	AUH	18:45	00:25
TK 869	July 2, 2026	12.4.6	AUH	IST	01:30	05:25

*All schedules according to the local time

Dammam Flight Schedule

FLIGHT NO	START	FREQUENCY	ORG	DST	DEP	ARR
TK 150	July 10, 2026	1.3.56	IST	DMM	20:15	00:15
TK 151	July 11, 2026	.2.4.67	DMM	IST	01:15	05:30

*All schedules according to the local time

Kuwait Flight Schedule

FLIGHT NO	START	FREQUENCY	ORG	DST	DEP	ARR
TK 770	July 11, 2026	.2.4.67	IST	KWI	02:00	05:40
TK 771	July 11, 2026	.2.4.67	KWI	IST	06:35	10:25

*All schedules according to the local time

Bahrain Flight Schedule

FLIGHT NO	START	FREQUENCY	ORG	DST	DEP	ARR
TK 778	July 16, 2026	.2.45.7	IST	BAH	20:15	00:10
TK 779	July 17, 2026	1.3.56.	BAH	IST	01:15	05:30

*All schedules according to the local time

Passengers are advised to check the latest flight schedules and travel requirements via the Turkish Airlines website or official channels prior to travel.  

New Zealand Is Worth A ‘Special Journey’

* The MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 Restaurant Selection debuts with 110 establishments, including 15 MICHELIN Star restaurants.

The MICHELIN Guide has officially launched in Aotearoa New Zealand in a historic first for the Oceania region, spanning Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

New Zealand has debuted with 110 establishments, including 1 Two MICHELIN Stars, 14 One MICHELIN Star, 35 Bib Gourmand and 60 MICHELIN Selected.

Aotearoa New Zealand has officially joined the global MICHELIN Guide map, marking the Guide’s first-ever expansion into Oceania. The MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 recognises 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, celebrating their quality, creativity and strong sense of place.

After months of anonymous inspections, the MICHELIN Guide has awarded one restaurant in Queenstown, Essence, Two MICHELIN Stars. Fourteen restaurants have received One MICHELIN Star across all four regions, 35 have been recognised with a Bib Gourmand for offering good food at great value, and a further 60 are included in the official MICHELIN Guide selection.

The sole recipient of Two MICHELIN Stars is Essence in Queenstown led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt. Perched on a hillside with sweeping views over Lake Whakatipu, the understated dining room ensures the focus remains on the cuisine. Two tasting menus showcase premium seasonal New Zealand produce, combining refined technique with creativity and a modern sensibility.

Executive Chef Paul Froggatt of Essence in Queenstown commented: “For Essence to receive not just one, but two MICHELIN stars is something you dream about. This recognition belongs to every single person who has walked through our kitchen doors, from our talented kitchen and front of house staff, to our suppliers and our growers. New Zealand’s food story, in our opinion, is one of the most compelling in the world, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of it.”

14 restaurants receive One MICHELIN Star – including five in Auckland, three in Wellington, two in Christchurch and four in Queenstown.

Auckland: Ahi., Mudbrick, Paris Butter, Tala, The Estate

Wellington: Jano Bistro, Logan Brown, Ortega

Christchurch: Inati, Tussock Hill

Queenstown: Amisfield, Kika, Rātā, Sherwood

35 restaurants were awarded Bib Gourmand for good quality cooking at a great value – including 13 in Auckland, four in Wellington, 10 in Christchurch and eight in Queenstown.

And finally, 60 restaurants were included in The MICHELIN Guide Selected which celebrates culinary excellence – including 28 in Auckland, 15 in Wellington, four in Christchurch and 13 in Queenstown. (For a full breakdown of restaurants – please refer to notes to editors at the end of this release).

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, said: “It is rare to award such a quantity of stars in a country’s inaugural launch – New Zealand’s performance has been genuinely impressive. The destination presents more than a selection of outstanding restaurants: to our Inspectors, it revealed a contemporary culinary map shaped by unique terroir and a food culture in quiet harmony with nature.”

“From the four regions, every city across New Zealand presents a different side of the country’s food culture. Yet they all share one central theme: purity. It is seen in high-quality seasonal local produce, fresh ingredients gifted by nature and guided by a culinary philosophy that honours their essence, allowing regional character to shine through. It is felt too, in the sincere, down-to-earth hospitality found everywhere, from bustling cities to remote small towns.”

Executive Chef Nick Honeyman of Paris Butter in Auckland, which was awarded One MICHELIN Star, agrees: “New Zealand has had a thriving culinary scene for years - to see so many of our peers recognised in the inaugural ceremony is testament to how unique our food scene is. No matter where you go in the country or what you eat, the freshness of our produce and our culinary excellence shine through. I’ve always thought we were amongst the best in the world, and now The MICHELIN Guide has confirmed that.”

The arrival of The MICHELIN Guide shines a spotlight on the factors that make New Zealand cuisine unique - from the quality of homegrown ingredients to the deep connection between land, people and culture.

Tiakitanga (Māori for guardianship, conservation and preservation) is more than a goal in New Zealand - it’s a guiding principle. The deep respect and connection to nature shapes how New Zealand grows and harvests its food. This approach is championed by Ahi in Auckland, its name means ‘fire’ in Māori and emphasises cultural heritage, seasonal menus and traceable ingredients.

Likewise, restaurants warmly welcome guests through Manaakitanga (Māori for hospitality, kindness, and generosity). Visitors experience hospitality with rituals, stories and soul underpinning every experience - ensuring you don’t just taste New Zealand, you feel it. Samoan-New Zealand restaurant Tala in Auckland offers a deeply personal and immersive dining journey in tribute to Pacific culture, and the service of Graze in Wellington has been recognised with the MICHELIN Guide Service Award to Stina Persen.

New Zealand is known worldwide for its lush green pastures, nutrient-rich soil, unspoiled coastlines and cool, clear waters - this produces fresh, untainted produce, bursting with flavour exactly as nature intended. This is reflected in Ortega in Wellington which focuses on seafood, drawing on global influences to highlight the natural qualities of fresh ingredients; or Sherwood in Queenstown which sources ingredients from its own garden or foraged locally.

But it’s not just the food - it’s the experiences, which make New Zealand cuisine so unique. From fine dining in vineyards to foraging in ancient native forests, to geothermal cooking and tastings framed by soaring mountains - the drama, variety and purity of the New Zealand environment shape the emotion of the experience. This is strongly reflected in The Guide with Tussock Hill which forges a connection between the vineyard it is set within and its food; or Mudbrick on Waiheke Island in Auckland which offers sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf.

René de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, says: “This recognition is an acknowledgement of the people, the land, and the culture that make dining in New Zealand a truly unique experience. From the sustainable practices of our businesses harvesting fresh produce, to the deeply rooted Māori culture and manaakitanga that defines how we welcome guests, New Zealand's food and hospitality scene has something to offer every visitor, no matter the region. We warmly invite the world to dinner.”

While the inaugural edition of the Aotearoa New Zealand MICHELIN Guide covers four key regions, visitors can already expect world-class cuisine wherever they travel in Aotearoa - from Hawke’s Bay, which is celebrated for its wine and artisan food, to Marlborough, which is noted for its exceptional seafood.

Chef Ben Bayly from Ahi in Auckland, which was awarded One MICHELIN Star, concluded: “They say The MICHELIN Guide is worthy of a special journey, and our entire nation is ready and waiting for the world to visit. So, see you at dinner?”   

A Legacy Etched In Flavour: Karavalli Completes 36 Remarkable Years

An institution in Indian regional dining, Karavalli at Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road celebrates 36 years of preserving the rich culinary traditions of India's South West Coast. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to authenticity, the award-winning restaurant continues to honour age-old recipes, indigenous ingredients, and time-honoured cooking techniques that have defined its legacy

For over three decades, Karavalli has remained a custodian of the South West Coast's rich culinary heritage, presenting time-honoured recipes that celebrate the flavours of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa. From the signature Meen Porichathu, Alappuzha Meen Curry, and Karavalli Sea Crab Curry to the iconic Kori Gassi, seasonal Patrade, and the classic Bebinca, the menu showcases the region's diverse culinary traditions. Prepared with the freshest coastal produce, indigenous spices, and age-old cooking techniques, each dish offers an evocative journey through the vibrant and enduring food culture of India's western coastline.

As Karavalli marks this significant milestone, it pays tribute to a legacy built on authenticity, consistency, and culinary craftsmanship. While celebrating 36 illustrious years, the restaurant continues to remain a beloved destination for discerning diners seeking an enduring taste of India's coastal heritage.

Details
Venue: Karavalli, Vivanta Bengaluru Residency Road
Timings: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Average Spend: INR 3,000 per person
Date: Through-out the year

Reserve your table at +91 8066604519.

Data Centre Market Size Across India To Double To $22 Billion By 2030: Vestian Report

India's data centre market is projected to grow sharply on rising AI workloads, cloud adoption and digital consumption, with strong investment flows and capacity expansion across key markets

India’s data centre market is projected to more than double to $22 billion by 2030 from about $10 billion in 2025, driven by rising Cloud adoption, artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, and rapid growth in digital consumption, according to a report by Vestian.

Investment momentum in the sector remains buoyant. Between 2020 and 2024, India’s data centre industry attracted about $13–15 billion in investments, with foreign institutional investors (FIIs) accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the total inflows.

Announced investments of $60–70 billion over the next five years underscore the continued interest from hyperscale operators and joint-venture platforms.

Globally, the data centre industry is experiencing rapid expansion, with installed capacity currently estimated at 40–50 gigawatts (Gw). It is expected to exceed 100 Gw by the end of the decade.

Against this backdrop, India is emerging as a strategic destination in the Asia-Pacific data infrastructure landscape, supported by policy incentives, hyperscaler investments, and a fast-growing digital economy.

India’s operational data centre capacity currently stands at about 1.4–1.6 Gw across 164 facilities, with more than 700 megawatts (Mw) under construction and another 1–1.2 Gw in the planning stage, the report said.

Installed capacity is expected to rise to 1.7–2 Gw by the end of 2026 and further expand to 4–5 Gw by 2030, reflecting sustained infrastructure build-out across key markets.

The expansion is being driven by a surge in internet subscribers, increasing enterprise Cloud adoption, and the rapid scaling of AI and high-performance computing workloads.

Growth in digital payments, over-the-top (OTT) platforms, and the rollout of 5G services has further accelerated data consumption. Average monthly wireless usage now exceeds 25 GB per user, reinforcing demand for scalable storage and processing infrastructure.

“India's data centre sector is rapidly transforming on the back of strong policy support and rising digital demand,” said Shrinivas Rao, chief executive officer (CEO) at Vestian.

He added that incentives such as single-window clearances, long-term tax exemptions, and goods and services tax (GST) benefits position India as an emerging global hub for data centres and AI infrastructure.

India also retains a structural cost advantage, with construction costs estimated at $6–7 million per Mw, significantly lower than mature Asia-Pacific markets such as Singapore and Japan. This cost competitiveness continues to support large-scale capacity additions across metros and emerging locations.

Mumbai remains India’s largest data centre hub, accounting for nearly 49 per cent of operational capacity, followed by Chennai (18 per cent) and the National Capital Region (NCR) (11 per cent). Pune (8 per cent), Bengaluru (7 per cent), and Hyderabad (5 per cent) are emerging as important secondary markets, supported by strong information technology (IT) ecosystems and competitive operating conditions.

Chennai’s role as a global data gateway, supported by multiple submarine cable landing stations, continues to strengthen its strategic importance. On the other hand, Mumbai benefits from strong connectivity infrastructure and proximity to financial services demand.

Operators are also increasingly exploring Tier-II cities such as Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam to support distributed digital infrastructure expansion.

Operational capacity in these markets is currently estimated at 60–80 Mw and is expected to cross 100 Mw by the end of 2026. This growth would be aided by improving connectivity, supportive state policies, and lower land costs.

Autoverse Mobility Concludes Successful Garage Leadership Summit 2026, Bringing Together India's Independent Garage Ecosystem

· Introduces two strategic initiatives- Autoverse Quick Commerce Program and the Autoverse Franchisee Program; designed to help independent garages accelerate business growth and improve operational efficiency

· Industry experts, global automotive leaders and garage entrepreneurs discuss the future of India's automotive aftermarket, technology adoption and business growth

Autoverse Mobility, India's fast-growing B2B platform for independent garages, successfully hosted the Garage Leadership Summit 2026 in Bengaluru, bringing together over 100 independent garage owners, automotive experts, technology leaders and aftermarket stakeholders to discuss the future of India's rapidly evolving automotive service ecosystem.

The summit served as a knowledge-sharing platform focused on equipping garage owners with the technical expertise, business insights and digital capabilities required to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven automotive aftermarket.

Led by Mihir Mohan, Founder & CEO, Autoverse Mobility, along with Rama Shankar Pandey, Co-Founder, Shiv Soni, Co-Founder and Krishna Kumar, Co-Founder, the event showcased Autoverse Mobility's vision of empowering India's independent garages through technology, access to quality spare parts and industry knowledge.

At the event, Autoverse Mobility unveiled two strategic initiatives designed to help independent garages accelerate business growth and improve operational efficiency—the Autoverse Quick Commerce Program and the Autoverse Franchisee Program.

The Autoverse Quick Commerce Program enables garages to order automotive spare parts directly through the Autoverse platform with dispatch in as little as 15 minutes from nearby Autoverse stores. Initially available across Bengaluru, the service covers high-demand categories including clutches, suspension components, filters, brake pads, brake discs, belts, hoses, clips and other fast-moving parts.

The Autoverse Franchisee Program allows entrepreneurs and garage owners to establish an Autoverse franchise store while leveraging the company's technology, sourcing capabilities and supply chain expertise.

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled "Building a Profitable Garage in 2026," moderated by Rama Shankar Pandey, featuring leading independent garage entrepreneurs including Ranjith (Owner, Tweak7), Dhiren Mehta (Partner, United Motors), Rajendra (Owner, VR Automotive) and Raghavendra (Owner, Laksh Multibrand). The discussion explored emerging opportunities in India's automotive aftermarket, customer expectations, digital transformation, operational excellence and sustainable business growth for independent workshops.

Speaking on the occasion, Mihir Mohan, Founder & CEO, Autoverse Mobility, said, "India's independent garages are the backbone of the country's automotive service ecosystem. As vehicles become more connected, software-driven and technologically advanced, garages need more than just access to spare parts; they need knowledge, training, digital tools and a strong ecosystem that helps them compete and grow. The two initiatives launched by the company today are aimed at solving critical challenges faced by workshops, including faster access to spare parts and improved inventory management.”

He further added, “Garage Leadership Summit 2026 reflects our commitment to building that ecosystem. Our vision is to empower every independent garage with the technology, expertise and trusted partnerships required to deliver world-class service while building profitable, future-ready businesses."

Commenting on the discussions, Rama Shankar Pandey, Co-Founder, Autoverse Mobility, said, "Independent garage owners today are looking beyond repairs; they are focusing on building brands, adopting technology and redefining customer experience. The conversations at the Summit highlighted the industry's readiness to embrace change and reinforced the importance of continuous learning and collaboration."

The event featured a series of expert-led technical sessions, including "Future-Ready Lubrication – Engine Oils, Additives & E20 Fuel" by Rene Tschamler of LIQUI MOLY, who shared global best practices on lubrication technologies, engine protection and the impact of E20 fuel adoption on vehicle maintenance.

Participants also attended a practical technical workshop on DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) Regeneration, conducted by Alyasir Qureshi from Launch, which focused on diagnostics, preventive maintenance and servicing modern diesel vehicles.

The Summit also introduced attendees to Autoverse's latest digital capabilities through a product session titled "Before WhatsApp, Open Autoverse", presented by Vidhi Jha, demonstrating how technology can simplify spare parts sourcing, ordering and business operations for workshops.

The event concluded with networking sessions that enabled participants to engage with industry experts, technology providers and fellow garage owners, fostering meaningful partnerships and knowledge exchange. Through initiatives like the Garage Leadership Summit, Autoverse Mobility aims to continue building a connected, digitally enabled and future-ready ecosystem for India's independent automotive aftermarket.

About Autoverse Mobility

Founded by Mihir Mohan in Bangalore, along with Shiv Soni, Krishnakumar (KK) and Rama Shankar Pandey - an automotive aftermarket veteran with over three decades of experience across Bosch, CEO of Hella India, and CEO of Tata Greens’, Autoverse combines strong industry knowledge with a technology-first approach to solving long-standing inefficiencies in the automotive aftermarket.

Autoverse Mobility is an innovative distribution platform dedicated to revolutionizing the Indian automotive aftermarket. Our mission is to streamline the supply chain of genuine auto parts, ensuring multi-brand workshops receive timely deliveries that support safe and reliable vehicle maintenance.

With a keen focus on authenticity and customer satisfaction, Autoverse Mobility is committed to elevating the standards of auto service across the nation. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a robust logistics network, we aim to be the partner of choice for garages seeking quality and excellence.