Technology Meets Traditions: Godrej Supports Revival Of Indian Handlooms With Its Advanced Handloom-Friendly Washing Machines

* Unveils ‘Tested for handlooms’ initiative in its AI powered washing machines, encouraging Indians to wear handloom fabrics more frequently

This Republic Day, the Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group takes a meaningful step towards reviving India’s timeless handloom legacy through its ‘Tested for Handlooms’ initiative. With its handloom friendly front-load washing machine technology, the brand is making handloom care effortless, encouraging fellow Indians to celebrate our handloom fabrics and wear them more frequently with pride.

Every Indian state has its own handloom fabric- Kasavu from Kerala, Mysore Silk from Karnataka, Pochampally Ikkat from Telangana, Paithani from Maharashtra, Chikankari from Lucknow, Bandhani from Guiarat & Rajasthan, Muga Silk from Assam and several others, with some having been recognized by UNESCO as well. These handwoven traditions, many of them originating centuries earlier are an integral part of Indian’s rich and diverse culture. Despite this, the handloom sector is in urgent need of revival, and we need consumers to patronise handlooms far more. However, handlooms are often seen by people as high maintenance. Most people rely only on hand wash or dry cleaning due to concerns around fabric damage, consequently wearing and buying handloom fabrics less often.

To address these concerns and make everyday handloom care easier, Godrej has tested its AI Powered advanced Front Load Washing Machines successfully for twenty five handlooms from different parts of India, ranging from Banarasi Silk and Patola Silk to Pochampally Ikat and Jamdani. The machine’s gentle wash program is now proven to wash as many as twenty-five handloom fabrics with utmost care for as many as 25 washes*. The fabrics have been subjected not just to visual checks by a team but also examined under the microscope at 40x magnification, to assess the fabric’s structural integrity for acceptable levels of wear and tear.

Commenting on this initiative, Kamal Nandi, Business Head - Appliances Division of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “It is only when technology meets our traditions that we can preserve what matters and pioneer progress for generations. Indian handlooms need our collective efforts for its revival, and with our ‘designed for India’ washing machines, we encourage Indians to wear and flaunt their beautiful handlooms more often, with confidence and pride.”

Further, Swati Rathi, Head – Marketing, Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “At Godrej Enterprises, we have always been committed to technology that is truly made for India. With this ‘Tested for Handlooms’ initiative, we are making it easier for Indian consumers to care for their handloom fabrics at home, with their Godrej washing machines.”

For more details visit our website landing page- https://www.godrejenterprises.com/lp/home-appliances/washing-machines/tested-for-handlooms

NBBL Powers Mobility Sector With Simplified EV Wallet Recharge Via Bharat Connect

NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is strengthening digital payment solutions for India’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem through its ‘EV Recharge’ category on Bharat Connect. Launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, the new category allows electric vehicle owners to seamlessly top up their EV wallets through Bharat Connect-enabled touchpoints.

As per a NITI AYOG report, sale of EVs in India went up from 50,000 in 2016 to 2.08 million in 2024. The report further states that India seeks to attain a 30% share of electric vehicles, in the total vehicles sold, by 2030. Despite the strong growth momentum, Electric vehicle users have long had to navigate fragmented platforms or switch between multiple operator apps to manage their charging needs, often resulting in inconvenience and inconsistent experiences. By integrating major EV wallet providers and charging networks into a single, accessible framework, NBBL is supporting the growth of EV landscape by building a hassle-free payments infrastructure for EV customers. It also offers users a consistent experience across partner applications, enabled by Bharat Connect’s API-driven infrastructure.

According to the Ministry of Power (MoP), a total of 29,277 public EV charging stations have been installed across the country as of August 2025. With EV wallet top-ups now accessible on Bharat Connect-enabled apps and websites, customers can seamlessly manage their charging balances for stations such as Tata EZ Charge and Zeon Charging. Transactions can be completed through familiar payment modes, including UPI, cards, net banking, and wallets, with instant confirmations and digital records for transparency.

Speaking on the new category, Ms. Noopur Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, NBBL, said, “As electric mobility becomes central to India’s transport landscape, offering a dependable solution for EV wallet recharges is essential. To meet this need, we have integrated the service into Bharat Connect’s robust and expansive biller network, leveraging its reach and interoperability to ensure a unified experience for EV users across the country. The ‘EV Recharge’ category is built for scalability, and convenience and will continue to evolve alongside India’s growing EV adoption.”

This initiative strengthens NBBL’s position as a trusted facilitator of essential digital payment services and extends its support into a biller category vital to India’s clean mobility transition. It also supports ecosystem participants by improving discoverability and opening access to a large digital network.

B L Kashyap Backed Roots Football Club Honoured At Inaugural KSFA Annual Awards 2024–25

B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. (BLK) has reinforced its commitment to sports development as Roots Football Club, supported by BLK as a CSR partner, was recognised at the first-ever Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) Annual Awards 2024–25 for its outstanding contribution to football development in the state. The recognition reflects the progress achieved by the club through sustained institutional support focused on structured youth and women’s football development over the past three years.

Roots Football Club was conferred with the Best Youth Development Club and Best Football Academy honours, while Ura Dimri was named Emerging Player of the Year (Women), marking a significant milestone for the club’s women’s football programme.

Commenting on the recognition, Ms. Shruti Kashyap Choudhari, Director, B L Kashyap & Sons Ltd. said, “Our association with Roots Football Club has been built on the belief that young players need continuity and structure to progress beyond the youth level. At BL Kashyap, we believe that the true measure of impact lies in creating long-term opportunity, and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to using sport as a platform for social transformation whether it is enabling young players to continue competitive football beyond the age of 18, or supporting women to pursue sport as a viable profession. The recognition at the KSFA Awards is encouraging, but more importantly, it reinforces our belief that sustained investment in grassroots ecosystems can create impact far beyond the field.”

The awards ceremony was hosted by Mr. N. A. Harris, President – KSFA and Vice President – AIFF, and was attended by leading figures from Indian football, including Mr. Sunil Chhetri, former Indian national team captain; Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, President – AIFF; Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary – AIFF; and Dr. K. Govindaraj, President – Karnataka Olympic Association, underscoring the importance of the initiative in strengthening grassroots football across Karnataka.

In addition to the wins, Roots FC received nominations across key categories including Best Club Management, Fair Play Award, and Best Women’s Club. Individual nominations were also secured by team members, including Coach of the Year – Men, Youth Player of the Year, and Emerging Player of the Year – Men, reflecting the depth and consistency of the club’s development model.

Over the past three years, BLK’s CSR partnership with Roots Football Club has supported both the women’s team and the senior men’s division, creating continuity beyond the youth level. In the senior men’s team, over 60% of players come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and the support has enabled them to continue competitive football post-18 while pursuing structured professional pathways.

Beyond performance outcomes, the partnership has allowed women athletes to pursue football as a viable profession and earn an income from the sport. This has contributed to greater acceptance and long-term support for women’s participation in football within families and communities, with the impact extending beyond the field.

Celebrate Republic Day With Timeless Indian Flavours At Taj West End, Bengaluru

Mark the spirit of India’s Republic Day with a thoughtfully curated lunch at Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru, on 26 January 2026. Set amidst the restaurant’s tranquil environs, the experience offers a refined yet heartfelt celebration of India’s diverse culinary heritage, presented with Taj’s signature gracious service.

The culinary spread takes guests on a flavourful journey across the country—from the robust spices of the North to the coastal richness of the South, and from the comforting tastes of the East to the vibrant bounty of the West. Highlights include Nalli Nihari, Tandoori Chicken, Hyderabadi Biryani, Ghee Roast, Machar Jhol, and Undhiyu—timeless regional favourites prepared with authenticity, elegance, and care.

Date: 26 January 2026

Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Venue: Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru

Price: INR 2,450 + taxes per person

For reservations, please contact: 080 6660 5660

Celebrate the pride of the nation with a culinary tribute that honours India’s rich traditions and timeless tastes at Taj West End, Bengaluru.

Tata Power-Led Odisha Discoms Recognized At National Level During EDICON 2026

* TPCODL wins Gold for improved rural revenue recovery; TPWODL wins Silver for best use of smart meters’ data

Tata Power-led Odisha DISCOMs continue to be among the best-performing power distribution utilities in the country, earning national recognition at the Electricity Distribution Industry Conference ‘EDICON: 2026’.

At the national platform, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) received the Gold Award for Improvement in Recovery of Revenue in Rural Areas, while TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) was conferred the Silver Award for Best Use of Smart Meter Data.

The awards were presented today by Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power, during the inaugural session of EDICON 2026 being held in New Delhi on January 21–22, 2026.

The awards reaffirm the strong performance and transformation journey of Tata Power-led Odisha DISCOMs in building financially sustainable, technologically advanced, and consumer-focused electricity distribution systems.

The recognition for TPCODL highlights sustained progress in strengthening revenue recovery across rural areas, driven by improved processes, focused field-level interventions, and consumer engagement.

The award for TPWODL reflects innovation and leadership in leveraging smart metering and smart meter data to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and consumer services.

Commenting on the achievement, Gajanan Kale, Chief- Odisha Distribution Business, Tata Power said “We are honoured to receive national recognition at EDICON 2026. These awards reflect the commitment of our teams on the ground and our continued efforts to build a modern, consumer-centric and financially sustainable power distribution ecosystem in Odisha. We remain dedicated to supporting the state’s growth aspirations by ensuring reliable power supply and improved service experience for every consumer.”

Together, these recognitions further strengthen the positioning of all Tata Power-led DISCOMs in Odisha as among the best in the country, setting benchmarks for modern, resilient, and responsive power distribution.

Tata Power-led Odisha DISCOMs include TPCODL, TPWODL, TPSODL, and TPNODL, serving a large consumer base across Odisha. These utilities are committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and quality power supply, while advancing digital transformation, loss reduction, smart metering, and enhanced consumer services across both urban and rural areas.

EDICON 2026 is organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Power, in collaboration with the All India Discoms Association (AIDA). The conference brings together key stakeholders to deliberate on themes including financial sustainability of DISCOMs, consumer-centric reforms, innovation, digital transformation, and future-ready electricity distribution systems.

Samsung Announces Fit India Walk-A-Thon ‘26 On Samsung Health App

Step-count challenge opens exclusively for users in India

Registrations begin on January 22; challenge launches on Republic Day

Three lucky winners get gift cards worth INR 10000 each; 1000 winners receive gift cards worth INR 500 each

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced Fit India Walk-a-thon ’26, a step-count challenge on the Samsung Health app that encourages personal well-being. The challenge is open to users in India who pledge towards better health this Republic Day.

Registrations open on the Samsung Health app starting January 22, 2026, with the challenge running from January 26 to February 24, 2026. Participants must complete 200000 steps within the 30-day period to qualify for rewards.

Users can track their steps throughout the challenge, while a leaderboard allows participants to monitor their progress and view their standing against competition.

Competitors who complete the 200000-step goal will enter into a lucky draw. Upon successful completion, they will receive a scratch card in the Samsung Members app under the Benefits section. Three lucky winners will receive INR 10000 Amazon gift card, and 1000 lucky winners will receive INR 500 Amazon gift card.

Fit India Walk-a-thon ’26 is part of Samsung’s ongoing efforts to support healthier routines through everyday physical activity.

About Samsung Health App

Samsung Health app is a global wellness and lifestyle platform that allows users to track a wide range of health metrics including steps, exercise, heart rate, calorie intake, blood pressure, ECG, and sleep patterns. Samsung Health app is designed to promote healthy living and helps users to stay fit, track movements and habits to ensure users have accurate, up to date health information whenever they need it. On the app, users can set goals as per their level, and keep track of their daily condition including activity amount, workout intensity, heart rate, stress and oxygen level in the blood. Samsung Health app hosts videos of expert coaches covering fitness programs including stretching, weight loss, and more. Users can also set medication reminders and manage medical data such as lab test reports, doctor prescriptions and immunizations. These records are conveniently stored in the Samsung Health app, so that user can refer to them whenever needed.

Air India Group Announces Season 2 Of The Air India Super League Along With Inaugural Edition For Cargo Partners

Air India, India’s leading global airline, announced Season 2 of the Air India Super League, its flagship pan-India cricket tournament for valued business partners. Building on the strong momentum and participation from its debut season, the league returns this year with an expanded format, including the inaugural Air India Super League for Cargo partners.

The Air India Super League stemmed with the goal to celebrate partnerships beyond the boardroom, bringing together our channel partners and cargo partners on a shared platform of sport.

For travel partners, regional matches kicked off in Kolkata, followed by fixtures coming up in Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi. The semi-finals and finals are scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 15, 2026. In parallel, the Cargo edition of the Air India Super League kicked off on 17 January and will see teams compete across Bengaluru and New Delhi, culminating in the national semi-finals and finals alongside the trade teams.

All matches from the Air India Super League will be live-streamed on YouTube, enabling participants’ families, colleagues and industry peers across the country to follow the action.

With the second season of the Air India Super League, Air India group continues to achieve its goal to strengthen its relationship with its partner ecosystem, focusing on long-term relationships through experiences that reflect the airline’s culture of teamwork, inclusivity and collaboration.

About Air India group

The Air India group – comprising 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 57 domestic and 49 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 570 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 2025, 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