Tag: national

Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, flagged off the inaugural President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon

New Delhi [India], August 8: The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, flagged off the inaugural President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon from the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday, 2 August 2026, giving the event a historic beginning and unmatched national significance. The Hon’ble President also released a Special Postal Cover to commemorate the occasion, marking the Soldierathon as a proud national tribute to the Armed Forces and the glorious legacy of The President’s Bodyguard.

The ceremony was held in the august presence of General Dr V K Singh, Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram and Patron of the initiative. The race was conducted at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, where 8000+ of citizens, soldiers, veterans, defence families, students, institutions, corporate teams and fitness enthusiasts came together to take part in one of India’s most iconic tribute runs.

“The President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon is not just a run – it is a national expression of gratitude to the soldiers of India. It brings citizens and the Armed Forces together in the true spirit of service, discipline and patriotism. The legacy of The President’s Bodyguard is one of honour, courage and duty, and this historic initiative will inspire generations to remember, respect and stand with our soldiers,” said General Dr V K Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram, Former Chief of the Army Staff and Patron, Soldierathon.

The President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon stood as a grand national tribute to the courage, sacrifice and service of India’s soldiers. Guided by the message Run With Soldiers, Run For Soldiers, the event strengthened the bond between civilians and the Armed Forces, while giving citizens a rare opportunity to express their respect for the men and women who serve the nation.

The President’s Bodyguard, popularly known as PBG, is one of the most prestigious military regiments of India. Raised in 1773, The President’s Bodyguard is the personal troops of the Hon’ble President of India, the world’s only Airborne Cavalry Regiment, the oldest Risala and the senior most regiment of the Indian Armed Forces. For 253 years, the regiment has stood as a symbol of honour, loyalty, courage, discipline and selfless service to the nation.

Its soldiers represent the finest balance of ceremonial excellence and operational readiness. Trained as horsemen, paratroopers and tankmen, the men of The President’s Bodyguard carry forward a legacy that is both historic and living. The inaugural President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon celebrated this extraordinary journey while also commemorating 27 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas, paying tribute to the bravery, sacrifice and victory of India’s soldiers.

The Soldierathon was held in three race categories: Paramvir Run 10 km, Mahavir Run 5 km and Vir 3 km. At Cariappa Parade Ground, the atmosphere reflected the spirit of a national tribute. From competitive runners to first-time participants, from soldiers and veterans to students and families, every participant carried the same emotion: gratitude towards India’s Armed Forces. For many, the run was not about timing. It was about remembrance. Every step was a salute, every kilometre carried pride, and every participant became part of a larger national message that India remembers, respects and stands with its soldiers.

The event also supported the larger message of the Fit India Movement and encouraged young citizens to embrace healthy living through the message Say Yes to Sports and No to Drugs. Beyond the finish line, the President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon carried a deeper national purpose. Proceeds from Soldierathon support the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre of the Armed Forces, where injured and wounded soldiers receive treatment, rehabilitation and support. The event also supports the welfare of the wards of battle casualties and other soldier welfare initiatives. In addition, the PBG Soldierathon intends to support the troops and horses of The President’s Bodyguard, including welfare efforts for PBG personnel and the care of horses that remain central to the regiment’s proud equestrian tradition.

Major Surendra Poonia, VSM, Founder of Soldierathon and Fitistan, said, “I had the honour and privilege of serving in The President’s Bodyguard. This is my own regiment, and to see the inaugural President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon being flagged off by the Hon’ble President of India is an emotion beyond words. PBG represents the highest standards of honour, discipline and service. Through this Soldierathon, we are not only celebrating its 253-year legacy, but we are also standing with its troops, its horses and every injured and wounded soldier who has given so much for the nation. This event is a humble salute to those who serve silently, bravely and selflessly.”

Speaking about the emotional power of the event, Shilpa Bhagat, Founder, said, “The President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon showed the true heart of India. We saw a toddler in the cradle with her mother, and we saw a 94-year-old senior citizen participating with pride. That is the emotion of Soldierathon. It is not only for runners. It is for every Indian who wants to say thank you to our soldiers. This event brought generations together in one shared feeling of gratitude, respect and national pride.”

The Soldierathon movement has, over the years, grown as a patriotic marathon platform inspired by the ideals of service before self, resilience, discipline and national pride. Guided by the vision of leaders including Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, General Bipin Rawat and its current Patron General Dr V K Singh, Soldierathon continues to strengthen the connection between civilians and the Armed Forces through fitness and purposeful action. With the Hon’ble President of India flagging off the inaugural edition, the President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon became a rare national moment where Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President’s Bodyguard, the Armed Forces and citizens came together in one shared tribute. Guided by the Military Secretary to the President, Maj Gen Voodev Parida, AVSM, VSM, the Team PBG led by Commandant Col Amit Berwal, VSM, worked relentlessly with Team Soldierathon to accomplish this rare fete in just over three weeks, leading to a spectacular display of civil-military synergy and national pride.  

A special highlight of the occasion was SENA Made By The Bravest, an initiative created in honour of injured and wounded soldiers at the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre. The SENA jacket and merchandise showcased at the event carried a powerful message of purpose, reminding everyone that the movement goes beyond the race and stands for the real heroes who continue to inspire the nation. Every product represented a commitment to support injured and wounded soldiers and keep their courage at the heart of the movement.

The inaugural President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon was more than a race. It was a presidentially flagged-off tribute, a celebration of military legacy and a powerful expression of citizen gratitude. From the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan to Cariappa Parade Ground, from the Special Postal Cover release to thousands of participants running with pride, the day reflected one unforgettable message: India remembers its soldiers, India respects its soldiers, and India stands with its soldiers.

The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all ranks of the PBG and all partners who supported this vision and helped make the inaugural President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon a truly memorable national tribute. Special thanks to Title Partner Wonder Cement and Powered By Bhutani Infra, along with Cupid Limited, Bharat Express, Wonder Home Finance Limited, ONGC, GAIL, SENA Made By The Bravest, State Bank of India, D&J, Pragati Group, Bisleri, Digitek, GroundZero, BigFlex, Storia, Bagrrys, Enerzal, Max Protein, Cornitos, Yakult, Yodley, Dukes, Crunch Fitness, Dr Kinju Mishra Physio, Blinkit Ambulances, YesMadam, Radio City, Active & Alive and Zixa for their support in bringing this historic tribute to life.

Run With Soldiers, Run For Soldiers.

To know more about Soldierathon, visit www.soldierathon.com

Download the Fitistan App for race photos, certificates, and personalised reels: www.fitistan.com/download

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MILT Congress 2026 successfully concludes in Goa after facilitating over 2,000 pre-scheduled business meetings, bringing together India’s leading corporate buyers with the world’s top hospitality brands, destinations and tourism boards.

Panaji (Goa) [India], August 6: The 13th Annual MICE India & Luxury Travel (MILT) Congress concluded successfully at ITC Grand Goa, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, reaffirming India’s growing influence on the global MICE and luxury travel landscape. Over two days, more than 150 senior corporate travel and MICE buyers connected with 40+ international hospitality brands, destinations and tourism boards through over 2,000 pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings designed to generate meaningful business opportunities.

More than a networking platform, this year’s Congress reflected a clear shift in the global travel industry. From first-time hospitality brands entering the Indian market to established international brands strengthening their presence, the event demonstrated the increasing importance of Indian outbound MICE and luxury travel for destinations worldwide. Conversations throughout the Congress highlighted a market that is becoming more experience-led, purpose driven, technology-enabled and focused on creating measurable business outcomes.

The following insights from  industry leaders capture the key themes that defined MILT Congress 2026 and the opportunities shaping the future of India’s outbound travel market.

A Market Too Big to Ignore

The geographic spread on the floor made the point on its own. Absolute Group of Companies described a room stacked with tourism boards and brands “from Peru to Australia”, with strong representation from Japan and Taiwan alongside it. First-time destination partner Moscow City Tourism Committee used the Congress to position itself as “a premier MICE destination” for the Indian market, while returning for the fifth time this year, Hong Kong Tourism Board called India “one of Hong Kong’s most strategically important markets for both MICE and luxury travel”. Debut hospitality partners Crossroads Maldives and The Julius Prague both entered the market for the first time through MILT, and Resorts World Sentosa returned specifically for “direct access to local Indian corporate buyers”. Fewer than a decade ago, few of these destinations treated India as a priority market. This year, they built their Congress strategy around it.

What the Indian Business Traveller Actually Wants Now

The sessions and side conversations pointed to the same shift reshaping outbound travel globally. Hong Kong Tourism Board said Indian corporates are now “seeking business events that inspire, engage and create lasting impact, while luxury travellers are looking for authentic and personalised experiences” — a move away from standard MICE packages toward something more tailored. That shows up in what buyers are prioritising on-site too: delegate Haefely AG Switzerland singled out sessions on “sustainability, safety, and AI” as the most valuable part of its first Congress, while Occasion Xperts pointed to the shift toward “structured one-to-one meetings” over generic trade-show networking as the format buyers are actively asking for.

Deals, Not Just Diaries

The numbers suggest this activity converted into real business rather than just calendar invites. Sands Resorts Macao logged around 30 qualified meetings on day one alone, calling the returns “an incredible ROI. Almost 10 years together in this partnership and we get a great ROI for every time we join!”

Maxx Royal Resorts saw its 10 guaranteed meetings nearly triple to “20-25 meetings and strong potential for future business”. Crossroads Maldives reported over 20 meetings, and Shaze Luxury Retail Limited logged more than 25 — several already “sharing their proposals” in follow-up. JTB India Pacific Headquarters said business-to-business meetings generated this year exceeded expectations. “The quality and number of corporate buyers continue to grow, giving us the opportunity to meet both existing and new decision-makers in one place

The Buyers’ Verdict

It wasn’t only suppliers making the case. Buyers spanning direct selling, pharmaceuticals, financial services,   technology and luxury travel management described the same market shift from their side of the table. CIPLA Limited — attending since MILT’s first Mumbai chapter — said the Congress has “always helped them gain knowledge” for its business travel programme across all 13 editions. Kimbal Technologies said the innovation on show helps it “design itineraries in a smarter way” for employees, and Prometheus Group said the standard MILT sets is one it now expects to “deliver further to our employees, extend to our customers”.  Herbalife India Senior Director – Distribution & Customer Sales Services describes ‘’The meetings were highly productive, and we have identified several promising partnership opportunities.’’ 

Looking Ahead

Put together, the two days in Goa reflect an industry moving fast to catch up with Indian demand — for more personalised, better-designed, tech-enabled MICE and luxury travel, delivered by whichever destination gets to the table first. With India’s outbound MICE and luxury travel market continuing to grow at pace, MILT Congress 2026 closes having reaffirmed its position as one of the region’s most influential platforms connecting corporate buyers with the global travel and hospitality industry.

For more information, please visit: https://miltcongress.com 

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ACTIZEET® Cares, the CSR arm of ACTIZEET®, has launched an Emergency Flood Relief Initiative in Assam, providing food, drinking water, hygiene kits, blankets, and essential supplies through local partnerships.

Guwahati [Assam], August 4: ACTIZEET® Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the wellness brand ACTIZEET®, has announced the launch of its Emergency Flood Relief Initiative to support families affected by the recent floods in Assam. The initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, community resilience, and responsible corporate citizenship during one of the most challenging monsoon seasons in the region.

The recent floods have disrupted the lives of thousands of families across multiple districts in Assam, leaving many without access to safe shelter, clean drinking water, food supplies, and essential healthcare. While government agencies, disaster response teams, volunteers, and local organizations continue their tireless efforts, there remains a significant need for coordinated support that reaches vulnerable communities with dignity and compassion.

Recognizing this urgent need, ACTIZEET® Cares is mobilizing resources to contribute to ongoing relief efforts through partnerships with local organizations, volunteers, and humanitarian stakeholders. The initiative aims to complement existing relief operations by supporting the delivery of essential supplies and promoting long-term community recovery.

“Our hearts are with every family that has been affected by the devastating floods in Assam,” said a spokesperson for ACTIZEET® Cares. “Natural disasters remind us that compassion and collective action are essential. Through ACTIZEET® Cares, we are committed to supporting communities during difficult times while working alongside trusted local partners who understand the needs of the people they serve.”

The Emergency Flood Relief Initiative is designed around several key priorities, including the distribution of food supplies, drinking water, hygiene essentials, blankets, clothing, and other emergency relief materials based on local needs and partner coordination. The program also seeks to encourage community participation by bringing together volunteers, social organizations, and responsible businesses to strengthen relief efforts wherever possible.

Beyond immediate humanitarian assistance, ACTIZEET® Cares believes that disaster recovery extends well beyond the emergency phase. The organization recognizes the importance of helping communities rebuild livelihoods, restore confidence, and strengthen resilience against future natural disasters. As rehabilitation efforts continue, the CSR initiative intends to explore opportunities that support sustainable recovery through community partnerships and responsible social engagement.

The Assam floods have once again highlighted the importance of preparedness, environmental stewardship, and collaborative disaster response. Every year, communities across the Brahmaputra basin demonstrate extraordinary resilience in the face of recurring floods. Their courage serves as an inspiration for organizations across India to contribute meaningfully toward relief and recovery.

ACTIZEET® Cares also encourages businesses, institutions, and citizens to participate in responsible humanitarian efforts through credible organizations and local community groups. Corporate Social Responsibility has the potential to create meaningful impact when resources, expertise, and compassion come together with transparency and accountability.

“As responsible corporate citizens, organizations have an opportunity to support communities beyond business operations,” the spokesperson added. “Whether through financial contributions, volunteer engagement, logistics support, or partnerships with local organizations, every effort can help families move one step closer to recovery.”

ACTIZEET® Cares is committed to ensuring that its humanitarian initiatives align with principles of respect, inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability. The organization believes that relief efforts should prioritize the dignity of affected families while supporting locally coordinated solutions that maximize positive community impact.

The Emergency Flood Relief Initiative also reflects the broader mission of ACTIZEET® Cares to promote social welfare, environmental responsibility, and community development across India. Through various CSR programs, the organization supports initiatives related to environmental sustainability, public awareness, education, community health, and responsible development. The Assam Flood Relief Initiative represents another step toward strengthening this long-term commitment to serving communities during times of need.

ACTIZEET®, known for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and responsible business practices in the natural wellness sector, believes that meaningful social impact begins with empathy and action. While the company’s core mission focuses on providing high-quality wellness products, it also recognizes the importance of contributing positively to society through structured CSR programs that address real community challenges.

More information about the ACTIZEET® brand and its commitment to quality, sustainability, and responsible business practices can be found at https://actizeet.com.

Information about the CSR initiatives, community programs, and environmental commitments of ACTIZEET® Cares is available at https://actizeet.org.

As Assam continues its journey toward recovery, ACTIZEET® Cares stands in solidarity with affected families, relief workers, volunteers, local communities, and all organizations working tirelessly to restore hope. The organization remains committed to supporting humanitarian efforts through collaboration, compassion, and responsible corporate citizenship while encouraging broader participation in building stronger and more resilient communities.

About ACTIZEET®

ACTIZEET® is an Indian wellness brand dedicated to offering premium natural wellness products with a strong focus on authenticity, quality, and responsible sourcing. The company believes in combining traditional knowledge with modern quality standards while maintaining a long-term commitment to customer trust and sustainable business practices. Learn more at https://actizeet.com.

About ACTIZEET® Cares

ACTIZEET® Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of ACTIZEET®. The initiative supports programs focused on environmental sustainability, community welfare, education, disaster response, and responsible development. Through collaborative partnerships and meaningful social initiatives, ACTIZEET® Cares works toward creating lasting positive impact for communities across India. Visit https://actizeet.org for additional information.

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New Delhi [India], July 28: More than 250 delegates from across India came together at the 4th National Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Conclave & Excellence Awards, organised by NoMeansNo Foundation, to learn, exchange ideas and share best practices on strengthening workplace dignity. Held under the theme “From Compliance to Culture,” the conclave brought together government leaders, members of the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, industry leaders, HR professionals, legal experts and workplace practitioners to deliberate on the future of workplace safety in India.

The event was marked by two significant highlights—the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi, and NoMeansNo Foundation, and the release of “The Grey Files,” a fictional legal novel by Vishal Bhasin, Co-Founder of NoMeansNo Foundation, by Hon’ble Justice Prathiba M. Singh of the Delhi High Court.

Hon’ble Smt. Annapurna Devi, Union Minister for Women & Child Development, Government of India, could not attend the conclave due to official commitments. However, in a special video message, she conveyed her best wishes for the event and congratulated all the award recipients. She appreciated NoMeansNo Foundation for creating a credible national platform that brings together government institutions, the judiciary, employers, investigators and practitioners to strengthen awareness, capacity building and meaningful dialogue on the effective implementation of the POSH Act.

The conclave commenced with the inaugural session led by Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Women & Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi, who inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Attending the conclave for the second consecutive year, Dr. Singh expressed satisfaction at the growing participation of professionals from both the public and private sectors and acknowledged the increasing maturity of conversations around workplace dignity.

She commended the quality and depth of work undertaken by NoMeansNo Foundation, observing that meaningful institutional change requires sustained collaboration between government, employers and civil society rather than isolated compliance efforts.

A defining moment of the conclave was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi, and NoMeansNo Foundation. The partnership aims to strengthen the implementation of the POSH Act through structured awareness programmes, capacity building, institutional preparedness, compliance support and knowledge-sharing initiatives across Delhi. As part of the collaboration, Delhi’s 181 Women Helpline will also provide guidance on workplace sexual harassment, making reliable information and support more accessible to employees and employers.

The conclave featured four engaging panel discussions that examined the evolving landscape of workplace governance. The opening session, “The Accountability Era,” explored how the POSH Act has evolved beyond statutory compliance to become a benchmark for organisational governance and institutional maturity.

The second panel, “Healthy Reporting or Hidden Fear?” challenged the assumption that fewer complaints necessarily indicate safer workplaces and focused on reporting culture, employee trust and confidence in grievance redressal mechanisms.

The post-lunch session, “When Leaders Shape Culture,” emphasised the critical role of leadership in fostering respectful workplaces. Panellists agreed that organisational culture is shaped not merely by policies but by everyday leadership behaviour, empathy and accountability.

Speaking during the session, Aarti Bhardwaj, Lead – DEI & Wellbeing, Nestlé South Asia, said:

“Policies define the minimum standard, but leadership defines the lived experience. Employees don’t build trust because an organisation has a policy—they build trust when leaders consistently demonstrate fairness, respect and accountability through their everyday actions.”

The concluding panel, “Investigations Under the Spotlight,” explored the increasing expectations placed on Internal Committees to conduct fair, unbiased and well-reasoned workplace inquiries while upholding confidentiality and the principles of natural justice.

The conclave featured distinguished speakers from law, governance and public policy, including Dr. Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate and Former Additional Solicitor General of India, who reflected on the evolution of the POSH framework and the growing importance of institutional accountability. Dr. Pavan Duggal, Senior Advocate and one of India’s leading cyber law experts, discussed the emerging legal challenges posed by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, digital evidence and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, encouraging organisations to prepare for increasingly technology-driven workplace investigations.

The conclave concluded with the valedictory address by Hon’ble Justice Prathiba M. Singh of the Delhi High Court, who reflected on the evolution of the POSH Act, landmark judicial pronouncements and India’s progress in strengthening workplace dignity through fairness, procedural integrity and natural justice. She also placed India’s legislative journey within the broader global discourse on workplace harassment laws.

During the valedictory session, Justice Prathiba M. Singh released “The Grey Files,” a fictional legal novel authored by Vishal Bhasin, Co-Founder of NoMeansNo Foundation. Inspired by real workplace situations, the book presents ten complex POSH inquiries through a fictional narrative, guiding readers through every stage of a workplace investigation—from the receipt of a complaint and evaluation of evidence to ethical dilemmas, procedural fairness, decision-making and institutional learning. The novel aims to make workplace investigations more accessible and relatable for HR professionals, Internal Committee members, legal practitioners and organisational leaders.

Reflecting on the evolution of the POSH ecosystem, Vishal Bhasin, Co-Founder, NoMeansNo Foundation, said:

“The biggest evolution of the POSH Act over the last decade is that organisations have stopped asking, ‘Are we compliant?’ and have started asking, ‘Do our people trust us?’ Compliance may satisfy the law, but trust defines culture. The future of workplace dignity will belong to organisations that move beyond policies and build environments where fairness, accountability and respect are experienced every day.”

NoMeansNo Foundation is one of India’s leading organisations dedicated to advancing workplace safety and dignity through awareness, capacity building, workplace investigations, policy advisory, Internal Committee training, External Member services, research and thought leadership. Through collaborations with government institutions, industry bodies and organisations across sectors, the Foundation works to strengthen the effective implementation of the POSH Act while helping organisations move beyond compliance to build workplaces founded on trust, respect and accountability.

https://www.nomeansno.in/

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 27: For years, India’s economic story was really just a tale of five cities. Mumbai moved the money, Bengaluru built the software, Delhi-NCR handled the politics, Chennai rolled out the cars, and Hyderabad ran the labs. Everywhere else? Barely a mention. That’s not the case anymore.

Check out a co-working space in Indore or a tech hub outside Coimbatore, and you’ll see engineers working on the same complex systems that underpin banks in London or big retailers in New York. The nature of the work hasn’t shifted much — it’s just the location that’s changed.

The Metro Squeeze

Let’s be honest, part of this shift is just simple math. Office rents in the top districts of Bengaluru and Mumbai are sky-high. Early-stage founders actually flinch when they see the numbers, and companies are stuck with fewer choices and much heftier bills as vacancy rates hit their lowest levels in five years. And those commutes? It’s not unusual for workers to lose two or three hours a day crawling through traffic. Not surprisingly, people burn out. Salaries climb as companies fight over the same shrinking pool of talent, and HR folks now talk openly about employee fatigue — it’s not a taboo subject anymore.

Against all that, a place like Jaipur doesn’t feel like a consolation prize. It’s an active, deliberate move.

Jaipur, Coimbatore, and the New Startup Map

Just look at Jaipur. Over 5,000 new companies set up shop there in a single year, and about 500 of those are already active startups. It helps that lots of them are packed into Mahindra World City, a sprawling business park that offers the kind of setup you used to only find in big metros. And with the state’s iStart program — offering up to ₹25 lakh in matching funds and things like rent reimbursements — it’s no surprise founders are setting up here instead.

Coimbatore’s a different industry, same pattern. Startups in the city skyrocketed from around 270 in 2020 to well over 1,300 in just four years. That makes up a big chunk of Tamil Nadu’s entire ecosystem. TIDEL Park alone houses more than 250 startups and employs over 40,000 tech professionals. The local business incubator is lively, and global capability centers — basically the in-house R&D arms of multinational giants — are popping up here at rates that rival the bigger cities, all at about one-third of the cost.

Bhubaneswar is another example. The city leans on its steady stream of STEM grads (over 30,000 a year) and its Infovalley SEZ, which now attracts the kinds of IT and financial firms that wouldn’t have looked past Hyderabad ten years ago. And then there’s Ahmedabad, playing its own game. With GIFT City, a strong base in textiles and petrochemicals, and top-tier institutes like IIM Ahmedabad nearby, the city is snagging both fintech and biotech investments at the same time.

The Global Capability Centre Effect

Nothing demonstrates this shift more than the explosion of global capability centers (GCCs). Right now, India has nearly 1,800 GCCs, contributing around $65 billion to the economy, and the numbers aren’t slowing down. These aren’t just call centers; heavyweight names like Goldman Sachs, Google, and Microsoft now run entire product lines and key operations out of India.

The real twist is that many new GCCs aren’t setting up in metros anymore. More and more, they’re landing in tier-2 cities, drawn by talent that costs a quarter to a third less, lower attrition rates, and a stream of fresh graduates from local engineering colleges. Even in smaller manufacturing clusters around Ahmedabad and Mysuru, companies are seeing that same story play out in heavy industry.

Flexible Offices Follow the Talent

The real estate numbers make this impossible to ignore. Tier-2 cities now have over 575 flexible workspace centers across nearly 9 million square feet—close to 29% of all flexible workspaces in India. Ahmedabad claims more than a fifth of that, and Kochi, Indore, Jaipur, and Coimbatore aren’t far behind. Lucknow, Agra, and Bhubaneswar are also joining in. These shared office spaces? They can cost half of what you’d pay in a big metro. For startups looking to make every rupee count, or for GCCs testing a city before committing, that’s a huge deal.

What This Actually Means

None of this means the metros are fading into the background. Bengaluru’s still the deep tech powerhouse, and Mumbai’s still India’s financial heart. But the idea that all ambitious work only happens in five ZIP codes? That just doesn’t add up anymore. Of the 200,000 or so startups recognized by the government, nearly half are now headquartered in tier-2 and tier-3 cities—a stat that would’ve sounded far-fetched not so long ago.

This isn’t about charity or “moving away from metros” for the sake of it. It’s smart cost control, paired with real talent, and state governments that finally learned to offer incentives that actually work. A founder in Coimbatore gets the same cloud tech and global client list as one in Bengaluru—but pays a third of the rent. Those numbers speak for themselves. It’s taken a while for everyone else to catch on, but these cities have been quietly rewriting the rules for years. Now, the spotlight’s finally catching up.

PNN National

New Delhi [India], July 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday announced his resignation after being inundated with protests demanding his resignation for alleged irregularities in competitive exams.

He said that it has never been a “matter of personal prestige for him” in a letter that was shared on X.

Dharmendra Pradhan’s Full Statement On Resignation:

My young friends, for over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation.

I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth. Realising the dreams of India’s young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.

However, irregularities came to light regarding the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. Taking immediate cognisance of this, the Government of India handed the investigation over to the CBI, cancelled the exam, and announced a date for a re-examination. Additionally, a decision was made to conduct this exam in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode starting next year.

Throughout this period, our primary priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for over 20 lakh students. This was achieved through a ‘whole-of-government’ approach, involving the Government of India, state governments, and—crucially—district administrations. With the cooperation of students and parents, the examination was successfully concluded on June 21, 2026.

From day one, I took full responsibility and never turned away from the situation. I was determined not to let the potential of any meritorious student be ruined by the ‘exam mafia’ or to allow any injustice to befall any student.

The NEET-UG results declared on July 16 were satisfactory, with many meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds achieving success.

However, even during this time, individuals holding responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead students- an act that caused me deep distress.

I have always held unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have deeply respected the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not merely India’s future; they are the torchbearers, creators, and architects of a new and developed India. I am pained by the events of the past ten days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me.

India’s youth power is the true strength of this nation.

It is my resolve not to let the country’s youth get ensnared in a web of confusion.

Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country—with the aim of preventing anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserving national unity, ensuring that not a single Indian student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allowing our children to devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers—I have submitted my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the respected Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and constant support. I also extend my thanks to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officials and staff of the Ministry, and all those individuals with whom I had the privilege of working. Serving the nation is the highest priority of my life; I shall remain forever dedicated to this cause.

With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way to fulfilling the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country in the future as well.

PNN national

New Delhi [India], July 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has quit following pressure from opposition parties and student groups for his resignation over allegations of irregularities in India’s examination system and the leak of the NEET paper.

The decision to resign follows weeks of protests by opposition parties and student groups over the alleged irregularities in the NEET paper. The Left has been demanding the resignation of Pradhan for his role in the controversy, with Jan Sangh again urging Pradhan to resign over the paper leak.

The resignation has prompted the opposition parties and student groups to meet the Union government to demand Pradhan’s resignation. Earlier, the Center had reportedly asked for time to respond to the demand for Pradhan’s resignation in the overnight talks with the protesting groups.

Pradhan had been serving as the Education Minister since 2021. He has faced criticism from several quarters over the NEET paper leak controversy and the alleged irregularities in the UGC-NET and CBSE exams.

Pradhan’s resignation has raised questions about the accountability of the education ministry, with ongoing protests by the students demanding greater transparency and fairness in the examination system and the resignation of Pradhan.

Surat (Gujarat) [India], July 23: The Port has earmarked two dedicated berths for fertilizer vessels, ensuring that ships are berthed strictly as per seniority, resulting in smooth vessel operations and reduced waiting time.

The newly constructed warehouses provided by the Port have significantly enhanced storage capacity, enabling efficient cargo handling and minimizing congestion.

The Railway authorities have also extended excellent support by providing adequate rakes for evacuation. As a result, Kandla has consistently been able to load approximately 4.5 rakes per day, which is in line with the available handling capacity.

The coordinated efforts of the Port Authority, Railway authorities, shipping agents, stevedores, and all stakeholders have ensured seamless fertilizer operations and timely evacuation of cargo, benefiting importers, farmers, and the overall supply chain.

Under the leadership of Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, DPA, the Port has undertaken several infrastructure and operational initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing vessel turnaround time, and ensuring seamless cargo movement. The creation of modern warehousing facilities, capacity augmentation measures, and continuous process improvements have significantly strengthened the Port’s fertilizer handling capabilities.

New Delhi [India], July 22: In a remarkable display of civic responsibility, the Maid In India team organized a large-scale cleanliness drive at a public protest site in Delhi, reinforcing the message that keeping public spaces clean is a shared responsibility that transcends differences.

As thousands gathered at the venue, the Maid In India team arrived equipped with gloves, masks, brooms, and waste collection bags. Rather than merely observing the aftermath, the team took the initiative to clean roads, footpaths, and surrounding public areas, collecting plastic bottles, food packaging, disposable items, and other litter left behind.

Within a few hours, the Maid In India team had filled numerous large garbage bags with waste, significantly improving the cleanliness of the area. Their efforts drew appreciation from many people present, with several onlookers acknowledging the importance of maintaining public spaces regardless of the nature of the gathering.

Speaking about the initiative, Sanskar Malik, Co-founder of Maid In India, said:

“Cleanliness is not someone’s responsibility; it is everyone’s responsibility. Whether it’s a celebration, a public gathering, or any large event, our streets deserve the same respect that we give to our homes. Through this initiative, we simply wanted to contribute positively to our country.”

Samay Malik, Co-Founder, Maid In India, added:

“We built Maid In India with the vision of serving people, and that responsibility extends beyond homes. Whether it’s our customers, our communities, or our public spaces, we believe in taking ownership and creating a positive impact wherever we can. This cleanliness drive is one small step towards that vision.”

The drive reflected the philosophy that meaningful change begins with action. Instead of waiting for civic authorities or others to take the first step, the Maid In India team demonstrated that every individual has the power to make a difference.

Known for organizing India’s domestic workforce through technology, training, and professional household services, Maid In India has consistently believed that businesses should contribute beyond commercial success. Community service, environmental responsibility, and social impact remain integral to the organization’s vision of building a cleaner and more responsible India.

The cleanliness drive also served as a reminder that public events of every kind leave an environmental footprint. By ensuring that waste is collected and disposed of responsibly, communities can protect public health, preserve shared spaces, and encourage a culture of civic pride.

As cities across India continue to host large public gatherings, initiatives like this highlight how collective action can inspire lasting change. The Maid In India team demonstrated that leadership is not only about building a successful business; it is also about serving society whenever the opportunity arises.

The organization has reaffirmed its commitment to undertaking similar cleanliness initiatives in the future and encourages citizens, institutions, and businesses to come together in building a cleaner, healthier, and more responsible India.

About Maid In India

 Maid In India is a technology-driven platform transforming India’s domestic services sector by connecting households with verified and trained domestic professionals. Beyond its mission of empowering domestic workers and delivering quality services, the company actively contributes to community initiatives that promote cleanliness, dignity of labour, and responsible citizenship, believing that nation-building begins with everyday actions.

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Surat (Gujarat) [India], July 21: On the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Beej, renowned environmentalist ‘Greenman’ Viral Desai organized a mega tree plantation and sapling distribution drive at Shri Shivshakti Ramdev Alakhdham, located in Gangadhara village near Palsana.

Popularly known as the ‘Mini Ranuja’ of South Gujarat, the Ashadhi Beej festival at this Alakhdham holds immense cultural and religious significance across the region. Over 2.5 lakh devotees from various districts, including Surat, Bardoli, Navsari, Bharuch, and Valsad, gathered to seek the blessings of Baba Ramdev Pir.

Marking this pious day, Viral Desai distributed thousands of eco-friendly saplings to the devotees as ‘Prasad’. Furthermore, a large-scale tree plantation drive was executed in the temple’s gaushala premises in the holy presence of the temple’s spiritual head, Gadipati Shri Yogeshwar Bapu.

Expressing his profound gratitude and joy on this occasion, Viral Desai said:

“To plant trees on the sacred land of Alakhdham and seek the blessings of Ramdev Pir on Ashadhi Beej feels like a divine mandate from a cosmic power. Blending spirituality with sustainability, the initiative further advanced Satyagraha Against Pollution and Climate Change, reaffirming that serving nature is among the highest forms of devotion. On this day, common people wait in long queues for hours just to enter the temple and get a glimpse of the deity. It is surely a divine sign that we were blessed with the opportunity to plant trees on this holy soil. I am also deeply heartened by the enriching spiritual dialogue I had the privilege to share with Gadipati Yogeshwar Bapu.”

It is worth noting that while ‘Greenman’ Viral Desai has successfully developed seven urban forests within Surat city, he remains continuously dedicated to expanding the green cover in the outer and rural areas of Surat as well.