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  • Bharat Tex 2026 catalysed around INR 14,300 crore of textile investment commitments with over 30 MoUs signed by various states

    New Delhi, July 17: The first three days of Bharat Tex 2026 have transformed Bharat Mandapam into the epicentre of the global textile and apparel industry, witnessing an overwhelming response from domestic and international stakeholders. The world’s largest integrated textile event has recorded exceptionally high visitor footfall, vibrant business activity, extensive buyer-seller engagement, and dynamic knowledge exchange, reaffirming India’s emergence as a trusted global destination for textiles in sourcing, manufacturing, innovationa, and investment.

    Bharat Tex 2026 catalysed around INR 14,300 crore of textile investment commitments with 30+ MoUs signed by various states

    Spread across more than 16 lakh square feet, Bharat Tex 2026 has brought together 1,647 exhibitors, nearly 95,000 business visitors with over 20,000 repeat visits, 11,315 buyers, including 6,090 international buyers, 3,461 delegates and participants from 138 countries, reflecting unprecedented global confidence in India’s rapidly evolving textile ecosystem. More than 28,500 B2B meetings, over 100 B2G and G2G interactions, and several strategic investment discussions have kept the exhibition halls bustling throughout the first three days. Bharat Tex 2026 catalysed around INR 14,300 crore of textile investment commitments with 30+ MoUs signed by various States, including Karnataka, Bihar , Maharashtra  and Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing the event’s role in driving decentralized, state-led growth in India’s textile and apparel sector. Further, RE&UP announced an investment of INR 4,800 Crores in India. Also, the serious business enquiries worth approximately $ 2.8 Bn were generated during the event.

    The event has attracted remarkable participation from Indian states, with Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu participating as State Partners, while several other states and Union Territories showcased their textile strengths through dedicated pavilions. The presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab, Shri Bhagwant Singh Mann, along with senior ministers from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, further highlighted the importance of Bharat Tex as India’s premier textile platform.

    International participation has been equally impressive, with ministerial delegations from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Russia, Cambodia and Portugal, alongside representatives from the European Union, and over 30 industry and international business delegations from countries including the United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, South Korea, UAE, Australia, France and Germany, among others.

    Knowledge sharing remained a defining feature of the event, with 100 high-impact knowledge sessions featuring more than 600 policymakers, global experts, industry leaders, CXOs and academicians. Panel discussions, roundtables and masterclasses addressed key themes including global trade dynamics, sustainability, circularity, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, responsible sourcing, investment opportunities, technical textiles, and more. One of the standout attractions was the Sanrachna Hackathon at the TBD Pavilion, which showcased the ingenuity of India’s young innovators in technical textiles. Students and innovators from across the country presented practical solutions ranging from protective garments for farmers and advanced diabetic wound-care products to lightweight insulated mattresses for extreme climates.

    Recognised by Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh and Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs Shri Pabitra Margherita, the initiative demonstrated the transformative role of collaboration between academia, industry and government in advancing next-generation technical textile solutions. In a significant initiative promoting inclusive growth, Bharat Tex 2026 organised specialised exposure visits for more than 250 entrepreneurs and weavers from Aspirational Districts across India. The programme enabled MSMEs to engage directly with buyers, exhibitors and industry experts, providing valuable insights into international quality standards, branding, product innovation and export opportunities, thereby strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship. Further reinforcing India’s growing influence in global apparel manufacturing, the Board Meeting of the International Apparel Federation was hosted alongside Bharat Tex 2026.

    A landmark milestone during the event was the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Bharat Tex Trade Federation and Première Vision Paris, one of the world’s most prestigious textile and fashion sourcing platforms. The strategic collaboration aims to deepen India–European Union textile partnerships by enhancing market access, sustainable sourcing, design intelligence and buyer-seller engagement, creating new global opportunities for Indian manufacturers, exporters and MSMEs.  Bharat Tex 2026 also hosted meaningful discussions on positioning India’s heritage textiles as premium global brands. Renowned designers Rahul Mishra and Vaishali Shadangule, along with industry leaders, emphasised that India’s rich heritage of handlooms, handicrafts and traditional weaving can become the country’s strongest differentiators in international markets through craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.

    The exhibition floor continued to buzz with business activity across specialised thematic pavilions. CMAI’s Brands of India Pavilion in Hall No. 4 emerged as one of the major attractions, bringing together more than 70 leading Indian apparel brands and offering buyers an unparalleled showcase of India’s vibrant fashion and apparel ecosystem. For the first time, the pavilion also featured a dedicated showcase of India’s rapidly growing Intimate & Innerwear segment, with leading brands from Mumbai and Delhi presenting the latest product innovations. Global and Indian brands, including Westside, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, US Polo Assn, Arrow, Flying Machine, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Peter England, Reebok, American Eagle, Ralph Lauren, Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Jaypore, W for Woman, Bewakoof, Dollar, Bodycare, Duke and several others, attracted buyers and retailers. Sustainability remained at the core of Bharat Tex 2026 through the Eco-Stitch Sustainability & Circularity Hub, jointly presented by CMAI and the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability .

    Built around the theme “Sustainable, Circular and Competitive Bharat,” the pavilion brought together recyclers, manufacturers, brands, innovators, technology providers and ecosystem partners across dedicated thematic zones including India Impact Wall, Circularity at Scale, From Waste to Global Wardrobe, Made in Circular Bharat, Material & Innovation Library, and the Circular Bharat Forum, showcasing practical pathways towards a more sustainable textile future.

    With bustling exhibition halls, packed conference sessions, vibrant networking opportunities, and strong business engagement throughout the venue, Bharat Tex 2026 continues to reinforce India’s vision of becoming the world’s preferred destination for textile manufacturing, sourcing, innovation and responsible growth while further strengthening the country’s leadership in the global textile and apparel value chain.

  • New Report Reveals Gaps in How Schools Address Student Brain Injuries

    INDIANAPOLIS — In a new collaborative study conducted by Indiana University School of Medicine and Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), researchers found that many of the nation’s K-12 schools do not have sufficient concussion protocols in place and do not adequately train staff for managing the recovery process following injury.

    The study utilized public data and was published by the Journal of School Nursing.

    Concussion, a form of traumatic brain injury, can cause symptoms that include headaches and trouble with concentration, memory, balance, mood and sleep. Returning students to class after a concussion is a delicate process that requires adequate support.

    “School nurses are absolutely central to concussion management in schools, and in many cases, they’re carrying a significant share of that responsibility,” said Kelly Sarmiento, MPH, director of outreach programs for the Brain Injury Association of America and corresponding author of the study. 

    School nurses must often coordinate with families, healthcare providers and school staff while also monitoring student symptoms. 

    “Our findings show that many nurses may be doing this without the support they need,” Sarmiento said. “About one in four schools reported having no concussion policy at all, and even among those that do, fewer than a third require staff training. That puts added pressure on school nurses to fill in the gaps, whether that’s educating colleagues, coordinating care, or ensuring students get the accommodations they need to recover and succeed.”

    Dana Waltzman, PhD, associate research professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at IU School of Medicine and co-author of the study, said the reasons for these policy holes are varied and complex. This study did not seek to find a root cause, but past research in the area points to likely causes. 

    “Previous research suggests several possible factors, including limited staffing and resources, lack of access to school health professionals such as full-time nurses or athletic trainers, competing priorities and challenges implementing policies consistently across schools,” Waltzman said. 

    “We also found that schools in higher-poverty communities, schools with larger proportions of non-white students and smaller schools were less likely to report having concussion policies, which may point to resource and capacity differences.”

    The study utilized data from the School Pulse Panel, an annual survey filled out by school principals and collected by the National Center for Education Statistics. It was conducted without financial support. 

    Research shows that students recover best when they gradually return to school and receive the classroom support they need based on their symptoms. Following evidence-based guidance helps support recovery while minimizing disruptions to learning. 

    The Brain Injury Association of America recommends schools adopt standardized, evidence-based practices in handling concussions. There should also be a clear delineation of who is responsible for coordinating a student’s care, including setting a return timetable for classroom instruction. 

    Anyone interested in learning more should contact the National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 or braininjuryinfo@biausa.org to speak to a specialist about help with care needs, legal and financial resources and community services. 

  • Delhi Strengthens Primary Healthcare Network with Launch of 45 New Ayushman Jan Arogya Mandirs

    New Delhi, July 17: The Delhi government has expanded its public healthcare infrastructure with the opening of 45 new Ayushman Jan Arogya Mandirs, increasing the total number of operational centres across the city to 415.

    The newly added healthcare facilities are aimed at bringing essential medical services closer to residents and improving access to affordable, preventive and primary healthcare. The centres will provide services including basic medical consultations, health screenings, early detection support and wellness-related care.

    Officials said the expansion reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening community-level healthcare and ensuring timely medical assistance for citizens at the neighbourhood level.

    The Ayushman Jan Arogya Mandirs are expected to play an important role in reducing the burden on major hospitals by providing accessible healthcare services and encouraging early diagnosis and preventive care.

    With the addition of these new centres, Delhi’s primary healthcare network has further expanded, supporting the vision of a more accessible and efficient healthcare system for residents across the national capital.

  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands Set to Become Key Hub for India’s Strategic and Economic Growth

    Port Blair, July 17: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are emerging as a key region in India’s growth story, offering significant opportunities in strategic security, maritime connectivity and economic development.

    With its unique location in the Indian Ocean, the island group holds immense importance for strengthening India’s maritime presence and improving connectivity with regional and global partners.

    Beyond its strategic value, the islands are witnessing growing attention for infrastructure expansion, tourism development, trade opportunities and sustainable economic initiatives. These efforts are expected to create new avenues for investment, employment and local development.

    Experts believe that the region’s vast potential in areas such as the blue economy, marine resources and tourism can contribute significantly to India’s long-term economic objectives.

    Government initiatives focused on improving connectivity and infrastructure are aimed at transforming the islands into a more accessible and vibrant economic centre while preserving their ecological balance.

    The continued development of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands reflects India’s vision of strengthening coastal regions, promoting sustainable growth and enhancing its role in the Indian Ocean region.

  • Sensex Surges Nearly 1,000 Points as Banking and IT Stocks Lift Market Sentiment

    Mumbai, July 17: Indian equity markets witnessed a strong rally as the benchmark Sensex jumped 965 points and the Nifty crossed the 24,300 mark, supported by robust buying interest in banking and information technology stocks.

    Sensex Surges Nearly 1,000 Points as Banking and IT Stocks Lift Market Sentiment

    The positive momentum reflected improved investor confidence, with key sectors contributing to the broader market gains. Banking and IT counters emerged as major drivers of the rally, attracting strong buying activity during the trading session.

    Market analysts attributed the upward movement to favourable domestic cues, renewed investor participation and optimism surrounding growth prospects across major sectors.

    The rally extended gains across several segments, with investors showing increased interest in fundamentally strong companies amid positive market sentiment.

    Experts said continued monitoring of global developments, economic indicators and corporate earnings will remain important for sustaining market momentum in the coming sessions.

    The strong performance of benchmark indices highlights the resilience of Indian equity markets and investor confidence in the country’s economic outlook.

  • President Murmu Highlights Role of Forest Officers in Expanding India’s Green Cover

    New Delhi, July 17: President Droupadi Murmu called upon probationers of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) to play a proactive role in expanding green cover and strengthening environmental conservation efforts across the country.

    Addressing the probationers, the President highlighted the vital role of the Indian Forest Service in protecting forests, preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. She encouraged the young officers to contribute towards increasing greenery and supporting ecological balance through dedicated public service.

    The President underscored the importance of forests in addressing climate change, conserving wildlife and ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations. She urged the officers to combine scientific knowledge, innovation and community participation to achieve long-term conservation goals.

    Officials said the interaction reflected the government’s continued emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, with the Indian Forest Service playing a key role in implementing conservation initiatives nationwide.

    The President also encouraged the probationers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and public service as they prepare to take on responsibilities in safeguarding India’s rich natural heritage.

    The address reaffirmed the importance of collective efforts to expand green cover and build a more sustainable and environmentally resilient future for the country.

  • Tripura Kicks Off Census 2027 Self-Enumeration Drive with Governor Leading Public Participation

    Agartala, July 17: Tripura has officially launched the self-enumeration phase of Census 2027, with the Governor setting the tone by becoming one of the first citizens to complete the process and encouraging wider public participation.

    The self-enumeration facility enables residents to submit their household details digitally, offering a faster, more convenient and citizen-friendly approach to the national census. The initiative is expected to simplify the data collection process while improving the accuracy and efficiency of the exercise.

    Officials said the Governor’s participation sends a strong message about the importance of the census and the need for every eligible household to contribute accurate information. Citizens have been urged to take advantage of the digital platform and complete the exercise within the stipulated timeline.

    The Census serves as a key tool for informed policymaking, helping governments assess demographic trends and plan future investments in infrastructure, public services and welfare programmes.

    State authorities are undertaking awareness campaigns and administrative measures to ensure the smooth implementation of the self-enumeration process, making the Census 2027 exercise more accessible and inclusive for residents across Tripura.

  • PM Modi Announces INR 4,700 Crore Projects to Strengthen Chandigarh’s Urban Infrastructure

    Chandigarh, July 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹4,700 crore in Chandigarh, reaffirming the government’s focus on strengthening urban infrastructure, connectivity and public services.

    The projects span multiple sectors and are aimed at improving civic amenities, enhancing transportation infrastructure and supporting the city’s long-term development. The initiatives are expected to boost economic activity, improve quality of life and create new opportunities for residents.

    Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to building modern infrastructure that supports inclusive growth and sustainable urban development.

    Officials said the projects will contribute to better connectivity, upgraded public facilities and improved service delivery, while reinforcing Chandigarh’s position as a key urban centre in northern India.

    The investment reflects the Centre’s continued emphasis on infrastructure-led growth and the creation of modern, future-ready cities. The projects are also expected to generate employment during implementation and provide long-term benefits to the region’s economy.

    The launch marks another step in the government’s broader vision of accelerating infrastructure development and strengthening public assets to meet the evolving needs of citizens.

  • India’s Technology Deal Activity Surges to Five-Quarter High, Reaches Dollar 2.5 Billion

    New Delhi, July 17: India’s technology sector recorded its strongest deal-making activity in five quarters, with total deal value reaching approximately $2.5 billion, reflecting renewed investor confidence and sustained momentum across the country’s digital economy.

    The increase in technology deals highlights growing investment in emerging sectors, including software, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure and enterprise technology. Industry experts attribute the surge to improved market sentiment, expanding innovation and continued interest from both domestic and global investors.

    The strong deal activity underscores India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems, supported by a vibrant startup landscape, increasing digital adoption and favourable business opportunities.

    Market analysts said the rise in transaction volumes signals confidence in the long-term growth potential of India’s technology sector and is expected to encourage further investment, strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions.

    The momentum is also anticipated to support job creation, accelerate innovation and strengthen India’s competitiveness in the global technology landscape.

    The latest figures reinforce the resilience of India’s tech industry, with sustained investment activity expected to drive the next phase of digital transformation and economic growth.

  • Soy Soi Presents ‘Embers of Grills’ – A Celebration of Charcoal-Grilled Flavours from East Asia

    July 17: Soy Soi, Chennai’s destinations for Pan Asian cuisine, presents ‘Embers of Grills’ at Kotturpuram, Chennai till July 19th 2026. Embers of Grills celebrate the timeless tradition of charcoal grilling across Southeast and East Asia.

    FOR LISTINGS - Soy Soi Presents 'Embers of Grills' – A Celebration of Charcoal-Grilled Flavours from East Asia

    Taking inspiration from the satay stalls of Kuala Lumpur, the robata grills of Japan, and the charcoal carts of Bangkok, Hanoi and Chengdu, the promotion offers guests a culinary journey through some of Asia’s most celebrated grilling traditions.

    Inspired by the vibrant street food culture of the region, Embers of Grills brings together the authentic flavours of open-fire cooking through a carefully curated menu featuring Soy Soi’s signature grilled dishes alongside popular Asian favourites.

    The menu brings together some of Asia’s most loved charcoal-grilled dishes, including the Moo Ping with Spicy Peanut Sauce, featuring Thai-style marinated pork skewers served with a spicy peanut sauce; Ga Nuong – Grilled Chicken Leg, a bone-in chicken leg infused with fragrant lemongrass and grilled over charcoal; Spiced Tofu Kin, charcoal-grilled tofu skewers seasoned with Burmese spices and chilli paste; and Xinjiang Lamb Skewers, cumin-flavoured lamb grilled over charcoal and served with a numbing Sichuan chilli sauce. Each dish celebrates the bold, smoky flavours that define the region’s vibrant grilling traditions. 

    Embers of Grills recreates that spirit in a restaurant setting: bold marinades drawn from across the region, and a menu to ensure every guest finds something that appeals to them. Soy Soi invites guests to savour the unmistakable taste of food cooked over live charcoal and experience the bold, smoky flavours that have made grilled cuisine a favourite across Asia.