Six, including juvenile, held for 18-year-olds murder
Chandigarh Allows Bed & Breakfasts in Residential Areas
Residents Fear Policy Will Erode Citys Planned Character
Gang luring youth with lift offer busted; couple held
Leisure Valley set for universal accessibility upgrade
Four Chandigarh judokas set to grapple for glory in Jordan
Chandigarh duo row their way to national gold in Pune
98 fined for illegal parking in Panchkula
Rs 98 lakh upgrade to quench Sohanas thirst
1.3 Million Litres To Be Supplied Daily
Pass the parcel ends: Panchkula MC set to take over 11 HSVP sectors
Haryana Govt Approves Massive Merger Plan
Kataria orders ward-level anti-drug crackdown in Chandigarh
Inside the U.S. Sports-Tech Ecosystem Turning Innovation into Opportunity
Discover how the U.S. sports-tech ecosystem turns start-up innovation into commercial opportunities, strategic partnerships, and business growth The U.S. sports-tech ecosystem creates opportunities for companies to develop products for athletes at different levels of participation and competition. (Photograph courtesy David Steele) Behind every faster sprint, safer recovery, and smarter game-day decision is a growing network of technologies that is reshaping the sports industry. Yet technology alone does not explain why the United States has become a leading market for sports innovation. According to David Steele, director of Plug and Play Tech Centre sSportstechvertical in Frisco, Texas, the countrys advantage lies in the connections it has built among teams, start-ups, healthcare providers, investors, and global brands. Those relationships helpnew ideasmove from testing and pilot programs to commercial products and businesses. Under the U.S. State Departments Speaker Program , Steele recently visited Delhi, Chandigarh, and Mumbai to discuss how sports-tech ecosystems create opportunities for innovation, investment, and growth. His message was that the strength of the U.S. model comes not from any single technology, but from the scale of its market and the partnerships that help innovations reach users. Market scale as a catalyst for sports innovation For Steele, one of the biggest strengths of the U.S. sports-tech ecosystem is the sheer size of the market. When you look at the U.S. market as a whole, the size and the scope of it is massive, he notes. When you look at everything from youth sports, which we consider grassroots sports involving 30 to 40 million kids, all the way up to our professional, high-level elite athletes, that is a tremendous span. That breadth creates opportunities for companies to develop products for athletes atdifferent levelsof participation and competition. Some companies begin with elite athletes and adapt technologies for broader markets. Others start at the grassroots level and scale upward. The result is a large testing environment where technologies can be refined across multiple sports and levels of competition. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are helping sports organisations take advantage of that scale. Teams, coaches, and governing bodies increasingly use AI-enabled systems toidentifytalent, analyse performance, and support athlete development. Steele also points to efforts by organisations such as U.S. Soccer toidentifyand develop athletes earlier in their careers through tools such as field cameras and performance data collected during practices, games, and post-game analysis. These systems allow organizations to evaluate athletes at a much larger scale than traditional scouting methods. David Steele is the director of Plug and Play Tech Centers Sportstech vertical in Frisco, Texas, which helps connect sports organizations with start-ups to test, validate, and commercialize new sports technologies. (Photograph courtesy David Steele) Corporate partnerships and commercialization strategies While scale creates opportunities, Steele says partnerships are what help technologies move into the marketplace. At Plug and Play, that process begins by identifying challenges faced by teams, brands, and other organizations. Drawing on its network of 70 offices worldwide, Plug and Play connects organizations with start-ups working on relevant solutions. Steele says the process involvesidentifyingspecific challenges, evaluating potential solutions through a structured review process, and connecting selected companies with organizations for pilot projects. Successful pilots canvalidatetechnologies, opening the door to commercialization, investment, and broader market adoption. For sports organizations, many of the technologies attracting investment focus on athlete health, performance, and recovery. These include innovations in playing surfaces, protective equipment, hydration systems, wearable monitoring devices, and tools that track performance during training and competition. Validating athlete health and performance technologies Partnerships with organizations such as Gatorade Sports Science and healthcare providers also help companies develop and validate new technologies. Working with brands like Gatorade Sports Science to understand how hydration and recovery matter for athletes and then working with healthcare systems like Baylor Scott & White Health in Texas allows us to understand if there is an injury, what is the return-to-play process, and what start-up technologies are available to help increase the likelihood of a favorable return at a faster timeline, Steele explains. For emerging companies, validation can be as important as innovation. Steele notes that partnerships with major sports organizations and global brands help demonstrate that technologies can perform in demanding, real-world environments. That credibility can accelerate adoption, attract investment, and help companies scale far more quickly than they might through grassroots growth alone. Once you break that barrier of those Fortune 1000 or Fortune 500 companies, the scalability of a start-up technology grows tremendously, he says. David Steele interacts with the audience during a presentation on U.S.-India SportsTech Exchange at the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai. (Photograph courtesy U.S. Consulate General Mumbai) Scaling opportunities for Indias sports market Steele believes the same factor that has helped drive the U.S. sports-tech marketscalealso creates significant opportunities for India. Like the United States, India offers a large potential user base for new technologies, creating opportunities for companies to test, refine, and expand solutions across different levels of sport. The biggest trends that Im seeing right now are going to be AI generation, anything that drives fan engagement or player performance, he says. In India, Steele sees those opportunities intersecting with the countrys large and highly engaged sports audience. He identifies cricket as a uniquely important opportunity for sports innovation in India because of its scale, audience engagement, and commercial reach. Athlete health is another area with growing potential, particularly in regions with extreme heat. Technologies and tools that address heat-related challenges, including dietary ingestibles, wearable devices, cooling materials, and heat-illness monitoring systems, are areas Steele predicts will see significant traction. As sports organizations, start-ups, and investors look for new ways to improve performance, engage fans, and support athlete health, Steele believes the greatest opportunities will come from building stronger connections between innovators and the organizations that can help them scale. The lesson from the U.S. sports-tech ecosystem is not simply about adoptingnew technologies. It is about creating networks that connect innovators with teams, healthcare providers, brands, and investors. Those partnerships help ideas move from pilot projects to widespread adoption, turning innovation into commercial opportunities. (The Author is Associate Editor (English) SPAN Magazine, U.S. Embassy New Delhi)
Harpreet Singh flays SGPC leadership, highlights 2024 edict against SAD
Cross-border arms racket busted; 4 held with 10 pistols
SGPC calls July 5 gathering to back Akal Takhts boycott call on Mann
Akal Takht asks Uttarakhand govt to act against man over 1984 threat
SKM warns of nationwide protests if India-US FTA is signed
Punjab notifies Centres VB-G RAM G, months after assembly rejected it
AAP huddles in Amritsar ahead of Akal Takht summons
Congress slams Punjab govts U-turn on VB-G RAM G rollout
Punjab moves to give free UPSC, PCS coaching to students from rural areas, financially weak families
Rising debt in Punjab a serious concern: Dhillon
Barinder Goyal lays foundation stone for Rs 18cr water purification plant in Khanauri
IIT Ropar dir conferred with Chief of Army Staff commendation
HC orders transfer of Kullu DC, SP over Kasol rave parties
CM visits Bara Bhangal, announces Rs 1,500/month assistance for women
Himachal flags off first cherry and plum export consignment to Oman
Rain, thunderstorm predicted across HP till July 3
HP announces one-time interest relief scheme to support farmers
Chandigarh University researchers use Artificial Intelligence to develop Model for predicting Accurate Crop Yield; Innovation to benefit Indian Farmers
DSR coverage up 16% to 3.41 lakh acres: Minister
Pargat targets AAP over AI videos against jathedars
Mastermind behind petrol bomb attack on BJP functionarys clinic arrested
Consultations still on, delay in Punjab Congress revamp sparks anxiety
ASI shoots himself dead in Tarn Taran
Mann getting entangled in his web of lies: SAD
Dal Khalsa asks Sikh MLAs to appear before Akal Takht
Punjab govt to raise fresh Rs 1,500cr loan, draws oppn ire
Woman loses Rs 45,000 to 2 snatchers in Chandigarh
Mohali MC to enclose all waste management centres, install CCTVs
No compromise acceptable on religious dignity of Hazur Sahib Board: Randhawa
Khaira seeks CFSL probe into mask video
After Mohali, Zirakpur; AAP sweeps top posts in Lalru MC
Rs 17cr bridge to replace Manimajra-Sector 26 causeway
Work Likely To Finish In One Year
Lower fees, raise FAR: Industry bodies demand changes in Master Plan
AAP govt trying to sell Punjabs panchayat land to tackle bankruptcy: Bajwa
PGs, eateries under scanner as Mohali launches fire safety blitz
Comprehensive inspections ordered in villages under MC limits; focus on fire exits, hydrants, parking and emergency access
Rs 593-cr fraud probe: IAS officer moves court for anticipatory bail
Saini orders joint task forces across Haryana to crack down on drug trade
IAS Pankaj Aggarwal sent to judicial custody in bank fraud case
Haryana govt not procuring moong, maize at MSP: Surjewala
HHRC awards Rs 10L compensation for child labour victim who lost arm at Jhajjar dairy
Haryana orders statewide fire safety audit of coaching centres, hotels & industrial units
IB staffer held for fake extortion threat to secure police protection for property dealer
Channot stir enters Day 42, talks with CM fail
Hisar sees 157% surge in NDPS cases in first half of 2026
Basmati exports defy US-Iran war, rise by 7.5% in FY26
Punjab Police Freezes Over 63,000 Bank Accounts in Major Cyber Fraud Crackdown
Chandigarh, June 26: The Punjab Polices State Cyber Crime Division has frozen 63,749 bank accounts linked to cyber fraud over the past year, involving transactions worth approximately 540.34 crore. This information was shared by DGP Gaurav Yadav on Friday. Since 2024, nearly 64 crore has been recovered and returned to victims, including about 38.42 crore ... Read more Punjab Police Freezes Over 63,000 Bank Accounts in Major Cyber Fraud Crackdown
Haryana Expands Air Quality Monitoring Centers to 45 in NCR
Chandigarh, June 26: Haryana has unveiled a roadmap to enhance the Clean Air Campaign in the National Capital Region (NCR). This initiative includes the introduction of new electric buses, expanding the air quality monitoring network from 22 to 45 centers, implementing the No Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), No Fuel policy, and reconstructing nearly 1,000 ... Read more Haryana Expands Air Quality Monitoring Centers to 45 in NCR
Weather Tomorrow June 27: According to IMD, heavy to very heavy monsoon rains lash the west, south, east, and Northeast, parts of Uttar Pradesh endure severe heatwave conditions. Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan anticipate thunderstorms. Hill states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are under a rain watch, with potential for localized disruptions. Central and Eastern India are set for active monsoon showers.
TATA Starbucks Reimagines its Loyalty Program with New Rewards and Enhanced Benefits
TATA Starbucks has announced the launch of its reimagined Starbucks Rewards program, featuring Green, Gold and the newly introduced Reserve tier. The enhanced program is designed to offer members greater value through faster earning, easier redemption and access to a broader suite of rewards, benefits and experiences as they progress through the program. The updated tiers include: Green: The entry tier where members can earn Starbucks Rewards faster, and choose to redeem Rewards of their choice Gold: Customers can get upgraded to Gold by accumulating 1000 Stars within a year of joining Reserve: Comes with a sleek, black personalized card customized with the customers name and the first year they joined the program. Customers can get upgraded on accumulating 5000+ Stars within a year of joining TATA Starbucks Reimagines its Loyalty Program with New Rewards and Enhanced Benefits The Starbucks Rewards program will now offer a host of customer benefits with each level unlocking an expanded portfolio of rewards and experiences as they deepen their engagement with the brand: Faster Earning: Members will earn 1 Star for every Rs.10 spent, with Gold Members earning 1.2X Stars and Reserve Members earning 1.3X Stars on every Rs. 10 spent More Accessible Rewards: Lower redemption thresholds make it easier for members to unlock rewards and enjoy benefits sooner, bringing them closer to the experiences and rewards they value Benefits at Every Level: Members can enjoy a range of benefits including personalized offers, birthday rewards, milestone celebrations, Double Stars Days and member-exclusive offers, ensuring every visit feels more rewarding Enhanced Member Experiences: As members progress through the program, they will also unlock additional benefits including Free Customized Mondays (every member can receive one free modifier on any handcrafted drink), accelerated Star earnings, exclusive merchandise, curated coffee experiences, special event access and other member-only privileges Adrit Mishra, COO, TATAStarbucks , said, At TATA Starbucks, we are constantly looking for ways to strengthen our connection with customers and create experiences that are meaningful, rewarding and personalized. The reimagined Starbucks Rewards program reflects our commitment to delivering greater value to our members by making rewards easier to earn and redeem, while introducing new benefits and experiences that celebrate loyalty. Whether someone is just beginning their Starbucks Rewards journey or is one of our most loyal members, the program has been designed to reward them at every stage. For more information and to start enjoying these rewards, visit the Starbucks India mobile application. About TATA Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 506 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior, Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi,Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,305 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, TATA Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
Punjab ASI shoots himself dead with service pistol inside quarters after duty hours
An Assistant Sub-Inspector in Tarn Taran, Punjab, reportedly died by suicide using his service pistol after completing his duty. Amarjit Singh, serving at the Kairon police outpost, was found deceased in his quarters by colleagues. While police cite personal issues, sources suggest work-related stress and staff shortages may have contributed. An investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining all potential motives.
MBA Students of Chandigarh University secure prestigious MNC internships; MNCs including Nestl, Lenovo & Berger offers internships
Crime check: 2,200 preventive arrests in Chandigarh in 6 months
Mayor directs officials to clean up roadsides, berms in Mohali ahead of monsoon
23-year-old dies while exercising at gym in Mohali
Chandigarh administration bets Rs 120cr to boost industry-aligned skill training
2 Govt ITIs To Be Upgraded
Kidnap-for-marriage: 21-yr-old rescued, stalker among 3 held
Panchkula Police have acted decisively, firing Special Police Officer Jaiveer Singh after a troubling video surfaced that allegedly showed him attacking a civilian. This attack unfolded in Ramgarh amidst a police response to a report of a suspicious individual. The Deputy Commissioner of Police firmly stated a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and pledged unwavering efforts to uphold the integrity of law enforcement and public confidence.
Punjab CM Accused of Misleading Public Amid Serious Allegations
Chandigarh, June 26: The President of the Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kewal Singh Dhillon, responded to the Chief Ministers remarks on Thursday. He accused Bhagwant Mann of attempting to mislead the public instead of addressing serious allegations against his government. Dhillon claimed that Mann presented distracting statements and dramatic excuses during ... Read more Punjab CM Accused of Misleading Public Amid Serious Allegations
Punjab codifies 22 sacred terms for probe into sacrilege cases; list sent to all police chiefs
Pkl Cong raises issues of NEET paper leak, law & order, unemployment
Mayor ensures intensified cleaning of roadsides, berms and crossings in Mohali ahead of rains
Mohali mayor for site visit register to strengthen transparency, accountability
Greenery to returns to Jhuriwala; pledge taken to plant 1,000 saplings
New York honours Romanch, but Pathankot grieves its son
Electoral officer has assured transfer relief to teachers on SIR duty: Front
Congress steps up Chhatron Ki Goonj drive against paper leaks, exam irregularities
House-to-house voter verification begins across Punjab
Congress rejects Bhagwant Manns mask claim as lame afterthought
Bikram Singh Majithia says Bhagwant Mann changed version on video for 3rd time
Bathinda petrol bomb attack terror act? Police probe Pak gangsters role; 2 arrested
Akal Takht summons Sikh MLAs; Mann says assembly panel will decide
Amritsar police bust cross-border arms, narcotics network; 7 held, 5kg heroin seized
Nanad-bharjai party: Bhagwant Manns jibe at SAD over lone MP, MLA
Emergency was serious assault on democratic values: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Power relief as 2nd Lehra unit restarts amid peak demand
