The Next PWL Season Will Be Held Across All Major Cities: WFI Chief Sanjay Singh
The Wrestling Federation: The Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh expressed optimism on the growth of ongoing Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 at the Noida Indoor Stadium saying the league will be expanded to multiple cities in future seasons. The PWL 2026 kicked off on January 15, with the grand finale scheduled for February 1, marking the return of the league after six-year hiatus. The next PWL season will be held across all major cities. This time, due to time constraints, the league was organised only at the Noida Stadium. However, next season everyone will get the opportunity to enjoy the excitement, WFI chief Sanjay Singh told IANS. On the revival of the Pro Wrestling League, Sanjay Singh said the competition had earlier benefitted wrestlers significantly but was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He added that sustained efforts from the federation and government eventually led to its return. The wrestlers benefited a lot from the league earlier, but it had to be stopped because of Covid. After that, there was a gap due to various reasons, but everyone the federation and the government kept pushing to restart it in some way so the wrestlers could benefit again, Singh said. Headlined by Japans Yui Susaki, who attracted a record bid of Rs 60 lakh from the Haryana Thunders, women wrestlers emerged as the top attractions in the player auctions for the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026. Alongside Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Susaki, World Championship medallist Antim Panghal was snapped up by UP Dominators for Rs 52 lakh in the womens 53 kg category, while Puerto Ricos Ana Godinez fetched Rs 46 lakh from Punjab Royals in the womens 62 kg division. Delhi Dangal Warriors added further depth to their squad by securing Azerbaijans Anastasiya Alpayeva for Rs 27 lakh in the womens 76 kg category. Highlighting the impact of PWL on wrestler development, Singh said competing against foreign opponents helped raise standards and confidence. There are two big benefits. One is that our wrestlers get to compete against foreign wrestlers, which removes fear and builds belief. You saw the match against Yu Yu Sasaki go the full six minutes. That kind of exposure helps everyone, he said. Speaking about the current season, Singh said the league has regained momentum. The league is currently at its peak with full enthusiasm, he said. On the introduction of rules like the power minute and revised technical superiority limits, Singh said the intent was to add excitement while maintaining the sports core structure. The Olympic technical superiority rule remains the same. We have increased it slightly here for entertainment. The Power Minute has brought excitement at the end of matches both wrestlers and spectators feel that energy, he explained. Singh reaffirmed that PWL would now be a permanent fixture on the sporting calendar. PWL is now a regular event. It has started again and it will not stop. Viewership will keep increasing, and after cricket, PWL has the potential to become the next biggest league, he said. The Olympic technical superiority rule remains the same. We have increased it slightly here for entertainment. The Power Minute has brought excitement at the end of matches both wrestlers and spectators feel that energy, he explained. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Assessing the leagues success, Singh said the organisers had met their initial expectations despite a short preparation window. We achieved what we had set out to do this season. The league was organised in just 2025 days. For the next season, we will have more time and we will do it better. We are learning every day and fixing shortcomings, he said. Article Source: IANS
India's Retail Sector Rebound: Leasing Volumes Hit a Three-Year Peak in 2025
Indias retail real estate market is showing clear signs of resurgence, with leasing activity touching a three-year high in 2025, underscoring a decisive turnaround for physical retail. As per JLL, the sectors momentum translated into a 54% year-on-year jump in gross leasing during the year, reaching a total of 12.5 million sq ft. The December quarter emerged as the best performing, with 3.6 million sq. ft of space leased. The sharp uptick reflects renewed consumer confidence and an acceleration in brand expansion plans, as retailers once again prioritise store-led growth to capture footfalls and deepen market presence after years of cautious recovery. Indias Retail Sector Rebound- Leasing Volumes Hit a Three-Year Peak in 2025 No longer in a defensive mode, the retail sector is entering a phase of measured scale-up, driven by experiential store formats, omnichannel strategies and the steady addition of organised retail supply. More than a real estate statistic, the surge in retail leasing has emerged as a key barometer of Indias broader consumption momentum. This renewed momentum in retail leasing comes after a prolonged phase of disruption, when pandemic-led restrictions, shifting consumer behaviour and cost pressures kept expansion plans on hold across much of the sector. The rebound is unfolding against a backdrop of improving economic growth, rising disposable incomes and stabilising inflation, which have collectively lifted discretionary spending. At the same time, consumption patterns are evolving, with retailers increasingly recognising the limitations of an online-only approach and leaning towards store-led formats that strengthen brand recall and customer engagement. Further, the data showed that key markets of Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad together accounted for 71% of total leasing, with Delhi NCR and Bengaluru each capturing 24%, and Hyderabad close behind at 23%. The growth was supported by 6.3 million sq. ft of new retail supply and the launch of 15 shopping malls across Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, expanding total mall stock in the top seven cities to nearly 92 million sq ft by year-end. Shopping malls captured 45% of leasing activity, while high streets remained in strong demand, accounting for 48%. Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Group , says, In high-density markets like Chandni Chowk, leasing is about precision. Space here carries both cultural and commercial weight, and data allows us to understand exactly what visitors seek, whats underrepresented, and how footfall evolves through the day. Our analytics framework tracks category performance to ensure each tenant strengthens the ecosystems overall vitality. In a heritage marketplace transitioning toward modern retail, data becomes the bridge, helping us balance legacy traders with new-age brands. The result: a leasing model that feels authentic to Chandni Chowks spirit while remaining commercially strong and future-ready. Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group , says, Gurugrams retail story in 2026 is no longer limited to marquee destinations. Some of the strongest momentum is coming from high-potential micro-markets like Old Gurgaon, where density, familiarity, and daily consumption patterns are deeply entrenched. These locations benefit from organic footfalls, strong local demand, and faster absorption cycles. High streets anchored by F&B, essential services, and experience-driven brands, are seeing consistent traction here. For developers and investors, this shift reinforces one truth: well-designed retail in lived-in neighbourhoods often delivers more resilient returns than oversized, destination-led formats. These trends are here to redefine the successful transition of retail real estate in the year ahead . Harinder Singh Hora, Founder Chairman, Reach Group , says, Organised retail is shaping the present and future of urban commerce, and it is increasingly expressed through well-planned mixed-use destinations where malls, high streets and commercial spaces come together in one integrated ecosystem. In markets like Gurugram, these organised formats are outperforming fragmented developments because they bring design, consumer demand and capital into alignmentcreating environments people choose to visit, brands prefer to lease and investors trust to deliver stable returns. A thoughtfully curated mix of global and home-grown brands across food, fashion, wellness and entertainment drives stronger footfalls, longer dwell time and healthier trading densities. Supported by intelligent design with walkable streets, open plazas and flexible layouts, retail spaces remain adaptable as consumer behaviour evolves. In 2026, successful retail real estate functions as a dynamic extension of urban life. Siddharth Katyal, CEO, Bhumika Realty, said, " Earlier, tenant curation was based largely on intuition and brand relationships. Today, it's a quantifiable process. We rely on a blend of demographic analysis and performance mapping to identify which categories resonate most with our visitors. For instance, data may reveal a higher conversion potential in F & B or family entertainment for a specific micro-market. The goal is not just to fill space but to ensure a symbiotic ecosystem where anchor brands pull traffic and smaller stores benefit equally. That's how leasing becomes a value chain, not a random assortment. " Besides, domestic retailers led the expansion, making up 82% of gross leasing in 2025, with take-up increasing from 6.5 million sq ft in 2024 to over 10 million sq ft. Foreign retailers also expanded, achieving 36% on-year growth, with 29 new brands. Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, says, Retail real estate landscape is at an interesting juncture and witnessing a more disciplined and investor-aligned approach. The growth momentum achieved by tier 2 markets continue to sustain the pace with quality retail space developments. Besides, todays consumer seeks quality experiences, and likewise, the investor approach is data-driven, relying on the quality brand-mix and consistent footfalls. Whats particularly interesting is to see that the improved infrastructure, residential growth, and limited quality supply are creating a strong case for organized retail. Demand is driven by everyday consumption, family-oriented leisure, and service-led formats rather than luxury indulgence. From an investment standpoint, stable occupancies and predictable rental behavior are restoring confidence in retail assets. As small urban centers continue to evolve, retail will increasingly follow population movement, making integrated, well-located developments the most resilient bets for the next cycle. Mohit Batra, regional Director of Realistic Realtors , said, NCRs commercial landscape is going through a structural transformation backed by growth in consumption, expansion by corporates, and a preference for organized retail formats. The market has demonstrated resilience even when global conditions were uncertain. The investor community sees footfall, spending power, and high-quality mixed-use developments coming together. As retail-led destinations become community meeting points and offices increasingly see experiential spaces, NCR presents an interesting case for long-term yield-driven investment. " Raj Kumar Sisodia, COO of Biigtech , says, Retail leasing today goes far beyond simply occupying space; it is about building a well-planned commercial ecosystem. In a rapidly growing market like Greater Noida, leasing strategies are increasingly driven by data that maps consumer demographics, catchment potential, and evolving lifestyle preferences. Curating the right tenant mix from essential retail and strong anchor brands to F&B and entertainment plays a crucial role in driving consistent footfall and improving overall trading performance. A thoughtfully leased retail destination not only enhances customer experience but also ensures long-term rental resilience and stronger asset value in emerging commercial corridors like Greater Noida . Thus, the sustainability of this momentum into 2026 will hinge on how effectively retailers and developers adapt to evolving consumption patterns and capital flows. Growing interest in retail-focused REITs could further improve institutional participation and asset quality in the sector, while the next phase of growth is expected to extend beyond metros into select tier-II and tier-III cities backed by improving infrastructure and purchasing power.
Suicide or murder? Couple dead, three children found poisoned at their Greater Noida house
In a tragic incident, a couple and their three children allegedly consumed poison at their house in Greater Noida's Ecotech 3 area. While the couple could not be saved, the children are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi. Preliminary investigations suggest the couple may have consumed poison due to domestic issues.
UP weighs metropolitan makeover for Noida; proposes forming civic body
Noida may soon have a new governance structure. The Uttar Pradesh government is considering a proposal for a metropolitan corporation. This move follows a Supreme Court directive based on a special investigation team's report. The aim is to improve transparency and citizen participation in city management. The proposal will be placed before the state cabinet for a final decision.
Trainer hired for dog sexually assualts woman in Ghaziabad
Nikki Bhati murder: Relief for father-in-law as HC grants bail to second accused in case
50 buses fined, 42 seized for traffic violations on Yamuna e-way
Traffic curbs near Expo Mart for three-day intl accountants meet
Leaning poles, dangling wires pose accident threat
CAQM conducts survey, finds 102 dust hotspots in Greater Noida
UP draws up note on metropolitan corpn for Noida after SC order
Potholes, dug-up roads: Rains long gone, Noidas shopping hub awaits repair
WinGo app a trap, dont fall for it: Noida police
A first for Child PGI: 2 non-surgical heart procedures in a day
GDA set to hand over 5 colonies, pay s 66 crore for pending civic work to GMC
Suicide pact? Greater Noida couple dead; their 3 kids found poisoned, saved in time
A couple died and their three children were found poisoned in Greater Noida's Ecotech 3 area. The children, aged 10, 8, and 4, are now out of danger after hospitalisation. Preliminary investigations suggest the couple may have consumed poison due to domestic issues.
Woman found dead, FIR against boss in Ghaziabad
Weather Today: Delhi-NCR can expect unsettled weather from January 30 to February 2, with cloudy skies, light rain, and thunderstorms. Residents should prepare for foggy mornings, gusty winds up to 40 kmph, and potential disruptions. The forecast indicates a refreshing, albeit cool, period with intermittent showers.
Couple Dies After Consuming Poison In Noida, 3 Children Hospitalised: Cops
A family of five allegedly consumed poison following a domestic dispute here, police said on Thursday, adding that the couple died and their three children are hospitalised.
India Beat England By 7 Wickets In Opening Match Of Mixed Disability T20I Series
Mixed Disability T20I Series: India made a strong start to the historic five-match Mixed Disability T20 International series against England, registering a convincing seven-wicket victory in the opening match at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida on Thursday. Batting first after losing the toss, England posted 173/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Callum Flynn set the early tempo with an aggressive 26 off 16 balls, while Lian OBrien anchored the innings with a composed 55 off 41 deliveries, striking four boundaries and three sixes. Wicketkeeper-batter Angus Grant Brown added valuable runs in the latter half, scoring a fluent 53 off 34 balls to ensure England crossed the 170-run mark. Indian bowlers maintained discipline during key phases of the innings. Akash Singh and Vivek Kumar picked up important wickets at crucial moments, preventing England from building sustained partnerships and keeping the target within reach. In response, India chased down the total with confidence, reaching 175 for 3 in 18.5 overs. The chase was spearheaded by wicketkeeper-batter Yogendra Bhadoria, who delivered a match-winning performance with a magnificent 94 off 59 balls. Bhadorias innings, which included six fours and five sixes, provided stability and momentum throughout the run chase. Yogendra Bhadoria was adjudged the Player of the Match for his outstanding match-winning knock. Speaking after the match, Yogendra Bhadoria said, This award means a lot to me, but more importantly, it belongs to the entire team. We played with belief and confidence, and it feels special to contribute to a series that stands for inclusion and equal opportunity. Yogendra received support from Akash Singh, who played a quickfire knock of 36 off just 15 balls, striking at an impressive rate and putting pressure back on the English bowlers. Arjun Gawre contributed 13 runs, while Majid (12 not out) and skipper Ravindra Sante (11 not out) guided India to victory without further loss. Speaking after the match, Yogendra Bhadoria said, This award means a lot to me, but more importantly, it belongs to the entire team. We played with belief and confidence, and it feels special to contribute to a series that stands for inclusion and equal opportunity. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The second T20I will also be played in Greater Noida as the landmark series continues. Article Source: IANS
No box office pressure with cell phone cinema, can help disseminate spiritual knowledge: Naqvi
New Delhi, Jan 29: Indian cell phone cinema industry can play a significant role in disseminating spiritual knowledge, along with modern science, to the people as there is no box office pressure with this medium, BJP leader and former Information and Broadcasting Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Thursday. Addressing International Festival of Cell Phone Cinema, organised at Marwah Studios in Noida Film City, Naqvi said that the glorious journey of Indian cinema, which began with Dadasaheb Phalkes silent film [] The post No box office pressure with cell phone cinema, can help disseminate spiritual knowledge: Naqvi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Video: Man Rams Greater Noida Cop To Evade Checking, Drags Him 500 Metres
In a dramatic escape attempt captured on camera, a traffic policeman in Greater Noida was dragged for nearly 500 metres on the bonnet of a car after its driver allegedly rammed into him to evade a vehicle check, officials said on Thursday.
Probe on after 14-year-old girl in Noida goes missing
Man jumps off 16th-floor balcony in Greater Noida condo after spat with wife
E-bike rider knocked down by car in Noida, dies
Pharma firm set to invest Rs 587cr in Medical Device Park
2 ramps, cloverleaf to link Indirapuram & Vasundhara to Hindon Elevated Road
Constant din around us: Residents want noise wall along MP2 road
After Techie's Death, Noida Identifies 65 Risk Spots, Sets Deadlines
Around 65 vulnerable points, both major and minor, have been identified across Noida, with 52 of them falling under the Noida Authority's jurisdiction and slated for urgent corrective action, officials said.
3 of gang that stole bikes parked outside offices, schools held
Ghaziabad flags 150 open drains, broken culverts, construction pits without barricades
Showers clear air in Noida, but brace for cold nights for next 3 days
Delhi, Noida, Gurugram weather today: The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi on Thursday and the temperature in the national capital is likely to plunge. Delhi may see partly cloudy sky and moderate fog during the morning hours today. Noida and Gurugram are also likely to see similar weather conditions. From February 1, the Delhi-NCR region may see light rainfall.
2 hostel staffers held in BTech students suicide in Greater Noida
Nine on roads, but 500 on paper: Noida slow walks on e-buses despite policy push
Car driver tries to run over Noida cop, drags him on bonnet for 500m
Robber held after gunfight in Ghaziabad
Noida Authority identifies 65 vulnerable spots, sets deadlines for fixes after techie's death
Noida is addressing 65 hazardous spots after a recent tragedy. The Noida Authority will fix 52 locations within a week. Other departments have until February 20 to resolve issues. Plans include scientific waste disposal and new water sumps in villages. Road repairs and public toilet upgrades are also scheduled. Sanitary inspectors will be hired to improve city safety.
Rain, hail add to chill, slow rush-hour traffic in Noida
Charging EV goes up in flames in Ghaziabad, triggers AC blast
Days after techies death, Noida Authority identifies 65 spots lacking safety
Two cousins killed after their tractor overturns in Ghaziabad
2 held after clash over parking at engagement party in Jewar
HC upholds Rera relief for Gaur City Centre shop buyers
Constable among two held for cheating man of s 5 lakh
No inauguration, no rollout: Ghazibad ITMS project ready, but waits
Uttar Pradesh weather update: Uttar Pradesh is bracing for more rainfall and thunderstorms this week due to an approaching Western Disturbance, according to the IMD. Lucknow and Ayodhya received rain overnight and the IMD has warned of rain and thunderstorms in many UP districts. Noida and Ghaziabad are likely to see mist and shallow fog today.
No relief from pollution as AQI slips back to very poor in Noida
Girl changes statement in court, man acquitted in rape case after 6 years
Three arrested after fight at Greater Noida cyber cafe
NCRs worst: 40% pollution complaint not resolved in Noida last year
Office leasing in Delhi NCR rises to a new record in 2025
Delhi-NCR office space leasing reached an all-time high in 2025. Leasing grew by 24% from the previous year. The opening of Noida airport significantly boosted growth. IT-BPM sector led demand. Demand spread to new areas like Noida and Gurugram corridors. Supply was a concern, reducing vacancy levels. Noida is now competing with Gurugram.
Delhi Weather Today: Delhi received moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning on Tuesday. The weather office IMD has issued a green alert for today, which means no warning for bad weather. The IMD has forecast light rainfall for Delhi and Gurugram on February 1. Noida will witness a generally cloudy sky with light rain on February 2, the IMD said.
Noida techie drowning: No bail, Wiztown directors judicial remand extended
A Noida court denied bail to Abhay Kumar, director of Wiztown Planners, extending his remand in connection with a software engineer's death in a construction pit. Two Lotus Greens employees also had their remand extended. All are booked under sections related to culpable homicide, negligence, and endangering life.
'1st Concern Is Investors': Top Court Warns Greater Noida Builder On Refunds
Days after a Supreme Court-appointed panel found that the Grand Venice project in Greater Noida is unfit for occupancy, the top court came down hard on the builder, giving him a day to specify whether he could process refunds.
SIR: 2.4L unmapped voters in Ghaziabad, Noida issued notices
A late-night delivery mix-up in Greater Noida's Nimbus Society sparked a violent clash between security guards and delivery agent on Saturday. The chaotic clash, triggered by a wrong delivery, saw dozens exchanging blows with sticks and rods near the main gate. Police have arrested four people in the matter and a further investigation is underway.
Delhi weather update: After experiencing the coldest Republic Day since 2021, Delhi is likely to witness light rain and low temperatures today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted. Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad are also likely to experience one or two spells of rain with thunderstorms and lightning. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR for Tuesday, predicting one to two spells of light rain and gusty winds up to 40km/hr.
Efforts to rescue Yuvraj hit by lack of tools, trained hands: Police report
Two wardens held for abetment after student jumps off balcony
Encounter to syrup probe, medals for 17 policemen in Ghaziabad and Noida
13 companies fined for water extraction, but Noida says they bought it
Relief gone with the wind: AQI back to poor in Noida after 2 moderate days
PVVNL plans billing offices in Jewar, Dadri to ease consumer hardship
With Padma Shri, Jewar boy Praveen Kumar makes a hat-trick in 5 years. And hes just 23
7 arrested for attacking man and his family at a wedding in Noida
Late-night food delivery mix-up sparks brawl in Greater Noida condo
Body found not his missing wifes, man acquitted in murder case after 8 years
Thieves fold hands, then flee with bells, lamps from temple in Greater Noida
High Court rejects YEIDAs appeal to review its township land order
NPCL opens EV charging plaza in Greater Noida
Greater Noida Authority to allot land at 3 sites for plant nurseries
We are also covering: Noida Techie Yuvraj Mehta's Death Not Accident, But 'Institutional Failure': SIT Findings Explained and other news.
Noida Techie Yuvraj Mehta's Death Not Accident, But 'Institutional Failure': SIT Findings Explained
The SIT has indicted the Noida Authority, police, fire services and traffic management for delays, omissions and negligence that collectively led to the loss of life
Noida techie death: Father seeks justice for negligence
Meanwhile, on Thursday, two persons have been arrested by the Noida Police following the case of 27-year-old techie Yuvraj Mehta, who lost his life after his car broke through a waterlogged pit near a public road in Sector-150, officials said on Thursday
Left My Son To Gods Mercy: Father Calls Out Negligence, Demands Action After Noida Techies Death
Noida techie's father, Rajkumar Mehta, blamed authorities for negligence. CM Yogi Adityanath ordered an SIT probe.
80 rescuers, no saviour: Who let Noida techie Yuvraj drown?
80 rescuers, no saviour: Who let Noida techie Yuvraj Mehta drown?
A young software engineer drowned in a Noida trench despite a massive rescue operation involving multiple agencies. Officials and the victim's father decried the institutional failure, citing a lack of training, equipment, and coordination among first responders and specialized units. The tragedy exposed critical gaps in India's emergency response mechanism.
Hostel calls father after BTech student drinks with friends in Noida, he jumps to death
16 Indian sailors held in Iran get consular access, speak with kin
Citys air quality moderate after 85 days, thanks to rain
Additional CEO to head Noida Authorityfor now
Liquor salesman from Ghaziabad held captive for 5 hours and assaulted, 1 held
90 flats up for auction in Greater Noidas sector Omicron
After spat over wedding ritual, baraat attacked in Greater Noida
Delhi Police have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for Republic Day 2026, announcing extensive road closures and diversions in central Delhi. Commuters are urged to plan travel in advance, utilize public transport, and adhere to traffic signage to ensure the smooth conduct of the parade and public safety.
IAS Krishna Karunesh Appointed Noida Authority CEO After Techie's Death
Senior IAS officer Krishna Karunesh has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority, replacing Lokesh M, officials said on Saturday.
B.Tech student dies after jumping from hostel building in Greater Noida
Two persons have been taken into custody in connection with the matter, and further investigation is underway, police said
Noida Authority has a new CEO, Krishna Karunesh, appointed after the tragic death of a techie in a construction pit. Yuvraj Mehta's demise in an unmarked pit, amidst dense fog, has ignited resident protests and calls for accountability. This incident highlights critical issues in urban planning and road safety, prompting a national discussion on construction zone hazards.
Krishna Karunesh takes charge as Noida Authority CEO after techie death
Senior IAS officer Krishna Karunesh is the new Chief Executive Officer of Noida Authority. He replaces Lokesh M. This appointment follows a recent controversy and protests in Sector 150. Karunesh previously served as District Magistrate of Gorakhpur. He has held significant administrative roles in Ghaziabad, Hapur, and Balrampur. The change aims to address recent issues.
