Brandturks

21-year-old from China wins TCS CodeVita™ 2026 as TCS sets new Guinness World Records™ for the world’s largest coding competition
TCS sets a new milestone with 146,922 participants, surpassing its 2021 Guinness World Records™ title to remain the world’s largest coding championship

MUMBAI, February, 27, 2026: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, announced the winners of the 2026 edition of its global coding competition, TCS CodeVita™. Zhou Jingkai, 21, from the People’s Republic of China, secured the top honour. Vincente Opazo from Chile and Jorge Valdivia from Peru emerged as the first and second runners up, respectively. This year’s edition marked a new benchmark, with 146,922 participants, earning TCS a new Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest computer programming competition, surpassing its previous record of 2021.

Swapnil Dangarikar, Senior Adjudicator, Guinness World Records, said, “TCS CodeVita has earned the unique distinction of breaking the record for the largest computer programming competition with 146,922 participants in its 13th season of organizing this competition. TCS CodeVita broke their own previous record set in season 9. This solidifies TCS’ goal of promoting programming as a sport and a force for positive change.”

Sudeep Kunnumal, Chief Human Resources Officer, TCS, said, “Setting another Guinness World Record is a proud achievement for everyone at TCS. My heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winner and all the finalists. TCS CodeVita gives aspiring coders a global stage to showcase their ability to solve complex real-world problems. As generative AI reshapes the technology landscape, our ability to find and cultivate the right talent is more critical than ever. CodeVita remains central to that effort, helping us identify high potential talent through an engaging, gamified recruitment platform.”

Now in its 13th season, TCS CodeVita, continues to showcase some of the world’s brightest programming minds, pushing the boundaries of competitive coding excellence. This year the competition saw a new mini competition being instituted. The 30 finalists appeared for an AI-assisted programming competition with an objective to understand the dynamics of Human – AI collaboration to solve complex programming problems. TCS provided the participants with frontier AI models including ChatGPT, Claude Sonnet, and Gemini to derive innovative solutions. This allowed TCS to capture in real time how humans use AI in roles of validator, collaborator or outsourcing partner. Another highlight of this season was the strong representation of women coders from India. Six Indian women finalists made it to the global top 30, the highest ever across all the editions thus far.

Category Best Women Coders Best AI Coder Best Emerging Coder
Winner Tejaswini Singh, Lucknow, Zhou Jingkai, People’s Republic of China Balashiva S, Chennai, India
First Runner-up Keerthi KP, Chennai Benjamin Orellana, United States of America Jose Nunez, Ecuador
Second Runner-up Mahak Lachhwani, Bhopal Jorge Valdivia, Peru Gabriella Padilla, Ecuador

Zhou Jingkai, TCS CodeVita winner 2026, said, “Winning TCS CodeVita feels surreal, especially since I almost tasted victory last year as the top Emerging Coder of the Year. Participating in the world’s largest coding competition has been one of the most inspiring experiences for me. I returned to take part this year because it encourages us to sharpen our ability to break down complex challenges and think creatively under pressure. It provides a great opportunity to learn from fellow coders across the globe. I am grateful for this experience, which has not only strengthened my problem-solving capabilities but also inspired me to think differently.”

CodeVita is an open book competition that allows participants to research, explore, and solve problems of varying complexities within six hours. Each round presents a fresh set of real world challenge that becomes complex as the competition progresses. Historically, only the top 25 contestants make it to the final round, however this year, 30 exceptional coders representing eight foreign and 22 Indian’s qualified for the top spot, reflecting exceptional caliber of talent in the 2026 edition.

The contest is open to students enrolled in colleges and universities across the globe and uses a gamified model to promote programming as a sport. Over the years, hundreds of participants have gone on to secure roles at TCS, with selected finalists earning an opportunity to intern with TCS Research and Innovation. #TCS #Code #CodeVita #GuinnessWorldRecord

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Brandturks

26th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Extracorporeal Technology begins at Mumbai

Mumbai, 27 February 2026 – The 26th Annual National Conference of the Indian Society of Extracorporeal Technology (ISECT), ISECTCON 2026, was inaugurated today at Hotel Aurika Mumbai Sky City in the presence of leading cardiac care specialists, perfusionists, healthcare professionals and dignitaries.

Centered on the theme “Next-Gen Perfusion: AI, Robotics, and Personalized Care,” the two-day conference has brought together experts from across India and overseas to discuss how technology is transforming cardiac surgery and critical care.

While the term “heart surgeon” is widely understood, the role of a perfusionist remains largely unknown to the public. A perfusionist is the trained healthcare professional who operates the heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery. When a surgeon temporarily stops the heart to perform a procedure, it is the perfusionist who ensures that oxygen-rich blood continues to circulate throughout the patient’s body. Their role is crucial not only in heart surgeries but also in life-support systems such as ECMO, which supports patients with severe heart or lung failure.

Despite being central to life-saving procedures, perfusionists often work behind the scenes, receiving limited public recognition. ISECTCON 2026 seeks to bridge this awareness gap, while also addressing the need for stronger professional recognition, structured training pathways and wider understanding of perfusion science within India’s healthcare ecosystem.

The scientific sessions on Day 1 focused on advancements in perfusion practice, pediatric cardiac care and the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence and robotics in surgical support systems. A special debate titled “Evidence vs Experience” encouraged open dialogue on balancing data-driven decisions with clinical expertise. The inauguration ceremony also honored senior professionals with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contribution to the field.

Day 2 will focus on advanced strategies in complex cardiac procedures and the evolving role of ECMO as a bridge to recovery and transplant. A scientific quiz and the society’s General Body Meeting are also part of the program.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ravindra Sawardekar, Organising Secretary, ISECTCON said,“Many people know the heart surgeon who performs the operation, but very few know the perfusionist who keeps the patient alive during that surgery. Artificial Intelligence is not here to replace clinical judgment. It is here to support it. By integrating AI into perfusion systems, we can improve accuracy, enhance patient safety and make faster, better-informed decisions in critical moments. Our responsibility is to adapt, learn and ensure that perfusion-science strengthens patient care.”He further added,“In India, there is a lack of awareness about the important field of perfusion, along with a shortage of trained professionals. With the number of heart surgeries and life-support treatments increasing every year, the demand for perfusionists is rising rapidly. Therefore, it is extremely important to strengthen education and training in this field and ensure clear recognition at the government level.”

The conference is being led by Rajendra Kokane (ISECT President), Loknath Tiwari General Secretary ISECT), Jagannath Kalugade (Organising President), Vikas Mali (Organising Chairman), Ravindra Sawardekar (Organising Secretary), Shashikant Memane (Joint Secretary), Yogesh Ludbe (Treasurer) and Rafique Shaikh (Scientific Committee), along with senior ISECT leadership and executive members.

Located near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Hotel Aurika Mumbai Sky City is hosting hundreds of delegates from across the country for this landmark gathering. As cardiac care becomes increasingly technology-driven, ISECTCON 2026 reinforces a simple but powerful message: behind every successful heart surgery stands a coordinated team, and at the core of that team is the perfusionist, quietly ensuring that life continues to flow.

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Chhota Bheem Goes FAST: Green Gold TV Brings Non-Stop Magic to Indian Living Rooms.  


​The landscape of Indian entertainment just got a lot more colorful. Green Gold Animation, the legendary studio that defined a generation of Indian childhoods, is officially launching Green Gold TV—a 24x7, Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channel designed specifically for kids and families.
​What is FAST?
​Think of it as the best of both worlds: the "lean-back" ease of traditional TV combined with the modern power of streaming. No subscriptions, no login hurdles—just high-quality, continuous storytelling available at the click of a button.
​Where to Watch
​The channel is rolling out across major Connected TV (CTV) and streaming platforms, including:
​TCL & Cloud TV
​Airtel Xstream
​RunnTV & YuppTV
​...with more partners joining the party soon!
​A New Era for Original Indian Stories
​While YouTube has been a long-time home for many, Green Gold TV offers a more "cinematic" experience. The channel will skip the short clips in favor of:
​Full-Length Fun: 22-minute long-form episodes.
​Family Movie Nights: Curated 60-minute features for an uninterrupted viewing experience.

​"The television landscape is at the brink of a major transformation," says Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO. "With Green Gold TV, we are bringing our catalogue of original Indian stories directly into living rooms across the country, offering stories that families can enjoy together—free, seamless, and in a format built for the future."


​
​With India’s Connected TV households expected to soar past 150 million, Green Gold is leading the charge as the first Indian animation studio to embrace the FAST ecosystem. It’s a bold digital strategy that ensures that whether you’re in a bustling metro or a small town, world-class Indian animation is always just one channel away.
​Recently launched with six flagship titles,-
Super Bheem, Mighty Raju, Chorr Police
, Krishna Balram, Luv Kushh, Maha Ganesha
and Vikram Betal.

Green Gold TV is set to become the go-to destination for free, high-quality family entertainment.

​The stories that shaped a generation are finally getting the "always-on" home they deserve. Grab the popcorn and settle in—Green Gold TV is bringing the heart of Indian animation straight to your living room!

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Brandturks

Motorola elevates the flagship segment in India with Motorola Signature - featuring one of the world’s best cameras certified by DXOMARK^, India’s first 24X7 privilege services with Signature Club, luxurious finishes and flagship performance and AI – starting at just Rs. 54,999*

 

The Motorola Signature sets a new global benchmark in imaging with Gold Label Camera recognition from DXOMARK* featuring the world’s 1st and most advanced Sony LYTIA 828 Main Camera, supporting Dolby Vision video and 8K video recording, enabling professional-grade photography and cinematic video creation with exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and Pantone validated colour accuracy

The Motorola Signature delivers refined luxury craftsmanship with an ultra-thin profile, featuring a fabric-inspired premium finish paired with a precision-engineered aircraft-grade aluminium frame, blending elegance, comfort, and durability in a distinctly premium design language

Extending premium ownership beyond hardware, the Signature becomes India’s first smartphone lineup to offer exclusive Signature Club privileges, providing 24X7 live agent support based access to curated lifestyle experiences, premium access services, and bespoke benefits designed for elevated living

Powered by Qualcomm’s flagship and latest Snapdragon® 8 Gen 5 Mobile Platform, the Signature delivers uncompromising flagship performance.  Its advanced copper mesh liquid metal cooling system ensures sustained peak performance during intensive gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven workloads

Motorola also announced its new ecosystem product – namely the moto watch powered by Polar, delivering advanced wellness tracking like advanced sleep, recovery, SpO2, and heart rate tracking, while retaining the look and feel of a classic timepiece.

The moto watch features a segment-only aluminium design protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 complemented by IP68 + 1ATM water resistance, a 1.4” circular OLED display, dual-band GPS, and offers up to 7 days of battery life with always-on display.

The Motorola Signature will be available in 3 storage variants - 12GB RAM + 256GB, 16GM RAM + 512GB and 16GB RAM + 1TB storage variants with color options – PANTONE™ Martini Olive and PANTONE™ Carbon (Dark Blue), on Flipkart, Motorola.in and leading retail stores at an effective launch price of just INR 54,999*.

moto watch powered by Polar will be available in 6 variants at an effective launch price of just Rs.5,999 for the silicone variant and Rs.6,999 for the metal and leather variants.

 

Mumbai, 23rd January 2026: Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and innovation and India’s leading AI smartphone brand, today announced the launch of Motorola Signature in India, setting a new benchmark in ultra-premium flagship smartphones with sophistication and luxury personified. Designed for consumers who seek uncompromising excellence, the Signature redefines flagship experiences by combining world-first camera innovation, refined luxury craftsmanship, next-generation performance, and curated lifestyle privileges. Strengthening this premium ecosystem further, Motorola also introduced the moto watch powered by Polar, delivering segment-leading wellness tracking in a timeless watch design.

 

The motorola signature features the world’s only Triple Sony LYTIA™ Pro-Grade Camera System, validated with the DXOMARK Gold Label certification for exceptional photo and video performance across real-world scenarios. With a camera score of 164 on DXOMARK’s camera performance index, motorola Signature becomes the no. 1 camera phone in India, under the INR 100,000 segment. At the heart of the system is the 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 828 main camera, the largest 50MP sensor yet, delivering cinematic imaging with Dolby Vision® video recording in 8K and 4K up to 60fps, Quad Pixel technology, advanced noise reduction, and 3.5° Optical Image Stabilization for ultra-stable results in any lighting condition. It is complemented by a 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 600 periscope camera with 3x optical zoom, OIS, and up to 100x Super Zoom Pro, a 50MP ultra-wide + macro vision camera with a 122° field of view and close-focus macro capability, and a 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 500 front camera supporting 4K video at 60fps. The entire camera system is further enhanced with Pantone™ Validated Color and SkinTone™ calibration and a multispectral 3-in-1 light sensor for accurate exposure, white balance, and true-to-life colour reproduction.

 

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UpTik Announces Platform Launch and Fund Structures at International Investment Conference at BSE, Mumbai


Mumbai, January 24, 2026: UpTik, a Hyderabad-based financial technology platform under the Growwcap ecosystem, announced key platform and fund structure developments at the International Conference on Investments & Global Affairs, held at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Saturday.

The conference brought together senior industry leaders, market participants, legal experts, and policymakers to deliberate on global investment trends, alternative assets, and cross-border capital frameworks, while providing a forum for UpTik to outline its institutional platform approach.

Platform and Fund Structure Announcements
During the conference, UpTik disclosed its acquisition of Bhadhani Finance Company Limited, a 27-year-old NBFC, with a stated focus on regulatory compliance, governance discipline, and institutional lending practices.
The company also detailed the structure and positioning of its Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), including its investment framework and governance mechanisms. Mr. Harvansh Chawla, Chairman, BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry, was announced as Chairman of FiscalTown AIF (Category II).
In addition, UpTik presented its Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) structure, aimed at facilitating cross-border fund management and participation by global investors and family offices.

Commenting on the developments, Mr Vinod Varma Ainampudi, Co-Founder & CEO UpTik, said:
“The objective behind building UpTik has been to create a structured, governance-first platform that aligns with institutional expectations across lending, fund management, and cross-border investment. The discussions at today’s conference reflect the growing importance of transparency, regulatory clarity, and disciplined capital deployment in India’s evolving investment ecosystem.”

Mr. Kanishk Gupta, Managing Director, FiscalTown added
“As capital markets mature, investors increasingly seek platforms that balance regulatory clarity with execution discipline. FiscalTown has been structured to facilitate informed participation across alternative investments, real estate, private equity, pre-IPO opportunities, and cross-border investment structures.”
Conference Discussions

The first panel discussion focused on alternative investments, covering private credit, risk-adjusted returns, compliance frameworks, and institutional participation in India’s evolving alternatives market.

The second panel addressed global affairs and cross-border investment, examining capital flows, geopolitical considerations, offshore fund structures, international domiciles, and India’s role within global investment corridors.
Key Speakers

Speakers at the conference included:
Mr. Harvansh Chawla, Chairman, BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Mr. Ajay Kumar Singh, Vice Chairman, BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Mr. Sameer Patil, Chief Business Officer, National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)
Mr. Balaswaminathan, Founder & CEO, SAIML, Singapore; Former President – Westpac
Mr. Anand Chari, Former Additional General Manager – SME & Startups, Bombay Stock Exchange
Mr. Murugiah Rajaram, Chairman & Co-Managing Partner, K&L Gates Straits Law LLC
Mr. Ram Talluri, Managing Director, Lead IT & Skyzone India

Mr. Aviral Jain, Former Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Mr Satya Murthy, Managing Director, Aasritha Group
UpTik also acknowledged the role of its founding leadership team in building the platform.
“We would like to acknowledge the contribution of our founding leadership team—Dileep Varma, Mukesh Chowdary, and Phani Chowdary—who have played a key role in establishing UpTik’s operational, governance, and technology frameworks,” said Vinod.
The conference also recognised the participation of Aasritha Group, whose representatives highlighted the importance of structured capital platforms in enabling scalable and compliant investment ecosystems.

The event concluded with the UpTik Excellence Awards, recognising internal teams for leadership, performance, and operational integrity, followed by a post-conference media interaction where journalists engaged with speakers on market sentiment, regulatory developments, and capital market trends.
VRIGHT Exchange, India’s first structured investor engagement and leadership dialogue platform, participated as the Knowledge Partner, curating institutional-grade discussions and facilitating structured leadership interactions aligned with serious investor interests.
UpTik reiterated that it focuses on enabling transparent access to investment opportunities within India’s capital markets ecosystem and does not provide investment advice or guarantee returns.
About UpTik
UpTik is a Hyderabad-based financial technology platform focused on enabling transparent and structured access to investment opportunities within India's capital markets ecosystem. The platform facilitates informed participation through curated information, digital processes, and clearly defined frameworks aligned with regulatory norms.
Led by a team with experience across technology and financial markets, UpTik emphasizes governance, risk awareness, and process transparency. The platform is designed to support disciplined decision-making and does not provide investment advice or assurance of returns. Users are encouraged to independently evaluate opportunities and seek professional guidance where required.

UpTik is positioned to scale nationally while aligning with India's evolving regulatory and market landscape, focusing on long-term value creation through disciplined execution and continuous platform development.

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Hannah Joseph Hospital Limited IPO Opens on January 22, 2026

Total Issue Size – Up To 60,00,000 Equity Shares of ₹ 10 each

IPO Size - ₹ 42.00 Crore (At Upper Price Band)

Price Band - ₹ 67 - ₹ 70 Per Share

Lot Size – 2,000 Equity Shares

Mumbai, January 20, 2026 – Hannah Joseph Hospital Limited (Hannah Joseph, The Company) a multi-specialty tertiary care hospital in Madurai with focus on Neurosciences and Trauma, proposes to open its Initial Public Offering on January 22, 2026, aiming to raise ₹ ₹ 42.00 Crore (At Upper Price Band) by fresh issue of 60,00,000 equity shares, to be listed on the BSE SME platform.

The issue size is 60,00,000 equity shares at a face value of ₹ 10 each with a price band of ₹ 67 - ₹ 70 Per Share.

Equity Share Allocation

Qualified Institutional Buyer – Not more than 28,46,000 Equity Shares 

Non-Institutional Investors – Not less than 8,58,000 Equity Shares 

Individual Investors – Not less than 19,96,000 Equity Shares

Market Maker – 3,00,000 Equity Shares

The net proceeds from the IPO will be utilized for Funding of capital expenditure for establishing Radiation Oncology Centre and General Corporate Purposes. The anchor portion will open on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 and the issue will open on Thursday, January 22, 2026 and will close on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.  

                                                                                  

The Book Running Lead Manager to the Issue Capital Square Advisors Private Limited, The Registrar to the Issue is Bigshare Services Private Limited.

Dr. Mosesjoseph Arunkumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Hannah Joseph Hospital Limited expressed, “Since its inception, remained committed to delivering advanced, ethical, and patient-centric healthcare services. Our evolution from a single-specialty focus to a multi-specialty tertiary care hospital reflects our continuous investments in clinical excellence, technology, and skilled medical professionals. Being a regional referral center for complex neurological, neurosurgical, cardiac, and trauma care, we have consistently strengthened our infrastructure and clinical capabilities to meet the growing healthcare needs of South Tamil Nadu.

The proposed IPO is expected to support the Company’s planned capacity and service expansion initiatives, enabling it to strengthen its clinical offerings and deliver more integrated, end-to-end care. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing patient convenience and treatment outcomes while broadening the Company’s ability to serve complex medical needs under a single platform. The expansion is also expected to drive incremental inpatient and outpatient volumes and support sustainable growth in revenues over the medium to long term.”

Mr. Sunil Kumar Manocha, Founder & Director of Capital Square Advisors Private Limited said, “Hannah Joseph Hospital operates a tertiary care facility in its core market with a focused presence across neurosciences, cardiology, trauma, and critical care. Supported by accredited operations and participation in government insurance schemes, the hospital is positioned to deploy incremental capital towards capacity enhancement and service integration initiatives. 

These initiatives are expected to expand clinical offerings, improve patient throughput and case mix, and support growth in inpatient and outpatient revenues.”

About Hannah Joseph Hospital Limited:

Hannah Joseph Hospital Limited (Hannah Joseph, The Company) is a Madurai-based, Multi-Specialty Neurosciences and Trauma Center Operating 133-bed tertiary hospital with allied specialities of Cardiac Sciences, Orthopedics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Incorporated in 2011 and transitioned into a public limited company in 2022, the hospital has developed an integrated care model supported by advanced clinical infrastructure, critical care capabilities, and academic training programs.

Led by experienced medical professionals, the Company serves as a regional referral center for complex Neurological, Neurosurgical and Trauma related surgeries while maintaining a balanced mix of inpatient and outpatient services.

For the period ended 31st March 2025, the company reported Revenue of ₹ 7,753.13 Lakhs, EBITDA Margin of 26.47% & PAT Margin 9.30%. 

For the period ended 30thSeptember 2025, the company reported Revenue of ₹ 4,254.52 Lakhs, EBITDA Margin of 27.38% & PAT Margin 12.03%. 

Disclaimer: 

Certain statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties like government actions, local, political or economic developments, technological risks, and many other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. The Company will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.


#Brandturks #IPO #HannahJosephHospitalLimited

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Brandturks

Borivali West now gets a 24×7 Animal Hospital 'BloomVet'



In a major boost for pet health services in the suburbs, BloomVet, a comprehensive 24×7 animal clinic, has opened its doors to the community, offering round-the-clock care for beloved pets — a service long awaited by pet parents in the area.

The hospital will now expand its operations to 24×7, ensuring pet parents can access urgent care outside traditional hours — a critical advantage in emergencies when every minute counts. Immediate access to veterinary care has been a key concern for residents of the area, especially for those with senior animals, chronic conditions, or pets prone to sudden health issues. The clinic’s extended hours mean that critical interventions, from injury treatment to urgent diagnostics, are now more accessible locally than ever before. Currently, pet parents were forced to travel upwards of an hour to Andheri or Parel at night to get access to emergency care

Local pet parents have welcomed expansion of the facility, noting that reliable, round-the-clock veterinary support greatly enhances peace of mind. As pets continue to be cherished members of families, having a trusted 24×7 care centre in the neighbourhood stands to make a real difference in pet health outcomes and owner confidence. #Brandturks #BloomVet #Animals

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Pepperfry third year ‘Home Report Card 2025’ launch

India’s Only Trends and Trivia Guide for Home & Décor

Mumbai, 19 January 2026 : Pepperfry, India’s leading omnichannel furniture and home goods marketplace, has marked the third year of its much loved Home Report Card launch with the release of the 2025 edition; a report that captures how Indian households shopped for their homes in 2025. Based on real purchase behaviour across 700+ cities, the report highlights a clear shift - homes are no longer upgraded in one go, but improved steadily, room by room through the year. Home categories recorded nearly 2X higher transaction intensity than furniture, with storage, kitchen utilities, organisers, and lighting leading the demand. In cities such as Bengaluru, Pune, and Jaipur, Home Goods accounted for more than half of all home-related purchases.

Living rooms emerged as the most socially expressive space in Indian homes. Living room furniture delivered significantly higher engagement across categories, reflecting a shift towards planned upgrades driven by lifestyle aspirations rather than immediate need. Purchase cycles significantly going down with customers changing sofas once in 4 years. In Bedroom, Queen-size beds and mattresses continued to dominate demand nationwide.

Ashish Shah, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pepperfry said,“Excited to release this third edition of Pepperfry’s Home Report Card 2025. As always, the report isn’t about forecasting trends, it reflects behaviour across millions of households based on the purchases done on Pepperfry; showing how homes are becoming more personal, practical, and thoughtfully built over time, the report is filled with tons of trivia around regional likes and preferences as usual. With advent of many D2C Brands launching this year on Pepperfry, we see customers getting more discerning and buying products that are unique and design-led. This year Pepperfry will continue to pursue its strong ambition of becoming the defacto ‘Fashion for Home’ destination for consumers and brands alike.”

Shubbam Sharma, Chief Growth Officer, Pepperfry added,“What Indians buy for their homes today is deeply influenced by where they live, how they work, and how their lifestyles are changing. The Pepperfry Home Report Card 2025 brings these insights to life, combining data, trends, and trivia to paint a comprehensive picture of home buying across India. The report also inspires us to make the most relevant supply available based on new trends for our customers this year.”

Kulbhushan Atkar, Head of Marketing and Furniture Category, Pepperfry said,“What Pepperfry’s Home Report Card 2025 clearly highlights is a shift from episodic home buying to continuous home-building. Consumers are no longer waiting for festivals or a new home to act, they’re upgrading in smaller, more assured decisions through the year. For brands and marketers, this changes the approach. Success will hinge on remaining relevant across life stages, seasons, and moments—by offering the right solutions when homes are ready for change, not when the calendar dictates it.”

Lighting emerged as the year’s biggest design shift, with hanging lights and wall lamps outperforming soft décor across metros. Tier-2 India contributed over 40% of Home demand, with cities such as Goa, Nagpur, Kochi, and Bhopal investing strongly in ambience and functionality.

Work-from-home proved to be functional, with office chairs emerging as the fastest-moving furniture category of the year, driven equally by metros and Tier-2 cities. Across metro markets, Mandirs emerged as one of the leading home categories, highlighting how devotional spaces continue to be integrated into modern urban homes. The Home Report Card 2025 underscores how Indian homes are no longer chasing perfection but investing in living better - one thoughtful decision at a time. #PepperFry #Home #Report

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Brandturks

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm Across the World

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was celebrated with great enthusiasm across India as well as abroad on 9th January. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt greetings to Indians living overseas. The Prime Minister said that Indians abroad serve as a strong bridge between India and the world. To mark the day, Indian missions across the globe organized a range of events.

India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva hosted a grand event on 9th, which saw the participation of a large number of people of Indian origin. Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India in Shanghai observed the day with a focus on promoting Indian entrepreneurship. India’s Consul General there, Pratik Mathur, visited Hangzhou’s regional tourism facilities and emerging AI hub. During the visit, he interacted with members of the Indian community as well as Indian diaspora youth thought leaders working with next-generation AI-tech startups. He appreciated their innovative work in driving transformation across sectors and contributing to “Made in India, Made for the World” AI solutions.

The Indian Embassy in Bhutan, in a post on social media platform X, stated, “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a longstanding occasion to renew bonds; to develop friendships, and to honor the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the nation's development.”

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also extended his greetings to nearly 35 million NRIs and people of Indian origin living abroad. In a post on X, he wrote, “We are proud of you! On Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, we celebrate the Indian diaspora for their vital role in strengthening India’s global footprint. Their achievements and contributions continue to drive progress, innovation, and development, both at home and across the world.”

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on 9th January 1915. The day is observed to honour the contribution of the global Indian community to India’s development. It provides a platform for cultural programmes, the conferment of awards (Pravasi Bharatiya Samman), and discussions on India’s progress. The Ministry of External Affairs organizes the main event every two years in different states, bringing together members of the diaspora, policymakers, and stakeholders.

The day holds special significance for Indians as the Indian diaspora is the largest in the world. Prime Minister Modi’s statement that the Indian diaspora acts as a strong bridge between India and the world appears especially apt. Data shows that Indians have made their mark in every corner of the globe—from sending remittances worth USD 130 billion to influencing policymaking in major countries. According to Reserve Bank of India figures, these remittances account for over 3 per cent of India’s GDP.

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IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026, the First Trade Fair

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is set to open the global jewellery calendar with the 18th edition of IIJS Bharat – Signature 2026, the first global B2B jewellery trade fair of the year, scheduled to be held across two premier venues in Mumbai later this week.

The exhibition will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Bandra Kurla Complex, from 8 to 11 January 2026, and concurrently at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), Goregaon, from 9 to 12 January 2026, alongside the machinery and technology showcase IGJME Bharat – Signature 2026.

IIJS is a name to reckon with, synonymous with business in the gem and jewellery industry. As the first trade event of the year, IIJS Bharat – Signature is widely regarded as a barometer of market sentiment, setting the direction for sourcing, design, and business for the year ahead.

The exhibition will feature over 1,600 exhibitors across 3,300+ stalls, spread across 1.25 lakh square metres, and welcome more than 25,000 trade buyers from over 800 cities in India, including 1,400 international buyers from 40 countries worldwide. Buyers will have access to a comprehensive sourcing environment covering Gold, Diamond, Silver, Loose Natural Diamonds, Coloured Gemstones, Couture Jewellery, and Lab-Grown Diamonds, along with Machinery and allied section too.

This edition will see the participation of 12 international buyer delegations, reinforcing IIJS Bharat – Signature’s role as a global sourcing platform. The show will also feature international exhibitors, including 21 jewellery companies with 43 stalls from the USA, UAE, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Turkey, and Germany, along with 4 international machinery and allied companies across 7 stalls.Reflecting renewed business momentum and strong industry interest, 368+ new companies are participating in this edition, collectively occupying 472 stalls, underscoring IIJS Bharat – Signature’s continued growth and relevance.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “As the first global jewellery trade fair of the year, IIJS Bharat – Signature plays a defining role in setting the industry’s direction. India’s gem and jewellery sector today is focused on strengthening global trust, expanding market access, and building long-term competitiveness through quality, innovation, and responsible practices. IIJS reflects this larger ambition.”

Mr. Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC and Convener, National Exhibitions, said, “IIJS Bharat – Signature is where the industry begins its annual business cycle. The dual-venue format allows us to meet growing exhibitor demand while delivering a seamless experience for buyers. From curated sections and knowledge forums to technology-driven services, the show is designed to help businesses start the year with clarity and confidence.”

6 months ago | [YT] | 0