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August 2026

Rodic Consultants Partners with Nasscom to Launch National InfraAI Innovation Challenge for Smarter Infrastructure

A first-of-its-kind initiative to accelerate AI adoption across India’s infrastructure and strategic sectors.  Four challenge themes to tackle critical opportunities in energy, transport, climate resilience and public service delivery.  Startup India to support national outreach, with winning innovators progressing towards pilot deployments and long-term collaboration opportunities.   Rodic Consultants, one of India’s leading infrastructure and engineering consultancies, has partnered with Nasscom to launch the Rodic InfraAI Innovation Challenge, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across India’s infrastructure and strategic sectors. Supported by Startup India through outreach to DPIIT-recognised startups, the initiative seeks to bring together the country’s rapidly expanding AI and deep-tech ecosystem to develop scalable, deployment-ready solutions for some of India’s most pressing infrastructure challenges. The Innovation Challenge marks the first milestone in a broader strategic partnership between Rodic Consultants and Nasscom to discover, nurture and deploy frontier AI technologies across live infrastructure projects in India. By combining Rodic’s extensive domain expertise, real-world project environments and infrastructure problem statements with Nasscom’s innovation ecosystem, while leveraging Startup India’s outreach to DPIIT-recognised startups, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and on-ground implementation and create pathways for promising AI solutions to be tested, validated and scaled across real-world infrastructure applications. Unlike conventional innovation programs built around hypothetical use cases, the National AI Innovation Challenge is anchored in real-world infrastructure challenges drawn from Rodic’s live projects. Participating startups will gain access to actual project contexts, enabling them to develop practical solutions with a clear pathway from concept validation to pilot implementation and eventual commercial deployment. The inaugural edition of the Challenge will focus on four priority themes aligned with India’s infrastructure needs. AI on India Energy Stack invites innovators to build solutions leveraging the Ministry of Power’s emerging digital public infrastructure for the energy sector. AI for Roads, Bridges and Tunnels focuses on applications such as asset monitoring, defect detection, predictive maintenance and construction intelligence. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure seeks AI-driven solutions to strengthen roads, railways and transmission networks against floods, landslides and extreme heat. The fourth theme, GenAI for Public Works and Citizen Benefit Delivery, aims to improve access to public services and government health entitlements through multilingual AI-powered platforms. Speaking on the partnership, Raj Kumar, CMD Rodic Consultants and CEO Rodic digital Advisory said, “India is at an inflection point where artificial intelligence can fundamentally transform how infrastructure is planned, built and managed. At Rodic, we have spent a considerable time working inside the country’s most complex highways, bridges, tunnels and urban infrastructure programmes, and we know exactly where technology can make the biggest difference on the ground. Through our partnership with Nasscom, we are creating a platform that connects India’s brightest AI innovators with real infrastructure challenges, not hypothetical ones. Our objective is to identify technologies that can be tested, deployed and scaled across live projects, accelerating India’s digital transformation while building infrastructure that is smarter, safer and more resilient for the decades ahead.” Sharing his thoughts, Ankit Bose, Head of AI, Nasscom, said, “Infrastructure is the backbone of India’s growth story, and AI has the power to reshape how it is built and maintained. The InfraAI Innovation Challenge gives tech startups access to real industry problem statements, expert mentorship and a genuine pathway to deployment. By combining Nasscom’s innovation ecosystem with Rodic’s deep infrastructure expertise, we hope to accelerate practical AI adoption that delivers measurable impact across India’s infrastructure landscape, while giving the country’s deep-tech founders a stage where their work can truly move the needle.” The Challenge has been conceived as more than a startup competition. It is a long-term innovation platform connecting emerging AI companies with industry, enabling promising technologies to be tested, refined and deployed within live infrastructure environments.  High-potential startups emerging from the Challenge will have the opportunity to advance into Rodic’s Pilot Partnership Program, where selected solutions are validated on live projects before progressing towards commercial deployment. The partnership also envisages strategic investment in select startups as part of Rodic’s long-term innovation roadmap. Rodic Consultants has played a significant role in shaping the country’s development across highways, bridges, tunnels, urban infrastructure, water, hydropower, energy, railways, metros and smart technologies. Through this collaboration, the company aims to systematically identify, validate and scale artificial intelligence, Generative AI, hardware and software innovations capable of addressing complex infrastructure challenges, creating growth opportunities for India’s startup ecosystem and strengthening the country’s position in AI-led infrastructure development. About Nasscom Nasscom represents the voice of over USD 300bn technology industry in India with the vision to establish the nation as the world’s leading technology ecosystem. Boasting a diverse and influential community of over 3500 member companies, our network spans the entire spectrum of the industry from DeepTech and AI startups to multinationals and from products to services, Global Capability Centres to Engineering firms. Guided by our vision, our strategic imperatives are to accelerate skilling at scale for future-ready talent, strengthen the innovation quotient across industry verticals, create new market opportunities – both international and domestic, drive policy advocacy to advance innovation and ease of doing business, and build the industry narrative with a focus on Trust, and innovation. And, in everything we do, we will continue to champion the need for diversity and equal opportunity. For more details visit our website nasscom.in or write to us at: comms@nasscom.in 

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India's New-Age Township Redefines Senior Living with an Exclusive 55+ Community

Urja Senior Living, an initiative by CHL Living, marked the launch of Madhya Pradesh’s first senior living project with a two-day Grand Preview held in Indore on August 8–9, 2026. The event drew close to 400 guests, including seniors and families from diverse geographies, backgrounds and professional walks of life, and concluded with nearly 20 confirmed bookings over the weekend, signalling strong early confidence in the project.   Introducing a new vision for purposeful senior living in India   The Grand Preview marked the official introduction of Urja Senior Living to prospective residents, families and senior living seekers, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the project beyond a conventional property walkthrough. From exploring fully furnished sample residences to understanding the community-led approach being planned, guests got a closer look at what is envisioned for the next chapter of senior living.   Spread across 15 acres, the project will comprise 250 apartments and villas. The development is currently progressing towards its full launch, which is planned in approximately six months. The project will continue to engage with prospective residents and families during this period, allowing them to experience the development and understand the lifestyle and services being planned.   A defining moment of the Grand Preview was an interactive session with Dr C.P. Muralidhara, who brings over 23 years of experience across Ayurveda, Therapeutic Yoga, Senior Living, Assisted Living and Dementia Care, and is regarded as one of India’s most experienced professionals in senior living. His interaction added an expert perspective to discussions around senior wellbeing and the considerations that families may have while evaluating senior living communities.   For CHL Living, the project represents an extension of its longstanding association with healthcare into a residential environment designed specifically around the needs and aspirations of seniors.   ​​Commenting on the response to the Grand Preview, Rajesh Bhargava, Founder, Urja Senior Living, said, “The soft launch of Urja Senior Living has given us tremendous confidence in the vision we have set out to create. What we witnessed over these two days was not just interest, but trust: families are evaluating us with the same rigour they would apply to a healthcare decision, and choosing to move forward. That trust is what we take most seriously. Our healthcare heritage gives us a deeper understanding of care, and we are channelling that into a community where seniors can live independently, comfortably and with genuine belonging, not merely be housed.”   The strong response at the Grand Preview also sets the stage for the project’s next phase. With the full launch planned in the coming months, Urja Senior Living will continue to engage with prospective residents and families and provide them with opportunities to experience the development firsthand. Looking ahead, CHL Living plans to evaluate expansion beyond Indore and Madhya Pradesh following the successful execution of this first phase.   About Urja Senior Living Urja Senior Living is a senior living initiative by CHL Living, developed with the vision of creating thoughtfully planned communities that support comfortable, independent and engaging lifestyles for seniors. Spread across 15 acres in Indore, the project comprises 250 apartments and villas and brings together well-designed homes, community experiences, wellbeing and a supportive environment. Built on the foundation of CHL Group’s healthcare legacy, Urja Senior Living aims to redefine senior living through care, connection and thoughtful design.

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ICAST-2026 at Manipal University Jaipur: Global Experts Converge on Sustainable Technologies, Green Hydrogen and the Future of Chemical Engineering

A major national dialogue on sustainable technology, innovation and India’s green growth journey began at Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) with the inauguration of the International Conference on Advanced Sustainable Technologies (ICAST-2026). Organised by the Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, MUJ, with the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) as industry partner, the three-day international conference is being held from August 19 to 21, 2026.   Dignitaries present at the ICAST 2026 inaugural session   Sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), ICAST-2026 has brought together around 250 participants and 18 keynote and invited speakers from academia and industry from India and across the world. The conference provides a significant platform for deliberations on translating emerging technologies and scientific research into scalable solutions to India’s environmental, industrial and developmental challenges.   The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri V. Srinivas, Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, as the Chief Guest. Padma Shri Prof. G. D. Yadav, Emeritus Professor of Eminence and Former Vice Chancellor, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, was the Guest of Honour, while Prof. N. N. Sharma, President, Manipal University Jaipur, presided over the ceremony. Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar; Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost; Dr. Kuldip Singh Sangwan, Dean, Faculty of Science, Technology & Architecture; and Dr. Ravi Kant Gupta, Associate Dean, were also present.   Addressing the gathering in the virtual mode, Shri V. Srinivas stressed the need to move beyond the conventional choice between development and sustainability. He emphasised that the goal must be to achieve development through sustainability, supported by scientific knowledge, technological feasibility, strong institutions and social responsibility.   Drawing upon his academic background as a Chemical Engineer, Shri Srinivas identified green hydrogen, sustainable energy, critical minerals, advanced energy storage and recycling, environmental remediation, circular economy, sustainable materials, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and digital technologies as critical areas that will shape India’s technological future.   He also highlighted Rajasthan’s immense potential in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industrial development in line with the State’s vision of Viksit Rajasthan 2047. Calling for deeper collaboration among academia, industry, government, entrepreneurs and young innovators, he emphasised the need to develop solutions to pressing challenges related to water, energy, waste, agriculture and climate resilience.   Padma Shri Prof. G. D. Yadav, in his inspiring address, highlighted the expanding role of Chemical Engineering in the era of sustainability and technological transformation. He said the discipline has moved well beyond conventional chemical industries and now has a crucial role in green chemistry, renewable energy, green hydrogen, advanced materials, biotechnology, energy transition, circular economy and sustainable manufacturing.   Encouraging young researchers and students to embrace interdisciplinary research and emerging technologies, Prof. Yadav underlined the role of Chemical Engineering in connecting science, engineering, industrial applications and sustainability. His message, “Pause, Ponder and Proceed,” urged researchers to understand problems deeply before developing solutions. He also shared his three-pronged philosophy, “Patent, Publish and Prosper,” calling upon researchers to convert knowledge into intellectual property, high-quality publications, innovation and societal impact.   In his Presidential Address, Prof. N. N. Sharma emphasised that challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, environmental degradation and energy security cannot be addressed within traditional disciplinary boundaries. He highlighted the convergence of engineering, biotechnology, materials science, environmental sciences, artificial intelligence and digital technologies as a powerful pathway towards sustainable development.   Prof. Sharma reiterated MUJ’s commitment to building an ecosystem where knowledge is transformed into innovation, innovation into technology, and technology into meaningful societal impact. He also stressed the importance of strengthening academia–industry partnerships to accelerate the translation of research from laboratories into real-world applications.   ICAST-2026 comes at a crucial juncture as India accelerates its transition towards green growth, energy security, circular economy, advanced manufacturing and technology-driven sustainable development. Through interdisciplinary research, expert dialogue and stronger academia–industry–government collaboration, the conference seeks to strengthen research networks and advance innovative solutions for a greener, more resilient and sustainable India.   To know more about Manipal University Jaipur, please visit the official website of Manipal University Jaipur: jaipur.manipal.edu

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Timezone and Play 'N' Learn Unveil the Ultimate Fun Destination for All Ages at Pacific Mall, Delhi

Timezone and Play ‘N’ Learn have relaunched their entertainment spaces together at Pacific Mall, Delhi, unveiling a refreshed line-up of experiences for families, friends and guests across age groups.   Play ‘N’ Learn and Timezone Store   Designed as an all-in-one entertainment destination, the revamped venue brings together two complementary experiences under one roof. Guests can enjoy games, rides and immersive attractions at Timezone, alongside development-led play for young children at Play ‘N’ Learn, offering something for every member of the family.   Timezone offers older children, young adults and families a mix of popular favourites and new attractions, including bumper cars, a cricket pitch, immersive virtual reality rides and revamped bowling lanes. At Play ‘N’ Learn, children aged two to seven can explore thoughtfully curated play and role play stations that encourage creativity, cognitive development and social interaction.   Dedicated party spaces across both brands make the destination ideal for birthdays, school outings, family celebrations and social gatherings. The venue also features its popular café, serving a curated selection of food prepared without added preservatives or artificial additives. Together, these offerings give guests more ways to play, connect, dine, celebrate and spend quality time together.   Speaking about the relaunch, Abbas Jabalpurwala, CEO of Timezone and Play ‘N’ Learn India, said, “The way people spend their leisure time is evolving, with entertainment becoming an increasingly an important part of how they connect and unwind. People are looking for experiences where they can step away from their everyday routines and have fun, while also having something that appeals to every member of the family. With the refreshed Timezone and Play ‘N’ Learn at Pacific Mall, our aim is to bring two complementary entertainment destinations together under one roof. From immersive attractions to older guests and purposeful play for younger children to celebrations with family and friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”   The destination maintains a strong emphasis on safety, hygiene and well-maintained facilities, ensuring guests enjoy the experience in a clean and comfortable environment.   With the relaunch, Timezone and Play ‘N’ Learn invite guests of all ages to discover the ultimate fun destination at Pacific Mall, Delhi.   About Timezone Timezone was founded in 1978 in Perth, Australia and is the leading chain of Family Entertainment Centres in the Asia-Pacific region, offering state-of-the-art interactive game, rides, and attractions. Timezone provides a social experience filled with non-stop fun for all ages. Our best-in-class venue design and well-trained Fun Squad assures a safe, friendly, and fun environment for all our guests. Timezone internationally operates over 320 locations across 7 countries, with 75 venues in India. Join us for an exciting, unforgettable experience at any of our locations or visit www.timezonegames.com to learn more.     About Play ‘N’ Learn Play ‘N’ Learn is one of India’s leading indoor play destinations for young children and families. Its thoughtfully designed spaces bring together fun, movement and imagination through safe, engaging and developmentally enriching play experiences. With interactive play and role play activities that encourage creativity, cognitive development and social interaction, Play ‘N’ Learn creates meaningful experiences for children while giving families more ways to connect and spend quality time together. Play ‘N’ Learn operates 19 locations across India.   To learn more, visit www.activeedufun.com.

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Bangalore Watch Company Introduces its First-Ever Pocket Watch

India is one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world: a country of young, ambitious people with a high literacy rate and a per capita income that makes it one of the world’s largest consumers. Its rocket science, technology acumen, and infrastructure-building ability are second to none.   Bangalore Watch Company – Forty Seven This all began with a literacy rate of just 12 percent, a per capita income of a mere USD 50, and a country in debt. In the mid-twentieth century, India chose a future-facing vision—building a nation where girls could fly fighter jets, scientists could send rockets to space, entrepreneurs could build companies for the world, and every generation could dream a little bigger than the one before. Since 2018, the brand has built watches inspired by aviation, cricket, space exploration and the outdoors. Each collection has explored a different chapter of modern India. With Forty-Seven, the brand goes back to the beginning of that era, to the mid 20th century, when a young nation chose to spend its time building the future. “Forty-Seven is a tribute to the years that shaped modern India. A pocket watch was the natural choice, because it belonged to that time. Bangalore Watch Company™ has always told stories of the India of today. With this watch, the brand goes back to where those stories first began,” says Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder of Bangalore Watch Company™. Forty-Seven follows the design principles of traditional pocket watches from the early 20th century. Built with a surgical grade steel in a vintage gold finish, an off-white linen pattern reminiscent of the self-reliance movement of the time, and powered by a Swiss quartz movement, the watch makes for a fashionable carry accessory. Paired with a vintage leather lanyard, the watch can be worn around your neck, on your waist, or even as a bag charm. “We’ve demonstrated our capability as a watchmaker with several firsts – meteorites, aircraft carrier materials, and even captured carbon. The pocket watch is our attempt to broaden our capability as a watchmaker, and to give our customers a new format to enjoy high-quality time-telling devices with a strong backstory,” added Mercy Amalraj, Co-Founder of the brand. Forty-Seven can be personalized with a custom caseback engraving, making every watch unique. The watch will be priced at USD 1250 (approximately INR 120,000) and will be available for pre-order on the brand’s website starting on 11th August 2026. About Bangalore Watch Company™ Founded in 2018, Bangalore Watch Company™ creates high-quality mechanical watches that tell stories of a 21st-century India. Drawing inspiration from Aviation, Cricket, Space, and the Great Outdoors, each collection captures modern Indian narratives that go far beyond stereotypes. With several firsts to its name including watches made from recovered fighter planes and aircraft carrier materials, India’s first watch qualified for Spaceflight, and a proprietary Cerasteel™ material that is a fusion of Steel and Ceramic, the brand blends storytelling with technical innovation and contemporary design. Recognised by leading global publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Hodinkee for its originality and craftsmanship, Bangalore Watch Company™ stands at the forefront of modern Indian watchmaking. Founded by husband-and-wife team Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj who left their tech careers overseas to pursue a passion for modern Indian storytelling, the brand has built a quiet but enthusiastic following with customers in over 30 countries.

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Four Months. Eleven Stores. Keemti's Rapid Rise Signals Bold Retail Ambitions, Eyes 88 Stores by Year-End

Keemti Jewels, the contemporary lab grown diamond jewellery brand founded by Armaan Kothari and backed by the Kothari Group, entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath and Kavin Shah, has rapidly emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing jewellery brands, building a network of 11 retail stores within just four months of launch. Leveraging this momentum, the brand is now targeting an ambitious 88-store network by December 2026, as it accelerates its retail expansion to strengthen market share and establish a nationwide presence.   Four Months. Eleven Stores. Keemti’s Rapid Rise Signals Bold Retail Ambitions, Eyes 88 Stores by Year-End   The milestone underscores Keemti’s aggressive retail expansion strategy and reflects the accelerating consumer adoption of lab grown diamonds in India. With a growing presence across Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Indore and other cities, the brand is executing a focused omnichannel growth strategy designed to make contemporary lab grown diamond jewellery more accessible to consumers across key urban markets. Alongside its presence in leading metros, Keemti is deliberately expanding into high-growth Tier 2 markets, building an early-mover advantage and broadening access to lab grown diamond jewellery beyond India’s traditional luxury retail hubs.   Since its launch, Keemti has established stores in Andheri (Mumbai); Baner and Kharadi (Pune); MG Road and Scheme No. 140 (Indore); and South Extension, Pitampura (Delhi) and Gurgaon, with high street and in-mall stores, rapidly strengthening its retail footprint while laying the foundation for a scalable national presence.   The pace of expansion has been driven by rising demand from consumers seeking contemporary design, certified lab grown diamonds, superior craftsmanship and transparent pricing. Drawing on the Kothari Group’s more than 45 years of manufacturing expertise, Keemti controls every stage of the value chain, from manufacturing to retail, eliminating intermediary mark-ups and enabling the brand to offer direct-to-consumer pricing without compromising on quality, craftsmanship or design. This end-to-end control also provides the agility to scale rapidly while responding to evolving consumer demand.   “Our rapid retail expansion reflects the strong consumer response to Keemti’s proposition and our ambition to build meaningful market share in India’s evolving jewellery landscape,” said Armaan Kothari, Founder, Keemti. “While metros remain an important growth market, we see significant opportunity in Tier 2 cities, where demand for contemporary, value-driven fine jewellery is growing rapidly. By leveraging our manufacturing expertise and direct-to-consumer business model, we eliminate intermediary mark-ups and are able to offer certified lab grown diamond jewellery at highly competitive prices without compromising on quality or design. As we work towards our goal of 88 stores by December 2026, our focus remains on making premium jewellery more accessible to consumers across India.”   Building on its early momentum, Keemti is set to significantly accelerate its expansion with multiple new store launches planned across existing markets alongside entry into new cities, as it works towards its goal of 88 stores by the end of 2026. As the brand scales its national presence, it remains focused on creating a seamless omnichannel experience that integrates physical retail, e-commerce and marketplaces, enabling consumers across India to discover and purchase thoughtfully designed lab grown diamond jewellery with confidence.   By combining intentional design, certified lab grown diamonds, exceptional craftsmanship and factory-direct pricing, Keemti is redefining contemporary fine jewellery while setting a new benchmark for accessible luxury in India.   About Keemti Jewels Keemti Jewels is a contemporary lab grown diamond jewellery brand redefining fine jewellery for the new-age Indian consumer through intentional design, accessible luxury and conscious innovation. Founded in Mumbai by Armaan Kothari, the brand is backed by the Kothari Group, a globally trusted jewellery business with more than 45 years of expertise in manufacturing and exports, along with entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath and Kavin Shah.   Leveraging its manufacturing heritage and vertically integrated, direct-to-consumer model, Keemti offers certified lab grown diamond jewellery that combines exceptional craftsmanship, contemporary design and factory-direct pricing. Having expanded to 11 stores across Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Delhi, and Gurgaon within just four months of launch, Keemti is rapidly building a nationwide retail network and is targeting 88 stores by December 2026, underscoring its vision to become one of India’s leading lab grown diamond jewellery retailers.   Website: keemtijewels.com   Instagram: @shopkeemti

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Intex Partners with Sri Lanka Cricket as National Team Sponsor for India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

Intex Technologies, one of India’s leading consumer electronics brands, has announced its association as the National Team Sponsor of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for the upcoming India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026, marking a significant step in the brand’s growing engagement with international cricket.   Intex Technologies Director Mr. Keshav Bansal unveils the Jersey with Sri Lanka Captain Mr. Dhananjaya de Silva   As part of the partnership, the Intex brand will feature prominently on the front of the Sri Lanka Cricket team jersey, alongside high-impact visibility across LED perimeter boards during the two-match Test series. The 1st Test is being played from August 15–19 in Galle, followed by the 2nd Test from August 23–27, 2026. This association places Intex at the centre of one of the region’s most anticipated cricketing contests.   Commenting on the association, Keshav Bansal, Director, Intex Technologies, said, “Our association with Sri Lanka Cricket marks an exciting new chapter in Intex’s journey with international cricket. The India–Sri Lanka series offers us a great platform to engage with India’s passionate cricket audience, strengthen our connection with consumers, and build greater visibility and relevance of the Intex brand. As we continue to expand our presence across consumer electronics and durables, we see meaningful sporting associations such as this as an important part of building a stronger and more contemporary consumer brand.”   Upul Navaratne Bandara, Head of Marketing of Sri Lanka Cricket, said, “We are delighted to welcome Intex Technologies as the National Team Sponsor of Sri Lanka Cricket for this highly anticipated Test series. Intex is a prominent Indian consumer technology brand with a strong connect with consumers across India. We are pleased to have them partner with Sri Lanka Cricket for this series. The association reflects the strong commercial appeal of India–Sri Lanka cricket, and we look forward to a mutually successful partnership and an exciting series of Test cricket.”   The partnership builds on Intex’s recent association with international cricket, following its partnerships around the India–Afghanistan, India–Ireland and India–England series earlier this year. These associations reflect the brand’s broader approach to building a consistent presence across high-impact sporting platforms and strengthening its connection with consumers through the sport.   The India–Sri Lanka Test series is expected to draw strong interest among cricket audiences in India and provide Intex with a prominent platform to enhance brand visibility and deepen consumer engagement.

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Ai+ Smartphone is Planning to Expand with 100 Plus New Service Centres in South India, Strengthens Regional Growth Footprint

Ai+ Smartphone, the homegrown technology brand, is significantly expanding its regional presence across South India with plans to add 100+ authorised service centres across South Indian markets. The expansion comes as the region gains importance in the brand’s growth strategy, as Ai+ continues its national momentum with over 2 million units sold and Rs. 2,600 crore+ in sales order value.   Ai+ Smartphone is planning to expand with 100+ New Service Centres in South India, Strengthens Regional Growth Footprint The service centre expansion builds on Ai+’s current network of 106 authorised centres across 74 cities and eight states/UTs in South India. This aggressive infrastructure push reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring reliable ownership experience and consumer access as it deepens penetration in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana—key markets driving regional growth.   Between November 2025 and August 2026, Ai+ recorded close to 800 service requests across South India, with 60% resolved during the first visit. The service network is supported by standardised processes, technician training, spare-parts management and ongoing quality monitoring to maintain consistency across service locations.  Commenting on the company’s South India growth plans, Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said, “South India represents a significant growth opportunity for Ai+. As we deepen our presence across the region, our focus is not just on reaching more consumers but on building long-term trust through better access, a reliable ownership experience and products that are relevant to their evolving needs. We see considerable headroom for growth here and will continue investing in the ecosystem required to build Ai+ into a truly national technology brand.”  “Our ambition is to build a technology brand around what technology enables people to do, experience and achieve, rather than simply what sits inside a device. As we expand our presence in the region, our focus is on making that proposition relevant to consumers through greater access, a reliable ownership experience and products that address their evolving needs. We believe there is significant headroom for growth in South India and will continue to invest in the ecosystem required to support this journey.”  South India is emerging as an important growth market for Ai+ Smartphones, with Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana serving as key markets for the brand. With a portfolio spanning accessible and mid-premium segments, Ai+ is focused on strengthening its presence through wider consumer access, a growing service network and an expanding portfolio.  Looking ahead, Ai+ plans to further expand its smartphone and AIoT ecosystem, deepening the range of connected experiences available to South Indian consumers. With North India contributing 64% of current sales, the company’s South India push signals a deliberate geographic diversification strategy designed to build national scale one market, one consumer, one upgraded life at a time.  About Ai+ Smartphone Ai+ Smartphone is a next generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience. From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.  About Ai+ and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is designed, engineered and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.  

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Kirtilals Unveils "Sindooram", an Exquisite Bridal Jewellery Collection at Somajiguda Store

Kirtilals, the renowned natural diamond jewellery brand, launches Sindooram, an exquisite bridal jewellery collection at its Somajiguda store in Hyderabad. Inspired by the captivating beauty of nature, the collection brings together motifs drawn from floral forms, hibiscus blooms, majestic peacocks and other natural elements, reimagined through the artistry of master craftsmen.   Kirtilals proudly unveiled Sindooram – The Bridal Collection at its Somajiguda Showroom in Hyderabad   Sindooram collection showcases the brilliance of finest quality natural diamonds, precious metals and vibrant colour stones, with each creation reflecting a distinctive interpretation of nature. From the graceful forms of flowers to the regal elegance of the peacock, every motif is thoughtfully translated into bridal jewellery through meticulous detailing, refined design and exceptional craftsmanship.   Created for the bride who appreciates artistry as much as elegance, the collection celebrates the grandeur of traditional bridal jewellery while bringing a distinctive contemporary sensibility to each creation. Every piece is crafted to complement the significance of her special day and become a cherished heirloom for generations to come.   Bridal Diamond Jewellery of the Year award at the Retail Jeweller India Awards 2026   The collection has also earned recognition at the Retail Jeweller India Awards 2026, where Kirtilals’ bridal collection was honoured with the prestigious ‘Best Bridal Jewellery of the Year’ award. The award-winning jewellery piece from the Sindooram collection is now on display at the Somajiguda store, offering customers an opportunity to experience its distinctive design and craftsmanship first-hand.   Mr. Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals, said, “A bride’s wedding day is truly special for her, and we believe what she wears on it should feel every bit as rare. Sindooram was created from that belief — bringing together imagination, masterful craftsmanship, and the beauty found in nature itself. We drew inspiration from flowers, the hibiscus, and the peacock, interpreting their distinctive forms through the brilliance of the finest quality natural diamonds, colour stones, and precious metals. Each creation in this collection is designed to be part of her story on the most special day of her life. We are delighted to bring Sindooram to Hyderabad, and we invite brides and jewellery connoisseurs to experience its artistry at our Somajiguda store.”   Brides-to-be and jewellery connoisseurs can now experience the Sindooram collection and its award-winning creation at the Kirtilals Somajiguda store, Hyderabad.   About Kirtilals Founded in 1939, Kirtilals is one of India’s leading natural diamond jewellery brand, with a legacy spanning over eight decades. Known for its design excellence, master craftsmanship and expertise in natural diamonds, Kirtilals creates jewellery that celebrates life’s most meaningful occasions. With an integrated manufacturing approach and a growing retail presence, the brand continues to create exceptional jewellery designed to be cherished across generations.

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Ritu Phogat Faces New Challenges in Parimatch Sports' Inside the Game Episode 3

Parimatch Sports, a premium sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes, continues its Inside the Game YouTube series with a third episode featuring Ritu Phogat. The Indian MMA fighter and wrestling champion, also known as the “Indian Tigress,” takes on a new set of questions and unusual situations that show new sides of the champion beyond her career in combat sports.   Ritu Phogat Faces New Challenges in Parimatch Sports’ Inside the Game Episode 3 With millions of followers and a career that keeps her in the public eye, Ritu is no stranger to other people’s expectations. But how much of that attention actually matters? During the conversation, she opens up about dealing with opinions on the internet and staying focused on her own path rather than trying to satisfy everyone watching from the outside. “It’s absolutely easy because I don’t overthink those things and take them as motivation. It’s okay — I’ll show them, no problem,” Ritu said. The episode also touches on life outside the arena. Ritu talks about managing demanding training and competition alongside family life, and why pursuing her goals does not mean putting everything else on hold. “It’s really hard balancing everything. Motherhood requires a lot of discipline, training requires a lot of discipline, and then there’s managing the house and everything else. Discipline and balance are absolutely necessary,” she added. She also addresses the pressure on women to get everything right, sharing her view on finding a way that works for her rather than trying to please everyone. The conversation is accompanied by a series of interactive activities that put Ritu in situations far removed from the MMA arena. Through playful tasks, she shows her competitive side in a completely different setting. One of them, however, leaves viewers with a particularly difficult choice: would Ritu give up training for a million dollars? The answer might surprise you. Watch Episode 3 of Inside the Game with Ritu Phogat on YouTube to find out what she chooses and hear more of her candid answers. Subscribe to the Parimatch Sports channel to follow the series and catch the next episode.

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