Mardamed Opens At Mantri Square Mall: Advanced Healthcare, Now Part Of Everyday Life

In a first-of-its-kind mall-based Healthcare Experience Centre, Mardamed brings MRI, CT, specialists, dentistry, pharmacy, wellness café and day procedures into a warm, retail-grade environment.

Mardamed today launched its flagship Healthcare Experience Centre (HeX) at Mantri Square Mall, Malleshwaram — a bold new model that brings serious medicine into a familiar, everyday setting. The idea is simple: healthcare should not wait for a crisis; it should be as easy to access as coffee, groceries or a weekend movie.

The centre was inaugurated by Dr. C.N. Manjunath, Member of Parliament and renowned cardiologist, in the presence of healthcare leaders, dignitaries, media representatives and the Mardamed and Mantri Square Mall teams.

Located on the second floor and spread across approximately 15,000 sq. ft., Mardamed HeX combines outpatient consultations, women’s health, pediatrics, internal medicine, ENT, ophthalmology, mental health, physiotherapy and sports medicine, dentistry, advanced diagnostics, pathology, pharmacy, a health-conscious café and mini operating theatres for selected day procedures. It is built for one practical promise: consult, test, scan, treat, recover and follow up — without running around from desk to desk or door to door.

That effort captures Mardamed’s larger belief: if healthcare is to move from reactive sick care to proactive health management, access must become easier. A mall visitor should be able to shop, eat, watch a film — and also check a symptom, complete lab tests, meet a specialist, undergo clinically advised imaging, pick up medicines and continue care online.

The centre is built with strong hygiene, safety and workflow discipline, while the experience has been designed to feel calm, clear and hospitality-led. The ambition is not to make healthcare casual; it is to make it less intimidating and easier to start early.

HeX — Healthcare Experience is Mardamed’s answer to a growing global shift toward care that meets people where they already are. The Bengaluru centre brings together medicine, retail, technology and hospitality to offer accessible, comprehensive care without hospital anxiety.

“We opened a wall and brought in cranes because healthcare must move closer to people. Mardamed is built on a simple belief: integrate healthcare in your lifestyle. Walk in for coffee if you like — but also walk out with clarity about your health. We want advanced care to feel approachable, continuous and human.” — Deepak Marda, Founder, Mardamed

Mardamed HeX is equipped with MRI, CT scan, X-Ray, Ultrasound, Mammography and pathology services, supported by specialist consultations, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, mental wellness, preventive programs, physiotherapy, and selected day procedures. Its digital platform enables appointments, online consultations, records access, follow-ups and ongoing engagement. It has a points program, Mardamed Pulse, that rewards healthy actions.

The centre serves young professionals, families, women, seniors, people managing chronic conditions and adults focused on longevity. Its public message is direct: routinely take care of health — harmful habits, breathlessness, palpitations, fatigue, skin changes, recurring pain, anxiety, or sleep issues deserve timely attention and interventions.

For journalists, policymakers, mall operators and healthcare innovators, Mardamed raises a timely question: what if the future of healthcare is not hidden behind hospital corridors, but placed in bright, familiar community spaces where people already feel comfortable?

With its first centre in Bengaluru, Mardamed hopes to prove that serious medicine and everyday convenience can coexist — and that caring for health can be hopeful, social, and even a little fun.

Proof point: To bring MRI and CT into a live mall, Mardamed coordinated with mall engineers, safety teams, and equipment specialists to cut large wall openings, including an approximately 10 ft. x 10 ft. opening for CT and MRI entry. The machines were shifted in controlled night windows using a planned 50-ton crane, before the walls were restored. Put simply: the mall opened a wall so advanced healthcare could walk in.

FRAI Urges Ministry Of Consumer Affairs To Intensify Crackdown On Illicit Trade And Counterfeit Products

* Retailers Call for Stronger Enforcement and Fair Market Practices to Protect Consumers and Safeguard Millions of Small Retailers

The Federation of Retailers Association of India (FRAI), one of the country's leading representative bodies of small retailers and traders, organised a national seminar on “Confronting Illicit Trade in Modern Markets” in New Delhi today, bringing together policymakers, industry experts, law enforcement officials, consumer advocates and retail stakeholders to deliberate on the growing threat of illicit trade, counterfeit products and unfair market practices in India's rapidly evolving retail ecosystem.

The seminar highlighted the alarming rise of counterfeit and non-compliant products across multiple categories, including food and beverages, groceries, personal care products, cosmetics, tobacco products, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, emerging nicotine delivery products, electronics and household goods. Participants expressed concern that the proliferation of illicit products through both traditional and digital channels is posing significant risks to consumer safety, weakening trust in legitimate businesses and adversely impacting government revenues.

The discussions also focused on the challenges faced by millions of small retailers who are increasingly struggling against the dual threat of counterfeit products and unfair market practices. Participants noted that genuine retailers operate within regulatory frameworks, ensure product authenticity and remain accountable to consumers, while illicit operators continue to exploit gaps in enforcement and monitoring mechanisms.

During the event, FRAI submitted a representation to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution seeking stronger policy measures to curb illicit trade and counterfeit products. The association recommended stricter enforcement against illegal products, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, greater accountability across digital marketplaces, enhanced surveillance and market inspection mechanisms, and coordinated action among enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities to protect consumers and ensure fair market practices.

Speaking at the seminar, Shri Praveen Khandelwal, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, said, "The challenge of illicit trade, counterfeit goods and smuggled products directly affects consumers, businesses and families alike. While the government is treating this issue with utmost seriousness and is committed to strengthening the legal framework, it is equally important for industry, traders and citizens to work alongside enforcement agencies. Technology can become a powerful tool in combating counterfeit products, and collective action through public-private partnership is the key to building a transparent, accountable and trusted retail ecosystem. I urge FRAI to play a proactive role by creating dedicated mechanisms to identify illicit trade and support authorities in eliminating such practices from our markets."

Addressing the gathering, Vinay Kumar, Generate Secretary, Federation of Retailers Association of India (FRAI) spokesperson said, "Illicit trade is no longer merely a commercial issue; it has become a serious consumer protection and livelihood concern. Counterfeit and illegally sourced products not only expose consumers to unsafe and substandard goods but also erode the foundations of fair competition. Millions of small retailers across the country are struggling to compete against an ecosystem where illicit products continue to circulate unchecked. We urge the government to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, enhance surveillance and accountability across marketplaces, and create a fair and transparent retail ecosystem that protects consumers while safeguarding the livelihoods of honest retailers."

Participants further observed that the rapid expansion of digital commerce and quick-commerce channels, while enhancing consumer convenience, has also created new challenges in monitoring product authenticity and supply chain compliance. The seminar stressed the need for balanced regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring accountability and consumer protection.

The event featured keynote addresses and expert insights from policymakers, legal experts, law enforcement officials, medical professionals and consumer protection stakeholders, who collectively underscored the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to combat illicit trade and counterfeit networks operating across the country.

Concluding the seminar, FRAI reiterated that protecting consumers, preserving fair competition and safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of small retailers are critical to ensuring a healthy and sustainable retail ecosystem. The association called upon all stakeholders to work together to eliminate illicit trade and strengthen trust in India's marketplace.

Jamco Interiors Expands India Footprint With New Engineering Center Of Excellence In Bengaluru

Jamco Interiors, a global leader in aircraft interior products, inaugurated its state-of-the-art Engineering Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, marking the company's strategic expansion into India and reinforcing its commitment to advancing next-generation aircraft cabin innovation. By establishing advanced product engineering capabilities in Bengaluru, Jamco Interiors aims to contribute to Karnataka's continued leadership in aerospace innovation and high-value engineering.

The Bengaluru Engineering Center of Excellence has been established as a key part of Jamco Interiors’ global engineering network, undertaking complete product ownership across the aircraft interior development lifecycle - from concept design and systems architecture to detailed engineering, certification support, validation, and manufacturing collaboration for leading aircraft manufacturers and airlines worldwide. The Center also houses a dedicated product showcase featuring Jamco Interiors’ portfolio of aircraft interior solutions, including lavatories, galleys, seating systems, window shades, and flight deck interior components, while creating opportunities for Karnataka's engineering talent to contribute directly to globally certified aerospace programmes.

The inauguration was attended by Mr. Hiroshi Nawata, Consul-General of Japan in Bengaluru, Mr. Sharath Kumar Bache Gowda, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, alongside senior industry leaders and stakeholders. Their presence reflected the growing depth of India-Japan industrial collaboration and the strong support of Karnataka's leadership for advancing aerospace innovation and high-value engineering investments in the state.

The Bengaluru Engineering Center of Excellence forms part of Jamco Interiors' broader long-term commitment to India. Recently, the company announced plans to invest more than US$150 million in the country over the coming years to strengthen its aerospace engineering capabilities. Over and above the investment mentioned above, Jamco Interiors intends to source significant amount of piece parts from India. Bengaluru center will also house integrated product teams to enable the sourcing. The investment underscores Jamco Interiors' confidence in India's talent ecosystem, growing aviation market, and increasing role as a strategic hub within the company's global operations.

Jamco Interiors holds leading global positions across widebody aircraft cabin interiors, supplying approximately 50% of the world's widebody lavatories, including 100% on the Boeing 787 and 777, and approximately 40% of the world's widebody galleys, including 100% on the Boeing 787, along with ICE Galleys on the Airbus A350.

The announcement comes amid unprecedented growth in global aviation and rising demand for smarter, lighter, safer, and more passenger-centric cabin experience. As airlines increasingly compete on customer experience and operational efficiency, aircraft interiors are becoming a critical area of innovation, influencing passenger comfort, sustainability, safety, compliance, and airline economics.

Commenting on the inauguration, Kate Schaefer, Executive Chair & CEO, Jamco Interiors, said, "The future of aviation will be shaped not only by advances in aircraft technology but also by how passengers experience the journey. Airlines today recognise that cabin design plays a defining role in comfort, convenience, functionality, and brand differentiation. Establishing our Engineering Center of Excellence in Bengaluru strengthens our ability to innovate faster, collaborate more effectively with global customers, and develop next-generation cabin solutions that meet the evolving expectations of airlines and passengers worldwide. Bengaluru offers one of the most sophisticated aerospace engineering ecosystems anywhere in the world, making it a natural choice for Jamco Interiors’ next phase of global growth."

Adding to this, Sanjeev Sen, Chief Operating Officer, Jamco Interiors, said, "Bengaluru has established itself as the heart of India's aerospace and engineering ecosystem, bringing together world-class talent, research institutions, and industry expertise. By establishing our Engineering Center of Excellence here, we are creating a foundation for long-term innovation, deeper product ownership, and enhanced engineering capabilities that meet the highest global standards of quality, certification, and operational excellence. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to India as a strategic engineering destination within Jamco Interiors’ global network."

Jamco Interiors’ global footprint spans Japan, the United States, France, Italy, Germany, the UAE, the Philippines, and Singapore. As a part of this network, Bengaluru’s facility will establish itself as an important product engineering node, connecting Karnataka’s aerospace talent ecosystem with some of the world's most advanced aircraft interior programmes. The centre will support the development of globally certified products while creating opportunities for engineers to build expertise across design, certification, and product ownership. Over time, it will contribute to the continued evolution of Karnataka as one of Asia's leading aerospace engineering hubs.

For more information, visit https://jamcointeriors.com/

Photo Caption (Right to Left): Toshinori Masuda, Head of Engineering Planning, Koichi Oi, Executive Officer, Global Engineering Leader, Sanjeev Sen, Chief Operating Officer, Jamco Interiors, Mr. Hiroshi Nawata, Consul-General of Japan, Kate Schaefer, Executive Chair and CEO, Jamco Interiors, Nilesh Borade, Director of Engineering and Certification, Country Head - India, Jamco Interiors.

Comfort On A Plate: Experience The Monsoon Brunch At Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru

As the monsoon embraces Bengaluru, Machan at Taj West End invites guests to an afternoon of elevated comfort and seasonal indulgence amidst the timeless charm of the city’s iconic garden retreat. The Monsoon Comfort Brunch showcases globally inspired favourites including shepherd’s pie, baked fish, herb-roasted chicken and Asian comfort stir-fries, complemented by warm salads, seasonal pakoras and soulful broths thoughtfully crafted for the season.

Capturing the nostalgia of the monsoon, the brunch also features a Pakora & Snack Counter offering seasonal pakoras, paneer fritters and crisp monsoon bites paired with house chutneys, while the Soup Pot & Curry Kettle serves soulful rasam, creamy tomato soup, seasonal shorbas and slow-simmered broths.

Interactive experiences include the Monsoon Bakery & Tea-Time Classics with warm artisanal breads, buttered pavs, croissants and savoury bakes served alongside cultured butter and handcrafted preserves, as well as the Khichdi & Comfort Bowl Counter featuring classic moong dal and millet khichdis finished with ghee and flavourful accompaniments.

The experience concludes with the Monsoon Dessert Indulgence showcasing hot gulab jamuns, warm chocolate pudding, bread-and-butter pudding, tea-time cakes and refined Indian sweets, perfectly complemented by the Rainy-Day Sip Bar offering masala chai, filter coffee, hot chocolate, infused teas, warm mocktails and cooling monsoon beverages.

Details:
Venue: Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru
Time: 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Pricing:
Non-Alcoholic Brunch – INR 3,300++
Alcoholic Brunch – INR 5,300++

For reservations, call: 080 6660 5660 | +91 78240 43499

Thoughtfully crafted for the season, the brunch is an invitation to indulge in the luxury of comfort, conversation and the unmistakable charm of the monsoons at Taj West End, Bengaluru.

An Evening Of La Dolce Vita At The Trinity Square, Taj MG Road, Bengaluru

Inspired by the leisurely evenings of Italy, where meals are savoured as much for the company as for the cuisine, the Italian Soirée celebrates the country’s enduring love affair with simple ingredients and timeless flavours. The specially curated menu takes guests on a journey from rustic bakeries and family-run trattorias to the coastal kitchens of Southern Italy, showcasing dishes that embody authenticity, craftsmanship, and the joy of sharing a meal.

The experience begins with artisanal breads, premium cheeses, and classic antipasti, setting the tone for an evening rooted in Italian tradition. Highlights include the Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci, delicately finished with butter and sage, and the Risotto Alla Pescatora, where Carnaroli rice is enriched with seafood bisque, prawns, calamari, and fresh fish. Complementing these are thoughtfully crafted dishes such as Bruschetta con Formaggio di Capra e Fichi, bringing together creamy goat cheese and sweet fig preserve in a harmonious balance of flavours.

Designed to capture the warmth, elegance, and convivial spirit of Italian dining, the Italian Soirée invites guests to gather around the table, linger over conversation, and embrace the simple pleasures that define la dolce vita.

Venue: The Trinity Square, Taj MG Road, Bengaluru

Date: June 22nd - June 28th

Time: 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm| 7:00pm – 10:30pm

Price: Ala carte

Delhivery Launches 'Abhayam' India's Most Comprehensive Welfare Program For Frontline Workers

Delhivery has launched its Abhayam program, a comprehensive benefits program for all members of its ~1 Lakh strong frontline workforce across the country. Launched on 22nd June 2026 to mark the company's 15th anniversary, Abhayam extends accident insurance of up to ₹15 lakh, family health cover, children's scholarships, and structured career pathways.

● Protection: Accident insurance up to ₹15L, health cover up to ₹5L, income bridge during hospitalisation, and discounted medicines

● Security: Health cover extended to spouse and up to 2 children, low-barrier access to personal loans, school scholarships, and vocational training for spouse and daughters

● Development: Access to the NPS Scheme, financial support for higher education, and early earned wage access for financial flexibility

“In 15 years, our frontline workers have helped deliver nearly 5 billion shipments. Abhayam is our attempt to deliver for them. We believe this program is the best in class in India and ensures that our workers provide the best possible service while their health and family are taken care of,” said Suraj Saharan, Executive Director and Chief HR Officer, Delhivery.

Frontline workers are a critical part of India's economy and among the most financially exposed, where a single hospitalisation can wipe out months of earnings. Abhayam addresses these through a comprehensive support framework that includes accident coverage, health insurance, and income-loss protection, ensuring that an unforeseen incident on the road does not escalate into a financial crisis.

Beyond protection, the program extends benefits to families — recognising that a frontline worker’s security is inseparable from their household's. Scholarships for children, vocational training for spouses, and access to formal credit replace dependence on informal lenders.

About Delhivery

Delhivery is India's largest logistics services provider. The company is a leading provider of logistics services including e-commerce and express parcel transportation, on-demand logistics, part truck-load (PTL) freight, full-truckload (FTL) freight services, cross-border air express and freight services, warehousing and supply chain solutions, data services and software including warehouse management and transportation management systems to over 52,000 clients. For more information about Delhivery, visit www.delhivery.com.

Karnataka Backs 3,500 Millet Processing Units And Over 10,500 Micro Food Enterprises Under PMFME Scheme: C N Shiva Prakash, KAPPEC

BCIC Conference Highlights AI, Robotics, Value Addition and the Future of India’s Agro-Food Processing Sector

Karnataka has emerged as a major force in micro food processing, with more than 10,500 micro food processing units receiving support under government schemes across the state, generating employment for an estimated 80,000 to 1 lakh people, according to the Karnataka Agro Processing and Export Corporation (KAPPEC).

Speaking at the Conference on ‘Reimagining Agro-Food Processing: The AI & Robotics Revolution’ and the 1st Edition of Awards 2026, organized by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) here, Shri C. N. Shiva Prakash, Managing Director, KAPPEC, said Karnataka has made significant progress in supporting entrepreneurs, producer collectives and food processing enterprises through the Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.

Karnataka Emerges as a Food Processing and Millet Hub

“KAPPEC is always ready to facilitate an enabling ecosystem for food agripreneurship in the state. I congratulate BCIC for hosting such an impactful event. I am always in favour of technology and AI, but they should create more jobs rather than reduce them. Nevertheless, Karnataka is achieving milestones in food processing and I request major stakeholders such as BCIC to join hands in strengthening the sector,” he said.

He further noted that Karnataka has built a robust ecosystem for food processing with a special focus on millet-based industries. Highlighting the state’s leadership in the millet sector, he said Karnataka is home to more than 3,500 millet manufacturing and processing units, making it one of the strongest millet-processing ecosystems in the country.

The conference brought together policymakers, industry leaders, agri-entrepreneurs, technology experts and researchers to deliberate on the role of artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and innovation in transforming India’s agro-food processing ecosystem while ensuring inclusive growth for farmers and rural communities.

Food Processing Can Be a Pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047

Delivering a keynote address, Mr. Suresh Naryanan, former Chairman & Managing Director, Nestle India, said, “India’s food processing sector stands at a decisive inflection point. While the industry is already valued at over $300 billion and is projected to touch $535 billion by 2025-26, we are still processing only about 10% of our agricultural produce compared to 80% in developed economies. This gap represents India’s biggest opportunity for value addition, employment generation and rural prosperity. With strong government support through Rs. 4,064 crore budget allocations, the PLI scheme and over Rs. 9,227 crores in private investments, the foundation is in place.
The next leap must come from innovation, compliance-driven growth, healthier food portfolios and scaling niche sectors like millet-based superfoods, nutraceuticals and sustainable packaging. If India can align its policy, infrastructure and technology, food processing can become one of the strongest pillars of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Mr. Prashant Gokhale, President, BCIC, emphasized that India must move beyond food self-sufficiency and position itself as a global food powerhouse.

“India today produces nearly 350 million tonnes of food grains and has achieved self-sufficiency for 1.5 billion people. But the next big question is: why stop at self-sufficiency? Why not become the ‘Food for the World’? We still lose nearly 30% of our produce to wastage, representing almost 100 million tonnes of additional food potential. With AI, robotics and advanced food processing, we can significantly reduce waste, create value-added products and strengthen global food security,” he said.

Drawing lessons from recent geopolitical disruptions, he added that India has a unique opportunity to emerge as a reliable global food supplier over the next decade and a half.

Setting the context for the conference, Mr. Ankur Bhaumik, Chairman, Agro and Food Processing Expert Committee, BCIC and Chief Operating Officer, Orkla India Ltd., said, “India has made remarkable progress in the last 50 years in achieving food security and remained resilient during geopolitical uncertainties. That reflects our strength and self-sufficiency. But at the same time, there have been rising global scrutiny on our exports and concerns of local compliance challenges. Next decade must be about quality, compliance and global competitiveness. Agriculture contributes 15% of GDP while supporting nearly 45 percent of our population. If India has to grow as an economy, farmer incomes must rise alongside it. Agriculture may have been a slow starter, but that is where the biggest opportunity lies. With immense headroom for growth, technology, innovation and value creation in agri and food processing will define the future.”

Industry Leaders Share Lessons in Agricultural Transformation

A panel discussion on ‘Unlocking India’s Agro-Food Potential: Enablers for Value Addition’, moderated by Mr. Prashant Gokhale, provided key insights into the future of India’s agricultural transformation.

Dr. N. V. Belavadi, former Executive Director, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), highlighted the transformative impact of Operation Flood. “Operation Flood transformed India from a milk-deficit nation into the world’s largest milk producer. The Amul model demonstrated that farmer-owned cooperatives, backed by professional management, can drive large-scale and sustainable change. Market access, collectivisation and strong infrastructure remain the key pillars of agricultural transformation,” he said.

Mr. Shashi Kumar, Founder and CEO, Akshayakalpa Organics, stressed the importance of making farming economically attractive to younger generations.

“For decades, rural India has told its children to study well and leave farming behind. Twenty years ago, we asked ourselves whether farming could once again become aspirational. Today, with only 2,800 farmers, we produce 2.6 lakh litres of milk every day. In FY26 alone, we paid Rs. 480 crores to farmers, with average monthly earnings of Rs. 1.28 lakh per farmer. If farming is profitable and dignified, young people will return,” he said.

Mr. N. R. Shetty, Chairman, Sahaja Samrudha Organic Producer Company Ltd., reflected on Karnataka’s pioneering role in organic agriculture and millet promotion.

“My journey in organic farming began with a simple conviction, agriculture must prioritise not only production but also food quality and farmer well-being. Karnataka’s organic and millet movements have demonstrated that sustainable agriculture can create value for both farmers and consumers while promoting healthier food systems,” he said.

BCIC Releases White Paper on AI and Automation in Agro-Food Processing

As part of the conference, BCIC unveiled a White Paper on AI and Automation in the Agro-Food Processing Sector, positioning technology as a key enabler for enhancing productivity, value addition and market access while keeping farmers at the centre of the ecosystem.

Presenting the white paper, Mr. Jagadeesh Sunkad, Co-Chairman, Agro and Food Processing Expert Committee, BCIC, and CEO, Hitha Agri Fintech Pvt. Ltd., emphasized that discussions on AI and robotics must extend beyond operational efficiency.

“The conversation must focus on farmer inclusion, sustainability and competitiveness. Technology by itself does not create transformation. It is how we apply AI and automation to solve real problems for farmers, consumers and the food ecosystem that will define India’s agricultural future,” he said.

The white paper outlines how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep-tech solutions and automation can strengthen agricultural value chains through better quality assessment, price discovery, direct farmer payments, traceability and market access. It also raises important questions on ensuring that India’s 120 million farmer families are not left behind in a technology-driven future.

BCIC Recognises Excellence in Agro-Food Processing

As part of the 1st Edition of BCIC Awards 2026, BCIC also felicitated outstanding entrepreneurs and enterprises that have demonstrated excellence, innovation and impact in the agro-food processing sector.

The conference highlighted the growing convergence of agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship, while reinforcing the need for collaborative efforts among industry, government, academia and farmers to build a globally competitive and sustainable agro-food ecosystem for India.