LG Electronics Demonstrates The Evolution Of The AI Home Ecosystem

* Driven by 'Affectionate Intelligence,' LG is Evolving Its AI Home ecosystem Designed to Simplify Everyday Life through Personalized and seamless Experiences

News Summary:

● LG Electronics outlined its vision for the AI Home experiences, built around AI-powered appliances, ThinQ AI™ Orchestration and autonomous home robots working together to simplify everyday life.

● Powered by LG’s Affectionate Intelligence, the evolving ThinQ ecosystem is

designed to understand household routines, anticipate user needs and deliver more personalized, seamless and proactive home experiences.

● LG Electronics also highlighted how innovations already available in India, including AI Wash™ 2.0 and ThinQ-enabled appliances, represent important building blocks toward its long-term vision of AI Home.

● As rising incomes, urbanization and home renovations continue to drive

premiumization across India’s appliance market, LG Electronics is well-positioned to meet growing demand for premium and intelligent home solutions. The company sees strong momentum in categories such as large-capacity and front-load washing machines, where consumers are increasingly prioritizing convenience, hygiene, energy efficiency and AI-powered features that enhance everyday living.

LG Electronics (LG) shared its vision for AI Home experiences, presenting a roadmap toward a “Zero Labor Home” where intelligent technologies proactively reduce daily household effort and enhance everyday living.

At the heart of this vision is LG’s belief that the future home should not simply connect devices, but understand people, anticipate their needs, and take action on their behalf. To realize this vision, LG Electronics is building an AI Home ecosystem powered by three core pillars: AI-powered appliances, ThinQ AI™ orchestration, and autonomous home robots.

Together, these technologies form the foundation of the ThinQ AI Universe — LG’s autonomous, hyper-connected, and deeply personalized spatial operating system. Built on decades of hardware innovation and powered by LG’s Affectionate Intelligence, the ecosystem is designed to learn household routines, coordinate devices seamlessly, and ultimately eliminate everyday friction throughout the home.

The Three-Pillar Paradigm Shift

LG’s AI Home vision is built upon three interconnected technological pillars that work together to create a smarter, more autonomous living environment:

● AI-powered Appliances: LG’s next-generation appliances leverage AI-enhanced hardware technologies by embedding AI into LG’s core components, enabling the appliances to understand usage patterns, optimize performance, and deliver personalized care. For example, refrigerators can learn household routines and proactively adjust cooling cycles to preserve freshness while reducing energy consumption.

● ThinQ AI Orchestration: Serving as the brain of the AI Home, ThinQ AI Orchestration coordinates devices, services, and spaces through a centralized generative AI platform. Moving beyond simple device connectivity, ThinQ enables homes to understand context, anticipate needs, and provide seamless, personalized experiences through natural interactions.

● Autonomous Home Robots: Extending intelligence into the physical world, autonomous home robots act as AI-powered agents capable of performing household tasks and interacting with customers. Solutions such as LG CLOiD™ represent LG’s vision of Physical AI in the home, helping transform the concept of a “Zero Labor Home” into reality.

The Evolutionary Roadmap of the ThinQ AI

To demonstrate how this technology departs from standard consumer tech to continuously elevate consumer experience, LG outlined a clear structural evolution of the ThinQ platform, detailing its transition into a highly sophisticated, futuristic living environment:

● Phase 1 - Reactive Automation: LG ThinQ functioned as a convenient, smartphone-based remote control, enabling localized Wi-Fi monitoring, basic on/off operations, and remote troubleshooting through Smart Diagnosis™.

● Phase 2 – Continuous Adaptability: With ThinQ UP, over-the-air software updates, appliances continue to evolve after purchase, adapting to user habits over time to deliver increasingly personalized performance. ThinQ Care further enhances reliability by analyzing usage patterns and providing proactive guidance before potential issues arise, offering greater peace of mind.

● Phase 3 – The Orchestrated Universe: Powered by the generative AI-enabled ThinQ ON hub and integrated with Athom’s open ecosystem, Homey, LG supports more than 50,000 devices across hundreds of brands. The platform interprets natural conversational context to coordinate unified home actions, creating a seamless and highly personalized living environment with minimal manual intervention.

“India is entering a transformative phase of home appliance premiumization, catalyzed by rising household incomes, rapid urbanization, and a clear consumer desire to modernize living spaces. Today’s Indian consumer is moving well beyond basic functionality; they are actively seeking intelligent, connected solutions that bring us closer to the ultimate vision of a 'Zero Labor Home' ecosystem. We see momentum in this space, across all product categories. Our premium products are experiencing rapid adoption, as families prioritize advanced, hyper-connected features that embrace AI,” said, Young Min Hwang,-Vice President, Home Appliance Solution, LG Electronics India Limited.

Expanding Horizons: The Rise of LG CLOiD

The architectural peak of this ecosystem is realized through LG CLOiD, LG's home-specialized autonomous AI agent unveiled at CES 2026. Powered by an advanced spatial vision engine, CLOiD navigates homes autonomously to execute physical chores.

Through a deep integration with the ThinQ ON hub, CLOiD acts as a physical extension of the digital environment—coordinating with localized appliances to maximize consumer convenience, such as automatically starting the washer and dryer or preparing workout clothes and towels in advance of the homeowner’s arrival. CLOiD’s fluid movement is driven by the LG Actuator AXIUM™, a highly efficient, modular actuator platform that serves as the “joints and muscles” of the robot. Integrating the motor, reducer, and drive into a single, compact all-in-one unit, LG Actuator AXIUM™ delivers precise control, space efficiency, and optimized performance.

Baek Seung-Tae, President of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company said, "By combining decades of hardware expertise with Affectionate Intelligence, we are moving beyond basic appliances to deliver holistic, user-centric life solutions focused entirely on ultimate everyday convenience, solving real-life problems, and providing an elevated experience that lets premium urban living flow effortlessly."

Strategic Localization and Indian Manufacturing Blueprint

Recognizing the unique demands of the Indian market, where premium appliance adoption is surging across metro hubs, LG India is backing its software evolution with robust infrastructure. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in India are integrated into the global AI roadmap. This ensures that next-generation components are localized and scaled efficiently, supporting a broader rollout of AI-centric washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, and cooking systems to bring personalized and convenient AI Home experiences to Indian families.

About LG Electronics India Ltd

LG Electronics India Limited (LGEIL) was established in January 1997 in India. It is focused on various consumer electronics and B2B businesses, from home appliances and media entertainment to HVAC and commercial displays. LGEIL's manufacturing units at Greater Noida and Ranjangaon, Pune has the capacity to manufacture LED TVs, air conditioners, commercial air conditioning systems, washing machines, refrigerators, and monitors.  

Dhan Brings Investing In US Stocks & ETFs To Indian Investors Via GIFT City

Photo Caption: L-R- Ritesh Kumar - Head of Business, India INX; Vijay Krishnamurthy - MD & CEO, India INX; Jay Prakash Gupta - Founder & COO, Dhan; Pradeep Ramakrishnan - ED, IFSCA; Raunak Rathi - Co-founder, Dhan; Siddarth Pai - Founding Partner, 3one4 Capital; Ketan Shah - CEO - Omni Channel Business, Dhan; Alok Pandey - Cofounder & CTO, Dhan; Pravin Jadhav - Founder & CEO, Dhan.

● Dhan introduces investing in US Stocks through India’s GIFT City framework regulated by IFSCA and aligned with RBI and FEMA requirements

● Dhan brings the US Stocks via India INX, in partnership with ViewTrade and Glomopay

● No account maintenance and custody fees; brokerage is 0.25% of transaction value

● Investors now have all features like SIPs in the US stocks & ETFs, super orders, and seamless portfolio tracking

Dhan, one of India's fastest-growing trading and investing platforms, has introduced access to US stocks & ETFs for Indian investors through the Dhan app, allowing them to invest in leading global companies and exchange-traded funds under a fully regulated framework.

The US stocks and ETFs are being offered through Raise IFSC Private Limited, Dhan's wholly-owned subsidiary and an India INX exchange member operating under IFSCA's GIFT City framework, in partnership with ViewTrade, Dhan's brokerage partner, and GlomoPay, its payments technology service provider.

Dhan charges no account maintenance and custody fees, while the brokerage is set at 0.25% of the total transaction value. Dhan brings several features popular with its users, including SIPs in US stocks and ETFs, super orders, and seamless portfolio tracking with analytics.

“We are excited about presenting Dhan investors the opportunity to invest in global companies and brands that shape our daily lives. Investing internationally in US stocks had lacked clarity and direction until recent times, Dhan solves the same for Indian investors by offering US investing via

IFSC GIFT City route. We believe Indian investors, while seeking to diversify their portfolios through US equities, should be able to do so through a trusted platform backed by a robust regulatory framework. That is precisely what we have built with Dhan," said Pravin Jadhav, Founder & CEO of Dhan.

The US market is home to some of the world's most influential companies, offering investment opportunities across technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, consumer businesses, healthcare, and a broad range of globally tracked ETFs. All Indian residents are eligible to invest in the stocks listed on both Nasdaq and NYSE. At this stage trading in derivatives is not allowed.

Dhan offers a transparent and convenient experience for its investors. Money and investments move between geographies and entities with full traceability, supported by time-bound processing for deposits and withdrawals and a dedicated customer support team. The investing experience remains focused, without unnecessary clutter or constant prompts.

Fund transfers are integrated with leading Indian banks enabling money to move directly and compliantly into investors' US accounts, with more banking partners to be added over time. Dividend income is subject to US withholding tax under the DTAA framework and is credited to the investor's ledger, allowing investors to claim the corresponding tax credit in India. Capital gains are taxed as per Indian tax rules, with short-term gains taxed at the investor's applicable slab rate and long-term gains at 12.5%.

US Stocks on Dhan is now available to all Dhan users through the Dhan app, allowing investors to get started directly within the platform.

About Dhan

Dhan (dhan.co) is a technology and product-led investment platform built for Long-Term Investors and Super Traders in India. The platform ranks among the top 10 stock trading platforms by active clients as per NSE and is known for its innovation-first approach to building transparent, high-performance investing experiences and exceptionally fast speeds for trade execution.

About Raise Financial Services

Raise Financial Services (raiseholding.co) is a technology-led financial services platform focused on enabling wider participation in India’s growth through the capital markets. As a new generation of financially aware Indians seeks high-quality, efficient investing experiences, Raise is building modern products designed for both active traders and long-term investors, with a strong emphasis on product, technology, customer experience and AI.

Raise operates multiple consumer ventures & products including - Dhan (dhan.co), Millions (millionshq.com), Upsurge (upsurge.club), Fuzz (askfuzz.ai), ScanX (scanx.trade), Filter Coffee (filtercofee.co) and Stratzy (stratzy.in).

Raise was founded in January 2021 by Startup Leader and Serial Entrepreneur - Pravin Jadhav, along with Alok Pandey, Jay Prakash Gupta, and Raunak Rathi. Raise is backed by Hornbill Capital, MUFG, BEENEXT and 3one4 Capital along with the best technology entrepreneurs and leaders from the Indian startup ecosystem.  

Nizami Dastarkhwan, A Special Culinary Showcase At Paranda, Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru

Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru presents Nizami Dastarkhwan at Paranda, an immersive culinary showcase celebrating the richness and legacy of traditional Hyderabadi cuisine. Rooted in time-honoured recipes and royal culinary traditions, the experience brings to life the depth, finesse and aromatic complexity that define the kitchens of the Nizams. Set against a Nizami-inspired décor that echoes understated opulence and heritage charm, the showcase promises a refined and evocative journey into Hyderabad’s storied culinary heritage.

The experience is elevated by the presence of Chef Bilal Khan from Taj Krishna, Hyderabad, whose expertise lends authenticity and depth to the menu. Renowned for his mastery of classic Hyderabadi specialities, Chef Bilal brings with him a nuanced understanding of regional flavours and traditional techniques, curating a selection that honours the city’s rich gastronomic legacy while offering guests an authentic taste of royal cuisine.

Guests can indulge in a thoughtfully curated à la carte menu featuring a diverse range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings. From flavourful appetisers and comforting soups to robust slow-cooked mains, artisanal breads, fragrant biryanis and pulaos, and indulgent desserts, every dish reflects the hallmark balance of spice, richness and subtle sweetness that defines Hyderabadi cuisine.

Venue: Paranda, Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru
Dates: 21st to 28th June 2026
Menu: À la carte
For reservations, please call 80669 00111. 

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Unveils ‘Nuwa’, A Natural Diamond Collection Inspired By Nature’s Finest Creations

Malabar Gold & Diamonds has unveiled NUWA, a new natural diamond jewellery collection inspired by the intricate patterns, textures, and subtle details found in nature. Conceived as a celebration of modern luxury through the lens of the natural world, Nuwa draws inspiration from the intricate details that often go unnoticed, from the striking rhythm of stripes and honeycombs to the fluid formations and organic patterns shaped by the earth itself.

Crafted in 18kt and 14kt gold with a touch of global sophistication, Nuwa features natural diamonds elevated through coloured gemstones, ceramic colour enamelling, and multi-tone rhodium finishes. The collection balances structure and softness, creating jewellery that feels refined, versatile, and relevant across occasions. Each design interprets nature’s pattern play through intricate detailing, fluid forms, and a distinctly modern aesthetic.

The latest edition of NUWA by Malabar Gold & Diamonds, celebrates modern luxury through natural diamonds, drawing inspiration from nature's finest creations and global design influence.

As part of the collection, acclaimed actress Kareena Kapoor Khan continues as the face of Nuwa. Known for her effortless elegance, confidence, and enduring appeal, she perfectly reflects the collection’s celebration of individuality, modern femininity, and timeless sophistication.

TVC Link: https://youtu.be/6rLzb5SHMVM?si=suC_wqHmKdJmWBiF

Commenting on the launch, M. P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, said, “At the heart of this collection is an appreciation for pattern play - the intricate textures, formations, and details that quietly shape the world around us. With Nuwa, we wanted to translate that beauty into a contemporary diamond collection that feels sophisticated, versatile, and relevant to today's woman. Every piece reflects a balance between intricate craftsmanship and effortless elegance, creating jewellery that can be worn and appreciated across occasions and generations.”

The collection has been designed for women who appreciate understated luxury and meaningful design. Inspired by the harmony that exists in nature, Nuwa combines delicate detailing with strong visual character, offering a distinctive expression of modern diamond jewellery.

With Nuwa, Malabar Gold & Diamonds continues to strengthen its natural diamond portfolio through collections that combine craftsmanship, design innovation, and contemporary luxury while remaining rooted in timeless inspiration.

About Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate. With an annual turnover of $9.41 billion, the company currently ranks as the 5th largest jewellery retailer globally and operates a strong retail network of over

445 showrooms across 14 countries, supported by offices, design centres, wholesale units, and manufacturing facilities across India, the Middle East, the Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The group, owned by more than 3,500 shareholders, has over 30,000 professionals from more than 26 countries working towards its continued growth.

ESG has been a core commitment of Malabar Group since its inception. The Group’s CSR focus areas include health, housing, hunger eradication, education, environment, and women empowerment. The Group contributes five percent of its profits to social responsibility initiatives in the same country of operation, with programmes designed to create sustained community impact.  

PW IOI Launches Two-Year Professional Management Program In Product Management, Business Analytics & Startup Leadership

* The program is available at the Bengaluru Campus. Admissions are now open for the inaugural 2026-28 batch

PhysicsWallah Institute of Innovation (PW IOI) has launched a two-year full-time Professional Management Program (PMP) at its Bengaluru campus. The program offers two specialisations: Product Management & Business Analytics (PBA) and Startup & Business Leadership (SBL), designed for students building careers in product management, analytics, and entrepreneurship. Upon completion, students will receive a degree conferred by Medhavi Skills University.

The curriculum opens with a common first semester, covering business economics, financial literacy, marketing, general management, and communication. From Semester 2, students diverge into their chosen tracks. PBA students study product management, business intelligence tools (SQL, Power BI, Tableau), UI/UX, digital marketing, and MVP development. SBL students focus on venture building, opportunity identification, venture finance, unit economics, design thinking, and intellectual property.

AI tools are embedded across all four semesters, from Excel automation and data storytelling in Semester 1 to no-code platforms including Claude Code, n8n, Emergent, and Lovable in Semester 2. The tools are treated as an everyday working skill rather than a standalone subject. Practical applications run through both tracks. PBA students’ complete simulation-based industry projects and a Business Intelligence capstone. SBL students follow a structured, milestone-driven venture-building journey: 200+ customer interviews, MVP development, go-to-market execution, and a live pitch before 50+ investors in Semester 3, where top teams may receive real term sheet interest. In the final semester, PBA students move into placements and internships; SBL students choose between incorporating their own startup, with access to seed capital, government grants, or investor support via PW School of Startups (PW SoS) or interning within the startup ecosystem.

The program is open to graduates of any discipline who have scored at least 50% in 10th, 12th and Undergraduation. Candidates are evaluated on a 100-point admissions scorecard: entrance or professional score, personal interview, work experience, academic record, and diversity. Accepted entrance examinations include CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, MAT, KMAT, Karnataka PGCET, CA Foundation/Inter, and UPSC CSE. Shortlisted candidates will appear for a 30-minute personal interview conducted by PW IOI leaders and faculty. The application process begins with a registration fee.

Program fees start at ₹10,00,000 for the 2026–28 batch, payable across four semesters. A scholarship pool of up to ₹3 crore is available for meritorious students, with hostel accommodation available separately as well. The students will be mentored by faculty who bring real-world expertise and professional experience to the classrooms.

On the launch, Gopal Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, PhysicsWallah (PW) said, “We built this program around a simple belief, that the best way to learn anything is to practice it. By the time our students reach Semester 3, they're not writing case studies about startups; they're pitching live to investors for real term sheets. They aren't just learning about data tools; they're using them to solve real-world industry problems. At PW IOI, our vision has always been to prepare students for the industry and help them gain real- world skills through specialised programs, live industry exposure, and practice-led learning.

PW IOI's Professional Management Program is part of a broader push to make higher education practice-oriented and outcome-driven. Alongside the PMP, the institute offers a four-year undergraduate program in Computer Science and AI in partnership with Medhavi Skills University, with campuses in Bengaluru, Noida, Lucknow, and Pune.

Turkish Airlines Carried 7.9 Million Passengers In May 2026

Turkish Airlines announced passenger and cargo traffic results for May with 2.5% higher passenger capacity in terms of available seat kilometers compared to that of 2025. In May, number of passengers reached 7.9 million and total load factor realized as 84.0%, marking the highest May record in its history.

According to May 2026 Traffic Results;

The number of carried passengers recorded as 7.9 million. International load factor was 84.0% while domestic load factor was 84.4%.

Available seat kilometers (ASK), increased by 2.5% to 23.2 billion during the period of May 2026 from 22.6 billion for the same period of 2025.

Cargo/Mail carried during the period of May 2026 increased by 8.6% from May 2025, totaling 203.1 thousand tons.

According to the January-May 2026 Traffic Results;

The total number of passengers increased by 7.3% to 36.4 million compared to the same period of 2025.

Total load factor was recorded 83.6%. International load factor was 83.5% while domestic load factor was 84.3%.

Available seat kilometers (ASK) increased by 6.5% to 112.1 billion from 105.3 billion for the same period of 2025.

Cargo/Mail carried during this period increased by 13.5% to 954.6 thousand tons from 840.7 thousand tons in the same period of 2025.

By the end of May 2026, the number of aircraft in the fleet was 542.

Traffic results are consolidated and include Turkish Airlines main brand and AJet data.

Going All In For Global Football Fans Across Meta Apps

Takeaways

· We’re bringing new football features and experiences to Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, including athlete content, match content, and in-product activations.

· Threads is launching a football experience designed for the way fans actually follow the tournament: real-time conversation, live scores, and a dedicated community for match-day discussions in one place.

· We’re also investing in protecting athletes and consumers online, and protecting tournament IP.

This summer, the world’s biggest football tournament is coming to North America, and will be discussed in real time by billions of people across our platforms. We’re partnering with creators, athletes, and teams to highlight the conversation and culture around every match — from pre-game hype to post-game debate.

Partnering With Creators, Athletes, and Teams

We’re working with broadcasters, national teams, commentators, creators, and players to bring unique points of view on the tournament to our apps. Key moments, behind-the-scenes content, pre-game preparations, post-game analyses, celebrations, and commiserations will live on Meta apps designed for sharing and discussing with your friends, family, and fellow fans.

New Features for Fans Across Meta’s Family of Apps

Threads

Threads is built for real-time conversation around the things people care about. When something wild happens on the field, fans know they can go to Threads for hot takes, banter, and real-time reactions. This summer, we’re building on that experience with new features and a dedicated community designed for the way fans actually watch the tournament.

Live Chats: Pull up to real-time conversations hosted by football commentators, athletes, and creators before, during, and after matches. React, reply, and talk straight to the hosts as it all unfolds.

o Sergio Aguero, the Argentina football legend and Ian Wright, the former England striker and current TV and radio pundit, will each host three Live Chats over the course of the tournament. Follow both on Threads to get notified when their Live Chats begin.

o Check for an updated schedule and more hosts announced on @threads throughout the tournament.

· Football Community: A special community for this summer’s tournament on Threads is the one place for it all: match-day conversation, player content, and post-game debate.

· Live Scores: We’re giving you real-time match scores with national team branding, appearing inline as you post and in Live Chats so you can follow along while you chat.

· Team Flair: You can now choose a flag badge to appear next to your name and profile picture, so you can rep your country all tournament.

· Stickers: We’re introducing packs that show up in the composer the second you start posting about a match. Say it with more than words.

· Custom Emoji: You’ll now have football and trophy reactions for tournament posts.

· Media Highlights: We’re aggregating top content from broadcasters for you to read and react to.

· Never Miss a Moment: We’ll be spotlighting important conversation in Search, and adding Game Reminders that ping you for kickoffs and the moments you can’t miss.

Instagram

We’re making Instagram the go-to place for all things tournament-related.

Enhanced Search: We’re introducing a brand new, enhanced search experience, so when you search for the tournament or tap the tournament button on football videos globally, you’ll land on a dedicated destination that surfaces curated, real-time content from across Instagram. You’ll see top Reels, Stories, and featured accounts from official rights-holding broadcasters and national teams, alongside the best fan content.

AI-Powered Voice Effects: To make connecting with friends over the matches more fun, we’re globally rolling out a new ‘Goal!’ voice effect powered by AI in Instagram DMs. Send one to unlock a surprise animation.

Facebook

Facebook is going full football mode with a range of new features that bring match-day energy to every interaction.

Football Mode: Double-tap the Facebook logo at the top of Feed to activate football mode across the app and celebrate the tournament with themed reactions and other surprises. Plus, gain access to a special football game and custom app icon by long-pressing on the logo.

Wear It: Sport your favorite national team’s jersey with the new Wear It feature, which lets fans use AI to virtually try on jerseys and show their support by sharing the image as a profile picture, story, or post. To get started open Stories, select a photo, tap AI Edit, and choose Wear It. Then pick your team’s jersey and share!

Express Yourself: Find exclusive tournament-themed stickers, football-inspired design edits, and brand new expressive tools throughout Facebook to fuel your fandom.

Whether you’re celebrating a late-in-the-game goal or commiserating over a heartbreaking loss, Facebook gives fans new ways to wear their pride and share the moment.

Messenger

Messenger is launching new features to bring the tournament hype directly into your group chat.

Live Updates: This new feature brings real-time match highlights directly into your Messenger group chat. When Live Updates is activated, your thread instantly goes from delayed reactions to real-time celebrations — no refreshing, no spoilers, just you and your friends reacting together as goals, red cards, and key match moments appear in your chat while the action unfolds on the pitch. To turn Live Updates on, just tap the plus sign in the bottom left navigation bar of your group chat and pick a game to get updates about.

Chat Theme: Add an extra kick of football to your group chat by activating a limited-edition chat theme. Just long-press on the background of any group chat to change your background to a football pitch.

Stickers: When words aren’t enough to capture your fandom, express yourself with our exclusive tournament-themed animated stickers.

WhatsApp

The only thing that matches the energy on the pitch is your group chat. WhatsApp has rolled out features to make following the tournament with the people you care about even more fun.

Trionda Upgrade: We partnered with Adidas to bring the official match ball for this summer’s tournament to WhatsApp. Now through the finals, the football emoji has been upgraded to the Trionda ball. Send it as a message or drop it as a reaction.

Calling Effects: We’ve also introduced new football calling effects, so you can bring the fun and fandom to your next group video call — filters you can add onto your face or background while you’re on a live video call.

Football Sticker Packs: And for when you need just the right sticker to express how you feel after that missed penalty or questionable red card, we’ve rolled out a football-themed sticker pack to better express how you’re really feeling about a game.

A Dedicated Football Directory: During the tournament, you can expect match-day countdowns, behind-the-scenes moments, and real-time highlights from channels across WhatsApp. We’ve created a dedicated football directory to bring together your favorite teams, latest scores, and updates all in one place for easy access.

Say it With a Status: We’re also rolling out the ability for Channels to post to Status, just in time for the tournament. You’ll see statuses from channels you follow alongside other statuses, and can also view a channel’s status when you visit a Channel. You can hide any channel’s statuses so it no longer appears alongside your statuses, or unfollow the channel at any time.

Protecting Athletes and Fans Online

Football fans across the globe will use our apps to connect around the tournament. While most will be rooting for their favorite teams and players, unfortunately there may be bad actors who will try to lure people into scams or harass and abuse others — offline and online. We recently shared more details about the steps we’re taking to combat scams and our approach to keeping fans and players safe from abuse, including new in-app reminders for people searching for tickets — and updating existing ones to help people stay safe on our apps.

“We’re about to witness the biggest cultural moment of all time, and Meta will be at the very centre of showcasing the tournament’s action and surrounding culture beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch. As the place where football conversation lives and grows, Meta’s suite of apps will allow billions of fans across the globe to connect and enjoy the highs and lows of the beautiful game together.”

— Rob Pilgrim, Global Football Lead, Meta

We’re excited to help fans immerse themselves in football culture this summer through our family of apps.

Marriott International Celebrates 10,000 Properties Globally

Photo Caption: David Marriott – Chairman of the Board, Marriott International, Rajeev Menon – President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International and associates of the JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa.

* With The Opening Of The JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa

Marriott International opened its 10,000th property globally, the JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa in India, marking a historic milestone as the company approaches its 100th anniversary.

The JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa features 127 accommodations, including private villas, and is located near Ranthambore National Park.

Marriott’s leading luxury portfolio comprises nearly 700 properties across 74 countries and territories, with the JW Marriott brand surpassing 130 properties globally.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR, “Marriott”) announced the opening of its 10,000th property globally, the JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa, marking a historic milestone for the company as it approaches its 100th anniversary.

“Marriott was founded 99 years ago as a nine‑seat root beer stand, and as of today, has grown into a global portfolio of 10,000 properties spanning 146 countries and territories. I’m immensely proud of this tremendous milestone, made possible by our global teams and the owners who continue to place their trust in Marriott brands,” said Marriott International President and CEO Anthony Capuano. “Marking this accomplishment with a property carrying the JW Marriott brand is especially meaningful given its naming after our co-founder, J. Willard Marriott. He and Alice S. Marriott built an incredible legacy of opportunity, service, and innovation that we’re privileged to carry forward.”

The JW Marriott Ranthambore celebrated the opening with associates and company leaders, including David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), along with the resort’s owner Nilesh Gadhiya and the Gadhiya family.

Situated a short drive from Ranthambore National Park, the resort offers an immersive luxury retreat with 127 thoughtfully designed accommodations, including private villas, guestrooms, and suites. On property, guests can reconnect with nature and experience elevated dining through a range of diverse dining experiences, from modern Indian cuisine and regional specialties to locally inspired botanical cocktails.

With the JW Marriott brand portfolio now comprising over 130 properties globally, this opening strengthens the company’s unrivaled luxury portfolio, which spans seven brands representing nearly 700 properties in 74 countries and territories, offering guests transformative experiences in the world’s most sought-after destinations.

As Marriott continues striving to meet the evolving needs of every traveler and trip purpose, the company has recently celebrated several exciting openings, spanning midscale to luxury, including:

The St. Regis Budapest opened in April and marked the brand’s debut in Hungary. Set within the iconic Klotild Palace, one of the city’s most renowned architectural landmarks, the property introduced the brand’s timeless sophistication, signature rituals and anticipatory service to Budapest’s most distinguished address.

The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort officially opened as Westin’s first all-inclusive property in Mexico. Located along the shores of Banderas Bay, the resort introduces a refined, experience-driven interpretation of stress-free, all-inclusive travel.

Artik Suzhou, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy opened earlier this year, marking the brand’s debut in Greater China. Located in the heart of the historic city of Suzhou, the property blends contemporary design with the refined elegance of Suzhou’s centuries-old cultural heritage.

StudioRes by Marriott Greensboro Airport officially opened its doors in May, about a year after signing. The new-build property was developed using modular construction and joined one of the company’s newest brand portfolios, catering to extended-stay guests. 

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Launches Anmol Akshaya Across India

* Supports every stage of a child’s education journey through milestone-based pay-outs

* Help families to achieve their future goals with medium to long-term savings

* Empowering today’s women with smart savings and built in HER Benefits—Health Management Services, childbirth-linked payout, and cancer support 

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (“ABSLI”), the life insurance subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital, India’s leading diversified financial services company, today announced the launch of ABSLI Anmol Akshaya, a savings-oriented participating life insurance plan designed to help customers achieve future goals while safeguarding their families against life's uncertainties.

Exclusive offerings of the Plan:

My Child: Policyholders can choose milestone-based income pay-outs aligned to key stages of a child’s educational journey, from undergraduate studies and professional courses to post-graduation and career beginnings.

My Savings: Designed for customers looking to create a medium to long-term corpus for future goals such as daughter’s marriage, buying a house, retirement planning etc., while also ensuring life insurance protection for their families.

HER Benefits: For women, the plan offers attractive savings for future goals and exclusive HER Benefits in-built in the plan. The proposition includes complimentary Health Management Services, providing access to medical consultations, and health coaching, second medical opinions and personal medical care management to support proactive health management.

ABSLI Anmol Akshaya offers customers added flexibility through optional protection enhancements such as the Extended Life Cover (ELC) option that enables customers to continue their life insurance cover beyond Maturity up to the age of 75 or 85. Additionally, the Policy Continuance Benefit (PCB) helps safeguard long-term financial goals of the family by offering immediate death benefit, under specified conditions on death of the Life assured. Besides, this benefit also provides waiver of future premiums upon the death of the Life Insured while policy benefits continue till maturity.

Mr. Kamlesh Rao, MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited, said, “Financial planning today is increasingly centered around life goals rather than standalone products. From securing a child's future, family’s future goal and a savings corpus to address the evolving financial and wellness needs of women, customers seek solutions that support them through different stages of life. With ABSLI Anmol Akshaya, we have created a proposition that combines savings and protection, along with meaningful benefits, helping customers pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and financial resilience”

As a part of HER benefits offering of ABSLI Anmol Akshaya plan, it also features a Motherhood Benefit, under which eligible women can receive an accelerated payout equivalent to one annualized premium upon childbirth after certain policy duration. Further, the Cancer Care Benefit provides an accelerated payout of 25% of the Guaranteed Maturity Benefit upon diagnosis of a covered woman-specific cancer.

About Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited:

Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (“ABSLI”) is a part of Aditya Birla Capital Ltd (“ABCL”). ABSLI was incorporated on August 4th, 2000, and commenced operations on January 17th, 2001. ABSLI is a 51:49 a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group and Sun Life Financial Inc., an international financial services organization in Canada. ABSLI offers a range of products across the customer’s life cycle, including children future plans, wealth protection plans, retirement and pension solutions, health plans, traditional term plans and Unit Linked Insurance Plans (“ULIPs”).

As of March 31, 2026, total AUM of ABSLI stood at Rs.110,505 Cr. ABSLI recorded a gross premium income of Rs.24,779 Cr with Individual Business FYP with Single Premium at 10% of Rs. 4,725 Cr registering a growth of 15%. Renewal Premium grew by 17% with gross Individual and Group segment. ABSLI has a nationwide distribution presence through 450+ branches, 12 bancassurance partners, 6 distribution channels, over 70,000+ direct selling agents, other Corporate Agents, and Brokers through its website. The company has over 32,000+ employees and 29.57 lakh active customers. IRDAI Reg no. 109.

About Aditya Birla Capital Limited:

Aditya Birla Capital Limited (“ABCL”) is a listed systemically important non deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and the holding company of the financial services businesses. ABCL and its subsidiaries/JVs provides a comprehensive suite of financial solutions across Loans, Investments, Insurance, and Payments to serve the diverse needs of customers across their lifecycles. Powered by over 68,400 employees, the businesses of ABCL have a nationwide reach with over 1,740 branches and more than 200,000 agents/channel partners along with several bank partners. ABCL and its subsidiaries/JVs manage aggregate assets under management of about Rs. 5.91 Lakh Crore, and the consolidated lending book crossed Rs 2 Lakh Crore as of March 31, 2026.

Aditya Birla Capital Limited is a part of the US$ 67 billion global conglomerate Aditya Birla Group, which is in the league of Fortune 500 and has a consolidated market cap of over US$117 billion, as of Jan 1, 2026. Anchored by an extraordinary force of over 227,500 employees, the Group is built on a strong foundation of stakeholder value creation. With over seven decades of responsible business practices, the Group’s businesses have grown into global powerhouses in a wide range of sectors - from metals to cement, fashion to financial services and textiles to trading. Today, over 40% of the Group revenues flow from overseas operations that span 41 countries across six continents with over 340 state-of-the-art manufacturing units. 

Godrej Consumer Products Unveils ‘Pride In Manufacturing’ A Unique Toolkit For LGBTQIA+ Inclusion In Manufacturing Sector

While conversations around LGBTQIA+ inclusion have gained momentum in corporate India, manufacturing workplaces, one of the country's largest sources of employment—have largely remained absent from the discussion. To bridge this gap, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) unveiled the Pride in Manufacturing, a unique practical toolkit designed to help organizations build safer, more equitable and inclusive manufacturing workplaces for LGBTQIA+ talent.

The toolkit was launched simultaneously at Godrej One, the company's headquarters in Mumbai, by Sudhir Sitapati, CEO & MD, Godrej Consumer Products, and at the company's manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu by Vaibhav Ram, Global Head – HR, Godrej Consumer Products. The toolkit reflects GCPL's commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and strengthening India's manufacturing workforce by enabling every individual to participate, contribute and thrive.

Developed in partnership with Transformis, a leading Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) consulting firm, and Antara Roy Chowdhury, a student at Ashoka University, Sonipat; ‘Pride in Manufacturing’ toolkit addresses a critical gap in workplace inclusion. While an estimated 45.4 million people in India identify as LGBTQIA+, workplace inclusion remains a challenge, with 34% citing personal safety concerns as a barrier to being open about their identity at work. Combining legal context, industry insights, inclusive workplace practices and real-world scenarios, the toolkit equips leaders, managers and teams with actionable guidance to foster cultures of dignity, respect and belonging while enabling more inclusive and future-ready manufacturing workplaces.

Manufacturing remains one of India's largest employment sectors, yet conversations around LGBTQIA+ inclusion have often been concentrated in corporate environments. Recognizing the unique operational and cultural realities of manufacturing workplaces, the toolkit offers actionable recommendations on inclusive hiring, workplace infrastructure, employee sensitization, leadership accountability and creating environments where diverse talent can succeed and grow.

Speaking on the unveiling of the toolkit, Sudhir Sitapati, MD & CEO, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, "Inclusion, for us, has never been a program or a moment in time - it is a belief system. A belief rooted in a simple, unwavering idea: that every individual deserves dignity, respect, and the freedom to exercise their fundamental rights. This toolkit is a step in that direction. It brings together practical guidance, workplace scenarios, legal context, and everyday actions to help leaders, managers, and teams build safer and more inclusive manufacturing environments for LGBTQIA+ talent. Inclusion is ultimately shaped in small, consistent choices - in how we design our workplaces, how we make decisions, and how we treat one another."

Vaibhav Ram, Global Head – Human Resources, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, "Manufacturing is one of India's key growth engines, and at GCPL, we have been on a deliberate journey to make our manufacturing operations more inclusive. Currently, our LGBTIQA+ representation stands at 3% in the Chengalpattu plant with ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusion, demonstrating what is possible when inclusion is backed by intent and action. The Pride in Manufacturing toolkit is a culmination of the learnings and experiences we have gathered along this journey, which we hope will enable other organizations implement or smoothen their inclusion journey in manufacturing.”

The launch is part of GCPL's ongoing commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion across its operations and strengthening workplace cultures where every individual can thrive.

Link to ‘Pride in Manufacturing’ Toolkit: https://www.godrejdeilab.com/storage/pdfs/dei-directory/01KST04HB6FSQW8CX5H2SPVNC9.pdf

ABOUT GODREJ CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Godrej Consumer Products is a leading emerging markets company, driven by the purpose of bringing the goodness of health and beauty to consumers in emerging markets. As part of the Godrej Industries Group, we are fortunate to have a proud legacy of over 125 years, built on the strong values of trust, integrity, and respect for others. At the same time, we are growing fast and have exciting, ambitious aspirations.

Today, we enjoy the patronage of 1.4 billion consumers globally. We rank among the largest Household Insecticide and Hair Care players in emerging markets. In Household Insecticides, we are the leader in India, the second largest player in Indonesia and are expanding our footprint in Africa. We are the leader in serving the Hair Care needs of women of African descent, the number one player in Hair Colour in India and Sub-Saharan Africa, and among the leading players in Latin America. We rank number two in Soaps in India and are the number one player in Air Fresheners and Wet Tissues in Indonesia.

We believe that we are only as good as what we do next. So, we strive to continuously improve how we do business, and how we live in the world, shaping a more sustainable and responsible future by placing our planet and people alongside profit. Through Godrej Good & Green, we are helping create a more inclusive and greener planet, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the needs of local communities. At the Godrej DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Lab, we work on empowering inclusion, help build DEI ecosystems across corporate India and aim to bring ideas and innovation related to DEI to the mainstream.

TADKA On JioHotstar Hits 100 Million Users, Establishes Itself As The Top Destination For Micro Content Storytelling

* Daily watch time per viewer surged 5X over the course of the launch phase, showing sustained engagement with the format

In a defining moment for India's streaming industry, TADKA on JioHotstar has crossed the landmark milestone of 100 million users, establishing premium micro-content as a mainstream entertainment category. This achievement reflects a broader transformation of how audiences consume stories; embracing mobile-native, short-format experiences alongside traditional long-form viewing. Since it’s launch, daily watch time per viewer on TADKA has grown 5X, underscoring sustained engagement and demonstrating rapid adoption across age groups and geographies.

The appeal of TADKA is being felt across a broad spectrum of audiences. More than 42% of its viewership comes from consumers under the age of 24, while audiences in metros and Tier 2 cities each contribute nearly 40% of the overall watch time. This reflects a growing appetite for premium, mobile-first storytelling that fits seamlessly into everyday entertainment habits.

The shift is also shaping how and where stories are being created. As demand for micro-content grows, production has expanded beyond traditional entertainment centres, with creators and production teams shooting across cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Indore, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. The result is a richer mix of stories, voices and perspectives, helping build a more diverse and geographically distributed creative ecosystem.

Launched within the JioHotstar streaming platform, with over 100 original titles, TADKA was built to serve audiences across multiple moments of the day. Featuring vertical, episodic stories ranging from 30 to 60 seconds, the offering is purpose-built for mobile-first consumption, with narratives rooted in everyday emotions, relationships, aspirations and contemporary Indian culture. The slate spans romance, drama, thrillers, comedy, sports and youth-led stories across multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and more.

Commenting on the milestone, Ambuj Kashyap - Executive Vice President for Micro Content at JioStar, said, "Crossing 100 million users is not just a milestone for TADKA; it represents a larger inflection point in the evolution of streaming. Consumer behaviour is expanding beyond traditional viewing formats, creating new opportunities for storytelling to fit naturally into more moments throughout the day. What we are witnessing is the emergence of premium micro-content as a meaningful new entertainment category. The scale and engagement we have seen reinforce our belief that this format can unlock new creative possibilities, new audiences and new growth opportunities for the industry. We remain focused on building the category through compelling storytelling, product innovation and a rapidly evolving creator ecosystem."

TADKA forms part of JioHotstar's broader vision of building entertainment experiences around evolving consumer behaviour. As audiences engage with content across formats, devices and contexts, the platform continues to innovate through product-led experiences that make discovery and engagement more intuitive and immersive. From interactive commerce and second-screen experiences to premium micro-content, JioHotstar is expanding the way audiences connect with stories and is shaping the next chapter of entertainment in India.

About JioHotstar

With 500 million monthly average users and a library of more than 300,000 hours of programming, JioHotstar is one of the largest streaming services in the world. Content is available across 19 languages and spans movies, originals, live sports, live events, anime and kids’ entertainment as well as TV shows from the more than 100 channels in the JioStar network. JioHotstar is available to Android, iOS and web users on https://www.hotstar.com/in

UTI Flexi Cap Fund – A Flexi-Cap Portfolio With Emphasis On Business Sustainability Creating Wealth Since 1992

Setting a realistic financial goal is the first-step towards successful investing for any investor. While looking for an investment option which can consistently reward you is important, it is equally important to understand the risk associated with it to aim for an optimal outcome in the long-term. Mutual fund options can be explored for meeting financial goals ranging from short-term to long-term, while choosing to invest from wide-range of products across the asset class. Here is one mutual fund product category that investors can look for investing in meeting long-term wealth creation goals.

Flexi-cap funds are open-ended equity funds investing at least 65% of total assets are invested in equity assets of companies across the different market capitalizations viz., large-cap, mid-cap or small-cap fund. UTI Flexi Cap Fund is one of the oldest funds in the category (launched in 1992) and has a long-term track record of consistent performance. The Fund has a corpus of over Rs. 22,200 crores (as on May 31, 2026). This offering from UTI Mutual Fund is suitable for any long-term investor looking for a fund that endeavors to invest in quality businesses having potential for creating economic value for investors.

UTI Flexi Cap Fund’s investment philosophy is built around the three pillars of Quality, Growth and Valuation. The portfolio strategy would be to focus on businesses that have the ability to show strong growth for a long period of time and are run by seasoned management.

“Quality” signifies the ability of a business to sustain a high Return on Capital Employed (RoCE) or Return on Equity (RoE) over a long period of time. Truly high quality businesses are those that are able to generate high RoCEs and also RoEs even during difficult times for their respective industries or sectors and therefore operate above their cost of capital at all times. More often than not, a business with a high RoCE/ RoE shall be able to generate strong cash-flows and these strong cash flows become the source of economic value creation.

“Growth” on the other hand signifies long term secular growth for the business. The fund emphasizes on businesses that have steady and predictable growth trajectory rather than cyclical and volatile growth. Cyclical growth or de-growth can be very sharp and unpredictable and can surprise investors in either directions, as against secular growth where there is relatively more certainty in understanding the long term drivers and hence future outcomes. While high quality businesses create economic value, a high growth business enables compounding of this economic value. It is for this reason that the fund’s favorite hunting ground for stock selection is the intersection of quality and growth.

The last pillar of the fund’s investment philosophy is “Valuations”. Valuations are an important metric as an entry point into a great business and therefore one should very carefully study this before entering a stock. Although a Price to Earnings (P/E) multiple is a good starting point for understanding the valuations of a business, it is also a widely misunderstood valuation technique. The P/E is merely a shorthand metric for the firm's cash flow generation and value creation potential over a long period. More often than not, a high RoCE and high growth business creates more value over the long-term and would hence mathematically deserve a higher P/E. It would still be an attractive investment for long term investors who invest on the basis of business fundamentals rather than on the basis of what would outperform in the next few months or quarters. Therefore, before reaching a judgement by looking solely at P/Es, one has to carefully study the characteristics of each business and then establish the fair valuation band for each of them. The P/E hides more than it reveals and must always be considered in the context of RoCE, opportunity to reinvest in the business and free cash flow.

The Fund invests across the market capitalization spectrum following the “Growth” style of investment. The scheme’s top ten holding consists of ICICI Bank Ltd., Bajaj Finance Ltd., Eternal Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd., Titan Company Ltd., Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., Avenue Supermarts Ltd., Bhart Airtel Ltd., Coforge Ltd., Info-Edge (India) Ltd., which account for around 44% of the portfolio’s corpus as of May 31, 2026.

UTI Flexi Cap Fund is suitable for those equity investors looking to build their “core” equity portfolio and seeking long term capital growth through investment in quality businesses that generate economic value. Investors with moderate risk-profile and looking to invest for at least 5 to 7 years to meet a long-term financial goal, may consider investing in this fund.

Turkish Airlines Wins 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage In Europe Award For The Fifth Time

Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, received the Best Food & Beverage in Europe award as part of the 2026 APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) Best Airline Awards. Receiving the accolade for the fifth time, flag carrier once again showcased its commitment to exceptional in-flight dining and its dedication to passenger satisfaction. The award was presented at the APEX Awards Ceremony held on 10 June in Dublin, Ireland, during the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing Event.

The 2026 APEX Awards were determined on the basis of unbiased, anonymous, and verified passenger feedback collected in partnership with TripIt® by Concur®, one of the world’s most widely used travel planning applications. During the 2026 evaluation period, more than one million flights operated by over 600 airlines worldwide were rated by passengers using a five-star system. Travelers were able to quickly and easily share their assessments across five categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

Commenting on the award, Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ahmet Olmuştur stated: “We are very glad to be recognized by APEX as the Best Food & Beverage airline in Europe for the fifth time. This award speaks to the passion and craftsmanship our teams pour into every meal we serve above the clouds, starting from menu design to the moment it reaches our guests. Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests for their continued confidence in us, and to every member of the Turkish Airlines family who brings this experience to life.”

APEX Group CEO Dr Joe Leader added: “Turkish Airlines receiving the 2026 APEX Best Food & Beverage in Europe award reflects far more than excellence on a tray. It celebrates an airline that has transformed inflight dining into a true expression of culture, hospitality, craftsmanship, and national pride. As an APEX World Class airline, Turkish Airlines continues to prove that airline scale and aviation soul can ascend together. From its acclaimed culinary program to the warmth of its service rituals, Turkish Airlines brings the richness of Türkiye to the world with every course, every presentation, and every deeply memorable guest interaction. Its food and beverage experience does not simply satisfy passengers, it tells a story of place, care, generosity, and aviation leadership.”

Turkish Airlines continues to elevate its in-flight dining experience by combining the warmth of Turkish hospitality with quality, variety and authenticity. Through its Flying Chef program, diverse menu offerings and continuously evolving catering concepts, the flag carrier brings a distinctive gastronomic experience to its gests across its unparalleled global network that spans over 130 countries in six continents. 

Abhi Eggs Expands Portfolio With Cage-Free And Free-Range Variants

Abhi Eggs, the Nutri-enriched egg brand from Abhi Foods, has expanded its product range with the introduction of Cage-Free and Free-Range egg variants, strengthening its presence in the premium nutrition segment.

The idea for nutri-enriched eggs was conceived in 2018, inspired by Mr. G. Satyanarayana Reddy, Founder of Abhi Eggs, and his vision to provide nutritious eggs to his grandson. Since its formal launch in November 2020, the brand has scaled steadily, supported by rising demand for nutrition-focused and clean-label food products. Abhi Eggs has crossed ₹100 crore in revenue for FY 2025-26.

Abhi Eggs operates on a fully controlled, antibiotic-free farming model, with end-to-end oversight of feed, bird health, and production processes to ensure consistent quality standards. Building on this integrated system, the brand is now introducing Cage-Free and Free-Range eggs to expand consumer choice within its premium portfolio.

Cage-free eggs are produced in structured indoor environments that allow hens greater freedom of movement, while free-range eggs offer access to both indoor and outdoor conditions. All products are sourced from certified humane farms, adhering to defined standards across farming and packaging.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. S. V. V. Dora Reddy, Co-founder, Abhi Eggs, said,
“As consumer awareness around food sourcing continues to grow, transparency, ethical farming practices, and quality are now key factors influencing purchase decisions. At Abhi Eggs, our foundation has always been a fully controlled, antibiotic-free farming system with strict quality standards. The introduction of Cage-Free and Free-Range variants is a natural progression of this approach, allowing us to broaden our premium range while reinforcing our focus on trust, consistency, and responsible production practices.”

The brand currently operates at a daily capacity of 18–20 lakh eggs and offers a portfolio that includes India’s first D.O.S.E egg, along with Vitamin D3, Nutri+, Gold+, and the newly launched Cage-Free and Free-Range variants.

Abhi Eggs has a pan-India presence across 50 cities in 17 states and 3 union territories, and is available through modern trade, quick commerce platforms, e-commerce channels, and leading regional retail chains. The brand is also actively exploring export opportunities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, driven by growing demand for premium, nutrient-enriched eggs.

Armani Exchange Launches Summer 2026 Styles With A New Take On The Iconic Sync Platform

Summer styling this season embraces radiant gold tones, textured dials and polished details that effortlessly catch the light. Inspired by the energy of long sunlit days and vibrant city nights, the mood feels confident, expressive and easy to wear, blending sleek silhouettes with statement accents that transition seamlessly from daytime plans to evening moments.

Capturing this spirit of the season, Armani Exchange introduces its new Summer 2026 watch collection featuring contemporary styles for both him and her. The collection brings together refined metallic finishes, sport inspired elements and modern silhouettes designed to balance statement style with everyday versatility, reflecting a fresh and elevated take on seasonal accessorising.

FOR HER

LADIES SYNC: A NEW CHAPTER IN THE ICONIC SYNC PORTFOLIO

Building on the success of the iconic Men’s Sync platform, one of Armani Exchange’s bestselling watch portfolios since its launch - the new Ladies Sync collection introduces a refined feminine evolution of the signature design. Retaining the platform’s clean modern aesthetic and versatile appeal, the collection reimagines Sync through polished gold finishes, sleek proportions and elevated detailing designed for contemporary styling.

Marking the platform’s expansion into women’s watches, the collection also introduces refined new elements including a laboratory-grown diamond accent at the 6 o’clock marker, bringing a subtle touch of sophistication to the signature silhouette.

AX6031

The AX6031 reinterprets the signature Sync aesthetic through a softer, more elevated lens. Defined by a textured gold-tone dial and matching stainless steel bracelet, the design balances clean lines with luminous detailing for a look that feels polished yet effortless. A laboratory-grown diamond accent at the 6-hour marker introduces a refined point of shine, while the rounded case and silhouette designed to move easily from day to evening. It is also available in two other colourways - Blue and Silver.

AX5738

The AX5738 brings together vintage-inspired elegance and modern sophistication. A rectangular gold-tone stainless steel case is paired with a warm brown sunray dial, creating a rich, light-catching finish, while the matching bracelet adds a polished, jewellery-like appeal. Complete with clean three-hand detailing and an Adjust-O-Matic closure for a tailored fit, the design offers a refined statement that seamlessly transitions from day to night.

FOR HIM

AX4298

The AX4298 combines sharp contrast with understated sophistication through its two-tone construction and textured dial detailing. Designed with a balanced, modern aesthetic, the watch features a clean three-hand movement alongside a functional day-date display that enhances everyday wearability. The layered dial surface introduces depth and dimension, while the polished bracelet and secure clasp complete the design with a refined yet versatile finish suited for both daytime dressing and evening occasions. It is also available in three other colourways: Blue, Gunmetal and Black.

AX7178SET
The AX7178SET delivers a sleek and polished statement through its dark dial contrasted against warm metallic tones. Defined by a clean case structure and minimal three-hand movement, the watch carries a sharp, contemporary presence that feels both elevated and versatile. Designed as a multi-piece set, it offers styling flexibility while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic rooted in modern sophistication and everyday ease.

ABOUT A|X ARMANI EXCHANGE:“In 1991 I had an intuition, and I called it A|X. Looking at the reality of the street, before it became just another vogue, I created fast, affordable metropolitan clothing for the young generations or those with a young mindset. The spirit persists today in apparel and accessories that speed forward to an urban drum keeping the quintessential effortlessness and the active stance of the GA DNA.” – Giorgio Armani

SKINN-House Of Titan And Vivanta Collaborate To Reimagine The Modern Hospitality Experience

In a move that redefines modern hospitality through sensorial storytelling, SKINN – House of Titan, the premium fragrance portfolio from Titan Company Limited, has announced a strategic collaboration with Vivanta, the Bon Vivant brand of Indian Hotels Company (IHCL).

As part of the strategic collaboration, guests checking into Vivanta properties will be welcomed with a curated SKINN fragrance vials - designed as a travel-friendly, collectible vial, that that reimagines check‑in as an avante-garde sensory experience, with ‘his’ and ‘hers’ fragrances tailored to today’s guest.

Through this partnership, SKINN – House of Titan introduces a fragrance-led dimension to the guest journey at Vivanta, enhancing engagement at the very first touchpoint while extending the brand beyond personal fragrance into thoughtfully curated lifestyle experiences. The fragrances are thoughtfully crafted for the young, modern traveler. For Vivanta, the initiative reinforces a continued focus on guest delight through differentiated and elevated service moments.

Mr. Manish Gupta, CEO – Fragrance and Fashion Accessories, Titan Company Limited, said:

“At SKINN – House of Titan, we see fragrance as far more than a personal accessory; it is a powerful medium for storytelling, capable of shaping emotions and anchoring memories. As hospitality evolves into a more immersive, multi-sensory experience, this collaboration with Vivanta is a natural fit. It allows us to integrate fragrance into a meaningful moment of arrival, transforming a routine check-in into a lasting sensory impression. For us, this is a deliberate step towards taking fine perfumery beyond the bottle and embedding it into everyday experiences.”

Tajinder Singh, Senior Vice President (IHCL), added: “The partnership with SKINN – House of Titan brings a crafted sensory element into the guest journey at Vivanta. It is a thoughtful addition at a moment that often goes unnoticed, turning arrival into something more memorable. Such collaborations allow us to continuously reinterpret the experience in ways that feel current and true to the brand.”.”

The SKINN fragrance vials will be available for guests across Vivanta properties pan-India, reinforcing both brands’ shared commitment to innovation, design, and guest-centric experiences.

TCS And Anthropic Launch Global Premier Partnership To Drive Enterprise AI Scaling

* As a Global Premier Partner in the Claude Partner Network, TCS will empower 50,000 associates with Claude, powered by Anthropic, transform core enterprise functions, co-innovate industry solutions, and build future-ready AI talent through TCS iON.

* TCS and Anthropic will also jointly go to market with AI solutions for highly regulated sectors.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, today announced a global strategic partnership with Anthropic, the frontier AI company behind Claude, to help customers scale enterprise AI adoption. TCS will setup a dedicated Business Unit focused on delivering strong customer value propositions, joint industry solutions and deep AI expertise on the Claude family of models through early access to Claude models.

In regulated industries, most AI initiatives stall at the pilot stage, where the requirements for accuracy, auditability and oversight are far more stringent, and the consequences of error significantly higher. This partnership is designed to overcome those barriers. Combining TCS’ governance, controls and implementation expertise will enable enterprises to deploy Claude confidently in production, not just in experimentation.

As a Global Premier Partner in the Claude Partner Network, TCS will bring Claude models to enterprises that demand accuracy, deep integration, resilience and strong governance. Combining scaled internal deployment, joint go-to-market offerings, industry co-innovation, and workforce enablement, the partnership gives clients a practical path to enterprise-wide adoption and measurable outcomes.

TCS will equip 50,000 associates across engineering, finance, legal, marketing, and sales with Claude through enterprise-wide licensing. By deploying Claude internally, TCS will gain first-hand experience to transform its own operations while applying those insights to drive client success.

TCS and Anthropic will jointly go to market with AI solutions and services across industries including highly regulated sectors, such as financial services, public services, life sciences, healthcare, aviation, telecom, and medtech. Together, they will co-innovate solutions for domain-specific workflows, modernization, and customer experience transformation, backed by TCS’ consulting, engineering, and managed services capabilities.

The partnership also extends to TCS products, platforms and domain specific solutions in the following areas:

· In the UK, Diligenta, TCS’ FCA-regulated life and pensions business serving over 22 million Life and Pensions customers, will use Claude to improve customer experience through agentic process transformation at scale. In addition, BFSI Products and Platforms teams will leverage Claude Code to enhance productivity in Software engineering and IT Operations.

· TCS iON conducts over 75 million annual assessments across 1,500 cities in India. Through this partnership TCS iON will deliver high-impact learning and certification on Claude models, helping build a future-ready, AI-certified workforce in India.

· TCS will also bring its domain-led engineering expertise to the Claude Code ecosystem through reusable skills and plugins, including capabilities such as claims adjudication and lending advisory.

K Krithivasan, CEO and MD, TCS, said, “Enterprise AI value comes from understanding business context, orchestrating complex systems, and applying deep AI engineering talent. By combining Claude with our industry expertise, engineering rigor, and large-scale transformation capabilities, we will help customers move faster to production, especially in industries where trust, resilience, and regulatory discipline are critical. This partnership reflects TCS’ broader strategy to help clients become perpetually adaptive enterprises by turning frontier AI into transformation at enterprise scale.”

Dario Amodei, Co-founder and CEO, Anthropic, said, “We built Claude to be safe, trusted, and helpful, particularly in contexts where accuracy matters most. This partnership deepens our commitment to India, our second-largest market, with TCS bringing Claude to enterprises and professionals across the region and globally, including 50,000 of its employees.”N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said, “This partnership reflects our shared conviction that AI will be foundational and transformative for enterprises worldwide. By combining Anthropic's capabilities with Tata Group’s scale, trusted relationships, and nation-building commitment, we will accelerate enterprise reinvention and equip India’s youth with the skills to lead in the AI era.”

MAGGI Celebrates Everyone’s Favorite Masala - Made So Good, Tastes So Good

* 10 spices. 7 states. 157 quality checks. 1 unmistakeable taste

MAGGI in this country is known for its aroma, masaledaar taste and the ability to bring everyone together. The brand is celebrating the journey of the spices that give MAGGI its iconic taste. MAGGI works closely with over 4,500 spice farmers across 128 villages in 7 states to cultivate the its top 10 spices which are carefully farmed, picked from different states in the country, slow-roasted and taken through quality checks to ensure that every little packet of masala that reaches people’s homes is filled with love and high quality ingredients.

Commenting on the campaign, Ms. Rupali Rattan, Head – Foods Business, said, " MAGGI masala has been at the heart of the brand’s iconic taste for over five decades. Behind this taste lies a deep commitment to our consumers to give them high quality and taste every time. This story is a tribute to the thousands of farmers who make it possible and a celebration of the partnerships that help us deliver the taste consumers love and trust."

Through the MAGGI Spice sourcing, our spices like Cumin, Fenugreek, Coriander, Aniseed, Turmeric, Black pepper, Chilli, Ginger, Cardamom, Nutmeg are grown while supporting sustainable agricultural practices and farmer resilience.

Link to the video: MAGGI: Made so good...Tastes so good!  

The Need For Balanced PPI Regulation: Advancing Consumer Protection Without Limiting Access: Pahle India

* Study finds PPIs have become a critical enabler of everyday digital transactions, financial inclusion and innovation

* A proportionate, risk-based regulatory PPI framework is needed that safeguards consumers while preserving accessibility, innovation, and everyday digital payment use cases.

* Monthly PPI volumes nearly double to 8,750 lakh transactions—everyday use, not big-ticket spends, is driving growth

* Frequency over value: PPI adoption surges as Indians embed digital wallets into daily economic life"

Proposed changes to India's prepaid payment instrument (PPI) framework could have unintended consequences for digital payments adoption, financial inclusion, and everyday consumer transactions if not calibrated carefully, according to a new whitepaper released by Pahle India Foundation.

The whitepaper, titled "Prepaid Payment Instruments and India's Digital Payments Ecosystem: Balancing Regulatory Objectives with Adoption, Inclusion, and Innovation," examines the growing role of PPIs in India's digital economy and the potential implications of ongoing regulatory developments. The release comes amid industry discussions around the Reserve Bank of India's recently issued draft directions on PPIs and their impact on consumers, merchants, fintech firms and the broader digital payments ecosystem.

Drawing on more than six years of RBI payment system data, the study finds that PPI volumes reached 98,699 lakhs in FY 2025-26, evolving into a significant component of India's digital payments infrastructure. It facilitates billions of transactions annually across consumer payments, merchant transactions, e-commerce platforms, gig economy services, and financial inclusion use cases.

The study also finds that PPIs often serve as an entry point into the digital economy for first-time users and provide low-friction payment solutions that complement India's broader digital public infrastructure, offering a simple and low-friction way to participate in the formal digital economy. Their accessibility has made them particularly relevant for gig workers, small merchants, and financially underserved populations. This has led to the RBI Digital payment Index (DPI) rise from 217.74 in September 2020 to 516.76 in September 2025 – a 137% increase across eleven consecutive periods of uninterrupted growth.

"The evidence suggests that PPIs have become an important gateway to digital payments for millions of users. Their rapid adoption has been closely linked to convenience, accessibility and ease of use. As policymakers seek to strengthen consumer protection and operational resilience, it is important that regulatory interventions remain proportionate, evidence-based and supportive of continued adoption," said Dr. Suyog Dandekar, Senior Economist at Pahle India Foundation and co-author of the report.

The report also highlights the role of PPIs in advancing several national policy objectives, including digital payments adoption, financial inclusion, ease of living, innovation and competition. It notes that PPIs serve a diverse range of user groups, including gig workers, MSMEs, platform users, and low-income populations, helping them reduce dependence on cash, enable participation in the formal economy, and support innovation by both banks and fintech firms.

"India's digital payments success has been built on a combination of trust, innovation and ease of use. The data suggests that PPIs occupy an important space within this ecosystem, particularly for low-value, high-frequency transactions. The objective of this paper is to bring evidence into the policy conversation and contribute to a regulatory framework that protects consumers while preserving the accessibility and convenience that have driven adoption at scale," said Surabhi Singh, Research Associate at Pahle India Foundation and co-author of the report.

The whitepaper recommends a proportionate and risk-based regulatory framework that aligns compliance requirements with actual risk levels. It also calls for preserving low-value, high-frequency use cases, conducting regulatory impact assessments before major policy interventions, balancing consumer protection with ease of access, and adopting phased implementation approaches for significant regulatory changes.

The report concludes that India's digital payments success has been driven by a combination of innovation, inclusion and low-friction user experiences. Future regulatory reforms, it argues, should seek to preserve these gains while strengthening safeguards in a manner that supports continued growth of the ecosystem.

About Pahle India Foundation:

Pahle India Foundation is a homegrown think-and-action tank dedicated to putting India first by generating rigorous, evidence-based research and translating it into practical policy impact. Founded by Dr. Rajiv Kumar with a mission to fill India’s public policy ecosystem gap, it combines world-class capabilities with cutting-edge technologies to drive inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The Big Bangalore Book Fest Returns To Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru With Over 1 Lakh Titles

* Bhartiya Reads, Readers' Lounge, Open Mics And Writing Workshops

As Bengaluru's reading culture continues to flourish, the Big Bangalore Book Fest returns to Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru for its fourth edition in association with Crossword and specially curated literary events in collaboration with Poets Of Bangalore. Featuring over one lakh books, the festival goes beyond a traditional book sale with the launch of Bhartiya Reads, a community-led book club, a dedicated Readers' Lounge, storytelling sessions, open mic & poetry sessions and writing workshops for aspiring writers. Bringing together readers, authors, and literary enthusiasts under one roof, the festival aims to create a lasting platform for the city's growing literary community.

One of the key highlights of this year's edition is the launch of Bhartiya Reads, a community-driven book club designed to foster meaningful engagement among Bengaluru's readers through shared reading experiences, discussions, and literary conversations that extend beyond the festival itself.

Visitors can also unwind at the specially curated Readers' Lounge, a comfortable space created for immersive reading and quiet reflection. Beyond the duration of the festival, the lounge will continue to function as a weekend reading destination, providing a permanent space for the city's book lovers to meet up.

The festival will showcase an extensive collection of over one lakh books spanning a wide range of genres, including bestselling fiction, thrillers, mythology, business, self-help, and children's literature, offering something for readers of every age and interest.

Adding to the literary experience, the festival will host a vibrant lineup of open mics, poetry readings, and storytelling sessions, creating opportunities for readers, performers, and storytellers to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate creativity together.

Aspiring writers will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops focused on storytelling, writing, and publishing fundamentals. Led by experienced speakers and industry professionals, these sessions are designed to offer practical insights and guidance to emerging authors.

Specially Curated Literary Events in collaboration with Poets Of Bangalore

As part of the festival's literary programming, Poets of Bangalore will curate and manage a series of engaging community events, including a Storytelling Workshop on 14 June, an Open Mic & Poetry Session on 21 June, and a Book Writing Workshop on 28 June. The team will oversee event curation, registrations, moderation, and on-ground execution, creating meaningful opportunities for readers, writers, and storytellers to connect and engage with Bengaluru's vibrant literary community.

Event Details: Big Bangalore Book Fest

1. 14th June 2026 – Storytelling Workshop

2. 21st June 2026 – Open Mic & Poetry Session

3. 28th June 2026 – Book Writing Workshop

Where: The Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

When: 11th - 28th June

Time: 5 PM- 8 PM.