Volume Up, Vibes On: Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Sets The Countdown With ARGY

Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru is set to ring in the New Year with Sunburn Arena NYE ft. ARGY on 31st December, from 7:00 PM onwards. As Bengaluru counts down to 2026, the evening promises a high-energy celebration led by ARGY, one of the most respected names in the global electronic music scene.

Known for his distinctive blend of progressive house and trance, ARGY will take the stage with an electrifying set enhanced by immersive production and striking visuals. Guests can look forward to a night of non-stop music, next-level audiovisual experiences, a spectacular midnight fireworks display, and an exclusive VVIP offering designed to elevate the celebration.

Renowned for his hypnotic sound and commanding stage presence, ARGY is expected to build momentum through the night, reaching his peak as the clock strikes midnight. The event brings together music, entertainment, and shared moments, offering audiences a memorable way to welcome the New Year.

With Sunburn Arena NYE, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru continues its focus on curating premium lifestyle and entertainment experiences. By hosting this New Year’s Eve celebration, the mall reinforces its position as a leading destination for large-format events, where international entertainment meets the city’s vibrant community.

Event Details:

Event: Sunburn NYE 2025 With Argy

When: 31st December 2025; 7PM onwards

Where: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

How to Book: Link

Titan Enters Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Segment With beYon

Titan’s upcoming store in Mumbai marks its first foray into sustainable luxury jewellery beyond watches and accessories

Titan Company is making its debut in the lab-grown diamond jewellery segment with the unveiling of its first exclusive store, “beYon – from the House of Titan”, in Mumbai on 29 December 2025, the company said in a regulatory filing.

The move marks the company’s strategic push into sustainable and luxury jewellery, expanding its portfolio beyond watches, perfumes, sarees and handbags to cater to the growing demand for environmentally conscious and ethically sourced jewellery in India.

The store will showcase a curated collection of lab-grown diamond pieces, reflecting Titan’s initial foray into this emerging category. The Tata-owned company also plans to open additional outlets in Mumbai and Delhi in the near future. “This move reflects Titan’s strategy to diversify its product offerings and tap into the growing interest in sustainable and lab-grown luxury jewellery in India,” the company said.

Titan’s jewellery portfolio already includes established brands such as Tanishq, Mia, Zoya, and CaratLane.

In the September quarter, Titan’s jewellery division remained a key driver of overall performance. Total income (excluding bullion and digi-gold) rose 21 per cent year-on-year to Rs 14,092 crore. The domestic jewellery business, encompassing Tanishq, Mia, and Zoya, grew 18 per cent to Rs 12,460 crore, while CaratLane, Titan’s online-first jewellery brand, recorded 32 per cent growth to Rs 1,072 crore.

On profitability, the domestic jewellery segment reported EBIT of Rs 1,381 crore, translating to an 11.1 per cent margin, while CaratLane posted EBIT of Rs 109 crore (10.1 per cent margin). Titan’s international business, though smaller in scale, generated Rs 16 crore in EBIT at a 2.8 per cent margin.

Artificial Limbs Provided Help To Restore Mobility For The Needy In Bengaluru

The Karnataka Marwari Samaj, Bengaluru, successfully organized a Free Artificial Limb Distribution Camp. Under this service initiative, more than 124 needy beneficiaries were provided with artificial limbs, helping restore mobility, confidence, and a sense of self-reliance in their lives.

The program commenced with a welcome address by the Samaj Secretary, Mr. Mohit Tulsyan, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting and Ganesh Vandana, formally marking the beginning of the event.

On this occasion, Mr. Umesh Kumar, IPS, Director General of Police (DGP), Karnataka, graced the event as the Chief Guest.The event was further honored by the presence of Senior BJP Leader Mr. N. R. Ramesh and renowned ENT Surgeon Dr. Alok Banka as Guests of Honour.

The program was smoothly conducted jointly by Mrs. Sushma Chandgothia, President of the Women’s Wing, and Mrs. Vandana Tulsyan, Vice President of the Women’s Wing. They expressed gratitude to all the guests, donors, volunteers, and supporting organizations for their valuable contributions.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Praveen Tulsyan, President of Karnataka Marwari Samaj, stated that “this artificial limb camp, continuously organized for the past 17 years, is one of the Samaj’s most significant service initiatives and a true reflection of its commitment to humanity.”

At the conclusion of the event, volunteers who played a key role in making the camp successful were felicitated.

Finally, Mr. Rakesh Jindal, Treasurer of the Samaj, delivered the vote of thanks, marking the formal conclusion of the program

IPRS Cracks Down On Music Licensing Non-Compliance In Bengaluru, Delhi And Calcutta

As Bengaluru prepares to celebrate the year end with music, lights and shared moments, Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) has reaffirmed a simple yet vital principle: music thrives when creators are respected. IPRS, India’s only registered copyright society dedicated to safeguarding the rights of creators and publishers of music, had initiated legal proceedings against V&RO Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., a hospitality company operating and/or managing popular food and beverages outlets across Bengaluru, namely, Mirage, Badmaash, Hangover, Taki Taki, Holy Doh, Tycoons, Plan B, Café Noir and Nevermind, following its reluctance to secure the mandatory music licences for its upcoming Christmas and New Year events being organised across its multiple outlets in Bengaluru. Acting on IPRS’s plea, the Hon’ble Court has granted an ex-parte ad Interim Order Of Temporary Injunction, restraining the defendants and those acting on their behalf from publicly performing or communicating IPRS’s repertoire, or that of its sister copyright societies, essentially reinforcing that celebration cannot come at the cost of creators rights.

This position has found resonance beyond Bengaluru. In a separate matter instituted before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court on December 23, 2025, IPRS initiated legal proceedings against MJ Bizcrafts LLP, the entity responsible for operating and/or managing one of the most popular nightclub in the capital city, namely Privee, at Shangrila Hotel, New Delhi. By way of Order dated December 23, 2025, MJ Bizcrafts has been directed to deposit the royalty amount to IPRS prior to hosting the New Year’s Celebratory event scheduled for December 31, 2025, failing which an injunction restraining the event would come into effect.

IPRS’s rights have been further affirmed by the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court, where IPRS has secured another favourable order on December 24, 2025, against Chocolate Hotels Private Limited, the entity responsible for managing and/or operating the well renowned Park Prime Hotel in Calcutta. Chocolate Hotels Pvt. Ltd. have been restrained from organising any upcoming events involving the use of music without procuring a prior licence from IPRS.

As the festive season reaches its peak, IPRS reminds everyone that enjoying music also means respecting the people who create it. Restaurants, bars, hotels, cafes and event organizers planning Christmas or New Year celebrations that involve playing music must ensure that the necessary licenses are in place.

This New Year, celebrate responsibly. Let the music play, let the parties shine, and let the creators behind the music be fairly recognized and rewarded.

67% Of Rural Shoppers Still Prefer In-Store Experience; Star Localmart Survey Reveals Enduring Power Of Offline Retail Amid E-Comm Boom

60% cite product trust and instant access as key reasons for choosing supermarkets over online shopping, highlighting critical gaps in India’s e-commerce industry.

India’s e-commerce sector is experiencing unprecedented momentum, with a study estimating that the e-commerce market will soar to a remarkable $345 billion by 2030, ultimately reaching $550 billion by 2035. This robust expansion is driven by rapid digitization, increased smartphone penetration, and shifting shopping habits among Indian consumers. Yet, even as online retail accelerates, the estimates suggest a significant drop in mall vacancy rates to 8.1% in 2024, underscoring a strong resurgence in demand for brick-and-mortar retail. This trend underscores the enduring importance of physical stores in the retail landscape, as they continue to provide unique experiences and foster community connections that online platforms have yet to replicate.

A survey by India’s largest rural retail chain, Star Localmart, shows that offline shopping remains the preferred choice for a majority of rural consumers. The survey, conducted among 5,000 consumers from five cities, including Kolhapur, Mumbai, Pune, Karnataka, and Delhi, found that 67% of respondents choose to shop at their local retail supermarkets, with just 35% relying exclusively on online platforms.

This compelling insight comes at a time when digital commerce is often hailed as the future of retail. However, Star Localmart’s findings reveal that rural shoppers still value the tangible, trustworthy experience that only supermarkets can provide.

Most notably, 60% of shoppers say they trust the quality of goods more after seeing them in person and appreciate immediate access to products, which is a significant gap in current e-commerce offerings. Personalized service and staff assistance also play a crucial role, with 61% of respondents citing these factors as reasons for favoring supermarkets over online platforms. Concerns with online shopping remain prevalent: 54% have faced problems such as delivery delays, product damage, and complicated returns, which reinforce scepticism about digital purchases.

The local supermarket’s role extends beyond shopping, too; 59% believe these stores support local jobs, strengthen social bonds, and ensure a reliable and fresh supply benefits that are vital to rural communities. Persistent gaps in the e-commerce experience include uncertainty about product quality, delivery issues, lack of personalized assistance, and technical barriers such as limited internet access. While online shopping offers advantages like home delivery and a wider product range, these are often outweighed by rural consumers’ desire for trust, immediacy, and community connection.

Star Localmart’s survey demonstrates that supermarkets are more than just retail hubs; they are anchors of rural economic and social life.

Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director, Sanjay Ghodawat Group, said, “This survey proves that the human touch, trust, and reliability of retail supermarkets are irreplaceable in rural India. While e-commerce is expanding rapidly, it still cannot bridge the gaps that matter most to our communities. Our stores are not just retail outlets; they are gathering places where relationships are built and local livelihoods are supported. As we move forward, our commitment is to blend innovation with tradition, ensuring that rural shoppers enjoy both the convenience of modern retail and the warmth of personal service.”

When rural consumers were asked how supermarkets could better serve their needs, the top suggestions included a greater selection of local products, enhanced in-store services, and more flexible payment options. These insights reflect a clear demand for continued innovation and responsiveness in the offline retail sector.

Additionally, more than 58% of respondents said they would actively recommend shopping at retail supermarkets to their friends and family over choosing online platforms. Their reasons: better value for money, higher satisfaction, and a stronger sense of social connection. As India’s retail landscape transforms, Star Localmart reaffirms its commitment to being a trusted partner in rural communities, dedicated to ensuring consumers have access to both the convenience of modern retail and the enduring advantages of the in-store experience.

About Star Localmart:

Star Localmart, the retail arm of Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), commenced its operations in 2020 with a mission to bring “Modern Retail Experience” to smaller towns of India. It is revolutionizing the retail landscape by building a chain of neighbourhood grocery stores that are multi-brand outlets offering 3000+ SKUs in compact 1300–2000 sq. ft. format. There are more than 170 stores operational in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Group envisions becoming India’s largest rural retail chain by opening 3000 stores in the next 5 years.

Website: www.starlocalmart.com

About Sanjay Ghodawat Group:

Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG) is a diversified conglomerate with operations spanning various high-value business verticals such as Aviation, Consumer Products, Education, Energy, Realty, and Retail. Since its founding in 1993, SGG has witnessed impressive growth under the splendid stewardship of its Founder and Chairman, Mr. Sanjay Ghodawat. It has a strong base of millions of customers globally, with an employee strength of over 11,000 and a student base of over 21,000. SGG is moving ahead with great vigour and bringing significant changes in people's lives with its wide range of high-quality products and services.

Website: www.ghodawat.com

A Countdown Written In Celebration – New Year’s Eve At Taj West End, Bengaluru

Ring in the New Year amidst the heritage gardens of Taj West End, Bengaluru, where gracious hospitality, curated menus, and celebratory energy set the tone for a memorable night.

At Machan

A lavish New Year’s Eve buffet with carving stations featuring Butterball stuffed turkey, Belgian roast pork, and Dumba, complemented by immersive live counters—from The Heavenly Hundred dessert showcase and Thermidor Temptation seafood station to Arabic grills and nostalgic ice gola with Turkish ice cream.

Price: INR 14,000 + taxes (Couple) | INR 7,500 + taxes (Single) | INR 4,000 + taxes (Child)

At Blue Ginger

An indulgent Asian celebration with live band, DJ, and dance floor, featuring Burmese khow suey, Italian pasta selections, five-spice whole duck, and expansive Asian and Indian buffet highlights.

Price: INR 18,500 + taxes (Couple) | INR 9,500 + taxes (Single) | INR 5,000 + taxes (Child)

(Children permitted only at Blue Ginger.)

At The Blue Bar

Celebrate with select beverages and chef-crafted small plates, live grills, Asian dim sum, and Indian tandoori favourites in a lively setting.

Price: INR 18,500 + taxes (Couple) | INR 9,500 + taxes (Single) | INR 5,000 + taxes (Child)

Details

· Date: 31 December 2025

· Time: From 7:30 PM

· For Reservations: 080-66605660

A night of flavour, festivity, and fine cheer awaits.

Medtronic Launches A Mobile Surgi-skill Lab To Democratize Access To Advanced Skill Development For Young Surgeons Across India

Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced the launch of its pioneering Mobile Surgi-skill Lab- a state-of-the-art platform designed to equip healthcare professionals across India's underserved tier 2 cities with critical competencies in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This initiative underscores Medtronic’s unwavering commitment to fostering clinical excellence and advancing surgical care standards beyond metropolitan centers.

Medtronic Mobile Surgi-skill Lab represents a transformative approach to medical education, bringing world-class training directly to hospitals and clinics in cities where access to specialized surgical training has historically been limited. Equipped with cutting-edge simulation technology and hands-on learning modules, the surgical lab will serve as a Mobile center of excellence, enabling surgeons and healthcare professionals to develop and refine their minimally invasive surgical skills without disrupting their clinical responsibilities.

"This initiative embodies our vision of equitable healthcare advancement across India," said Mandeep Singh Kumar, managing director & vice president, Medtronic India, "By bringing surgical training to the doorstep of medical colleges in tier 2,3 cities, we're creating a far reaching influence that elevates surgical standards, improves patient outcomes, and strengthens the entire healthcare ecosystem in underserved regions."

Key Features of the Mobile Surgi-skill Lab:

The lab features state-of-the-art simulations equipped with realistic training models, video-assisted surgical instruments, and interactive learning platforms. The comprehensive curriculum covers fundamental and advanced MIS techniques, offering specialized training tracks tailored to the evolving needs of regional healthcare facilities. Each engagement includes hands-on practice sessions, mentorship from expert faculty, and post-training support to ensure sustained skill development.

Bridging the Skill Gap

Access to specialized surgical training has long remained concentrated in metropolitan hubs, creating disparities in clinical capabilities across regions. The Mobile Surgi-skill Lab directly addresses this gap, ensuring that young surgeons and resident doctors in medical colleges in tier 2,3 cities can access the same quality training as their counterparts in larger centers. This democratization of medical education is expected to significantly enhance surgical safety, reduce complication rates, and foster adoption of minimally invasive techniques across regional healthcare systems.

Commitment to Clinical Excellence

"We believe that skill excellence is not a privilege—it's a necessity," added Mandeep Singh Kumar. "This mobile training initiative reflects our deep commitment to empowering every healthcare professional, regardless of geographic location, with the knowledge and practical experience needed to deliver exceptional patient care."

The organization has already secured partnerships with leading healthcare institutions and regional medical associations to ensure the Mobile Surgi-skill Lab reaches the communities that need it most. The initial roadmap encompasses visits to 10 tier 2 cities over the next 12 months, with expansion planned based on feedback and demand.

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn.