Phoenix Mall Of Asia, Bengaluru Launches Phoenix Shopping Festival 2026 With Actor Karan Kundrra

Photo Caption: Actor Karan Kundrra interacts with shoppers and visitors during the launch of Phoenix Shopping Festival 2026 at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru, as the city’s premier retail destination kicks off its much-anticipated shopping festival.

* Bengaluru's Most Indulgent Shopping Celebration Returns With End Of Season Sale Shopping * Flat 50% off, exciting gifts and rewards, and a chance to win a Mahindra XUV7X0

Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru, Bengaluru’s leading destination for luxury retail and experiences has officially launched the much-anticipated Phoenix Shopping Festival 2026, marking the beginning of a two-month long celebration of shopping, entertainment and rewarding experiences. The festival was inaugurated by Bollywood Star Karan Kundrra, who joined shoppers and visitors at the mall for an evening of festivities, entertainment and celebrations.

Running through July, the Phoenix Shopping Festival 2026 offers shoppers two months of End of Season Sale shopping with flat 50% off across a wide spectrum of fashion, beauty, lifestyle, accessories and home categories. Combining iconic brands, grand rewards, live entertainment, culinary experiences and destination-led attractions, the festival brings together some of the most exciting retail and lifestyle experiences of the season. Further enhancing the shopping experience, the festival offers an exciting rewards programme featuring daily and weekly prizes, luxury giveaways and the grand bumper prize, a Mahindra XUV7X0.

The launch witnessed enthusiastic participation from shoppers, fans and visitors, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the city's most engaging retail celebrations. With an unmatched mix of international luxury labels, premium brands, dining destinations and entertainment experiences, Phoenix Mall of Asia continues to strengthen its position as one of Bengaluru's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gajendra Singh Rathod, Director of Malls – South India, The Phoenix Mills Ltd. said, "Consumers today are looking for experiences that make every visit feel worthwhile. While value remains important, people are also seeking excitement, discovery and opportunities to engage with brands in meaningful ways. Shopping festivals bring these elements together, creating occasions that encourage exploration and strengthen the connection between consumers, brands and destinations. The Phoenix Shopping Festival reflects this shift by combining retail, entertainment and rewarding experiences within a single platform."

Commenting on the launch, Ritu Mehta, Centre Director – Phoenix Mall of Asia & Director Marketing (South), said, "Bengaluru continues to be one of India's most dynamic retail markets, with consumers actively seeking new brands, experiences and reasons to spend time together. We have seen growing participation in destination-led events that combine shopping with entertainment and social engagement. The Phoenix Shopping Festival has been curated around these evolving preferences, creating an experience that rewards shoppers while celebrating the vibrant retail ecosystem that Phoenix Mall of Asia brings together."

The launch sets the stage for a celebration that brings together shoppers, brands and experiences in one of the city's most dynamic retail environments.

About Phoenix Mall of Asia: Phoenix Mall of Asia, located in North Bengaluru, is the epitome of luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment. Renowned as India’s premier ultra-luxury retail destination, the mall offers an unparalleled experience in the city’s heart. It sets new standards in design and amenities, creating a sophisticated and immersive environment for visitors. The mall's grand entrance welcomes guests into a world of elegance and style, with popular zones like Luxe Atria and Eden, which are prime photo spots due to their stunning aesthetics. The Fanpark area is the hub of activities and events, enhancing the overall experience. Phoenix Mall of Asia boasts over 440 brands, including 150+ international luxury labels and 50+ debut brands like Golden Goose, Rolex, IWC, ZARA, YSL cosmetics, D&G cosmetics and many more making it a haven for discerning shoppers. The mall also features exceptional dining destinations with renowned chefs and diverse culinary offerings. Restaurants such as Ishaara, Dobaraa, EIGHT, Andreas, and Kylin Experience cater to every palate, while the nature-themed central atrium, Oasis, is surrounded by international cafes like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Perch, Andreas Brasserie, and Magnolia Bakery. Foodthopia, a 38,000 sq. ft area dedicated to dining, offers a cosmopolitan experience with a variety of eateries, including game day restaurants, cafes, and fine dining options. Beyond shopping and dining, the mall provides a wide range of sports, entertainment, and leisure activities for all ages. The introduction of Bengaluru’s largest cinema, the PVR INOX 14-screen multiplex, adds a unique touch to the entertainment lineup. With a state-of-the-art infrastructure spanning over 13 acres and 1.25 million square feet of retail space, Phoenix Mall of Asia seamlessly blends luxury and leisure, ensuring every visit is a memorable experience.

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.