Archives January 2026

Dubai / India, Jan 13: Sansaar, the premium home furnishings brand from the house of D’Décor Exports, has officially made its international debut in the GCC through a strategic partnership with Bru Textiles’ Fabric Library. The Dubai launch marks Sansaar’s first step in bringing India’s design excellence to luxury buyers abroad.

Built on principles of thoughtful design, timeless aesthetics, and conscious craftsmanship, Sansaar reflects a modern, globally informed approach to interiors. Founded by sisters Sanjana and Sarah Arora, the brand combines refined textures, contemporary color palettes, and understated design sensibilities with the manufacturing expertise and legacy of D’Décor Exports.

Gary Neiman, Director at Bru Textiles, said:
“At Bru Textiles, we have always believed that the most powerful businesses are built not just on scale or longevity, but on vision, integrity, and an instinctive understanding of people. Sansaar’s story of two sisters building a brand together, with trust, clarity, and shared purpose, is exceptional. Their approach to design-led, culturally aware, and thoughtful leadership aligns perfectly with our values. Partnering with Sansaar is not just a business collaboration, it is an alignment of vision, creativity, and long-term purpose.”

The Dubai rollout, completed in early December 2025, follows a B2B-led distribution model, with Sansaar’s fabric collections now available across select retail and trade counters in the GCC. The partnership leverages Fabric Library’s strong regional presence and expertise in the Middle East’s interior and design ecosystem.

Sarah Arora, Co-founder of Sansaar, commented:

“We are grateful to Gary and the team at Fabric Library for recognising Sansaar’s potential and supporting our entry into the GCC market. Their deep understanding of the region, strong distribution capabilities, and long-standing relationships make them ideal partners for our international expansion. We share a commitment to quality, design integrity, and long-term value creation, making this collaboration especially meaningful.”

Sanjana Arora, Co-founder of Sansaar, added:

“Working alongside Fabric Library is a significant milestone for Sansaar as we take our first step beyond India. We are proud to be the first Indian home furnishings brand to go global. The legacy of craftsmanship and quality that made D’Décor a trusted name continues in Sansaar’s entrepreneurial spirit, which strives for excellence while upholding family values and business ethics.”

With this launch, Sansaar sets the foundation for a phased global expansion into selective markets through strategic distribution partnerships, bringing India’s rich design heritage to discerning international audiences.

“India is at an inflection point in wealth management, with institutional thinking now essential,” said Gaurav. “My focus at Nexedge is to define the investment philosophy, governance and decision-making framework that will guide portfolio construction and capital allocation over the long term.”

“Gaurav’s depth across investment strategy and his experience working with sophisticated families make him a strong partner as we build Nexedge for the long term,” said Anirudha Taparia, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nexedge Capital. “His leadership strengthens our ability to offer thoughtful, aligned investment solutions to clients.”

By: Akshali Shah, Executive Director, Parag Milk Foods

“Ahead of Budget 2026, a continued focus on the dairy and agriculture sector, particularly on strengthening infrastructure, improving farm productivity, and expanding milk collection, can help the sector become more efficient and globally competitive. Investments in modern processing technology, organised supply chains, and better farm practices will not only support farmers and reduce wastage but also give the Indian dairy sector greater global reach and recognition for quality products.

Reforms in GST and other taxation have played a positive role in supporting consumption patterns over the past year. Boosting consumption remains an important ask from the FMCG sector. While urban demand is showing signs of recovery, rural consumption—though resilient—requires continued policy support, especially in the face of monsoon risks and inflationary pressures.

Looking ahead, we hope Budget 2026 will continue to strengthen agricultural and dairy infrastructure, support rural development, and encourage the adoption of modern technology. Initiatives such as incentivising modern processing facilities and expanding cold-chain logistics can help improve milk availability, product quality, and overall efficiency. By building on recent progress and supporting farmers with better access to credit and resources, the sector can become more resilient, competitive, and capable of meeting growing consumer demand.”

Chandigarh, Jan 13: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced its association with CREDAI Hyderabad as the Exclusive Presenting Partner for the upcoming CREDAI Hyderabad Property Show 2026, scheduled to be held from February 6 to 8 at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The three-day property expo will bring together leading real estate developers from across the city, offering prospective homebuyers a single platform to explore a diverse range of residential projects and avail attractive financing solutions from Bank of Baroda.

Organised by the Hyderabad chapter of Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), the Property Show will feature only RERA-approved projects from CREDAI member developers, ensuring transparency, credibility and enhanced consumer confidence.

At the Bank of Baroda stall, home buyers can avail instant in-principle home loan sanctions, special offers and receive personalised loan consultations.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ritesh Kumar, General Manager & Zonal Head Hyderabad Zone, Bank of Baroda said,

“At Bank of Baroda, our aim to play a constructive role in Hyderabad’s growth and development by acting as an enabler for both homebuyers and developers through timely, accessible and customised financial solutions. Our association with CREDAI Hyderabad for the Property Show 2026 reflects this commitment. Hyderabad is one of India’s most vibrant housing markets, and through this partnership, we look forward to making home ownership more accessible and affordable for aspiring buyers.”

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Jan 13: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, along with Switch Mobility and Tamil NRIs based in the United States, today gifted a double-decker bus to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin, inaugurated Chennai’s new double-decker tourism bus service, which will connect the city’s iconic landmarks and heritage sites.

The initiative aims to offer residents and tourists an immersive experience of Chennai’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, while promoting sustainable and modern urban mobility solutions.

The initiative underscores Ashok Leyland’s continued focus on sustainable mobility and highlights its enduring partnership with Tamil Nadu in driving innovation-led growth in public and tourist transportation.

Mumbai, Jan 13: Rallis India Limited, a Tata Enterprise and a science-led agri-solutions company, today announced the launch of Idea2Impact™ Rallis Agri Innovation Ecosystem, a structured open innovation platform aimed at fostering collaboration across the agricultural ecosystem to accelerate the development of farmer-centric, sustainable solutions.

Idea2Impact™ has been conceived to bring external ideas, scientific capability, and real-world field insights together in a transparent and responsible manner. The ecosystem enables collaboration with farmers, researchers, startups, academic institutions, and small enterprises, providing them access to Rallis’ scientific expertise, R&D infrastructure, testing and validation capabilities, and pan-India market reach.

Indian agriculture is facing increasing complexity driven by climate variability, sustainability expectations, evolving regulatory requirements, and changing farmer needs. Rallis believes that addressing these challenges requires innovation that extends beyond organisational boundaries and is firmly grounded in scientific rigor and on-field relevance.

Idea2Impact™ follows a structured, milestone-based governance framework, covering confidentiality, evaluation, development, and value-sharing. Innovations submitted through the platform may progress through laboratory studies, greenhouse and multi-location field trials, piloting, and—where appropriate—commercialization, supported by clear intellectual property and royalty frameworks.

Dr. Gyanendra Shukla, Managing Director & CEO, Rallis India Limited, said:

“At Rallis, we believe that meaningful agricultural innovation emerges when strong science is combined with fresh ideas and real field experience. Idea2Impact™ is our way of opening up Rallis’ capabilities to the wider ecosystem, while maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency, and scientific rigor. This platform will help us work more closely with innovators to develop solutions that deliver real value to farmers and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Indian agriculture.”

The ecosystem will focus on priority innovation domains critical to Indian agriculture, including Seeds and Trait Innovation (covering plant breeding and germplasm), Biological and Sustainable Solutions,

Crop Protection, Soil Health, Digital and Precision Agriculture, and Climate & Water Resilience. These focus areas align closely with Rallis’ long-term portfolio priorities and growth strategy.

As part of the Tata Group, Rallis brings to Idea2Impact™ a strong foundation of ethical practices, governance standards, and a long-term partnership mindset. Collaborations under the platform will emphasize responsible innovation, respect for intellectual property, transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms, and measurable farmer impact.

Through Idea2Impact™, Rallis aims to strengthen its innovation pipeline, accelerate the validation and scaling of relevant technologies, and build long-term partnerships that support sustainable value creation for farmers, partners, and stakeholders.

Jaipur, Jan 13:  As homes transition into spring, interior lighting is undergoing a quiet but decisive transformation. Instead of relying on a single dominant light source, designers are embracing layered illumination, which adds depth, balance, and flexibility. The goal is no longer sheer brightness, but a nuanced atmosphere crafted through multiple light sources working in harmony.

Layered lighting responds to how spaces are actually lived in throughout the day. It allows natural daylight to lead, while artificial lighting enhances function without overwhelming architecture. The result is clarity rather than visual noise, creating interiors that feel composed, considered, and welcoming.

At Lumeil, this philosophy shapes every collection. Lighting is integrated into spatial planning from the outset, supporting both architecture and daily experience.

Why Layering Defines Spring Interiors

Spring light is softer and more fluid. As daylight hours lengthen, artificial lighting must adapt rather than compete. Layered schemes enable this transition, allowing different sources to take prominence at different times.

Designers typically work with three primary layers: ambient, task, and accent. Each serves a distinct purpose, and together they create spaces that feel calm, adaptable, and visually rich.

“Layered lighting allows a space to respond naturally to changing daylight and usage. It adds depth without excess.”  Naman Jain, Founder, Lumeil

Establishing the Ambient Layer

Ambient lighting forms the foundation of any layered scheme. In living rooms and open-plan areas, a well-chosen chandelier establishes spatial hierarchy while maintaining restraint.

• The Allure Golden Orb Crystal Chandelier provides a diffused glow that complements daylight, anchoring the space without dominating it.

• The Adonis Premium Chandelier balances seating and circulation zones with quiet elegance.

These fixtures act as anchors, allowing task and accent layers to perform seamlessly.

Defining Zones with Task Lighting

Task lighting adds precision and functionality. Over dining tables or kitchen islands, pendants define scale and focus.

• The Panache Pendant Light directs illumination while maintaining visual elegance.

• The Roseate Pendant Light Single works beautifully over reading corners or bedside tables, creating pockets of intentional light.

Planned early in the design process, task lighting reduces the need for excessive fixtures later.

Adding Depth Through Accent Lighting

Accent lighting introduces rhythm, texture, and subtlety. Wall-mounted fixtures are especially effective in spring interiors, complementing natural light rather than competing with it.

• The Outline Wall Light highlights textures and artwork with a low profile.

• The Duo LED Wall Light guides movement through corridors while remaining visually unobtrusive.

• For vertical interest, the Muziris 3 Head Gold Cylindrical Pendant Light enriches surfaces with gentle light play.

“Accent lighting is where a space gains character. It supports architecture and materials rather than competing with them.”  Naman Jain, Founder, Lumeil

Layering Beyond the Living Room

Layered lighting extends naturally into secondary spaces:

• The Roseate Floor Lamp introduces warmth and scale to lounge corners.

• The Blade Pedestal Outdoor Light maintains continuity between interior and exterior areas.

When thoughtfully combined, these elements create a cohesive lighting language that unifies the entire home.

A Design Strategy, Not a Trend

Layered lighting is not a seasonal trend—it’s a considered design approach. It allows designers to respond to architecture, daylight, and human behaviour with precision. The question shifts from “how many fixtures do we need?” to “how does each light contribute to the overall experience?”

Homes that embrace layered lighting feel calmer, more adaptable, and enduring. They transition effortlessly from day to night, from functional tasks to relaxation.

In contemporary interiors, layering creates richness without clutter and atmosphere without excess. By combining ambient, task, and accent layers thoughtfully, designers craft homes that feel balanced, intentional, and quietly expressive.

Jaipur, Jan 13: Interior design today is increasingly measured by lifespan. According to global interior lifecycle studies, most mass-produced soft furnishings are replaced within five to seven years, often sooner in high-use residential or hospitality spaces. This cycle of frequent replacement has become one of the largest contributors to material waste in interiors.

For designers moving away from fast interiors, sustainability is no longer an abstract idea. It is a practical design decision rooted in durability, maintenance, and long-term value. Within this shift, handmade rugs are being reconsidered not as stylistic elements but as infrastructure within a space.

The Performance Advantage of Handmade Rugs

The structural difference between handmade and machine-made rugs is not aesthetic alone. Hand-knotted and hand-woven rugs typically feature higher knot density, stronger tension control, and layered construction, all of which significantly extend lifespan. In real terms, a well-made handmade rug can last anywhere from twenty to fifty years with proper care. Many outlive the interiors they were originally designed for.

By comparison, machine-made rugs are often manufactured with synthetic backings and heat-bonded fibres that begin to degrade within a decade. Once the backing fails, repair is rarely viable. From a design specification perspective, this makes handmade rugs not only more sustainable but also more economical over time.

Man Made Rugs works exclusively with traditional weaving techniques that prioritise structural integrity. Each rug is made to be serviceable, meaning it can be cleaned, restored, and repaired rather than discarded. For designers, this offers predictability in performance and longevity across long-term projects.

Why Lifespan Is the Most Honest Sustainability Metric

“As designers, we often talk about sustainability in terms of materials, but the real question is lifespan,” says Pritam Khanna, Founder of Man Made Rugs. “If something needs to be replaced every few years, it isn’t sustainable. A handmade rug earns its place because it’s designed to stay.”

Material choice plays a measurable role in this longevity. Natural fibres such as wool and silk have proven abrasion resistance, thermal regulation, and elasticity, allowing them to recover from compression in high-traffic areas. Wool, in particular, is naturally flame-resistant and soil-repellent, reducing the need for chemical treatments over time.

Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are a leading source of microplastic shedding in interiors. Studies have shown that synthetic carpets and rugs release microfibres into indoor environments through daily wear, vacuuming, and cleaning. For designers working with wellness-conscious clients, this has become an increasingly relevant consideration.

Sustainability Beyond the Finished Product

Handmade rugs also differ significantly in production impact. Machine-made rugs rely heavily on automated manufacturing, petrochemical-based materials, and energy-intensive processes. Handmade rugs require minimal electricity and are largely produced through human skill rather than industrial systems.

This slower production model supports artisan livelihoods and preserves regional weaving knowledge that has been refined over centuries. From a design ethics standpoint, handmade rugs contribute to social sustainability as much as environmental responsibility.

Visually, the benefit is equally tangible. Handmade rugs introduce subtle variation in weave and tone that softens interiors and prevents visual fatigue. Designers often use this nuance to balance highly polished surfaces such as stone, metal, and glass, creating spaces that feel warmer and more resolved.

A Foundational Element in Contemporary Design

Man Made Rugs approaches rug-making as a design collaboration rather than a decorative afterthought. The collections are intentionally restrained in palette and pattern, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors.

“We think of our rugs as part of the foundation of a space, not an accessory,” Khanna adds. “When something is made slowly and with intention, it naturally belongs.”

For interior designers, this approach reduces replacement cycles, simplifies maintenance planning, and aligns with a growing demand for responsible specification.

Rethinking Luxury Through Measurable Impact

As sustainability continues to redefine luxury, handmade rugs stand apart for one clear reason. Their value can be measured not only in appearance, but in years of use, reduced waste, and long-term performance.

ShardaCare Healthcity in Collaboration with GIFT Hosts Thalassaemia Awareness Program with a Free HLA Testing Camp: Giving Children a Chance at Cure

Greater Noida, Jan 13:  ShardaCare Healthcity, a leading super-speciality hospital in Greater Noida, renowned for its advanced clinical capabilities and patient-centric approach, is organising a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Awareness Program and Free Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Testing Camp in collaboration with the Globally Integrated Foundation for Thalassaemia (GIFT). The camp will be led by Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Senior Specialist in Blood Disorders and Bone Marrow Transplantation. The awareness session will educate families about thalassaemia, available treatment options, such as bone marrow transplant, and the importance of early intervention. The free HLA testing camp will aim to identify suitable sibling donors – an essential factor for successful transplantation.

Thalassaemia is a serious paediatric blood disorder with far-reaching health implications. As a genetic condition, it often requires affected children to undergo lifelong, regular blood transfusions, placing a significant physical, emotional, and financial burden on families. India carries a substantial share of the global thalassaemia burden, with an estimated 10,000–15,000 children born with thalassaemia major every year. Despite this, limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and restricted access to advanced treatments – such as Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)- continue to pose major challenges. Encouragingly, medical advancements like BMT offer a curative option, holding the potential to free children from lifelong transfusions and dramatically improve their quality of life.

Dr Kousar Shah, Group CEO, Shardacare Healthcity, said,

“At ShardaCare Healthcity, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between advanced Healthcare and the people who need it most. Thalassaemia is a daunting challenge for any family, but with the right clinical expertise and timely intervention, it is a challenge that we can overcome. By hosting this HLA testing camp, we are not just providing a diagnostic service; we are providing a pathway to cure. We remain steadfast in our commitment to making high-end super-speciality treatments like Bone Marrow Transplants accessible and affordable, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to lead a life free from the burden of chronic illness.”

Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Senior Specialist in Blood Disorders and Bone Marrow Transplantation, said,

“Blood disorders such as thalassaemia is not just a complex medical condition – they place an immense emotional and financial strain on families. While Bone Marrow Transplant offers a life-changing and potentially curative solution, many children continue to remain undiagnosed or untreated due to limited awareness and access to resources. Through timely diagnosis, increased awareness, and improved access to care, we can give these children a real chance at a healthier and brighter future”.

Adding to this, Madan Chawla, Founder, GIFT, said,

“The very first and most critical step towards a bone marrow transplant is HLA testing. Unfortunately, this test is expensive and out of reach for many families. Without HLA testing, a transplant is simply not possible. Through this camp, our aim is to remove this barrier and offer free HLA testing to economically weaker families, enabling them to take the first step towards a cure.”

This initiative marks a significant step towards reducing the treatment gap for thalassaemia patients and reinforcing the commitment of GIFT and Sharda Care Health City towards inclusive and compassionate healthcare.

Kishangarh, Jan 13:  For decades, beige quietly occupied interior spaces—dependable, neutral, and often overlooked. Today, it has undergone a meaningful transformation. In contemporary architecture and design, beige is no longer a supporting element or safe fallback. It has emerged as a deliberate design language, expressing calm, permanence, and understated sophistication.

This evolution reflects a broader shift in how luxury is perceived. Where opulence once defined status, today’s most refined spaces prioritise restraint, tactility, and emotional clarity. Beige especially in natural stone has become the medium through which this modern sensibility is articulated.

From Neutral to Structural

In modern interiors, beige no longer fades into the background; it anchors space. It shapes light, softens architectural volumes, and allows form and proportion to take centre stage without visual disruption. Warm-toned palettes create environments that feel composed rather than curated—spaces that reveal depth and character over time.

Designers are increasingly gravitating towards materials that do not demand attention, yet reward sustained engagement. Beige marble, with its gentle veining and mineral warmth, achieves this balance—offering richness without excess and elegance without overt display.

When Stone Becomes the Language

This shift is particularly evident in The Sands of Serenity collection by Tilak Marbles. Conceived as a cohesive palette rather than a statement piece, the collection brings together warm-toned marbles that emphasise continuity, softness, and architectural relevance.

Stones such as Pale Muse, Nude Horizon, Calm Matter, Ivory Trace, Linen Vein, Ecru Mist, Tuscan Earth, Honey Dune, Sand Muse, and Desert Whisper are defined by restraint. Their appeal lies in subtle tonal variations and nuanced textures surfaces that respond gently to light and integrate seamlessly with wood, metal, and natural textiles.

Rather than functioning as mere backdrops, these marbles form the quiet framework around which interiors are thoughtfully composed.

Designed for How Spaces Are Lived In

Beige’s renewed relevance also stems from its adaptability. Warm-toned stone surfaces transition effortlessly across residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces. They allow furniture, art, and human movement to coexist harmoniously an increasingly vital consideration in long-term, sustainable design.

In Indian interiors especially, where natural daylight is abundant and spaces are experienced throughout the day, beige marble softens light without diminishing it. The result is environments that remain visually calm while retaining architectural precision.

Reflecting on this material evolution, Praveen Gangwal, Founder of Tilak Marbles, said:

“Beige today is not about playing it safe. It is about making a conscious design decision—choosing materials that bring balance, warmth, and permanence to a space.”

He added:  “With The Sands of Serenity, we focused on stones that support architecture rather than overpower it. These are marbles that allow interiors to feel lived-in, calm, and relevant—not just today, but for years to come.”

The New Definition of Sophistication

Sophistication in contemporary design is no longer about immediacy; it is about endurance. Spaces are not created to impress at first glance, but to hold attention quietly, age gracefully, and remain emotionally resonant over time.

In this context, beige marble has moved far beyond neutrality. It has become structure, atmosphere, and intent—a material that reflects a deeper understanding of luxury as something experienced, not displayed.