Archives 2026

MediBuddy Expands National Footprint with New Indore Office;  City Emerges as Company’s Second-Largest Hub 

Jan 29: MediBuddy, India’s leading digital healthcare company, has expanded its national footprint with the launch of another new office in Indore, further strengthening its presence across key growth markets beyond metro cities. Located at the Brilliant Summit  building in the Vijaya nagar area & managed by IndiQube, the new office marks an important milestone in MediBuddy’s expansion strategy, underlining its focus on decentralised growth, regional talent development, and operational scale. MediBuddy serves over 30 million users across India for their healthcare needs like Doctor consultations, Lab tests, Medicines, visioncare,  second opinion and concierge services for surgery, home healthcare and many other services.

Indore’s rapid emergence as a technology and talent hub in central India made it a strategic choice for MediBuddy’s next phase of growth. The company began building its presence in the city just eight months ago, and the launch of this office reflects the pace and confidence with which MediBuddy is expanding in the region. Today, the Indore office is home to 400+ employees, expanding teams across technology, operations, and customer experience—enabling delivery of healthcare services across the country for users across the country. 

The IndiQube workspace has been designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and a growth-oriented environment. With this addition, MediBuddy now operates at 10 locations across India, with Indore emerging as its second-largest office after Bengaluru—a testament to the company’s long-term commitment to the city and its talent ecosystem. The Indore office will support the company’s innovation roadmap and strengthen its ability to deliver accessible, and seamless healthcare at scale.

Commenting on the expansion, Satish Kannan, Co-founder and CEO, MediBuddy, said,

“As we continue to scale our healthcare ecosystem, expanding our capability centers in an emerging city like Indore is a key part of our long-term strategy. This office strengthens our operational capabilities while allowing us to tap into a strong talent pool that can contribute meaningfully to our growth journey .”

Adding to this, Enba, Co-founder & CTO, MediBuddy, said,

“Our expansion in Indore reflects MediBuddy’s commitment to building a distributed, future-ready workforce. By investing in regional ecosystems, we are not only creating employment opportunities but also ensuring that innovation and decision-making happen closer to where our users are.”

Over the years, MediBuddy has evolved into one of India’s most widely used digital healthcare platforms, serving millions of users annually. Its end-to-end services—from consultations and diagnostics to medicine delivery and post-care support— are enabled by a nationwide network of 140,000+ doctors, alongside hospitals, diagnostic centres, and pharmacies, delivering coverage across more than 99% of India’s PIN codes.

With this latest expansion, MediBuddy continues to deepen its regional presence, reinforce its operational strength, and reaffirm its commitment to building inclusive, sustainable growth opportunities across India.

Chennai, Jan 29: Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, successfully diagnosed a rare and elusive pancreatic tumour known as an insulinoma in a 60-year-old woman, causing persistently low blood sugar and frequent loss of consciousness.

The hospital followed a stepwise diagnostic approach. Initial imaging studies, including a contrast CT scan and a specialised PET scan, did not clearly identify the cause. The breakthrough came with specialised blood tests measuring insulin and C-peptide levels, followed by a targeted endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which ultimately helped locate the tumour.

The tumour’s small size and challenging location added a further layer of complexity. Measuring just 1.3 cm, it was located at the neck of the pancreas and surrounded by vital structures. The surgical team therefore opted for a robotic-assisted approach, using robotic intraoperative ultrasound (RIOUS) to accurately localise and safely remove the tumour.

The surgery was successful, with the patient’s blood sugar levels started normalising immediately after the procedure. She made a rapid recovery and was able to return to normal activity the very next day.

The diagnostic team was led by Dr. P. Basumani, Senior Consultant and Director, Kauvery Institute of Digestive Sciences, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, while the robotic procedure was performed by Dr. Swaminathan Sambandam, Senior Consultant and Lead, Multi-Organ Transplant (Liver, Kidney, Pancreas and Small Intestine), Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani.

In his comments Dr.  Basumani said,

“Insulinomas are extremely difficult to locate, especially when they are very small. In this case, even advanced imaging did not give us clear answers. Specialised blood tests combined with focused Endoscopic Ultrasound Evaluation helped us precisely identify the tumour.”

Dr. Swaminathan Sambandam said,

“This was a technically demanding surgery. Tumours of this size and location are extremely challenging to operate on through conventional methods. Robotic surgery, supported by intraoperative ultrasound, gave us unmatched precision and control. Very few hospitals in the country have access to this level of technology.”

In his comments, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said,

“This case reflects the strength of clinical teamwork, perseverance in diagnosis, and the role of advanced technology in handling rare pancreatic and endocrine tumours. It reinforces Kauvery Hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence, advanced diagnostics and state-of-the-art robotic surgery”.

Skinwood Luxury Aesthetics has announced the launch of Skinfill Bacio, an advanced Italian injectable lip booster by Promoitalia Medical Aesthetics, now available in India in collaboration with NW Aesthetics. The introduction marks a significant step in India’s evolving aesthetic medicine landscape, shifting the focus from volumization to lip health, hydration, and natural refinement.

Designed for individuals seeking subtle rejuvenation rather than dramatic enhancement, Skinfill Bacio addresses lip quality at a cellular level. The treatment prioritises hydration, texture, and vitality, while preserving natural movement and expression, responding to a growing demand for understated, medically guided aesthetic outcomes.

Skinfill Bacio is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B12, which work together to improve lip hydration, softness and overall lip condition. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, the injectable lip booster enhances without adding volume or bulk, allowing lips to appear naturally refreshed and well-defined.

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Sagar Gujjar, MD, IFAAD, Dermatologist and Founder & Medical Director, Skinwood Luxury Aesthetics Centre, said:

“The launch of Skinfill Bacio reflects a shift we’re seeing among patients, where the focus is no longer on exaggerated results but on maintaining healthy, natural-looking lips. This treatment allows us to improve lip quality while respecting individual anatomy and expression.”

The launch reinforces Skinwood Luxury Aesthetics Centre commitment to precision-led, medically responsible, and refined aesthetic solutions, aligning with the global movement toward preventive and regenerative aesthetics rather than corrective procedures.

Speaking on the collaboration, a representative from Promoitalia Medical Aesthetics (NW Aesthetics India) added:

“India represents a fast-growing and discerning aesthetic market. Partnering with Skinwood allows us to introduce Skinfill Bacio in an environment that prioritises safety, ethics, and clinically sound outcomes, which are central to Promoitalia’s philosophy worldwide.”

Skinfill Bacio is ideal for individuals experiencing lip dryness, early ageing, loss of softness, or dullness, and for those seeking rejuvenation without visible filling. Results develop gradually, leaving lips hydrated, supple, and naturally refreshed.

The Skinfill Bacio Lip Booster treatment is priced from INR 35,000 onwards, with each procedure customised based on individual lip anatomy, aesthetic goals, and product requirement.

With this launch, Skinwood Luxury Aesthetics Centre continues to expand its portfolio of advanced aesthetic treatments, championing an approach where enhancement begins with health, and beauty is defined by balance, restraint, and authenticity.

Mumbai, Jan 29: Actor and celebrated DIY creator Shweta Mahadik will host a Clay Bird Making Workshop at the YWCA International Centre, Kala Ghoda, on Sunday, 1st February 2026, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, as part of Asia’s largest street art festival, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.

The 90-minute hands-on workshop invites participants to reconnect with the joy of working with their hands. Guided step by step, attendees will shape clay into charming birds that can later be transformed into paperweights, wind chimes, or decorative table centrepieces. Designed for an intimate group of 25–30 participants, the session includes all materials and is open to beginners as well as craft enthusiasts.

More than a craft activity, the workshop celebrates mindful making, sustainability, and the beauty of imperfection, values that resonate with the spirit of Kala Ghoda.

Speaking about the initiative, Brinda Miller, Chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, said:

“Kala Ghoda has always been a space where art becomes something you can experience, not just observe. Workshops like this bring people closer to the creative process and remind us that art can be simple, tactile, and deeply personal.”

Shweta Mahadik first gained national attention during the COVID-19 lockdown with her imaginative DIY recreations blending fashion, sustainability, and accessibility. Her recreation inspired by the Sabyasachi Mukherjee x H&M collaboration went viral in the Indian fashion community. She later received international recognition when handpicked by American Eagle for a sustainability-focused campaign, with one of her upcycled garments showcased at an exhibition in London.

Reflecting on the workshop, Shweta Mahadik said:

“Working with clay feels grounding in a way that very few things do. These little birds are symbols of freedom and imagination, and I love the idea of people taking home something they created with their own hands. Art doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes it just begins with touching the earth.”

Set within the vibrant Kala Ghoda precinct, the workshop promises to be more than an activity—it offers a shared moment of creativity, calm, and community amidst the city’s bustling rhythm.

For media enquiries, interviews, or further information, Shweta Mahadik is available for conversations and feature stories.

New Delhi, India, Jan 29:  Somewhere in the soft haze between memory and imagination lies a forest that is at once quiet, layered, and deeply immersive. This is the world of Neelvana, the latest panoramic wallpapers collection by Life n Colors, India’s premier design house, co-created with the acclaimed interior designer, Shabnam Gupta.

Neelvana is born from a long-standing creative kinship between the two, across numerous high-profile residential and commercial projects, which reflects a shared approach towards ‘intentionally styled’ living. As its name suggests, Neelvana is a journey through an imaginary forest with illustrated landscapes and rich flora that breathe a sculptural depth into modern interiors. Through graceful arches and glimpses of architectural facades, the collection draws attention to the peace found within natural landscapes. It is a soulful reminder of the world’s vanishing greenery and a tribute to the quiet beauty we must never take for granted.

Speaking about the collaboration, Apourva, co-founder, Life n Colors, says,

“The idea of Neelvan felt natural, not as a theme, but as a state of mind. The palette in this collection mirrors the shifting soul of the forest throughout the day: the fresh Moss Green of morning, the warm Sepia of high noon, the ethereal Blue of dusk, and a Charcoal Grey that captures the mystery of the deep woods. Neelvana does not merely decorate a wall; it allows a room to breathe through the four distinct temperaments of a single day.”

Speaking on the design approach, Shabnam Gupta shares,

“The intention was to reinterpret the forest as a surface system; introducing a fresh sense of shade, scale, and layering without visual excess. These deep forests exist as an abstracted sanctuary rather than a direct reference. Working with Life n Colors brought this vision to life through their profound understanding of surfaces, scale, and the way high-end design lives within a home.”

Central to the collection are designs like Monochrome Ascents, which capture vertical vitality through stylised tree forms. In contrast, Monsoon Arches pairs the structure of architectural silhouettes with softened foliage – perfectly reflecting the signature balance of order and natural ease that defines the aesthetics of Life n Colors. Across the collection, surfaces are treated with intent: murals anchor the room’s narrative, while intricate borders provide architectural framing. Ceilings offer an unexpected depth to the room, and when extended to wardrobes and panels, the visual language integrates seamlessly into the rhythm of everyday life.

Parallel to its design narrative, Neelvana carries a quiet acknowledgment of the Aravali forests, which are slowly losing their density. This sensitivity extends into Life n Colors’ approach to making, where creation is guided by care and restraint, alongside conscious efforts to offset environmental impact. Over the past year, the brand has offset approximately 95,000 kg of CO₂ emissions.

This collection is now available through both Peacock Life & Life n Colors experience centre in Gurgaon, Mumbai, and their official website. It invites homeowners and designers alike to step out of the mundane and into a forest of their own making. An invitation to bring this soulful greenery into a space, the collection starts at INR 12,000 per 30 sqm.

Jaipur, India, Jan 29:  Raffles Hotels & Resorts is pleased to reaffirm its association with the prestigious Rajasthan Polo Club through the continued sponsorship of the Raffles Sirmour Cup (14 goals)—one of the marquee tournaments of the Jaipur Polo Season. In 2026, Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur come together as co-sponsors, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to heritage-led experiences in India and its enduring belief in preserving and celebrating cultural traditions.

The Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026 will be held from 9–15 February 2026, bringing together distinguished players, patrons and polo enthusiasts to celebrate the rich and storied legacy of the sport in the Pink City.

Founded under the patronage of the Royal Family of Jaipur, the Rajasthan Polo Club remains a proud custodian of Rajasthan’s equestrian heritage. Its historic grounds have, over the decades, welcomed global dignitaries including His Royal Highness Prince Philip and Her Majesty the Queen of England, HRH Prince Charles and the late Lady Diana, and former United States First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, among others. Today, the Club continues to attract exceptional polo talent from India and abroad, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary sporting excellence.

For Raffles, supporting the Sirmour Cup reflects a deep respect for the cultural fabric of Rajasthan. Polo, in this context, represents lineage, craftsmanship, camaraderie and pride—values that align closely with the brand’s philosophy. By championing the tournament, Raffles contributes to preserving this living legacy while offering guests an authentic window into a tradition that continues to define the region.

Commenting on the association, Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Jaipur, said,

“The Jaipur Polo Season is one of the city’s most defining winter traditions, and the Raffles Sirmour Cup holds a special place in that calendar. For Raffles Jaipur, this partnership allows us to deepen our role as a cultural partner—connecting guests with Jaipur’s heritage while celebrating the elegance, excellence and spirit of the sport.”

Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur, added,

“At Raffles Udaipur, our philosophy is rooted in thoughtful hospitality that honours India’s rich cultural heritage. Supporting the Raffles Sirmour Cup strengthens our commitment to preserving tradition and celebrating a sport deeply interwoven with Rajasthan’s identity. We look forward to contributing to a season that brings together legacy, sport and distinguished company.”

Through this continued partnership, Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur honour a cherished sporting tradition while offering guests a refined and immersive glimpse into Jaipur’s most iconic winter moments where heritage, community and the unmistakable charm of Raffles converge on and beyond the polo field.

Bengaluru, Jan 29: Australia is set to significantly deepen its engagement with Karnataka, positioning the state as a strategic hub for bilateral collaboration across education, technology and business.

Addressing delegates at an interactive session on Tariff-Free Access for Indian Exporters under the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), Mr. Vik Singh, Consul (Commercial) and Trade & Investment Commissioner, South Asia, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, highlighted the growing momentum in Australia–India relations, with Karnataka emerging as a central pillar of this expanding partnership. The session was organised by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce (BCIC) under the aegis of its International Business Expert Committee, in association with World Trade Center Bengaluru.

Education and technology remain priority sectors in the bilateral relationship. In a major development, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has announced plans to establish a branch campus in Bengaluru, with discussions already underway with the Government of Karnataka. The campus is expected to become operational next year.

“As one of the world’s leading universities, UNSW’s decision to establish a presence in Bengaluru reflects the confidence Australian institutions have in Karnataka’s talent ecosystem and innovation potential,” said Mr. Singh. “The campus will play a key role in strengthening academic collaboration, research partnerships and technology exchange between Australia and India.”

Ranked among the world’s top universities, UNSW’s proposed Bengaluru campus is expected to contribute significantly to advanced education, joint research initiatives and industry-linked innovation, further reinforcing Karnataka’s position as a global education and knowledge hub. The initiative marks an important milestone in Australia’s long-term engagement with India and underscores Karnataka’s growing stature as a preferred destination for international universities and global investors.

“Karnataka has emerged as one of Australia’s most important partners in India, driven by strong synergies in education, innovation and enterprise,” Mr. Singh added. “This is reflected not only in growing trade and investment flows, but also in Australia’s decision to establish one of its largest consular presences in India here, second only to the High Commission in New Delhi.”

India–Australia ECTA: A Landmark Development

Highlighting the trade dimension, Mr. K Ravi, Senior Vice President, BCIC, said, “The implementation of tariff-free access for Indian exporters under the India–Australia ECTA is a landmark development that will significantly enhance India’s export competitiveness. With 100 percent of Australian tariff lines moving to zero duty from January 1, 2026, this historic step unlocks new opportunities across key sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and agriculture—accelerating MSME-led growth, boosting employment and expanding India’s export footprint.”

He added that BCIC will play a key role in supporting exporters by driving industry preparedness, facilitating buyer–seller engagements and ensuring that MSMEs are well-equipped to leverage the agreement, further strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The deepening relationship is further underscored by the launch of a direct Sydney–Bengaluru flight by Qantas, significantly improving connectivity and accelerating business, academic and people-to-people exchanges between the two regions.

Mr. Singh also outlined the major sectors poised to benefit from deeper Australia–India engagement. Clean energy stands out, supported by Australia’s net-zero targets and rising renewable investments. Education and skills development continue to enable greater student mobility, academic collaboration and joint research. Agribusiness is gaining momentum through improved market access, food processing opportunities and agri-technology cooperation, while tourism is emerging as a high-growth sector driven by rising outbound travel from India. Overall, the services sector—particularly IT, professional services and education—is expected to be the most significant long-term beneficiary of the partnership.

Jan 29:Despite significantly higher-than-expected US import tariffs, the Indian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, expanding 8.2% year-on-year in the July–September quarter, supported by strong consumer spending, according to ACCA’s latest Global Economic Outlook.

In contrast, the global economy is expected to grow at a steady but unspectacular pace in 2026, aided by easier monetary policy, fiscal stimulus in key economies, and the continued artificial intelligence (AI) boom. However, the outlook remains clouded by downside risks amid a volatile and unpredictable global environment.

India is set to benefit further from robust consumer demand, low inflation, GST cuts, monetary easing, and strong government-led infrastructure investment, while the services sector is expected to remain a key growth driver, supported in part by exports. Recent labour market and bankruptcy law reforms could enhance the economy’s longer-term performance. A potential trade agreement with the US and continued low global oil prices would provide additional upside, while domestic food price movements remain a key risk to monitor.

Md. Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA, said:

“It’s extremely encouraging to see the Indian economy remain resilient despite the sharp increase in US import tariffs, supported by strong consumer spending. Our report indicates that India is likely to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy in 2026, with recent reforms offering the potential to strengthen its long-term performance.”

The third edition of ACCA’s annual outlook finds that global growth in 2025 was stronger than expected despite major trade disruptions and policy uncertainty. This resilience is expected to carry into 2026, with global GDP projected to expand by around 3%, broadly in line with last year, although risks remain tilted to the downside.

Former IMF Chief Economist Ken Rogoff, interviewed for the report, described the global economy as “solid but not exciting,” while warning that current financial markets may not fully reflect the scale of uncertainty. He cautioned about the risk of a significant stock market correction over the next three years, even as markets may rise further in the near term.

“Populist policies work until they don’t,” Rogoff noted, warning of potential negative consequences for the US economy emerging in 2027 and 2028.

Jonathan Ashworth, Chief Economist at ACCA and author of the report, said:

“Under a central scenario, the global economy should continue to expand steadily in 2026, supported by looser monetary policy, fiscal easing, and the ongoing AI boom. The US is likely to be the fastest-growing G7 economy, but this remains a fragile backdrop amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, renewed trade tensions, and concerns over threats to the Federal Reserve’s independence.”

The report highlights three key themes likely to shape the global economic outlook in 2026:

• Developments in AI: Evidence that AI investment is boosting productivity could ease concerns of an AI-led market bubble; failure to deliver such gains may heighten correction risks.

• Advanced economy bond markets: A sharp rise in government bond yields could strain economies and raise debt-servicing costs, driven by debt sustainability concerns, political instability, or monetary tightening in Japan.

• Global trade dynamics: The ongoing impact of higher US tariffs and the risk of renewed trade tensions warrant close monitoring.

Business leaders contributing to the report also highlighted AI adoption, geopolitics, trade, the green transition, and cybersecurity as defining issues for 2026.

Ashworth added:

“In an increasingly volatile and rapidly changing world, understanding the interaction between economic, geopolitical, political, and technological forces will be critical for businesses and policymakers alike.”

The 2026 Global Economic Outlook offers in-depth analysis and strategic insights for finance leaders navigating an uncertain global landscape. The full report is available for download.

Mumbai, Jan 29: Travel is no longer aesthetic-only. It’s time to swap screens for stories, hashtags for handshakes, and curated feeds for lived experiences. This February, Mumbai becomes the epicentre of global discovery as The Gypsy Travel Festival (TGTF), India’s premier consumer travel showcase, returns with its 4th edition on 7th & 8th February 2026 at Jio World Drive, BKC. Running from 3 PM to 10 PM, TGTF brings together destinations, travel brands, industry experts, and experience-led audiences under one dynamic roof, redefining how Indian travellers discover and plan their holidays.

“TGTF was created as a space where travel conversations could move beyond brochures and algorithms,” says Lubaina Sheerazi, Co-founder, The Gypsy Travel Network. “Over the years, we’ve seen Indian travellers become more curious, more informed, and far more intentional. This edition reflects that shift, bringing together destinations and brands that offer depth, authenticity, and experiences people genuinely want to engage with before they travel.”

Bringing the World to Mumbai

As India’s appetite for immersive, experience-led travel continues to surge, TGTF has evolved into a platform that brings global cultures, conversations, and journeys directly to Indian audiences.

This year’s edition features powerful destination-led storytelling and immersive showcases, including:

• Amazing Thailand, presented in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, spotlighting culture-rich cities, island escapes, wellness journeys, festivals, and emerging sustainable routes.
• Visit Sapporo, Japan’s northern wonderland, Hokkaido, offering a window into snow-laden landscapes, world-class produce, hot springs, and seasonal adventures that redefine experiential travel.
• Magical Kenya, unveiling vibrant coastline, bustling cities, and experiences beyond iconic safaris and unforgettable wildlife encounters that continue to top global bucket lists.

June Chepkemei, CEO, Kenya Tourism Board, said,

“Kenya and India share a natural affinity rooted in connectivity, cultural appreciation, and a mutual understanding of quality travel experiences.” Chepkemei also stated. “Our presence in Mumbai allows us to meet Indian travellers where they are making crucial decisions about their next international journey, presenting Kenya’s full spectrum of offerings in ways that inspire genuine interest and action.”

TGTF 2026 also features a curated selection of lifestyle and hospitality partners like Club Med, CGH Earth, HomeExchange, and Rare India whose offerings reflect contemporary travel sensibilities, where design, storytelling, and utility come together in ways best experienced on the ground. The event will also feature many local and global culinary experiences, fireside chats with food voices we love and trust, and conversations with TV’s favourite Chef Vicky Ratnani and the trusted authority on India’s street food, Rocky Singh.

Across two high-energy evenings, attendees can:

• Tune into Travel Talks led by industry insiders and seasoned travellers
• Participate in hands-on workshops covering itinerary design, smart planning, and real-world travel hacks
• Explore immersive installations and destination-led experiences
• Sample global flavours, unlock festival-exclusive deals, and connect with a community that truly gets travel

Whether you’re planning your next big escape, looking for fresh inspiration, or simply craving discovery beyond the algorithm, The Gypsy Travel Festival is where travel stops being a scroll and starts becoming a story.