Archives 2026

New Delhi, Jan 21: Prior to attending the 71st edition of the Maghey Sankranti Mela, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, today duly inaugurated the newly constructed auditorium-cum-10-room school building of PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Jorethang today.

It is noteworthy that the newly inaugurated auditorium-cum-10-room school building is equipped with modern facilities designed to support academic, cultural, and co-curricular activities. The auditorium, with a seating capacity of 300 persons, is fitted with a public address (PA) system and fully functional air-conditioning units. The infrastructure further comprises eight classrooms, two laboratories dedicated to Chemistry and Biology practical sessions, green rooms, and adequate sanitation facilities.

During the inaugural programme, the Principal, Ms Nisha Rai, in her welcome address, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister, the Education Minister, and the MLA for their continued support in strengthening the school’s infrastructure. She stated that the new facility would play a pivotal role in enhancing the academic environment and reinforcing the overall institutional framework of the school. She also highlighted the commendable progress of students in academics, sports at the national level, and various co-curricular activities.

The PCE-cum-Secretary, Education Department, Mr Chetraj Mishra, presented the technical details of the project. As a gesture of appreciation, the School Management Committee presented tokens of gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Education Minister. 

 The programme concluded with the Chief Minister visiting the newly constructed classrooms and laboratories of the school.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Minister for Education Mr Raju Basnet,  Minister for Urban Development Department Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, MLA and Chief Patron Mr Madan Cintury, MLA Mr L N Sharma, along with Advisors, Chairpersons, Secretary ( Education Department), PCE-cum-Secretary Education Department, District Collector Namchi, Senior Superintendent of Police Namchi, Heads of Offices, and other officials from various line departments. 

Also present on the occasion were the Principal of PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Jorethang, Ms Nisha Rai, members of the School Management Committee, teaching and non-teaching staff and students.

Later in the day, Chief Minister Tamang arrived at the Public Playground, Jorethang, and graced the Grand Finale of the Golden Voice of Sikkim, Golden Feet of Sikkim, and Golden Beat of Sikkim competitions as the Chief Guest, held on the seventh day of the Maghey Sankranti Mela.

Kochi, Jan 21: South Indian Bank (SIB) today inaugurated its innovative e-Kanika digital offering facility at the renowned Edapally Elangalloor Swarupam Sree Mahaganapathy Temple, marking a significant step towards enhancing digital convenience for devotees.

The e-Kanika service enables devotees to make offerings seamlessly by scanning a QR code, making the process faster, secure, and more accessible. This initiative reflects the Bank’s commitment to blending technology with tradition, while supporting the digitisation of customary practices.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials from South Indian Bank, including Biji S S, Senior General Manager & Branch Banking Head; Sony A, Senior General Manager & Chief Information Officer; Tinu Eden Ambatt, Regional Head – Ernakulam; David Manjaly, Cluster Head – MG Road; and Sruthi A R, Branch Head – Edapally. The event was also graced by temple trustees Dr. Subramania Raja and Ms. Indira Raja.

MumbaI, Jan 21:Eros Innovation today announced its strategic foray into education with the launch of Eros AIVidya, a next-generation learning initiative designed to re-skill and empower the creative arts industry through ethically trained artificial intelligence.

Envisioned as a modern Gurukul for the AI age, Eros AIVidya integrates creativity, culture, and technology to enable students and professionals to become AI-augmented filmmakers, actors, writers, singers, composers, and digital creators. The platform leverages advanced AI tools purpose-built for the creative economy, while firmly prioritising ethical governance and creative rights.

The first Eros AIVidya Centre will be implemented in partnership with Achariya Educational Public Trust, which administers institutions affiliated with Pondicherry University.

AI for Creative Expression, Not Replacement

Eros AIVidya is founded on the principle that AI should amplify human creativity, not replace it. The platform is powered by Eros GenAI models, trained exclusively on licensed content, proprietary intellectual property, and culturally grounded datasets—ensuring responsible, transparent, and industry-compliant AI usage.

Learners will gain hands-on experience across key creative disciplines, including:

• Film direction, screenwriting, and story development

• Acting, performance augmentation, and digital avatars

• Music composition, voice synthesis, and sound design

• Virtual production, VFX, and immersive storytelling

• Ethical AI governance and creative-rights protection

The curriculum is closely aligned with real-world creative workflows, preparing learners for careers across cinema, OTT platforms, music, gaming, animation, and immersive media.

Achariya Named First Implementation Partner

As the inaugural physical implementation of the AIVidya model, Eros Innovation has partnered with Achariya Educational Public Trust, which administers Achariya College of Engineering Technology and Achariya Arts and Science College.

Through this collaboration, a Centre for Ethical AI & Creative Technologies will be established on the Achariya campus, serving as the launchpad for AIVidya’s academic and industry programs.

The Centre will feature:

• AI compute labs powered by Eros GenAI models

• Virtual production and immersive media studios

• Music, voice, and performance AI laboratories

• Faculty development programs, industry masterclasses, and live projects

• Accredited academic delivery under university norms

Academic governance will remain with Achariya institutions, while Eros AIVidya will lead curriculum design, AI infrastructure, and industry integration.

A Blueprint for India’s Creative-AI Talent Economy

Eros AIVidya is envisioned as a scalable national and global model, with plans to expand across institutions, disciplines, and regions. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between traditional education and the rapidly evolving creative economy by combining:

• Ethical AI adoption

• Cultural and creative literacy

• Industry-ready skills

• Future employment pathways

Through this approach, Eros Innovation aims to contribute meaningfully to India’s ambition of becoming a global hub for creative, ethical, and culturally rooted AI talent.

Leadership Commentary

Ridhima Lulla, Co-Founder, Eros Innovation, said:

“Eros AIVidya represents our belief that the future of education lies at the intersection of creativity, ethics, and technology. Through ethically trained Eros GenAI models and strong academic partnerships like Achariya, we are building a new pathway for creators to thrive in the AI era—without compromising values, rights, or artistic integrity.”

Dr. J. Arawindhan, Managing Director, Achariya Group of Educational Institutions, said:

“This partnership with Eros Innovation enables us to establish an Immersive AI and Ethical Technology Centre at Achariya, integrating artificial intelligence and industry-led training into our academic ecosystem. Eros Innovation’s leadership in ethical AI and creative technologies gives this initiative strong industry relevance and reflects our commitment to preparing students with future-ready skills.”

Mumbai, Jan 21:Shoppers Stop Ltd., India’s leading destination for premium fashion and beauty, announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, reporting a stable performance amid a challenging consumption environment while continuing to advance its premium-led growth strategy.

Overall sales for the quarter remained flat, impacted by festive calendar shifts, uneven discretionary demand, and elevated pollution levels in Northern India. Despite these external headwinds, the Company strengthened its premium portfolio, which delivered steady like-for-like growth and increased its contribution to total sales.

Key Financial Highlights – Q3FY26

• Premium brands contributed 69% of total sales, recording 6% YoY growth on a like-for-like basis

• Core Business sales stood at Rs 1,516 crore, flat YoY

• Beauty segment sales grew 14% YoY

• INTUNE sales increased 22% YoY

• Average Transaction Value (ATV) and Average Selling Price (ASP) rose 7% YoY each

• Customer entry grew 5% LFL, marking the second consecutive quarter of growth

Financial Performance Snapshot – Q3FY26

• Sales: Marginal YoY growth

• Gross margins: Moderation driven by category mix and promotions

• EBITDA and profitability: Impacted by softer demand and operating leverage, partially offset by cost discipline

Management Commentary

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Kavindra Mishra, Managing Director & CEO, Shoppers Stop Ltd., said:

“Q3 was marked by external factors such as festive calendar shifts and uneven consumption trends, which weighed on overall sales. However, we continued to make steady progress on our strategic priorities. Premium brands grew on a like-for-like basis and now account for 69% of our total sales, reinforcing the direction of our portfolio shift.

The re-launch of our Juhu store as one of India’s most premium experiential retail destinations reflects our long-term commitment to differentiated customer experiences. Categories such as Beauty, Handbags, and Watches continue to scale well, and our Beauty Distribution business has delivered strong year-on-year growth.

While discretionary demand remained subdued for INTUNE, we are taking a calibrated approach to strengthening the format through focused investments and measured expansion. As macro conditions improve, we believe our investments in premium offerings, personalization, and omnichannel capabilities position us well for sustainable growth.”

Progress Across Strategic Priorities

• First Citizen loyalty program contributed 84% of total revenue, with the member base expanding to 13.3 million

• Premium Black Card members reached a record addition during the quarter, contributing 21% of total sales

• Beauty category sustained strong momentum, driven by fragrances and luxury brand expansion

• Launched eight Estée Lauder Brands SIS stores during the quarter

• Beauty Distribution business delivered 58% YoY growth

• Private Brands portfolio showed steady traction, with the launch of FRATINI Girls, receiving encouraging customer response

INTUNE and Value Fashion

The INTUNE value fashion format delivered year-on-year growth, though performance was impacted by subdued discretionary demand. The Company continues to strengthen the format through targeted investments in existing stores while maintaining disciplined capital allocation.

Store Expansion and Financial Discipline

• Opened 3 department stores, 3 INTUNE stores, and 1 HomeStop store during the quarter

• Capital expenditure remained controlled, with continued focus on efficiency

• Working capital reduced during the quarter

• Net debt remained stable

Shoppers Stop remains focused on deepening its premium portfolio, strengthening customer engagement, and driving long-term value through disciplined growth and operational excellence.

RMZ and Government of Andhra Pradesh Announced a Strategic Investment Partnership at WEF Davos 2026 to Facilitate Investments up to USD 10 Billion

Davos, Switzerland, Jan 21: RMZ, one of Asia’s leading privately owned alternative asset owners and operators, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh today announced a strategic investment partnership at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, aimed at facilitating long-term global investment of approximately USD 10 billion into mixed-use, digital and industrial infrastructure across the State.

The partnership reflects RMZ’s long-horizon, platform-led approach to nation-building through the creation of mission-critical real assets and institutionally governed development ecosystems. It aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s vision to position Visakhapatnam as a next-generation mixed-use and digital infrastructure hub, while driving industrial and logistics-led development in the Rayalaseema region to support balanced regional growth and employment generation.

As part of the collaboration RMZ will develop a GCC at Kapuluppada Phase-1 IT Park in Visakhapatnam, with a potential built-up area of up to 10 million square feet over approximately 50 acres, aimed at attracting global enterprises and strengthening the city’s GCC ecosystem.

RMZ will also plan a hyperscale data centre cluster in the Visakhapatnam region with a targeted capacity of up to 1 gigawatt, developed in phases, requiring approximately 500–700 acres of land. The proposed data centre platform will support next-generation digital and AI workloads, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and green power integration.

In the Rayalaseema region, RMZ would develop an Industrial and Logistics Park at Tekulodu over approximately 1,000 acres, anchoring industrial manufacturing, warehousing and logistics activity in the region.

“Andhra Pradesh has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancement and the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. This partnership builds on that momentum by strengthening the State’s digital and enterprise infrastructure ecosystem,” Mr. Nara Lokesh, Minister for ITE&C Dept., and Human Resources Development, said, “By partnering with a credible and trustworthy organisation such as RMZ, we are reinforcing our ability to attract global enterprises, scale high-quality employment and sustain long-term technology-led growth across key regions of the State.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manoj Menda, Chairman – Supervisory Board, RMZ, said,

 “Andhra Pradesh is emerging as one of India’s most compelling destinations for next-generation digital and industrial infrastructure. The State’s clarity of vision, speed of decision-making, and commitment to balanced regional development give long-term investors the confidence to deploy capital at scale. Through this partnership, RMZ aims to create globally benchmarked IT, data centre, and industrial ecosystems in Visakhapatnam and Rayalaseema that can attract global enterprises, generate meaningful employment, and support Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to become a major hub for technology-led growth.”

“RMZ enjoys a long standing presence in the state and the partnership is a reaffirmation of the trust that the Andhra Pradesh government has in the organisation,” said, Mr. Deepak Chhabria, President, RMZ Infrastructure, “Through this RMZ is bringing its experience in building and operating mission-critical real asset platforms to support the State’s vision for digital infrastructure, industrial growth and employment generation. Our approach is focused on creating scalable, sustainable ecosystems that can attract global capital while delivering long-term economic value for the region.”

Together, the proposed developments represent a potential investment of approximately USD 10 billion over five to six years, with the capacity to generate employment for around one lakh people across IT, data centres, industrial and logistics sectors.

 Andhra Pradesh reaffirmed its focus on speed of doing business through single-point facilitation and time-bound clearances, with predictable policy frameworks and execution certainty continuing to strengthen investor confidence in the State.

Mumbai, India, Jan 21: Mastek (NSE: MASTEK; BSE: 523704), a trusted AI-first digital engineering and cloud transformation partner, today announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025.

 Q3FY26 Financial Highlights

• Revenue from operations grew 4.2% YoY

• Operating EBITDA margin improved to 16.1%, up 60 bps QoQ

• Profit After Tax (PAT) increased 11.2% QoQ

• 26+ new AI-led engagements closed during the quarter

• Total order backlog grew 36.6% YoY

• 12-month order backlog rose 24.3% YoY

• Strong operating cash generation during the quarter

• Interim dividend declared at 160%

Management Commentary

Commenting on the results, Umang Nahata, Chief Executive Officer, Mastek, said:

“In Q3FY26, our revenue declined sequentially in rupee terms, primarily due to higher furloughs, planned project go-lives in the US and AMEA, and the right-shift of a few engagements. Despite these near-term headwinds and seasonal softness, we delivered another quarter of healthy EBITDA margin expansion driven by strong operational discipline and AI-led efficiencies.

Our 12-month order backlog grew sequentially, and the pipeline remains strong across the UK, US, and AMEA. We continue to see robust demand in the Healthcare segment and for AI-led solutions globally. With over 26 new AI engagements and 17 new client additions during the quarter, we remain confident in our long-term strategy and our ability to deliver sustainable and profitable growth.”

Deepak Kedia, Chief Financial Officer, Mastek, added:

“We reported an operating EBITDA margin expansion of 60 bps quarter-on-quarter, even after factoring in labour code changes and furloughs. PAT also grew sequentially, supported by a significant expansion in PAT margin. Strong operating cash flows during the quarter reflect our continued focus on financial discipline, execution efficiency, and value creation for stakeholders.”

Operational Highlights

• 17 new clients added in Q3FY26; total active clients increased to 333

• Employee strength stood at 4,676

• Last twelve months attrition improved to 17.6%

• Cash and liquidity position strengthened further during the quarter

Key Wins During the Quarter

• Secured a three-year engagement with a UK central government agency to support a national biometrics platform using AI-powered DevSecOps

• Won multiple engagements with UK financial regulators, US-based global asset managers, Fortune 500 enterprises, and public sector organizations across the UK, US, Australia, and Europe

• Expanded Agentic and Generative AI deployments across healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and public sector clients

Sustainability & Recognition

• Achieved a CSA score of 82/100 in the S&P Global ESG Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025

• Recognised by ISG, Everest Group, Gartner, and ET Making AI Work Awards 2025 for leadership in AI, digital transformation, and enterprise services

India’s Demand for Steel Scrap To Increase Sharply On Capacity Expansion; Shri. DayaNidhan Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel at IMRC 2026 in Jaipur

Jaipur, Jan 21:“Scrap currently contributes nearly 21% of India’s crude steel production, compared to a global average of around one-third. While the scrap consumption in the Indian steel sector has been rising, the scrap availability is estimated to rise to nearly 36 million tonnes,which clearly indicates that demand for steel scrap will increase sharply as large-scale capacity expansion continues,” said Shri Daya Nidhan Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel, addressing the inaugural session of the 13th International Material Recycling Conference and Exposition (IMRC 2026) at Jaipur today.

Referring to policy measures, Pandey said,

“The Government has taken coordinated action through the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019, the Vehicle Scrappage Policy, the rollout of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities, and the integration of scrap management with national circular economy initiatives. Recently notified Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates for end-of-life vehicles and construction and demolition waste are expected to accelerate formal scrap recycling.”

Looking ahead, Pandey said, “India aims to progressively raise the share of scrap in steelmaking towards the global average of 31%. As the country moves towards 300 million tonnes of steel capacity by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047, steel scrap will play a decisive role in conserving raw materials, reducing coal imports, lowering emissions, and supporting India’s commitment to achieve net zero by 2070.”

Shri. Pandey affirmed India’s positioning in scrap – based steel making as a booster to its decarbonisation efforts, as it helps to avoid carbon emission and also substitutes iron ore, coking coal. As India is targeting 300 million tonnes of crude steel capacity by 2030-31, the recycled steel scrap consumption will gain a momentum. “

Highlighting operational challenges, Shri. Sanjay Mehta, President, MRAI, stressed the urgent need for policy rationalisation.

“The recycling industry needs GST on scrap to be reduced to 5%, as current high rates are hurting growth and pushing the sector into non-compliance. Further, the import duty on aluminium scrap needs to be fully removed. Extended Producer Responsibility across e-waste, tyres and plastics must also be implemented more effectively, as weak enforcement is undermining the recycling value chain,” he said.

Emphasising the social dimension of recycling, Shri. Mehta added that nearly one-third of scrap in India originates from ragpickers, households and small workshops.

“Lower GST and routing scrap purchases from the unorganised sector through UPI-based transactions, while discouraging cash at the first level of collection, will help bring these workers into the formal economy with dignity and sustainability,” he said.

Speaking on the evolving industry landscape, Shri. Dhawal Shah, Senior Vice President, MRAI, said that recycling in India has decisively transitioned from a CSR-driven activity to a core business strategy.India today had more than 1400 start-ups operating across waste management and sustainability. At this pace, the recycling industry could surpass mining well before 2050, reflecting the scale, confidence and long-term opportunity emerging across the sector.”

Shri. Zain Nathani, Vice President of MRAIcalled India’s recycling industry to be a game changer and the Government’s duty rationalisation impetus would further help. Shri. Amar Singh, Secretary General of MRAI mentioned that the Indian recycling industry has seen a transition and poised to take further leaps with enhanced contributions in the GDP.

Shri. Rajat Agarwal, Managing Director of Gravita India Limited, while addressing the role of finance and global capital stresses that  capital was no longer a constraint for responsible recyclers. He said, “Global green funds and ESG-focused investors are actively backing scalable recycling platforms that deliver both financial returns and environmental impact. Recycling today sits at this powerful intersection.” He added that with strong governance, supportive policies such as EPR, and India’s circular economy vision, Indian recyclers are now globally competitive climate-solution providers.

Organised by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), the three-day conference is being held from January 20–22, 2026, at the Novotel Jaipur & Convention Centre, Jaipur, and brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to discuss recycling’s role in sustainable industrial growth.

The conference opened with discussions on sustainability, climate change, energy storage and circular economy transitions, while also addressing long-standing industry concerns around regulatory clarity and market stability.

During the inaugural session, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Jinesh Shah, Director, Rajhans Impex Pvt. Ltd.; Purshottam Parolia, CMD, Nihon Ispat Pvt. Ltd.; and Hitesh Shah, Chairman, Mono Steel (India) Limited. The Global Recycler of the Year Award was conferred on Anshul Gupta, Chairman, PAN Gulf IInternational.

TAMPA, FL /Jan 21— Rreal Tacos (Rreal, that’s not a typo), one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the Southeast and widely recognized as Georgia’s biggest taco brand, is officially expanding to Florida. The Atlanta-based company has acquired the former Haiku American-Asian Fusion restaurant in downtown Tampa, marking Rreal Tacos’ first Florida location and the beginning of a multi-unit expansion across the Tampa Bay region.

Known for its cult following, massive social media reach, and lines-out-the-door openings in Georgia, Rreal Tacos has built its reputation by delivering authentic street tacos made entirely from scratch — at scale. “We’re not just opening a restaurant — we’re entering a market that reminds us a lot of Atlanta before Rreal Tacos really took off,” said Damian Otero, CEO at Rreal Tacos. “Tampa is energetic, it’s growing fast, and it’s underserved when it comes to this category. It made a lot of sense for us.”

A Major Investment in Downtown Tampa

Rreal Tacos plans to invest approximately $2.5 million into the downtown Tampa location, transforming the existing space into the brand’s signature high-energy, design-forward restaurant experience.

Unlike many rapidly expanding restaurant groups, Rreal Tacos is not backed by private equity or outside investors, a distinction the company says allows it to move quickly, take creative risks, and stay obsessively focused on quality. Everything served at Rreal Tacos is made in-house daily — from slow-cooked meats and fresh salsas to hand-crafted tortillas produced through a multi-day process. The brand combines the authenticity of a street taco with the consistency required to serve thousands of guests each day.

Why Tampa — and What’s Next

Company leadership says Tampa stood out as a rare opportunity: a major metro with strong dining demand, vibrant downtown foot traffic, and significantly fewer comparable Mexican concepts than similar Southeastern cities. “Tampa feels like the Nashville of Florida,” Otero said. “Restaurants are busy, people here love going out to eat, and there’s real opportunity to build something special that feels local.” The downtown Tampa restaurant is expected to be the first of three planned Rreal Tacos locations in the Tampa Bay area, with future expansion potentially including St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

A Loud Arrival — and a Local Focus

Rreal Tacos is known for unconventional, high-impact marketing and community-driven initiatives that prioritize experience over traditional advertising.

Ahead of its public opening, the company plans to host a large-scale friends-and-family preview, inviting thousands of local residents, hospitality workers, and community members to dine at no cost.

Opening Timeline

Construction is currently underway at the downtown Tampa location. An official opening date will be announced in the coming months, along with hiring details and preview events.

For updates, follow Rreal Tacos on Instagram and TikTok, where the brand reaches hundreds of thousands of followers and regularly generates millions of views.

Kishangarh, Jan 20: There was a time when luxury in Indian interiors announced itself through gloss, reflection, and visual excess. Today, that language feels increasingly out of step with how spaces are designed, lived in, and valued. In its place, a quieter and more grounded idea of luxury is emerging—one rooted in material integrity rather than surface spectacle.

The new Indian luxury does not seek attention. It holds space.

From Surface Appeal to Lasting Substance

Across contemporary Indian homes and hospitality projects, designers are gravitating toward materials that feel calm, stable, and enduring. Finishes chosen to impress at first glance are giving way to surfaces that age gracefully and support long-term living.

This shift signals a deeper design maturity. Luxury is no longer defined by how quickly a space dazzles, but by how naturally it integrates into everyday life. Materials are selected for their ability to soften light, anchor architecture, and create visual continuity rather than momentary impact.

Why Shine Is Losing Its Allure

Highly reflective finishes once symbolised refinement. Today, they often feel visually restless—particularly in Indian interiors, where abundant natural light reveals their glare throughout the day. What once felt opulent can now feel overwhelming.

Subtler textures, warmer tones, and solid materials offer a more composed alternative. They allow proportion, scale, and architectural intent to lead, creating spaces that feel considered rather than performative.

Stone and the Language of Quiet Luxury

Natural stone has become central to this evolving aesthetic. Its weight, permanence, and tactile presence introduce a sense of reassurance that trend-driven materials struggle to replicate. Rather than dominating a space, stone establishes a steady visual rhythm—one that supports rather than competes with design.

This philosophy is reflected in the approach of Tilak Marbles, where collections are curated with architectural longevity in mind. Warm-toned marbles, restrained veining, and balanced surfaces are designed to integrate seamlessly into spaces instead of defining them overtly.

Commenting on this shift, Mr. Praveen Gangwal, Founder of Tilak Marbles, notes:

“Luxury today is less about immediate impact and more about how a space feels over time. Solid, understated materials bring a sense of calm that shiny surfaces often cannot sustain.”

He adds:

“When materials are honest and well chosen, they don’t need embellishment. They allow design to mature naturally, alongside the people who live with it.”

Silence as a Design Value

Silence in interiors is not emptiness—it is clarity. It reflects the intentional removal of excess so that material quality, light, and proportion can be fully experienced. Quiet luxury favours coherence over contrast, and depth over display.

Warm, grounded palettes support this philosophy by creating environments that feel emotionally steady. They invite touch, respond gently to light, and remain visually calm even as the space evolves over time.

A More Enduring Definition of Luxury

The new Indian luxury is defined not by shine, but by confidence. It values materials that endure, spaces that feel settled, and design decisions that do not demand constant reinforcement.

Subtle.
Solid.
Silent.

In this emerging design language, luxury is no longer something that announces itself. It is something that stays.

Bengaluru, Jan  20: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, continues to invest in and strengthen its compliance governance framework to ensure fairness, authenticity, and trust across the platform. These systems are designed to operate with consistent standards, internal control, and audit-ready processes across the organisation. This proactive, layered approach is critical for governing a marketplace with millions of listings and over 1.4 million sellers. By combining sophisticated technology, structured human oversight, and formalized compliance policies, Flipkart maintains a trusted, well-governed environment, enabling genuine businesses to thrive and ensuring customers receive safe, quality products. 

Flipkart’s first line of defense is a standardized, risk-based onboarding and monitoring system designed to prevent non-compliant and fraudulent sellers from entering or operating on the platform.

Advanced Seller Vetting

New sellers onboarding with Flipkart are vetted using a risk-based model that moves beyond document submission. In addition to GSTIN and PAN checks, the onboarding system verifies the seller’s device, address, and pincode against historic fraud patterns using internal data models. All GST details undergo two-factor authentication, helping prevent misuse of credentials. These checks are further supported by fraud linkage analysis, ensuring that sellers with prior violations cannot re-enter the platform. 

Accountability & Real-Time Monitoring

Flipkart’s monitoring architecture pairs AI-led scale with human supervision and auditability, ensuring that automation is embedded within documented review processes, audit trails, and escalation protocols. The company’s real-time infringement scanning system identifies text and logo infringements on products using detection models, leading to manual validation and subsequent delisting of confirmed infringing items. Additionally, the Marketplace Quality Control team scans millions of listings monthly to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements. In addition to tech-based measures, Flipkart conducts on-ground seller inspections and geo-tagged address verification, including surprise audits of certain sellers for whom heightened observation is indicated.

To amplify vigilance across the ecosystem, Flipkart has also launched an internal employee campaign that enables employees to identify and report seller or consumer abuse patterns ranging from fake listings and multi-account misuse to return manipulation and promotional fraud.

Institutionalizing the Seller Compliance and Transparency Framework Across the Marketplace

Central to this framework is the institutionalization of transparency as a seller’s right of due process. At the point of onboarding, sellers receive a detailed compliance snapshot, including the mandatory ‘Seller Terms of Use’. Ongoing awareness is driven through monthly compliance flyers, pre-festive conclaves, theme-based webinars, compliance policy communication, and escalation-triggered communication. Sellers also have visibility into listing takedowns via reason codes on their dashboards, with the opportunity to contest claims with proof of authorization or purchase. The framework is governed through dedicated compliance, trust and safety, and marketplace risk teams with structured reporting to senior leadership.

Flipkart’s governance systems are focused on early interception rather than merely reactive takedowns. Between October 2024 and October 2025, more than 10 million listings were actioned for counterfeit or compliance policy violations at the source, and 13,000 sellers were removed from the platform. Furthermore, Flipkart’s ‘Brand Assure’ program empowers trademark-registered brand owners to flag non-authorised listings or sellers, with the Trust & Safety team reviewing reported incidents in real time. As of December 2025, the program has onboarded over 11,000 brands and helped them resolve thousands of infringement incidents, including brand name, copyright, design, and logo infringements. The initiative has contributed to a substantial reduction in customer-reported fakes for the onboarded brands. These actions are executed through documented enforcement protocols to ensure consistency, proportionality, and due process.

Sakait Chaudhary, Senior Vice President and Head of Marketplace at Flipkart, said,

“Fostering a trusted and compliant marketplace is fundamental to Flipkart’s operations. We continuously invest in a strong compliance framework, powered by tech-led risk detection and real-time monitoring. This proactive approach and a robust system allow us to remove friction for our genuine seller partners while ensuring our customers always access safe, quality products from verified sources. Strong marketplace governance is not just a trust imperative; it is core to building a resilient, scalable digital commerce platform over the long term.”

The company’s investment in this compliance ecosystem is core to its broader vision of building a resilient, transparent, and responsibly governed digital commerce platform.

For a deep-dive into how Flipkart strengthens trust and platform integrity, read this Q&A with SVP and Head of Marketplace, Sakait Chaudhary. He details Flipkart’s ‘Seller-First’ compliance philosophy and due diligence processes that help provide a fair ground for its seller partners and ensure a safe shopping experience for its customer