Archives 2026

Goa is set to host a landmark moment for India’s creative industries with the launch of Transcend Goa 2026, a premier Transmedia Conclave. Organized by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and Goa Future proof, with the supportof the Government of Goa, the pilot summit will take place on 15 and 16 January 2026 at the historic Marquinez Palace in Panjim.

Envisioned, as a future-facing platform by the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Transcend Goa 2026 aims to bring together the brightest creative minds from Cinema, Publishing, Gaming, and Artificial Intelligence to explore how stories can evolve beyond a single medium.

The conclave aimed at converging stakeholders across the board, will spotlight conversations on taking cinema beyond the screen, developing Indian-origin Transmedia intellectual properties (IPs), and presenting case studies on how Indian content can successfully transform across formats, from the written word to immersive, multi-platform experiences.

At its core, Transcend Goa 2026 is designed to champion homegrown content and spark dialogue on taking Indian stories to global audiences, fostering collaboration across industries that shape contemporary storytelling. With each subsequent edition evolving into making it more grand and forward focused, Transcend Goa has been crafted to put Goa on the global creative economy map.

The two-day conclave will feature keynote sessions, panels, and case studies led by an influential lineup of speakers, including Sajan Raj Kurup, Chairman of the Creativeland Asia Group; producer and Partner at Emmay Entertainment, Monisha Advani, Veerendra Patil, Founder and Creative Director at Zebu Animation, Rajiv Chilaka, Founder of Green Gold Animation; acclaimed filmmakers Raja Krishna Menon, Reema Maya and Q; along with industry veterans Afsar Zaidi and Caleb Franklin, among other prominent speakers. The conclave will also feature special presentations including those by Vipul Agrawal, Founder of India’s leading AI driven content company and production house, Vignesh Raja, Co-Founder of AR Rahman’s mega META project and Sanjay and Vasu Gupta, Founders of Raj Comics among others.

Speaking about the vision behind the conclave, Harish Rao, organiser of Transcend Goa 2026, said

“Indian stories have always had the power to travel across cultures. With Transcend Goa, we want to create a platform where creators, technologists, and industry leaders can come together to re-imagine how our stories are told, experienced, and scaled globally, across cinema, books, games, and emerging technologies

Mumbai, Jan 12:  Vivekanand Education Society Polytechnic (VESP) successfully hosted Anvesh 2026, its annual cultural and talent festival, bringing together over 400 students under the inspiring theme “Virasat: From Heritage to Horizon.” The two-day festival celebrated India’s cultural legacy while showcasing the creativity, talent, and aspirations of the next generation.

 The event commenced with a grand inauguration ceremony, marked by a traditional Lazim welcome, setting a powerful cultural tone. The Chief Guest, Dr. Dipti Joshi, Managing Partner & Advisory of HEVIX FusionTech LLP addressed the students and emphasized the importance of cultural rootedness alongside social responsibility and youth-led nation building. The inaugural session was graced by VES leadership including Shri Suresh Malkani, President, Vivekanand Education Society, Shri Vishu Lalla, Managing Trustee, VES, Shri Sunil Kishanchandani, Associate Trustee, VES and Santosh Mulye, Incharge of Anvesh 2026.

 A key highlight of Day 1 was “Dance Ka Mahasangram,” an inter-departmental competition celebrating Indian folk and heritage forms such as Lavani, Koli, and historical themes, judged by renowned performers Aruna Panchal and Shradha Bhuwad. The day also featured the felicitation of academic toppers across departments, alongside E-Sports knockouts and Talent Hunt preliminaries, driving strong student participation and engagement. Day 2 featured high-energy performances by the college band and a powerful Powada by Yuva Shahir Swapnil Dumbre, celebrating the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Talent Hunt Finale, judged by Abhishek Shastri and Sanjay Kuril, along with the Mr. & Miss VESP pageant judged by Sonali Vardam and Parag jain, drew strong audience engagement. The festival concluded with the E-Sports Finals, prize distribution across cultural, academic, and sports categories, and a vibrant closing ceremony led by the student core team.

 Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikrant Joshi, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society Polytechnic (VESP), said:

“Anvesh 2026 reflects our commitment to nurturing holistic education where technical learning coexists with cultural awareness, creativity, and leadership. Through this platform, students not only showcase talent but also develop confidence, teamwork, and pride in our heritage.”

 Shri Suresh Malkani, President, Vivekanand Education Society, added,

“Our vision at VES has always been to create institutions that balance tradition with progress. Anvesh 2026 beautifully embodies this philosophy by connecting India’s rich cultural roots with the aspirations of young minds who will shape the nation’s future.

 Anvesh 2026 was supported by a diverse group of sponsors including McDonald’s, GaamUP Infra Pvt. Ltd., Orientbell Tiles, Hindustan Associates, Hevix Fusiontech LLP, Arihant Industries, The Knot Nest (by Vedika), Baubles, Aradhya, Isha Celebrations, and Darkest Fantasy, reflecting strong industry and community participation in the festival.

New Delhi, Jan 12: Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang attended the Pre-Budget meeting chaired by the Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, in the presence of the Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, along with Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers from various States.

During the deliberations, the Chief Minister presented Sikkim’s perspective as a small border State with distinct geographical and strategic challenges. He highlighted the State’s key development priorities and fiscal sensitivities, underlining the need for sustained support for capital investment, stability in devolution, and greater flexibility for smaller States.

The Chief Minister also raised important issues relating to connectivity, infrastructure resilience, employment-generating sectors, and the smooth transition of welfare programmes. Emphasis was laid on the strategic importance of strengthening border infrastructure, with particular focus on continued assistance for critical road networks and improved logistical connectivity.

The interaction was described as constructive and forward-looking, with assurances that the concerns raised would be given due consideration. Reaffirming Sikkim’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, the Chief Minister reiterated the State’s resolve to contribute meaningfully to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, as well as senior officers of the Central and State Governments, were also present during the meeting.

Mumbai, Jan 12:  Coromandel International Limited, one of India’s leading agri-solutions providers, has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) for the establishment of a Corporate Research Centre at the IITM Research Park. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the IITM Global Research Foundation, presided over by Dr. S. Jaishankar,  Minister of External Affairs, Government of India.

During the ceremony, the MoU copy was formally handed over to Mr. Narayanan Vellayan, Whole-time Director – Strategic Sourcing, Coromandel International Limited, by Dr. Jaishankar, in the presence of Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras. The event witnessed participation from IIT Madras’ global partners across the USA, UK, Germany, Malaysia, UAE, and Singapore, underscoring the institute’s expanding international research footprint.

The partnership will enable Coromandel to leverage the world-class research, innovation, and technology infrastructure of the IIT Madras ecosystem in India and abroad, fostering advanced collaboration in areas of strategic importance to agriculture, sustainability and emerging technologies.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Narayanan Vellayan, Whole-time Director – Strategic Sourcing, Coromandel International Limited, said: “Coromandel has always believed that innovation and research are critical to strengthening India’s agricultural ecosystem and driving sustainable growth. Our collaboration with IIT Madras Global will enable us to work closely with leading researchers, scientists, and global partners to develop breakthrough solutions in crop nutrition and advanced agri-inputs. The Corporate Research Centre will serve as a strategic platform to translate cutting-edge science into scalable technologies that benefit farmers, industry, and the nation’s innovation agenda.”

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Mr. T. Madhav Narayan, CEO, IITM Global, said that the MoU with Coromandel represents a powerful step toward deep industry–academia engagement, accelerating translational research and innovation with real-world impact.

The Corporate Research Centre will act as a hub for joint research programs, technology incubation, talent development, and international collaboration, supporting Coromandel’s long-term focus on science-led growth and future-ready agri-solutions.

India, Jan 9 – Odd Not Even, the Mumbai-based contemporary lifestyle start-up brand recognized for its culture-led storytelling and experimental scribble-first design language, today announced a strategic partnership and significant investment from Team Innovation, India’s youngest live events, nightlife, and hospitality enterprise, founded by Mohit Bijlani, Siddhesh Kudtarkar and Akash Jain.

This marks Team Innovation’s first foray into India’s youth fashion ecosystem, signalling a strategic expansion beyond experiential platforms to support culture-driven, youth-focused lifestyle brands that celebrate individuality. The partnership also represents the first external funding for the homegrown apparel brand which was launched in 2023. The brand, currently valued at over $ 1 million USD, has achieved 10% YOY growth since inception.

The first globally available collection following this investment features the official merchandise for Punjabi music stars AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla, with plans to expand from e-commerce into retail formats. Currently, Odd Not Even sells online through its official website as well as the Crepdog Crew online marketplace and its offline retail stores in Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad. With this new investment, the brand targets a year-on-year growth of 100% over the next year.

The capital infusion will be strategically deployed to expand production capabilities, strengthen marketing, scale digital and website-driven growth, and develop experiential drops and artist-led campaigns. This partnership positions Odd Not Even to enter a new phase of growth, with a focus on scaling into the concert and artist merchandise space with enhanced access and execution. Leveraging Team Innovation’s extensive pan-India and international reach, the brand aims to broaden visibility, engage new audiences, accelerate entry into newer markets, and reinforce operations, experiential drops, and marketing initiatives that seamlessly integrate lifestyle, music and art. Through these efforts, Odd Not Even is committed to establishing itself as a leading culture-first lifestyle brand with a long-term global roadmap, while continuing to be creatively led by co-founders Bhavya Shah and Stuti Sharma, supported strategically by Team Innovation.

Mohit Bijlani, Founder, Team Innovation, shares, “Odd Not Even stands out because it has authenticity, culture and community at its core. India is at the cusp of a transformative growth phase, with consumption poised to be a primary driver. We see massive potential in the brand and are excited to support its next chapter. We aim to build India’s first portfolio of billion-dollar homegrown brands in the fashion and lifestyle segment.”

Bhavya Shah, Co-Founder, Odd Not Even states, “For me, this partnership is very personal. Mohit, Siddhesh and Akash have been friends for years, and it’s special to see our journeys align at a moment where we’re all building with intention. Odd Not Even has always been more than clothing – it’s culture, attitude and individuality. We’ve grown organically by staying honest to who we are, and this investment allows us to take that energy to a larger audience. Team Innovation operates at a massive scale, and combining that reach with our creative direction gives us the perfect push to shape Odd Not Even into a strong lifestyle and culture brand with global ambitions. This is the foundation for something much bigger than apparel, and it’s only the beginning.”

Stuti Sharma, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Odd Not Even adds, “Our design identity has always been rooted in expression — raw, bold and very human. Whether it’s through custom merchandise with artists like Diljit Dosanjh, AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla, or projects with brands like BoldCare and Sunburn, every piece we create is meant to feel personal to the person wearing it. Odd Not Even has become a space where people who love individuality, art and high-energy culture naturally gravitate. With Team Innovation’s support, we get to scale that emotion into a larger community, newer markets and eventually global audiences. There’s a very exciting journey ahead, and this moment is a big step toward building the lifestyle brand we’ve always envisioned.”

India’s homegrown apparel market is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector, projected to reach $130–$150 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 10–12% over the coming decade. Growth is driven by a diverse consumer base, including value-conscious millennials and status-seeking Gen Z, who are increasingly open to new brands and comfortable purchasing through both organized retail and online channels.

Over the past year, Odd Not Even has achieved several key milestones, including producing the official merchandise for RUSS India Tour & Karan Aujla’s global tour, to designing custom merchandise for artists like Diljit Dosanjh, AP Dhillon & KING. Beyond artist collaborations, Odd Not Even has partnered with leading brands and high-profile events such as BoldCare and the Sunburn Festival, further reinforcing its presence at the intersection of fashion, music and experiential culture. This track record, combined with the strategic partnership with Team Innovation, lays a solid foundation for Odd Not Even to scale rapidly and expand its influence in both national and international markets.

Starting as bootstrapped nightlife event promoters, Team Innovation has grown into a ₹500 crore-plus enterprise with over 200 workforces. The company has hosted sold-out multi-city tours featuring artists such as Karan Aujla, AP Dhillon, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Krishna Das, Sagar Qawalli, Talwiinder, Sunidhi Chauhan, G-Eazy, Black Coffee and DVLM across India and the UAE, and maintains strategic partnerships with Sunburn and Live Nation. Team Innovation is renowned for building large-scale shows, cultural IPs, artist-led experiences and youth-focused entertainment events, shaping some of the most influential cultural experiences in India.

(L-R)_Mr. Krishna Kumar Gaur, Head, Institutional Relations ay DRIIV Foundation – Mr. Rahul Jain, MD at Matrix Geo Solutions

New Delhi , Jan 12: Matrix Geo Solutions Limited, a leading Indian geospatial technology and engineering consultancy, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DRIIV Foundation (Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation). DRIIV Foundation is the flagship Science & Technology cluster programme of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, operating under the guidance of PM-STIAC.

Under this MoU, DRIIV Foundation will act as the Project Management Partner and Implementing Agency, while Matrix Geo Solutions will serve as the Delivery Partner, jointly executing national and state-level projects for government, public bodies, and third-party stakeholders.

The collaboration establishes a framework to translate advanced research into field-deployable solutions across drone and UAV surveys, LiDAR and 3D digital twins, GeoAI and spatial analytics, satellite data applications, cloud-native GIS platforms, and collaborative R&D and capacity-building initiatives. The MoU is intended to enable pilots, demonstration deployments and government programmes that can convert into scoped, executable projects.

Mr. Rahul Jain, MD at Matrix Geo Solutions said, “Partnering with DRIIV Foundation, a PMO-monitored and nationally significant S&T platform, advances Atmanirbhar Bharat by accelerating the conversion of advanced research into scalable, real-world solutions across key sectors. We are grateful to have this opportunity to be able to contribute to this greater vision for our nation. By combining DRIIV’s policy, research, and institutional ecosystem with Matrix Geo’s execution and delivery strength, we aim to create scalable, sustainable, and future-ready solutions for water, infrastructure, environment, and governance.”

“This partnership with Matrix Geo Solutions reinforces DRIIV’s mandate of converting cutting-edge research into deployable solutions aligned with national missions. Their proven expertise in drones, geospatial engineering, and large-scale infrastructure projects will significantly enhance our ability to deliver impact-driven outcomes for government and society, said Prof. Ambuj D. Sagar, CEO, DRIIV Foundation.

“Industry collaboration is critical to taking innovations from laboratories to the field, and this MoU exemplifies the kind of ecosystem-driven partnerships envisioned under PM-STIAC and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser,” Krishna Kumar Gaur

Head, Institutional Relations, DRIIV Foundation, added.

Matrix Geo’s role under the MoU will focus on on-ground delivery, technology deployment and project execution while DRIIV will provide programme management and institutional coordination. The parties are in active discussions to identify pilot projects and scoped engagements that may be converted into executable contracts.

The MoU also focuses on training, skill development, and workforce creation in drone and geospatial technologies.

Valid for five years, it enables joint pilots, R&D, and government collaborations to drive technology-led governance and infrastructure planning.

Jan 12- Edge by Titan launches Fumage- defined by new geometry, redesigned ceramic bracelet and a fumé dial. Marking a strategic product milestone, Fumage sets the stage for the launch of a new ceramic shape to the Edge portfolio after three years, signalling a material shift towards a sleek profile, more durable case architecture paired with a hand-finished gradient dial. Inspired by the fluidity of smoke, the new structure captures movement with control, creating form without constraint.

Edge by Titan evolves its slim, modern language with Fumage. A new case architecture and integrated ceramic bracelet reshape the glossy silhouette, keeping the signature lightness intact while adding dimension and presence. The satin bezel, polished bevels and ceramic links create a controlled play of light, durable enough for daily wear yet still refined on the wrist. The collection takes its cue from the art of fumage, translating the drift of smoke into a hand-crafted fumé dial built through a multi-stage lacquering process that moves from light to shadow. This introduces the idea of controlled chaos- movement held in precision, expression guided by restraint. It remains recognisably Edge: slim, minimal, and disciplined, but now with a sharper point of view and a sense of tension that makes the watch feel more alive. This balance defines the collection’s aesthetic: refined yet expressive, restrained yet impactful.

Fumage arrives at a moment when design takes centre stage. The introduction of a new ceramic case marks a clear material upgrade and reflects a willingness to make bolder design moves, not merely refine what already exists. By bringing together a new material, a fumé-inspired dial, and Edge’s signature slimness, the collection signals that Edge is confident enough to experiment while staying anchored to its core values.

Key specifications of Fumage

As the door closes on “Stranger Things,” Samsung Electronics and Netflix are giving fans a chance to celebrate the final season of the iconic show that has shaped pop culture for nearly a decade. Starting Jan. 12, Samsung Galaxy users in 186 countries can download an exclusive “Stranger Things” theme and wallpapers via Galaxy Store — available at no additional cost for a limited time to those who download or launch the Netflix app. 

Iconic Imagery From a Cultural Phenomenon

Since its debut in 2016, “Stranger Things” has been one of the defining titles behind Netflix’s rise as the world’s leading entertainment service. The series became a global megahit, driving viewership and conversation across regions and generations. Following the release of Season 5, Part 1 on Nov. 27, 2025, it ranked No. 1 in 91 countries and recorded 59.6 million views in its first five days, marking the strongest opening performance for an English-language series on Netflix to date. It also became the first series in Netflix history to place all five seasons in the Global Top 10 at the same time, holding that record for five consecutive weeks. All episodes from the final season are now streaming globally, only on Netflix.

Samsung’s exclusive content inspired by Season 5 builds on that momentum. Available from Jan. 12 through Feb. 22, the collection includes a special theme and five wallpapers featuring live-action characters and settings from the show, including Hawkins and the Upside Down. Reflecting the unique atmosphere of the show, the visuals allow fans to bring elements of the series into their everyday lives.

A Long-Standing Partnership Celebrating Great Storytelling

Samsung and Netflix have a long-running partnership, bringing compelling, high-quality content inspired by some of the world’s best-loved shows. The latest collaboration follows their recent partnership to offer special themes for the worldwide hit film “KPop Demon Hunters,” while the companies previously worked together to celebrate the launch of Season 4 of “Stranger Things.”

Bengaluru, Jan

12:  Kotak Mahindra Bank (“Kotak”) announced the appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as Whole-time Director, subject to regulatory approvals. Till such time, Anup will act as Whole-time Director (Designate) and will be a part of Senior Management from January 12, 2026.

Anup most recently served as Managing Director at Bajaj Finance, where over eight years he played a pivotal role in transforming the company into one of India’s leading and most profitable NBFCs in consumer finance. He led business transformation, digital innovation and customer-focused strategies, expanding the customer base to 100 million and diversifying the product portfolio.

Anup previously spent 14 years at ICICI Bank in senior leadership roles, building deep expertise in consumer and retail banking, data analytics and digital transformation.

At Kotak, Anup will oversee Consumer Banking, Marketing and Data Analytics functions, reinforcing Kotak’s leadership depth and driving customer-centric transformation, digital innovation and data-led strategies.

Welcoming him, CS Rajan, Chairman of the Board, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “We are delighted to welcome Anup to Kotak’s Board. His leadership in scaling businesses, driving digital transformation and building customer-centric organizations will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our position in the financial sector.”

Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank added, “Anup’s appointment underscores Kotak’s commitment to building a market-leading financial services business and a strong bench of experienced leaders. His extensive understanding of retail finance, data-driven growth and innovation will help us accelerate our strategy and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

“I am excited and honored to join Kotak, one of India’s most trusted financial services conglomerate. I look forward to working with the leadership team to build on this strong foundation, drive innovation, deepen customer relationships and create value for all stakeholders,” said Anup Kumar Saha.