Amor, the flagship residential development by CCS Infratech, has announced the development of Lucknow’s one-of-its-kind AI-powered luxury villa community, marking a significant moment in the city’s evolving real estate landscape.

A visual of Amor by CCS Infratech, Lucknow’s one-of-its-kind AI-powered luxury villas, combining smart technology, premium design, and lifestyle-led living

Spread across approximately 10 acres, the LDA- and RERA-approved project will comprise 105 limited-edition villas, designed to combine intelligent technology with refined architecture and open green spaces. Positioned as one of the city’s first large-scale AI-enabled residential communities, Amor introduces a new way of living where homes are designed to respond intuitively to everyday needs.

The project offers 3 & 4 BHK villas with servant quarters, private lawns, open terraces, and spacious balconies. Each villa integrates AI-driven systems that allow residents to control lighting, climate, energy usage, and security through app- and voice-enabled platforms. The technology has been embedded to enhance daily comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term liveability, setting Amor apart from conventional luxury housing in the region.

Beyond technology, Amor reflects CCS Infratech’s vision to democratise luxury in a Tier-2 city by bringing premium design, smart infrastructure, and lifestyle-driven amenities to Lucknow. The development will feature 30+ curated amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor fitness zones, yoga and meditation spaces, sports courts, jogging tracks, kids’ play areas, café and social zones, banquet facilities, EV charging points, and multiple landscaped parks within a gated and surveilled environment.

Commenting on the project, Zeeshan Aslam, Director, CCS Infratech, said, “Amor has been envisioned as more than a luxury housing project. It represents how technology, design, and thoughtful planning can come together to create homes that bring ease, comfort, and joy to everyday living. Our goal was to introduce intelligent luxury in Lucknow in a way that feels meaningful, sustainable, and truly liveable.”

About CCS Infratech

Founded in 2024, CCS Infratech is a Lucknow-based construction and real estate firm backed by a legacy spanning nearly six decades in infrastructure and asset creation. Through projects like Amor, the company aligns with the government’s broader vision of sustainable urban development, smart infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life in emerging cities, while contributing to local employment and economic growth.

2025 marked a clear turning point in how brands engage consumers. Static ads and passive formats gave way to experiences that invite people to tap, speak, move, and participate. At the heart of this shift is Flam AI, an AI-native engine designed to turn everyday brand touchpoints into immersive, interactive, and measurable moments on mobile.

 Logo of Flam AI

Flam AI partnered with some of the world’s most prestigious brands to explore a new frontier of storytelling, redefining how people engage with brands in a world of shrinking attention spans and skip buttons.

The year marked a bold reimagination of the product launch format. For the launch of the all-new Hyundai Venue, Flam AI delivered a Haptic Multi-Sensory AI-native experience that introduced an entirely new way of engaging with an automobile brand. By combining touch interactions, adaptive intelligence, and immersive storytelling, the experience invited audiences to feel the product, including actual vibrations of the roaring engine, rather than simply consume it. It marked one of the earliest large-scale demonstrations of how AI could create physical resonance through digital interfaces.

Flam AI’s focus on audience participation led to the introduction of what became known as the world’s first interactive voice experience, designed to engage users through conversational voice. In partnership with Samsung, the experience added layers of innovation and interaction to a static ad, allowing audiences to explore content intuitively and conversationally. Discovery became fluid, personalized, and immersive, reflecting how people naturally seek information rather than forcing them into predefined paths.

The Indian Premier League, one of the world’s largest and most-watched sporting events with over 600 million viewers globally, presents a battleground where marketers fight fiercely for attention. Flam AI collaborated with Campa Cola to create an AI-native fandom experience designed for one of cricket’s most passionate audiences. Rather than treating fans as viewers, the experience treated them as participants. It responded in real time, adapted to the rhythm of the game, and reflected the language and energy of cricket culture. The brand presence felt organic, woven naturally into moments of excitement, anticipation, and celebration.

YouTube has defined an era of content with videos, and YouTube Shorts continues to define the pace of modern attention. Flam AI extended this ecosystem by introducing interactive and immersive layers directly into the YouTube video ad. This experience transformed linear viewing of a static ad into two-way engagement, allowing users to explore, respond, and interact with the video. It was a subtle yet powerful shift that reframed video ads as experiences rather than interruptions.

Together, these campaigns highlight a broader shift already underway. Brands are moving beyond storytelling to experience-building, where interaction itself becomes the narrative. From voice and motion to touch and AI-native experiences, Flam AI is enabling brands to meet audiences where curiosity, participation, and immersion drive deeper engagement.

Commenting on Flam AI’s growth and global outlook, Karthik K Raman, CMO, Flam AI, said, “2025 has been a defining year for us. It was the year Flam AI put itself on the map by charting out an era of content beyond images and videos. We have already partnered with some of the most iconic brands across industries. Our focus remains on building tech that scales creativity and delivers real business impact.”

For more information, visit www.flamapp.ai.

Brookfield Properties and the Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers mixed purpose with pleasure as they welcomed over 11,000 runners to the annual Powai Run on January 11, 2026. Headlining the event were 20 pink auto-rickshaws sponsored by Brookfield Properties and the Rotary Club to empower women through skill-based driving training. These vehicles both enable financial independence for the female operators and enhance safety and inclusion for women passengers. The event was flagged off from Downtown Powai by Charu Thapar, Executive Vice President, Head of Operations and CRM, Brookfield Properties in India.

Amarjeet Singh Chawla, aka ‘SportySikh,’ celebrates his 100th 10-km run at the 14th edition of Brookfield Properties Powai Run, alongside Charu Thapar, EVP & Head of Operations & CRM, Brookfield Properties

Key highlights included:

• The 100^th 10KM run of Mr. Amarjeet Singh Chawla, an inspirational visually impaired runner, inspiring participants, and audiences alike through his extraordinary journey.

• Participation of Geeta Chauhan, the captain of the Indian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team in the post-run carnival.

The winners included:

WOMEN’S 10KM

• First: Kashish Malhotra

• Second: Ishita Malhi

• Third: Anupama Kamalam

MEN’S 10KM

• First: Rochishnu Rawool

• Second: Salman Shaikh

• Third: Takashi Doi.

Charu Thapar, Executive Vice President, Head of Operations and CRM, Brookfield Properties in India said, “The Powai Run reflects our commitment to building vibrant, inclusive communities where we operate. Beyond our physical spaces, we focus on fostering meaningful engagement with residents, tenants, and local stakeholders through long-term partnerships and initiatives such as the Powai Run. It’s a terrific event that has become a hallmark of the Powai community, which is a credit to our long-term partner, the Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers. These efforts enable us to drive sustained community development while enhancing accessibility and a shared sense of belonging.”

The Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Bombay under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Govt of India has successfully concluded ATMAN 3.0, its eight-week accelerator programme designed to transform early-stage HealthTech startups into investment-ready businesses. The programme culminated in a Demo Day, bringing together investors, healthcare leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to engage with some of the most promising healthcare innovations in the country.

 IIT Bombay’s TIH Concludes ATMAN 3.0; 6 Health-tech Startups to Receive Upto INR 6-crore Cumulative Seed Funding

ATMAN 3.0 saw strong participation from across India, with 173 HealthTech startups pitching their ideas to TIH IIT Bombay. Following a rigorous selection and mentoring process, 06 startups emerged as winners from the final cohort of 13 accelerated ventures. On Demo Day, the selected startups were recommended for a total cumulative seed funding amounting to INR 6 crore, with each startup receiving funding support of up to INR 1 Crore, subject to evaluation outcomes.

 IIT Bombay’s TIH Concludes ATMAN 3.0; 6 Health-tech Startups to Receive Upto INR 6-crore Cumulative Seed Funding

The shortlisted start-ups are Prezitech Health Pvt Ltd, (Precigo: a snap-on needle tracking system for ultrasound machines for real-time procedural planning and guidance during high precision medical interventions), Attox Research Laboratories Pvt Ltd. (AMRIT for antimicrobial resistance), Queliz Lifetech Pvt Ltd. (UltraHand, a robotic rehabilitation device), Deepfacts Private Ltd. (proRITHM is an AI-powered remote patient monitoring platform using a compact wireless, wearable device to track vitals in real time), MicroHeal and Raycura Medical Technologies (BETTER a rehabilitation device for stroke/paralysis recovery).

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the programme, Mr. Kiran Shesh, CEO, Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Bombay, said, “ATMAN 3.0 is more than an accelerator—it’s a movement to transform bold HealthTech ideas into scalable, world-class solutions. This cohort showcases cutting-edge innovations that reflect India’s rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem. Bigger, bolder, and future-focused, ATMAN 3.0 champions sustainability, deep tech, and global competitiveness. With access to top-tier mentorship, domain experts, and strategic investor networks, founders are empowered to create solutions that truly matter. ATMAN 3.0 reaffirms India’s potential to lead global innovation—where every idea ignites change and shapes the future of healthcare.”

Mr. Hardik Joshi, COO, Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Bombay, added, “ATMAN 3.0 accelerator has been designed to provide founders with a comprehensive support framework that goes beyond funding. From technology validation and regulatory guidance to investor readiness and industry connections, the programme enables startups to strengthen their foundations for sustainable growth. The strong participation from investors and ecosystem stakeholders at Demo Day highlights the relevance and readiness of the startups graduating from this cohort.”

The gathering featured a keynote address by Mr. Dileep Mangsuli, Chairman of Cancer Treatment Services International and Senior Vice President at Siemens Healthineers, who noted, that the future of healthcare lies in delivering quality care at scale across geographies, with artificial intelligence playing a pivotal role in early screening and prevention. He highlighted that technology adoption must be driven by real-world impact—addressing prevalent healthcare challenges where it makes both clinical and economic sense. Mr. Mangsuli outlined three foundational pillars shaping this transformation: patient twinning to enable individualized care pathways, precision therapy to improve outcomes, and the intelligent use of digital data and AI to support informed, timely clinical decision-making.

In addition to startup pitches, Demo Day was marked with discussions on investment trends in healthcare, evolving regulatory frameworks, and emerging technology models shaping the future of the sector. The event also enabled portfolio startups from earlier TIH IIT Bombay programmes to connect with investors for follow-on funding and strategic partnerships. Dedicated networking spaces facilitated meaningful dialogue between founders, investors, and industry stakeholders.

Through ATMAN 3.0, TIH IIT Bombay continues to strengthen its role in bridging the gap between research and commercialisation, reinforcing IIT Bombay’s position as a key enabler of scalable, impact-driven healthcare innovation in India.

About TIH IIT Bombay
The Technology Innovation Hub for Translational Research on IoT and IoE (TIH‑IoT) at IIT Bombay is a Section 8 not‑for‑profit company established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber‑Physical Systems (NM‑ICPS). The Hub is dedicated to advancing translational research, entrepreneurship, and innovation across sectors including healthcare, BFSI, agriculture, Industry 5.0, smart infrastructure, and education. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, TIH IIT Bombay enables innovators to transform research into scalable solutions that serve both society and the economy. Through initiatives like the ATMAN accelerator, TIH IIT Bombay is building a sustainable bridge between concept and commercialization, positioning IIT Bombay as a central hub for next‑generation technologies.

Website- tihiitb.org/programs/innovation-entrepreneurship-development/atman-3
Instagram- www.instagram.com/tih_iitb
LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com/company/technology-innovation-hub

From “timepass” distraction to daily ritual, free-to-play mobile games in India have quietly turned into social currency: a way to signal identity, stay in touch, and even negotiate status in both online and offline circles. Cheap mobile internet, vernacular content, and multiplayer formats have pushed gaming from private hobby to public culture, especially among young, mobile-first Indians.​
 

Zupee free to play model
 

From Jugaad Timepass to Daily Habit

For most urban and semi-urban Indians, gaming skipped the expensive console-PC era and went straight to pocket screens. Mobile-first internet adoption meant the “gamer” was no longer a niche stereotype, but anyone with a smartphone and a prepaid data pack. What began as a quick “timepass” with endless runners and puzzles during commutes or lunch breaks has evolved into entertaining sessions of battle royales, card games, and digital Ludo rooms that double up as hangout spaces.​
 

Lockdowns accelerated this shift. Casual titles like Ludo King, Zupee Ludo Supreme, Carrom Ninja on Zupee & Building Blocks turned into family entertainment, bringing grandparents, cousins and college friends into a single room-code, normalising gaming as a mainstream entertainment alternative rather than a guilty pleasure. Even after restrictions eased, those who started playing during the pandemic continued, cementing gaming as a fun activity across age groups.​
 

India’s F2P Explosion

India today is the world’s largest mobile gaming market by downloads, clocking around 8.45 billion installs in FY 2024-25 as free-to-play titles flood app stores. The country now hosts roughly 550-600 million casual gamers, with more than 90% on mobile, reflecting how deeply F2P has penetrated daily life. Low-cost mobile data (among the cheapest per GB globally) and affordable Android handsets have removed the hardware and bandwidth barriers that traditionally gated gaming.​
 

How F2P Became Social Currency

In a country where hanging out often means negotiating distance, traffic, and budgets, free-to-play multiplayer games provide a ready-made, zero-cover-charge social venue. Battle royales like BGMI and Free Fire, casual staples like Ludo King, Zupee Ludo Supreme, and multiplayer card games like Teen Patti have become places to meet, talk, roast, collaborate and spectate together.
 

The mainstreaming of free-to-play gaming in India is not just about downloads; it is about cultural fit. Titles that digitise traditional Indian games Ludo, Carrom, Teen Patti have thrived because they combine nostalgia with modern multiplayer and chat features. Zupee ranking 2nd in Top Free Board Games on Google Play and 7th in Top Free Games on the Apple App Store show how a familiar board on a small screen can suddenly bridge generations, states, and social classes.
 

From Free to Valuable: The New Economy of Play

Despite an enduring preference for free entry, India’s gaming economy is maturing. Digital gaming revenues have been growing in double digits year-on-year, and the overall sector is projected to more than double to around 4.3 billion dollars by FY 2030. Battle royale games now command a large chunk of revenues, while simulation and puzzle genres dominate downloads, showing a split between what is most played and what is most paid for.​
 

In less than a decade, India’s free-to-play games have travelled from background “timepass” to foreground marker of who people talk to, what they value, and how they show up in the world. In a mobile-first nation where attention and connection are precious, play itself has become a powerful, everyday currency.

Speaking alongside world-renowned content creator MrBeast at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest expo for content creators, in Dubai, education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey today issued a global challenge to content creators and influencers: use their platforms to amplify the crisis of out of school children – and turn attention into action. There are currently 272 million children out of school, and little progress has been in the last decade. UNICEF predicts the figure could rise to 278 million by the end of the year. 

MrBeast and Sunny Varkey speaking onstage at the 1 Billion Follower Summit in Dubai

Mr Varkey was speaking on a panel alongside MrBeast, His Excellency Saeed Al Eter, Chair of the UAE Government Media Office and Jeffery Housenbold, CEO of Beast Industries, at the 1 Billion Followers Summit. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the summit is the world’s largest gathering of digital creators. It explores how new media can drive positive societal change and fuel sustainable economic growth for nations.

Speaking onstage, Sunny Varkey, Founder of GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, said, “Did you know that globally there are 272 million children not in school today? It is a global education crisis. This is a scar on the world’s conscience. And yet, I have never once seen this crisis trend on social media.”

“Perhaps that is because its impact is gradual rather than dramatic. It doesn’t lend itself to a simple powerful photo that shows the suffering of its victims. But it is there – a cancer slowly eating away at the futures of young people around the world. So today, I want to set a challenge. I challenge every content creator here to help make the global education crisis trend and go viral – so we can advance the cause of getting every child into school. This is urgent. Education is the greatest gift we can give.”

A cornerstone of the Summit is the 1 Billion Acts of Kindness movement, launched in partnership between Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, MrBeast, the 1 Billion Followers Summit, and the Varkey Foundation. This ground-breaking initiative aims to inspire kindness worldwide and amplify social impact through education, empowerment, and community development. 

As part of the movement, 20 creators appeared onstage alongside the panellists, selected to travel to Ghana with MrBeast. There, the creators will help build a village including schools, clean water, and access to life-saving healthcare – transforming the lives of future generations to come. Their journey will be shared with MrBeast’s over 1 billion followers to inspire others around the world to take action in their communities and beyond.

Sunny Varkey’s call comes as recent research by the Reuters Institute shows that globally, one-third of people use Facebook (36%) and YouTube (30%) for news each week. Around one-fifth (19%) get their news from Instagram and WhatsApp. The findings underscore the influence of social media in shaping public awareness and driving action on the world’s most urgent challenges.

Aurigo Software, the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and private owners, announced the appointment of Divya Kiran as Vice President, Human Resources. In this role, Divya will build and lead Aurigo’s global HR function, aligning organizational design, leadership development, and performance frameworks with its unified product, engineering, and customer experience operating model. As the company moves toward more integrated, outcome-driven teams, it is strengthening the people practices and systems needed to support this approach globally.
 

Divya Kiran, Vice President, Human Resources
 

Divya brings over two decades of strategic leadership experience, helping technology companies navigate transitions during periods of growth and structural change. She has held senior HR leadership roles at some of the world’s leading technology organizations, including Google, Hike Messenger, Ericsson, Myntra, and Rakuten Group. One of the early HR executives at Google India, Divya, partnered closely with leadership to build foundational organizational and staffing processes, contributing to a 90% employee satisfaction score through targeted retention and people development initiatives.
 

“As Aurigo scales, disciplined execution depends on clear accountability and repeatable operating frameworks,” said Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO and Founder of Aurigo Software. “Establishing a global HR function is a deliberate investment in governance, leadership depth, and organizational rigor. Divya will partner with the executive leadership team to build the systems required to sustain performance, manage complexity, and drive long-term value creation.”
 

Divya brings deep expertise in building scalable HR systems and delivering measurable business outcomes, which are core to Aurigo’s next phase of growth. She has led multi-region HR operations across APAC and EMEA, built high-performing teams across tech, product, and enterprise functions, and championed diversity and inclusion initiatives. Divya has completed the Global Fellow Program in Talent Management at the Wharton School and a Global Lead Tech MBA from EADA Business School.
 

“Joining Aurigo at this turning point, as the company expands worldwide, is energizing,” said Divya. “I start with listening – understanding what truly helps teams deliver their best work – then design people strategies that improve collaboration and make execution simpler. I’m looking forward to working alongside Aurigo’s strong talent and shaping an environment where individuals grow and the business gains momentum together.”
 

Aurigo has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by increasing demand for capital planning and construction management software. The company’s solutions are used by customers across various industries, including transportation, utilities, healthcare, retail, and government, helping to manage projects throughout North America and now expanding into new geographies. Recent AI-driven advancements are opening new avenues for growth, enabling teams to deepen domain expertise, focus on higher-value work, and build future-ready skills as Aurigo scales globally.
 

About Aurigo Software
Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence and build with quality. With more than $450 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigo’s solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government, with over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India.

Learn more at www.aurigo.com.

Wellness is no longer just a whisper. It’s roaring across screens, spas and skies. Netflix’s The White Lotus created a new trend of turning wellness into cultural escapes whilst conversations around gut cleansing, sound baths dominate social conversations. New wellness centres, clinics are sprouting like wildflowers and wellness bookings surge 40 % year on year (Global Wellness Institute). From Bollywood celebs to boardroom executives, 2026 marks the year holistic health becomes a mainstream mandate.

Pioneering this revolution are luxury retreats blending ancient wisdom and cutting-edge rejuvenation. From longevity bio-hacks to hormone balancing retreats for women, itineraries feature resets, detox programs, mindfulness immersions, vegan food, and sustainable practices embedded into customer experiences. These programs are designed to deliver real transformation rooted in the philosophy of holistic living and the harmony of mind, body and soul. These wellness sanctuaries offer spaces and expanses of nature that lend to healing and calming the senses.

SwaSwara, Gokarna – CGH Earth

SwaSwara in Gokarna, a CGH Wellness Centre is nestled on the pristine Om beach in Gokarna, a couple of hours from Goa airport. This coastal heaven overlooks the Arabian sea and is rooted in the philosophy of Swa (self) and fosters self-discovery through eco-conscious living. Here guests can immerse in yoga nidra sessions amidst lush greenery and ocean rhythms and partake in other signature experiences like Ayurveda pavilions and art studios for creative expression. The centre has recently introduced new Perimenopause and Menopause programs, 5- 7-day retreats featuring pranayama, hydrotherapy, reflexology and elemental rituals (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space) to ease hot flashes, weight gain, insomnia and emotional imbalances. www.cghearth.com/swaswara

Venturing eastward, bespoke wellness journeys to Bhutan elevate mindfulness to spiritual heights. Guided treks through the valleys of Paro, visits to monasteries, organic farm to table concepts, unique hot stone baths, using mineral rich rivers stones heated with medicinal herbs to alleviate stress, all provide immersive experiences amid the most rarified air in the happiest kingdom on earth. The sacred monasteries amplify serenity through private meditation with Buddhist monks. Wellness centres offer a combination of yoga, Tibetan medicine, forest bathing in the country’s 70% green cover, promoting carbon- negative rejuvenation.

Layan Life by Anantara – Phuket

Layan Life by Anantara, Phuket, is an award-winning, next-generation medical-led wellness retreat where advanced science, sensory immersion, and ancient Thai healing traditions converge. Guided by a distinctive “Whole of Life” philosophy, the retreat offers deeply personalised wellness journeys integrating longevity medicine, traditional Thai therapies, complementary healing, and lifestyle medicine. Set between the lush greenery of a protected national park and the tranquil shores of Layan Beach, the experience unfolds through advanced diagnostics, bio-harmonising therapies such as cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen, mindful movement, hydrothermal rituals, and clean, nutrition-forward cuisine. Designed to support guests through every season of life, Layan Life extends its impact beyond the stay through ongoing wellness continuity — reinforcing the belief that true transformation is not a momentary escape, but a lifelong practice. www.layanlifephuket.com

In Amanbagh’s rural, Rajasthan oasis, the journey begins with a three-day Detoxification Programme, curated by Novak Djokovic (Aman’s first Global Wellness Ambassador) to offer a guided reset for body, mind and spirit, while drawing on the healing traditions of this ancient land. The ancient art of Pinda Sweda (a traditional Ayurvedic treatment using herbal boluses) on day two offers a therapeutic embrace rooted in Rajasthan’s heritage. This destination-led therapy takes place on day two, bookended by a Signature Aman treatment (90 – 150 minutes) on day one, promoting relaxation, and a body-mind-spirit balancing activity (60-minutes) on day three, providing guests with the tools to sustain their journey after their stay. www.aman.com/resorts/amanbagh

Set within Sri Lanka’s storied ramparts, Amangalla introduces Ceylon Crystal Therapy. A deeply rejuvenating ritual rooted in the island’s traditions, the treatment combines Sri Lankan crystals with aromatic herbs and spices, working along key meridian points to balance energy flows and relieve tension. The warmth of the crystals penetrates deeply into the muscles, creating a sense of relaxation and renewal. The property also offers profound spiritual grounding through Monk-Led Meditation and Monk Blessings, sacred practices that foster clarity and emotional balance. These ceremonies offer a rare opportunity to connect with Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual heritage, and in turn, foster a feeling of inner peace and renewal.

Nestled within the tranquil surroundings of Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, Soneva Soul offers an intuitive pathway to wellbeing, rooted in time-honoured healing traditions and guided by expert care. Guided by the principles of ‘lifestyle evolution’, Soneva Soul works with every guest to co-curate personalized wellness experiences, enabling you to thrive. Every Soneva Soul hosts regular residencies by the world’s most acclaimed wellness experts – bringing their vast experience to Soneva Soul across a spectrum of healing therapies and wellness practices, and sharing their extensive knowledge with guests. soneva.com/soneva-soul

As 2026 unfolds, these iconic centres prove that wellness is no fleeting fad. It’s here to stay. As everyone navigates life’s transitions or battles burnouts and seek work -life balance, wellness programs and centres offer tremendous opportunities to reclaim their lives, fostering resilience and self-care for a healthier world ahead.

The House of Jolly, India’s most enduring name in architectural hardware since 1944, marks a defining chapter in its evolution with the considered expansion of its House of Brands. Staying true to its philosophy quality through design, engineering and materials, Jolly has chosen to align with two design-led brands- Enrico Cassina and Omporro– each selected for their shared values of craftsmanship, longevity, materials and design integrity.

From Left to Right Aditya Bhargava, Rajesh Bhargava and Akshay Bhargava

Founded in pre-independence India by Pt. Sh. Jeetendra Nath Bhargava, Jolly has long believed that hardware, though discreet, plays a defining role in the life and longevity of a space. From its early mastery of precision hinges to building one of India’s most comprehensive architectural hardware portfolios today, the brand’s journey has been guided not by scale alone, but by engineering excellence and enduring relevance. Under the leadership of the current generation, Aditya and Akshay Bhargava, this philosophy continues to inform every strategic decision, including global brand acquisition.

“In an era where rapid expansion and multiple tie-ups are common, House of Jolly has taken a markedly different path. Rather than pursuing numerous international associations, the brand has carefully chosen to acquire only those names that mirror its own legacy, depth of craft, and timeless approach to design,” said Rajesh Bhargava, Director, House of Jolly.

This selective approach is reflected in the acquisition of Enrico Cassina, one of the world’s oldest and most revered decorative hardware maisons (Estd. in 1850), with roots dating back to the 19th century. Renowned for its classic and neoclassical handles inspired by centuries of European art and architecture, Enrico Cassina represents a shared reverence for heritage craftsmanship, material mastery, and timeless aesthetics that can only be crafted in Italy! Its presence under the House of Jolly will introduce Indian consumers and designers to a refined global design language that aligns naturally with Jolly’s own legacy-driven ethos.

Complementing this heritage narrative is Omporro (Officine Meccaniche Porro), a contemporary brand expression developed by Alfredo Porro who decided to transform his hand crafted workshop specialized in the production of keys into a structured business in 1946 in Cucciago-Como, Italy. Omporro will introduce a level of craftsmanship and detailing in noble metals to all elements of architectural hardware including furniture, curtains and stairways hitherto not seen in India.

Both the brands are global leaders and have a list of elite customers in 80 countries across the world.

With a portfolio that includes concealed hinges, premium mortise handles, advanced mechanical and digital locking systems, wardrobe and kitchen hardware, and precision-engineered fittings, House of Jolly continues to offer architects, designers, contractors, and discerning homeowners a complete and credible hardware universe- rooted in legacy and elevated by global sensibility.

As the brand looks ahead, House of Jolly remains committed to growing thoughtfully, partnering selectively, and shaping the future of architectural hardware through brands that share its respect for history, its commitment to quality, and its belief that the finest details are built to last.